More Nurburgring Fun...

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 4:49 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M8HfQ6apGM&t=176s

The Camaro performed much more admirably than the driver...but we still smiled and giggled the entire way.

Finally some silver lining to this transfer overseas/headache this car has been...

twistedwankel · Postby **twistedwankel** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:33 pm

So Janet Guthrie was your mother? My mother's name was Donelda....Denny for short. Her Irish dad wanted a boy first. She became an English teacher with 4 kids who also became the Union President and Dept head. So sometimes I have Spells. Forgive me. I graded a lot of your papers as a kid. What Union Head and Teacher can you say in one breathe. Donelda. I convinced her to retire to sail boats at the age of 62 and she sailed the Great Lakes Blue. I retired on my 59th birthday and move to FL. I beat my mother. That didn't sound good did it? I beat her to retirement AND paid for a divorce from an evil bitch of 27 years 4 years before. hahahaha Take that evil lying bitch. You can do it if you really want to men. Or don't. Put up with your demons or trade them in on Hellcats.

I may some day run that course. If not it's in my mind currently thanks to Tim in various cars. If you can't beat Tim join him. Live forever. Be his ghost. Go Tim.

twistedwankel · Postby **twistedwankel** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:46 pm

I sat Maria down in front of this video for her to drive the Ring. She is so happy. That makes me happy too. She can do it again tomorrow if she doesn't remember. Do what makes you happy. Or someone close to you. Thanks Tim.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 2:53 pm

Doug you are deep!

My nature is to make folks happy. My passenger was happy. I'd be happy to give any of the FAST gang a ride if it makes them happy. Plane ticket not included.

I hope to thread a smooth consistent lap together after a few laps...love that exhaust note!

Gratzie!

Postby **Loren** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 3:34 pm

That's a whole lot of track to remember.

Rawkkrawler · Postby **Rawkkrawler** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:26 pm

Tim, I may need to PM you soon. I plan to stop by the ring mid April.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 1:18 am

PM Sent.

Rawkkrawler · Postby **Rawkkrawler** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 5:15 pm

Tim_M wrote:PM Sent.

Wonder if they'll allow a rental car out there for the tourist session!

Postby **Loren** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 5:44 pm

I heard they don't allow unemployed vagabond tourists on the Nurburgring. Could just be a nasty rumour.

Rawkkrawler · Postby **Rawkkrawler** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 5:58 pm

Loren wrote:I heard they don't allow unemployed vagabond tourists on the Nurburgring. Could just be a nasty rumour.

That’s what I’m hoping!

twistedwankel · Postby **twistedwankel** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 6:14 pm

Rawkkrawler wrote:
Tim_M wrote:PM Sent.
Wonder if they'll allow a rental car out there for the tourist session!

Tim posted a video showing him driving a car rented at the track a couple years ago which was prepared somewhat. That makes sense.

Jamie · Postby **Jamie** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 10:03 pm

twistedwankel wrote:
Rawkkrawler wrote:
Tim_M wrote:PM Sent.
Wonder if they'll allow a rental car out there for the tourist session!
Tim posted a video showing him driving a car rented at the track a couple years ago which was prepared somewhat. That makes sense.

That was a car rented at the Ring. I can tell you from experience that normal rental car contracts in that part of Germany explicitly prohibit taking the car out on the Ring...seems like they've had one or two rolled up in a ball by people who paid the optional damage waiver....

Rawkkrawler · Postby **Rawkkrawler** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 10:35 pm

Jamie wrote:
twistedwankel wrote:
Rawkkrawler wrote:
Tim_M wrote:PM Sent.
Wonder if they'll allow a rental car out there for the tourist session!
Tim posted a video showing him driving a car rented at the track a couple years ago which was prepared somewhat. That makes sense.
That was a car rented at the Ring. I can tell you from experience that normal rental car contracts in that part of Germany explicitly prohibit taking the car out on the Ring...seems like they've had one or two rolled up in a ball by people who paid the optional damage waiver....

Most likely I’d be in an SUV anyway, and it needs to last for a couple of weeks, so I’m mostly kidding. I will however be there for the tourist session and it’ll be interesting to see how that goes.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Fri Mar 15, 2019 2:55 pm

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2473&p=41831#p41831

You absolutely must drive the track if you are coming this way.

Link above is from my last experience from couple of years ago. I've rented from them ~5 times over the years - cars are perfect for a beginner and experienced alike. There are several companies for a variety of cars to choose from (with similar pricing).

Nothing cosmic about getting on the track - if its open. Pay the ticket office 30 Euro (or however many laps), they put it on a 'smart card' and you simply pull up to the toll gate, flash it and away you go. The main rule is to pass on the left - major infraction if on the right and get caught.

The weekends are full on car show of exotics...and then they flog them! Good stuff...

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Mon Apr 01, 2019 4:34 pm

Had another opportunity to make the 6 hour round trip to Nurburg for couple of laps around the Ring...weather looked bleak, but turned out spectacular - blue sky, dry pavement, calm winds, and 60 degrees!

The Sunday drive out returned vacant autobahns...even found some cheap 98 octane fuel so brought the speed up a notch...beautiful condition roads.

Knocked out 5 laps of absolute fun. The Camaro sounded like music and performed better than I would imagine. Ran in Track mode (defaults) and it was a great tool. The last lap showed quite a bit of throttle restriction - likely because I was over-driving the car. It certainly made one a bit more aggressive...but, of course the line is where the improvement will be.

First first visit was a 10:10 time from the bridge to gantry. This visit was a best of ~8:20...I like data so nice to keep track. My lines are not ideal, still very unfamiliar with portions of the track - especially the high speed areas which is where much time will be gained.

I averaged 6.2 mpg, 265 degrees on the oil and enjoyed all 65 miles of it. The altitude variation and lumpiness of the track is hard to imagine until experienced. Ears popping on each lap and the car taking a quick leap 3 x times a lap is better than any roller coaster.

Some very experienced and talented operators out there (I'm not one of them), I was handily passed by an older prepped Mercedes (I didn't think they ever made a fast car!), a new Mini (yes!), an older BMW E30 that had no power, but cornered like he knew how to drive (see the video) and finally even a diesel BMW 3 series WAGON! Rolling coal the entire time...great fun!

#1 Fill up:

Arrival - also procured a 'badge of honor' sticker at the Ring shop:

"5 Laps, Please" (150 Euro = $168):

After my first 3 laps, took a break and ended up in the gravel/overflow section...so many cars were present...although I've seen it where this gravel lot is overflowing as well:

Met a German fellow with another Camaro...a Euro spec V8 Camaro (6 speed). He was elated how the car performed...8:30's GTB time. He mentioned the Camaro would soon no longer be sold in Germany due to all cars requiring 'particulate filter' installations. I was only familiar with a diesel requirement...hmm.

Also spied a car I hadn't recognized before...Alpine. Interesting...:

Post laps: Some brake use (I tend to be a light breaker - only felt ABS 3-4 times...):

Fill up for the ride home:

Glad to clean the track grunge off...some concern on the brake dust, but this car's just falls off - wonderful!:

Post clean up...applied (only circuit stickers will be applied!):

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Mon Apr 01, 2019 4:45 pm

Video...I did a bit better:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22UKzsmAVSM&t=15s

Fresh Goodyears were noticeable!

Postby **Loren** » Mon Apr 01, 2019 4:59 pm

twistedwankel · Postby **twistedwankel** » Mon Apr 01, 2019 7:51 pm

Pretty impressive with 220 tires. Wonder what the other guys were using? A few of those guys made my ass pucker up with their non-yielding driving.

Jamie · Postby **Jamie** » Mon Apr 01, 2019 9:06 pm

Tim_M wrote:Also spied a car I hadn't recognized before...Alpine. Interesting...

Renault revived Alpine about two years ago to build a modern version of the A110 from the '60s. I still prefer the original. An A110 was literally the first car I saw the first time I visited Germany -- was coming out of the Cologne airport terminal, and there it was. Decided on the spot I liked the place.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Tue Apr 02, 2019 7:08 am

The traffic certainly adds excitement, but rather not have it. Not like we are racing for the checkered, etc. I've had good fortunate with folks overall...Admittedly, this is car is a good bit better than the STI...so catching others happens more often.

Evening visits during the week are ideal, but traffic to the track extends the 3 hour commute. Sunday mornings get the least autobahn challenges...terrible to have such issues, I know.

Alpine: Interesting. It was a swoopy car with nice proportions. Unfortunate to hear it is made by Renault! Spouse had a Renault Alliance...(before I met her!)...so first impression was a bit challenged.

220: The factory Goodyears are considered pretty good tire from others inputs. I will say that a 285 front and 305 rear tire is some impressive widths! My Corvette didn't even run a 285 in the rear! It has more cornering power than anything I've driven...darn impressive. I would not want more power on the track or I'd hurt myself! The autobahn is different...

Maybe next time, I will employ my Go Pro (I packed the charging cord in the household goods shipment).

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