Schumacher family karting track set for renovation

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The Schumacher family karting circuit in Kerpen, where brothers Michael and Ralf launched their motorsport careers, is set to undergo a significant transformation to make it once again a prestigious international venue.

Several years ago, the landmark karting complex, located about 30 kilometers from the German city of Cologne, had been earmarked for demolition along with parts of the nearby Hambacher forest after German energy company RWE had received a permit to extend its coal mining activities in the area.

But in 2020, 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 Schumacher karting track was included were permanently spared.

However, RWE had already acquired several parcels of land, including the property on which the karting track is located.

But the energy company subsequently negotiated a lease with owner's Kerpen Kart Track which is now free to invest the original proceeds from the sale of its land into a modernization and renovation program.

Read also: Mick enjoys a karting workout at Kerpen

"We have sealed a lease agreement with RWE for ten years, plus an option for five more, and can now invest the money from the sale in the necessary renovation," local kart club president Gerhard Noack told the Kölner Express.

"The access roads and the track will be newly asphalted, we will build new CI kerbs and double catch fences, so that we can organise international races like the world championships, the European championships and WSK again."

The last world championship event that took place at Kerpen was in 2001 and featured an impressive array of burgeoning talent with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Vitantonio Liuzzi lining up on a grid.

But then Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher also took part in the FSA finale, displaying his outstanding skills in front of an estimated 5,000 fans to finish second in the final round behind race winner Liuzzi.

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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.