Nurburgring Advice

[paulR]

I’m setting off on a bit of a tour around Europe in the GR86 from Sunday, and we’re staying for a couple of nights near the Nurburgring so I can do a lap. Any advice for a circuit newbie? I intend to take it steady as it will be right at the start of the trip and we’re then heading to Slovenia. I understand you’re meant to keep to the right to allow faster cars (that will be most of them!) to pass, but any other tips from those that have been there?

 

[chopper602]

I've done about 7-8 trips to the ring, but not YET taken the GR86. I did a trip with the GT86 (and Seat Ibiza, MX-5, Alfa Mito QV, Saab 9-5, Volvo Polestar and Alfa Romeo Stelvio) and they were all great.
Always drive 8/10, keep your eyes on the rear view mirror. For a first time I would try and plan in an afternoon / evening tourist session (normally from about 5:30 to 7:30) as they tend to be a lot quieter. Weekends can be full of queues and track closures. Stick to the racing line where you can, as the grip is better and avoid it entirely (the whole track) in the rain.
I often find it's good to spend a couple of hours wandering around the car parks or heading off to find the spectating spots out in the forest.
Good spot here, close to the Cockpit Bistro for the obligatory schnitzel or currywurst
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DzimDB1SXGjB6Tw6A

Here's a lap from the Polestar (a hellova a car)

Good luck - you'll love it - I'm trying to get back there this year myself

 

[paulR]

Thanks Chopper. I’ve said to my other half to keep an eye on her door mirror to warn me if she’s sees anything coming. Where we’re staying is a short walk from a section of the track so we’ll pop along and watch from there in the morning. The circuit is open for laps that evening so hopefully it won’t be too busy.

 

[Bobocop]

I’m setting off on a bit of a tour around Europe in the GR86 from Sunday, and we’re staying for a couple of nights near the Nurburgring so I can do a lap. Any advice for a circuit newbie? I intend to take it steady as it will be right at the start of the trip and we’re then heading to Slovenia. I understand you’re meant to keep to the right to allow faster cars (that will be most of them!) to pass, but any other tips from those that have been there?

Do you have much tracking experience? I've done a few track days myself and have days' worth of Assetto Corsa time on Nords but I personally would be inclined to either rent a car for it or ride along. I'm not prepared to lose my 86.

Then again, I'm overly cautious. Just my 5p.

 

[paulR]

Do you have much tracking experience? I've done a few track days myself and have days' worth of Assetto Corsa time on Nords but I personally would be inclined to either rent a car for it or ride along. I'm not prepared to lose my 86.

Then again, I'm overly cautious. Just my 5p.

Apart from a couple of motorbike track days about 20 years ago I’ve never driven on a circuit.
After watching Chopper’s video I think I’ll probably just keep to the right most of the time as the fast stuff seems to appear from nowhere!
The forecast for that region isn’t looking too great over the next few days, if it’s raining I’ll give it a miss.

 

[chopper602]

Thanks Chopper. I’ve said to my other half to keep an eye on her door mirror to warn me if she’s sees anything coming. Where we’re staying is a short walk from a section of the track so we’ll pop along and watch from there in the morning. The circuit is open for laps that evening so hopefully it won’t be too busy.

If you don't end up on track, then some of the local roads around there are excellent. The L92 between Nurburg and Adenau is one. Of course, it's Germany, the road surface is very good.