Kurt Thiim

Honorary member from the very start

27 October 2024 | Pistenclub-News

The Danish racing driver and ex-DTM champion has been part of the Pistenclub from the very first events and has shaped it. He has now hung up his helmet, but his son Nicki has followed in his (very large) footsteps. The two of them visited us at our track day at Hockenheim in April.

On the day before the DTM tests at the Hockenheimring, we were once again able to welcome our original member, Kurt Thiim, to one of our track days. Kurt was there for our very first drift and driving dynamics training in Bitburg. Kurt also supported our first real track days in Spa-Francorchamps as an instructor and expert.

Ralph Burstedde was able to welcome Kurt Thiim and his son Nicki to the track day in Hockenheim.

Kurt was also there, of course, because the first DTM test days were scheduled for the following Tuesday and Wednesday and he wanted to support his son Nicki, who is competing in a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2 for the SSR PERFORMANCE team.

The beginnings

Kurt was born in Vojens, Denmark, on 3 August 1958. He became Danish karting champion at the age of 17 and then moved up to Formula Vee. After a few years in various formula classes, he switched to touring car racing. His driving style earned him the nickname 'Danish Dynamite'.

Formula racing

1978: Formel Ford 1600
1979: Scandinavian Formula Super Vau Champion
1981: Formel 3

German Touring Car Championship (DTM)

1986: Champion with Rover
1987: Alfa Romeo
1988: BMW and Mercedes
1990 - 1996: Mercedes

Other races

In addition to the DTM, Thiim also competed in other major racing series, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA GT Championship. His versatility as a driver was demonstrated by his ability to perform in different types of cars and racing formats.

Special characteristics

Thiim's driving style and consistent performance over many years made him a respected and successful racing driver. Despite fierce competition in the DTM, Thiim was able to stand out through his determination and driving skills.

After his active career

Even after the end of his active racing career, Thiim remained loyal to motorsport and was involved in various roles, including as a mentor and advisor to young racing drivers and, of course, to his son Nicki. Kurt Thiim made a name for himself through his successes and his involvement in motorsport and remains an inspirational figure for many aspiring racing drivers.