Sometimes it's not big words, but big engines that give small souls hope again. And that's exactly what happened this Saturday, when the Nürburgring was transformed into a place where the focus was not on speed, but on humanity.
At the third inclusive trucker meet for children from the flood areas in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, hundreds of people came together with a common goal: to bring smiles, offer comfort, and restore strength. The deep rumbling of engines could be heard from afar—but this time, it aroused excitement rather than fear. Children who had experienced far too much in recent years ran around with wide-eyed amazement between huge trucks, impressive American trucks, and historic fire department and THW vehicles. Standing next to them were proud drivers who turned every engine start into a small personal gift. The Adenau police, the ASB drone squadron from Würzburg, and lovingly maintained Land Rover vehicles showed off their equipment – and at the same time demonstrated that the people behind the uniforms do more than just help: they provide support. The children were allowed to drive go-karts from MSC Adenau, steer remote-controlled racing trucks from the Siegtal Model Truck Friends on the course, and even climb into a real racing car – with a driver who told stories from the pit lane and took the children for a lap around the Grand Prix circuit. The AMG race taxi put smiles on everyone's faces. Amidst all the excitement, the inclusion mascot “Paula” ran around, giving out hugs, high-fives, and a spark of lightheartedness. Colorful works of art were created at the face painting and craft stations, while the rescue dog team from the Rhine-Moselle district touched the children's hearts with their gentle calm. A special gift was the exclusive Nürburgring tour, which took families to places where only racing teams normally have access. Many children walked through the corridors with their mouths open – for a moment, they felt like real racing drivers. It was an astonished silence that said more about this day than any cheers. Lunch was lovingly provided by volunteers and the Maltese from Mellrichstadt – steaming plates, smiling helpers, moments of peace. There was food and drink everywhere, often accompanied by the words: “Help yourself to another one – today is your day.” Then Santa Claus arrived – not on a sleigh, but surrounded by flashing trucks. For many children, this was the most magical moment of the day. But the greatest treasure was something else: time, love, confidence, INCLUSION. True to the motto of Marion Gock, who has been organizing the whole thing since 2023, “Together we are strong.” We live INCLUSION and don't just talk about it. At the end of the day, no one went home unchanged.
The children took home memories that are stronger than any flood. The parents felt that they had not been forgotten. And all the helpers left with the feeling of having been part of something truly meaningful. A gathering full of engines – and full of humanity.
Photo: Anja Kühn