Norisring

The Norisring stands as one of Germany's most distinctive racing venues, situated in the heart of Nuremberg, Bavaria. This compact street circuit combines racing excitement with historical significance, taking place on grounds that once hosted Nazi Party rallies. Since its establishment in 1947, the track has evolved into a premier motorsport destination that racing fans call "Germany's Monaco" due to its urban setting and challenging nature.

Circuit Layout and Technical Specifications

The Norisring features a straightforward but demanding 2.300 km (1.429 miles) layout that has remained largely unchanged since 1972. The circuit includes eight turns with two primary hairpin corners and a chicane. Races begin on the start/finish straight positioned in front of the Steintribüne (Stone Grandstand). Drivers then navigate a right-hand sweeper before tackling the left-hand Grundigkehre U-turn. The track returns toward the grandstand via a left-hand sweeper, with the Schöller-S chicane positioned between this sweeper and the back straight. The asphalt surface and concrete barriers leave no room for driver error, with the current lap record standing at an impressive 0:46.618, set by Nico Müller in an Audi RS5 Turbo DTM in 2019.

Historical Development

The circuit began as a motorcycle racing venue with its first race held on May 18, 1947. The name "Norisring" came from a public competition in 1950, derived from "Noris," the Latin name for Nuremberg, partly to avoid confusion with the famous Nürburgring. While motorcycle racing dominated the early years until 1957, automobile races started as early as 1948. The circuit gained significant prominence after the introduction of the Norisring Trophy in 1967. During the 1970s and 1980s, sports prototype racing became the main attraction, with motorcycle racing ending after 1976. The World Sportscar Championship events in 1986 and 1987 drew massive crowds. The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) revival in 2000 established the Norisringrennen as the track's premier event.

Racing Events and Competitions

The Norisring hosts several major racing series throughout the year. The DTM championship represents the most significant event at the circuit, drawing between 100,000 and 140,000 spectators annually. Other current competitions include the Norisring Nürnberg Speedweekend, Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, and ADAC GT4 Germany. Previously, the circuit hosted international series such as TCR Europe, W Series, Formula 3 European Championship, Super Tourenwagen Cup, Porsche Supercup, World Sportscar Championship, BMW M1 Procar Championship, and Formula Two races.

Circuit Features and Characteristics

As a street circuit, the Norisring offers a unique racing atmosphere. The track winds around the Steintribüne, a large concrete grandstand originally built as a podium for Nazi rallies. The tight layout with unforgiving concrete walls demands precision driving. Fans appreciate the circuit for its accessibility via public transportation and the close proximity to the racing action. The setting near the Dutzendteich lake adds to the scenic backdrop of this urban racing venue.

Interesting Facts

The Norisring occupies part of the former Nazi Party rally grounds, giving the location historical significance beyond motorsport. Various track configurations were tested in early years, including figure-eight layouts, before settling on the current design. The Norisring Trophy race has run continuously since 1967, making it one of Germany's longstanding racing traditions. The circuit holds FIA Grade 2 classification, allowing it to host most international racing series except Formula 1.