Nurburgring Event 2014

The Green Hell, the 'Ring, the Nordschleife, or simply the Nurburgring - whichever name you choose the chances are if you are a petrol-head you will have heard of this place.

Image Credit: "Vacarella, Nino - Ferrari 512 S - 1970-05-31". Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0-de via Wikimedia Commons - 

Situated in the Eifel Mountains in western Germany it is one of the most famous racing tracks on the planet which has over the last nearly 100 years hosted some of the fiercest wheel to wheel action on a tarmac circuit and more recently been a huge hit amongst enthusiasts who have posted countless YouTube videos of every kind of car imaginable lapping this track, including some spectacular crashes.

                First opened in the spring of 1927, the circuit was initially host to motorcycle and side-car racing however this was quickly followed by automobile racing. The track was also opened as a toll road to the public on evenings and weekends - perhaps one of its longest legacies to this day. After WW2, the track was predominantly used for the Germany Grand Prix part of the Formula one series and has seen racing drivers such as  Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Jackie Stewart and Jacky Ickx rise to the top.

In the 1970's the track underwent some changes to make it safer as the cars were becoming faster. However this was still not enough and in 1976, despite his best efforts to call off the rain soaked race, Niki Lauda suffered a terrible crash which caused him to receive severe burns and significant lung damage which hindered his chances of winning the F1 world title against rival James Hunt. The crash marked an end to the use of this configuration of track for the F1 series.

Built around the town of Nurburg the circuit offers 4 layouts including the new GP circuit and probably the most famous of them all - the North Loop, or Nordschleife. This particular 12.93 mile loop, consisting of 154 corners is considered by many as the most demanding circuit in the world and is seen as a kind of Mecca for the motoring enthusiast. Outside of motor racing, and as the track offers such a wide variety of corners it has also been regularly used by most of the world's largest car manufacturers over the last 3 decades to test and hone their new models' performance and in particular in the hot hatch world has been used a benchmark, with each manufacturer striving to better the lap time of their closest rivals.

The tourist sessions, or "Touristenfahrten" have been held since the track opened in 1927 and attract thousands of car fans from around the world every year. This is partly down to the history of the track and partly down to the challenge it offers. To say you've driven the Nurburgring creates an acknowledged respect within the car scene. However ironically to drive this circuit is actually a lot easier than one might imagine and as it is seen as a toll road, rather than a proper track day (unless otherwise booked), a lap around the 'ring bypasses most of the strict safety regulations compared to UK track days. For example, safety helmets are not required and neither are there any forms to sign. The tourist sessions are just that - for everyone. It is not uncommon to see buses, motorbikes and also caravans on the track.

Upon arrival you are greeted by a relaxed and friendly atmosphere amongst like minded individuals. Where the session is held on a weeknight it is a lot less busy than on a weekend and is certainly the best place to start your first few laps. A few safety checks are of course still recommended: check your tyres, oil, coolant and brake fluid levels as well as an overall look over the car to remove an loose objects which might cause a distraction while driving at high speed. It is also recommended to try a few virtual laps of the track on a Playstation or Xbox at home first as the track layout is tricky to remember especially as you focus to keep the car on track and out of the way of faster drivers!

To access the track, you simply arrive at the time specified for the session and purchase a ticket at the office. Remember, discounts are available for multiple lap bookings. It really couldn't be easier. Once in the car, a small queue is formed at the barrier which is then quickly dispatched by the marshals and once the entry token is swiped, the barrier is open and ahead lies what you've always dreamed about! The track surface is surprisingly smooth with plenty of runoff areas. Despite not trying to set any records, it is amazing how quickly 12 or so minutes fly over! One thing that is definitely not noticeable in the game is the sheer elevation of the place, where the humble Honda Civic used in this feature did struggle in a few places compared to its more powerful rivals however once the first lap is done and the car has had a chance to cool down, it is time to try it all over again and start perfecting those racing lines!

The hardest part of the journey is actually getting to Germany with your car in the first place. However with regular and cheap ferries from Dover to France, it is definitely a highly recommended trip even if it's just to watch or passenger ride for a few a laps and to take in the breathtaking scenery. And for those who don't want to risk using their own cars, there are plenty of dedicated companies who will lend you a car to do a few laps in at a competitive price. Where possible a trip that is longer than one day is a good idea because despite the best efforts of everyone involved, there are a few small crashes now and then, but sometimes these take a long time to clear up and so track time might be reduced. There are also museums and shops to visit whilst not on track so plenty to do.

So what are you waiting for? Get those tickets booked!