Nurburgring (I survived)

[crash]

Just got back from my day racing at the Nurburgring.  My previous racing experience was just some autocross and one slower road course near my house (top speed maybe 60 mph).  Nothing compared to what the Nurburgring has in store. 

It is very intimidating to begin with.  The elevation changes were amazing.  If you have ever seen YouTube videos of people going around the Ring, you really don't get a sense of the elevation changes. 

Pictured below is me with my car that I rented from RSR Nurburg.  It is a Renault Clio Cup.  Only 200 hp, but all the grip you can imaging.  I wasn't really able to push the car to it's limits as MY limits came first.  The hour of instruction I got really helped a lot.  I wish I could have had about 2-3 hours with the instructor.  The instructor, by the way, has the fastest lap around the Ring on a motorcycle at 7:10.  http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php/home/nurburgring-laptimes/427-fastest-motorcycle-lap-of-the-ring-really

At about 13 miles long, it is really difficult to memorize the course, but I was starting to remember enough to where I could start to push the car (and myself).  I did almost get into a little trouble once, but saved it.  I will post video links when I get all that uploaded.  My battery on the GoPro did run out, I just don't know when it ran out.

Anybody even remotely considering doing this, DO IT!  It was one of the best times I had in my life. 

Next up, Oktoberfest!

 

[Johnny]

Sounds like fun!

When I got my Honda S2000, I came across a YouTube video of a guy driving one around the Nurburgring course.  It was quite a ride just sitting in my desk chair!

 

[DangerousR6]

Sabine Schmitz did it in 10 min in a van...

 

[crash]

Afterwards, we all ate at her parents hotel/restaurant.  I would love to take a Ring taxi with her driving.

I watched a bunch of YouTube videos before I went.  Honestly, there is no comparison, especially the 2 banked corners where you are really feeling your spine compressing from the g forces.

Just took a look at some of the video.  I wish I really knew how to run the GoPro.  The instructions are horse$hit.  Being that I had to mount the camera on the inside of the rear window, the bright outside looks really bright and blurry.  They didn't let me mount the camera on the outside of the car, even though I saw it on other cars.  I'll have to see if I can adjust that brightness.

 

[greywolf]

that's a dream come true , I've heard the track was in financial trouble  mark me as envious!

 

[anorakDan]

Congratulations! Here's to fantasies realized! :headbang1:

 

[crash]

Here is a video of my 8th lap.  This was immediately after the 4 laps I had with the instructor.

http://youtu.be/IsMKat1Xcb0

If you are wondering about the time, The lap "Bridge to Gantry" starts with me going under the Bilstein banner at 0:46 and ending going under the Audi banner at about 11:25.  10min, 40sec which I guess is not too bad for a first timer.  I still have to edit the video to reduce the contrast to make it not as bright out the window.  So unfortunately, most of the video is just me steering and shifting.

 

[MikeW]

Awesome! If I make it out there later this year, I'd love to try this.

 

[DocNrock]

That is awesome!  Definitely one for the "bucket list."

 

[Torment Leaves Scars]

I would LOVE to drive the 'Ring!  The closest I'll probably ever come is Summit Point Raceway, which is about 30 minutes away from me.  While it's no 'Ring, it has the reputation for being one of the best tracks in the country, so that's not a bad thing.