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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
- TomK
- Senior Member
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- Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:50 pm
- Location: West London
Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
1100 miles, many tanks of fuel and some great memories later I just got back from ticking a few things off my bucket list.
I'd been planning a double header track day at Spa for some time but chatting with FishyDave about that he suggested going to the Nurburgring instead for a day and only doing the 1 day at spa.
I asked if he would like to join and whilst I have no doubt he would have liked to come in his M the silly fool has sold it, so in he hopped into the passenger seat. Some might say that was quite a brave choice!
The journey to the ring was pretty non descript. Upon arrival to nuremburg I realised the place was anything but! Extraordinary is a weak way to describe the place and the general vibe, like a huge playground for grown ups with their big toys:) It would NEVER be allowed in the uk...
Arriving late sunday Dave suggested getting up early and trying to get a couple of hopefully traffice free laps in. As I'm sure all brits are it was with some trepidation that I lined up on a public day for my first lap. That quickly got fogotten about! Oh wow, what an experience!! There's race tracks, and then there's the ring, an impossibly complex labyrnth of tarmac, and any old fool can come pay 30€ and try and play race driver. Terrifying
After saying I would only do one lap that went straight out of the window, and a second lap was purchased pronto..
It was still pretty quiet and helfully I managed to tag onto a well driven golf R and sneaked in an 8:37s, which felt pretty nuts at the time. Looking at the video there's time left all over the place, but for a 2nd go on the place I was pretty happy. (some caymans may have been upset in the making of this video ~5:20 )
Wisely I think we then moved on to the GP circuit and had a couple of 15 min sessions each, Dave mostly complaining about understeer, me happy that it's not snapping into oversteer in 4th gear, overall I was happy with the compromise.
I'd had the geo adjusted before coming out to err on the side of caution not knowing what weather conditions might be like. As it was we were pretty lucky given that it's quite possible it could be snowing at this time of the year.
After visiting the museum and Dave trying to point out the castle to me far too often , I had a couple of beers and dave drove us to Spa. The excitement levels after the day and what lay in store for tomorrow couldn't have been much higher.
Typically unpredictable weather there meant that whilst the briefing at 8:30am was in the sun, the sighting laps just 30 mins later made me happy that I wasn't sitting in the caged and open mx5 in front.
Luckily it didn't get too wet, but Spa for your first time is I imagine quite a thing even in the dry. Both Dave and I had some fear/fun in the wet morning session, it dried up over lunch and I managed to get a fairly decent lap in after a few pointers from Dave, just snicking under 2:57. It's a truly fantstic track, but after the buzz I felt on the ring the day before even this was somewhat underwhelming.
Had a good chat with forum member mikeyboy (beautiful looking car mate and those seats ) before leaving for the slog back to uk.. Thanks Dave for your company and driving the car through the torrential rain of Belgium to the next time....
And big respect to the Z4M, punishing journey, didn't miss a beat, he's a good lad
I'd been planning a double header track day at Spa for some time but chatting with FishyDave about that he suggested going to the Nurburgring instead for a day and only doing the 1 day at spa.
I asked if he would like to join and whilst I have no doubt he would have liked to come in his M the silly fool has sold it, so in he hopped into the passenger seat. Some might say that was quite a brave choice!
The journey to the ring was pretty non descript. Upon arrival to nuremburg I realised the place was anything but! Extraordinary is a weak way to describe the place and the general vibe, like a huge playground for grown ups with their big toys:) It would NEVER be allowed in the uk...
Arriving late sunday Dave suggested getting up early and trying to get a couple of hopefully traffice free laps in. As I'm sure all brits are it was with some trepidation that I lined up on a public day for my first lap. That quickly got fogotten about! Oh wow, what an experience!! There's race tracks, and then there's the ring, an impossibly complex labyrnth of tarmac, and any old fool can come pay 30€ and try and play race driver. Terrifying
After saying I would only do one lap that went straight out of the window, and a second lap was purchased pronto..
It was still pretty quiet and helfully I managed to tag onto a well driven golf R and sneaked in an 8:37s, which felt pretty nuts at the time. Looking at the video there's time left all over the place, but for a 2nd go on the place I was pretty happy. (some caymans may have been upset in the making of this video ~5:20 )
Wisely I think we then moved on to the GP circuit and had a couple of 15 min sessions each, Dave mostly complaining about understeer, me happy that it's not snapping into oversteer in 4th gear, overall I was happy with the compromise.
I'd had the geo adjusted before coming out to err on the side of caution not knowing what weather conditions might be like. As it was we were pretty lucky given that it's quite possible it could be snowing at this time of the year.
After visiting the museum and Dave trying to point out the castle to me far too often , I had a couple of beers and dave drove us to Spa. The excitement levels after the day and what lay in store for tomorrow couldn't have been much higher.
Typically unpredictable weather there meant that whilst the briefing at 8:30am was in the sun, the sighting laps just 30 mins later made me happy that I wasn't sitting in the caged and open mx5 in front.
Luckily it didn't get too wet, but Spa for your first time is I imagine quite a thing even in the dry. Both Dave and I had some fear/fun in the wet morning session, it dried up over lunch and I managed to get a fairly decent lap in after a few pointers from Dave, just snicking under 2:57. It's a truly fantstic track, but after the buzz I felt on the ring the day before even this was somewhat underwhelming.
Had a good chat with forum member mikeyboy (beautiful looking car mate and those seats ) before leaving for the slog back to uk.. Thanks Dave for your company and driving the car through the torrential rain of Belgium to the next time....
And big respect to the Z4M, punishing journey, didn't miss a beat, he's a good lad
MC[IB], CSL airbox, Schrick 288/280 cams, 4.44FD, UUC SSK, SS race cat back, AP CP9660[F]/5144[R] brakes, Apex ARC-8 with AR-1 or PS5, KW ClubSport 2-way, Turner spherical arms, PMC uniball rtab, VB engine mounts, Rogue pulleys & RSMs, Tillett B6, half cage
- Attilio
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Wow!
great video and fair play for having a go (well a few in fact!) I don't have neither the skills nor the guts to drive my Z4MC on a track
the noise of that intake is intoxicating!!!
great video and fair play for having a go (well a few in fact!) I don't have neither the skills nor the guts to drive my Z4MC on a track
the noise of that intake is intoxicating!!!
Z4M Coupe, Interlagos blue, black leather, piano black, stubby, OEM CSLs, evolve intake, cup holders...pretty much stock
2019 Toyota Corolla hybrid 2.0L - new daily drive
2019 Toyota Corolla hybrid 2.0L - new daily drive
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- Lifer
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
I was there from Friday to Tuesday, but you’d have to keep your eyes open for an understeering, squealing, dirty Alfa 147 diesel
Only managed 20 laps due to closures and increasingly irritating rotational noises from the old girl, but she made it all the way back home on Tuesday afternoon and sat at 130mph on the autobahn for a good while.
There are lots of downsides to using the Alfa over the M, but one upside is that I only needed 2 tanks of diesel for the entire trip vs the 2 tanks a day my pal was chomping through in his petrol Leon. Another is that my pads & tyres last 40,000 miles, and it’s as ‘quick’ in the dry or the hail/rain (which you may have missed).
Almost took out a dick in a UK-registered white Lambo, who decided to slow down to 50mph into Schwedenkreuz, and stay on the left. The Alfa is no supercar, but I was still showing 125mph. He then decided to indicate left and block the racing line for everything else that was up my chuff. He then decided he wanted to undertake through Brunchen and made me almost understeer into the cars passing me on the left. His excuse, when the marshals grabbed him exiting the track, was that his passenger was feeling ill and so he slowed down.
Only managed 20 laps due to closures and increasingly irritating rotational noises from the old girl, but she made it all the way back home on Tuesday afternoon and sat at 130mph on the autobahn for a good while.
There are lots of downsides to using the Alfa over the M, but one upside is that I only needed 2 tanks of diesel for the entire trip vs the 2 tanks a day my pal was chomping through in his petrol Leon. Another is that my pads & tyres last 40,000 miles, and it’s as ‘quick’ in the dry or the hail/rain (which you may have missed).
Almost took out a dick in a UK-registered white Lambo, who decided to slow down to 50mph into Schwedenkreuz, and stay on the left. The Alfa is no supercar, but I was still showing 125mph. He then decided to indicate left and block the racing line for everything else that was up my chuff. He then decided he wanted to undertake through Brunchen and made me almost understeer into the cars passing me on the left. His excuse, when the marshals grabbed him exiting the track, was that his passenger was feeling ill and so he slowed down.
- Fishy Dave
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Nice write up Tom.
It was a bloody good three days, I feel knackered now though, still a bit unwell too, pesky inner ear.
Told you it was worth visiting the 'ring, it's a special place, nowhere else like it in the world. p.s. it's Nurburg, Nuremburg is well known for other reasons! It's the Castle that really make the place special you know.
You missed out Steak on a stone at the Pistenklause on Sunday night, mmmm, Argentinian Fillet!
I'd mentioned to Tom that as a newcomer to the place (aside from virtual laps) his best chance of getting in a good lap is a. when it's quiet and b. to follow a local that is going at a pace that is good for your car. The jammy bugger got both, lucky for a bank holiday too! The first lap was even quieter than the one in the video and was a very respectable lap, nothing caught us. The second lap was just excellent, it couldn't have been better in fact. Despite a 1 degree C air temperature the track was completely dry and the Golf R was almost as fast as the M, but not quite enough to get away and out of sight. Aside from one moment with the rear wheel just touching the grass and later chopping across the nose of the Cayman on the exit of the Karussell there were no nervous moments. Testament both to Toms driving and his brilliant Z4M. The Yokohama AD08R, APs and M track all worked overtime but perfectly together.
I enjoyed my 15 minute session behind the wheel on the GP circuit, but didn't expect to be the only one on it! Imagine that, 15 minutes of having a Grand Prix track to yourself for 29 Euros! I'd have like someone else to chase down though, ah well. I'd not driven the GP for over ten years so it was good to be back. I noticed two changes to Toms car since the last time I drove it in anger. Firstly at the big stop for the first corner when the brakes were not stopping us as quick as any of us would have liked, before being reminded that the coding for the brake assist thing was altered so I just had to press the pedal harder. I never gave it any thought after that, much more consistent. Secondly the geo set up was different, making it very sensitive to corner entry speed; too much and it would just wash out wide into understeer until the speed had dropped. I'm used to a slight lift tightening the line. A good example of how just a mm or two of toe at the rear makes a big difference.
I've been around the museum (and gift shop) many times but still enjoy both, especially the 4D cinema video. Two T shirts bought, Currywurst and fries downed and it was off to watch from various viewing spots. The track was much busier by then, with plenty of groups of cars going round. I'm not sure how many 911 GT3 or Cayman GT4 were made but a fair percentage of them were seen here. We enjoyed a trio of E46 pounding round, the first of which must have been running velocity stacks
The white Lambo was here and later at Spa and was being driven well from what we'd seen, a shame he put you in danger mmm-five Wish we'd known you were there, would have been good to meet.
Typical Spa weather didn't match the forecast but we both got to drive wet and dry sessions. I took some satisfaction chasing down a McLaren 650S who was using the dry lines, whilst I gained good chunks of distance by using the wide, wet lines. Later I had some fun with a pair of E46 M3; it took a while to catch and pass them but we got there in the end. Having enjoyed that session I called it a day, Tom had been good enough to let me thrash his car but I thought I should quit whilst I was ahead. We were both pretty tired with a couple of hours of the day to run and headed back to Spa for a drink before the drive to the Tunnel. It was hard to tear ourselves away from a trackday that was still running, it's a first I think? I echo the comments about Mikey Boys car, it looked way too clean to have been on track!
The weather really turned with an hour to go before catching the crossing last night with our speed below 60 at times, with standing water and lousy road markings. Finally got home about 02:30 this morning, tired but happy.
I've suggested booking a trackday on the Nordschleife later in the year, if the Corvette is track ready by then (it still hasn't arrived in the UK yet!!!). My wife wants to come along too, she was jealous at missing out!
Thanks again mate.
It was a bloody good three days, I feel knackered now though, still a bit unwell too, pesky inner ear.
Told you it was worth visiting the 'ring, it's a special place, nowhere else like it in the world. p.s. it's Nurburg, Nuremburg is well known for other reasons! It's the Castle that really make the place special you know.
You missed out Steak on a stone at the Pistenklause on Sunday night, mmmm, Argentinian Fillet!
I'd mentioned to Tom that as a newcomer to the place (aside from virtual laps) his best chance of getting in a good lap is a. when it's quiet and b. to follow a local that is going at a pace that is good for your car. The jammy bugger got both, lucky for a bank holiday too! The first lap was even quieter than the one in the video and was a very respectable lap, nothing caught us. The second lap was just excellent, it couldn't have been better in fact. Despite a 1 degree C air temperature the track was completely dry and the Golf R was almost as fast as the M, but not quite enough to get away and out of sight. Aside from one moment with the rear wheel just touching the grass and later chopping across the nose of the Cayman on the exit of the Karussell there were no nervous moments. Testament both to Toms driving and his brilliant Z4M. The Yokohama AD08R, APs and M track all worked overtime but perfectly together.
I enjoyed my 15 minute session behind the wheel on the GP circuit, but didn't expect to be the only one on it! Imagine that, 15 minutes of having a Grand Prix track to yourself for 29 Euros! I'd have like someone else to chase down though, ah well. I'd not driven the GP for over ten years so it was good to be back. I noticed two changes to Toms car since the last time I drove it in anger. Firstly at the big stop for the first corner when the brakes were not stopping us as quick as any of us would have liked, before being reminded that the coding for the brake assist thing was altered so I just had to press the pedal harder. I never gave it any thought after that, much more consistent. Secondly the geo set up was different, making it very sensitive to corner entry speed; too much and it would just wash out wide into understeer until the speed had dropped. I'm used to a slight lift tightening the line. A good example of how just a mm or two of toe at the rear makes a big difference.
I've been around the museum (and gift shop) many times but still enjoy both, especially the 4D cinema video. Two T shirts bought, Currywurst and fries downed and it was off to watch from various viewing spots. The track was much busier by then, with plenty of groups of cars going round. I'm not sure how many 911 GT3 or Cayman GT4 were made but a fair percentage of them were seen here. We enjoyed a trio of E46 pounding round, the first of which must have been running velocity stacks
The white Lambo was here and later at Spa and was being driven well from what we'd seen, a shame he put you in danger mmm-five Wish we'd known you were there, would have been good to meet.
Typical Spa weather didn't match the forecast but we both got to drive wet and dry sessions. I took some satisfaction chasing down a McLaren 650S who was using the dry lines, whilst I gained good chunks of distance by using the wide, wet lines. Later I had some fun with a pair of E46 M3; it took a while to catch and pass them but we got there in the end. Having enjoyed that session I called it a day, Tom had been good enough to let me thrash his car but I thought I should quit whilst I was ahead. We were both pretty tired with a couple of hours of the day to run and headed back to Spa for a drink before the drive to the Tunnel. It was hard to tear ourselves away from a trackday that was still running, it's a first I think? I echo the comments about Mikey Boys car, it looked way too clean to have been on track!
The weather really turned with an hour to go before catching the crossing last night with our speed below 60 at times, with standing water and lousy road markings. Finally got home about 02:30 this morning, tired but happy.
I've suggested booking a trackday on the Nordschleife later in the year, if the Corvette is track ready by then (it still hasn't arrived in the UK yet!!!). My wife wants to come along too, she was jealous at missing out!
Thanks again mate.
Corvette C6
Mazda RX-8 race car
Now sold: Z4M Roadster, the best all round car I have owned.
Mazda RX-8 race car
Now sold: Z4M Roadster, the best all round car I have owned.
- bmwaddict
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Great write up and vids, sounds like an amazing experience, thanks for sharing. Definitely on my bucket list, hopefully next year a little ring trip is on the cards.
Currently zedless
'07 Mugello Blue Audi B7 RS4 Saloon with added goodies
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'07 Mugello Blue Audi B7 RS4 Saloon with added goodies
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'07 Sapphire Black Z4C 3.0si Sport
- Silverzedtom
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Great lap on the ring
Would love to tick it off of the bucket list one day. At least ‘my’ grills have done a few laps
Would love to tick it off of the bucket list one day. At least ‘my’ grills have done a few laps
E85 2.5si
F55 Cooper S
F55 Cooper S
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- Lifer
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
After 10 years, I’m used to most of the antics of the Dutch, Swiss & British drivers, but most supercar drivers know the rules and will head to the right and pull off the track if they’re likely to cause an obstruction...rather than slow down, speed up, slow down, change ‘lanes’ without warning.
At least I was in the £500 shitbox and not the Z, so managed to drive past some expensive machinery once the rain & hail started
I did spot a couple of Z4Ms, but neither were UK cars. Also spotted a military green roadster.
Don’t know when I’ll be back next, but hoping to have my seats & brakes done by then, and will stay on Supersports for their all round ability. Got to work out what dates won’t clash with one of the forum outings or Spa F1 trip I’ve got booked.
At least I was in the £500 shitbox and not the Z, so managed to drive past some expensive machinery once the rain & hail started
I did spot a couple of Z4Ms, but neither were UK cars. Also spotted a military green roadster.
Don’t know when I’ll be back next, but hoping to have my seats & brakes done by then, and will stay on Supersports for their all round ability. Got to work out what dates won’t clash with one of the forum outings or Spa F1 trip I’ve got booked.
- Chompers
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Great write up and video's, thanks for sharing
His The keys to anything on the board at the end of the day
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Hers f31 335d M Sport Touring Individual Tanzanite/Opal White Merino
Looking for a Z4MR (Ruby Black, Carbon Black, maybe Sepang)
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
I always enjoy watching your vids Tom, the fact you seem to be constantly testing the available grip really 'makes them' Bloody respectable first times on the ring too, even if there was a trailblazer. It's all very well being shown the way but to commit and stay in touch round there requires some real confidence
RUBYIMOLACARBON
- R60BBA
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Glad you enjoyed it pal.
I’m going in May for the Nurburgring24 and then jumping on track on 15 May for some Touristfahrten.
Can’t wait!
I’m going in May for the Nurburgring24 and then jumping on track on 15 May for some Touristfahrten.
Can’t wait!
Current: 2002 E46 M3
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- Argenta
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Great reading & vids!!
I may go later this year, possibly mid May and deffo mid July.
(Good speed at Spa! I only managed 3.15 in the Fiat, normal Goodyears tho. It is a fantastic track, but ”just a track”. Nordschleife is something else...)
I may go later this year, possibly mid May and deffo mid July.
(Good speed at Spa! I only managed 3.15 in the Fiat, normal Goodyears tho. It is a fantastic track, but ”just a track”. Nordschleife is something else...)
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Sounds like an awesome trip. Something I’d like to do!
What size and offset did you go for on your Apex wheels out of interest?
What size and offset did you go for on your Apex wheels out of interest?
- Vanne
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Looks like you guys had a bang up time!! thanks for the report. Was fun reading about your adventures. Also looks like a sweet day out at the ring, weather for your lap looked cold, but I bet you both were warm as toast!!
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- bradz
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Great Write up from both of you.
Its obligatory to go to the Pistenklause
Glad you had a great time! The ring in my M is my happy place
I too found that an early session was the best time to get out and get some quick times in, Thats a bloody good lap time for your first session at the ring.
Its obligatory to go to the Pistenklause
Glad you had a great time! The ring in my M is my happy place
I too found that an early session was the best time to get out and get some quick times in, Thats a bloody good lap time for your first session at the ring.
Z4M Coupe, E92 M3, E46 M3 Track car
- Mr Tidy
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Nurburgring and Spa trip with some vids
Thanks for posting Tom and Dave - I really enjoyed those videos.
It sounds like it may have been better to do Spa first - but it must have been a great trip!
It sounds like it may have been better to do Spa first - but it must have been a great trip!
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black