First published on curbs-magazin.com
Originally published on curbs-magazin.com – now part of slickpix.de.
For Gernot Leistner's 80th birthday
No other race director in Europe has shaped the destiny of a race and a racetrack as much as Gernot Leistner. Until 2011, all threads of the traditional Nuremberg race came together at his office. Although the great mover and shaker and manager definitively left the command post three years ago of his own volition, „to make room for a younger generation.“ But he will probably remain connected to „his“ Norisring until the end of his life.
For 55 years, all the threads of the traditional Nuremberg race came together with him. He was the race director 51 times in a row. He fondly remembers the heyday of sports cars – Ferrari and Porsche, Lola and Lotus, Alfa and Abarth, McLaren and March, BMW and BRM regularly gathered at the Noris from the mid-60s until 1989. But there was also a low point when Pedro Rodriguez tragically died in a Ferrari 512 M at the end of the long back straight in 1971. „That was our worst experience,“ the anniversary celebrant recalls with a hoarse voice, „we were all paralyzed for days. I had lost a friend, and the future of the racetrack was suddenly put to the test. For a long time, it was completely unclear whether our race would ever happen again.“
The logical consequence of the Rodriguez accident was a radical rethinking of safety. The course was made safer by eliminating the two long straights and shortened to a manageable 2.3 kilometers with the turning point at the Grundig building. The Norisring was thus saved, and sports cars thundered past the stone grandstands until 1989, before this era finally came to an end and was replaced by the DTM with its support races.
When Gernot Leistner looks back on his life's work, the Norisring, on his 80th birthday, he can be proud of what he and his loyal companions have created over more than 50 years. A very special highlight between 1970 and 1980 was the famous Porsche parking lot on the Zeppelinfeld behind the race track (where the TV production and the ITR press tent are now located). As a Prokurist, Sales Manager, and Managing Director of Porsche Center Nuremberg, the clever Leistner channeled all arriving Porsche visitors and directed them to the US Army's meadow. Up to 1,500 Porsches of all kinds and colors thus presented a magnificent marketing image. „For our Porsche visitors, we also set up the first catering tent. The service was simple and affordable – bread, butter, cheese, sausage, and beer.“
Since the highly decorated former race director has been honorary president of the Norisring organizing club MCN, there has been a „Leistner Lounge“ above the pit area every year for the race. Good friends and long-time companions are always invited, whom the club generously hosts. As much as the jubilarian enjoys and revels in his continued popularity, he hides away on his 80th birthday and turns off his cell phone. „It was bad enough that they caught me at an ADAC general meeting for my 70th. This time, I'm playing it safe and fleeing with my Monika to an Iberian island, where nobody knows me for sure.“ Monika has been the woman by his side for almost 30 years; she takes care of everything, especially making sure her Gernot is always well.
In passing, the Trades Federal Merit Cross also mentioned that he knows his Norisring is in good hands and the new generation has everything under control. Leistner also has no complaints about his health; he proudly recounts that he recently underwent another thorough medical check-up. „The professor told me that I have the vital signs of a young person and that my health condition is exceptionally good for my age. That makes me proud and reassures me.“ So, Gernot, here's to the next ten years.
