[s-cars] Nuerburgring Instruction

[Keith Maddock]

Hence why I called it "closed" with quotes, anyway at least it is a one-way road with only one intersection (Breitscheid), so that goes a LONG way from a normal public road.

However, as many know by now, I've found its VERY easy to have a quite costly  "minor off" - most tracks in the USA, you can go off and there isn't much to worry about, but on the Nordschleife, the armco can be within a meter or two of the curbs, there is no room for error.  Mix that in with the traffic, and it can be quite dangerous.  I suggest everyone view this page in its entirety before setting a tire on the Ring...  http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/whoops/index.html

After being there a few times, it becomes obvious why most local drivers have a "Ring Toy", a sub $5000 (total investment) car with roll cage , etc etc for using on the ring...

Richard, a thing to strongly consider is coming at a time when there are evening sessions open.  THese have CONSIDERABLY less traffic than weekend sessions and would be ideal for your first time.

It's true, I'm not allowed to "Test Drive" there during "Industry Pool Times", during these sessions only cars with full roll cages and drivers who have taken "The Official Course" (2 or 3 days) are allowed to drive.  Unfortunately, I couldn't weasel myself into this course.

Cheers,
Keith
95 968CS (Ring tool + Daily Driver)
93 S4 (a long way from here)
1/8 89 GTI (True Ring TOY)

Keith Maddock, TRW Automotive,  Koblenz, Germany
Slip Control Systems, Systems Design, Traction Control
+49 (0)261/ 895 2474    -   -   keith.maddock at trw.com


>>> uberseehandel at yahoo.com 18:14:06 10.06.2003 >>>
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Keith
I knew you'd bring it up!
I think you are very brave, unless you know the person you are offering to drive with, the Nordschleife is no closed circuit, as you have learnt!

Richard

I would seriously advise anybody who is not a successful race driver to lap the circuit for fun, rather than attack it, if they have never driven it before. The danger period comes after about 50 laps when you think you know it and you suddenly discover you don't! There are no run offs to speak of and the weather changes in the course of a lap, not a good place to make a mistake.
Don't let me put you off, however! Its a great place. I do not like driving it in a regular street car, though many do.
To put its difficulties into perspective - Keith is a professional automotive engineer and test driver, with fairly extensive experience, which he is far too modest to mention (he would bring it up however) - even with such a background he is not qualified to test drive on the 'Ring 'cos it bites you when you aren't expecting it.
The European Circuit Guide   ( http://www.circuitdriver.com/circuitguides/euro.asp ) has 70 pages on the Nordschleife plus I think you can get GP Legends, but I always find it easier to drive a car.

HTH
R+C
PS - Paul, not only does Sabine smoke tyres, she has won the 24 Hours Race at the 'Ring twice - I've not noticed your name in Autosport!




Keith projected........

As I'm sure R+C will point out if I don't, the real risk is to your car
interior... :-P

I should amend that offer to state that I'm not offering !consecutive
laps"  as a in-car coach.

After a few years of doing my job, there's not much in a car that could
scare me on a "closed" circuit.

Probably the best approach is:

1) Watch a few ring videos  to get familiar with the track
2) Ride along for a few laps to get even more familiar with the track
3) Take your first few laps with a "coach" in the passenger seat who
can help you anticipate what's coming ahead for the MANY blind corners.
4) Once you're familiar with the track and aren't ever "surprised"
after coming around a turn, then look into professional help to further
fine tune.

Cheers,
Keith
1500 Nordschleife miles  so far this year :)



Keith Maddock, TRW Automotive,  Koblenz, Germany
Slip Control Systems, Systems Design, Traction Control
+49 (0)261/ 895 2474    -   -   keith.maddock at trw.com




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