24 hour Nürburgring trip on impulse
Discussion
After a few beers and a rather boring week of dealing with some sort of minor existential crisis, I decided I need to stop talking about the Nürburgring and actually go there.
On pure impulse I've booked a cheap eurotunnel return which departs Folkstone at early hours on a Tuesday morning, and leaves Calais at around 23:00 the same day. Also booked a coupe of TF laps of the ring for the Tuesday evening before heading back.
Slightly panicked in the morning, I told my dad, who's decided to come with and share driving. Anyone got any decent advice for someone who's never been before? I'm experienced in trackdays, and I've watched plenty of YouTube vids, but always nice to get a first hand talk. My plan was just to treat my time on track as a brisk drive, certainly not aiming to set any records, more just a tick in the box for my life goals.
We're due to arrive at the ring at around 05:00, and planned to get a few hours sleep in a tent (or the car if desperate). Once awake, we were planning to walk the premier of the Nordschleife, if that's even possible. The track is open from 17:00 to 19:00, what goes on for the rest of the day?
Car is an old Peugeot 406 Coupe 3.0 V6, with track mods, ie: cage, buckets, stripped, bloody loud exhaust etc.
Any advice (criticism) welcome
thanks in advance.
On pure impulse I've booked a cheap eurotunnel return which departs Folkstone at early hours on a Tuesday morning, and leaves Calais at around 23:00 the same day. Also booked a coupe of TF laps of the ring for the Tuesday evening before heading back.
Slightly panicked in the morning, I told my dad, who's decided to come with and share driving. Anyone got any decent advice for someone who's never been before? I'm experienced in trackdays, and I've watched plenty of YouTube vids, but always nice to get a first hand talk. My plan was just to treat my time on track as a brisk drive, certainly not aiming to set any records, more just a tick in the box for my life goals.
We're due to arrive at the ring at around 05:00, and planned to get a few hours sleep in a tent (or the car if desperate). Once awake, we were planning to walk the premier of the Nordschleife, if that's even possible. The track is open from 17:00 to 19:00, what goes on for the rest of the day?
Car is an old Peugeot 406 Coupe 3.0 V6, with track mods, ie: cage, buckets, stripped, bloody loud exhaust etc.
Any advice (criticism) welcome
thanks in advance.I’ve been to the ring many times, around this time last year we did a 1 dayer - left at 5am and back in the door 1am.
It was absolutely exhausting and not something I plan on doing again!
How long is your journey once you’re back on UK soil? I’d seriously consider getting some rest in a cheap Holiday Inn before heading home from the Chunnel.
ETA it was great fun though!!
It was absolutely exhausting and not something I plan on doing again!
How long is your journey once you’re back on UK soil? I’d seriously consider getting some rest in a cheap Holiday Inn before heading home from the Chunnel.
ETA it was great fun though!!
Not sure what "walk the premier " means.
There's lots of places you can see the track from but as you know it's 13 miles long so walking much of it isn't really on.
I know where to watch for Bergwerk and Brunnchen but it's not easy to describe but if you go into Adenau you can walk up beside Breidscheid bridge for a peak at the track.
As for what goes on during the day,a lot of the time manufacturers book a whole day for developing their latest hot car.
There's lots of places you can see the track from but as you know it's 13 miles long so walking much of it isn't really on.
I know where to watch for Bergwerk and Brunnchen but it's not easy to describe but if you go into Adenau you can walk up beside Breidscheid bridge for a peak at the track.
As for what goes on during the day,a lot of the time manufacturers book a whole day for developing their latest hot car.
Mr MXT said:
I’ve been to the ring many times, around this time last year we did a 1 dayer - left at 5am and back in the door 1am.
It was absolutely exhausting and not something I plan on doing again!
How long is your journey once you’re back on UK soil? I’d seriously consider getting some rest in a cheap Holiday Inn before heading home from the Chunnel.
ETA it was great fun though!!
I live near Bath, so around 3 hours to Folkstone. I dont mind if it takes a while, the 24 hours was more along the lines of UK to ring to UK within 24 Hours. Glad you enjoyed yourself It was absolutely exhausting and not something I plan on doing again!
How long is your journey once you’re back on UK soil? I’d seriously consider getting some rest in a cheap Holiday Inn before heading home from the Chunnel.
ETA it was great fun though!!
Pericoloso said:
Not sure what "walk the premier " means.
There's lots of places you can see the track from but as you know it's 13 miles long so walking much of it isn't really on.
I know where to watch for Bergwerk and Brunnchen but it's not easy to describe but if you go into Adenau you can walk up beside Breidscheid bridge for a peak at the track.
As for what goes on during the day,a lot of the time manufacturers book a whole day for developing their latest hot car.
I'm spoiled by my local track Castle Combe where you can walk the outside of the track on a concrete path and still be only 20m from the track action. It's a rare thing on UK circuits, and the ring too I take it? Dont mind a bit of adventuring if needed, or is walking the outside of the track a no no? There's lots of places you can see the track from but as you know it's 13 miles long so walking much of it isn't really on.
I know where to watch for Bergwerk and Brunnchen but it's not easy to describe but if you go into Adenau you can walk up beside Breidscheid bridge for a peak at the track.
As for what goes on during the day,a lot of the time manufacturers book a whole day for developing their latest hot car.
And thanks, always wondered what they did most days. Plan was to either walk about, or chill out and watch the track action for a few hours.
Spare tyre said:
My advice would be take another day or two
I’ve been numerous times and it’s a good place to sit and chill watching the world go by
Same advice I've been given by others. Unfortunately I've already booked, but for the sake of £40 I could always skip the 23:00 tunnel back and get a later one? I’ve been numerous times and it’s a good place to sit and chill watching the world go by
I was there last monday and found some new places to explore but walking beside the track is difficult to impossible in parts partly because there is no path at all or the woods make walking beside the track near impossible.
If you go to Adenau as I mentioned above ,take the road up a hill by the Aldi supermarket and stop after 1\4 mile where there's a small area to park on.
Walk into the field where there's a small lake and go through a tunnel under the track and go explore round there.
Bergwerk corner is just up the road too.
If you go to Adenau as I mentioned above ,take the road up a hill by the Aldi supermarket and stop after 1\4 mile where there's a small area to park on.
Walk into the field where there's a small lake and go through a tunnel under the track and go explore round there.
Bergwerk corner is just up the road too.
Check your insurance. Most UK insurers specifically exclude the 'ring now (either by name or description), which effectively means you'll drive it uninsured.
Check the weather.
- In the dry it's fantastic (still treat it like a 1-way B-road, as there isn't really any run-off), although the locals/regulars can be a nightmare if busy - they will be a LOT quicker than you.
- in the wet it can be rather daunting, regardless of other traffic. Still do it, but do it carefully.
Don't assume you know your way around unless you've done thousands of laps on e.g. GranTurismo, and even then leave something in reserve as it's quite a bit bumpier than the pixels would suggest.
As above, try to get some proper rest before driving around it...you will want to be fully-focused...
Check the weather.
- In the dry it's fantastic (still treat it like a 1-way B-road, as there isn't really any run-off), although the locals/regulars can be a nightmare if busy - they will be a LOT quicker than you.
- in the wet it can be rather daunting, regardless of other traffic. Still do it, but do it carefully.
Don't assume you know your way around unless you've done thousands of laps on e.g. GranTurismo, and even then leave something in reserve as it's quite a bit bumpier than the pixels would suggest.
As above, try to get some proper rest before driving around it...you will want to be fully-focused...
Pericoloso said:
I was there last monday and found some new places to explore but walking beside the track is difficult to impossible in parts partly because there is no path at all or the woods make walking beside the track near impossible.
If you go to Adenau as I mentioned above ,take the road up a hill by the Aldi supermarket and stop after 1\4 mile where there's a small area to park on.
Walk into the field where there's a small lake and go through a tunnel under the track and go explore round there.
Bergwerk corner is just up the road too.
Excellent advice, well even if I cant walk all the way around, at least it's nice to know me and the old man can have a bit of a wander. If you go to Adenau as I mentioned above ,take the road up a hill by the Aldi supermarket and stop after 1\4 mile where there's a small area to park on.
Walk into the field where there's a small lake and go through a tunnel under the track and go explore round there.
Bergwerk corner is just up the road too.
Matt Cup said:
I’ve got nothing to add for the trip info.
But do you have any pics/vids of the Pug?
Got some pictures and video from a trackday on Thursday 11th July. I'll get them uploaded soon But do you have any pics/vids of the Pug?
its lost a fair bit of weight over standard. And currently has an odd paint job.
Jaybmw said:
I fear your rushing what can be quite a complicated trip. I usually like 3 or 4 days which include sightseeing, watching tf and resting. Have you a contingency for problems? Hopefully none but even a blowout on track will require recovery at quite a few euros
Oh I'm absolutely rushing it. I'm planning to go on a full trackday later this year, but a lot of my friends wont commit to the unknown. If I go, and show them its not an impossibly arduous journey, they'll be more likely to come. As for contingency... well, let's just hope for the best!Ryan_T said:
Drive it like a wet B road you’ve never driven on before.
My plan exactly 
havoc said:
Check your insurance. Most UK insurers specifically exclude the 'ring now (either by name or description), which effectively means you'll drive it uninsured.
Check the weather.
- In the dry it's fantastic (still treat it like a 1-way B-road, as there isn't really any run-off), although the locals/regulars can be a nightmare if busy - they will be a LOT quicker than you.
- in the wet it can be rather daunting, regardless of other traffic. Still do it, but do it carefully.
Don't assume you know your way around unless you've done thousands of laps on e.g. GranTurismo, and even then leave something in reserve as it's quite a bit bumpier than the pixels would suggest.
As above, try to get some proper rest before driving around it...you will want to be fully-focused...
Good advice, thank you. I may try to get insurance as I know I'm not covered by my uk policy. I cant stress enough that it's more just a tick in the box to drive it this time round, so definitely not a reckless or pushing drive. Still, doesn't mean I can't mess it up, i agree. I dont know the track particularly well, apart from a bit of Forza, but I will definitely get some rest in, very wise. Check the weather.
- In the dry it's fantastic (still treat it like a 1-way B-road, as there isn't really any run-off), although the locals/regulars can be a nightmare if busy - they will be a LOT quicker than you.
- in the wet it can be rather daunting, regardless of other traffic. Still do it, but do it carefully.
Don't assume you know your way around unless you've done thousands of laps on e.g. GranTurismo, and even then leave something in reserve as it's quite a bit bumpier than the pixels would suggest.
As above, try to get some proper rest before driving around it...you will want to be fully-focused...
Pebbles167 said:
I cant stress enough that it's more just a tick in the box to drive it this time round, so definitely not a reckless or pushing drive.
Went round with Mrs H in the NSX on the way back from a holiday in Italy with a similar mindset. Just one lap, no records aimed for...but about 4 or 5 cars after me they closed the circuit for an accident <1/4 of the way around...so after ex-Muhle I didn't see another person until the final straight!
Things work out well, occasionally...
Pebbles,
What's a 'bloody loud exhaust'? They are be very strict on noise levels and it's a bloody long way to come to be told you're not driving.
Are your bonnet pins Aerocatches? Can't really see them but unless they're flush you'll need to tape over them or you won't be allowed on.
Walking around the perimeter of the track is possible by walking around the mountain bike route, it'll take you 5 - 6 hours and afterwards you'll be knackered and your Dad will probably be dead.
HTH
What's a 'bloody loud exhaust'? They are be very strict on noise levels and it's a bloody long way to come to be told you're not driving.
Are your bonnet pins Aerocatches? Can't really see them but unless they're flush you'll need to tape over them or you won't be allowed on.
Walking around the perimeter of the track is possible by walking around the mountain bike route, it'll take you 5 - 6 hours and afterwards you'll be knackered and your Dad will probably be dead.
HTH
havoc said:
Went round with Mrs H in the NSX on the way back from a holiday in Italy with a similar mindset. Just one lap, no records aimed for...but about 4 or 5 cars after me they closed the circuit for an accident <1/4 of the way around...so after ex-Muhle I didn't see another person until the final straight!
Things work out well, occasionally...
Adenauer said:
Pebbles,
What's a 'bloody loud exhaust'? They are be very strict on noise levels and it's a bloody long way to come to be told you're not driving.
Are your bonnet pins Aerocatches? Can't really see them but unless they're flush you'll need to tape over them or you won't be allowed on.
Walking around the perimeter of the track is possible by walking around the mountain bike route, it'll take you 5 - 6 hours and afterwards you'll be knackered and your Dad will probably be dead.
HTH
Bloody loud in the car, a rather modest 88db outside. I've left the centre box in to keep the noise to a sensible level. My local track is Combe, who are notoriously harsh sound testers, so we should be good!What's a 'bloody loud exhaust'? They are be very strict on noise levels and it's a bloody long way to come to be told you're not driving.
Are your bonnet pins Aerocatches? Can't really see them but unless they're flush you'll need to tape over them or you won't be allowed on.
Walking around the perimeter of the track is possible by walking around the mountain bike route, it'll take you 5 - 6 hours and afterwards you'll be knackered and your Dad will probably be dead.
HTH
Ta for the tip on the bonnet. No they are not aero catches, just the cheap bonnet pins. I had no idea they'd have an issue with this. They have lockwire on them if that makes any difference? When you say tape them, literally just apply tape over the top?
As for the perimeter walk, I'll pass that info on to my dad!
I'm no stranger to long walks, but if it's too arduous, I may have to cut it short. 95db limit on track so you should be okay
Yes, actually tape over the bonnt pins to cover them completely so they are smooth, I used to be a Marshal on the ring and know that it's still a problem. As mad as it may sound they're reasoning is so it can't cut a bikers leg open after he's bounced off your bonnet
The walk is quite hard. As Peniscola has already said, there are loads of places to watch around the track where you can park up and go and have a gander.
Briedscheid, Brünnchen, and Pflanzgarten are probably the most popular that you can easily drive to and park up
Yes, actually tape over the bonnt pins to cover them completely so they are smooth, I used to be a Marshal on the ring and know that it's still a problem. As mad as it may sound they're reasoning is so it can't cut a bikers leg open after he's bounced off your bonnet
The walk is quite hard. As Peniscola has already said, there are loads of places to watch around the track where you can park up and go and have a gander.
Briedscheid, Brünnchen, and Pflanzgarten are probably the most popular that you can easily drive to and park up
VTECMatt said:
I used to frequent the ring quite regularly when I lived in Kent, I did one trip where I left at 11pm one day and returned on the 11pm train the following day, was epic but was absolutely knackered, think I did 10 laps that day too
Pericoloso said:
My trip last Monday was similar,door to door 28 hours,no laps driven,just watching Ferraris circulating.
Glad to hear this can be done. Seems like I'm not a complete nutcase doing it. I'm just worried that at some point driving the ring will either be massively priced, strictly governed by speed limits, or disallowed completely. I'd never forgive myself if i didnt drive it at least once.Adenauer said:
Pericoloso said:
Adenauer said:
As Peniscola has already
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