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!):
