Ringside Seat: state of play
Don't listen to the rumours, bankruptcy or not the 'ring is still thriving - but what does the future hold?
Crowded public days equal money in the tills
You could be forgiven for thinking the gates are chained shut right now, such has been the over-reaction of some of the more ill-informed automotive tabloids. The reality is that while the track's future hangs in the balance, the day-to-day operation of the parts we love (the actual Nordschleife and GP circuits) is still running at full speed.
Is the sun setting over the 'ring we know and love?
Track days to the end of this year are all either fully-booked, or close to it. The famously high-end Gran Turismo Evo event in September is boasting an entry list filled with Koenigseggs, Paganis and Ferraris. Proof, if proof were needed, that money is still flowing into the 'ring like never before in its 85-year existence. The question is, where is this money flowing, if not into the coffers of the track owners?
Nobody really has an answer right now, but a new grassroots movement called Ring-Region lays the blame firmly on the current leaseholders, and calls for all efforts at privatisation to cease.
If you open it they will come, in their hordes
Right now the world's uber-rich only visit the 'ring for specific events like Scuderia Hanseat, or Gran Turismo Events mentioned above. But if Bernie Ecclestone, or a similar flavour of investor, gets a hold of the track, the local fear is it could become a new Paul Ricard. While the French circuit enjoyed massive investment and a fantastic overhaul thanks to Bernie's dollars, most commentators agree that it's become a destination for the rich and famous. The Nordschleife, by comparison, has always been a track for the people (for better or for worse). Certainly it's impossible to imagine replacing any part of the Nordschleife's grimy barriers and woodland with acres of blue paint and run-off.
And the local businesses are set up to cater to a few thousand average petrolheads per weekend, rather than just a few dozen wealthy individuals.
But like I said, there's highs and lows. Many of us here in the village are looking on the brighter side. The chance that the state will finally open the books, and identify the parts that work (the Nordschleife, the GP circuit, the public sessions) and cut off the parts that don't (the arena, the roller-coaster, the NuroDisney village).
Only time will tell. In the meantime, we've started a Euro-millions syndicate here in Nurburg. If we can scoop that 156 million euros jackpot on offer tonight, our offer will be on the table by Monday morning. Count on it.
The Nurburging operation as a whole made a massive loss every year for many years (I have some official figures somewhere). If it were a private enterprise then it would have closed years ago; or at least closed non profitable aspects. The bigger picture is that the loss leader Nurburgring is a blip for a region that otherwise wouldn't register on the tourist radar.
It's hardly Richter or Lindner's fault that the Rhineland govenment borrowed a stupid amount of money for a development that was fundamentally flawed from the outset. The politicians' dream of an all weather all season global visitor attraction was ridiculous. A local shop girl told me that the Eifel region used to be known as the Siberia of Germany and i can see why. Its desolate. It snows three feet deep there in the winter! No-one in his right mind would travel there to see a boulevard of car related merchandising, a very average car museum and some themed pubs and restaurants. The Eifel region has nothing unique to offer but for its racetrack/s. Spending literally millions on a non operational roller coaster is unforgivable. Whoever authorised that should be given the Jeremy Clarkson treatment.
The german socialists want to see it run by the people for the people or whatever. Great, but ask yourself who pushed the spend button and put you where you are now?
Is there any way that 'we' could collectively act to ensure the future of the track?
Otherwise we're at the mercy of events - it might be taken over by a benevolent billionaire who makes it even better, or it might end up closed down, ruined by ill-considered changes, or with far less public access.
They are "rumoured"to be paying a total of 1Million Euros NOT EACH-----but total per year.Make them pay this sum Each---on a 10 year contract--What debts????BUT first you bring in the ADAC and the sporting ONS?--to manage the goldmine.
They are "rumoured"to be paying a total of 1Million Euros NOT EACH-----but total per year.Make them pay this sum Each---on a 10 year contract--What debts????BUT first you bring in the ADAC and the sporting ONS?--to manage the goldmine.
Not sure how this loan will change things but hopefully a step in the right direection?
Not sure how this loan will change things but hopefully a step in the right direection?
Some of the press reports are inaccurate. The money is actually for the state owned bank ISB which financed the development. It's all quite odd. The socialists approved this latest measure whilst the democrats were against it as they say it's further illegal State Aid. If you don't know already, the funding of the Nurburgring development is presently under investigation by the European Commission.
The Nurburging operation as a whole made a massive loss every year for many years (I have some official figures somewhere). If it were a private enterprise then it would have closed years ago; or at least closed non profitable aspects. The bigger picture is that the loss leader Nurburgring is a blip for a region that otherwise wouldn't register on the tourist radar.
It's hardly Richter or Lindner's fault that the Rhineland govenment borrowed a stupid amount of money for a development that was fundamentally flawed from the outset. The politicians' dream of an all weather all season global visitor attraction was ridiculous. A local shop girl told me that the Eifel region used to be known as the Siberia of Germany and i can see why. Its desolate. It snows three feet deep there in the winter! No-one in his right mind would travel there to see a boulevard of car related merchandising, a very average car museum and some themed pubs and restaurants. The Eifel region has nothing unique to offer but for its racetrack/s. Spending literally millions on a non operational roller coaster is unforgivable. Whoever authorised that should be given the Jeremy Clarkson treatment.
The german socialists want to see it run by the people for the people or whatever. Great, but ask yourself who pushed the spend button and put you where you are now?
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