When Felix Baumgartner competed in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring

Felix Baumgartner was world-renowned for making the highest parachute jump in history on October 14, 2012, by launching himself into the void 39 kilometers above the ground from a capsule placed above the Earth. Everyone probably remembers these breathtaking images showing the Austrian athlete launching himself from the stratosphere towards the blue planet. He set a second record during this jump, becoming the first man to break the sound barrier in freefall, with a maximum speed of 1 kilometers per hour.

What is less well known, however, is his foray into the world of motorsport. In 2014, Felix Baumgartner started the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in an Audi R8 LMS with the number 502 and shared with Frank Biela, Pierre Kaffer, and Marco Werner. The quartet finished in ninth place.

Felix Baumgartner: “Participating in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring was a dream”

« I completed three stints during the race for a total of 24 laps, confided the Austrian at the time (AH n°1966). The learning curve was steep. I learned a lot by watching the professionals' style. The more time passed, the more confident I felt. »

Photo : Red Bull Content Pool

« I had to face some criticism saying that I was not able to handle this challenge, added the Salzburg native. It was the same before the Red Bull Stratos. However, I still believe that with solid preparation, you can achieve almost anything. »

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

« The traffic depending on the different time slots of the day when I was driving was a major challenge, Baumgartner then developed. I completed my first stint at dusk and had to work hard to find new bearings. The early morning, at sunrise, wasn't easy either, despite having trained for this situation for long hours in the simulator. The reality remains very different. Participating in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring was a childhood dream that I have now realized. »

Felix Baumgartner died this Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the age of 56 after a paragliding accident in Italy. According to the Italian press, he suffered a collapse during the jump.

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