Chadwick earns her license in Germany
Monday, September 05, 2016
Jamie Chadwick (18), 2015 British GT4 Champion, successfully completed her Licence upgrade this weekend, driving a V8 Vantage racecar and qualifying her to race at the legendary Nürburgring – incorporating Nordschleife and part of the GP Circuit.
This awesome circuit, originally built in 1927, is no longer used for Grand Prix having been deemed too long and dangerous. But, it remains popular for GT and Endurance racing, where the demanding combination of 73 corners, elevation changes of 1000 feet, and over 13 miles of tight and often bumpy track, reward only the finest drivers.
Multi-World Champion, Jackie Stewart, famously christened it The Green Hell, and it was the scene of Niki Lauda’s almost fatal accident in the 1976 German Grand Prix - with Grand Prix racing ending in 1980. And, since 2015, all drivers racing at the gruelling circuit are obliged to hold the Nordschleife Grade A Permit, following the required qualification programme.
An elated Jamie said, “I’m thrilled to have ticked this box. The Nordschleife is like no other circuit. My final qualifying race, on Saturday, had a starting grid of 162 cars of vastly differing classes. Racing requires an immense level of concentration. As well as the circuit itself, with its ever changing conditions, there is a constant need to watch out for slower cars ahead and faster cars behind. However, a terrific experience and a valuable part of my driver development”
“A big thanks to all at the Aston Martin Test Centre for all their support, and for making it so enjoyable.”
Wolfgang Schuhbauer, Director of the Nürburgring Test Centre added, “We were delighted to work with Jamie. She was a joy both in and out of the car, and has all the credentials to make a successful racing driver – skill, determination, technical interest and excellent media qualities. We wish her well and look forward to racing with her again.”
Jamie returns to her domestic race programme this weekend, with the final round of the British GT Championship at Donington Park, co-driving the Beechdean AMR V8 Vantage with the BBC’s Paul Hollywood in the Pro/Am GT4 Class.
Source material - Jamie Chadwick PR