Date: 30 June 2002
Originally published in: www.dtm.de website (Germany)
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She is a well-known face for millions: Kim Wilde, who had her first big hit in 1981 with Kids in America and reached number 1 in the US charts with You keep me hanging on, visits the DTM (German Touring Car racing championships) at the Norisring in Nuremberg. She has a special relationship with the fast cars, because she sings the official DTM song for the season 2002. “Born to be wild”, as it is called, was introduced to the fans in Nuremberg on Sunday June 30th during the presentation of the starter field.
“I was asked whether I would like to sing this song”, says Kim Wilde in an interview with dtm.de. “I wasn’t sure at first, but ‘Born to be wild’ has became a great track and I’m very pleased with it.”
In Nuremberg Kim Wilde was offered the opportunity to experience DTM from up close. She took place in the OPEL Astra V8 Coupé of Michael Bartels, who chauffeured her through the city course of the day. “It was breathtaking!”, said the singer after a few rounds in the running taxi. “It was exciting to drive so near to the wall – Michael is a completely mad driver. I understand now, why so many people feel drawn to the engine haven.” Wilde would have liked to take back her seat into the car immediately again. The experiences will leave a lasting impression on the 41-year old Kim: “I wasn’t ever at a motorrace, perhaps but I will now come by more often.”
Wilde was especially fascinated by the team spirit of the DTM. “It is not simply only the driver, who sits in the car. Behind him stands a complete crew, which makes the whole thing possible. That brings an uncanny strong energy into the sport.” Also the spectators did it to the Englishwoman: “It’s something really special when so many people come together to enjoy a DTM race.”
