If you are considering a trip to the Nürburgring then here's some of the things you need to consider
- Cost
- When to go
- Where to stay
- What to drive
If you can't be arsed with all that, just contact our good friend Darren at www.ringweekends.co.uk ,wave your credit card at him, and he will arrange it all for you.
COSTS
Travel costs obviously vary depending where you are travelling from but you will have your channel crossing and a fuel bill for a 600 mile round trip plus any mileage you put in whilst there. Expect to use a lot more fuel than normal on the circuit. I get 5 laps per tankful (If I'm feeling brave) but normally fill up after 4 to be safe. If you run out on the circuit it will cost you € 185
You also have to pay to get onto the Nordschleife. Fees for 2008 are;
- Einzelrunde € 21 (single lap)
- 4 Runden € 70
- 8 Runden € 135
- 15 Runden € 235
- 35 Runden € 370
- Jahreskarte € 995 (years ticket)
2009 fees (provisionally),
- Einzelrunde €25
- 4 Runden €75
- 8 Runden €145
- 15 Runden €250
- 25 Runden €390
- Jahreskarte €1075
Should you break down on the circuit itself, recovery to the car park is € 185. ADAC members apparently can get free recovery, but only if you insist on waiting for an ADAC truck. AA and Green Flag specifically exclude the Nürburgring and immediate surrounding areas.
WHEN TO GO
The Nordschleife is only open to the public, Touristenfahren, at certain times in between races and development mileage by car manufacturers. It would seem like a good idea to check you aren't driving 500 miles just to arrive as they are setting up for Rock am Ring or whatever.
There is a calendar on the official site, www.neurburgring.de and many other related forums have their own versions.
WHERE TO STAY
Choice ranges from camping (Fuck that at my age) through B&Bs to hotels, cheap and expensive so take your pick. From our own experiences there are a few we have used and would use again.
Hotel am Tiergarten
For: Great location (above Pistenklaus). Good rooms. Nice breakfast. Good sinks for the inevitable after having perused some porn
Against: More expensive than average. Parking not great when busy.
Contact: info@am-tiergarten.de +49 2691 92 200 Book online: clicky
Hotel An der Nordschleife
For: Nice rooms. Great view of Briedscheid (see pic). Loads of parking. Cheap.
Against: Too far from Pistenklaus.
Contact: Eddy Mathey info@hotel-an-der-nordschleife.de +49 2691 930 158
Hotel ZurBurg
For: Cheap and cheerful. Loads of parking. The bushes outside are comfortable
Against: Mad granny who is always telling you off. Parrot which pecks you at breakfast. Screaming grandkids.
Contact: Klaus Daniels HotelZurBurgDaniels@t-online.de +49 2691 7575
Hotel Dorint Novotel
http://www.novotel.com/novotel/fichehotel/gb/nov/5417/fiche_hotel.shtml
For: Rooms have views over the GP start/finish straight
Against: Expensive. It's where all the cunts and posers stay. (and GentleGiant)
Contact: h5417@accor.com +49 2691 3090
Center Parcs
There is Parc Heilbachsee which is about 3km from Kelberg. It's older and smaller than the UK parcs but the accomodation is adequate and there's stuff for the kids to do with the wife while you are belting round the 'Ring
http://www.centerparcs.com/EN/DK/villages/park_heilbachsee
WHAT TO DRIVE
You have 3 choices. Your own car, a rental car, or hire a dedicated 'Ring car.
I'll dismiss the rental car option as all the big companies now forbid use on the 'Ring and know what to look for when you return the car. They will charge you big style for the privilege. There have been cases of rental companies taking extra payments from cards and placing worldwide bans on people after hire car abuse.
Your own car would seem cheapest, but then you have to get the thing there, pay for any wear and tear and most importantly you may not be insured! I would advise against denial here, if you are in an accident where a third party is seriously injured you will want to be fully covered, trust me. Check your insurance small print for exclusions such as 'Nürburgring' (d'oh) 'one way toll roads', 'derestricted toll roads' and similar.
If in doubt, I wouldn't ring your insurers because if you were not excluded before you certainly will be if you ask them to think about it. There are companies who will offer specific cover, but it will be expensive.
Last option is to hire a car specially prepared (and insured) for driving Touristenfahren.
Fortunately you can now rent from people who expect you to take the car on the 'Ring and have prepared them accordingly, including the fitment of rollcages and harnesses. A couple we are already aware of are,
RSR Nürburg aka Ron Simons Racing, the guys who run the fleet of Alfa 75s. They have added to these some Renault Sport cars, Caterhams, a Porsche GT3RS and an LM3000. Instruction can be arranged in groups or individually.
Rent-Race Car who currently run BMWs. They have a 318ti Compact, 325i Coupe, 325i Saloon E36M3 and a Golf GTi. All are prepped for racing, but have TUV approval so are allowed on Touristenfahren.
Ringhaus is a Hotel only 200m from the 'Ring carpark. They currently offer a Sylva, a Golf and a Mini. With them having accomodation, you can book and all-in-one package, literally turn up and drive