THSCC Forums

I'm planning a European business and vacation trip this summer. I know a couple of you guys have done NURBURGRING and I would love some advice. Places to stay, places to 'rent' track cars (BMW E36 or maybe better fits my history), and how to schedule two to three days of driving. Based on their posted schedule http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/calendar.php July 9, 10, and 11 work for our schedule. Are Touristfahrten "Tourist Driving" (TF) days the same as a track day or are there other events that I should look into. I don't want to sign up for three days of speed limits behind the wheel of a VW Rabbit. Until this week I've never really thought about what running Nurburging would entail so I'm ignorant on the topic.

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Colin O'Connell

'94 BMW NASA SPEC 3
'02 F350 tow vehicle (not bad for a tow vehicle)
'97 Miata STO (autoX and sunny day spoils vehicle)
'97 BMW 328i (loaner to the kids when their cars don't work vehicle)
'05 Toyota Highlander

I have been there many times, the best will be if we can talk about it.
Do a search for nurburgring on the forum, i posted a few tread about it.
I will be at the coming VIR N event if you are there we can talk about it.
" Touristfahrten " is any body on track motorcycle included no speed limit.
normal road rules apply, passing on the left, slower car wil move to
right and put there blinker.

I rent a car front the link below 3 times.

http://www.rent-racecar.de/

The last 3 times i stay at the link below, very nice.

http://hilberath.w-web.de/pages/englisch/main.php

Edit: I did a search on past post here 2

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10692&hilit=nurburgring

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8449&hilit=nurburgring

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Patrice
1973 911 former track and AX car.
2016 VW GTI
2002 Nissan Sentra (Olivier car)
2012 Nissan Juke (Kathy car)
2010 Suzuki Kizashi (Audrey car)

As Patrice mentioned, the Touristfahrten is simply open track times, you pay Der Ticketmeister and he waves you out onto the track. No orientation, no safety briefing, nothing. You'd think they would send you to a pit area to check your car or take out some loose items, but once you get past the ticket guy, the track is right there!

Not sure if they still do this, but when we went, we paid to go through the Nurburgring museum right at the track. It wasn't until we were driving away from there that we noticed that the museum ticket stub was good for like a 50% discount on a lap around the 'Ring!!

I wouldn't get too hung up on having an "E36 or better", IMHO, you'll have a blast in anything with wheels. The track is SOOOO long that it would take a couple of years of driving on it to remember every turn in and apex.

We took a Nissan Primera out there, sort of like an Altima or Stanza or something like that. I believe it was a 2.0l 16v, and it was a blast. I frankly would not want to be out there for the first time with something with tons of HP.

So safety gear? Helmets suits and the like? Is there true track events? It sound kind of willy nilly running with all kinds of vehicles and skills out at the same time.

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Colin O'Connell

'94 BMW NASA SPEC 3
'02 F350 tow vehicle (not bad for a tow vehicle)
'97 Miata STO (autoX and sunny day spoils vehicle)
'97 BMW 328i (loaner to the kids when their cars don't work vehicle)
'05 Toyota Highlander

My brother (no track experience) was there a few months ago for a business trip and rented a Suzuki Swift (either the Stage 1 or 2) from here...

http://www.rent4ring.de/

He said you can easily get up to maxim speed in a straight line, but with the handling performances tweaks they have made, he didn't dare explore the handling limits. As to safety gear you are not required to have any. I think my brother asked about a helmet and if I remember correctly the rental guy suggested he not use one. I think the logic was that if you are a first timer, and inexperienced in general, that a helmet might make you think you are invincible and you might take more risks. I can see some truth to that, but I however would have said, I understand your reasoning, but I want a helmet.

Richard

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Richard Casto
1972 Porsche 914
2013 Honda Fit Sport
2015 Honda Fit EX
http://motorsport.zyyz.com
Money can't buy happiness, but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than a Kia.

There are true track events, but for the "pay for your ticket and run" thing, it's just "run what ya brung with what ya got on".

Not sure where to best find out about the organized events, but I think you'll be EXTREMELY lucky if you happen to find one that fits your schedule that you are eligible to participate in.

According to German Law, the 'Ring is a public highway, albeit without a speed limit.

No helmet track suit required. It is classified as a toll road so it is just like a highway. I did it in a Renault Megaine Turbo diesel. Like a Golf. (nee Raggit). Drove it in the damp w/suitcases in the car. Patrice is right, you won't remember all 14 miles of the track. Take a ride in the ring taxi if you can, its probably worth it

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1990 Faded Reddish CSP Lite Miata
2002 Electron Blue Corvette Z06
2005 Mazda 6 Wagon
2003 Nissan Pathfinder DTV (Dog Transport Vehicle)

I didn't say it earlier but thanks for all of the input guys.

I'll be at VIR-N, so I will look you up and discuss. Thanks for the help.

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Colin O'Connell

'94 BMW NASA SPEC 3
'02 F350 tow vehicle (not bad for a tow vehicle)
'97 Miata STO (autoX and sunny day spoils vehicle)
'97 BMW 328i (loaner to the kids when their cars don't work vehicle)
'05 Toyota Highlander

Great!

About the no inspection, they look the car going on track ( kind of ) because i saw cars being turn around for tires being to much wear down. They seem to watch also for Rental Car ( big company, Avis, Eurocar ) the girl friend of my friend told us they turn two guys back and she show us which car it was and it was a rental car.

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Patrice
1973 911 former track and AX car.
2016 VW GTI
2002 Nissan Sentra (Olivier car)
2012 Nissan Juke (Kathy car)
2010 Suzuki Kizashi (Audrey car)

Many of the standard rental car agencies specifically exclude the Nurburgring from coverage so make sure you rent from one of the ones Patrice knows

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1990 Faded Reddish CSP Lite Miata
2002 Electron Blue Corvette Z06
2005 Mazda 6 Wagon
2003 Nissan Pathfinder DTV (Dog Transport Vehicle)

Not to throw a wet towel on the fun, but at least understand your liability insurance coverage while driving the ring and in Germany. I'm not sure about the ring, but on the Autobahn, for example, in the unlimited speed sections (damn I love that sign marking the beginning of one), there is an advisory speed limit of 130kph. If you're involved in an incident above those speeds, you could be held liable for portions of the damage (people and property) costs -- it's all determined in court.

As an aside, we had a 2010 Audi A4 Avant 2.0T which was reasonably quick, but I felt the most comfortable cruising between 180-210kph in those sections. At that speed, any superfast approaching cars (very rare) were manageable when in the fast lane (also I never encountered an idiot while driving there -- drivers are extremely experienced and know how to handle speed/braking/their car/expectations/etc; the difference compared to driving here is astounding).

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Current stable:
2019 BMW M2 Competition slicktop 6MT
2011 BMW M3 sedan slicktop 6MT
2007 BMW 328i wagon (slushbox for now)
1975 CanAm 125MX2