1st timer trip to Nurburgring - advice please

[MattW]

Hi all

Looking for some advice please from those people who have been to ‘the ring’ before.

Thinking of heading over in April / May next year with a friend to tick it off his bucket list, maybe to do a couple of laps in our own cars but also some fast passenger laps in a ring taxi. Really just going for the experience and to say we have driven it.

I’ve looked at the official site but don’t find it all the clear, or easy to follow so was hoping to get some help and advice on the following:

- Best time to go. Is there a quieter / good time to go in April / May? Was thinking perhaps a Tuesday, in late April.
- Any recommendations on the best place to stay?
- Are all ring taxis the same or are some better than others?
- I am assuming it’s better to buy track lap tickets in advance?
- How much time do we need given we are just going for ‘the experience’ and not to be the next ring champion. Was thinking a day to get there, a day at the track and a day home….or is that going to be too tight?

Is there anything else we should be considering?

Thanks in advance for any advice, really appreciate it.

Matt

[rallye101]

Never been.....
But am planning to go.....have a look here

https://www.apex-nuerburg.com/

He's a very handy driver with all sorts of cars, his youtube channel is very good too

[Jamescrs]

MattW said:

Hi all

Looking for some advice please from those people who have been to ‘the ring’ before.

Thinking of heading over in April / May next year with a friend to tick it off his bucket list, maybe to do a couple of laps in our own cars but also some fast passenger laps in a ring taxi. Really just going for the experience and to say we have driven it.

I’ve looked at the official site but don’t find it all the clear, or easy to follow so was hoping to get some help and advice on the following:

- Best time to go. Is there a quieter / good time to go in April / May? Was thinking perhaps a Tuesday, in late April.
- Any recommendations on the best place to stay?
- Are all ring taxis the same or are some better than others?
- I am assuming it’s better to buy track lap tickets in advance?
- How much time do we need given we are just going for ‘the experience’ and not to be the next ring champion. Was thinking a day to get there, a day at the track and a day home….or is that going to be too tight?

Is there anything else we should be considering?

Thanks in advance for any advice, really appreciate it.

Matt

I'm heading over for my third trip next week so I can answer your questions reasonably well.

Best time to go- Weekends are exceptionally busy, track will be very crowded and expect queues to get off the track, I prefer to do the tourist drives on Weekday evenings, Check when the Nurburg 24 hour race is on because the track will close completely for a week prior to the race and your trip may be a waste of time, I believe it's usually mid May (it is this year).

My favourite place to stay so far has been Lindner Park which is very close to the ring and has great houses to rent out but if theres only two of you I recommend looking for somewhere in Adenau which is the nearest town, gives you access to bars, places to eat etc.

Ring Taxis vary, Hyundai run one using I30N's which is a good cheaper option, Ring Taxi have a BMW M5 and a Porsche GT3RS currently, I've been in the M5 and it was brilliant and has the advantage it can take 3 passengers so you can share with you r mate on the cost.

There is also the Mercedes AMG GTR known as the Beast, you will definately have to book that before you go if you want that car as it gets booked well in advance and is the most expensive.

You can buy TF laps on site, there is a portacabin office where you get a swipe card and load it with credit for your laps then drive upto the barrier, swipe your card and off you go, it is very simple to sort out when you arrive, again assuming you avoid a weekend.

The time you spend there is up to you really, I'd say have a few days there if you can because there is a lot more to the area than just driving on the track, theres a lot to see and do and just spectating and walking around the viewing points could kill a day alone, I love the whole area, i'm going to be there for 5 days this time and a day travelling each way

[nickfrog]

Good move, a fantastic experience that has to be done if you're into driving.
I hate to be that guy but just make sure you understand the risks in terms of third party liability if driving a UK car.

[normalbloke]

Don’t touch the armco, or any other infrastructure. It’s incredibly expensive….

[-Cappo-]

normalbloke said:

Don’t touch the armco, or any other infrastructure. It’s incredibly expensive….

I used to go a lot, 20-plus years ago, on bikes. I remember one time we were there and it was raining hard (tip: don't try a Ring lap on a bike in the wet on sports tyres!). So we were viewing, and there were two young Brit guys larking about in an old Skyline, drifting, spinning, playing to the crowd, until eventually ambition outweighed talent and they gave the Armco a gentle nudge. And I do mean a gentle nudge, they just slid into it sideways. They found that quite hilarious at the time. Along comes Herr Marschall, who then proceeded to "sight-line" the armco and count the bent panels (it's 3 panels high in many places) and the bent supporting posts. They have a straight calculation, you pay per post and per panel. Unless you're very sharp and know your way around, and depending where any incident occurs, if you cause damage they'll stop you in the car parks if they haven't dealt with you while you're still on the track.

Later that evening we were in one of the local places (PIstenklause I think) and the two Brit guys were in there. They showed us their "itemised bill" for the Armco. It was €3300. Over 20 years ago, remember. They were a tad less chirpy than they were when it happened

[Jamescrs]

-Cappo- said:

I used to go a lot, 20-plus years ago, on bikes. I remember one time we were there and it was raining hard (tip: don't try a Ring lap on a bike in the wet on sports tyres!). So we were viewing, and there were two young Brit guys larking about in an old Skyline, drifting, spinning, playing to the crowd, until eventually ambition outweighed talent and they gave the Armco a gentle nudge. And I do mean a gentle nudge, they just slid into it sideways. They found that quite hilarious at the time. Along comes Herr Marschall, who then proceeded to "sight-line" the armco and count the bent panels (it's 3 panels high in many places) and the bent supporting posts. They have a straight calculation, you pay per post and per panel. Unless you're very sharp and know your way around, and depending where any incident occurs, if you cause damage they'll stop you in the car parks if they haven't dealt with you while you're still on the track.

Later that evening we were in one of the local places (PIstenklause I think) and the two Brit guys were in there. They showed us their "itemised bill" for the Armco. It was €3300. Over 20 years ago, remember. They were a tad less chirpy than they were when it happened

The Armco fines are ridiculous, especially as they clearly never repair or replace it but still give out the fines.

Still it's the risk you take if you choose to go out there and play up I guess.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Been before in my Cerbera, many years ago. Might go later in the year (Sept-Oct?) When do the TF end?

As said before, weekday TF are much quieter and remember you're probably (definitely) not insured at all.

But it does have to be done.

[Jamescrs]

Jordie Barretts sock said:

Been before in my Cerbera, many years ago. Might go later in the year (Sept-Oct?) When do the TF end?

As said before, weekday TF are much quieter and remember you're probably (definitely) not insured at all.

But it does have to be done.

Ends sometime around the end of October I think but there's a calendar on the website, I've been at the end of October before and it was definitely shutting down for the season

[MattW]

Jamescrs said:

I'm heading over for my third trip next week so I can answer your questions reasonably well.

Best time to go- Weekends are exceptionally busy, track will be very crowded and expect queues to get off the track, I prefer to do the tourist drives on Weekday evenings, Check when the Nurburg 24 hour race is on because the track will close completely for a week prior to the race and your trip may be a waste of time, I believe it's usually mid May (it is this year).

My favourite place to stay so far has been Lindner Park which is very close to the ring and has great houses to rent out but if theres only two of you I recommend looking for somewhere in Adenau which is the nearest town, gives you access to bars, places to eat etc.

Ring Taxis vary, Hyundai run one using I30N's which is a good cheaper option, Ring Taxi have a BMW M5 and a Porsche GT3RS currently, I've been in the M5 and it was brilliant and has the advantage it can take 3 passengers so you can share with you r mate on the cost.

There is also the Mercedes AMG GTR known as the Beast, you will definately have to book that before you go if you want that car as it gets booked well in advance and is the most expensive.

You can buy TF laps on site, there is a portacabin office where you get a swipe card and load it with credit for your laps then drive upto the barrier, swipe your card and off you go, it is very simple to sort out when you arrive, again assuming you avoid a weekend.

The time you spend there is up to you really, I'd say have a few days there if you can because there is a lot more to the area than just driving on the track, theres a lot to see and do and just spectating and walking around the viewing points could kill a day alone, I love the whole area, i'm going to be there for 5 days this time and a day travelling each way

Some great advice there, thanks for that. Are the TF laps only available at certain times of the day? If so what’s happening for the rest of the time?

Matt

[isaldiri]

MattW said:

Some great advice there, thanks for that. Are the TF laps only available at certain times of the day? If so what’s happening for the rest of the time?

Matt

Most weekdays, the TF starts at just after 1700. The rest of the time typically is industry booking (ie manufacturer pool bookings where they bash round for testing etc) with a couple of track days or driver training courses in between. Some days are specific full TF days but obviously they can get v busy. As said, weekday evenings can be very quiet and will be a great time to get on but probably less so weekends or full public days. Main driving related note I'd say is until you do learn the track and can remember what's coming up, for anyone new to it, I'd say treat it as a one way country road and drive accordingly rather than think it's like circuit driving.

It's a great place and a definite must do for anyone with any interest in motoring I'd say.

[Adenauer]

Jamescrs said:

The Armco fines are ridiculous, especially as they clearly never repair or replace it but still give out the fines.

Urban myth and a load of cobblers, sorry.

I am woken up most mornings at around 5:30 by the 'rattle rattle bang bang rattle rattle' sounds of the impact guns and other stuff that they use to repair the armco from the previous TF session.

Back to the original questions:
TF normally runs from 17:15 - 19:30 each evening, but do check the calendar before booking your trip to make sure it's open when you're over as it's not set in stone.

Stay somewhere in Adenau, Hotel Blaue Ecke, Northloop Rooms, or Hotel an der Nordschleife.

Drive the track like a fast B road, be aware that experienced people will be a lot quicker and move to the right to let them pass, indicating right will also let them know that you've seen them.
Watch your mirrors, bikes and GT3's approach you a lot quicker than you might imagine.

It's a car lovers paradise, take your time and enjoy it.

[MattW]

Jamescrs said:

I'm heading over for my third trip next week so I can answer your questions reasonably well.

Best time to go- Weekends are exceptionally busy, track will be very crowded and expect queues to get off the track, I prefer to do the tourist drives on Weekday evenings, Check when the Nurburg 24 hour race is on because the track will close completely for a week prior to the race and your trip may be a waste of time, I believe it's usually mid May (it is this year).

My favourite place to stay so far has been Lindner Park which is very close to the ring and has great houses to rent out but if theres only two of you I recommend looking for somewhere in Adenau which is the nearest town, gives you access to bars, places to eat etc.

Ring Taxis vary, Hyundai run one using I30N's which is a good cheaper option, Ring Taxi have a BMW M5 and a Porsche GT3RS currently, I've been in the M5 and it was brilliant and has the advantage it can take 3 passengers so you can share with you r mate on the cost.

There is also the Mercedes AMG GTR known as the Beast, you will definately have to book that before you go if you want that car as it gets booked well in advance and is the most expensive.

You can buy TF laps on site, there is a portacabin office where you get a swipe card and load it with credit for your laps then drive upto the barrier, swipe your card and off you go, it is very simple to sort out when you arrive, again assuming you avoid a weekend.

The time you spend there is up to you really, I'd say have a few days there if you can because there is a lot more to the area than just driving on the track, theres a lot to see and do and just spectating and walking around the viewing points could kill a day alone, I love the whole area, i'm going to be there for 5 days this time and a day travelling each way

Some great advice there, thanks for that. Are the TF laps only available at certain times of the day? If so what’s happening for the rest of the time?

Matt

[RSbandit]

There’s a lot of information on the Ring in the ‘Trackdays’ sub forum so have a look through there for pointers. I went there for a one off bucket list style trip in 2014…didn’t work out that way having been there every year since for 2 Trackdays a year! If you have any petrol in your veins it’s a magical place, you might get bitten by the bug like I did …not a bad thing!

[Olivera]

MattW said:

Are the TF laps only available at certain times of the day? If so what’s happening for the rest of the time?

Matt

Industry testing
Private track days
Racing
Maintenance
Driver training courses
ARDS (equivalent)

[nickfrog]

Red flags

[JEA1K]

MattW said:

Hi all

Looking for some advice please from those people who have been to ‘the ring’ before.

Thinking of heading over in April / May next year with a friend to tick it off his bucket list, maybe to do a couple of laps in our own cars but also some fast passenger laps in a ring taxi. Really just going for the experience and to say we have driven it.

I’ve looked at the official site but don’t find it all the clear, or easy to follow so was hoping to get some help and advice on the following:

- Best time to go. Is there a quieter / good time to go in April / May? Was thinking perhaps a Tuesday, in late April.
- Any recommendations on the best place to stay?
- Are all ring taxis the same or are some better than others?
- I am assuming it’s better to buy track lap tickets in advance?
- How much time do we need given we are just going for ‘the experience’ and not to be the next ring champion. Was thinking a day to get there, a day at the track and a day home….or is that going to be too tight?

Is there anything else we should be considering?

Thanks in advance for any advice, really appreciate it.

Matt

Having not been since 2007, I can't provide any up to date info but I would probably spend a couple of days there to make the most of it. Weekends will be busy but will probably have the best atmosphere ... bank hols are carnage by the looks.

If you want to mix up doing a few laps yourself and some taxi laps etc, there's a high chance that the track will be closed at some point due to a crash. The seriousness of the crash will dictate how long its closed. I recall a biker crashing (who unfortunately passed away) one evening, so that track was closed on our last evening for the remainder of the night. Also, you might get some rain which may prevent you from driving for a period.

Its an experience alright, I'm glad I did it when it wasn't quite so popular ... its also beautuful part of the world to visit. I wouldn't go back personally for TF driving as it just looks like a free for all ... plus queing, maybe a track day ... but its definately one to tick off, so enjoy and soak it all up.

[BoRED S2upid]

You will probably go faster on the motorways on the drive there and back than on the track but it’s a good experience when we went we overtook a minibus and a 1.0 Corsa and got overtaken by everything else lol.

[gazza5]

We went with Apex, and drove a VW polo gti (dsg) round the track, had two laps each.

Yes bloody expensive, about £230 each we paid, had mischa in the passenger seat which made it worthwhile, as he knows it inside out, braking points, where to turn etc.

For me - and this is my opinion others will be different - but although it was expensive, it was so worth the money to get maximum enjoyment of how to drive it properly.

Yes you could drive around yourself, but nothing prepares you for the speed of some of the locals, some got incredibly close to our car with apex all over it, so just something to bare in mind if driving your own car.

Track insurance if you want it, was more expensive to get than what we paid to drive someone elses car.

great to sit around after, watch cars etc, get some brekkie and clam down a bit before driving back, we were on track for 8:15am - left liege at about 6am and had a lovely run on the autobahn, we arrived at apex about 7:30 so a bit too early.

[Matt Harper]

Don't be this guy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuMTcrZpMFI