GRM I have a problem with you.

I thought I had the whole idea of going over to the Nürburgring was out of my system. But you have to go and show us regular folks that is not only is possible but relatively inexpensive to actually set rubber to the pavement of that place. And practically give is step by step instructions on how to go about doing it.

Now I am back to step 1 of my try not to be obsessed about driving the Nürburgring recovery program.

I know the 'Ring is open to the public much of the time, but I never expected there to be bus traffic on the track. I also enjoyed the fact that "they straightened out some of the curvier sections". Holy crap, it was worse back in the day?

ncjay wrote: I also enjoyed the fact that "they straightened out some of the curvier sections". Holy crap, it was worse back in the day?

No, it was better!!!

grafmiata wrote:

ncjay wrote: I also enjoyed the fact that "they straightened out some of the curvier sections". Holy crap, it was worse back in the day?

No, it was better!!!

Between the time I read this and the time I responded, this comment went from +1 to +3.

I wish they'd do the same with Road America. And Mid-Ohio. And Road Atlanta. And Brainerd. And VIR.

Etc.

Unfortunately, they are concerned too much about money, or the loss of it (through lawsuits) to be so liberal about opening a race track for the public.

My brother is in the military and he was able to ride with someone on the Nurburgring, twice. I'm so jealous. But he's not interested in amateur racing like I am though.

I actually think that the cure about obsessing over driving on the Nurburgring is saving enough money to make the trip to Germany.

So Deano, when are we going?

I am seriously now thinking that next summer would be the time to go. I have to look at the weather over there and try and see If I can get a gauge on when the best time would be.

stroker wrote: I wish they'd do the same with Road America. And Mid-Ohio. And Road Atlanta. And Brainerd. And VIR. Etc.

While it may not be as easy as paying a toll and heading out, getting on track in the US is easier than it's ever been in modern history. There's almost no major track that doesn't have one, two or even more clubs doing track events.

As for there best time to go, I'd suggest May or October. Airfares go nuts in the summer. Sadly that's one of the reasons I'm not going to the N24 this year. They moved it from May to June and the ticket I paid under $1000 for last year is now over $1600.

I'd do a spring or fall trip and plan on hanging around the track for a couple days and doing a weekday afternoon session. Typically manufacturers get the track from 9-5 on weekdays, but frequently they'll open the track from 5-7 or so. You'll get more and better laps in those two hours on a weekday than you will on a full weekend day. Weekends are a zoo. During the weekday sessions it's usually just the hardcores.

JG Pasterjak wrote: As for there best time to go, I'd suggest May or October. Airfares go nuts in the summer. Sadly that's one of the reasons I'm not going to the N24 this year. They moved it from May to June and the ticket I paid under $1000 for last year is now over $1600.

It's not only because of the seasons, ticket prices between Europe and the US have been going nuts for the last 4-5 years. I notice this every time it's family visit time in either direction. Also, if you're checking for flights into Frankfurt, look for the cheaper alternatives like Düsseldorf or Zurich, then take a train or rental car.

That said, if you're looking for June tickets now, you're looking too early as prices usually tend to go down a bit around the six weeks mark - that bit of patience saved me about $300 on a round trip to Zurich last year.

I still have a hankering for driving the Nürburgring in my own car, but that would requiring shipping one over for a European vacation. Which I'd love to do at some point, I just don't feel rich enough yet.

I have a terrible idea that could be one of those cool banger rallys. We could go, buy something for $500 off Luxembourg Craigslist, head to Italy for a pizza and then Nurburgring.

I just drove the ring about two weeks ago.... It's everything you thought it would be and more. Every enthusiast owes it to themselves to make that trip. It's unbelievably awesome.

Wait for my scathing rant if they cover the Isle of Mann TT.

i noticed it looks like track days in foreign countries are just far easier to come by it seems. I see so many videos during like any day of the week people just hop on there. Meanwhile here in Nevada at Spring Mountain you have to wait for a PCA track day once per year or some E36 M3.

Maybe it's because of where I live, idk. It just pisses me off because I would like to do it at least monthly but I have to wait for some club to rent out the track which is almost never.