Herbert Schnitzer, founder and long-time team principal of Schnitzer Motorsport, passed away on Friday, 05.06.2026, at the age of 85.

Obituary:

Dear Herbert,

when your son called us today, we couldn’t believe the news at first. Today, on your 85th birthday, you quietly and peacefully fell asleep – surrounded by your family.

We stand in awe of your life’s work.

For over 50 years, you wrote a legend together with Josef, Charly and Dieter – on the racetracks of this world, in the DTM, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, on the Nordschleife and everywhere BMW motorsport history was made. The name Schnitzer is inseparable from motorsport history.

It is a great privilege that you placed your trust in us and entrusted your name to Schnitzer Classic, to honour and carry forward your life’s work.

It was certainly not easy when you decided to let go of Schnitzer Motorsport. We promised you then that we would keep everything together and bring the cars back to the racetrack, where they once made history. When you visited our workshop for the first time together with Herbert Jr. and saw the cars and trophies, tears were shed. On both sides.

You loved sharing the stories and anecdotes from your rich life – and how much we enjoyed listening to you. Every story, every memory of the wild years was a gift.

Just last year, we had the privilege of spending a wonderful evening with you and your circle of old friends in Freilassing – over a beer, good stories and plenty of laughter. These memories we will carry in our hearts forever.

The large portrait of you, Josef, Charly and Dieter hangs centre stage in our workshop – and it will remain there forever.

It is an honour to carry your name and your legacy forward. We will let the engines roar in your honour – on the racetracks for which you gave your life.

Thank you for everything, dear Herbert.

Stefen and Yannik Trautwein,
and the entire Schnitzer Classic Team