Nurgburgring or bust?

[Chimjunkie]

This summer we are planning a week long trip through France and germany's finest roads and ultimately stop off for a few laps on the old ring thing. My gf hasn't decided which car she is taking yet but vows she will lap faster than me even if in a sport ka!! Arrrrhhh. Ok, she is a die hard rally driver. But since i am a bit of a pansy in my 500 I am really feelin the pressure to do a little driving tuition on a track day. More than likely she will take a lotus Elise so my embarrasment will be spared! I have many worries and questions which many of you may be able to offer advice about:

Reliability of Chim for long trips?
What spares and tools are sensible to take?
Any great routes which must not be missed?
What is it like on the ring?
Will i need adrenalin gland surgury when back!!!?

I would love to hear any stories you have as long as they have a happy ending! ;-)

Cheers!

[simonb9]

I did my first trip to the 'ring last year. Took my dad with me to calm me down (just in case).

Don't go there thinking "I'm going to drive the nuts off my car" you'll probably have an unhappy ending. Go there thinking "whats it all about then ??" talk to people in the car park, see if people will take you out (apparantly lots of people don't mind but I was a little embarassed to ask) drive around the outside of the track and watch others do it with the locals, do a lap at a time and soak in the surroundings and nostalgia of the place.

I got there later than expected as the 7.00 am ferry had broken down. Got there about 6.30 p.m at the end of a day in April. Rather chilly as I put some petrol into my car I thought and when I went out to do my first lap the snow came down, headlights went on and wipers were going ten to the dozen with my dad saying "Very picturesque isn't it son ??" My eyes were wide open and fingers imbedded in the steering wheel. Funnily enough no other cars were on the track !! Went back next day and did a few more laps.....just be sensible and keep an eye out for others. You don't see that much traffic and if you do just make sure you get the f*ck out of the way !! Let them go and do their stuff........lad there did a few laps, thought he learnt it and then barrelled rolled his Corrado......closed the circuit, no crash helmet, must have cost him a fortune !!

I'm not trying to scare you, I'm going back this year (probably twice) just enjoy the place/atmosphere/surrounding countryside/Nurburgring Museum/track, etc,etc......

Have fun !!

[spend]

The rings not so far, get down south enjoy the pleasures of unrestricted roads, then over the mountains into Italia... The roads are restricted but you are quite likely to get the police giving you the get on with it sign (rules of the road are a little strange there, and seem to be on a sliding scale with bhp & looks).

I have more fun with Chim there than I ever had with the Ferrari; could be something to do with British / German plates tho :-)

Dave

[theaxe]

Chimjunkie said:

Reliability of Chim for long trips?
What spares and tools are sensible to take?

I took my Chimaera (500) on an epic 3,000 mile trip around Italy last summer and it never missed a beat. However I would recommend taking some spares for piece of mind. I've put a list of recommended spares on ChimaeraPages. It's pretty exhaustive so pick and mix the bits you think are most important.

Also, if you're travelling in hot weather then I'd recommend the Modwise Fan kit and hot-start kit if you haven't got them already.

Above all have fun! The Chimaera is a great touring car...

[Nano2nd]

i went last year in mine, didn't miss a beat

only did 4 laps as on the day we went it was only open 2 hours and there was an hour queue to get on... first time i've driven on a track too... it was awsome, LOL on my first lap i was overtaken by and astra estate!

by the fourth lap i was overtaking bikes and caterhams

you'll be amazed at how fast porsches can corner, and you'll anoy loads of people as the chims suspension is abit floppy of the track you'll (if your like me) fairy though the bends then waste everyone on the exit(just when they think there gonna do you LOL)

am going again to do a whole day this year but in the sierra this time

[Chimjunkie]

Thanks for the stories! Think driving the ring will be an interesting experience. However we plan to spend some great days in the alps too!! Last time i drove the alps was 10 years ago with an irishman, scotsman and a french car with a hangover! Yeah recon the old girl may be ok. Have a long list of todo's. Many of which are recent posts on this and the grif forums. Better get busy...

All the best.