Information request about the Nordschleife
Discussion
Hi guys,
So I'm thinking of going to the ring in October, however, I was looking for some information first.
First of all, my insurance specifically says that I am not covered on the Nordschleife, so I guess I do it at my own risk. What happens if someone crashes into me? Also a risk I take I guess, unless they have insurance (unlikely)?
Secondly, I hear that they can be arsey about some cars, and things have to be TUV tested. How much do they enforce this? Is it hard to get on the ring?
Third, and finally, is there anything else I need to take, apart from the trackday usuals?
Cheers.
So I'm thinking of going to the ring in October, however, I was looking for some information first.
First of all, my insurance specifically says that I am not covered on the Nordschleife, so I guess I do it at my own risk. What happens if someone crashes into me? Also a risk I take I guess, unless they have insurance (unlikely)?
Secondly, I hear that they can be arsey about some cars, and things have to be TUV tested. How much do they enforce this? Is it hard to get on the ring?
Third, and finally, is there anything else I need to take, apart from the trackday usuals?
Cheers.
Are you going for a track day or for a TF session?
If it's a TF session, then insurance is void (there are rare cases where insurers do provide some cover). From what I can gather from a lot of research, in most cases insurers will pay out to the 3rd party, then can seek to reclaim their losses from the 1st party. If you're hit, then you *should* be ok. I just drove like I was uninsured - i.e. carefully!
Not sure about the TUV thing. I didn't talk to a single steward at the weekend when I was there. I just turned up, bought my ticket, when through the barrier and was away. There are noise restrictions though, but in the whole weekend I didn't see a single car tested or pulled.
If it's a TF session, then insurance is void (there are rare cases where insurers do provide some cover). From what I can gather from a lot of research, in most cases insurers will pay out to the 3rd party, then can seek to reclaim their losses from the 1st party. If you're hit, then you *should* be ok. I just drove like I was uninsured - i.e. carefully!
Not sure about the TUV thing. I didn't talk to a single steward at the weekend when I was there. I just turned up, bought my ticket, when through the barrier and was away. There are noise restrictions though, but in the whole weekend I didn't see a single car tested or pulled.
mk1matt said:
Are you going for a track day or for a TF session?
If it's a TF session, then insurance is void (there are rare cases where insurers do provide some cover). From what I can gather from a lot of research, in most cases insurers will pay out to the 3rd party, then can seek to reclaim their losses from the 1st party. If you're hit, then you *should* be ok. I just drove like I was uninsured - i.e. carefully!
Not sure about the TUV thing. I didn't talk to a single steward at the weekend when I was there. I just turned up, bought my ticket, when through the barrier and was away. There are noise restrictions though, but in the whole weekend I didn't see a single car tested or pulled.
What does TF stand for? If it's a TF session, then insurance is void (there are rare cases where insurers do provide some cover). From what I can gather from a lot of research, in most cases insurers will pay out to the 3rd party, then can seek to reclaim their losses from the 1st party. If you're hit, then you *should* be ok. I just drove like I was uninsured - i.e. carefully!
Not sure about the TUV thing. I didn't talk to a single steward at the weekend when I was there. I just turned up, bought my ticket, when through the barrier and was away. There are noise restrictions though, but in the whole weekend I didn't see a single car tested or pulled.
It's not a trackday though, just turn up and drive type thing. That's another thing - I guess you just buy your laps when you get there?
TF - Touristenfarhten. Tourist session basically, so yeah anyone can turn up and drive.
You buy your ring card (a pre pay lap ticket basically) at the ticket booth, and drive to the barriers. Touch the card to the sensor, the barrier lifts, and you're off.
In terms of other stuff to bring, nothing special really. I took some spare oil and water, and a foot pump. If you're new to it like me, and it's raining (like last weekend), take some spare pants...
You buy your ring card (a pre pay lap ticket basically) at the ticket booth, and drive to the barriers. Touch the card to the sensor, the barrier lifts, and you're off.
In terms of other stuff to bring, nothing special really. I took some spare oil and water, and a foot pump. If you're new to it like me, and it's raining (like last weekend), take some spare pants...
mk1matt said:
TF - Touristenfarhten. Tourist session basically, so yeah anyone can turn up and drive.
You buy your ring card (a pre pay lap ticket basically) at the ticket booth, and drive to the barriers. Touch the card to the sensor, the barrier lifts, and you're off.
In terms of other stuff to bring, nothing special really. I took some spare oil and water, and a foot pump. If you're new to it like me, and it's raining (like last weekend), take some spare pants...
You buy your ring card (a pre pay lap ticket basically) at the ticket booth, and drive to the barriers. Touch the card to the sensor, the barrier lifts, and you're off.
In terms of other stuff to bring, nothing special really. I took some spare oil and water, and a foot pump. If you're new to it like me, and it's raining (like last weekend), take some spare pants...
ok, cheers. I've done a few trackdays, and know the nordschleife through many laps of Forza (although obviously, I'm still going to take it easy - playing on a game is completely different to real life!), so hopefully shouldn't be too bad.
I've got about 100 forza laps under my belt, so I know the layout, and have an idea of which corners are fast and which are slow, tightening etc. What it in no way prepares you for is the changes in gradient. In that respect the game is so wrong. Even youtube videos don't convey it. The ones that surprised me most where the crest at swedenkrauz, and the sheer steepness of pflanzgarten 2. It's crazy.
Best thing ever though - you'll love it. I'm hooked.
Best thing ever though - you'll love it. I'm hooked.
Number 7 said:
As it's still essentially a public (toll) road, doesn't German law require drivers to be insured when using it?
7.
Yes, as Steve Z says. 7.
You will have 3rd party insurance in place, i.e. your insurer will pay the 3rd parties costs (as per EU law). Whether your insurers have indemnified YOU against 3rd party claims (that they have met) is another scarier matter.
You will not likely be in breach of German road traffic law, but may not be financially protected via your policy with your UK insurer. There are a few threads on this in this section.
BriC175 said:
mk1matt said:
I've done a few trackdays, and know the nordschleife through many laps of Forza (although obviously, I'm still going to take it easy - playing on a game is completely different to real life!), so hopefully shouldn't be too bad.
I did many laps in Forza 3 before doing the real thing. It helps a huge amount - but there are a few corners in Forza that can be taken flat that in reality require significant braking!fergus said:
Number 7 said:
As it's still essentially a public (toll) road, doesn't German law require drivers to be insured when using it?
7.
Yes, as Steve Z says. 7.
You will have 3rd party insurance in place, i.e. your insurer will pay the 3rd parties costs (as per EU law). Whether your insurers have indemnified YOU against 3rd party claims (that they have met) is another scarier matter.
You will not likely be in breach of German road traffic law, but may not be financially protected via your policy with your UK insurer. There are a few threads on this in this section.
if, for example, you had an oil leak (these things do happen...) and that GT3 RS behind you went into the barriers and the driver ended up with a long stay in hospital, your insurer would pay out, but then could come after you for costs. As your policy specifically says you arne`t covered, I would expect them to do that.
Are you willing to take that risk ?
I know I wouldn`t.
mk1matt said:
I've got about 100 forza laps under my belt, so I know the layout, and have an idea of which corners are fast and which are slow, tightening etc. What it in no way prepares you for is the changes in gradient. In that respect the game is so wrong. Even youtube videos don't convey it. The ones that surprised me most where the crest at swedenkrauz, and the sheer steepness of pflanzgarten 2. It's crazy.
Best thing ever though - you'll love it. I'm hooked.
The one that really got me was Fuchsrohre, when the car compresses at the bottom of the hill. I'd love to know how many G that is at speed, as it felt like the seat was going to go through the floor of the car.Best thing ever though - you'll love it. I'm hooked.
That's just amazing the first time you ever drive it. The incline down into the foxhole is unreal, in a super quick car on sticky tyres that must be surreal........it has to be one part of the circuit that any issue is probably going to result in a monumental shunt, the energy that is dispersed at the bottom of the compression must be immense.
If you do the RSR trackwalk they will take you to the "corners you are most likely to have a monumental shunt at"
Walking the gradients & cambers is even more intimidating than driving them..
Foxhole is one of my favourite parts - It's always a disappointment if there's a slower car in front of you as you're diving down. Schwedencreuz is high on the list of dangerous corners - apart from Foxhole I guess it's the fastest corner on the track apart from when they open the DH straight. I reckon I go through there 5-10mph slower than I could just so I have a margin of safety - and then you have to try & stop for Aremberg!
Walking the gradients & cambers is even more intimidating than driving them..
Foxhole is one of my favourite parts - It's always a disappointment if there's a slower car in front of you as you're diving down. Schwedencreuz is high on the list of dangerous corners - apart from Foxhole I guess it's the fastest corner on the track apart from when they open the DH straight. I reckon I go through there 5-10mph slower than I could just so I have a margin of safety - and then you have to try & stop for Aremberg!
I remember going to the spectator bank at Adenau a couple of years back with the Mrs and watching the cars entering the circuit just beyond the bridge. Two things surprised me.
1. I didn't realise that they actually let cars out there so had to rethink the speed I'd been hurtling across the bridge in case someone came bumbling out in front of me.
2. How steep that hill on the exit was. An Audi R8 came out, gave it full whack in first than bogged mightily as he shifted into second.
The run from Bergwerk to the Karussel is a damned sight steeper than it looks too. My mate was a first time visitor this year and he thought there was something wrong with his car as it seemed to lose all power going up there. It doesn't even look like a hill!
1. I didn't realise that they actually let cars out there so had to rethink the speed I'd been hurtling across the bridge in case someone came bumbling out in front of me.
2. How steep that hill on the exit was. An Audi R8 came out, gave it full whack in first than bogged mightily as he shifted into second.
The run from Bergwerk to the Karussel is a damned sight steeper than it looks too. My mate was a first time visitor this year and he thought there was something wrong with his car as it seemed to lose all power going up there. It doesn't even look like a hill!
Here/s a guide I put up a few years ago when I used to do some track tours there.
Some info's out dated now (no cameras) somes missed (noise 95db) and we have impoved times...but it gives afeel of it.
Go, have fun, be careful!
The trip is half the fun, St Tropez for car buffs.
http://www.tvrmonster.com/nurbcg.html
Some info's out dated now (no cameras) somes missed (noise 95db) and we have impoved times...but it gives afeel of it.
Go, have fun, be careful!
The trip is half the fun, St Tropez for car buffs.
http://www.tvrmonster.com/nurbcg.html
Edited by Guillotine on Monday 6th September 22:07
Mound Dawg said:
2. How steep that hill on the exit was. An Audi R8 came out, gave it full whack in first than bogged mightily as he shifted into second.
Ex-muhle. Had forgotten about that. I like to think my 330ci isn't the slowest of cars out there, but it seriously struggled up that hill!Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff