Nurburgring beginner....
Discussion
Hi all,
As the above suggests, I’m just about to embark on my first trip over to the Nordschleife, in fact this will be my first ‘track day’ ever, albeit it’s a TF day and not an actual track day, but you catch my drift. I'm not going in anything special, driving over in my A6 Avant, so not the sportiest of motors!
I wondered if I could ask a couple of newbie questions which you may or may not be able to assist with.
Firstly, I’m travelling this weekend, the weather looks decidedly iffy. It may be that I will be driving some, or all, of the laps on a wet/damp track. I’ve heard that the track is notoriously slippery when wet, and it’s best to keep away from the racing lines when wet…..but I wondered if there were a few specific danger areas to keep a close eye on – I’ve heard a few times that Hocheichen is treacherous, but I think the slower corners I could cope with, I just want to do my best to avoid losing it on a faster section, such as Flugplatz and the following sections leading to Arenberg and Adenauer Forst etc and the fast section before the Carrousel….anyway, any advice/experience you could impart would be really gratefully received!
Also, I’ve done my fair share of YouTube viewing the last week or so, and it seems that almost everyone films their laps onboard in some way or another. I equally read that this is banned – so what’s the score, are these people covertly filming from on board? I was just planning to maybe have the camera running on my smartphone with it in a holder on the dash rather than anything elaborate – but again your advice would be welcome!
We’re staying in an Airbnb place in Quiddelbach, which I know is a little way away from Nurburg itself where presumably the majority of people eat/drink…a) is there anything to do and anywhere to socialise in Quiddelbach that anyone knows of, or b) what’s the situation with grabbing a taxi to and from Nurburg, or any kind of public transport really.
Anyway, think that’s about it for now – anyone else travelling over this weekend? Will keep an eye out for the Englanders!
Andy
As the above suggests, I’m just about to embark on my first trip over to the Nordschleife, in fact this will be my first ‘track day’ ever, albeit it’s a TF day and not an actual track day, but you catch my drift. I'm not going in anything special, driving over in my A6 Avant, so not the sportiest of motors!
I wondered if I could ask a couple of newbie questions which you may or may not be able to assist with.
Firstly, I’m travelling this weekend, the weather looks decidedly iffy. It may be that I will be driving some, or all, of the laps on a wet/damp track. I’ve heard that the track is notoriously slippery when wet, and it’s best to keep away from the racing lines when wet…..but I wondered if there were a few specific danger areas to keep a close eye on – I’ve heard a few times that Hocheichen is treacherous, but I think the slower corners I could cope with, I just want to do my best to avoid losing it on a faster section, such as Flugplatz and the following sections leading to Arenberg and Adenauer Forst etc and the fast section before the Carrousel….anyway, any advice/experience you could impart would be really gratefully received!
Also, I’ve done my fair share of YouTube viewing the last week or so, and it seems that almost everyone films their laps onboard in some way or another. I equally read that this is banned – so what’s the score, are these people covertly filming from on board? I was just planning to maybe have the camera running on my smartphone with it in a holder on the dash rather than anything elaborate – but again your advice would be welcome!
We’re staying in an Airbnb place in Quiddelbach, which I know is a little way away from Nurburg itself where presumably the majority of people eat/drink…a) is there anything to do and anywhere to socialise in Quiddelbach that anyone knows of, or b) what’s the situation with grabbing a taxi to and from Nurburg, or any kind of public transport really.
Anyway, think that’s about it for now – anyone else travelling over this weekend? Will keep an eye out for the Englanders!
Andy
You might want to look at Dale's website called Bridge to Gantry which as I recall has a useful vid on wet driving. It is indeed tricky in the wet so make sure your tires are good and properly inflated. It has very little runoff area and in the wet any contact with the grass will often end in tears. If you do not have a lot of track experience take it very easy and watch mirrors as there are big speed disparities. I love the place but my very first trip ended up in the Armco due to my own error. Be safe and have fun.
To eat i still think that the Pistenklause in Nürburg is an amazing place.
To eat i still think that the Pistenklause in Nürburg is an amazing place.
I was there last week and did a full morning of wet laps. It's OK if you feel your way round. What car are you in? Any format of stability and traction control is useful to help keep it out of the barriers.
Having said that I've also done it in the wet in a 550bhp rwd Skyline with a plated diff and a whopping great turbo without drama. Just take it steady.
Having said that I've also done it in the wet in a 550bhp rwd Skyline with a plated diff and a whopping great turbo without drama. Just take it steady.
ahiorns said:
Hi all,
As the above suggests, I’m just about to embark on my first trip over to the Nordschleife, in fact this will be my first ‘track day’ ever, albeit it’s a TF day and not an actual track day, but you catch my drift. I'm not going in anything special, driving over in my A6 Avant, so not the sportiest of motors!
I wondered if I could ask a couple of newbie questions which you may or may not be able to assist with.
Firstly, I’m travelling this weekend, the weather looks decidedly iffy. It may be that I will be driving some, or all, of the laps on a wet/damp track. I’ve heard that the track is notoriously slippery when wet, and it’s best to keep away from the racing lines when wet…..but I wondered if there were a few specific danger areas to keep a close eye on – I’ve heard a few times that Hocheichen is treacherous, but I think the slower corners I could cope with, I just want to do my best to avoid losing it on a faster section, such as Flugplatz and the following sections leading to Arenberg and Adenauer Forst etc and the fast section before the Carrousel….anyway, any advice/experience you could impart would be really gratefully received!
Also, I’ve done my fair share of YouTube viewing the last week or so, and it seems that almost everyone films their laps onboard in some way or another. I equally read that this is banned – so what’s the score, are these people covertly filming from on board? I was just planning to maybe have the camera running on my smartphone with it in a holder on the dash rather than anything elaborate – but again your advice would be welcome!
We’re staying in an Airbnb place in Quiddelbach, which I know is a little way away from Nurburg itself where presumably the majority of people eat/drink…a) is there anything to do and anywhere to socialise in Quiddelbach that anyone knows of, or b) what’s the situation with grabbing a taxi to and from Nurburg, or any kind of public transport really.
Anyway, think that’s about it for now – anyone else travelling over this weekend? Will keep an eye out for the Englanders!
Andy
If it's your first time, be careful, whether it's wet or dry. Keep an eye on your mirrors and let people pass you on the left. You really should be so wary in the wet that you shouldn't crash, you don't know the corners or what the track is like in the wet so drive accordingly, don't brake too late into corners and don't accelerate too soon out of them. As the above suggests, I’m just about to embark on my first trip over to the Nordschleife, in fact this will be my first ‘track day’ ever, albeit it’s a TF day and not an actual track day, but you catch my drift. I'm not going in anything special, driving over in my A6 Avant, so not the sportiest of motors!
I wondered if I could ask a couple of newbie questions which you may or may not be able to assist with.
Firstly, I’m travelling this weekend, the weather looks decidedly iffy. It may be that I will be driving some, or all, of the laps on a wet/damp track. I’ve heard that the track is notoriously slippery when wet, and it’s best to keep away from the racing lines when wet…..but I wondered if there were a few specific danger areas to keep a close eye on – I’ve heard a few times that Hocheichen is treacherous, but I think the slower corners I could cope with, I just want to do my best to avoid losing it on a faster section, such as Flugplatz and the following sections leading to Arenberg and Adenauer Forst etc and the fast section before the Carrousel….anyway, any advice/experience you could impart would be really gratefully received!
Also, I’ve done my fair share of YouTube viewing the last week or so, and it seems that almost everyone films their laps onboard in some way or another. I equally read that this is banned – so what’s the score, are these people covertly filming from on board? I was just planning to maybe have the camera running on my smartphone with it in a holder on the dash rather than anything elaborate – but again your advice would be welcome!
We’re staying in an Airbnb place in Quiddelbach, which I know is a little way away from Nurburg itself where presumably the majority of people eat/drink…a) is there anything to do and anywhere to socialise in Quiddelbach that anyone knows of, or b) what’s the situation with grabbing a taxi to and from Nurburg, or any kind of public transport really.
Anyway, think that’s about it for now – anyone else travelling over this weekend? Will keep an eye out for the Englanders!
Andy
Just enjoy the experience, if at the end of a lap you have made a mess of your pants then you are trying to go too fast. Avoid the kerbs as has already been said.
Quiddelbach is a one horse town, no shops, no restaurants, no pubs. The pavements are rolled up at around 10pm.
Go to Nürburg for meals and beer if you want to do the traditional Brit thing, or go to Adenau which has a bit more in terms of pubs and restaurants, and a bit more 'life'.
Saturday is a VLN race so that will be good for you to watch during the day. Maybe go to a few different points to give you a feel for the track?
The main thing to do is have fun and treat the track and the rules with respect, you won't win any prizes for breaking 10 minutes and it can be very expensive if you try and it all goes 'Titten Hoch'.
Hi all,
Thanks for the advice!!
Will certainly take a trek into Nurburg on Sat night, check out the Pistenklause if we can get a table.
I take on board what you say, but I think if it's raining then I won't shy away from giving it a go....I'll certainly feel my way around, watched a number of vids, including Dales, to get an idea of certainly what not to do.
I've got an A6 3.2 quattro, so hoping the 4wd will help me out if it is peeing down!!
Thanks for the advice!!
Will certainly take a trek into Nurburg on Sat night, check out the Pistenklause if we can get a table.
I take on board what you say, but I think if it's raining then I won't shy away from giving it a go....I'll certainly feel my way around, watched a number of vids, including Dales, to get an idea of certainly what not to do.
I've got an A6 3.2 quattro, so hoping the 4wd will help me out if it is peeing down!!
Can echo above.
I did my first laps lat year, and it actually helped to get a sighting lap with someone who's done a couple of laps prior to going out first time, worth asking around the pits if someone's willing to give you a ride along.
As for driving in the rain, definitely take it steady, and stay off 'the racing line' in the corners as the rubber that's on the inside tends to make it slick as ice. Kallenhard is notoriously bad in the wet even at slow speeds.
Would also suggest having a friend along, have them setup with a second rear view mirror so they can warn you for traffic coming on the first couple of laps, it saved my skin a few times.
I did my first laps lat year, and it actually helped to get a sighting lap with someone who's done a couple of laps prior to going out first time, worth asking around the pits if someone's willing to give you a ride along.
As for driving in the rain, definitely take it steady, and stay off 'the racing line' in the corners as the rubber that's on the inside tends to make it slick as ice. Kallenhard is notoriously bad in the wet even at slow speeds.
Would also suggest having a friend along, have them setup with a second rear view mirror so they can warn you for traffic coming on the first couple of laps, it saved my skin a few times.
wet? I did it in the snow.
Its fine, just dont be an idiot. Drive within your limates and dont try to set any speed records. This goes for in the dry too.
Fun fact - i am one of about 10 people to drive the Nurburgring backwards, because in the high parts of the track the snow got too much and cars were sliding back down the hill towards me as i was going at my best race pace going up it. Didnt bin it, didnt explode in a ball of flames and because of the low temperatures. Managed a 12min something lap in the snow. Great fun.
Apart from everyone spinning out / crashing in front of me. Umm, wonder if i can find the pictures some whare and start a thread on it. might be fun.
Its fine, just dont be an idiot. Drive within your limates and dont try to set any speed records. This goes for in the dry too.
Fun fact - i am one of about 10 people to drive the Nurburgring backwards, because in the high parts of the track the snow got too much and cars were sliding back down the hill towards me as i was going at my best race pace going up it. Didnt bin it, didnt explode in a ball of flames and because of the low temperatures. Managed a 12min something lap in the snow. Great fun.
Apart from everyone spinning out / crashing in front of me. Umm, wonder if i can find the pictures some whare and start a thread on it. might be fun.
ahiorns said:
Hi all,
Thanks for the advice!!
Will certainly take a trek into Nurburg on Sat night, check out the Pistenklause if we can get a table.
I take on board what you say, but I think if it's raining then I won't shy away from giving it a go....I'll certainly feel my way around, watched a number of vids, including Dales, to get an idea of certainly what not to do.
I've got an A6 3.2 quattro, so hoping the 4wd will help me out if it is peeing down!!
Ahh you have Quattro Thanks for the advice!!
Will certainly take a trek into Nurburg on Sat night, check out the Pistenklause if we can get a table.
I take on board what you say, but I think if it's raining then I won't shy away from giving it a go....I'll certainly feel my way around, watched a number of vids, including Dales, to get an idea of certainly what not to do.
I've got an A6 3.2 quattro, so hoping the 4wd will help me out if it is peeing down!!
rain is when your car will feel most at home, my fav ever laps in my rs4 were done in the rain. for once you have an advantage over the RWD Beemers and FWD hot hatches haha. there is a nice Chinese restaurant in Adenau, def recommended if you fancy a bit of that sort of food. Pistenklause as you already mentioned as well needs to be done if you can get a table.ahiorns said:
Hi all,
Thanks for the advice!!
Will certainly take a trek into Nurburg on Sat night, check out the Pistenklause if we can get a table.
I take on board what you say, but I think if it's raining then I won't shy away from giving it a go....I'll certainly feel my way around, watched a number of vids, including Dales, to get an idea of certainly what not to do.
I've got an A6 3.2 quattro, so hoping the 4wd will help me out if it is peeing down!!
The 4wd will help with stability and acceleration, but only while the throttle's open. It won't help you stop any better. I think the best tip I'd give anyone is if you can't keep an eye on your mirrors, slow down until you can Thanks for the advice!!
Will certainly take a trek into Nurburg on Sat night, check out the Pistenklause if we can get a table.
I take on board what you say, but I think if it's raining then I won't shy away from giving it a go....I'll certainly feel my way around, watched a number of vids, including Dales, to get an idea of certainly what not to do.
I've got an A6 3.2 quattro, so hoping the 4wd will help me out if it is peeing down!!
ahiorns said:
I’ve done my fair share of YouTube viewing the last week or so, and it seems that almost everyone films their laps onboard in some way or another. I equally read that this is banned – so what’s the score, are these people covertly filming from on board? I was just planning to maybe have the camera running on my smartphone with it in a holder on the dash rather than anything elaborate – but again your advice would be welcome!
As a noob going for my first time in early Sept, I was planning on taking my GoPro so I'm interested if this ban is in place or enforced?There was a camera ban in place a while ago but it is no longer enforced. You just have to have the device properly secured so that it can't fly around in the event of an accident.
Oh and don't gaffa tape it to the front of your bonnet where it could possibly take a bikers eye out just before you plough into him at 150mph, that's frowned upon.
Oh and don't gaffa tape it to the front of your bonnet where it could possibly take a bikers eye out just before you plough into him at 150mph, that's frowned upon.
Adenauer said:
If it's your first time, be careful, whether it's wet or dry. Keep an eye on your mirrors and let people pass you on the left. You really should be so wary in the wet that you shouldn't crash, you don't know the corners or what the track is like in the wet so drive accordingly, don't brake too late into corners and don't accelerate too soon out of them.
Just enjoy the experience, if at the end of a lap you have made a mess of your pants then you are trying to go too fast. Avoid the kerbs as has already been said.
Quiddelbach is a one horse town, no shops, no restaurants, no pubs. The pavements are rolled up at around 10pm.
Go to Nürburg for meals and beer if you want to do the traditional Brit thing, or go to Adenau which has a bit more in terms of pubs and restaurants, and a bit more 'life'.
Saturday is a VLN race so that will be good for you to watch during the day. Maybe go to a few different points to give you a feel for the track?
The main thing to do is have fun and treat the track and the rules with respect, you won't win any prizes for breaking 10 minutes and it can be very expensive if you try and it all goes 'Titten Hoch'.
Thanks mate, appreciate the words of wisdom!Just enjoy the experience, if at the end of a lap you have made a mess of your pants then you are trying to go too fast. Avoid the kerbs as has already been said.
Quiddelbach is a one horse town, no shops, no restaurants, no pubs. The pavements are rolled up at around 10pm.
Go to Nürburg for meals and beer if you want to do the traditional Brit thing, or go to Adenau which has a bit more in terms of pubs and restaurants, and a bit more 'life'.
Saturday is a VLN race so that will be good for you to watch during the day. Maybe go to a few different points to give you a feel for the track?
The main thing to do is have fun and treat the track and the rules with respect, you won't win any prizes for breaking 10 minutes and it can be very expensive if you try and it all goes 'Titten Hoch'.
Had a feeling Quiddlebach will be a bit like that - fancied Pistenklaus, but I imagine it to be busy and overpriced so maybe will check Adenau out if it's a bit more 'German' and lively.
Thanks again!!
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