I did six laps on the Ring last August and was BLOWN AWAY at the potential for catastrophe. I was almost relieved when it was over
The scariest part is having to lay down a 10K EURO credit card deposit against damage to the Armco or track infrastructure and sign the waiver. A simple spin resulting in a dented Armco section and tow is a $5000 additional bill.
In just my 6 laps I saw a late model BMW M3 grenade his motor, two cars hit the Armco, came around a corner at 120 kph to find a flat-bed on the track doing 40 kph hauling a bent GTI, and was passed twice by a Ducati rider with his girlfriend on the back.
OH, and most auto insurance in Germany specifically excludes the Nurburgring.
...Cost of crashing on the Nurburgring:
These include Armco repairs, safety car attendance, vehicle recovery, track closure:
Base fee for attendance of armco truck: €150
Removing damaged armco: €10/metre (x2 or x3 or x4 for multiple-height sections)
Replacement armco: €31/metre (x2 or x3 for double/triple height)
Removing damaged armco posts: €5.10 each
Replacing armco post: €39 each
Safety car attendance: €82 per 30 mins (car + 2 people)
Circuit closure: €1,350 per hour
Recovery truck: €500 (inc VAT)
Everything except the recovery truck is then subject to 19% VAT.