Nurburgring 2017

[baronbennyt]

Jim1556 said:

^^^ This!!

You don't seriously think the best (petrolly) place on the planet would be forcing Tesco cheap stuff on us do ya?

Regardless, if this is your first trip ever in your own car, I don't think super quality fuel is your biggest concern. Take it steady, DON'T bother with timing yourself (film it by all means, but don't check it till the night) or you'll chase yourself and potentially have an off...

Meet people in the car park, go out as a passenger with someone who's been (at least a few times) before, then go steady, keep right when anything catches you, and try to enjoy yourself!!!

This ^! Seriously, I've driven Porsche GT2, GT3RS, Audi R8 V10 etc around the Ring and unless you're piloting a modified car that absolutely depends on race grade fuel, I wouldn't worry about it. There is a petrol station about 1km from the circuit. You'll get to know it v well if the weather is good and crashes are limited! The station will look after you fine.

[baronbennyt]

giblet said:

Heading down in April with a few mates. None of us have been before so we are both excited and anxious in equal measure. We'll be at the tourist evening sessions on Tuesday 18th - Thursday 19th April. Just getting the car ready with uprated pads and new tyres. Anyone else out there at the same time? Would appreciate a passenger lap from someone who knows the circuit.

If you're going to the Circuit Days event on 11 April and you'd like a passenger ride then I'm happy to take anyone for a passenger lap in my McLaren. Weather permitting.

[baronbennyt]

I collect my new Lotus 3-Eleven tomorrow. Currently deliberating whether to take it to the Ring in August (Destination Nurburgring 2 day event). Might struggle to get on and off the Eurotunnel. Plus, if it rains...

[baronbennyt]

Why not trailer it over? That would be awesome!

Unless you've maybe got another car to use on the ring?
[/quote]

I'm taking the McLaren 12C to the Ring in April (Circuit Days) and May (Destination Nurburgring) so wanted to take the 3-11 instead in August. I don't want the bother and expense of a trailer if I'm only going to take the 311 on one foreign trip a year. First World problems!

[baronbennyt]

Adenauer said:

Well then just take a run up, you'll get on the tunnel no problem

If in doubt, flat out

[baronbennyt]

griff7 said:

I have booked this so will be over for 5 days in total.Would love a passenger lap for a lap in the M3

Andy

You're very welcome sir. Weather permitting!

[baronbennyt]

I'll be in the Lotus or McLaren at Destination Nurburgring on 2 May. It all depends if Ascot can fix my 12C in time after its ignominious performance at the Ring with Circuit Days.

[baronbennyt]

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.

[baronbennyt]

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?

[baronbennyt]

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!!

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]

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...

Edited by iguana on Saturday 22 April 20:27

Thanks Alex, I've got all your details on me now. Great to know your service is there and so well recommended

[baronbennyt]

Any PH'ers going to the Destination Nurburgring event on 2nd May? If so, I look forward to meeting you down there. I'll be on the 08:20 Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais on 1st May. I'll be in:

- a McLaren 12C (blue) if it can be fixed in time, or
- a Lotus 3-Eleven (yellow and green) if the McLaren can't be fixed in time and the weather looks good, or
- a Audi RS4 (blue), if the McLaren can't be fixed in time and the weather looks pants!

[baronbennyt]

Jim1556 said:

Hi Benny, I'll be on the earlier crossing and nipping into work in Belgium on the way. Might see you en route, (black E46 M3) or if not see you there...

Coolio, see you there. Looking forward to it.

Are you staying at the Lindner Casino Hotel or one of the smaller traditional style hotels? I used to always stay at the latter but recently have been sold on the convenience of the former.

[baronbennyt]

McLaren won't be fixed in time
Really want to take the 3-Eleven but weather is looking dodgy
RS4 Avant it might have to be. Great autumnal road lugger with wonderful NA V8 but a track car?...ummm.

[baronbennyt]

Digga said:

t's the possibility of a slow vehicle, just joined the circuit, hiding down in the Antoniusbuche dip after the bridge that fills me with terror. I know someone who had a big off in those circumstances - easily done, especially when you watch their video clip.

I had an indicated 162mph (probably GPS of about 150 plus, at a guess) on a clear run. The speed that all the stuff at the end of the straight suddenly arrives is really rather mesmerising.

This, re a slow car hiding down in the Antoniusbuche dip ^

[baronbennyt]

UPDATE FROM MCLAREN ASCOT:

Good morning Mr. Townsend,

We have now been able to look at your McLaren and have identified a coolant hose that has burst. It has a hole in it and needs replacing.
Unfortunately it is not covered under your warranty.

The cost to repair is about £670.00
We then need to test the car afterwards to make sure everything else is ok.

MY RESPONSE:

Thank you for confirming the failure on my 12C and that it can be fixed.

I am, however, extremely disappointed to hear you will be charging me for the repair since: I only bought the car from you in December last year (with full official warranty); I had the car pre-track inspected by you at no small cost; I was given verbal assurances that if I had the pre-track inspection the car would enjoy full warranty protection; the failure happened only after around 4 individual laps of the circuit (two of which were sighting laps); and, the result of the coolant hose bursting almost caused me to lose complete control of the car at high speed, which could have led to a major accident.

All-in-all my confidence in the car and the brand has been badly shaken. Reading through your company literature it is clear McLaren prides itself on engineering excellence built over many years in completion and on the track. My recent experience has been the opposite.

I would like McLaren Ascot to please re-consider charging me for the cost of this repair.

I would also like to add that because of the failure on the car: my first track day with the car in Germany was almost over before it started (at cost); I had to arrange trailer transportation of the car from Germany to you; and, the car has been with you for many weeks.

I intend to track the car at 3-4 other club events later this year. Whilst I appreciate you can't give a 100% guarantee that the failure I experienced (or similar) won't ever happen again, I need to be reassured that the repair will be top quality to ensure, as far as possible, it doesn't happen again.

If not, then I think it best McLaren Ascot buys back the car from me.

[baronbennyt]

LATEST RESPONSE FROM MCLAREN ASCOT:

Good morning Mr. Townsend,

Thank you for your email.

I can totally understand your point of view and frustrations with the track day.
So I have asked the Sales team if they can help with the cost on this basis.

And good news they have come back to me and we are going to cover the cost of this repair for you.

[baronbennyt]

itcaptainslow said:

See that a biker and ex volunteer marshall was hit by another car and killed at the weekend on the Ring.

Tragic. I don't know what happened but I've seen plenty of Ring-goers standing by their car or bike and not BEHIND the barrier when they've broken down and/or had a crash. Get yourself to safety first.

[baronbennyt]

lucido grigio said:

Just read who it was killed this weekend.

He was with the group of people I was with on Friday evening in the car park and in the Comfy Corner later in Adenau.

I didn't know him well but so sad given he was getting out of it all after many years in the area.

Really sad to hear this

[baronbennyt]

I'm booked in for the Destination Nurburgring (DN) track days on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 August. After my problems with the McLaren MP4-12C at DN in April I'm going to head down in the Porsche Cayman GT4 this time (see pics below so you will be able to recognise me). It will be my first time in the GT4 on-tack so it will be interesting to see how it performs after the Mac. I'll be staying at the Lindner Casino Hotel again.

Anyone else heading down from England via the Eurotunnel on the Sunday?