[Theivz]

Hi folks

really want to do the ring this year so planning a trip with a mate for end of Sept. Only questions outstanding is insurance?

What do people do who use their own cars?

Or do most people hire cars when you get there?

All advise appreciated..

[Josh1a1h]

insurance???

You have european cover right?

If something happens, tow yourself 1 mile from the ring then call AA lol

[Kerr]

Originally Posted by Josh1a1h

insurance???

You have european cover right?

If something happens, tow yourself 1 mile from the ring then call AA lol

It's not just your car.

If you crash you have to pay for circuit repairs too and they aren't cheap.

[MEGA]

Buy ADAC cover. Their premium cover will recover you, even from the 'ring itself.

Once you've been moved a decent stretch away from the ring - you can call your insurer. "I've just been involved in a hit and run with a car in the town of Adenau".

Heh.

But.

Remember, anything like Armco damage will NOT be covered by any insurance policy I'm aware of (someone correct me? )

Getting it wrong at the 'Ring is NOT a cheap thing regardless of insurance.

If you are really worried why not consider a hire car btw?

[Theivz]

Originally Posted by Josh1a1h

insurance???

You have european cover right?

If something happens, tow yourself 1 mile from the ring then call AA lol

lol!

Originally Posted by Kerr

It's not just your car.

If you crash you have to pay for circuit repairs too and they aren't cheap.

heard Armco bills can be expensive

Originally Posted by MEGA

Buy ADAC cover. Their premium cover will recover you, even from the 'ring itself.

Once you've been moved a decent stretch away from the ring - you can call your insurer. "I've just been involved in a hit and run with a car in the town of Adenau".

Heh.

But.

Remember, anything like Armco damage will NOT be covered by any insurance policy I'm aware of (someone correct me? )

Getting it wrong at the 'Ring is NOT a cheap thing regardless of insurance.

If you are really worried why not consider a hire car btw?

cheers all for input. rac cover me in Europe so no probs there. in terms of insurance I hear the nurburgring is a public road on tourist days so my insurance covers me too - woo-hoo! BUT if I stack it or am in a pile up or smash up the Armco then I am in big trouble....

i'm thinking of driving on the shorter sat 5-7 myself and my mate and I might hire a car for sunday driving ...

does that sound like a plan?

[AlanYoro35i]

Originally Posted by Theivz

lol!



heard Armco bills can be expensive





cheers all for input. rac cover me in Europe so no probs there. in terms of insurance I hear the nurburgring is a public road on tourist days so my insurance covers me too - woo-hoo! BUT if I stack it or am in a pile up or smash up the Armco then I am in big trouble....

i'm thinking of driving on the shorter sat 5-7 myself and my mate and I might hire a car for sunday driving ...

does that sound like a plan?

Check your insurance T&C some will automatically become third party when you go oversea. Sneeky bastards, happened to my firneds GTR which he wrote off in austria, insurnace told him he needes to pay extra for comphensive cover for europe my insurance actually states nurghbering is notncovered regardless of tourist days or not

[magic77]

if its your first timeand you never been and your car is that nice I suggest ahire car.

Go to someone rent racer and rent a something then its safer car is track prepped and has insurance worse you loose your insurance excess.

By all means take your car on a quiet lap for the fact its been on the ring but I would not do it on a busy day or wet not in show car.

Even in suzuki swift you can have fun in traffic you can get a 10 min lap. I managed 10.30 last time great fun

[MEGA]

Dharman your insurance will almost specifically exclude as public roads both the Arque de Triomph and the nurburgring and your insurance will NOT pay out if you have an accident. Check the small print

[Mrsammyp]

http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/insurance.php

[Guvernator]

Yep be under no illusion that your European cover will cover you at the ring as 99% of policies specifically exclude any sort of cover there. Also the tow it a mile away won't work either. Insurance companies aren't stupid and any accident "near" the Ring is going to be investigated thoroughly.

Even if they do pay up that won't cover damage to the Armco, trackside recovery or damage to other vehicles yourself or other people which could end up in the tens of thousands.

Not trying to put a dampner on things but when I was keen to go a couple of years ago and looked into this, I soon found out that there is no safe way to go to a tourist day in your own car so you either need to stump up a bit more and go on an organised trackday or hire a car from one of the Ring specialists when you get there. Prices start from about 300 Euro's, might seem a bit steep but not when you consider what could go wrong if you take your own car round.

[Theivz]

thanks all for your advice!

I will heed it!

main problem is I really want to get a pic of my car on the ring lol ... no seriously I might see how busy/quiet it is and do 1 lap just for the sake of it

we are looking into car hire for the 2nd day though

friends of mine who have been numerous times in fast and slow cars all were quite reassuring and said make sure you indicate and move the right way when someone overtakes you and don't try and time a lap...

life is short so have some fun I say. life is shorter if you die on the ring tho...

the new wheels are for the track/winter so don't mind some abuse. got the brakes/oil changed recently also. I don't want to race just go faster than I would on uk public roads .. get it out of my system if you know what I mean

I think I will do some UK track days for the speed thrill where its a bit more controlled... somewhere easy with wide runoffs...

oh and car will be getting front end and bonnet respray on my return due to too many stonechips and a crack from an enthusiastic neighbour

[MEGA]

Buddy organise a Bedford GT day and if I've got the cash I'm in. It's a brilliant circuit and literally impossible to damage your car there short of driving into someone else.

Javelin trackdays do alot of days, make sure it's the GT circuit.

You know I'm paranoid but I'd be up for taking mine to Bedford no bother.

Dave

[fastloop]

Most has already been covered, but for first timers I would recommend that you passenger a few laps with someone else that knows the track and they go out with you for the first few laps. This will help keep you safe and another pair of eyes to look out for traffic and guide you though the corners. Your senses will go into overdrive and you'll be surprised to find Porsche GT3's arrive out of nowhere.

The other part is to choose the time you go on track and don't pick the busiest weekends of the year. Evening weekday sessions seems to be fairly quiet and it's possible to get quite a number of laps in during a 2.5h session. You can usually gauge from the barriers how busy it is.

Also respect the track and the weather conditions. Its gets super slippery when its rains, so at any sign of rain on the windscreen, slow down loads. Grip levels when wet are much lower than normal roads. The Ring is notorious for catching out people because half the track is dry and they suddenly arrives at speed where it's just rained. In terms of traffic then it's better to let other faster cars past when it's safe to do so. Trying to keep them behind you is more likely to piss them off to take stupid chances or cause you to crash because you're not paying attention to the road ahead. Remember that you can learn a lot from following others cars around.

With proper respect you can make this fairly safe and enjoy one of the best and challenging race tracks in the world.

Enjoy!

[Woody80]

If you're not planning on going mental and driving well within your limits I'd go for it. I've done it on a bike knowing full well that I wouldn't be insured and assuming towing 1 mile down the road wouldn't be taken at face value!

Don't bother if its wet, it'll be like ice and watch out for Adneau Forst.....

[Russbmw]

I've been a few times.

Firstly, choose a date that's nowhere near a public holiday, preferrably during the week - it'll be a lot quieter.

Secondly - don't think that becuase you've played Forza loadss that you know the track inside out. You don't.

To be honest, I went knowing my insurance wouldn't cover me if I spanked it. As has been mentioned, unless you get spcialist insurnace, I doubt any of the usual places would cover you.

Just make sure you're always aware of who's infront and espeically behind you. Use you mirrors. If you see someone coming up at a great rate of knots behind you, indicate to the right and move over. Keep indicating until they've passed, so they know you've seen them.

Do several laps. Take it easy on the first few and don't be tempted to try chase people round. Lots of people go there regularly and know the track like their back garden.

If it's raining, drive like you're on an ice rink - because that is not far off what the traction is like.

As has been mentioned, so much as scraping the armco is very expensive. If you smash it and spread oil, coolant and mud all over the track so it has to be closed, you may as well remortgage.

Just drive within your limits. The fun is actually doing the circuit in a controlled fashion, carrying a speed you are comfortable with. it's an awesome experience and I'd highly recommned it. Now I'm back in a manual car, I'm definitely going to go again,as it's been a few years now.

Just be sensible and enjoy yourself.

[Theivz]

Originally Posted by 335rocks

Most has already been covered, but for first timers I would recommend that you passenger a few laps with someone else that knows the track and they go out with you for the first few laps. This will help keep you safe and another pair of eyes to look out for traffic and guide you though the corners. Your senses will go into overdrive and you'll be surprised to find Porsche GT3's arrive out of nowhere.

The other part is to choose the time you go on track and don't pick the busiest weekends of the year. Evening weekday sessions seems to be fairly quiet and it's possible to get quite a number of laps in during a 2.5h session. You can usually gauge from the barriers how busy it is.

Also respect the track and the weather conditions. Its gets super slippery when its rains, so at any sign of rain on the windscreen, slow down loads. Grip levels when wet are much lower than normal roads. The Ring is notorious for catching out people because half the track is dry and they suddenly arrives at speed where it's just rained. In terms of traffic then it's better to let other faster cars past when it's safe to do so. Trying to keep them behind you is more likely to piss them off to take stupid chances or cause you to crash because you're not paying attention to the road ahead. Remember that you can learn a lot from following others cars around.

With proper respect you can make this fairly safe and enjoy one of the best and challenging race tracks in the world.

Enjoy!

good advice thanks! I heard keeping a good eye out is very important! Also don't bother trying to go fast if its raining...

Originally Posted by Woody80

If you're not planning on going mental and driving well within your limits I'd go for it. I've done it on a bike knowing full well that I wouldn't be insured and assuming towing 1 mile down the road wouldn't be taken at face value!

Don't bother if its wet, it'll be like ice and watch out for Adneau Forst.....

lol. Agree. That's what I've heard. My car is a touring after all and I want to pop my Nurburgring cherry if you know what I mean I have no intention of setting any fastest laps or catching my mate in his R8 lol

Originally Posted by MEGA

Buddy organise a Bedford GT day and if I've got the cash I'm in. It's a brilliant circuit and literally impossible to damage your car there short of driving into someone else.

Javelin trackdays do alot of days, make sure it's the GT circuit.

You know I'm paranoid but I'd be up for taking mine to Bedford no bother.

Dave

on it like a fly on shit bud - few dates coming up will email them

Originally Posted by Russbmw

I've been a few times.

Firstly, choose a date that's nowhere near a public holiday, preferrably during the week - it'll be a lot quieter.

Secondly - don't think that becuase you've played Forza loadss that you know the track inside out. You don't.

To be honest, I went knowing my insurance wouldn't cover me if I spanked it. As has been mentioned, unless you get spcialist insurnace, I doubt any of the usual places would cover you.

Just make sure you're always aware of who's infront and espeically behind you. Use you mirrors. If you see someone coming up at a great rate of knots behind you, indicate to the right and move over. Keep indicating until they've passed, so they know you've seen them.

Do several laps. Take it easy on the first few and don't be tempted to try chase people round. Lots of people go there regularly and know the track like their back garden.

If it's raining, drive like you're on an ice rink - because that is not far off what the traction is like.

As has been mentioned, so much as scraping the armco is very expensive. If you smash it and spread oil, coolant and mud all over the track so it has to be closed, you may as well remortgage.

Just drive within your limits. The fun is actually doing the circuit in a controlled fashion, carrying a speed you are comfortable with. it's an awesome experience and I'd highly recommned it. Now I'm back in a manual car, I'm definitely going to go again,as it's been a few years now.

Just be sensible and enjoy yourself.

Very good advice! What you're saying is inline with the majority I've spoken to. reassuring tbh. thanks!

[ian_m]

Originally Posted by Mrsammyp

http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/insurance.php

+1

worth reading the whole web site

also peter best might do a policy, they insure our club for it, but that is a specific policy for members but worth a try.

otherwise, any trackday broker

remember the ring is like the internet -



they let any spastic on!!!

[windymissile]

Read this site before you go.
http://www.bridgetogantry.com/

Ran by an English lad who now lives local. It's full of great info. His rent-a-car site advertises on there too.

You can get specific ring insurance. I think companies are mentioned on the BTG site. It's not cheap but it is worth it.

Don't crash.

WM

[Kuroblack]

Originally Posted by Russbmw

I've been a few times.

Firstly, choose a date that's nowhere near a public holiday, preferrably during the week - it'll be a lot quieter.

Secondly - don't think that becuase you've played Forza loadss that you know the track inside out. You don't.

To be honest, I went knowing my insurance wouldn't cover me if I spanked it. As has been mentioned, unless you get spcialist insurnace, I doubt any of the usual places would cover you.

Just make sure you're always aware of who's infront and espeically behind you. Use you mirrors. If you see someone coming up at a great rate of knots behind you, indicate to the right and move over. Keep indicating until they've passed, so they know you've seen them.

Do several laps. Take it easy on the first few and don't be tempted to try chase people round. Lots of people go there regularly and know the track like their back garden.

If it's raining, drive like you're on an ice rink - because that is not far off what the traction is like.

As has been mentioned, so much as scraping the armco is very expensive. If you smash it and spread oil, coolant and mud all over the track so it has to be closed, you may as well remortgage.

Just drive within your limits. The fun is actually doing the circuit in a controlled fashion, carrying a speed you are comfortable with. it's an awesome experience and I'd highly recommned it. Now I'm back in a manual car, I'm definitely going to go again,as it's been a few years now.

Just be sensible and enjoy yourself.

This is really good advice, I'd also add; don't underestimate the size of a lap, it's epic and very demanding - better to rest up than bin it thinking 'go on then, just one more'

I've always used my own car, and have been fairly comfortable with the risk - don't race, as has been said - go there for the experience - there are far too many locals in Fiesta's that will pass you like you're standing still

Get a few pax laps if you can, although I found them of limited use - it's simply too big to get the hang of without hundreds of laps under your belt. You'll recognise certain bits, which helps, but also leads you into a false sense of security, which can be a bit dodgy.

Do a quick search of youtube tourist lap offs, educational if sobering viewing.

[Russbmw]

My first trip there (I wasn't in my own car) there was a biker...well.....bits of him, scattered over the track and a fairly ruined looking car. Track was closed for hours, obviously. That was quite an introduction.

A seperate occasion, I'd just set off driving my e39 round and some fella came screaming past me in a Porsche GT2. I'd seen him, and moved over indicating, yet still he came past me, missing my mirror by inches and scaring the shit out of my passenger (who had been more times than me, so was being my co-pilot), then disappeared off.

2 corners ahead (just before Hatzenbach) and Mr Porsche had clearly got something horribly wrong, as he'd carreered off the track and hit the armco what looked like head on, as it was split, bounced back over the track - spinning as he went by the looks of the spillage and had stuffed the rear end into the armco on the others side. Car was totalled, and he was pacing up and down looking not best pleased.

First thought was "Bloody hell, at least he's ok"

Second thought, a nano second later was "fucking idiot"

Make no mistake, it is dangerous - but as long as you're not doing anything stupid, then you only need to worry about other people.

I must admit, even though I've not been for ages now, I can't help but imagine it's probably worse than when I went years back, as it seems to be a bit of an "in thing to do" if you're on a forum. Get a bunch a of guys together and do a "euro trip" and go to the Ring en route. So rather than having a small group of friends going who have done afew track days together, etc, you also have (what must be) a large proportion of 'Forza Tourists' - who in my opinion are more likely to cock up/wipe out when they discover that the games don't feature motorbikes that take entirely different lines at different speeds to you in a car, that actually the cambers on the road aren't like on the xbox, and also hitting coping at 90mph+ is actually very scary. Throw that in with the fact they're chasing their mate around.....*shudders*

I'm not suggesting everyone's like that, but....well..you must know what i mean.

Maybe I'm just getting old

That said, it is a fantastic experience, and going over either by yourself or with a friend is a good thing, as you can enjoy it at your own pace without (subconciously or otherwise) feeling like you need to impress anyone.

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

If I am at the Ring when you want to go, I'd be pleased to take you on a few laps, as passenger in your car or you in mine.

You can also do a lap on your own, if you take it slowly and don't do anything reckless. Best thing is to go with someone who knows the track though.

Alpina_B3_Lux

[Dr Dave]

What a wonderfully kind offer from you B3.