Nürburgring in December?

[SlowStig]

Just wondering about people's thoughts in regards to doing this? I am heading over to Germany the first weekend in December and staying about 30 mins from the Nürburgring with the intention to pop over and hopefully spend the day there including one or two laps.

Does anyone have experience of doing this, how likely is it for the weather to close the track? I am guessing that they close it if there is any chance of increasing accidents due to the weather conditions(snow/ice/heavy rain) but I have no experience of going over there and would like an idea of what to expect.

[SlowStig]

thegreenhell said:

Lokos like there is a backup plan if snow closes the track

We are not specifically going for the ring so if its closed Im sure there is other things to do in the area after a snowman has been made!

[SlowStig]

Oh excellent, any other useful tips for the area? I will be posting up next month asking for any hints and tips for things to see/visit whilst over there.

[SlowStig]

Cheers for the input so far guys! Have slightly changed plans so rather than going for just the one day, I am doing a full weekend over there so hopefully sat or sun will be clear enough to go round.

I am not aiming for lap records, I have only done track days as a passenger so will be taking it easy just to try and enjoy the whole experience rather than focusing on driving my arse off.

Would anyone recommend wearing a helmet round? I know its a sore point for UK insurance, but does anyone know of a company that might cover me?

[SlowStig]

We already have a chalet about an hour away for the entire weekend so accomodation should be ok, I just want to go as prepared as I can with as many eventualities covered. Would rather be over prepared and nothing happen than go over and it all go pete tong.

[SlowStig]

thegreenhell said:

'Von O bis O' (from October to Easter) is just their rule of thumb for winter tyres, but as said if you are involved in an accident, or even just causing an obstruction, because you're on the wrong tyres for the conditions then you will be in trouble with the law.

This is an interesting point, I was wondering about winter tyres and the law over there as quite a few mates have been over without them and had no problems but I have read about them being compulsory.

If anyone speaks fluent German and is able to translate the official line(I'm guessing the above isn't far off it) regarding tyres and tread depths etc it would be appreciated!

[SlowStig]

Tyres now ordered and should be with me in the next couple of days, figured that £300 now and having tyres to use all winter was better than £300 worth of fine for getting stuck and nothing to show for it.

Is there a good place to keep an eye on the weather at the ring, other than the webcams? I leave in 4 weeks so want to keep an eye on conditions.

[SlowStig]

We are staying somewhere near Kröv as its close enough to the ring but far enough away to be cheap as well. I will probably be wanting to explore the local area around the ring as I hear the roads around there are fantastic, even if the ring is closed.

[SlowStig]

We will probably only have Saturday afternoon and the whole of sunday to explore so I am going to get a list of places and see which the others want to see. I am hoping the roads are quiet, first time driving on the continent (have driven stateside) so being able to have a bit of practice on quiet roads will be much appreciated!

[SlowStig]

I have been reading this website: http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/ I was wondering how much a lap with tuition is approximately?

[SlowStig]

Thanks for that guys! Only two weeks to go and so much left to do before we leave, I keep trying to find different websites and guides to read to have the best idea of what to expect.

[SlowStig]

terenceb said:

DONT get yourself too worked up as a relaxed frame of mind is far better.We have had people come here totally wound up who have booked several laps but been so tense they could not do more than one lap.So, think of it as a drive in the country where you know nothing will be coming the other way, hopefully.lol

Haha, thanks for the words of encouragement Terence! I hopefully will be too much in awe of the place and trying to keep out of everyone's way to get tensed up too much, but any hints and tips people can offer I am taking onboard so I can be as safe for not just myself but the other, much faster drivers.

SpeedyDave said:

SlowStig, I'll probably be there, you're welcome to jump in if you'd like to get some sighting laps before you drive.
Blue E36 Compact on Dutch plates.
Dave

Hi Dave, That would be ace if possible. Are you there both days or just the one? I will be in a Red JCW Clubman hopefully.

[SlowStig]

SpeedyDave said:

Interactive Spectating. Its funny the stuff you see when you bimble slowly around.

I am up for this, I am betting there is some questionable driving to see as well