She was known as the Queen of the Nurburgring, making frequent appearances on Top Gear and was an all-round role model for women in motoring, and now the late Sabine Schmitz has been recognised posthumously with a special award.

Schmitz was the only woman to have won the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring, and received many accolades during her lifetime and now added to the list is the World Women’s Car of the Year (WWCOTY) annual Woman of Worth. 

The award honours women who have made a name for themselves in the automobile industry or in motorsport.

Schmitz, deeply affected by the loss of the driver, is the custodian of this award.  The presentation was made by the German WWCOTY jurors Solveig Grewe and Helene Schmidt.

Schmitz died of cancer in March 2021, at the age of 51, following a diagnosis in late 2017.

Schmitz was always a favourite of mine when she appeared on Top Gear, especially as she demonstrated her amazing driving skills and sense of humour.