First 'Ring visit

[e30m3Mark]

I'm planning to visit the 'Ring later this year (for the first time) but being ''Billy No Mates'' I just wondered if there were on groups I could possibly tag along with? I can't be the only person in this position surely?

I am thinking along the lines of driving across on a Friday. Spending Saturday getting my bearings, spanner checking the car etc and doing a lap or 2 under instruction before spending the Sunday putting some laps in on my own. I've done plenty of UK track days but as it's my first time at the 'Ring I want to be safe and not impede other people with more experience, hence the decision to go with an instructor. Would I be better off hiring a car for the first couple of laps or should I just stick with the E30?

Hopefully looking at a weekend in May / June or would weekdays be a better option?

Any help / advice would be much appreciated.

Mark

[e30m3Mark]

Just very quick post before I respond properly later, but I have no real preference or knowledge of the different days (TF?) etc, so am happy to be advised on the days to go.

Ultimately I want to use my own car, once I feel confident I know what's what. It's a bit of a long held dream to have my own E30 M3 on the Nordschleife.

[e30m3Mark]

Digga said:

'd agree about mid week. I'm about 50:50 whether, as a first timer, it'd be easier on a quiet TF or a busier but more 'organised' track day. I'm not sure. With TF, even if it's quiet, you kind of need to be vigilant for the random - both fast and slow - and a greater variety of vehicle types.

In either instance, the big thing to check/ensure is your insurance cover. You do not really want to drive here without it IMHO. Most UK car policies will not cover the 'Ring.

Just got off the phone to my insurers (Competition Car Insurance - underwritten by Footman James) and initially they said I was covered for public days where the road is operating as a toll road, but couldn't have regular track day cover. Good news! Fast forward 5 minutes and I get a 2nd call telling me they wouldn't cover either (TF or organised track day) and that I should call Ryan Motorsport Insurance for a quote instead. I did exactly that and a days cover for my E30 is just over £700! SEVEN HUNDRED POUNDS!

There's just no way I want to pay £700 to drive the 'Ring in my M3 but it's a huge risk driving without cover obviously. Has anyone got any other suggestions and/or advice re insurance.

[e30m3Mark]

Thanks for all the replies so far guys and the offers of tagging along etc. It's much appreciated.

Right now I am thinking of a rental for the first few laps and a lap or 2 in the E30 the next day. (so long as it's dry as I want to keep risk to a minimum)

I do find it odd that Competition Car Insurance said I had cover so long as the road was open to the public (as a toll road) and changed their mind 5 minutes later. When I took the policy out 5 years ago, they said I was covered for 6 track-days including 1 at the 'Ring. That has obviously changed now.

[e30m3Mark]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the comments and am definitely heading out this summer. In fact, am also thinking of heading to Spa at the same time. Last time I was there it was as pit crew to Richard Westbrook who was in the Formula Opel Euroseries. We actually did a few laps but instead of the Formula Opel we were in an Austin Montego Countryman. Eau Rouge was a bum clencher!

[e30m3Mark]

dannyDC2 said:

Ahbefive said:

dannyDC2 said:

Make sure your car is ready for the abuse, the Nurburgring is without a doubt the hardest track I've driven on both car and driver.

I agree with all of your post except this bit. On my 1st trip I did 7 laps and was getting progressively faster and faster, all laps under 10mins. Compared to sessions at Donington, Silverstone and Besford the 'Ring is very very easy on your car whilst you are still learning.

When you know the track and what bends are coming I'm sure that your statement is correct but after a few laps on a normal track you are very familiar with it and can push the car at 10/10ths, meaning that it os very hard on your car.

At the 'Ring (until you know the track like you would a smaller one) you generally will not be attacking the corners like at Bedford.

My first trip to the 'Ring I returned with brakes that were fine and the new tyres had very little wear.

Oh for sure, your first trip there you probably won't stress the car too much, but if you want to push on then you just have to make sure the car can take it.

I thought with the tuition questions the OP was looking to do some fast laps. Not recommended on your first trip, but after seeing my friend lap 8:02BTG on his first trip after around 10 laps in an old rusty Honda Civic, I realised it's possible!

I'm not looking to set any lap records for fat blokes in an E30 but I would definitely hope to push on a bit. I intend doing a couple of hire car laps just to get over any first time nerves.

I always try and make sure any car I take on track is up to the task. It'll get a thorough spanner check before and after any laps. Obviously I'll keep an eye on fluids etc too.

Have been watching your old 'Ring based vids Dan, in an effort to get more of a feel for the place than Project Cars allows. I'm always far more impressed by cars like the DC2 and E30 when they're being hustled along at speed, than things like Ferrari and the like. Especially when fully committed and making the most of their moderate power and grip.

[e30m3Mark]

Spending £k's to hire a car and do a few laps is way out of my league.