Nurburgring - Virgin Questions
Discussion
Hi all, my first post here. Found the site by looking for Nurburgring-related info.
I'm going there this weekend (Fri/Sat) for the first time and just wanted to get some advice... I'm a little apprehensive as I'm taking my car on the track for the first time?!
I've got an '04 M3 convertible and while never being accussed of driving it slowly - I wouldn't mind any input from the more experienced of you in terms of what I shouldn't be doing!! I certainly don't intend to hair it round but I've got a hell of a lot more experience with FWD on tracks and definitely will be leaving it "off" sport mode and with the DSC firmly "ON".
Also, I've seen most of the pictures linked to from here and on other sites with people wearing helmets. I was kind of planning to due to the lack of roof support - especially if the roof is down. But just wanted to get any input on whether its a "must" or just good practice (I still have my bike helmet lying somewhere...).
>> Edited by holger7 on Wednesday 14th September 21:34
>> Edited by holger7 on Thursday 15th September 09:17
>> Edited by holger7 on Friday 16th September 09:42
I'm going there this weekend (Fri/Sat) for the first time and just wanted to get some advice... I'm a little apprehensive as I'm taking my car on the track for the first time?!
I've got an '04 M3 convertible and while never being accussed of driving it slowly - I wouldn't mind any input from the more experienced of you in terms of what I shouldn't be doing!! I certainly don't intend to hair it round but I've got a hell of a lot more experience with FWD on tracks and definitely will be leaving it "off" sport mode and with the DSC firmly "ON".
Also, I've seen most of the pictures linked to from here and on other sites with people wearing helmets. I was kind of planning to due to the lack of roof support - especially if the roof is down. But just wanted to get any input on whether its a "must" or just good practice (I still have my bike helmet lying somewhere...).
>> Edited by holger7 on Wednesday 14th September 21:34
>> Edited by holger7 on Thursday 15th September 09:17
>> Edited by holger7 on Friday 16th September 09:42
Make your turn-in late unless you are really sure of yourself on a given bend.
If it is damp or wet, remember that there are something like 80 tarmac changes in the lap and therefore many significant but unexpected changes in grip.
If it's really wet there can be streams of water running across the track.
Different sections of the track can dry out at vastly different rates. At this time of year you can be caught out by heavy dew at 9:00 am.
Some well-intentioned bikers will be accidents waiting to happen. Do not trust that they see you in their mirrors even if their offside indicator is flashing - be absolutely sure that they have seen you and are giving way.
Keep your eyes peeled for spectators who, before anyone has arrived with a yellow flag, may be signalling you that there is a hazard ahead.
If you did fifty laps this weekend you would be exhausted but you would not have learned the circuit. Stay humble and you will stay happy.
If it is damp or wet, remember that there are something like 80 tarmac changes in the lap and therefore many significant but unexpected changes in grip.
If it's really wet there can be streams of water running across the track.
Different sections of the track can dry out at vastly different rates. At this time of year you can be caught out by heavy dew at 9:00 am.
Some well-intentioned bikers will be accidents waiting to happen. Do not trust that they see you in their mirrors even if their offside indicator is flashing - be absolutely sure that they have seen you and are giving way.
Keep your eyes peeled for spectators who, before anyone has arrived with a yellow flag, may be signalling you that there is a hazard ahead.
If you did fifty laps this weekend you would be exhausted but you would not have learned the circuit. Stay humble and you will stay happy.
holger7 said:
Have done.. although I thought you were pretty much unlikely to be covered except for third party??
I think that those insurance companies that claim NOT to cover you mean that you are not covered at all - not that it just drops to third party.
I still have reservations that 'after the fact' refusal to cover the Ring would stand up in court (if challenged vigorously) - but that's another matter.
I even think that the alleged exclusion for "derestricted toll roads" must be very difficult to apply, but again, that's another argument.
Not being anti-ford-ist here, but after watching several ford drivers from the UK this weekend, PLEASE USE YOUR MIRRORS and let people overtake on YOUR LEFT (I belive this is a german legal requirement). It can be easy to get caught up in the awe of the place, but esp if it's wet, everyone's safety relies upon all drivers/riders looking out for each other. Save the poor track ettiquette for GT4!
PS have a good time and take it easy. Try and grab a few pax laps with more experienced drivers. Anyone who aims to show you how ast they can go is not the right person to give you some pointers however...
PS have a good time and take it easy. Try and grab a few pax laps with more experienced drivers. Anyone who aims to show you how ast they can go is not the right person to give you some pointers however...
Take it slowly at first. There are a few corners in particular that can catch you out at first.
Helmets are optional, but I always wear one.
Overtake on the left, and pull over to the right to let faster cars past.
Don't time yourself.
I'll be there from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning in a white Integra Type R if you fancy a ride.
Helmets are optional, but I always wear one.
Overtake on the left, and pull over to the right to let faster cars past.
Don't time yourself.
I'll be there from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning in a white Integra Type R if you fancy a ride.
if you haven't done so, click on and read every link on this page:
www.nurburgring.org.uk/
RE Helmets: I did my first 2 trips without, then as speeds, and the number of crashes witnessed increased, bought one (great fitting full face Shoei, ~150€ "last-year's model" from a local bike shop). Practically don't even notice that its on.
They are not required in a car on the NS, but like somebody said, it doesn't take much to make you wish you had brought one along... plus, when trolling for pax laps, if that GT3RS driver says, "awwww sorry, I only give paxes if they wear a helmet..." you can say "be right back with mine!!"
Also, since you're in a convertible, which means unless its hailing or pouring rain the top will be down at all times, a lid will keep your noggin a bit warmer
www.weatheronline.co.uk/cgi-bin/city10day?LANG=en&WMO=10506
Sounds like you're going in with a sensible attitude - but still take note that on the Ringers list right now there's talk about something like 5 people who crashed during the last week, each on THEIR FIRST EVER NORDSCHLEIFE LAP!! Granted it was absolutely atroticious weather, just leave yourself plenty of margin (with the track and other drivers/bikers) until you're VERY comfortable with it and your car.
cheers
Kurt
www.nurburgring.org.uk/who/details.php?u=167
>> Edited by kedelbach on Thursday 15th September 14:53
www.nurburgring.org.uk/
RE Helmets: I did my first 2 trips without, then as speeds, and the number of crashes witnessed increased, bought one (great fitting full face Shoei, ~150€ "last-year's model" from a local bike shop). Practically don't even notice that its on.
They are not required in a car on the NS, but like somebody said, it doesn't take much to make you wish you had brought one along... plus, when trolling for pax laps, if that GT3RS driver says, "awwww sorry, I only give paxes if they wear a helmet..." you can say "be right back with mine!!"
Also, since you're in a convertible, which means unless its hailing or pouring rain the top will be down at all times, a lid will keep your noggin a bit warmer
www.weatheronline.co.uk/cgi-bin/city10day?LANG=en&WMO=10506
Sounds like you're going in with a sensible attitude - but still take note that on the Ringers list right now there's talk about something like 5 people who crashed during the last week, each on THEIR FIRST EVER NORDSCHLEIFE LAP!! Granted it was absolutely atroticious weather, just leave yourself plenty of margin (with the track and other drivers/bikers) until you're VERY comfortable with it and your car.
cheers
Kurt
www.nurburgring.org.uk/who/details.php?u=167
holger7 said:
I'm probably the world's worst passenger - but yes, would love to get taken round by someone who knows what they are doing!
>> Edited by kedelbach on Thursday 15th September 14:53
fergus said:
... but after watching several ford drivers from the UK this weekend ....
Fergus - know anyone that might have been taking pictures on last Saturday's evening session?
Wondered if anyone might have captured me popping my 'Ring cherry....
I should point out I wasn't in a Ford, well sort of ... but not really.
>> Edited by jeremyc on Thursday 15th September 15:37
I'm guessing crashing on the NS is generally a question a) panicing and doing something the situation doesn't permit or b) driving too fast for the conditions or part of the track.
Are all those 5 crashes of newbies you mention serious and were they all weather-related? I assume it was wet...?
Luckily the weather appears to be holding up for the weekend..
And yes - I've read www.nurburgring.org.uk extensively - before posting here.
Are all those 5 crashes of newbies you mention serious and were they all weather-related? I assume it was wet...?
Luckily the weather appears to be holding up for the weekend..
And yes - I've read www.nurburgring.org.uk extensively - before posting here.
holger7 said:
Also - is it like a "normal" track day where you'll have some photographers snapping all and sundry and selling copies?
There are plenty of semi-professional photographers who take pictures of cars at the 'Ring and sell them on their websites.
ringbunny
Birgit's Ringphotos
JW Hubbers
Jochen's site
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