Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: Nicolas `` Nico '' HÃ 1\/4 lkenberg ( born 19 August 1987 in Emmerich am Rhein , North Rhine-Westphalia , former West Germany ) is a German professional racing driver .
Simplified: Nicolas `` Nico '' HÃ 1\/4 lkenberg ( born 19 August 1987 in Emmerich am Rhein , North Rhine-Westphalia ) is a German racing driver .