Wednesday 16th May 2012
Nurburgring 24 hours: back, and as varied as ever
It's time once again to celebrate the race where GT3 cars share circuit space with mk3 Golfs
This weekend sees the 40th running of the legendary Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race, and the usual infinitely varied mix of metal is gearing up for the gruelling endurance event on the legendary German circuit.
But what's of particular note? Well, new for 2012 will be four Toyota GT86s, two of which will be run by Gazoo racing in the SP3 class, looking astonishingly similar to the single LFA that Gazoo is also running.
This year's grid will also include McLaren MP4-12C GT3 racers, whose fortunes Editor Trent will be following closely.
We'll also have an embedded PH correspondent following the progress of the Nissan GT-Rs, which are essentially production-spec cars, albeit the Club Track Edition, with a stripped interior, some minor aero mods and a roll cage.
But the beauty of the Nurburgring 24 is the sheer breadth and variety of the entries. You can
have a look at the full starting line-up here, but some of our personal highlights among the 170-or-so starters include the return of
the gorgeous P4/5C, an Audi A8, and the Kissling Motorsport Opel Manta...
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OilyRagMan
Original Poster
3,793 posts
118 months
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is there any tv coverage for this?
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Greg 172
174 posts
70 months
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Is it just me, or is an Audi A8 racer even cooler than the old Volvo estate touring cars?
Yes I know, it's just me...
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Aused
272 posts
38 months
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Who has the link for a live stream of this race?
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CampDavid
7,713 posts
67 months
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I'm heading over.
9.4litres, 16 cylinders and 64 valves spread over 2 cars. Delux
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Parabola
1,229 posts
66 months
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Fantastic variety of brilliant machines.
Is there a galley of the 2012 cars anywhere?
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Truckosaurus
3,529 posts
153 months
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MMC Andy
475 posts
90 months
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Its being streamed live and free on German Sport1 channel.
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Munter
23,712 posts
110 months
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Aused said: Who has the link for a live stream of this race? I believe there is normally a link from the main site to a stream: http://www.24h-rennen.de/Overnight it did go to a single stationary camera though. RadioLeMans also had an online broadcast last year. edit: damn you truckosaurus and your quick typing 
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MarkAbarth500
26 posts
15 months
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Cheburator mk2
1,313 posts
68 months
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Greg 172 said: Is it just me, or is an Audi A8 racer even cooler than the old Volvo estate touring cars?
Yes I know, it's just me... It is not just you... The team used to run a MB 560SEC. Remember seeing a driver change in the 2006 race. As the new driver approached the car, he casually popped the boot open, slotted a new drawer in the CD Changer and then proceeded to strap himself in the seat. The 560SEC still had a working aircon...
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DiscoColin
2,228 posts
83 months
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Greg 172 said: Is it just me, or is an Audi A8 racer even cooler than the old Volvo estate touring cars?
Yes I know, it's just me... Not just you at all, though bear in mind that the A8 already has racing credentials as the factory entry into the DTM in the early 90s against the E30 M3 and Merc 190 Evos... http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_V8_quattro_DTM
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myhandle
320 posts
43 months
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DiscoColin said: That's the V8, the predecessor to the A8, not an A8.
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Mr_Dave
62 posts
59 months
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Cheburator mk2 said: It is not just you... The team used to run a MB 560SEC. Remember seeing a driver change in the 2006 race. As the new driver approached the car, he casually popped the boot open, slotted a new drawer in the CD Changer and then proceeded to strap himself in the seat. The 560SEC still had a working aircon... I saw that 560SEC run at the Britcar 24 a few years ago. The guys drove it over here from Germany,did the race and drove it back again after.....! Classic. I went to the Nurburgring 24 last year, its very very German and just brilliant. Just before the race you can wander round the pits and then get onto the grid as they all line up for a look see at all the motors. Busses run from the GP track to take you to various points around the ring, bars everywhere, ridiculous sound systems (1 trailer for the genny, 2 more trailers for the each set of speakers!) and epic drinking. It makes Le Mans seem very tame. Such a variety of cars, if its German and got 4 wheels then its racing at the ring! Loads of old Clio cup cars too trying to get in on the action with 911's, 458 rarris, anything from BMW and the like, superb. Looking forward to watching it this year on the net. Theres an app too to keep track of the cars - just search for Nurburgring in the app store and you'll find it. Dave
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MissChief
1,099 posts
37 months
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I notice Toyota have entered a couple of FT86's as well.
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nonegiven
12 posts
34 months
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Impressed that no. 206 managed to fix his car up so quickly..
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caraddict
754 posts
13 months
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Was there last year, also my first trip to the Ring. Never seen such a car park both on and off track, and literally hundreds of thousands of racing fans. So much rush everywhere and we spent a lot of time just trying to get to places, but it was so worth it.
Everybody should take a trip there during the races once in their lives if they are racing fans. Wish I could be there again, but as often, I like my racing on TV - much better overview of the race.
Man, sitting in the dark eating fries in the middle of the night as watching those race cars brake discs glow red... Best night of my life!
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Greg 172
174 posts
70 months
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Cheburator mk2 said: It is not just you... The team used to run a MB 560SEC. Remember seeing a driver change in the 2006 race. As the new driver approached the car, he casually popped the boot open, slotted a new drawer in the CD Changer and then proceeded to strap himself in the seat. The 560SEC still had a working aircon... Me likey
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ArnageWRC
591 posts
28 months
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Wish I was going - my favourite race of the whole year. Will be fantastic, will watch/listen on RadioLeMans and the Audi stream.
Seems the weather at the moment is 'interesting' - snow!!
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M@1975
445 posts
96 months
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Would love to go to a race at the Ring, maybe on my list for next year, another thing to add to the pre 40 list! 
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JulesB
506 posts
28 months
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