RE: Ringside seat: tourist laps under threat
Discussion
Self-fulfilling propehcy and all that - simples....
....and all of us are largely to blame!!
Because of the ongoing forum and magazine wars about BTG times and willy-waving by manufacturers to quote 'Ring laptimes, this has the necessary knock-on effect of forcing car makers to spend more and more time honing their latest models to go faster and faster round the Ring and beat their nearest rivals' offerings.
If we all paid a little less attention to what these numbers are then perhaps the car manufacturers would get back to developing vehicles that work in the real world and not just one ribbon of tarmac in the Eifel mountains?
My 2p...
....and all of us are largely to blame!!
Because of the ongoing forum and magazine wars about BTG times and willy-waving by manufacturers to quote 'Ring laptimes, this has the necessary knock-on effect of forcing car makers to spend more and more time honing their latest models to go faster and faster round the Ring and beat their nearest rivals' offerings.
If we all paid a little less attention to what these numbers are then perhaps the car manufacturers would get back to developing vehicles that work in the real world and not just one ribbon of tarmac in the Eifel mountains?
My 2p...
jetpilot said:
I have never been to the ring, always been meaning to get there, but each time friends have gone something has always stood in the way, other commitments, car off the road etc
So i asked with naivety, would the increased popularity over say the last decade or so not increased the chances of the ring being successful? More people through the gates, more revenue etc?
In all fairness, in this day and age of the petrolhead, i feel an increasing pressure from friends, forums etc to lap the ring if you are to consider yourself a true "enthusiast"! I have a friend who has become somewhat addicted and he now almost dismiss's any ones credibility during discussions (cars, tracks) because, "they have not been to the ring" as thats what it is all about!
With the comments shared on here, friends views and egos from their trips, i am becoming increasingly less likely to visit, which is a shame as it does sound a fantastic place! However, it isnt ALL about the ring imho.
So maybe, the ring will return to its once great uncrowded venue as it will become increasingly restrictive due to cost or even its reputation. I think the only way i would like to go now is with a private booked scheme which is way out of my reach , cost wise, for a days driving!
You Are correct in this , people can get a little over enthusiastic , for me , I like to go and just enjoy it check out the other cars I have been going off and on 12 years more recently i work in munich and stuttgart so i stop over on the way to work , whether you do a sub 8 min or 18 min lap doesn't matter as long as you enjoy it , it is a good test to see what a car can do in the hands of the test drivers anyway , you should go maybe only do a few laps there is a lot of enjoyment in watching too ... cheers So i asked with naivety, would the increased popularity over say the last decade or so not increased the chances of the ring being successful? More people through the gates, more revenue etc?
In all fairness, in this day and age of the petrolhead, i feel an increasing pressure from friends, forums etc to lap the ring if you are to consider yourself a true "enthusiast"! I have a friend who has become somewhat addicted and he now almost dismiss's any ones credibility during discussions (cars, tracks) because, "they have not been to the ring" as thats what it is all about!
With the comments shared on here, friends views and egos from their trips, i am becoming increasingly less likely to visit, which is a shame as it does sound a fantastic place! However, it isnt ALL about the ring imho.
So maybe, the ring will return to its once great uncrowded venue as it will become increasingly restrictive due to cost or even its reputation. I think the only way i would like to go now is with a private booked scheme which is way out of my reach , cost wise, for a days driving!
bosscerbera said:
gtdc said:
Is the general consensus that straight hire days are more lucrative than TF?
That can't be the case, surely??Either that or they're becoming concerned about possible ambulance chaser situations with TF days? I don't know I'm just thinking out loud.
Whilst it isn't looking too rosey for the 'ring right now, there is a degree of the doom-merchantry at play.
The calendar has always had partial releases from what I can remember in all the years I've been going there. It's not uncommon to see the months getting filled out when confirmations of test days/events are finalised, too.
TF days and weekends have been drying up over the last couple of seasons, but there are still decent opportunities to get a decent break.
Yes, it has changed massively over the last 10 years. The fact remains that through all the commercial bulls
t, the poseurs and the money-grabbers, there's still nothing like it and there's still a very strong undercurrent of very cool people who you can share the experience with.
It is very sad when you consider how it came in to being and the efforts made to fully realise it, but it is what you make it.
The calendar has always had partial releases from what I can remember in all the years I've been going there. It's not uncommon to see the months getting filled out when confirmations of test days/events are finalised, too.
TF days and weekends have been drying up over the last couple of seasons, but there are still decent opportunities to get a decent break.
Yes, it has changed massively over the last 10 years. The fact remains that through all the commercial bulls
t, the poseurs and the money-grabbers, there's still nothing like it and there's still a very strong undercurrent of very cool people who you can share the experience with.It is very sad when you consider how it came in to being and the efforts made to fully realise it, but it is what you make it.
Dan7357 said:
I vote we all buy some land, and build the 'Ring 2, right here in the UK.
At present, the Welsh government is considering a new race circuit at Ebbw Vale: see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wale...The proposed site is a very hilly location and would be perfect for creating a Welsh Nordschleife. The PIstonheads forum should attempt to liaise with the appropriate personnel to attempt to ensure that if the Welsh project does go ahead it creates a long and interesting circuit of at least 10 miles in length, which would attract UK and other European enthusiasts in their droves throughout the year. It would give a massive boost to the local economy of the area and since the Germans have proven the need for a "motoring paradise", there would be little financial risk if the facility kept it as a plain and simple motoring facility, as a "no frills" experience. The entire touristy facility could be developed in an ad-hoc, "Alpine"-style, with a host of SMALL, privately-owned hotels, restaurants and bars to give the facility a great friendly ambience like the old Nurburg/Adenau or ski resorts.
I for one would be willing to attempt to represent Pistonheads with the Welsh authorities. How do we get the approval of the Pistonheads forum to do this?
Edited by buckshee on Tuesday 24th January 17:45
It might be cheaper for the Welsh, but it seems that they're wanting to build a proper circuit and create jobs: there's over 25% unemployment in that region now the coal mines have closed. Take a look at the proposed location here: http://g.co/maps/f4mqy
It's the gradients that make the Nordschleife such an interesting track to drive. The site at Ebbw Vale offers the same possibilities for about 700 feet difference in highest and lowest points. The fact that the site is somewhat remote eliminates the problem of noise "pollution" to residents, as would planting of trees.
Bearing in mind your point about the "changeable" weather at such altitudes, they should also build a few very small oval tracks with safe run-offs, which are kept permanently wet so that drivers can see and feel the limits of their cars whatever the track conditions. It might make a few "heroes" realise their limits and keep to the tarmac on a big circuit
Bearing in mind your point about the "changeable" weather at such altitudes, they should also build a few very small oval tracks with safe run-offs, which are kept permanently wet so that drivers can see and feel the limits of their cars whatever the track conditions. It might make a few "heroes" realise their limits and keep to the tarmac on a big circuit
gtdc said:
Who's actually behind the plan? It sounds very interesting and something to look at more but not if it has fantasists behind it.
The BBC article says that a company called " Heads of the Valley Development Company, backed by London-based financiers" are behind it, but they are also seeking money from the Welsh Development Agency and the UK government. I expect that they will also be seeking grants from the EU too. So if it goes ahead, it will be a consortium of interested parties.At the end of the day, it will be the people who finance the project who will build what THEY believe will make them money/jobs. My sole point is: have these people explored the possibility of building a second "Nordschleife" which, IMO, would considerably add to the potential success of such a venture.
Edited by buckshee on Wednesday 25th January 13:00
Lucozade said:
Won't be a major loss it TF days disappear for me. I've probably only done about 20 laps over the years and can safely say it's not the most pleasant of experiences with the amount of cars on track at one time AND the regular crashes !
Time to focus on the UK track scene maybe?
I've always wanted to go but no way would I take my own car. There are far too many reports of idiots and accidents for my liking. One day I think I'll do it through one of the hired cars you can use though Time to focus on the UK track scene maybe?
St John Smythe said:
I've always wanted to go but no way would I take my own car. There are far too many reports of idiots and accidents for my liking. One day I think I'll do it through one of the hired cars you can use though
I rarely do weekends, but sometimes go for a full week and do all the evening sessions. Mid week its often surprisingly quiet.......Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff