36 replies to this topic

[FirstnameLastname]

https://youtu.be/EmxthUXM2zE

How much is it to do a circuit at the Nurburgring? Obviously it’s worked out very expensive for these guys... a nice car doesn’t equal nice driving skills automatically.

Anyone here taken part? A good experience?

[Nonesuch]

How much is it to do a circuit at the Nurburgring?

 

€25 during the week, €30 on the weekends.

 

That's for one lap.

[boillot]

I did a lap 2 years ago with my road car there, I think it was 19 or 29 EUR, something of that order. Really a wonderful experience, although my car is not a sports car and I'm not by any means a racing driver. I did not exceed 165 kph on the final straight and after I exited the track, the dashboard warned about the hot brakes!

 

Last year I did 4 or 5 laps of Hockenheim GP circuit for the similar price. That was scary because of, the track being shorter, there were an endless bunch of fast Porsches and other sports cars that I had to pay attention to all the time. But the track is cool to drive as well.

Edited by boillot, 03 October 2018 - 21:41.

[FirstnameLastname]

Anyone with a garage in the nearby vacinity must make a fortune... so many folk taking their pride and joy along only to smash it into the barriers.

[Widefoot2]

If this will be your first time on a "race track" (it's not really racing during the tourist sessions), you might be better off first taking some high speed driver's education sessions at a regular race course first.  These usually offer volunteer driving instructors who ride with you and give you tips and direction as you're going, and many will first take the wheel themselves to show you apexes, braking technique, and give warnings about trickier sections.  The events usually include a safety check of the car which can be valuable too, as it can point out thin brake pads, loose battery mounts, etc.

 

Also be aware that the Nordschleife requires payment for any damaged track Armco or tow truck usage: https://drivetribe.c...RR5STHj2RZXNstg, so wiping out a section of barrier carries more than your own car's repair costs.

 

If you're prone to red mist you must control that as faster cars pass you - let them go at your earliest opportunity!

 

I've not done the Ring myself, but have done many driver's ed and time trials events in the US and Canada, on more than seven different tracks.  It's a good way to indulge the "speed bug" while saving points off your license...

Edited by Widefoot2, 03 October 2018 - 22:11.

[Sterzo]

My information may be slightly out of date, but it cost 8 Deutsche Marks in 1976. Driving briskly round any circuit is a great way to see it, but any ideas of pushing the limit in a soggy road car with no practice should be discarded. If you want the sensation of driving on the edge, racing a kart is a much more intense experience.

[PedroDiCasttro]

I hope I can drive a lap there someday.

[C2S]

I did 4 laps couple years ago. I wanted to go 5 rounds but the rear tires were almost gone after just 3 laps.

According the guy in local tire shop they were overinflated and one of them almost blew (my mistake).

Next day had to replace both front bearings and flush brake fluid… 

 

Also, way too many car on the track, I missed so many apexes because I had to check the mirrors every 10 seconds.

 

It was fun but much more expensive than I anticipated   .

[Requiem84]

I rode 2 laps on my Yamaha R6 supersport bike about 10 years ago.

I thought it was a lot more scary than a regular track day with my bike on Zandvoort.

Dealing with impatient 911’s behind you flashing their lights when fully leaned over and not really sure where the next corner goes is quite unsettling.

It’s just too busy and there is too much variation in speed. At one point I had to brake incredibly hard coming from 180, because a caravan carcwas on the racing line with 50
Km/h!

It’s good fun, but keep a very big margin, get to know the track in a good sim beforehand and thoroughly prepare your vehicle.

[yasushi888]

I was thinking of stopping off there and doing a lap while on a road trip in europe, then the following video changed my mind, no matter how cautious you are, anything can happen and can be outside of your control!
https://m.youtube.co...h?v=_JYLUL9MRyQ

[Tim Murray]

I feel sorry for this driver who stuffed it at the first corner:

[teejay]

Did laps there last year - using RSR - awesome group of people to deal with. 

 

Not my first time on a track which was good. 

 

I was in a Renault Clio RS so a lot of the time was ensuring you kept out of the way of the fast cars. Midway through my first lap it rained so suddenly and so hard they had to shut the track for an hour.

 

It really is the most incredible piece of road on earth. If you get the chance, you must. 

[FirstnameLastname]

I was thinking of stopping off there and doing a lap while on a road trip in europe, then the following video changed my mind, no matter how cautious you are, anything can happen and can be outside of your control!
https://m.youtube.co...h?v=_JYLUL9MRyQ

Jesus wept. That poor bloke... bet he’s wishing he didn’t stop now.

[Widefoot2]

I was thinking of stopping off there and doing a lap while on a road trip in europe, then the following video changed my mind, no matter how cautious you are, anything can happen and can be outside of your control!
https://m.youtube.co...h?v=_JYLUL9MRyQ

I've seen a lot of Ring crash videos, but I'd not seen that one until you posted the link - thanks!  So many people driving without thinking of what could be ahead, and unable to handle the need to stop quickly and safely.  I think I'll stick to proper race tracks where there's much better controls and active flag stations.

 

But there's a number of commenters there who say the guy (despite his good intentions) made things worse by where he parked.  I don't know, I still lean towards him doing his best and incoming drivers making errors, but what do others think?

[messy]

It's scary because you think you're going quick then somebody steams past you like you're not even moving. Maybe that's just my car. Did it in an old Golf GTI that when I bought it I thought was just low-slung but after getting back from Germany found the suspension was actually completely collapsed. 

[Beri]

It's scary because you think you're going quick then somebody steams past you like you're not even moving. Maybe that's just my car. Did it in an old Golf GTI that when I bought it I thought was just low-slung but after getting back from Germany found the suspension was actually completely collapsed.

It shouldnt be scary if everyone abides the rules. Drive right, pass on the left, dont overtake in the corners and such. But people do tend to think they are the next Hamilton.
Also a fun thing is that a lap costs around 30 euro's, but then your car isnt insured in many cases. So crash it and youll be hurt in more ways than just physical http://nurburgring.o...k/insurance.php

[Peat]

The line from my mates who go annually - Go with an organised/private track day. The general open track days are bandit central. 

[phrank]

 

But there's a number of commenters there who say the guy (despite his good intentions) made things worse by where he parked.  I don't know, I still lean towards him doing his best and incoming drivers making errors, but what do others think?

From watching numerous Nordschleife crashes I have concluded its always best, if you need to stop, to do it well past the accident. But I thought you are not supposed to stop on track there even when you witness an accident?

[A3]

Jesus wept. That poor bloke... bet he’s wishing he didn’t stop now.

 

A bit of advice from an ex road traffic controller: Never ever stop in front of a stranded car or accident. If you want to help, drive a good way past it and then park your car. 

[New Britain]

Good fun, but you really have to take it easy, rein in any inclination to put your foot down except in a couple of places.

I did roughly a thousand of the tourist laps, but got to the point where I found it too crowded and dangerous (for myself and others) to continue.

At that point I switched to racing there, which I did for a number of years. It may have been an illusion, but I actually felt safer racing there than I did doing tourist laps. The risks in tourist laps include spillages on the track, lack of marshals, lack of medical support, and sharing the road with the occasional moron. I really disliked being on the same track with bikers who clearly did not know the circuit but would wander all over the track, creating a huge risk to themselves when a car was trying to overtake them.

Once I came over a blind crest at speed and came upon a biker lying on the ground in the middle of the road.

I know of one guy who was on an early-morning lap in the fast but less populated section of Kesselchen (known to Brits as "the countryside") who hit a deer.

Enjoy it, but do not underestimate how easy it is to get caught out there.

[DeKnyff]

My information may be slightly out of date, but it cost 8 Deutsche Marks in 1976. Driving briskly round any circuit is a great way to see it, but any ideas of pushing the limit in a soggy road car with no practice should be discarded. If you want the sensation of driving on the edge, racing a kart is a much more intense experience.

 

Aaah, the good 'ol days...

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=y1mnnXJuyzQ

 

Skip to 3:50

[A3]

Aaah, the good 'ol days...

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=y1mnnXJuyzQ

 

Skip to 3:50

 

@5:19, there's a chick hanging out of the car.

[thiscocks]

Jesus wept. That poor bloke... bet he’s wishing he didn’t stop now.

To be fair, why did he stop? Absolutely no need to.

[sblick]

My friend says the track days are the way to go if you can afford it.  If I remember correctly from what he said they were less than 500 dollars.  Less cars and more wide open track than public days obviously.  We are planning a trip now and trying to figure out if we want to shell out cash for track day and a rental racer.  I know a lot of people drive their cars there but check your insurance in case it doesn't cover race tracks.  Your rental car is not covered on the track either.

[A3]

My friend says the track days are the way to go if you can afford it.  If I remember correctly from what he said they were less than 500 dollars.  Less cars and more wide open track than public days obviously.  We are planning a trip now and trying to figure out if we want to shell out cash for track day and a rental racer.  I know a lot of people drive their cars there but check your insurance in case it doesn't cover race tracks.  Your rental car is not covered on the track either.

 

German car insurance does cover the Ring as far as I know because on "touristfahrten" days it's a public toll road. UK insurers usually exclude the Ring. But as you say, normal German rental cars are excluded.

[taz]

have never been there, but i should have. It's only a 300km, 3 hour drive

[AustinF1]

To be fair, why did he stop? Absolutely no need to.

I guess he was thinking of trying to help, or he knew how fast and unsighted that section was  and wanted to get out and warn other cars of the hazard ahead.

Edited by AustinF1, 04 October 2018 - 14:20.

[Widefoot2]

I guess he was thinking of trying to help, or he knew how fast and unsighted that section was  and wanted to get and warn other cars of the hazard ahead.

That's the way I see it, but I'm tending to agree with the people who say he should have parked beyond the damaged car.

 

I still think that many of the follow-on crashers should have been more cautious given site lines and risk of unknowns.  But if there was coolant or oil on the track that would have put even the most careful driver at a disadvantage.

[JeePee]

I've been driving there with different kind of cars.

 

Most important thing: Know the track (play videogames), and don't go 100%. 

Also have something that has 'some' horsepower. I've once done a lap in a 2CV and that was the most scary **** ever (it's not fun getting passed by a 911 GT3 going 250 km/h, while you're doing 40)

 

It's loads of fun tho. Very, very exciting. Never felt so much adrenaline like I did there. But always check your mirrors and don't get frustrated by other drivers. You wanna have fun, not set a world record.

Edited by JeePee, 04 October 2018 - 14:24.

[LucaP]

Are there dates/times when it's possible to CYCLE it?

This thread has scared the hell out of me and I will never find the guts to drive there at more than 20 km/h...so I would probably enjoy it more

Also, I would like to have some time to stop and have a look around where I want etc...

Edited by Luca Pacchiarini, 04 October 2018 - 19:00.

[Nonesuch]

Are there dates/times when it's possible to CYCLE it?

 

Yes, you can do this quite regularly - and there's the Rad am Ring event for those feeling particularly brave.

 

The dates should be up on the circuit's website, but it might only be in the summer season as they're currently talking about 'announcing 2019 dates soon'.

[coppilcus]

I was thinking of stopping off there and doing a lap while on a road trip in europe, then the following video changed my mind, no matter how cautious you are, anything can happen and can be outside of your control!
https://m.youtube.co...h?v=_JYLUL9MRyQ

That’s scary...

... and it shows how vulnerable we’re in everyday road trips if even people with motorsport interests and investments in it, can’t behave accordingly to the minimum safety criteria learned in your driving lessons and should be common sense, really: first protect yourself, so you can be helpful to ohers.

Their actions multiplied exponentially the probability of augmenting the number of victims...

[NixxxoN]

Its on my bucket list, the question is, what is the car I would use... Its frightening to think you can waste your own hard earned car by a mistake or by someone else's mistake

[string158]

Public day was one of the scariest things I've ever done. We hired a suzuki swift from one of the local ring rental places rather than risking our own car. Took it nice and easy, backed off more to get a bit of space when I felt like I was in a group of cars.   My favorite moment was getting overtaken by a Mclaren (they must be insane to take that on a public track day there!)

 

I was scary how many people were having prangs, and seeing how hard some folks were trying.

 

I would love to drive the track again, but would do a proper track day. Its worth going a day early and watching some of the folks going around on a public track day to get an idea of what it can be like. 

[Scotracer]

Done 5 laps total. 

 

- 1 in my dad's Volvo company car (with all luggage in it!)

- 4 in my own BMW M3 V8

 

In the Volvo it was a horrible day, with Honda S2000s spinning off everywhere and I managed a rocket-like 16 min lap. In my M3 I managed a best of 08:45. Was bloody good fun.

[New Britain]

Are there dates/times when it's possible to CYCLE it?

This thread has scared the hell out of me and I will never find the guts to drive there at more than 20 km/h...so I would probably enjoy it more

Also, I would like to have some time to stop and have a look around where I want etc...

You can also cycle there on the Wednesday before the 24 Hours. We used to do it every year before we raced.

It's a great little experience, as the hills are already filling up with fans who have set up camp at the best spots. They might also be wandering along the track. Crazy but fun.

[Nemo1965]

If this will be your first time on a "race track" (it's not really racing during the tourist sessions), you might be better off first taking some high speed driver's education sessions at a regular race course first.  These usually offer volunteer driving instructors who ride with you and give you tips and direction as you're going, and many will first take the wheel themselves to show you apexes, braking technique, and give warnings about trickier sections.  The events usually include a safety check of the car which can be valuable too, as it can point out thin brake pads, loose battery mounts, etc.

 

Also be aware that the Nordschleife requires payment for any damaged track Armco or tow truck usage: https://drivetribe.c...RR5STHj2RZXNstg, so wiping out a section of barrier carries more than your own car's repair costs.

 

If you're prone to red mist you must control that as faster cars pass you - let them go at your earliest opportunity!

 

I've not done the Ring myself, but have done many driver's ed and time trials events in the US and Canada, on more than seven different tracks.  It's a good way to indulge the "speed bug" while saving points off your license...

 

I think this is very sound advice. I did a short course on the Zandvoort-track (before it was butchered) and I knew the track in-and-out from driving endless sims and having being driven round by a professional. And still it would throw me off! The thing with the Ring is that everyone tells me it got a very steep learning curve. If you have no experience in track-days: don't do it. A friend of mine, a very experienced amateur racing driver of about forty years said: 'It is so a-typical. Almost all the tracks in the world you kind of know what you are going to get after the apex. On the ring, you just suddenly find yourself almost in another landscape. Every time there I find a new bump or piece of camber which makes me almost lose control. I shudder at the idea that tourists would just plough themselves on this track.'

Edited by Nemo1965, 09 October 2018 - 18:23.