Nurburgring first timer.
Discussion
Iv wanted to go to the ring since as long as I can remember but Iv never had the time/money/car all at the same time to allow it but now I do and have decided next year to finally get there.
But what route would be best for a first timer? Either just head over myself and jump on a TF day which is probably my easiest option but am I right in thinking you can’t get insurance on TF days which half puts me off after seeing some of the incidents there.
Book an actual track day, probably more expensive but less traffic and can get insured but am I just asking for trouble with ring masters lapping twice as fast?
Book on one of these ring trip companies that sort everything for you but they seem to be for TF days so same issue as first option.
What would people with more experience recommend? I’v done many UK track days so confident on track/ my abilities just obviously a new track to me.
Thanks,
But what route would be best for a first timer? Either just head over myself and jump on a TF day which is probably my easiest option but am I right in thinking you can’t get insurance on TF days which half puts me off after seeing some of the incidents there.
Book an actual track day, probably more expensive but less traffic and can get insured but am I just asking for trouble with ring masters lapping twice as fast?
Book on one of these ring trip companies that sort everything for you but they seem to be for TF days so same issue as first option.
What would people with more experience recommend? I’v done many UK track days so confident on track/ my abilities just obviously a new track to me.
Thanks,
I was in the same situation in 2014 and decided to go down the trackday route, yes more expensive but not markedly so if you get enough laps in, my last visit in Aug I did 44 laps over two days which worked out at £27 per lap which isn't far off the cost of a TF lap. It's much higher quality track time than TF with much less traffic and a higher standard of cars and drivers. Also you get to use the full Dottinger Hohe straight which you don't on TF. However for a novice around there it can be a little intimidating as you will spend alot of time watching your mirrors, the really quick cars can appear out of nowhere! My initial trip was meant to be a one off bucket list trip but the place got under my skin and I've been back every yr since...it really is a special place if you have even the slightest hint of petrol in your veins! And get an instructor it's the best investment you can make if you want to learn the track.
I live in Mid Wales. When I went I took the ferry from Hull to Zeebruge. Never again. Takes ages. Just get the Eurotunnel.
Drove the quickest route to get there via motorway. I was on my own so not bothered about taking in the scenery and contemplating life, just wanted to get there lol. Did three TF days. One of which I hired a Suzuki Swift which was great fun.
If I was to do it again I’d do a trackday with a TF the night before.
Hit the barrier in your own car on TF and you’re in some kind of financial trouble aswell as being stuck in Germany. 99% get away with it. Just be as careful as you can.
If you like Porches and BMW’s you’ll be in heaven…..
Stopped off at Spa on the way back for a guided tour, two laps with a local instructor in one of their Meganes and a couple laps in my own car which was fun.
Drove the quickest route to get there via motorway. I was on my own so not bothered about taking in the scenery and contemplating life, just wanted to get there lol. Did three TF days. One of which I hired a Suzuki Swift which was great fun.
If I was to do it again I’d do a trackday with a TF the night before.
Hit the barrier in your own car on TF and you’re in some kind of financial trouble aswell as being stuck in Germany. 99% get away with it. Just be as careful as you can.
If you like Porches and BMW’s you’ll be in heaven…..
Stopped off at Spa on the way back for a guided tour, two laps with a local instructor in one of their Meganes and a couple laps in my own car which was fun.
Edited by Kswap on Sunday 24th October 10:04
I wouldn't book a track day for a first trip from a value point of view. I would rent on TF instead or even use my own car on TF, perhaps on an evening. I am an hypocrite as I don't do TF any longer because of the third party liability but I just think learning the track with massive closing speeds on a TD might be a frustrating experience too.
I forgot to add the other option of renting a car. I watch a few of mishas videos and see they have accommodation so maybe a few days staying there renting one of apex cars and some instruction from him may be a decent option?
Everyone Iv spoken to says the same about the atmosphere and the ‘once in a lifetime’ turns into an annual trip which I’d be more than happy with!
Everyone Iv spoken to says the same about the atmosphere and the ‘once in a lifetime’ turns into an annual trip which I’d be more than happy with!
Had personal experience of Misha from Apex and I wouldn't use him, seemed disinterested and spent half the time on his phone...RSR have some really good instructors and Doogalman (Roy Hastings) on here who I've had sit in a couple of times is decent. Yes if you want to do TF better to rent a Swift or something like that, not too much power and good way to learn the track.
As has already been said, quiet weekday TF laps in a fully insured rental is the way to go. Rent a Swift or something similar, don't be tempted to rent anything faster. Do also invest in a few laps with an instructor.
Once you've done that and have about 50 laps under your belt, do a track day.
Once you've done that and have about 50 laps under your belt, do a track day.
I do think an instructor is hugely helpful.
One thing though others may laugh at this is to do lots of laps on GT4 or a similar game. Will not give you any feel for the dynamics of the place but it is a huge track and having visual memory helps. I must have done 500 laps on GT4 before ever going.
Have been many times but if I have a big gap between visits (now last visit was 2019 and next will be 2022) I tend to use an instructor on first day back.
Totally agree with those who suggest a low-powered car.
One thing though others may laugh at this is to do lots of laps on GT4 or a similar game. Will not give you any feel for the dynamics of the place but it is a huge track and having visual memory helps. I must have done 500 laps on GT4 before ever going.
Have been many times but if I have a big gap between visits (now last visit was 2019 and next will be 2022) I tend to use an instructor on first day back.
Totally agree with those who suggest a low-powered car.
nickfrog said:
RDMcG said:
One thing though others may laugh at this is to do lots of laps on GT4 or a similar game.
No that's an excellent idea - it massively cuts down on the learning as you roughly know where you're going.
I've only been a couple of time and have used Rent4ring and NeedForRing.
There is plenty of companies renting carsof all shapes and sizes but a novice there does not need 500bhp. However I would still ask the question "What if the accident involves more than one vehicle and irrespective of fault, do I still have to pay the excess?"
Many take their own cars and take the insurance risk. Many do not get involved in incidents, but thats often down to the attidude of the driver. Read your insurance documents very carefully, stay out of trouble, dont go chasing times, understand the rules and keep a good check on your mirrors. Instruction in TF is a grey area but in general it is tolerated as it can reduce the chances of the driver having a bump.
Trackdays can work out ok but read the small print on the organisers site. Most trackdays I instruct on there are always a few absolute novices, on some the number could be as high as 20%. Get some good instruction booked that will hopefully fast track you into being a safe but smooth entrant that can react to the traffic pressent on the trackday and keep you and the others out of grief.
Trackdays early and or late in the season are normally at a lower price. Weather can be unpredictable at any time of year but if the track is wet it can be driven with very little other traffic present in both TF and trackdays. However get an instructor as the wet lines and the grip levels are drastically different to a nice sunny summers day and instructors like myself are here to help,
Either option is possible and can to a degree be done on a reasonable budget if thought out carefully.
Many take their own cars and take the insurance risk. Many do not get involved in incidents, but thats often down to the attidude of the driver. Read your insurance documents very carefully, stay out of trouble, dont go chasing times, understand the rules and keep a good check on your mirrors. Instruction in TF is a grey area but in general it is tolerated as it can reduce the chances of the driver having a bump.
Trackdays can work out ok but read the small print on the organisers site. Most trackdays I instruct on there are always a few absolute novices, on some the number could be as high as 20%. Get some good instruction booked that will hopefully fast track you into being a safe but smooth entrant that can react to the traffic pressent on the trackday and keep you and the others out of grief.
Trackdays early and or late in the season are normally at a lower price. Weather can be unpredictable at any time of year but if the track is wet it can be driven with very little other traffic present in both TF and trackdays. However get an instructor as the wet lines and the grip levels are drastically different to a nice sunny summers day and instructors like myself are here to help,
Either option is possible and can to a degree be done on a reasonable budget if thought out carefully.
Thanks doogleman (and everyone else) some good information there. I think I’d prefer a track day as I’d like to use my own car as I’m used to it and like it etc, but will certainly look for some instruction which ever route I take.
Are there any TD organisers you prefer?
Another question is how long would people stay for as it’s first time I’m sure there’s plenty to see for a good 4 day trip?
Also I’m a Gran Turismo master so obviously a sub 5 minute lap will be competed first time out
Are there any TD organisers you prefer?
Another question is how long would people stay for as it’s first time I’m sure there’s plenty to see for a good 4 day trip?
Also I’m a Gran Turismo master so obviously a sub 5 minute lap will be competed first time out
One very minor item on GT - on my first visit I did an early morning run ( a rarity) and of course all the shadows on the track were in the wrong places compared to the game which was a concern. Also watch the weather warnings....track can sometimes be dry on one segment and wet on another.
Adenauer said:
Once you've done that and have about 50 laps under your belt, do a track day.
You’ll be much more experienced than me, but that seems a bit conservative. I haven’t done any TFs and I’ve done 3 TDs, each with an instructor. I’m a long way short of a driving god but I’ve felt very comfortable on all of them and feel pretty confident recommending others take the same approach.Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff