[jamesketchell]

On the 20/21st of November I'm off to Nurburgring Nordschleife with a couple of friends. Although photos are now banned from the circuit ill make sure to get some of the trip down through Germany and as much of the circuit as is possible.

 

[ltadmin]

Sounds like a Fantastic trip ahead. I know this goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, be very careful on the track until everything, tires, yourself, etc. is warmed up.

 

[Rayman]

What a blast, have a great time.

 

[DaLamboMan]

Will you be coming down to Nurnberg by any chance? I would love to meet you.

 

[wiz357]

James,

You're the man. We'd love to see those illegally obtained spy photos of the Ring.

 

[jamesketchell]

James,

You're the man. We'd love to see those illegally obtained spy photos of the Ring.

I couldn't possibly condone such activity

Will you be coming down to Nurnberg by any chance? I would love to meet you.

Not sure about which route we;re taking. A friend is organising the route and accomodation so I'll let you know as soon as i do.

Sounds like a Fantastic trip ahead. I know this goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, be very careful on the track until everything, tires, yourself, etc. is warmed up.

Thanks, I promise to drive safe

 

[youngwill100]

Enjoy your trip, it's a fantastic place

James,
Hope you have a great time there – I went two weeks ago for two days and did about 25 laps (300+miles) and had a blast!
For those of you who don’t know about the Nordshleife, it’s the old German Grand Prix track. 12 miles of blind crests, super fast sections and many very tight corners through forests and mountains. It’s where Nicki Lauda had his famous crash and burn accident. They don’t use it for Formula 1 anymore as it would be far too dangerous – no gravel traps or run-off areas, just miles of Armco barrier.
Because it’s technically a public road, anyone can go on it – just pay your $17 and head out for a lap. So you get vans (and even coaches sometimes) mixing it with fast road cars and even the odd racing car.
James, if you want the contact details of a very experienced instructor for an hour or so to tell you the main points of the circuit, let me know. Stephan Klepkens has done about 15,000kms round the circuit and trains industry drivers there, does tyre tests etc.
Anyway, have fun
William

 

[jamesketchell]

Excellent photos Will, thanks for the info too. Looking forward to it, just hope the weather isnt too bad. I see your not wearing a helmet on the photos? I know its technically a road but even so.....

 

[sk90077]

Please excuse the ignorance but How long is that straight away?
The track looks perfect for a Lambo!!

 

[raymond]

Photos are not "not allowed", what they don't allow are onboard-Video cams.

There are plenty of opportunities to take picture from outside, some places are well known and always full of spectators.

 

[pcht5]

In-car footage, Fantassssssssssssstic!

 

[jamesketchell]

They have travelling marshals in cars around the circuit (as its so large) which will kick you off the track if they see any photography going on. I'm guessing Will paid a track side photographer for those shots?

Here are two videos of a lap of the ring (large files due to the length of the laps)

First one is in a Radical Which broke the road car record last year with a 7.19 lap time http://www.radicalmotorsport.com/gallery/ring2b.mpg

Second one is in a different league, a lap in a Porsche 956, filmed back in the 80's when they still used to race the major championships on the circuit http://www.lad.lv/~martini/porsche/Videos/Nurburgring-956.mov

Incidentally the track is still raced on even today!

 

[jamesketchell]

James,why don't they let you tape it?

Due to the number of crash videos showing people dieing being published on the internet. They felt it would build up too much pressure to have the place closed.

People are killed there literally every week. Mainly bikers, but they don't have exclusive rights on crashing.

 

[Lambonian]

What cars are you taking along?

James,

What cars are you guys taking along?
Please inform me if the drive goes through Belgium?

 

[youngwill100]

Helmets - yes!

Excellent photos Will, thanks for the info too. Looking forward to it, just hope the weather isnt too bad. I see your not wearing a helmet on the photos? I know its technically a road but even so.....

James,
Quite right! Stephan and I were so engrossed in our laps that we sort of forgot to put our helmets on. We driving WELL within my (modest) limits, so that's a bit of an excuse! But helmets should definitely be worn there as a habit.
As far as length of straights, there are a few places where you can go flat out that are about a mile or a mile and a half long. Some have long curves in them but still possible to go 160-170mph if you've got the nerve!
William

 

[jamesketchell]

James,

What cars are you guys taking along?
Please inform me if the drive goes through Belgium?

Gallardo, Porsche 993 T4, Porsche 996 C2. There could be more joining us though, still finalising the numbers. Not sure which route we're taking as yet, I've left it all up to the guy whose organising it. I'll let you know.

 

[jamesketchell]

James,
Quite right! Stephan and I were so engrossed in our laps that we sort of forgot to put our helmets on. We driving WELL within my (modest) limits, so that's a bit of an excuse! But helmets should definitely be worn there as a habit.
As far as length of straights, there are a few places where you can go flat out that are about a mile or a mile and a half long. Some have long curves in them but still possible to go 160-170mph if you've got the nerve!
William

I cant wait!

 

[Lambonian]

Thanx

Gallardo, Porsche 993 T4, Porsche 996 C2. There could be more joining us though, still finalising the numbers. Not sure which route we're taking as yet, I've left it all up to the guy whose organising it. I'll let you know.

Thanx James, hope to meet you guys on your way, take some pix
of your STUNNING cars driving along! Might meet you at a parkingspot
along the route.