Nurburgring 2017
Discussion
Will the Easter rush have subsided by Tuesday? Leaving Leeds at 01:30 on Monday, heading down to Dover for a Ferry to Dunkirk and spending the night in Reims (pitstop in Lille for lunch).
Aiming to get to the hotel in Quiddelbach for Tuesday lunchtime. GP track is open so will go on that first before attempting our first ever laps of the Nordschleife.
Aiming to get to the hotel in Quiddelbach for Tuesday lunchtime. GP track is open so will go on that first before attempting our first ever laps of the Nordschleife.
For those of you interested, here's my best lap from the Circuit Days trackday last Tuesday. Unfortunately lost around 6 or so seconds to traffic, so didn't get a chance to challenge the Sport Auto 8min 6sec time, but I suspect it could go a little quicker than that.
2016 Focus RS - 8min 12sec Full Lap
2016 Focus RS - 8min 12sec Full Lap
Wow
That's the only way I can describe my first experience at the Nordschleife. What a track!
Did 2 mid week Touristenfahrten evening sessions, managed 3 laps each day as I wanted to leave enough time for the car to cool down between laps. Sadly we didn't get on the GP track. We made it to the car park but my mates Elise refused to start and then it started hammering it down with snow/hailstones out of nowhere.
I can't get over how ridiculous the track is. The sheer mix of corners, inclines and straights. My Evo is way more capable than me, it took me a while to have confidence in taking corners at triple figures. Grip levels were superb with the freshly bedded in AD08R tyres.
It was odd being overtaken by locals in much lower powered cars, clearly they know the track like the back of their hands.
I'll definitely be back, probably on the same midweek Touristenfahrten style arrangement. The trip this time was part of a week long EuroHoon, next time I'll take the Hull to Zebrugge ferry option instead.
Need to look into driver tuition so I can get more from the Evo. Upgraded engine cooling options also need to be explored.
That's the only way I can describe my first experience at the Nordschleife. What a track!
Did 2 mid week Touristenfahrten evening sessions, managed 3 laps each day as I wanted to leave enough time for the car to cool down between laps. Sadly we didn't get on the GP track. We made it to the car park but my mates Elise refused to start and then it started hammering it down with snow/hailstones out of nowhere.
I can't get over how ridiculous the track is. The sheer mix of corners, inclines and straights. My Evo is way more capable than me, it took me a while to have confidence in taking corners at triple figures. Grip levels were superb with the freshly bedded in AD08R tyres.
It was odd being overtaken by locals in much lower powered cars, clearly they know the track like the back of their hands.
I'll definitely be back, probably on the same midweek Touristenfahrten style arrangement. The trip this time was part of a week long EuroHoon, next time I'll take the Hull to Zebrugge ferry option instead.
Need to look into driver tuition so I can get more from the Evo. Upgraded engine cooling options also need to be explored.
giblet said:
Wow
That's the only way I can describe my first experience at the Nordschleife. What a track!
Good, innit? That's the only way I can describe my first experience at the Nordschleife. What a track!
giblet said:
I can't get over how ridiculous the track is. The sheer mix of corners, inclines and straights. My Evo is way more capable than me, it took me a while to have confidence in taking corners at triple figures. Grip levels were superb with the freshly bedded in AD08R tyres.
It was odd being overtaken by locals in much lower powered cars, clearly they know the track like the back of their hands.
This is one of the reasons why I love driving the 996 turbo there; I happily accept I am not a driving god and that people with more skills, knowledge and balls can and will lap far, far quicker in much less potent machinery. I'm more than happy to pull over, let them past and maybe even learn a thing or two whilst they remain in sight.It was odd being overtaken by locals in much lower powered cars, clearly they know the track like the back of their hands.
However, the sheer grunt of the turbo does at least mean the regular surveillance of mirrors shows cars closing on a slightly less frequent basis. I can keep well ahead of guys who corner better and faster - without holding them up in the twisty bits, of course - for a bit longer. So I get a bit more track space and a little less stress.
Digga said:
This is one of the reasons why I love driving the 996 turbo there; I happily accept I am not a driving god and that people with more skills, knowledge and balls can and will lap far, far quicker in much less potent machinery. I'm more than happy to pull over, let them past and maybe even learn a thing or two whilst they remain in sight.
However, the sheer grunt of the turbo does at least mean the regular surveillance of mirrors shows cars closing on a slightly less frequent basis. I can keep well ahead of guys who corner better and faster - without holding them up in the twisty bits, of course - for a bit longer. So I get a bit more track space and a little less stress.
My track experience is somewhat limited. A few visits to Three Sisters in Wigan, one with the generic Lambo supercar experience and another in my Galant VR4. Other trip was a taster session at Silverstone in my ISF. The Nordschleife is on a whole different level.However, the sheer grunt of the turbo does at least mean the regular surveillance of mirrors shows cars closing on a slightly less frequent basis. I can keep well ahead of guys who corner better and faster - without holding them up in the twisty bits, of course - for a bit longer. So I get a bit more track space and a little less stress.
I adopted a similar approach as you and it worked well. We did a sighting lap as a convoy on the first evening to get an idea of the track which helped. I had Harry's Lap Timer running to film the laps rather than just for timing and reviewed the footage at the end of each evening back at the apartment. My first solo lap was 10:29, last lap I did was my best at 09:23. Plenty more time to be shaved off but I need some tuition first.
Will hopefully be back soon, addicted to it.
I'm tempted to take the Lotus 3-Eleven to the Destination Nurburgring event 1-3 May, if the weather is good. The only thing stopping me is the concern that it might not be able to drive down and up the large concrete ramps that lead down to and up from the Eurotunnel train. Has any PH'er had to drive a particularly low car with a long splitter on and off the Eurotunnel? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
giblet said:
Wow
That's the only way I can describe my first experience at the Nordschleife. What a track!
Sadly we didn't get on the GP track.
next time I'll take the Hull to Zebrugge ferry option instead.
It`s an amazing place isn`t it ! Probably why so many of us keep going back whenever we can.That's the only way I can describe my first experience at the Nordschleife. What a track!
Sadly we didn't get on the GP track.
next time I'll take the Hull to Zebrugge ferry option instead.
I really wouldn`t worry about missing out on the GP track. It`s OK but nothing special when you have the Nordschleife next door
We always go Hull > Rotterdam now, it`s far more convenient. Not cheap though.
I`m just about ready for DN17, just waiting for some new tyres to arrive Tuesday then i`ll get those fitted and put it on the trailer
baronbennyt said:
I'm tempted to take the Lotus 3-Eleven to the Destination Nurburgring event 1-3 May, if the weather is good. The only thing stopping me is the concern that it might not be able to drive down and up the large concrete ramps that lead down to and up from the Eurotunnel train. Has any PH'er had to drive a particularly low car with a long splitter on and off the Eurotunnel? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Have you thought about getting it transported out with a logistics company ? I`ve seen Lizard takes cars out / back just for Trackdays. You could cover all bases and get the 3-11 transported out and drive the Mclaren.
Wh00sher said:
Have you thought about getting it transported out with a logistics company ? I`ve seen Lizard takes cars out / back just for Trackdays.
You could cover all bases and get the 3-11 transported out and drive the Mclaren.
That's a very good suggestion Nigel, thank you. I'll definitely consider it for a two day at the Ring, like DN's August event. Do Lizard have a good reputation?You could cover all bases and get the 3-11 transported out and drive the Mclaren.
baronbennyt said:
That's a very good suggestion Nigel, thank you. I'll definitely consider it for a two day at the Ring, like DN's August event. Do Lizard have a good reputation?
Just thought it might not be something you`d considered that`s all 
Are you looking at the BilsterBerg DN Day the day after too ? I`ve already emailed Darren to reserve my place for when booking opens
Yeah, I`ve known Alex for years he`s been collecting broken cars and taking ones there and back for ages and has a good rep. Plenty PH drivers have used him over the years. He`s iguana on here
Wh00sher said:
Just thought it might not be something you`d considered that`s all
Are you looking at the BilsterBerg DN Day the day after too ? I`ve already emailed Darren to reserve my place for when booking opens
Yeah, I`ve known Alex for years he`s been collecting broken cars and taking ones there and back for ages and has a good rep. Plenty PH drivers have used him over the years. He`s iguana on here
Coolio, thanks. I've put his details in my phone but never hope to contact him!!Are you looking at the BilsterBerg DN Day the day after too ? I`ve already emailed Darren to reserve my place for when booking opens
Yeah, I`ve known Alex for years he`s been collecting broken cars and taking ones there and back for ages and has a good rep. Plenty PH drivers have used him over the years. He`s iguana on here
I'm not doing BilsterBerg, regrettably, because I've got to get back to work. I'm also in the dog house with the missus after booking x3 Nurburgring trips this year, one of which falls on our anniversary which I forgot about. Oooops, that's going to cost me!!
baronbennyt said:
Do Lizard have a good reputation?
Hello, I'm a tad biased given its my company, but been going well over a decade & many happy customers along the way.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=13...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=14...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=87...
Edited by iguana on Saturday 22 April 20:27
iguana said:
Hello, I'm a tad biased given its my company, but been going well over a decade & many happy customers along the way.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=13...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=14...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=87...
Thanks Alex, I've got all your details on me now. Great to know your service is there and so well recommended https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=13...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=14...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=87...
Edited by iguana on Saturday 22 April 20:27
giblet said:
My track experience is somewhat limited. A few visits to Three Sisters in Wigan, one with the generic Lambo supercar experience and another in my Galant VR4. Other trip was a taster session at Silverstone in my ISF. The Nordschleife is on a whole different level.
I adopted a similar approach as you and it worked well. We did a sighting lap as a convoy on the first evening to get an idea of the track which helped. I had Harry's Lap Timer running to film the laps rather than just for timing and reviewed the footage at the end of each evening back at the apartment. My first solo lap was 10:29, last lap I did was my best at 09:23. Plenty more time to be shaved off but I need some tuition first.
Will hopefully be back soon, addicted to it.
I have been over 3 times now and rented the Suzuki Swifts, if you want to learn the track I would highly recommend them, im doing sub 9mins in it now, I think I have done maybe 35 laps over the 3 trips. I adopted a similar approach as you and it worked well. We did a sighting lap as a convoy on the first evening to get an idea of the track which helped. I had Harry's Lap Timer running to film the laps rather than just for timing and reviewed the footage at the end of each evening back at the apartment. My first solo lap was 10:29, last lap I did was my best at 09:23. Plenty more time to be shaved off but I need some tuition first.
Will hopefully be back soon, addicted to it.
Mgd_uk said:
I have been over 3 times now and rented the Suzuki Swifts, if you want to learn the track I would highly recommend them, im doing sub 9mins in it now, I think I have done maybe 35 laps over the 3 trips.
I do like the Swifts, toying with the idea of getting a sensible everyday car and then something less sensible for track use. Need to do some proper research and look into how offen I'll actually be able to get on track. Hoping to get to the Nurburgring again before the end of the year. Will go via the Hull to Zebrugge route next time though. Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff