There's a group of cars and sportsbikes going to the ring over the May bank holiday,never been, can't wait. I've managed to tag onto a group of guys who have an annual pilgrimage to the Ring.We've got 6 superbikes, my Zed, a TT, a Focus RS and a Lancia Integrale.I'd better get my brakes done now eh?
Going to the Ring in May - Yessssssss
- Thread starter bigshurv
- Start date
Liverpool
I wouldn't worry about your brakes on your first visit, and it's not a particularly heavy track on brakes anyway.
Once you've learnt the track a bit then you'll be carrying a lot more speed into some braking zones - that's when you'll need better brakes.
So I'd guess you've got about 5 years before you need the new brakes then
PS. we're planning on going in March for my birthday, but are keeping an eye on the weather as we don't fancy the Eifel region in the snow.
Once you've learnt the track a bit then you'll be carrying a lot more speed into some braking zones - that's when you'll need better brakes.
So I'd guess you've got about 5 years before you need the new brakes then
PS. we're planning on going in March for my birthday, but are keeping an eye on the weather as we don't fancy the Eifel region in the snow.
bigshurv said:
Have a great time. If you've not been before it's worth reading up on some of the websites about the good AND the bad of the Ring - insurance requirements, costs if you have an accident etc (a good link below). It's all too easy to let the red mist descend as you start your laps...... There are protocols for overtaking and what to do in the event of an accident etc. If you have an accident and the circuit is closed to recover you then you pay a fairly hefty penalty for closing the circuit. It is a public road and therefore you car needs to be roadworthy and with all the appropriate documentation - the police attend accidents and will investigate to ensure you are fully compliant with EU and local traffic laws. Several hard laps in a normal road car will certainly test the brakes so ensure your pads etc are in good condition. Worth a brake fluid change before you go if you haven't done one recently (within the last 12 months). Two laps at speed and hard braking will certainly get you brakes far hotter than any normal road travel so it's best to stop and let things cool down. This aside it's a great experience and even better when you can drive home incident free. It's not called the Green Hell for nothing. AND watch out for the tuned Golf GTIs......
http://nurburgring.org.uk/
My brakes are knackered TBH, 43k and still the original discs. I've got a set of EBC turbo grooves and yellowstuff pads to go on so I'll be getting them on so I can get a couple of thousand miles on them before I go.I'm going to enjoy the experience not to see how fast I am so I'm happy for as many nutters as they like to pass me if they are faster.I'm planning to do 6 laps If I can get the track time during the one day I'm there.( 2nd May). Have done Donnington in the Z and loads of track days on bikes so not a complete novice, but a ring virgin......Can't wait. 
AlanJ said:
Lucky bugger
On my trip in July 2008 got an 8 lap ticket and did 2 laps as a passenger in a very quick Skyline, got to drive a mate's e34 M5 for a lap, got to the end of the lap and sat for 2 hours in front of the 'continuation' barrier. Did another lap as a passenger then went to get my own car and it was closed again. Decided to go off into the forrest instead - which was just as much fun, and no queues.
Decided to go back in September to use the rest of the laps up, got one lap in as soon as it opened and then the track was closed for 4 hours when a motorcyclist died. Got back on later in the afternoon but it was again interrupted by accidents (6 cars including an e46 M3 sitting backwards on the armco by Galgenkopf). Got the rest of the laps used up but never managed 2 consecutive ones on either trip in 2008.
The dates we were going probably didn't help with the crowds, but we were trying to work around lots of calendars and we were just unlucky.
This time we're going while it's still cold/wet/icy - at least it should mean no/less bikers/daytrippers.
I dont' mind not doing laps - unless I've got a ticket/card full - as the roads around there are quite good too, and you're insured, properly!
I think if you choose a holiday period to go then you can expect 'heavy traffic' and limited continuous lap times. Last time I went (2009) there had been a 24 hour race the previous 2 days and a big crash had spread fuel and oil all over the banked section of the circuit so it was closed all morning (Sunday) to clean it up. By lunchtime many preople had gone as they couldn't wait with evenning ferries to catch so we had a pretty free run in company with the Ring Taxi and those bloody quick Golf GTI nutters. Several nasty accidents but no serious injuries that we saw. A poor guy from the UK in a TVR visited the armco and totalled it - felt very sorry for him as he had driven the car there. A lesson there to go as a group so in the event of something nasty you can support each other. A stunning experience AND ADDICTIVE!
Taz x said:
I'd bet the majority of the accidents are by people who are there on a 1-day-there-and-back trip - not a good place to be when you're knackered :thumbsdown:
For me, it's no more dangerous than driving very fast on a country road - except that the 'Ring doesn't (usually) have traffic coming the other way
Anyway, it's as much about the trip there & back, the nights in the bar, and getting a gang of like-minded guys together.
Ultimately it doesn't matter if we do 2 or 22 laps per day as we'd prefer to get home in one piece (car and driver).