Schumacher family karting track saved from extinction!

©Werek

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The Erftlandring outdoor karting complex in Kerpen where Michael Schumacher earned his first stripes has been saved from demolition thanks to a local environmental law voted last week.

The landmark karting track, located near Cologne and which opened in 1980, has been the venue since for many national and International events.

From Ayrton Senna to Mika Häkkinen or Sebastian Vettel, the site saw many great champions hone their skills on the track.

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But the Kerpen facility is especially renowned for having been the home of the Schumacher family, where Michael and brother Ralf built their passion. The former eventually became a part-owner of the karting business.

However, two years ago, the site - along with parts of the nearby Hambacher forest - was earmarked for demolition when German energy company RWE received a permit to extend its coal mining activities in the area.

But thanks to efforts from local environmentalists, a restriction on lignite mining in the Rhineland was included in a coal-pact, meaning the Hambacher forest and the neighboring area, in which the Kerpen karting track is included, have been permanently spared.

The heritage of many karters - young and old, famous or unknown - will therefore remain unchanged and tradition is therefore set to continue at the Michael Schumacher Kart center.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.