I call upon persons here present… OK, you're not witnessing a marriage; actually this could be closer to a disastrous divorce for petrol-heads like us… I am writing this to the F1 forum, since this is where most of us reside and F1 has a vital role in the most iconic and historic German track. It is a plea to all motor racing fans, particularly those who enjoy track days and anyone else who has ever experienced driving pleasure; for we are in danger of losing the ultimate driving challenge: the daddy of them all himself - Nürburgring Nordschleife. If you have a spare moment, please visit the site below and make your voice heard. The circuit is currently being used to support the ridiculous theme park, which is losing money but being propped up by the real motoring events. (In other words, if you go along for a track day, you are paying for the upkeep of someone else's failing venture, completely unrelated to motor racing or motoring fun. http://savethering.org/ Please sign the petition and spread the word. Even if you are unlikely to make the trip for a blast around my favourite circuit, what would the world be without this place? !!
Thanks chaps. Have any of you ever fancied doing a track day event? - Say with your own car? (It's cheaper that way!). It's absolutely great fun and one of the easiest ways to get a taste of unrestricted speed. I stopped short of saying "a taste of racing" but actually, it can become very very closely related! Well, if you ever get the chance, I promise you that the Nordschleife (and its incorporation of the Grand Prix circuit) is second to nowhere else on the planet. It's worth planning a week trip - or even just a long-weekend - simply to do what most only dream of. Just do it. Do it once in your life. Very few people ever regret it; only those who write-off their pride and joy!
Absolutely. I registered my support as soon as I found out. One of the best days of my life was spent with my best friend, spanking the nadgers off my beloved golf. The most fun you can have fully clothed!!! It must be kept open. If it was a castle, or any other building of historical importance it would be listed or at least the German equivalent. Cosi, any chance of a spin in godzilla?
Hahahaha. I try to avoid spins. I restrict it to dough-nuts after my last lap; and only then if someone is paying for the tyres! "Spins" at this circuit are not a good idea if it's an open track day, since there are all manner of unknown pilots all too willing to get it wrong while one is recovering. But hey!! It's good to see you here Bubbles! Please stick around longer. Your forum needs you!
Thanks McLarwum! Yes but this depends on the actual event. If - as when I go - the circuit is closed to the public, it is a race circuit like any other (i.e. without any speed limits). However, even for the general public in their own vehicles and not under instruction, the vast majority of the circuit is completely unrestricted. Legally, it is a one-way toll road open to the general public unless closed for the above reason. And I would suggest where compliance with speed limits is required (there are a couple of places near entrance and exits), most people are more than happy to get the genuine excuse of a brief break, particularly if they have not done it before! Also, one's own insurance will give the legally required, basic third party cover (but not usually the full cover you may otherwise have). As I understand it, insurance companies must comply with this under an EU directive, even if they'd prefer not to!
Signed! I really want to take my car around it one day! ps- also why is the save the ring logo an N with the austrian flag colours? Thats the Ãsterreichring /A1 Ring/Red Bull ring no?
I'll be there is less than 2 weeks, i'll be driving it And I will punch anyone there who wants it gone for all of you.
Great stuff Fred!!! That's really good to hear! - Congratulations. And please write up your experiences here as an article when you get back; there's nothing quite like reading a first-hand account and I'm sure the forum will be as eager as me to hear what you will have to say.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Motorsport and its history are an important part of European culture and should be protected and preserved just as our artistic heritage is.
Even driving around it on gran turismo is fun. It's one of those things on my bucketlist, driving the nurburgring, along with naked abseiling.
Yup saw it a while back on Muzz606 i think and signed then. Awful piece of business, the most elementary level of market research could have predicted this and avoided thi unsavoury situation coming about
I think I'm going to be sick :S Hopefully i'll get some pictures for you cosi! But I will say now that i'm very bad at writing articles.
Haha! Don't worry in the least! Just describe the trip with stuff straight from your itinerary. Maybe begin with some account of the journey to get there. Describe the signing-in procedure and briefings. Mention the most memorable things about the circuit like entering the Carousel for the first time while that Lambo howled past on the inside line; what you had to watch out for in the mirrors on the long long long straight with the old tower in view on the top of the hill to your right; whether you had the guts to keep your foot in over the crest and down the hill. And occasionally you might make sense of some of the iconic track graffiti… There's all sorts of stuff but a personal account is always a gripping read, no matter how badly scribbled and pictures always help describe a story anyway, so that's a great idea! Cheers all round. Have fun: I promise you will not regret it. ©
