The "Ring" - Advice Needed

[porschesteve]

Hello Chaps,

Currently planning on going to The Ring before driving down to Le Mans next year and wanted to know if any fellow porsche nuts have done some laps or got any advice.

I've done a couple of track days before but I am a bit paranoid about the bikers cutting me up etc...

Any stories greatly appreciated

Cheers

[kitcarnewbie]

Hi,

Went to Monza for the GP this year in my cousins 968S first time around the ring we were also pretty worried and it doesn't get any better when you arrive in the car park and see what machinery is on show.

We only did a couple of laps and found that you really dont notice the bikes they fly past you. Just remember the rules, read the guide they give you, and have fun, its an experience you will NEVER forget. Probably worth doing a couple of laps just to get used to the experience. Have a break, a cup of caffine and then go again.

[domster]

www.nurburgring.org.uk has it all

For any more hints and tips, ask in trackday section. Honestly, Ben Lovejoy's site has it all when it comes to ring virgin questions. I could answer your queries but I'd only be repeating wot Ben sez!!!!

You'll love it, but ring season is mostly over. I went last weekend and although a dry line appeared late on Sun just before closing, it was mostly wet - and treacherous. Saw numerous write offs and damaged cars. Take care.

[davyboy]

I've done a few laps.

If you take care and read the rules then you'll be just fine. Although you might want to avoid 11am-4pm on a Sunday, things can get a little crazy! That might be a good time to watch the others!

Dave

[jpf40]

Maybe buy a Playstation 2 and copy of GT4.

It'll help you remember the corners.

However, it's probably nothing like the real thing on the actual day.

[domster]

jpf40 said:

Maybe buy a Playstation 2 and copy of GT4. It'll help you remember the corners. However, it's probably nothing like the real thing on the actual day.

It is good to give you a general sense of direction, but don't assume you know it... it's the bumps and the cambers that kill you. Neither can be felt on the PS2 or Xbox!

Davyboy knows it pretty well; he's being modest. Always try and go out with someone sensible with ring knowledge to point out the particularly nasty or tricky corners, like Schwedenkreuz, Adenaur-Forst, Brunnchen 2 etc.

Look in your mirrors a lot and move right so that people pass on your left. A glance over your left shoulder before turning into a left hand corner is advised, just in case someone carrying 3x your speed is attempting an overtake.

Respect the ring and you will love it... it is awesome. Just be careful.

[domster]

Oh, and arrive 5 mins before it opens, first thing in the morning is best to avoid traffic and concentrate on getting around in one piece. By 11am, every fecker is there and the first accident will be 30 mins away, just because of volume of traffic and general numptiness.

[cheburator]

... local modified Mk 2 Golfs on german plates are infinitely faster than most Porsches... Don't try to chase them - it will hurt your pride and could be potentially letal for your bank account...

[911mot]

It ain't as bad as everyone makes out, at least it wasn't for me. Just keep a cool head, look out for locals screaming up behind you (keep to the right and indicate, it the law) and dawdlers ahead.
Agree on the GT4 thing, it definately helps.