Anybody drive on the Nürburgring?

[A930Rocket]

As part of our trip to Europe, this summer, we are going to Stuttgart and the Nurburgring and hopefully drive on the track with something.

Doing a little reading yesterday, it looks like the ring is open from 5:30 to 7:30 evenings, for tourist drives.

There are several firms that rent cars, in addition to the excess insurance (which is probably a good idea). The choices run the spectrum from small cars to hyper cars. Hyper cars are out and I’d like to drive something other than a small car. But whatever car I get, I’m 6-4 and 250 and want to make sure I fit in the car comfortably.

Soooo… How did you get to the ring and did you drive on it?

Thanks

[aschen]

did a couple times use RSnurburg

Rented a fiesta ST last time, Manual 200 hp, Recaros. Was the perfect companion, no joy in anything faster honestly. Cant really use even the 200 hp unless you know the track pretty well. A base cayman or something similar would be fun if you want to go higer end, but Id say save the difference and spend it on more laps. Its already expensive enough for cheap cars.

tons of fun and worth the adventure.

[A930Rocket]

Thanks, aschen.

Yeah, I think there are some small cars that would be a lot of fun. I just want to make sure I fit in it ok. Maybe see what’s offered and look for one on a dealer lot here.

How did you get to the ring? I don’t think a train goes directly there from Stuttgart, so I’m thinking maybe a train to somewhere else and then rent a car?

[wilnj]

Or go a different route and rent a Ford Transit and try to beat Sabina Schmidt’s time (RIP).

[A930Rocket]

It would’ve been great to have her drive us around Ford transit! What a thrill!

[javadog]

One of my kids went there. I talked him into the Ring taxi. A lot less risk and it goes faster than he ever could, driving whatever. He loved it.

[aschen]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Thanks, aschen.

Yeah, I think there are some small cars that would be a lot of fun. I just want to make sure I fit in it ok. Maybe see what’s offered and look for one on a dealer lot here.

How did you get to the ring? I don’t think a train goes directly there from Stuttgart, so I’m thinking maybe a train to somewhere else and then rent a car?

I had a rental car. Was there for work and drove to nurburgring 1 day and Porsche museum the other. a good bit of driving but doable.

The first time i went to the ring in 2005, I took a pedestrian rental car. Not recommended and probably against the contract.

[A930Rocket]

Thanks again. If it’s not in the cards to drive this year, but ride along with someone, that at least we can get some inside information for next year

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by javadog

One of my kids went there. I talked him into the Ring taxi. A lot less risk and it goes faster than he ever could, driving whatever. He loved it.

Looks like Ring Taxi has height and weight limits.

Special requirements:
✓ Height max. 2.00 m
✓ Body weight: max. 115 Kg
✓ Minimum age: 12 years

[javadog]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Looks like Ring Taxi has height and weight limits.

Special requirements:
✓ Height max. 2.00 m
✓ Body weight: max. 115 Kg
✓ Minimum age: 12 years

I had no idea, but from your earlier description, you are within them.

[matthewb0051]

Drove it in the early 2000s when I was stationed in Wurzburg. F'en brilliant. I owned a US Spec E30 M3, which was great until I drove it on the 'Ring. In US spec, it had a 5th gear overdrive, whereas ROW spec was 1:1 5th gear and different Diff as well. I later converted that car to Dogleg box and correct diff and it transformed the car.

About halfway through first lap, my wipers came on and wouldn't shut off. Was able to disconnect between laps but that was an adventure that my dealer later determined was from a grounded wire.

Other than what others have said, I will add that you need to watch out for motorcycles in your rear view. They close very fast and are constantly passing no matter what you are doing.

Edit: while there, go to the street where the manufacturers have their garages. IIRC, it is near the parking area where start/finish is located. Pretty cool to see all the marques that have a presence.

[tops911]

I was stationed in Bamberg and took my 1982 930 (and paid out of pocket to ship wife's car) with the intent to drive it on the 'Ring. I was able to drive the Ring just prior to returning to the States. They were late opening the track and then just prior to the end of my first lap (I paid for 2 laps) a car broke on the track and they closed the track. so I was never able to do a second lap.

[911boost]

Awesome stories!

I have not, but my 2010 GT3RS is a US car with German delivery and went to the ‘Ring and drove it with the first owner.

[matthewb0051]

You may also want to look into driving Hockenheim Ring. When I lived there it was open on Thursdays, but then again, F1 hadn't abandoned the track for Sudan and Bangladesh.

https://www.hockenheimring.de/en/activities/driving-experiences/tourist-rides/

[911 Rod]

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

About halfway through first lap, my wipers came on and wouldn't shut off. Was able to disconnect between laps but that was an adventure that my dealer later determined was from a grounded wire.

Reading this in your sig for so long I assumed you accidently turned them on and were to afraid to take a hand off the wheel to turn them off.
I've had this with a couple of students!

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Reading this in your sig for so long I assumed you accidently turned them on and were to afraid to take a hand off the wheel to turn them off.
I've had this with a couple of students!

The bad part was I had to drive 2 or 3 hours home with spring bugs blasting my windscreen and no wipers/fluid to clear them off. Multiple stops to clean the front screen.
Good part is the Germans put a scouring pad of sorts in the bucket at gas stations so you can get the bugs off. They think of everything.

[A930Rocket]

Have you ever used the sponge squugee thing at gas stations. I’ve almost puked a few times when the water isn’t changed in forever. It’s nasty. 🤮

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Have you ever used the sponge squugee thing at gas stations. I’ve almost puked a few times when the water isn’t changed in forever. It’s nasty. 🤮

Like everything else in Germany, they clean out the bucket so as to avoid the puke or other unpleasantries.

My local gas station in Texas the water is usually a brown/grey color. Smell isn't much better.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Never driven, even had the opportunity in my 930 but decided a damp, October 1st track drive wouldn't end well

Have had rides in a 72 Porsche 911 ST recreation and Renault Clio RS driven very rapidly

If you have the chance, you must!

[porsche930dude]

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

Drove it in the early 2000s when I was stationed in Wurzburg. F'en brilliant. I owned a US Spec E30 M3, which was great until I drove it on the 'Ring. In US spec, it had a 5th gear overdrive, whereas ROW spec was 1:1 5th gear and different Diff as well. I later converted that car to Dogleg box and correct diff and it transformed the car.

About halfway through first lap, my wipers came on and wouldn't shut off. Was able to disconnect between laps but that was an adventure that my dealer later determined was from a grounded wire.

Other than what others have said, I will add that you need to watch out for motorcycles in your rear view. They close very fast and are constantly passing no matter what you are doing.

Edit: while there, go to the street where the manufacturers have their garages. IIRC, it is near the parking area where start/finish is located. Pretty cool to see all the marques that have a presence.

I heard motorcycles are banned now