Nurburgring - Mon 23 Aug
Discussion
First visit to the Nurburgring next Monday in my 996 TT and getting excited/nervous now. I'm going on the trip organised by Circuit Days:
http://www.circuit-days.co.uk/nurburgring.asp#col2
My general approach is to view it as a fast country road where I know nothing will be coming in the opposite direction rather than with a track mentality.
That said, I have made some contingency/mitigation/insurance arrangements in case of the worst:
- Track Day insurance arranged with Moris (~£300)
- Green Flag Euro cover (yes I know that this deffo won't recover me from track and prob not from Nurburg locality, but need it for all other parts)
- [url=http://www.lizardlogistics.com/page2.htm]Lizard[/url] emailed for quote for UK recovery*
- €185 in pocket for track recovery
That's the negative stuff over, now the positive:
- about 50 laps done on PS3 (NFSS)
- Autosport circuit guide read in other hand
- many YouTube videos watched (good & bad)
- Car just serviced and driving nicely
- I decided to keep the Asimmetricos on for this rather than replace with the PS2s that I have been planning
- Box packed with Mobil 1, hi-viz vests, toolkit, triangle, bulbs etc etc
I still have no real track memory that I can drive to, but have been able to identify a few corners that catch me out on the PS3 so that I'm a little more cautious on the day (that right in Adenauer Forst after the rising left seemed to catch every time)
Anything bleeding obvious I've missed?
FG
http://www.circuit-days.co.uk/nurburgring.asp#col2
My general approach is to view it as a fast country road where I know nothing will be coming in the opposite direction rather than with a track mentality.
That said, I have made some contingency/mitigation/insurance arrangements in case of the worst:
- Track Day insurance arranged with Moris (~£300)
- Green Flag Euro cover (yes I know that this deffo won't recover me from track and prob not from Nurburg locality, but need it for all other parts)
- [url=http://www.lizardlogistics.com/page2.htm]Lizard[/url] emailed for quote for UK recovery*
- €185 in pocket for track recovery
- can anyone comment/recommend on this?
That's the negative stuff over, now the positive:
- about 50 laps done on PS3 (NFSS)
- Autosport circuit guide read in other hand
- many YouTube videos watched (good & bad)
- Car just serviced and driving nicely
- I decided to keep the Asimmetricos on for this rather than replace with the PS2s that I have been planning
- Box packed with Mobil 1, hi-viz vests, toolkit, triangle, bulbs etc etc
I still have no real track memory that I can drive to, but have been able to identify a few corners that catch me out on the PS3 so that I'm a little more cautious on the day (that right in Adenauer Forst after the rising left seemed to catch every time)
Anything bleeding obvious I've missed?
FG
Footpump and tyre pressure gauge?
I learned the track many years ago on the Playstation, but this was to get a general feel of the direction of the track and to get in my head what corners come next and their relative sharpness. Though, (as you will have spotted from the YouTube videos) I combined this with videos on the internet and track guides to spot the difference of corners between the game and real life. Some of the corners are quite different to the game.
Don't go chasing times, though do time yourself (people who say you shouldn't have no way to know if they are improving) just don't look at the times while on the track, just note them and review afterwards. You are never going to know if a different line through Bergwerk or short shifting into Eiskurve made the difference to the lap time as the circuit is so long.
I still drive the track as a fast B-Road and at 9/10ths, unlike any other track due to the lack of run-off... enjoy though, one of the best experiences and I hope it is sunny for you.
I learned the track many years ago on the Playstation, but this was to get a general feel of the direction of the track and to get in my head what corners come next and their relative sharpness. Though, (as you will have spotted from the YouTube videos) I combined this with videos on the internet and track guides to spot the difference of corners between the game and real life. Some of the corners are quite different to the game.
Don't go chasing times, though do time yourself (people who say you shouldn't have no way to know if they are improving) just don't look at the times while on the track, just note them and review afterwards. You are never going to know if a different line through Bergwerk or short shifting into Eiskurve made the difference to the lap time as the circuit is so long.
I still drive the track as a fast B-Road and at 9/10ths, unlike any other track due to the lack of run-off... enjoy though, one of the best experiences and I hope it is sunny for you.
recovery is 90 euros on that one,
get out with someone else to show you the ropes and use the sighting laps first thing to get an idea.
unless you got big kahoonas and a big wallett to match i would'nt be pushing it hard if its your firt time.
I'm on that one, its a destiantion nubrurgring day.
get out with someone else to show you the ropes and use the sighting laps first thing to get an idea.
unless you got big kahoonas and a big wallett to match i would'nt be pushing it hard if its your firt time.
I'm on that one, its a destiantion nubrurgring day.
The Playstation doesn't really help at all - especially on a first trip - but having watched video should a little. Being on a track day is a huge advantage in terms of the traffic that you will not suffer compared to public sessions, so just travel at your own pace and keep your eyes on the mirrors. Ignore times. Do not think about chasing anyone who overtakes you. Get used to the notion that there is every chance that someone in a Fiat 500 will be lapping faster than your Porsche. Other than that, just watch your tyre pressures and have fun.
[I am there too - if it is even nearly as good as the last one then it will be an epic day out].
[I am there too - if it is even nearly as good as the last one then it will be an epic day out].
Learning on the playstation is good for a general idea of the track but it will not give you a real appreciation of the gradients involved so be prepared for that - I did not even recognise some of the corners in real life, such as Brunchen (which is a scream). Exclusive day is definitely the way to go as the trafffic on public days can be very dangerous and has a lot of closures. I think Colin Hoad from CAT driver training is there so look him up if you want some instruction on the day (he was trained at the Ring). Scary track but you will love it - just stay away from the barriers as they charge you for bending those - cost a friend of mine Eur 1,500 for some nice new shiny armco.
Thanks guys - I shall definitely be trying to think with the big head on this one and not chasing that Fiat 500 
Look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning at the hotel for briefing.
FG
PS when I look like a t
t with "all the gear and no idea" dressed in a nomex suit, helmet, worn Sparco boots and gloves then cut me a little slack, it's because ...
...nah, bugrit, if I look a tt then I can expect no mercy
Look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning at the hotel for briefing.
FG
PS when I look like a t
t with "all the gear and no idea" dressed in a nomex suit, helmet, worn Sparco boots and gloves then cut me a little slack, it's because ......nah, bugrit, if I look a t
t then I can expect no mercy Foie Gras said:
PS when I look like a tt with "all the gear and no idea" dressed in a nomex suit, helmet, worn Sparco boots and gloves then cut me a little slack, it's because ...
...nah, bugrit, if I look a tt then I can expect no mercy
'Ooh look, it's the Stig' t with "all the gear and no idea" dressed in a nomex suit, helmet, worn Sparco boots and gloves then cut me a little slack, it's because ......nah, bugrit, if I look a t
t then I can expect no mercy Seriously though, FG, take it steady, keep your eyes on your mirrors and move to the right to let faster cars through (even if it's an old banger)
.Despite what Pete said earlier, please, DO NOT TIME YOURSELF, this is your first visit, chasing times will only have one ending. It also says in the Itenerary for the day (which you should have received), 'Strictly no timing'.
Just have fun and stay safe, then you'll want to return for more
Edited by Adenauer on Tuesday 17th August 09:18
Sounds like your you are fully prepared and done your home work fella, drive withing your limits and have fun.
LizardsLogistics are a good bunch as have used those guys myself.
One other thing, take cash (500 euros for weekend? as there card machines can sometimes be temperamental esp at the Ticket office.
LizardsLogistics are a good bunch as have used those guys myself.
One other thing, take cash (500 euros for weekend? as there card machines can sometimes be temperamental esp at the Ticket office.
Colin Hoad of CAT will be there and some very lucky people get to go out with him.
Something very important to remember is that overtaking is only on the straights & on the left and by CONSENT.
Remember to check your wheel nuts are tight.
Something very important to remember is that overtaking is only on the straights & on the left and by CONSENT.
Remember to check your wheel nuts are tight.
Edited by Mrs Muttleysnoop on Tuesday 17th August 11:29
"Completely Prepared" may be an exaggeration
Quote came in from Lizard last night as £895 worst case cost for recovery back to the UK, but depends on whether they have anything else they can do at the same time.
I did some 'handling' tests last night to test grip to see if they have changed any since my track day at Snetterton. Since then I have had the car set up on the geo rig and a few other things done. The car is a bit more balanced, but took a surprising amount of time to come to a full stop from 120mph (on a flat runway). ABS was fluttering away, so this tells me something about the grip on my tyres - I'm not planning to be driving much above 70-80%, but should I become 'surprised' and need to stop suddenly it's good to have it in my head what the car will and won't do.
A power on turn through a 90 degree corner had the PSM flashing happily, but the car showed a lot less understeer than previously. That felt nice.
I want to focus on enjoying the drive and not be too paranoid about those behind me, but I fully accept the need to provide a clearway for them to pass at the earliest opportunity, so I think a visit to Halfords to buy a stick on mirror for P2 may be a good idea
I fly aeros and I'm approaching this in much the same way, start with W-I-D-E safety margins and then work out where they can be safely trimmed. So look out for the first 20 min lap in a 911 Turbo
FG
Quote came in from Lizard last night as £895 worst case cost for recovery back to the UK, but depends on whether they have anything else they can do at the same time.
I did some 'handling' tests last night to test grip to see if they have changed any since my track day at Snetterton. Since then I have had the car set up on the geo rig and a few other things done. The car is a bit more balanced, but took a surprising amount of time to come to a full stop from 120mph (on a flat runway). ABS was fluttering away, so this tells me something about the grip on my tyres - I'm not planning to be driving much above 70-80%, but should I become 'surprised' and need to stop suddenly it's good to have it in my head what the car will and won't do.
A power on turn through a 90 degree corner had the PSM flashing happily, but the car showed a lot less understeer than previously. That felt nice.
I want to focus on enjoying the drive and not be too paranoid about those behind me, but I fully accept the need to provide a clearway for them to pass at the earliest opportunity, so I think a visit to Halfords to buy a stick on mirror for P2 may be a good idea
I fly aeros and I'm approaching this in much the same way, start with W-I-D-E safety margins and then work out where they can be safely trimmed. So look out for the first 20 min lap in a 911 Turbo
FG
Edited by Foie Gras on Tuesday 17th August 11:59
Despite Karl's banzai turn in as early as you dare and ride the understeer to within a rizla of the armco approach (), the single piece of advice I'd give to someone who had not driven the circuit before, would be to turn into each corner as late as possible. This is especially important if you can't see the exit at the point when you would normally turn in. There are a few decreasing radius corners and a handful of double apexes. Get someone to remind you where Adenau Forst occurs on the lap, otherwise you run a real risk of going off (luckily, one of the few places with little to hit in the direct line of fire!)
Do a couple of sighting laps at 50% pace (or less) to give you an idea of the track surface/grip levels and also to get used to the gradients and any bends which you feel would scare you at higher speeds. Be careful when you get to the point of "I know this series of bends" as that series of bends may in actual fact be in 10 bends time!
Being smooth is also key to a good lap at the Ring, but just enjoy the experience (& the bitburger, etc)....
), the single piece of advice I'd give to someone who had not driven the circuit before, would be to turn into each corner as late as possible. This is especially important if you can't see the exit at the point when you would normally turn in. There are a few decreasing radius corners and a handful of double apexes. Get someone to remind you where Adenau Forst occurs on the lap, otherwise you run a real risk of going off (luckily, one of the few places with little to hit in the direct line of fire!)Do a couple of sighting laps at 50% pace (or less) to give you an idea of the track surface/grip levels and also to get used to the gradients and any bends which you feel would scare you at higher speeds. Be careful when you get to the point of "I know this series of bends" as that series of bends may in actual fact be in 10 bends time!
Being smooth is also key to a good lap at the Ring, but just enjoy the experience (& the bitburger, etc)....
I am there as well. I'm done few hundred laps now and if you like will sit in with you and give you some early pointers if you like? It's a very daunting place at first.
But you are approaching it with right attitude I think by leaving the track mentality at home and treating it as a one way fast country road
Personally I would actually want something a little slower to learn the track with...
A full trackday is alot harder on the car than a public TF day (alot more fun as well!!!!)
I was there last weekend in my 996turbo... But I had more fun driving a little Clio cup I hired from RSR nurburg.
Whatever happens though you are guaranteed a good day! I went to last destination nurburg trackday few months back. Was awesome! Easily best day I have ever had at the ring and I have been over 25 times now
It's soooo nice not having any bikers to deal with on track and the standard of driving was soooooooo much better than on a public day.
See you there
But you are approaching it with right attitude I think by leaving the track mentality at home and treating it as a one way fast country road
Personally I would actually want something a little slower to learn the track with...
A full trackday is alot harder on the car than a public TF day (alot more fun as well!!!!)
I was there last weekend in my 996turbo... But I had more fun driving a little Clio cup I hired from RSR nurburg.
Whatever happens though you are guaranteed a good day! I went to last destination nurburg trackday few months back. Was awesome! Easily best day I have ever had at the ring and I have been over 25 times now
It's soooo nice not having any bikers to deal with on track and the standard of driving was soooooooo much better than on a public day.
See you there
Edited by Porkie on Tuesday 17th August 22:08
Think your aproach is right but the playstation thing will never teach you the bumps and elavations,just drive with caution and you'll be ok,also you can't get enough passenger laps with experienced people it really helped me when i first started going nearly 10 years ago.
I'll be there on all weeken and at dn on monday in my yellow 996gt2 clubsport,come and say hello.
I'll be there on all weeken and at dn on monday in my yellow 996gt2 clubsport,come and say hello.
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