Nurburgring Trip Advise needed?
Discussion
Off to the ring for the first time at the beginning of July and I could do with some advise.
- Any tips on things to do to prepare the car? I'm going to change the oil/filter/BrakePads and check diff, gearbox and other fluids. Any other things I should do?
- what spares should I carry? fuses? bulbs? etc
- Any one who's running protechs from track car have any settings that work well. I'm currently on the defaults and its sitting a little high and a little bouncy.
Cheers folks
- Any tips on things to do to prepare the car? I'm going to change the oil/filter/BrakePads and check diff, gearbox and other fluids. Any other things I should do?
- what spares should I carry? fuses? bulbs? etc
- Any one who's running protechs from track car have any settings that work well. I'm currently on the defaults and its sitting a little high and a little bouncy.
Cheers folks
Pete,
since the Nordschleife is declared as a single directional toll road, the usual terms of German traffic laws are fully in charge, when you are going for a tourist day. That means, that at least in Germany, all insurances are as well fully in charge, should the worst happen. What the Nürburgring GmbH will do, is charge you 250€, should you damage something. On the other hand, even that is covered by my insurance.
Best thing will be to get in touch with your insurer. But usually it is, as if you are driving on any other German road over here.
Regards,
Björn.
P.S.: Have fun mate, that stuff is absolutely addictive and cannot be compared to any other track.
since the Nordschleife is declared as a single directional toll road, the usual terms of German traffic laws are fully in charge, when you are going for a tourist day. That means, that at least in Germany, all insurances are as well fully in charge, should the worst happen. What the Nürburgring GmbH will do, is charge you 250€, should you damage something. On the other hand, even that is covered by my insurance.
Best thing will be to get in touch with your insurer. But usually it is, as if you are driving on any other German road over here.
Regards,
Björn.
P.S.: Have fun mate, that stuff is absolutely addictive and cannot be compared to any other track.
Edited by Quentin1 on Thursday 11th June 12:31
Quentin1 said:
Pete,
since the Nordschleife is declared as a single directional toll road, the usual terms of German traffic laws are fully in charge, when you are going for a tourist day. That means, that at least in Germany, all insurances are as well fully in charge, should the worst happen. What the Nürburgring GmbH will do, is charge you 250€, should you damage something. On the other hand, even that is covered by my insurance.
Best thing will be to get in touch with your insurer. But usually it is, as if you are driving on any other German road over here.
Regards,
Björn.
P.S.: Have fun mate, that stuff is absolutely addictive and cannot be compared to any other track.
Almost correct. Check the small print on your insurance, most companies explicitly exclude the ring. Those that don't will cover you but will then come after you for all the money. There was a thread on the trackday forum about this (I will try and find it). A PHer took his insurance company to the Odbusman when this happened to him and lost.since the Nordschleife is declared as a single directional toll road, the usual terms of German traffic laws are fully in charge, when you are going for a tourist day. That means, that at least in Germany, all insurances are as well fully in charge, should the worst happen. What the Nürburgring GmbH will do, is charge you 250€, should you damage something. On the other hand, even that is covered by my insurance.
Best thing will be to get in touch with your insurer. But usually it is, as if you are driving on any other German road over here.
Regards,
Björn.
P.S.: Have fun mate, that stuff is absolutely addictive and cannot be compared to any other track.
Edited by Quentin1 on Thursday 11th June 12:31
At the moment I carry the following:
Reel of 5amp wire and a selection of connectors
Selection of fuses and relays
Throttle cable
Ribbed belt
Throttle pot
Big fuse
Cable ties
Oil + Water
Selection of nuts, bolts and washers
Laptop cable + Diag software on CD
And, of course, the universal solution to everything - Gaffer tape + WD40!
Don't forget your hi-vis jacket (must be in the car, not the boot) and spare bulbs if your driving through France or Belgium.
General tips - take it easy first time out. Perhaps even blag a p-ride if you don't know your way around.
DON'T let the red mist come down - you might've just been overtaken by a 20 year old Golf, but those local boys really know their way round, and trying to tag onto the back of them can be a very expensive mistake.
Don't time yourself. Only bad things can come of it.
Reel of 5amp wire and a selection of connectors
Selection of fuses and relays
Throttle cable
Ribbed belt
Throttle pot
Big fuse
Cable ties
Oil + Water
Selection of nuts, bolts and washers
Laptop cable + Diag software on CD
And, of course, the universal solution to everything - Gaffer tape + WD40!
Don't forget your hi-vis jacket (must be in the car, not the boot) and spare bulbs if your driving through France or Belgium.
General tips - take it easy first time out. Perhaps even blag a p-ride if you don't know your way around.
DON'T let the red mist come down - you might've just been overtaken by a 20 year old Golf, but those local boys really know their way round, and trying to tag onto the back of them can be a very expensive mistake.
Don't time yourself. Only bad things can come of it.
Anybody going to the ring should read this first. Not trying to spoil anybodys trip, but you should at least know the risks.
http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Need track day cover for the ring
http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Need track day cover for the ring
grahamn said:
Quentin1 said:
Pete,
since the Nordschleife is declared as a single directional toll road, the usual terms of German traffic laws are fully in charge, when you are going for a tourist day. That means, that at least in Germany, all insurances are as well fully in charge, should the worst happen. What the Nürburgring GmbH will do, is charge you 250€, should you damage something. On the other hand, even that is covered by my insurance.
Best thing will be to get in touch with your insurer. But usually it is, as if you are driving on any other German road over here.
Regards,
Björn.
P.S.: Have fun mate, that stuff is absolutely addictive and cannot be compared to any other track.
Almost correct. Check the small print on your insurance, most companies explicitly exclude the ring. Those that don't will cover you but will then come after you for all the money. There was a thread on the trackday forum about this (I will try and find it). A PHer took his insurance company to the Odbusman when this happened to him and lost.since the Nordschleife is declared as a single directional toll road, the usual terms of German traffic laws are fully in charge, when you are going for a tourist day. That means, that at least in Germany, all insurances are as well fully in charge, should the worst happen. What the Nürburgring GmbH will do, is charge you 250€, should you damage something. On the other hand, even that is covered by my insurance.
Best thing will be to get in touch with your insurer. But usually it is, as if you are driving on any other German road over here.
Regards,
Björn.
P.S.: Have fun mate, that stuff is absolutely addictive and cannot be compared to any other track.
Edited by Quentin1 on Thursday 11th June 12:31
There are also others out there that have had accidents and their companies have paid up.
There are lots of people out there everyday who don't have these problems.
grahamn said:
Anybody going to the ring should read this first. Not trying to spoil anybodys trip, but you should at least know the risks.
http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Need track day cover for the ring
Track day cover will NOT give you 3rd party cover on a European road. You would be done by the Police for no insurance if stopped.http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Need track day cover for the ring
ridds said:
grahamn said:
Anybody going to the ring should read this first. Not trying to spoil anybodys trip, but you should at least know the risks.
http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Need track day cover for the ring
Track day cover will NOT give you 3rd party cover on a European road. You would be done by the Police for no insurance if stopped.http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - Need track day cover for the ring
I've read many of the posts and read up on the Road Traffic act and the obligation of UK insurance companies to provide 3rd party cover in Europe. For something like Armco damage I could well see them chasing you for the money.
However you still NEED to have a proper insurance company behind you to give you 3rd party liability cover.
I'm sure there were a lot more details about that claim that we will never know but if it were so easy for these Insurance companies to claim the money back from the policy holder why have many not done this before?
However you still NEED to have a proper insurance company behind you to give you 3rd party liability cover.
I'm sure there were a lot more details about that claim that we will never know but if it were so easy for these Insurance companies to claim the money back from the policy holder why have many not done this before?
ridds said:
I've read many of the posts and read up on the Road Traffic act and the obligation of UK insurance companies to provide 3rd party cover in Europe. For something like Armco damage I could well see them chasing you for the money.
However you still NEED to have a proper insurance company behind you to give you 3rd party liability cover.
I'm sure there were a lot more details about that claim that we will never know but if it were so easy for these Insurance companies to claim the money back from the policy holder why have many not done this before?
I have no idea, but I do know that it impossible to get a UK insurance Co to include the nurburgring in a policy.However you still NEED to have a proper insurance company behind you to give you 3rd party liability cover.
I'm sure there were a lot more details about that claim that we will never know but if it were so easy for these Insurance companies to claim the money back from the policy holder why have many not done this before?
I've done a bit of research into insurance and my company cover me third party so at least the worst I can do is have to pay for my own repairs. I've heard lots of reports of people getting into accidents, recovering the car from the track and filing a claim with no bother but I dont have that sort of luck 
Good point about the Hi-vis vest! I didnt realise it had to be in the car with you.
I'm going to take it very easy on the track. Were more going for the experience than to prove anything or beat any times.
Can you tow with a rope in europe? We have a towing bar but I doubt this will work on the cerbs towing eye.
Good point about the Hi-vis vest! I didnt realise it had to be in the car with you.
I'm going to take it very easy on the track. Were more going for the experience than to prove anything or beat any times.
Can you tow with a rope in europe? We have a towing bar but I doubt this will work on the cerbs towing eye.
Seriously, join northloop.co.uk
Plenty of experienced people there, some trip organisers (helpful even if you're not using thier services) marshalls and lawyers. The insurance thing is something that has been talked about alot and is not even slightly clear. One guy on there is currently in a battle against his insurance company, at present he is appealing a case he has lost. It seems british insurance can get away with illegal practice at present.
Plenty of experienced people there, some trip organisers (helpful even if you're not using thier services) marshalls and lawyers. The insurance thing is something that has been talked about alot and is not even slightly clear. One guy on there is currently in a battle against his insurance company, at present he is appealing a case he has lost.
It seems british insurance can get away with illegal practice at present. Indeed, insurance is a definite minefield. Legally you should at least be covered third party on the 'Ring with any insurance company. However, whenever I'm on there I tell myself that I'm not covered, and thus if I ever did get an insurance payout, even third party should the worst happen I'd consider it a bonus.
Some good advice on here already, don't time yourself being number one. Lap times are completely unimportant. Until you have several dozen laps under your belt its unlikely your lap times will be anything to shout about anyway.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet is allowing your car to cool down properly after each lap. I usually go straight out of the carpark, and take the road down to the petrol garage (turn right at the carpark roundabout when leaving). Take a steady drive down there and turn back at the junction at the end. Just gives the brakes and cooling system a bit of extra help.
Pick your time for a lap. Fridays and weekends are undoubtedly the busiest times. I've gone for the past 5 years, a week at a time and always go Weds-Weds. Ends of the evening sessions are great for getting your very first laps in. Especially if you go through the barrier, then the cones and just wait before the bridge for the last cars to go by and the barriers to close before you take your first lap in, safe in the knowledge that no one is behind you.
Some good advice on here already, don't time yourself being number one. Lap times are completely unimportant. Until you have several dozen laps under your belt its unlikely your lap times will be anything to shout about anyway.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet is allowing your car to cool down properly after each lap. I usually go straight out of the carpark, and take the road down to the petrol garage (turn right at the carpark roundabout when leaving). Take a steady drive down there and turn back at the junction at the end. Just gives the brakes and cooling system a bit of extra help.
Pick your time for a lap. Fridays and weekends are undoubtedly the busiest times. I've gone for the past 5 years, a week at a time and always go Weds-Weds. Ends of the evening sessions are great for getting your very first laps in. Especially if you go through the barrier, then the cones and just wait before the bridge for the last cars to go by and the barriers to close before you take your first lap in, safe in the knowledge that no one is behind you.
Perfect timing this one! What dates do you go over Pete? Im going over in the cerb on the 3rd July with Circuit-Days N700.
Cerbera wise, firstly how loud is it?! the dB limit is 105 and mine is 118, ill start a thread on that in a bit.
I have the Protechs from TrackCar on mine and it handles great but could possibly benefit from being a little stiffer for the track.
Make sure your brakes are in top condition, ive just bought some new discs and pads for mine and the difference is amazing, especially being as the high speed judder has gone.
Tyres, how much tread do you have left, are they a decent set? i wouldnt stretch to R888 just for one trip but i wouldnt be doing 180mph on a set of remoulds if you know what i mean.
Fluids, check them all and carry some spare, you will burn some oil and poss some coolant too, check brake fluid and PS. When was the oil last changed? Its not your average 'nipping to the shop trip'.
Are you taking a helmet, theres a few discussions on that if you search.
Cant wait 
Cerbera wise, firstly how loud is it?! the dB limit is 105 and mine is 118, ill start a thread on that in a bit.
I have the Protechs from TrackCar on mine and it handles great but could possibly benefit from being a little stiffer for the track.
Make sure your brakes are in top condition, ive just bought some new discs and pads for mine and the difference is amazing, especially being as the high speed judder has gone.
Tyres, how much tread do you have left, are they a decent set? i wouldnt stretch to R888 just for one trip but i wouldnt be doing 180mph on a set of remoulds if you know what i mean.
Fluids, check them all and carry some spare, you will burn some oil and poss some coolant too, check brake fluid and PS. When was the oil last changed? Its not your average 'nipping to the shop trip'.
Are you taking a helmet, theres a few discussions on that if you search.
Cant wait jammy_basturd said:
Indeed, insurance is a definite minefield. Legally you should at least be covered third party on the 'Ring with any insurance company. However, whenever I'm on there I tell myself that I'm not covered, and thus if I ever did get an insurance payout, even third party should the worst happen I'd consider it a bonus.
Some good advice on here already, don't time yourself being number one. Lap times are completely unimportant. Until you have several dozen laps under your belt its unlikely your lap times will be anything to shout about anyway.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet is allowing your car to cool down properly after each lap. I usually go straight out of the carpark, and take the road down to the petrol garage (turn right at the carpark roundabout when leaving). Take a steady drive down there and turn back at the junction at the end. Just gives the brakes and cooling system a bit of extra help.
Pick your time for a lap. Fridays and weekends are undoubtedly the busiest times. I've gone for the past 5 years, a week at a time and always go Weds-Weds. Ends of the evening sessions are great for getting your very first laps in. Especially if you go through the barrier, then the cones and just wait before the bridge for the last cars to go by and the barriers to close before you take your first lap in, safe in the knowledge that no one is behind you.
Good point about the cooling down. Hadnt thought of that one Some good advice on here already, don't time yourself being number one. Lap times are completely unimportant. Until you have several dozen laps under your belt its unlikely your lap times will be anything to shout about anyway.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet is allowing your car to cool down properly after each lap. I usually go straight out of the carpark, and take the road down to the petrol garage (turn right at the carpark roundabout when leaving). Take a steady drive down there and turn back at the junction at the end. Just gives the brakes and cooling system a bit of extra help.
Pick your time for a lap. Fridays and weekends are undoubtedly the busiest times. I've gone for the past 5 years, a week at a time and always go Weds-Weds. Ends of the evening sessions are great for getting your very first laps in. Especially if you go through the barrier, then the cones and just wait before the bridge for the last cars to go by and the barriers to close before you take your first lap in, safe in the knowledge that no one is behind you.
We are there for Sat and Sun, probably the worst time for begginners. We might be able to get some laps in on the friday night though so we'll have to see. I'll remember the tip about waiting.
Cheers
Pete
Onzlouk said:
Perfect timing this one! What dates do you go over Pete? Im going over in the cerb on the 3rd July with Circuit-Days N700.
Cerbera wise, firstly how loud is it?! the dB limit is 105 and mine is 118, ill start a thread on that in a bit.
I have the Protechs from TrackCar on mine and it handles great but could possibly benefit from being a little stiffer for the track.
Make sure your brakes are in top condition, ive just bought some new discs and pads for mine and the difference is amazing, especially being as the high speed judder has gone.
Tyres, how much tread do you have left, are they a decent set? i wouldnt stretch to R888 just for one trip but i wouldnt be doing 180mph on a set of remoulds if you know what i mean.
Fluids, check them all and carry some spare, you will burn some oil and poss some coolant too, check brake fluid and PS. When was the oil last changed? Its not your average 'nipping to the shop trip'.
Are you taking a helmet, theres a few discussions on that if you search.
Cant wait
You'll be feeling as excited as I am right now then Cerbera wise, firstly how loud is it?! the dB limit is 105 and mine is 118, ill start a thread on that in a bit.
I have the Protechs from TrackCar on mine and it handles great but could possibly benefit from being a little stiffer for the track.
Make sure your brakes are in top condition, ive just bought some new discs and pads for mine and the difference is amazing, especially being as the high speed judder has gone.
Tyres, how much tread do you have left, are they a decent set? i wouldnt stretch to R888 just for one trip but i wouldnt be doing 180mph on a set of remoulds if you know what i mean.
Fluids, check them all and carry some spare, you will burn some oil and poss some coolant too, check brake fluid and PS. When was the oil last changed? Its not your average 'nipping to the shop trip'.
Are you taking a helmet, theres a few discussions on that if you search.
Cant wait Were there from the friday to the Sunday (i think), though now i think about it we might be staying in Rotterdam on the Friday night
Are you going to be there on the Sat? Do you have a link to the event your on?I feel your pain when it comes to noise! haven’t measured mine yet but I know its too loud
I've got a decat and straight through pipes, Armageddon anyone?? I've just bought a new standard back box which I'm hoping should be enough to get me close. I've heard from several people that if you dont make too much noise they wont test you?Disk are newish and pads will be done in the next week or so. Might do the fluid while I'm on. Tyres have a few mm on them hoping its going to be enough, but I'll keep an eye on them. I was going to put a bike helmet in the car but I hadnt decided on it yet. I'll probably where it as I dont think it will make me drive any quicker or obscure my vision too much.
I was just going to keep the revs low but on Northloop they have been talking about over enthusiastic marshalling, so i thought better safe than sorry, its a long way to be told no!
http://www.circuit-days.co.uk/cannon.php?page_id=1...
Thats the link to our event, are you doing it alone? id be interested in knowing how your prices have worked out.
We are taking a couple of helmets.
ETA re the triangle is just one of a list of things you need, we just got one of those AA europe kits, got the lot in!
http://www.circuit-days.co.uk/cannon.php?page_id=1...
Thats the link to our event, are you doing it alone? id be interested in knowing how your prices have worked out.
We are taking a couple of helmets.
ETA re the triangle is just one of a list of things you need, we just got one of those AA europe kits, got the lot in!
Edited by Onzlouk on Thursday 11th June 18:07
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