ON THIS DAY 09-27 Fighting with the Dragon

Construction on the infamous Nurburgring racing circuit, often referred to as a "green hell," began today. The 13-mile course through the Eifel forests was considered the most dangerous segment of road on the planet, curving around 72 corners and covering a rise and fall of almost a 1,000 feet. The circuit held a strange spell over many drivers, beckoning the brave to test their skill. The "green hell" proved lethal to many, and was once rumored to average 20 accidents a day. Racer Jochen Rind referred to the Nurburgring as "Fighting with the Dragon." Racing events are no longer officially held on the circuit, but the course is often used by auto manufacturers to test new models.