Hi everybody. Just thought I would put a quick post about my experience on Monday as it was unreal and if there is a group of people who may enjoy it, I felt it would be you guys. A buddy of mine really wanted to drive the ring and I was obviously excited about the chance. After doing a bit of research, we found where we could rent a GT3RS for 16 laps, and it was a Porsche only track event on Monday. We paid the extra money for an all day instructor which made a world of difference. This guy Andy was an awesome instructor with maybe the most knowledge in the world about this track. He has taken his R1 around the ring in 7:10 and here is his video.
Fastest motorcycle lap of the Nürburgring. 7m10s BTG Yamaha YZF R1. - YouTube
If we put this car into the wall, we would owe 75,000 euros so that added a bit of weight to the day. What an absolute weapon it is!!!
First lap was just an average grocery lap. Super slow, just observing. Man that track is long. I have only driven it a few times on Gran Turismo and have no experience with its 80% blind corners or elevation changes. This was also the second track day of my life. A lot to take in.
Our instructor was amazing calling out every inch of the track as we approached it, what gear and what speed to enter, when to get on the gas and what landmarks to use. There was only 85 entrants on the day, so the track seemed almost private only getting past by about 4 or 5 cars per lap on average.
We had 4 sessions each, laps went like this. 1, 2+3, 4+5, 6+7, and 8 was a taxi lap in the passenger seat with Andy showing us an unforgettable, hard to get over lap.
My fastest lap from the first bridge (audi) back to that bridge was a 9:46 which I was pretty pumped about. I had no real goal, but thought driving under 10:00 would be awesome. Speeds of about 160 on the main straight, plenty of longer bends at 80-90 throughout. Putting our trust in the instructor as he said "speeds good" approaching a blind left hander at about 90. What a rush. Most of the track is run in 3rd and 4th, with a shift to 5th for the straight and second at only one spot on the ring for me. Obviously a bit different for experienced drivers, but surprisingly little gear changes.
Imagine I maybe got 5/10's out of the car or less, but amazing how mechanical, raw, and aggressive the car is. Shocking really. It is a true weapon. Sport cups were on the car and the amount of adhesion the car has was mind blowing as Andy took us around the track.
This was truly a bucket list day without knowing it. GT3RS, instructor, private Porsche track day, dry tarmac. It makes me want to get a miata and get into spec racing big time. Can't stop thinking about it and just wanted to share. So many GT3's, GT2RS's, older race cars around it was amazing. What a trip, and what a good time. We were both relieved after our last lap, keeping our pocket books closed and leaving with nothing but smiles.
Next time I get on that track I will be in a clio, but wouldn't have changed a thing about Monday. Wow.
Drive safe.
Great Story! Glad you got to experience the Ring!
Definitely something I want to do.
Sounds great. Thanks for sharing. I'd love to give it a whirl... but time, distance and $ will probably not allow it..
There's nothing like the 'Ring. I did the AMG Performance Academy there back in 08 and it's still one of the highlights of my career in automotive journalism. Something else to consider on top of driving it is to attend the 24-hour race there. It's arguably the coolest race experience I've ever had, and I've been to a lot of races from F1 to ALMS to NASCAR to DTM to IndyCar. It says a lot about how great the 'Ring is that it blows you're mind even when you aren't driving on it and just walking around, watching others.
+1
Went there Wedenesday for tourist day. Bought one lap and drove my friend's 83 Vette.
What a rush. Very narrow track and like prevoisly stated lots of blind corners.
P.S.
That vette was definitely not up to par for this track.
Would you mind sharing the link or business that runs this event. Sounds incredible.
:cheers:
What a thrilling experience... I'd never attempt it under the threat of a 75k penalty! I'd be too paranoid to push the car.
Isn't there an insurance to put your mind at ease?!!
Not for the high performance rental cars, but you can always get a "lesser" rental racer with significant less exposure. Finally hp is not important for a Ring newbie (it takes about 50-100 laps before you really commence to know your stuff).
@ Pdesign: I am glad you had a blast, but be aware of the 'Ring bug: once it bites you you're lost forever - ask me how I know
Too bad I could not attend last Monday - becoming even more envious spotting the GT2 of a good buddy parked next to the RSR GT3RS on your pic.
