The Nordschleiffe

Nurburgring the Nordschleiffe

A baptism of fire asphalt, grease, rain and a swarm of bikers

 

We  went with Mazda on the Track in a group of some 20 cars, mostly MX5s and a diverse bunch of enthusiasts.

 

On arrival at the ring we were twice fully briefed on the North Loop; it can be dangerous, extremely expensive and you can NOT learn the track in one or two days. 100 circuits before you can think of knowing it.

In short only drive at 80%, stay on the tarmac, concrete or even the paint. Avoid the barrier and the red mist at all costs and have fun and PLEASE go home in a car that is the same shape as  it is now!!

 

One or two went on the track on the day of arrival but most of us rested after our elastic convoy across Europe.

 

The track was closed unexpectedly on the Saturday only opening at 1300hrs. we were there in good time and it eventually opened nearer to 1400!!

 

Tina had been resolute on NOT coming on to the track, but then relented if she went with an expert [Al]. Privately I told Al to go SLOW as my future depended upon it.

In the end she chose to die/come with me!!

I went moderately only, but could not go too slowly as that was dangerous due to other cars and the swarms of bikers. She was trying to brake all the while. I do not think that the metal in the foot well bent, but she did try.

Then we went again and this time she was more relaxed and I went faster but not on the limit of grip!!

I don't think that I frightened her too much.

 

The fast cars were extremely fast but stationary when compared to the bikers!!

 

So no sooner had we started on the Saturday when the track closed at 1530 hrs. Bad accident. Multiple pile up. 5 or 6 cars involved. Ambulances, cutting gear, 2 helicopters.

Then we learned that the lead car or 'cause of the pile up was a British car and a friend of MoT. His engine had blown as it went over the crest of the hill [at speed] and oils rose in the engine and bang. Rods through the side and oil on the track. The procession of following cars was estimated to be worth £800,000 and demolished. The police were investigating who was to blame. The track is a public German toll road. The track stayed closed all day.

 

Rain that night and many of us were ready for the track when it opened again on Sunday. I took a very nervous MX5 driver as a passenger as he had not driven on it yet. Still recovering from the pep talk!!

The track was particularly greasy and my speeds were 10 to 20 mph slower and my passenger could feel the car move. It was brilliant and no panic, Armco or barriers.

I then did the rest on my own and gradually the racing line dried out BUT still I never knew what was around the corner. Do you take the corner flat out or beware a 270 corner.

 

One of out party was sick going around!! Not nice.

 

The ring is 13.?? Mile around and some were timing themselves. However as one could not do continuous laps and had to come in each time – slowly I think they all timed themselves at the start and to advantage at the end!!

 

Later in the afternoon the track closed again as a car had done a circuit spewing oil. This time it was one of our team leaders who caressed the Armco at speed and ended up with 'trouble' on the back axle and work to do on the bodywork. He had 3 passengers in his RX8 and had time to give them a running commentary as they spun!!

 

The track opened again and I did the last of my laps resisting the urge to 'do one more and try a bit harder.'

 

So that was the Nordschlieffe. Great fun if you like that sort of thing

 

Well where was the paint – On the track loads of it some graffiti and some done by experts extolling the virtues of BMW etc. Mercedes, BMW, Aston Martin and even Nissan have test facilities here.

 

Lastly the fire was and excellent dinner we had at the pistonhaus a reknown hotel resteraunt where the steaks are served on a block of red hot lave, that stays hot for you to cook the steak as you like it. Very scenic and there was smoke everywhere and all fire alarms went off. Anyway an Aussie who had had too much beer fell asleep and nodded off on to the red hopt lava to the amusement of all. He woke up rather fast!!

 

The MoT group proceeded North and we turned South for Austria