So you’ve got a car and you fancy thrashing the hell out of it, but, you have a big problem with those blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror or you are a very considerate road user.
Well, here is your answer. The Nurburgring. An old Formula One racing track in Germany (not far from the border with Belgium) now open to the public. A one way road toll road, with absolutely no restrictions on speed what-so-ever! Your car must be road legal … and that’s it. Your standard car insurance will cover you driving on it.
As mentioned it is a toll road, so for a lap of the old northern loop (Nordschleife), approx 23 km (15 miles) it is 21 Euros (as of the time of writing this article). Prices get cheaper the more laps you pay for. 8 laps 135 Euros, 25 laps 370 Euros and an all year pass for 995 Euros.
Having a blast round the track can have it’s downsides.
Make sure you you don’t go on a public holiday or a weekend because it is classed as a public road meaning coaches and camper vans are also having a spin.
My brakes and clutch on my Micra took an absolute beating and my car stank of the burning pads. Yes, that’s right I did the track in my Micra. I timed my lap using a calender, not a stopwatch.
If you spin off and hit the barrier, you pay for the damage caused (and I’m sure the insurance wont cover that!), also, if you need a recovery truck that’s going to cost more as well.
Great care is needed whilst driving the ‘Ring because no matter what car you are in there is always one faster, so be vigilant - especially for motorbikes!
A final piece of advice to finish on is to turn up an hour before the track opens. There are some serious machines to photograph and an awsome buzz in the air.
Have fun!
