I know a few people are keen to go or are going, as I've been to the Nurburgring twice I though I'd make a post dedicated to the Ring with bits of info that I've picked up. Hopefully this will help others who want to go.
The Ring is such an easy trip to do I'm seriously surprised that more people I know haven't gone.
Before you goIf you're planning on going I seriously recommend you get hold of racing game that has the Nurburgring on it and do as many laps on it as you can. The track is about 13 miles long and a few of the corners will quite easily catch you out if you don't know what to expect. They'll never be exactly the same but you'll get a very good picture of what each corner is like.
You need to make sure:
- You book a hotel
- You take out European Brake Down Cover
- Your car insurance covers you for driving in Europe. (You need to be 18 to drive in Germany with a UK license) and add anyone else that will share the driving. This policy will not cover you when on track.
- You book a method of crossing the Channel. I've used the Eurotunnel twice and it's completely painless but you could always use the ferry
- Buy a European Travel kit. You need a Reflective Jacket per person, warning triangle, breathalisers (I think per person...), Spare bulb kit, First aid kit, GB sticker/magnet if your number plate doesn't have one on it, headlight converters
That seems like a big kit list buy you can buy them complete. I got mine from Halfords, I just needed to get an extra hi vis jacket and the breathalisers.
You also need paperwork
- Both parts of your driving license for each driver
- Proof of car insurance
- The cars' V5C
- Any hotel/ferry/train booking confirmation emails
- Passports
- Have a look on the AA's website
This list may change so double check before going.
I'd also recommend having a Sat Nav with European maps. I love mine and it works perfectly but maps work too.
Other things I think are worth taking:
- Engine Oil
- Lots of water for the engine. I took 5L incase it broke and I needed to top it up again. I filled up a used bottle of Screen wash
- Basic tool kit, you'll never know if you'll need it
- I also took duck tape and cling film. It sounds stupid but I managed to bodge a repair to a coolant pipe using these two things so they're worth taking imo
- Kitchen roll, helps if you want to check the oil or if you make a mess snacking on the way
- Old towel. Just in case...
I go food shopping before I leave too. Buying lots of water and bits of snack food will keep costs down considerably.
Remember that it's a long way to go and when you get there you'll abuse the car and you still have to drive back so prep the car before you leave. Make sure things like brakes and tires are ok, oil is topped up etc.
On The WayI love an early morning so I always book an early channel crossing. This means that I get to the Ring about mid afternoon and have a bit of time to relax and go see what is going on.
Remember to drive
on the wrong side of the road! For the first few hours it's not too bad as it's all motorway and you soon get used overtaking, but the last bit of the journey is all much tighter roads. Approach junctions slowly and look LEFT first, not right! Roundabouts mess with my head too, you obviously go the opposite way round but it does feel weird for a while
At the Nurburgring- Make sure that your tyre pressures are ok and the car is in decent condition. As I said before, you'll be driving the car pretty hard for about 13 miles so it's worth taking a minute or two to check tyres and oil.
- The track is surprisingly quiet when it first opens compared to lunch time, IMO it is so worth getting up that little bit earlier to make the most of a quiet track
- You need to go and purchase laps from a very small building right next to the barriers. You can buy varying amounts. The more you buy the cheaper it is per lap. A single lap costs 26 Euros, 4 laps costs 95 etc
- When going round, make sure your driving is smooth, deliberate and that you are aware of what is behind you. Sudden moves or harsh braking in corners will unsettle the car which could be dangerous
- Pick your line through the corners and stick to it. If people catch you up it's their job to pass you safely. Any attempt to get out of their way mid corner could end badly
- People will catch you up at stupidly quick speeds, make sure you are extremely aware of what is behind you and where the track is going. As people catch you up, indicate right and move over to the right side of the track and let them pass. This is what is supposed to happen but be aware that some people just pass where ever there is a gap
- IMO, don't time your lap. You will only encourage yourself to push harder and you may push beyond the limits of your car or driving skill
I think I've covered most of it. If anyone has any questions then please ask and I'll add it into the original post
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