Hi all you fanatic peeps...it’s great to be back.:thumbsup:
Have been missing the forum like mad. Thx Freerider and Revo for keeping me in the loop via sms. Good buddies you are :thumbsup:
Glad the Fanatics birthday run was a success.!!! :clap:
Well as usual i have plenty to say...
I will do a couple of stories in separate threads. This one is devoted to our visit to the Nurburgring. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
I have been planning this trip for quite awhile and are already thinking about the next visit...as a BMWfanatics or BMW car club group....it was simply amazing and a must experience for any racer or enthusiast....:excited: When arriving at the Ring i thought about forum members like Mos1ted; Sherwin; Zade from Zeemax; Zaki; Kabal; Carbon130 and Anile and how they would absolutely enjoy what the Ring has to offer...:thumbsup: Shall we pursue this idea guys???
Here is a detailed map of the entire ring including the F1 circuit sticking out on the left hand section. The red line is the Nurburgring:thumbsup::
Here is an arial view of the F1 circuit & the Ring curling out to the right at the bottom of the picture:
“The Ring is, quite simply, the ultimate driving experience. 13 miles and at least 73 bends add up to what even top racing drivers describe as the most demanding circuit in the world. It's impossible to describe just how good it is until you've been there, but if you can imagine your favourite mountain road and your favourite race-track, and combine the best bits of the two, you'll get the general idea.â€Â
Here are my pictures & videos story of our amazing time on the Nurburgring...enjoy...And of ourse BMWfanatics was there!!!! Thx Hellas for organising the stickers; even if i had to put it on a Mercedes:dunno: :thumbsup:
Vital stats:
• Germany's Nurburgring opened on June 18th, 1927.
• A 14 mile twisty devil of a race track with 73 bends.
• Nürburgring is a dual-purpose test track and race circuit.
• Nürburgring is a testing center for new cars.
• Nürburgring is a strip of asphalt where you can drive at racing speed. :thumbsup:
• Its also referred to as "The Green Hell." :hammerhead:
• There is likely to never be another race track like the Nürburgring.
• There are hiking trails around the Nurburgring, and a museum. .
• It is a one-way public toll-road with no speed limit.
Vehicles must be 100% road-legal (including tyres), and normal German road traffic law applies.
• This is a dangerous road, and serious accidents are an everyday occurrence
• The Ring is only open to the public for limited periods, so check out the Ring calendar before you schedule your trip.
• The Ring is very long, has a great many bends and more than a few nasty surprises (the best-known of which is Adenaur-Forst – i can now testify to this...
Our ride:
We flew into Cologne from Amsterdam and drove by car for about 90 km southwest to Nurburg.
I initially booked the BMW 323 with Avis to take on the Ring but due to the volcanic ash cloud that caused havoc with the arlines and everyones travel plans i could only get a 180 Mercedes CGI. I took a day before the Ring to practice with the car and getting used to driving on the right hand side of the road and the steering wheel on the left. I found myself (often) climbing in on the right hand side and wondering what happned to the steering wheel...heeeeeeThe car had 13 000 km on the clock and was hardly ready to be driven hard on a race track. What impressed me most about the car is the suspension...it was superb for a front wheel drive :thumbsup: But on the track i missed the beemer and struggled to judge the corners and let the tail out when the opportunity was there.
You can drive in your own car on the Ring and will pay upwards of 75 Euros depending on the number of laps (4, 8, 15 and 25 lap tickets available)
Or you could book in advance and be “driven around Nurburgring at speed by a pro in the BMW-Ring-Taxi. You can fit up to three people in the BMW. This is a popular ride. People reserve up to a year in advance.
This stature is in the front of the Hotel and Mercedes did something important at the Ring :dunno: Biko trying his hand at the wheel.
Before we checked in at the Hotel we stopped at the famous ED garage to buy some refreshments and right infront of us was the new M5 & M6 stopping for fuel. I was in such a trance (and unsure) that i forgot to take more video and pics of the M5...but i had plenty of time for the M6 when i finally woke up...damn. The M5 is a mean sounding machine and i want one...now:excited: What a way to start our time at the Ring hey?
Here is my video of the new M5 & M6 being tested. You can here the conversation - my wife and I caught completely off guard:
M5 & M6 VIDEO
Where to stay:
We checked in at the Dorint Hotel with its futuristic architecture, exclusive comfort, first class service - and all that directly at the 'Start' and 'Finish' of the race track. Here is the meeting place of fans and drivers, sponsors and racing sport enthusiasts from all over the world. And the spacious balconies of the rooms quickly become much-desired box seats. The Hotel is literally & physically on the F1 race track. We arrived and the AvD weekend racing was about to start....and we were put into the racing mood immediately:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Front view of the Hotel:
View overlooking the track:
Inside the Hotel:
Taken from the balcony of the Hotel room:
BMW driving pleasure:
The AvD race weekend:
Before we hit the Ring we decided to watch the practice racing at the F1 track (from our room) and visit the pit area and see the race cars in the metal:
Check the BMW GTR:
Modded swift on standby...
VIDEO clips of track racing: We were fortunate to experience the AvD race weekend at the Grand Prix circuit while visiting the Ring. It was an amazing experience to see a couple of GTR M3's in action. Enjoy.
A brisk walk through this tunnel and into the race Pit area:
The other side:
Visitors were welcomed into the Pit area without having to pay...for this day only...:thumbsup:
Check the large trailers:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy66/twinsonboard/Ring/DSC02438.jpg[/IMG]
VIDEO of Race Pit Area:
In the pit area. What an experience to see how the cars are prepped for the races. We could not get away from the BMW section. Those GTR's are just amazing!!!
Time to hit the Ring:
What to do when you arrive @ the Ring
First you have to go through this tunnel, almost like an initiation...Here i contemplate should i...or should i notimp::wave::
Since 2006, a new logo also symbolizes the new approach, the modern graphic design of which is homage to the last eighty years of the Northern Loop, otherwise known as the Nordschleife. When you arrive at the Nordschleife gate, you'll need to buy tickets. These are available from either the office or the ticket-machine immediately outside the office.
While waiting for the gates to open, i had time to chat with a race drivers daughter to get the low down on the track.... Almost all the cars on the day were in track guise.
Take it VERY easy on your first few laps. You'll be overtaken by lots of fast-moving traffic, so keep an eye on your rear view mirrors. Having read and heard so much about the Ring and what could go wrong...My first lap was very slow...as you can see in the video...the advantage for the BMWfanatics crowd is you can view and plot the track so much better :thumbsup:
Here are some pics of the Ring & also some taken from our car:
The Nurburgring record is held by this race car: 6min 48sec:
The Nissan GTR did it in:
This VIDEO shows an exact minuture/replica of Nurburgring (race track). 29 April 2010:
Or check these pics of replica...:thumb:
Next is the video of my runs on the famous Nurburgring, Germany. This video (3 parts) is the first lap. Unfortunately, I was asked by the Marshals to remove the camera attached to the windscreen for the remaining laps (illegal). I did 4 laps. Final lap was completed in 10min 35 sec using a hand stopwatch. I drove a C180 Mercedes CGI with 13 000km on the odometer. On the last lap the track was very quiet with only a few cars on the track. Video shows the track and bends very clearly. The original "soundtrack" is muted because we (wife & son in the car) had so much fun talking, laughing - better to mute the private conversations. Enjoy the ride anyway.
LAP 1 (Video part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rz7bVoZcLM
This video clip shows some of the cars in the parking area waiting for the gates to the Ring to open. It was 2pm in the afternoon. You can see the ticket office on the right of the security boom. Also spotted an Evo X (Yam Yam); orange Porsche in complete track guise; White Ford RS; Bikers; white M3 in track guise; Green Ford track car – quick as hell; Blue RS4. I lined up behind a Porsche but as soon as the gate open it was gone...eish.
• Check security boom reading: German traffic valid!
• Bilstein foot-bridge and going downhill which gives a great start to race.
• See public Rd on left running next to the track for a short while; this is where the AD garage is located.
• BMW signpost on left & where the Formula1 track connects to Ring (left)
• Downhill again meeting a long but sharp turn and then corner after corner...
• Passed by Subaru
• See beautiful hills on the side and another white Porsche passing
• Passing my first vehicle!!!:clap:
• On the left at the end of video you can see the spring flowers in bloom along the track.
LAP 1 (VIDEO part 2):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwpnMimaT1o
This part of the track is amazing; you can see the turns/curves far ahead but the bends hit you one after the other
• Another Porsche passing
• One left you can clearly see the kilometre markings 9km at the very sharp Wehrseifen & Exmuhle corner
• Hotel and Cafe Bistro on right hand side
• Yellow M3 track car passing – must have been the fastest on the day...Did 4 laps together
• Spot the names of the various corners
• Now...now... Picanto, 4 pipes and lekker modded passing :nono:
LAP 1 (VIDEO part 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85c43b0IPgw
• Slow run
• Passed by Clio; Lotus; Opel; Beemers; SX’s
• Check the double layer on this corner...the slow stays at the top layer the fast takes the lower part of the corner...scary stuff
• Some very deep dips in the road...gives the feeling of being suspended in your seat...
• Uneven slamted turns again
• Tall trees on road side...interesting graffitti on road surface
• The Audi R8 V10 bridge...from here it is a straight 800m or more run to the finish line; here I out sprinted an Audi & catching up with others:shocked:
Getting ready for Lap 2 at the boom again...:thumbsup: Stupid move should have rested...:nono:
My first lap was 17min 10 odd seconds:mmm:
My second lap was even slower; i lost complete concentration...and should have rested after the first lap...was daydreaming throughout the lap.:banghead::thinking:
After a 15min rest and food....Lap 3 was a great run...:thumb:
Lap 4 was the best...i did it in 10min 35 seconds...now this is not very fast but for my first time in a non-performance vehicle I was pleased with the result...! :excited:
That's my story. Hope you enjoy...
In this picture story, I made use of the following sources below:
Useful Ring websites:
http://goeurope.about.com/od/germany/a/nurburgring.htm
http://goeurope.about.com/gi/o.htm?...=http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/beginners.html
http://www.nuerburgring.de/en.html
http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/photos/photosites.html
http://www.nuerburgring.de/fileadmin/2009/N%FCrburgring_Text_englisch.pdf
Have been missing the forum like mad. Thx Freerider and Revo for keeping me in the loop via sms. Good buddies you are :thumbsup:
Glad the Fanatics birthday run was a success.!!! :clap:
Well as usual i have plenty to say...
I will do a couple of stories in separate threads. This one is devoted to our visit to the Nurburgring. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
I have been planning this trip for quite awhile and are already thinking about the next visit...as a BMWfanatics or BMW car club group....it was simply amazing and a must experience for any racer or enthusiast....:excited: When arriving at the Ring i thought about forum members like Mos1ted; Sherwin; Zade from Zeemax; Zaki; Kabal; Carbon130 and Anile and how they would absolutely enjoy what the Ring has to offer...:thumbsup: Shall we pursue this idea guys???
Here is a detailed map of the entire ring including the F1 circuit sticking out on the left hand section. The red line is the Nurburgring:thumbsup::
Here is an arial view of the F1 circuit & the Ring curling out to the right at the bottom of the picture:
“The Ring is, quite simply, the ultimate driving experience. 13 miles and at least 73 bends add up to what even top racing drivers describe as the most demanding circuit in the world. It's impossible to describe just how good it is until you've been there, but if you can imagine your favourite mountain road and your favourite race-track, and combine the best bits of the two, you'll get the general idea.â€Â
Here are my pictures & videos story of our amazing time on the Nurburgring...enjoy...And of ourse BMWfanatics was there!!!! Thx Hellas for organising the stickers; even if i had to put it on a Mercedes:dunno: :thumbsup:
Vital stats:
• Germany's Nurburgring opened on June 18th, 1927.
• A 14 mile twisty devil of a race track with 73 bends.
• Nürburgring is a dual-purpose test track and race circuit.
• Nürburgring is a testing center for new cars.
• Nürburgring is a strip of asphalt where you can drive at racing speed. :thumbsup:
• Its also referred to as "The Green Hell." :hammerhead:
• There is likely to never be another race track like the Nürburgring.
• There are hiking trails around the Nurburgring, and a museum. .
• It is a one-way public toll-road with no speed limit.
Vehicles must be 100% road-legal (including tyres), and normal German road traffic law applies.
• This is a dangerous road, and serious accidents are an everyday occurrence
• The Ring is only open to the public for limited periods, so check out the Ring calendar before you schedule your trip.
• The Ring is very long, has a great many bends and more than a few nasty surprises (the best-known of which is Adenaur-Forst – i can now testify to this...
Our ride:
We flew into Cologne from Amsterdam and drove by car for about 90 km southwest to Nurburg.
I initially booked the BMW 323 with Avis to take on the Ring but due to the volcanic ash cloud that caused havoc with the arlines and everyones travel plans i could only get a 180 Mercedes CGI. I took a day before the Ring to practice with the car and getting used to driving on the right hand side of the road and the steering wheel on the left. I found myself (often) climbing in on the right hand side and wondering what happned to the steering wheel...heeeeee
The car had 13 000 km on the clock and was hardly ready to be driven hard on a race track. What impressed me most about the car is the suspension...it was superb for a front wheel drive :thumbsup: But on the track i missed the beemer and struggled to judge the corners and let the tail out when the opportunity was there. You can drive in your own car on the Ring and will pay upwards of 75 Euros depending on the number of laps (4, 8, 15 and 25 lap tickets available)
Or you could book in advance and be “driven around Nurburgring at speed by a pro in the BMW-Ring-Taxi. You can fit up to three people in the BMW. This is a popular ride. People reserve up to a year in advance.
This stature is in the front of the Hotel and Mercedes did something important at the Ring :dunno: Biko trying his hand at the wheel.
Before we checked in at the Hotel we stopped at the famous ED garage to buy some refreshments and right infront of us was the new M5 & M6 stopping for fuel. I was in such a trance (and unsure) that i forgot to take more video and pics of the M5...but i had plenty of time for the M6 when i finally woke up...damn. The M5 is a mean sounding machine and i want one...now:excited: What a way to start our time at the Ring hey?
Here is my video of the new M5 & M6 being tested. You can here the conversation - my wife and I caught completely off guard:
M5 & M6 VIDEO
Where to stay:
We checked in at the Dorint Hotel with its futuristic architecture, exclusive comfort, first class service - and all that directly at the 'Start' and 'Finish' of the race track. Here is the meeting place of fans and drivers, sponsors and racing sport enthusiasts from all over the world. And the spacious balconies of the rooms quickly become much-desired box seats. The Hotel is literally & physically on the F1 race track. We arrived and the AvD weekend racing was about to start....and we were put into the racing mood immediately:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Front view of the Hotel:
View overlooking the track:
Inside the Hotel:
Taken from the balcony of the Hotel room:
BMW driving pleasure:
The AvD race weekend:
Before we hit the Ring we decided to watch the practice racing at the F1 track (from our room) and visit the pit area and see the race cars in the metal:
Check the BMW GTR:
Modded swift on standby...
VIDEO clips of track racing: We were fortunate to experience the AvD race weekend at the Grand Prix circuit while visiting the Ring. It was an amazing experience to see a couple of GTR M3's in action. Enjoy.
A brisk walk through this tunnel and into the race Pit area:
The other side:
Visitors were welcomed into the Pit area without having to pay...for this day only...:thumbsup:
Check the large trailers:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy66/twinsonboard/Ring/DSC02438.jpg[/IMG]
VIDEO of Race Pit Area:
In the pit area. What an experience to see how the cars are prepped for the races. We could not get away from the BMW section. Those GTR's are just amazing!!!
Time to hit the Ring:
What to do when you arrive @ the Ring
First you have to go through this tunnel, almost like an initiation...Here i contemplate should i...or should i not
imp::wave::
Since 2006, a new logo also symbolizes the new approach, the modern graphic design of which is homage to the last eighty years of the Northern Loop, otherwise known as the Nordschleife. When you arrive at the Nordschleife gate, you'll need to buy tickets. These are available from either the office or the ticket-machine immediately outside the office.
While waiting for the gates to open, i had time to chat with a race drivers daughter to get the low down on the track...
. Almost all the cars on the day were in track guise. Take it VERY easy on your first few laps. You'll be overtaken by lots of fast-moving traffic, so keep an eye on your rear view mirrors. Having read and heard so much about the Ring and what could go wrong...My first lap was very slow...as you can see in the video...the advantage for the BMWfanatics crowd is you can view and plot the track so much better :thumbsup:
Here are some pics of the Ring & also some taken from our car:
The Nurburgring record is held by this race car: 6min 48sec:
The Nissan GTR did it in:
This VIDEO shows an exact minuture/replica of Nurburgring (race track). 29 April 2010:
Or check these pics of replica...:thumb:
Next is the video of my runs on the famous Nurburgring, Germany. This video (3 parts) is the first lap. Unfortunately, I was asked by the Marshals to remove the camera attached to the windscreen for the remaining laps (illegal). I did 4 laps. Final lap was completed in 10min 35 sec using a hand stopwatch. I drove a C180 Mercedes CGI with 13 000km on the odometer. On the last lap the track was very quiet with only a few cars on the track. Video shows the track and bends very clearly. The original "soundtrack" is muted because we (wife & son in the car) had so much fun talking, laughing - better to mute the private conversations. Enjoy the ride anyway.
LAP 1 (Video part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rz7bVoZcLM
This video clip shows some of the cars in the parking area waiting for the gates to the Ring to open. It was 2pm in the afternoon. You can see the ticket office on the right of the security boom. Also spotted an Evo X (Yam Yam); orange Porsche in complete track guise; White Ford RS; Bikers; white M3 in track guise; Green Ford track car – quick as hell; Blue RS4. I lined up behind a Porsche but as soon as the gate open it was gone...eish.
• Check security boom reading: German traffic valid!
• Bilstein foot-bridge and going downhill which gives a great start to race.
• See public Rd on left running next to the track for a short while; this is where the AD garage is located.
• BMW signpost on left & where the Formula1 track connects to Ring (left)
• Downhill again meeting a long but sharp turn and then corner after corner...
• Passed by Subaru
• See beautiful hills on the side and another white Porsche passing
• Passing my first vehicle!!!:clap:
• On the left at the end of video you can see the spring flowers in bloom along the track.
LAP 1 (VIDEO part 2):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwpnMimaT1o
This part of the track is amazing; you can see the turns/curves far ahead but the bends hit you one after the other
• Another Porsche passing
• One left you can clearly see the kilometre markings 9km at the very sharp Wehrseifen & Exmuhle corner
• Hotel and Cafe Bistro on right hand side
• Yellow M3 track car passing – must have been the fastest on the day...Did 4 laps together
• Spot the names of the various corners
• Now...now... Picanto, 4 pipes and lekker modded passing :nono:
LAP 1 (VIDEO part 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85c43b0IPgw
• Slow run
• Passed by Clio; Lotus; Opel; Beemers; SX’s
• Check the double layer on this corner...the slow stays at the top layer the fast takes the lower part of the corner...scary stuff
• Some very deep dips in the road...gives the feeling of being suspended in your seat...
• Uneven slamted turns again
• Tall trees on road side...interesting graffitti on road surface
• The Audi R8 V10 bridge...from here it is a straight 800m or more run to the finish line; here I out sprinted an Audi & catching up with others:shocked:
Getting ready for Lap 2 at the boom again...:thumbsup: Stupid move should have rested...:nono:
My first lap was 17min 10 odd seconds:mmm:
My second lap was even slower; i lost complete concentration...and should have rested after the first lap...was daydreaming throughout the lap.:banghead::thinking:
After a 15min rest and food....Lap 3 was a great run...:thumb:
Lap 4 was the best...i did it in 10min 35 seconds...now this is not very fast but for my first time in a non-performance vehicle I was pleased with the result...! :excited:
That's my story. Hope you enjoy...
In this picture story, I made use of the following sources below:
Useful Ring websites:
http://goeurope.about.com/od/germany/a/nurburgring.htm
http://goeurope.about.com/gi/o.htm?...=http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/beginners.html
http://www.nuerburgring.de/en.html
http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/photos/photosites.html
http://www.nuerburgring.de/fileadmin/2009/N%FCrburgring_Text_englisch.pdf
