Nurburgring/Nordschleife Information on Wiki
The current 20.8 km (12.9 mi) Nordschleife
course.The Nordschleife has remained a one-way, public toll-road for nearly
80 years except when it is closed off for testing purposes, training
lessons or racing events. Since its opening in 1927, the track has been
used by the public for the so-called "Touristenfahrten", i.e. to anyone
with a road legal car or motorcycle, as well as tour buses, motor homes
or cars with trailers. It is opened mainly on Sundays, but also on many
Saturdays and weekday evenings. During the winter months, depending on
weather conditions and maintenance work, the track may be closed for
weeks.During Touristenfahrten sessions, German road law (StVO) applies
despite a common misconception assuming it is derestricted like in
races. There is no general speed limit, however speed limits exist in
certain areas in order to reduce noise and risks. As on public roads,
passing on the right is prohibited, and the police take an extremely
dim view of poor driving as they prosecute offenders with the aid of
helicopters.The cost for driving a single lap of the Nordschleife is €21 for
each car or motorcycle. Multi-lap tickets can be purchased for a lower
per-lap price, such as 4 laps at a cost of €70 (€17.50 per lap).
Additional multi-lap prices are 8 laps for €135, 15 laps for €235, or
25 laps for €370. An annual ticket with unlimited laps, valid from
January to December, can be purchased for €995. All prices are current
for the 2008 calendar year, and include VAT.This Nürburgring version is a popular attraction for many driving
and riding enthusiasts from all over the world, partly because of its
history and the considerable challenge it still provides. The lack of
oncoming traffic and intersections sets it apart from regular roads,
and the absence of a blanket speed limit makes it an additional
attraction mainly for foreigners.Normal ticket buyers on these tourist days cannot quite complete a
full lap of the 20.8 km (13 mile) Nordschleife, which is bypassing the
modern GP-Strecke, as they are required to slow down and pass
through a 200-metre (220 yd) "pit lane" section where the toll gates
are installed. Since 2006, season ticket holders only can pass mobile
toll gates on the track itself, in order to reduce the length of queues
at the fixed barriers.
Another expensive mistake results in a ride on the recovery truck
Drivers interested in lap times (a dangerous thing to worry about,
as running stop watches are frequently found in crashed vehicles) often
time themselves from the first bridge after the barriers to the last
gantry before the exit. In the event of an accident, the local police
are known to make note of any timing devices present (stopwatches,
etc.) in the police report. Consequently, the driver’s insurance
coverage may be voided leaving the driver fully liable for any and all
damage. Normal, non-racing, non-timed driving accidents should be
covered by driver’s insurance, but it is increasingly common for UK
insurers especially to put in exclusion clauses that mean drivers and
riders have third-party cover only. Accidents are common, though, and
those considering driving around the Nordschleife should read the rules
that apply, as well as the "dos" and "don’ts". The ‘ring has caught
many people out. There is very little run-off and the armco barrier
will be hit at almost any speed, should a vehicle leave the tarmac.Drivers who do crash have a responsibility of warning following
vehicles that there has been an incident. They should not try to
continue driving as spilled fluids are a hazard to others, especially
bikes, and it might be regarded as an attempt to escape the hefty bill
for an armco repair. The ‘Ring, although being to all intents and
purposes a race track when used for racing, still remains a public road
when opened to the public, and it is policed as such. Anyone caught or
reported as driving dangerously can be fined or banned by the
authorities. The costs can also be prohibitive with vehicle recovery,
track closure penalties and armco repairs putting some unfortunates up
to €15,000 out-of-pocket.New for 2008 sees the possible TÜV
testing of vehicles for which on-track complaints have been received by
the authorities. This is only likely to be an issue for heavily
modified vehicles, but German TÜV testing is far more rigorous than the
UK MOT test. Vehicles which fail these on-the-spot inspections risk being banned from the circuit.
Chimpski 