Nurburgring newbie

[-Lummox-]

Morning all.

Looking for some pointers as I fancy a trip to the 'Ring for my birthday this year but hhave never been before and neither have any of my mates.

We are looking to go for a long weekend Feb 18 to 21, with the intention of driving from London to Germany on the 18th, hitting the ring on the 19th and possibly 20th (if it's open) and returning on the 21st.

Being the novices that we are, I need some help with the following:

1. the route from London to the Nurburgring (including which ferry crossing is the best bet).
2. where to stay whilst we're there - ideally a B&B or inn with a pub or two nearby.
3. how much the accomodation and use of the track is likely to cost
4. whether the track is likely to be open this early in the year.

Can anyone offer any help on these points?

Tragically I will be taking my 318is so don't expect to set any blistering lap times, I just fancy a crack at it as it looks fun. Better than a run-of-the-mill p1ss-up birthday in my local, I reckon...

[ZOLLAR]

Can't really help with you're question but if the ring continues to look like this

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Webcam

I would like to suggest you take a snowmobile

[CraigyMc]

-Lummox- said:

Morning all.

Looking for some pointers as I fancy a trip to the 'Ring for my birthday this year but hhave never been before and neither have any of my mates.

We are looking to go for a long weekend Feb 18 to 21, with the intention of driving from London to Germany on the 18th, hitting the ring on the 19th and possibly 20th (if it's open) and returning on the 21st.

Being the novices that we are, I need some help with the following:

1. the route from London to the Nurburgring (including which ferry crossing is the best bet).
2. where to stay whilst we're there - ideally a B&B or inn with a pub or two nearby.
3. how much the accomodation and use of the track is likely to cost
4. whether the track is likely to be open this early in the year.

Can anyone offer any help on these points?

Tragically I will be taking my 318is so don't expect to set any blistering lap times, I just fancy a crack at it as it looks fun. Better than a run-of-the-mill p1ss-up birthday in my local, I reckon...

Have you thought about the following:

• Insurance?
• The cost of repairs to the track is borne by you in the event of an accident?

C

[iva cosworth]

I am no expert but have been 5 times

Ferries ,Dover to Calais or Dunkirk ,check P @ O and Norfolkline for

best deals

Route to Ring ,Google maps will get you there if you dont have Satnav

Places to stay ,there are loads of Guest houses etc dotted around the area

Log onto Bridge to Gantry. com for loads of info

Lap costs about 21 euro for 1 lap but comes down if you buy 4,8 whatever at same time


The main thing is dont be a hero trying beat a time as it will only end badly

[cambiker71]

When we went there last year we stayed at sliders guesthouse, 15 mins drive from the ring and owned and run by Brendan, we spent the evening before in the lounge there watching Nurburgring videos and drinking beer with Brendan and other guests, very, very welcoming and the food was great too being all home cooked.

Cheap too as a bonus!!

http://www.slidersguesthouse.com/

ETA we were driving, not on bikes as most of the website suggests it's bikers only!

Edited by cambiker71 on Tuesday 4th January 12:08

[AJI]

February can see an amount of snow/ice. Short daylight hours also means track is not open for long periods of time compared to summer months.
If its your first trip then I would consider late spring or summer time. You will get the atmosphere of the place better in that part of the year.
But if you’re determined for winter time laps then check the official site for opening times : http://www.nuerburgring.de/en/angebote/driving-exp...

http://www.nuerburgring.de/fileadmin/1_www.nuerbur...


Ok route there is easy enough. Simple google maps directions can give most direct:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&a...


Best place to stay, well one of the easiest is right at the track near Adenau bridge:
http://www.pensionhotel.com/hotel-adenau-hotel-an-...
Stayed here my self a few times and it is nice and clean and with a good breakfast.


Track prices are always going up under the new track ownership. I think it will now be 24euro per lap. Which is now fairly expensive.
(Some wierd things happening at the Nring these days)



ETA : insurance for driving on the track will be 'covered' by your UK insurer. But if they state something along the lines of "no nurburgring" or similar, then if you have an accident on track and are deemed to be liable, your uk insurer will pay for it BUT will most likely come after you for the money afterwards.
Many don't bother with taking out extra insurance because its plainly a total rip off. So if you choose not to, then make sure you drive WELL WITHIN your limits. (Other have their own opinions on this point of view with regards to insurance).

Edited by AJI on Tuesday 4th January 12:06

[iva cosworth]

cambiker71 said:

When we went there last year we stayed at sliders guesthouse, 15 mins drive from the ring and owned and run by Brendan, we spent the evening before in the lounge there watching Nurburgring videos and drinking beer with Brendan and other guests, very, very welcoming and the food was great too being all home cooked.

Cheap too as a bonus!!

http://www.slidersguesthouse.com/

ETA we were driving, not on bikes as most of the website suggests it's bikers only!

Edited by cambiker71 on Tuesday 4th January 12:08

thats where me and my mates always stay ,so laid back and friendly and Brendan is British

so absolutely no language problems

[-Lummox-]

Re: the insurance point, we're all reasonably sensible 30 yr old blokes, and I'm going to be driving a horribly underpowered 3 series - there's no chance of us getting carried away and driving like fools, the main reason for going is just so I can say that I've done it!

I did check my policy and like you said, they have admitted that they will cover European roads and will not cover racetrack use, so as usual it's that grey area is it/isn't it a racetrack but to be honest, that subject has been debated at great length in other threads and I'm not looking to re-open that discussion.

Thanks for the input so far, it's much appreciated.

[CraigyMc]

-Lummox- said:

Re: the insurance point, we're all reasonably sensible 30 yr old blokes, and I'm going to be driving a horribly underpowered 3 series - there's no chance of us getting carried away and driving like fools, the main reason for going is just so I can say that I've done it!

I did check my policy and like you said, they have admitted that they will cover European roads and will not cover racetrack use, so as usual it's that grey area is it/isn't it a racetrack but to be honest, that subject has been debated at great length in other threads and I'm not looking to re-open that discussion.

Thanks for the input so far, it's much appreciated.

Yep, not bothered by your personal situation as long as it's something you have had a think about.

I did a lap of the nordschleife last year and drove past two accidents while I was trundling round. Something to bear in mind.

C

[Animal]

Watch this!

[CraigyMc]

Animal said:

Watch this!

Interesting. I didn't know you could join the track from there!

C

[magpies]

only been once and found it a great place to join - no queues - supperb place to watch before joining

did a couple of laps in SHMBOs Freelander and thoroughly enjoyed it

Like most racing circuits much of it is open and fast but has more than its share of places where it is easy to over do it - as lots of vids show - drive it knowing you need to drive home and you shouls enjoy it and be safe. Always keep right when others catch you and overtake others on the left.