Going on holiday to Germany later this week.

In the second week we are staying very close to the ring so it would be rude not to go round it.

I have been reading Ben Lovejoys web site on the ring.

It looks a great day out but reading all that safety information has made me a bit apprehensive about going.

Is the risk too life and limb (& Skoda) worth it?

What are your opinions, those of you who have done it?

yes it's worth it. Bear in mind you will probably be a bit too aprehensive to go full pelt so don't worry too much. People go around at less than motorway speeds all the time. Unless you have a clue on the layout of the track I suggest you don't go full pelt.

yes it's worth it. Bear in mind you will probably be a bit too aprehensive to go full pelt so don't worry too much. People go around at less than motorway speeds all the time. Unless you have a clue on the layout of the track I suggest you don't go full pelt.

I had know intention of going round it at break neck speed I just want to get round. But I dont want to get in peoples way.

They have to overtake in the correct mannor, but if this does fail, you could find big problems, such as insurance not paying out. Also if you break down, have an accident it is very expensive to get towed, and if any dammage to the track, you will be charged a fortune. Having said that I went when it was quieter, in the winter, and bombed round (with winter tyres!) it is a mental track and well worth the experince, you can come over blind sumits, to a down hill and sharp corner, where yo panic as to whether you will slow in time!

Another option maybe to pay for one of the pro drivers to take you round, not over expensive, and probably more fun!

Just use your mirrors lots, and keep to the right. Normal german road laws technically apply, so you should only be overtaken on the right. Motorcycles can sometimes seem to appear from nowhere, along with much faster cars hence before EVERY corner check all the mirrors before entering corners.

I was daunted by first visit in 2002, but after a few laps all you will want is more.

There are plenty of very good spectating points around the circuit, so if you are nervous once their you can get a feel of the place without going round the track at all. The last 2 visits I have made, I have driven a total of zero laps.

Normal german road laws technically apply, so you should only be overtaken on the right.

I'm sure Manny really meant that they will overtake you on your left. Its a fabulous track and Manny's advice is very good. you'll live in your mirrors for the 12-13 minutes it will take you to go around.

Start slow and build up. That's the best advice. And although GT4 on the playstation 2 is NOT the way to learn the track, it does help with preparing for what corners are coming up.

I'm sure Manny really meant that they will overtake you on your left.

Oops, confusion over driving on the otherside of the road. Of course thats what I meant.

Ah yes the Ring Taxi sounds a tempting idea. I believe they use BMW M5's, and I had seen that Sabine Schmidt was one of the drivers. Not sure if she still is though. I'd love to drive round it, and might do at Easter time. The llast time I was there with the chance to drive it, it was shut. DOH.

Sabine is still one of the drivers, but because they have 2 others you may not get her. You cannot specifically request her, your driver is allocated depending on which car is available at your allocated time.

If you are able to, try to go on a week day.

all good advice in the above posts , also make sure your car is in good order before you venture out on the track , the usual fluids , pressures etc , and just take it easy ,

although when i first went last year i seem to remember going out on maximum attack on my first lap because i thought it was exactly the same as GT4 , er no , you just get no idea of the elevation changes on the game

Also worth checking your insurance cover to see where you stand on driving round the Ring. Some specifically list it as an exclusion....

Chris

All the safety info is very daunting, but I drove round it last year and lived to tell the tale (as did the car lol) so it can't be all that bad. If you take your time and don't try to break and records and are aware of the cars around you then no reason why you should come to any harm really

Also worth checking your insurance cover to see where you stand on driving round the Ring. Some specifically list it as an exclusion....

Chris

who cares when you're having fun

Also worth checking your insurance cover to see where you stand on driving round the Ring. Some specifically list it as an exclusion....

.....Where it is normally mentioned as a drestricted toll road.