My Nurburgring trip report
Discussion
Unfortunately PH, no M3s or 911s, just me and a couple of mates in typical 'young lads cars' but I thought it may be worth a read to some of you.
I went to the nurburgring last week and as well as enjoying myself, intended to document the trip the best I could for the memories that I may not be able to experience again. Pics are a mixture of DSLR pics and iPhone 5 - when I could be bothered to use the camera I did lol.
I wasn't really meant to go along on this trip, I got invited and booked on last minute. Prior to going as many of you know I kitted the Integra up a little bit, but a few days before leaving I thought "to hell with it" and bought a brand new set of coilovers too
Anyway on to the trip.
Setting off from where I live (Pontefract, West Yorkshire) gave me around 570 miles each way to the 'ring. So my mates decided to book a ferry at 06:40am, leaving from Dover. Great idea guys. So this was us, setting off at 11pm Saturday night.
DSC_0001.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0003.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
a tank full of Vpower for all 3 cars, and we were off.
Now on the way down, thanks to my excellent idea of taking walkie talkies, I suggested that we should drive through the centre of London and take some pics! Something I've never done before, but always wanted to do.
First pitstop just outside of London, saw a sign for starbucks and being a little hipster I couldn't resist.
We arrived at London at around 3am, drove past Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square etc. Wanted to drive down 'the mal' but it was closed.
Now at this point all 3 cars were fairly clean, so here's the line up.
DSC_0031.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Firstly my 'teg. A car I bought to do this job, to take me to the ring. It's been the only purpose for the car for the past few months since having the BMW to run around in. It's around 190bhp and not much over a ton, which isn't too impressive, but the way these things feel through the corners would make a RS Clio owner jealous.
Anyway, you don't need telling about the Integra, so the other two cars.
DSC_0034.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0037.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Firstly is Dan's Seat Ibiza FR. Standard form these are 150bhp of mess, but Dan's spent a lot of money tuning and upgrading the chassis on his, so now it's 260bhp of slightly better mess Stupidly quick in a straight line, similar to my Ibiza Cupra I had last year, but doesn't give you all the confidence in the world when it meets a corner.
DSC_0040.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
The red FN2 surprised a lot of us on track. It's had a Fast Road Set Up by Grinspeed and although couldn't shake either, made it impressively difficulty to be overtaken by the Integra or the Ibiza once on the ring. I don't understand why these thins get so much hate, I'm guessing it's just people who have been poisoned by Jeremy Clarkson's controversial opinions.
Anyway, a couple more London pics. I really tried to get Big Ben in this one, if you squint, you can see him
DSC_0049.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
I really wanted to stay in London and take more pictures, but due to getting a bit lost on the way to finding 'Ben we had to dash, and we shot down the M25/M20 and headed for the Ferry port.
Just before we hit Dover, I decided to fill up with Vpower.
Pulling out of the petrol station, disaster struck. My Integra was knocking when setting off. The previous week leading up to the ring I fitted new anti roll bar drop links, coilovers, and had it tracked. So I thought it must surely be one of these things. Unfortunately I didn't have time to check as we were almost running late for the Ferry. In a bad mood, I decided to limp to the Ferry and wait until Calais to have a look at it.
On the Ferry:
Bye Dover!
So by this point I had been up around 24 hours and did plan to get some rest, but the stress of the Integra's new found noise was worrying me to say the least. As soon as we got off the boat, we pulled over at the next available point which happened to be a Citroen dealership. I guess the French don't work Sundays as the place was empty, so we made the most of the car park!
DSC_0052.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0053.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0040-2.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Now after trying many things, tightening many bolts, nothing was stopping the knock. Everything I had done in the previous week was fine, so why the car was knocking was a mystery. Then Dan had a brain wave. Engine mount! Of course it made sense, but I had only just replaced the engine mounts around 10,000 miles ago, and if one had failed, I would be screwed.
Luckily, and worryingly, a poke around the engine bay soon showed us the cause of the problem.
DSC_0057.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Lets just say that bolt should be about 3 inches to the left, and I was a very lucky boy that it was even still in there. A quick tighten of the nut after jacking the engine up slightly and all was sorted back on the road!
Which led to the next little mis hap, in the rush of packing up the tools to get back on the road I thought I had forgotten to tighten my wheel bolts. I had done them, I probably just went into autopilot, but I had to pull over and double check, which meant I lost my convoy. (Both of the guys I drove through with were called Dan BTW, including myself - in case there is any confusion lol)
I managed to get in touch with one of them on their mobiles as the walkie talkies disappointinly went out of range pretty quick. We agreed to head towards Dunquerke and I would find somewhere for us to meet. I found a McDonalds so pulled in.
DSC_0058.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0059.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0061.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
After about half an hour we were reunited. God only knows how it took them longer to get here than it did me, after all I was the one who stopped to check my wheel bolts.
DSC_0064.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Now we had lost quite a bit of time. Our initial ETA of 2pm was fading away so we just hit the hay and I didn't take any pics until we got there.
Now let me say the B+B we stayed at was great. If you're looking for great hospitality at the ring then I can't recommend this place further. It's run by a very kind German woman called Michaela Scheffner. The place is called "Gastehaus Fuchsrohre" and is literally on the 'rings doorstep. Such a lovely little village, Welcherath.
As we arrived, rain began to fall.
DSC_0067.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
... but I was starting to feel at home already after I spotted this
DSC_0069.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
The clock soon span around to 6pm (we arrived around 4pm) and I muttered to my mate about going and doing a lap now. Bugger it we thought, and we set off to the ring and I did my first lap
(which I thought I had a picture of but I can't find for now, but trust me, I'm a f**king hero. 32 hours without sleep and I did a lap of the ring, and it felt f**king awesome!!)
The next day we headed out to a view point. By this time we had met up with the other guys we were doing the trip with. Josh and Matt in an Astra GSi and Richard in his Astra VXR. Both cars were around the 300bhp mark, and being Vauxhall's did well to make it to the ring so I didn't abuse the Z20LET Lovers too much.
DSC_0078.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0082.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0083.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Nothing seemed to be happening really, but then, this happened.
[video=youtube;9PJQFSHvr0w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PJQFSHvr0w&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Yep, a P1 just flew by us like we weren't there. Followed by a helicopter. Apparently McLaren were filming a promo video.
We waited around about 15 minutes then we heard the chopper again, so I did my best to take a picture of the beast this time.
DSC_0086.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
To say I was happy at that moment in time wouldn't do the feeling justice. Petrolhead Nirvana this place most certainly is.
Now I'm just going to post a few random pics of thing we got up to over the 3 days I was there.
DSC_0092.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Ed's petrol station. Doesn't sell the super duper 102 RON that you so crave, but is regarded as the petrol station for the ring. Just hang around this place for a few moments and you'll see supercar after supercar after concept/test car pull in and fill up.
...or that's what I was told. Most of them were on track when we were here, so the fastest thing in the car park was probably Dan's Ibiza.
DSC_0097.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0098.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Now you may or may not (well you'd need good eyes) have noticed that my canards have been removed. I got told off after my first lap by a steward claiming I could decapitate a biker, so I pulled them off in the morning. I've made it clear I don't really like them, so I doubt they'll go back on. It's just a shame they were on the bumper when I bought it (I bought the bumper as a whole as it had the carbon intake, cosworth splitter and was in better condition than my previous)
Now onto German Supermarkets. They're a bit weird. You know how in Tescos we have a pop aisle? Well they don't. They have an isle for everything else but I guess the germans must just live off lager and council pop (tap water). The only drinks they sold in this shop, was Red Bull, and weird Red Bull. Ala....
Bad Sex Killer, Sexergy, and Rhinos piss...
I kept it simple with my choices
DSC_0101.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0103.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0109.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
I went out for another lap not long after that, but I was a few cars behind a biker coming off and seriously hurting himself, so we headed back to the hotel. The reality of the ring sets in after seeing someones body laid out on track.
I heard the guy survived but there are no vids of the crash on Youtube, yet. I'll keep checking and post one if I find one.
The view from my room at the B+B;
DSC_0206.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0207.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Attic conversion ftw.
After getting back we decided to go to Pistenklause, and had the best steak ever.
A new concept to me, this cooking your steak on a hot stone business, but the taste of the steak was unreal. If you go to the ring, you MUST go to Pistenklause.
http://www.am-tiergarten.de/en/restaurant_nuerburg...
I also picked up a sticker from the restaurant/hotel
The hotel is owned by Sabine Schmitz family.You know, Sabine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabine_Schmitz
A pretty cool place, loads of signatures on the wall from past and present racing drivers.
The next day we set off on a new adventure, to find the old circuit, and of course, to take some of it home (Which I kinda forgot to take a picture of but its in the boot of my Integra for bragging rights)
DSC_0208.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
20130819_163622.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Brimming with 102 Octane
For those who aren't aware the 'ring used to be a lot larger than it is now, but the track was made safer. I won't pretend to be an expert on this but you can read about it here on wikihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nürburgring
DSC_0112.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
A section of the old track is accessible by road, stewards and photographers use the tracks to get to certain parts of the track which is still in use. We used it to take some pics and then I couldn't resist making a video.
DSC_0114.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0115.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0116.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0124.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0132.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0137.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0140.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
I won't lie, I had become quite attached to the VXR lol.
DSC_0143.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
So here's the vid of me going up that section of road (I can't embed due to the forum limits)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTQhXB-ICDk
After this we headed off to the nurburg museum. If you go, there are 2 tickets, a 20 euro one to walk around the museum, or a 25 euro one to walk around the museum, go Go Karting, and go on a racing simulator against your mates. Get the 25 euro one as the karts are ace fun, as is the simulator. (I think it was GTR2, but the setup of RaceRoom is excellent)
Spotted a few nice cars in the car park.
DSC_0145.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0181.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Perhaps my version of nice car isn't the same as everyone else's lol
Race Room had a Countach for sale.
DSC_0147.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
I thought about it, but there's more I want to do with the 'teg yet.
Random shots from the museum.
DSC_0148.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0156.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0158.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0160.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0166.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0167.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0172.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
After the museum and Karting, it was back to the ring for another lap.
DSC_0182.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Bumped in to a few lads from ITR DC2 forum in the car park which was ace.
DSC_0203.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Then this rascal turned up again.
DSC_0195.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Michaela who runs the B+B we were staying at was out taking pictures, and she got a couple of the Integra. This was my second lap, so I asked Richard with the blue VXR to give me a helping hand with the corners.
TF19082013water-3735 by DanielJames., on Flickr
TF19082013water-3738 by DanielJames., on Flickr
Twas excellent. Can't remember what happened after that, I think we just chilled at the hotel. Or possibly we went to Pistenklause and I've got the dates wrong. Anythings possible in this crazy world.
Anyway the next day, back to watching the track. BMW M3/4 you say?
After some toasty breakfast
Saw this on the way to the track
DSC_0327.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Hey Cliosport!
This F30 tourer was f**king flying for a bus.
DSC_0234.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0236.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Golf GTi Mk7
DSC_0242.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0244.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Even Kia were at it
DSC_0264.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Mercedes,
DSC_0278.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
BMW had an E46 out with a roll cage in it? Was only SE spec too... or it appeared to be..
DSC_0304.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Hmmm no BMW M3/4 though today. Maybe tomorrow.
aaaaand on to my third lap (which most of you will have probably seen by now?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBcGu6twuWQ
Again, Michaela got a picture for me
TF20082013water-3957 by DanielJames., on Flickr
...in which my eyes appear to be closed lol.
Great fun though, I did buy 4 laps but the track got closed and I was heading home the next day. 3 was enough to get the experience and for me to leave wanting more though!
After a beautiful BBQ at the hotel (in which I demolished no less than 7 steaks) we went out to get some pictures.
DSC_0341.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0343.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0351.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0363.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0368.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
tbc..
I went to the nurburgring last week and as well as enjoying myself, intended to document the trip the best I could for the memories that I may not be able to experience again. Pics are a mixture of DSLR pics and iPhone 5 - when I could be bothered to use the camera I did lol.
I wasn't really meant to go along on this trip, I got invited and booked on last minute. Prior to going as many of you know I kitted the Integra up a little bit, but a few days before leaving I thought "to hell with it" and bought a brand new set of coilovers too
Anyway on to the trip.
Setting off from where I live (Pontefract, West Yorkshire) gave me around 570 miles each way to the 'ring. So my mates decided to book a ferry at 06:40am, leaving from Dover. Great idea guys. So this was us, setting off at 11pm Saturday night.
DSC_0001.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0003.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
a tank full of Vpower for all 3 cars, and we were off.
Now on the way down, thanks to my excellent idea of taking walkie talkies, I suggested that we should drive through the centre of London and take some pics! Something I've never done before, but always wanted to do.
First pitstop just outside of London, saw a sign for starbucks and being a little hipster I couldn't resist.
We arrived at London at around 3am, drove past Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square etc. Wanted to drive down 'the mal' but it was closed.
Now at this point all 3 cars were fairly clean, so here's the line up.
DSC_0031.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Firstly my 'teg. A car I bought to do this job, to take me to the ring. It's been the only purpose for the car for the past few months since having the BMW to run around in. It's around 190bhp and not much over a ton, which isn't too impressive, but the way these things feel through the corners would make a RS Clio owner jealous.
Anyway, you don't need telling about the Integra, so the other two cars.
DSC_0034.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0037.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Firstly is Dan's Seat Ibiza FR. Standard form these are 150bhp of mess, but Dan's spent a lot of money tuning and upgrading the chassis on his, so now it's 260bhp of slightly better mess
Stupidly quick in a straight line, similar to my Ibiza Cupra I had last year, but doesn't give you all the confidence in the world when it meets a corner.DSC_0040.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
The red FN2 surprised a lot of us on track. It's had a Fast Road Set Up by Grinspeed and although couldn't shake either, made it impressively difficulty to be overtaken by the Integra or the Ibiza once on the ring. I don't understand why these thins get so much hate, I'm guessing it's just people who have been poisoned by Jeremy Clarkson's controversial opinions.
Anyway, a couple more London pics. I really tried to get Big Ben in this one, if you squint, you can see him
DSC_0049.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
I really wanted to stay in London and take more pictures, but due to getting a bit lost on the way to finding 'Ben we had to dash, and we shot down the M25/M20 and headed for the Ferry port.
Just before we hit Dover, I decided to fill up with Vpower.
Pulling out of the petrol station, disaster struck. My Integra was knocking when setting off. The previous week leading up to the ring I fitted new anti roll bar drop links, coilovers, and had it tracked. So I thought it must surely be one of these things. Unfortunately I didn't have time to check as we were almost running late for the Ferry. In a bad mood, I decided to limp to the Ferry and wait until Calais to have a look at it.
On the Ferry:
Bye Dover!
So by this point I had been up around 24 hours and did plan to get some rest, but the stress of the Integra's new found noise was worrying me to say the least. As soon as we got off the boat, we pulled over at the next available point which happened to be a Citroen dealership. I guess the French don't work Sundays as the place was empty, so we made the most of the car park!
DSC_0052.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0053.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0040-2.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Now after trying many things, tightening many bolts, nothing was stopping the knock. Everything I had done in the previous week was fine, so why the car was knocking was a mystery. Then Dan had a brain wave. Engine mount! Of course it made sense, but I had only just replaced the engine mounts around 10,000 miles ago, and if one had failed, I would be screwed.
Luckily, and worryingly, a poke around the engine bay soon showed us the cause of the problem.
DSC_0057.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Lets just say that bolt should be about 3 inches to the left, and I was a very lucky boy that it was even still in there. A quick tighten of the nut after jacking the engine up slightly and all was sorted
back on the road!Which led to the next little mis hap, in the rush of packing up the tools to get back on the road I thought I had forgotten to tighten my wheel bolts. I had done them, I probably just went into autopilot, but I had to pull over and double check, which meant I lost my convoy. (Both of the guys I drove through with were called Dan BTW, including myself - in case there is any confusion lol)
I managed to get in touch with one of them on their mobiles as the walkie talkies disappointinly went out of range pretty quick. We agreed to head towards Dunquerke and I would find somewhere for us to meet. I found a McDonalds so pulled in.
DSC_0058.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0059.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0061.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
After about half an hour we were reunited. God only knows how it took them longer to get here than it did me, after all I was the one who stopped to check my wheel bolts.
DSC_0064.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Now we had lost quite a bit of time. Our initial ETA of 2pm was fading away so we just hit the hay and I didn't take any pics until we got there.
Now let me say the B+B we stayed at was great. If you're looking for great hospitality at the ring then I can't recommend this place further. It's run by a very kind German woman called Michaela Scheffner. The place is called "Gastehaus Fuchsrohre" and is literally on the 'rings doorstep. Such a lovely little village, Welcherath.
As we arrived, rain began to fall.
DSC_0067.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
... but I was starting to feel at home already after I spotted this
DSC_0069.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
The clock soon span around to 6pm (we arrived around 4pm) and I muttered to my mate about going and doing a lap now. Bugger it we thought, and we set off to the ring and I did my first lap
(which I thought I had a picture of but I can't find for now, but trust me, I'm a f**king hero. 32 hours without sleep and I did a lap of the ring, and it felt f**king awesome!!)
The next day we headed out to a view point. By this time we had met up with the other guys we were doing the trip with. Josh and Matt in an Astra GSi and Richard in his Astra VXR. Both cars were around the 300bhp mark, and being Vauxhall's did well to make it to the ring so I didn't abuse the Z20LET Lovers too much.
DSC_0078.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0082.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0083.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Nothing seemed to be happening really, but then, this happened.
[video=youtube;9PJQFSHvr0w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PJQFSHvr0w&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Yep, a P1 just flew by us like we weren't there. Followed by a helicopter. Apparently McLaren were filming a promo video.
We waited around about 15 minutes then we heard the chopper again, so I did my best to take a picture of the beast this time.
DSC_0086.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
To say I was happy at that moment in time wouldn't do the feeling justice. Petrolhead Nirvana this place most certainly is.
Now I'm just going to post a few random pics of thing we got up to over the 3 days I was there.
DSC_0092.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Ed's petrol station. Doesn't sell the super duper 102 RON that you so crave, but is regarded as the petrol station for the ring. Just hang around this place for a few moments and you'll see supercar after supercar after concept/test car pull in and fill up.
...or that's what I was told. Most of them were on track when we were here, so the fastest thing in the car park was probably Dan's Ibiza.
DSC_0097.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0098.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Now you may or may not (well you'd need good eyes) have noticed that my canards have been removed. I got told off after my first lap by a steward claiming I could decapitate a biker, so I pulled them off in the morning. I've made it clear I don't really like them, so I doubt they'll go back on. It's just a shame they were on the bumper when I bought it (I bought the bumper as a whole as it had the carbon intake, cosworth splitter and was in better condition than my previous)
Now onto German Supermarkets. They're a bit weird. You know how in Tescos we have a pop aisle? Well they don't. They have an isle for everything else but I guess the germans must just live off lager and council pop (tap water). The only drinks they sold in this shop, was Red Bull, and weird Red Bull. Ala....
Bad Sex Killer, Sexergy, and Rhinos piss...
I kept it simple with my choices
- *** INTEGRA PHOTO WHORING ALERT ******
DSC_0101.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0103.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0109.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
I went out for another lap not long after that, but I was a few cars behind a biker coming off and seriously hurting himself, so we headed back to the hotel. The reality of the ring sets in after seeing someones body laid out on track.
I heard the guy survived but there are no vids of the crash on Youtube, yet. I'll keep checking and post one if I find one.
The view from my room at the B+B;
DSC_0206.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0207.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Attic conversion ftw.
After getting back we decided to go to Pistenklause, and had the best steak ever.
A new concept to me, this cooking your steak on a hot stone business, but the taste of the steak was unreal. If you go to the ring, you MUST go to Pistenklause.
http://www.am-tiergarten.de/en/restaurant_nuerburg...
I also picked up a sticker from the restaurant/hotel
The hotel is owned by Sabine Schmitz family.You know, Sabine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabine_Schmitz
A pretty cool place, loads of signatures on the wall from past and present racing drivers.
The next day we set off on a new adventure, to find the old circuit, and of course, to take some of it home (Which I kinda forgot to take a picture of but its in the boot of my Integra for bragging rights)
DSC_0208.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr20130819_163622.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Brimming with 102 Octane
For those who aren't aware the 'ring used to be a lot larger than it is now, but the track was made safer. I won't pretend to be an expert on this but you can read about it here on wikihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nürburgring
DSC_0112.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
A section of the old track is accessible by road, stewards and photographers use the tracks to get to certain parts of the track which is still in use. We used it to take some pics and then I couldn't resist making a video.
DSC_0114.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0115.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0116.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0124.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0132.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0137.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0140.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
I won't lie, I had become quite attached to the VXR lol.
DSC_0143.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
So here's the vid of me going up that section of road (I can't embed due to the forum limits)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTQhXB-ICDk
After this we headed off to the nurburg museum. If you go, there are 2 tickets, a 20 euro one to walk around the museum, or a 25 euro one to walk around the museum, go Go Karting, and go on a racing simulator against your mates. Get the 25 euro one as the karts are ace fun, as is the simulator. (I think it was GTR2, but the setup of RaceRoom is excellent)
Spotted a few nice cars in the car park.
DSC_0145.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0181.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Perhaps my version of nice car isn't the same as everyone else's lol
Race Room had a Countach for sale.
DSC_0147.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
I thought about it, but there's more I want to do with the 'teg yet.
Random shots from the museum.
DSC_0148.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0156.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0158.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0160.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0166.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0167.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0172.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
After the museum and Karting, it was back to the ring for another lap.
DSC_0182.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Bumped in to a few lads from ITR DC2 forum in the car park which was ace.
DSC_0203.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Then this rascal turned up again.
DSC_0195.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Michaela who runs the B+B we were staying at was out taking pictures, and she got a couple of the Integra. This was my second lap, so I asked Richard with the blue VXR to give me a helping hand with the corners.
TF19082013water-3735 by DanielJames., on Flickr
TF19082013water-3738 by DanielJames., on Flickr
Twas excellent. Can't remember what happened after that, I think we just chilled at the hotel. Or possibly we went to Pistenklause and I've got the dates wrong. Anythings possible in this crazy world.
Anyway the next day, back to watching the track. BMW M3/4 you say?
After some toasty breakfast
Saw this on the way to the track
DSC_0327.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Hey Cliosport!
This F30 tourer was f**king flying for a bus.
DSC_0234.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0236.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Golf GTi Mk7
DSC_0242.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0244.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Even Kia were at it
DSC_0264.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Mercedes,
DSC_0278.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
BMW had an E46 out with a roll cage in it? Was only SE spec too... or it appeared to be..
DSC_0304.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Hmmm no BMW M3/4 though today. Maybe tomorrow.
aaaaand on to my third lap (which most of you will have probably seen by now?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBcGu6twuWQ
Again, Michaela got a picture for me
TF20082013water-3957 by DanielJames., on Flickr
...in which my eyes appear to be closed lol.
Great fun though, I did buy 4 laps but the track got closed and I was heading home the next day. 3 was enough to get the experience and for me to leave wanting more though!
After a beautiful BBQ at the hotel (in which I demolished no less than 7 steaks) we went out to get some pictures.
DSC_0341.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0343.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0351.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0363.jpg by DanielJames., on FlickrDSC_0368.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
tbc..
I wasn't overly happy with the pics I had took thus far, so me and Josh (Holtt) went out again at around midnight to get some more.
DSC_0402.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0404.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0405.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0412.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0416.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0427.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0433.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0435.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0443.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0451.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0453.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0455.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0458.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0459.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
The last day.
DSC_0462.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Waking up on the last day sucked balls. I knew I had a 14 hour trip on my hands, but it also was good knowing I had a few hours left in Germany. We went straight up to the track again after breakfast.
DSC_0463.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Wouldn't you know, in the middle of the night some rascal had written my forum username on the bloody track crash barrier!!!
The Kia was back out on track
DSC_0487.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
but then out of nowhere, this appeared!
DSC_0503.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
literally, it came out of nowhere, here's the video to prove.
[video=youtube;8lUxag4sck0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lUxag4sck0[/video]
I don't suppose he saw us and decided to go a bit wide onto that corner...
Then a few boring cars went past, no sign of the M3/4 yet
DSC_0508.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0511.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
More username shenanigans
DSC_0512.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Wahoy!! A wild M4 appears!!
It sounded like a beast...
[video=youtube;LDLj-w6m30w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDLj-w6m30w&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Also caught the M3 in testing too!
DSC_0525.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
After that, on the way back to the hotel for the last time we pulled in at the industrial estate just behind ED's petrol station where a few of the manufacturers are based.
DSC_0535.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0536.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0542.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
This bodyshop had a few interesting cars
DSC_0546.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0547.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0548.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0552.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0553.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Outside Continental:
DSC_0556.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
On the final stretch to the hotel I pulled over for some more 'selfies' and didn't invite the other cars cos I'm a b*****d
DSC_0566.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0569.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0573.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0575.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0579.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
and then we set off!
Some random Belgian service station pic to finish, why not.
DSC_0592.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
and in a McDonalds just outside of Calais.
Well that took longer to write up than I thought!
If anyones interested in cost I think the ring will cost between £6-700 depending where about in the UK you are. For me it was £300 in fuel, £140 3 nights in a B+B, £90 laps, and about another £150 on food and touristy stuff.
For the MPG geekz, the Integra managed an impressive 38-39mpg whilst on the road (sat at 80mph/120khh ish), and around 20mpg average for its time in Germany lol. The Autobahn and the ring aren't really places where miles per gallon is considered.
The Integra made it home mostly in one piece. All the engine mounts managed to stay attached at least. I did run out of petrol coming out of Dover though.
I think I got home at around 2am. Seriously gutted when I got back, but coming back from a holiday wishing you were still there is only a good thing really. I can't wait to go back!!
Hope you enjoyed reading my little report, and apologies if I've made you go over your bandwidth limit with my pics
Dan
DSC_0402.jpg by DanielJames., on FlickrDSC_0404.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0405.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0412.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0416.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0427.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0433.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0435.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0443.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0451.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0453.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0455.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0458.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0459.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
The last day.
DSC_0462.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Waking up on the last day sucked balls. I knew I had a 14 hour trip on my hands, but it also was good knowing I had a few hours left in Germany. We went straight up to the track again after breakfast.
DSC_0463.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Wouldn't you know, in the middle of the night some rascal had written my forum username on the bloody track crash barrier!!!
The Kia was back out on track
DSC_0487.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
but then out of nowhere, this appeared!
DSC_0503.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
literally, it came out of nowhere, here's the video to prove.
[video=youtube;8lUxag4sck0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lUxag4sck0[/video]
I don't suppose he saw us and decided to go a bit wide onto that corner...
Then a few boring cars went past, no sign of the M3/4 yet
DSC_0508.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0511.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
More username shenanigans
DSC_0512.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Wahoy!! A wild M4 appears!!
It sounded like a beast...
[video=youtube;LDLj-w6m30w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDLj-w6m30w&feature=youtu.be[/video]
Also caught the M3 in testing too!
DSC_0525.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
After that, on the way back to the hotel for the last time we pulled in at the industrial estate just behind ED's petrol station where a few of the manufacturers are based.
DSC_0535.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0536.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0542.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
This bodyshop had a few interesting cars
DSC_0546.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0547.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0548.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0552.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0553.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
Outside Continental:
DSC_0556.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
On the final stretch to the hotel I pulled over for some more 'selfies' and didn't invite the other cars cos I'm a b*****d
DSC_0566.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0569.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0573.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0575.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
DSC_0579.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
and then we set off!
Some random Belgian service station pic to finish, why not.
DSC_0592.jpg by DanielJames., on Flickr
and in a McDonalds just outside of Calais.
Well that took longer to write up than I thought!
If anyones interested in cost I think the ring will cost between £6-700 depending where about in the UK you are. For me it was £300 in fuel, £140 3 nights in a B+B, £90 laps, and about another £150 on food and touristy stuff.
For the MPG geekz, the Integra managed an impressive 38-39mpg whilst on the road (sat at 80mph/120khh ish), and around 20mpg average for its time in Germany lol. The Autobahn and the ring aren't really places where miles per gallon is considered.
The Integra made it home mostly in one piece. All the engine mounts managed to stay attached at least. I did run out of petrol coming out of Dover though.
I think I got home at around 2am. Seriously gutted when I got back, but coming back from a holiday wishing you were still there is only a good thing really. I can't wait to go back!!
Hope you enjoyed reading my little report, and apologies if I've made you go over your bandwidth limit with my pics
Dan
Nice pics and write up, how's Rabbid getting on with the Astra
We were out there on the 16th August, few mates met up with a Frenchman and his daughter in the Ring car park, he had an E36 M3 that looked like a stock 316i (with badges to match) and a few mates got a lap with him, think 8m 06 was his fastest time! looked awesome and I can't wait to go back, it's almost like a ritual that we have to do it every year.
We were out there on the 16th August, few mates met up with a Frenchman and his daughter in the Ring car park, he had an E36 M3 that looked like a stock 316i (with badges to match) and a few mates got a lap with him, think 8m 06 was his fastest time! looked awesome and I can't wait to go back, it's almost like a ritual that we have to do it every year.
Alex said:
Wonderful place, isn't it? I went many times in my DC2; it was an awesome car on the circuit. Could just do with a bit more power...
I'm off again in October, plus a trackday at Spa.
Its excellent yes, I loved every second of being on track!I'm off again in October, plus a trackday at Spa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBcGu6twuWQ
A trackday at Spa on the way? Sounds like excellent fun.
SirSamuelBuca said:
great post mate.
Thanks buddy glad you liked it!BMRuss said:
Nice pics and write up, how's Rabbid getting on with the Astra
We were out there on the 16th August, few mates met up with a Frenchman and his daughter in the Ring car park, he had an E36 M3 that looked like a stock 316i (with badges to match) and a few mates got a lap with him, think 8m 06 was his fastest time! looked awesome and I can't wait to go back, it's almost like a ritual that we have to do it every year.
Haha oh you know Richard do you, I liked the VXR, went out for a couple of laps in it with him. He's off back in October to use the rest of his laps up We were out there on the 16th August, few mates met up with a Frenchman and his daughter in the Ring car park, he had an E36 M3 that looked like a stock 316i (with badges to match) and a few mates got a lap with him, think 8m 06 was his fastest time! looked awesome and I can't wait to go back, it's almost like a ritual that we have to do it every year.
Rabbid had an E36? No way, didn't know he was that cool
I can't wait to go back next year, I did initially say I'd go back in October but I'm feeling a UK trackday instead.
ImDesigner said:
Nice read, nice 'teg, far, far too much HDR.
I do love a good knock with the editing stickThe problem was on some of the pictures I had way too many reflections, probably should have used some kind of filter to remove them.
I am far from a photographer. I had just got my Macbook and installed lightroom, so had to have a play
y2blade said:
What a fantastic post, thanks for sharing with us Daniel.
Great pics btw.
Ahhhh excellent feedback from a PH veteran, exactly what I wanted. Great pics btw.
I wasn't sure if I was going to post the report on here due to the mods on the Integra, and the flaming I thought I was in for!
'jdm y0 h8ers gonna h8'
DanielJames said:
ImDesigner said:
Nice read, nice 'teg, far, far too much HDR.
I do love a good knock with the editing stickThe problem was on some of the pictures I had way too many reflections, probably should have used some kind of filter to remove them.
I am far from a photographer. I had just got my Macbook and installed lightroom, so had to have a play
Great post!...brings back lots of memories and I am looking forward to going back. You just need the right attitude, some driving skill and a bit of common sense to have a wonderful time at the Ring - much more important than the kind of car or any of that nonsense. Sounds like you got it right.
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