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04-19-2026LAST POST
helmet91 wroteWhen I squint I see itAre we sharing sticker pics? Placed after my first lap in this car back in 2021; just finished up a few weeks ago with about 21 laps total.
helmet91 wroteAha that'll do.How about now? Car is too shiny. LOL
Right then this is probably the last TF for the season as weather wise the next one may be cancelled and was probably best to leave the Cup 2's at home with the damp track.
* NSX needed @14:00.
''Out you come wife let me try to get it out of the kitty litter' .
Looking forward to when the TF resumes with the better weather!
B-1Pilot wroteI've driven many laps at the Ring over the last few years, and I agree that avoiding TF is a good idea, especially for those who are familiar with the track and want to push harder. I'm always surprised by the number of people in questionable cars pushing 10/10 with their significant others in the passenger seat. On my last trip, there was a 996 GT3 that dropped oil, causing a several car pile up behind it. You can probably find it on YouTube.Though I paid for a 4th lap, I chose not to drive it; I didn't want my car or my experience ruined through no fault of my own. For what it was worth, there were 4 separate crashes on those three laps, and that was after waiting hours for other crashes to clear in the car park. Touristenfahrten is the German equivalent of the wild, wild west. I'd only drive that track again in someone else's car, or in a private / club event.
Hoping to get a little more guidance to help in the process....
For reference, I'm not a complete newbie. I've been doing HPDE events for 30+ years, with probably 50+ track days, including at Lime Rock and Watkins Glen. I've owned several high HP cars and some race-prepared, from a Spec Miata to a monster 944 Turbo. That said, I'm not going to be overconfident in my own abilities, or with what will necessarily be my first time behind the wheel of whatever I rent.
So here goes.... this is a bucket-list thing for me, so I know I'm gonna drop some cash. Just want to make the most of it.
1. Any recommendations on where to rent from? RingFreaks? RSR? Or are there smaller shops that can save me money and provide a good experience? I'm hoping for a mildly prepared M2 or Cayman or even a M240i. What can I expect to pay for say, 3 laps?
2. What's the 2026 cost of insurance, and does it cover the rental AND any damage to the track or other cars?
3. Should I focus on a TF day or a track day? Maybe TF on day one and plan for something 'quicker' on day two if I'm comfortable? Can I even sign up for a track day if I'm not with a group? Does it cost more or is it a full day thing like HPDE?
4. Any recommendations on where to stay, or maybe a package deal now that Misha doesn't do it anymore?
I'm sure I'll have more ??'s, but any help is appreciated!
Malthusian wroteFirst thing is pick your dates. This is the Nurburgring calendar:Thanks everyone for all the great info. I've been piecing together what I can in an attempt to plan a trip this Spring from the U.S.
Hoping to get a little more guidance to help in the process....
For reference, I'm not a complete newbie. I've been doing HPDE events for 30+ years, with probably 50+ track days, including at Lime Rock and Watkins Glen. I've owned several high HP cars and some race-prepared, from a Spec Miata to a monster 944 Turbo. That said, I'm not going to be overconfident in my own abilities, or with what will necessarily be my first time behind the wheel of whatever I rent.
So here goes.... this is a bucket-list thing for me, so I know I'm gonna drop some cash. Just want to make the most of it.
1. Any recommendations on where to rent from? RingFreaks? RSR? Or are there smaller shops that can save me money and provide a good experience? I'm hoping for a mildly prepared M2 or Cayman or even a M240i. What can I expect to pay for say, 3 laps?
2. What's the 2026 cost of insurance, and does it cover the rental AND any damage to the track or other cars?
3. Should I focus on a TF day or a track day? Maybe TF on day one and plan for something 'quicker' on day two if I'm comfortable? Can I even sign up for a track day if I'm not with a group? Does it cost more or is it a full day thing like HPDE?
4. Any recommendations on where to stay, or maybe a package deal now that Misha doesn't do it anymore?
I'm sure I'll have more ??'s, but any help is appreciated!
https://nuerburgring.de/open-hours#event-inline-12
There are multiple different calendars on that page, make sure you are looking at the Nordschleife Calendar. Next hover over every green day to see the actual opening hours, they vary. I would try to catch a part of a weekend (to see the madness) but also plan to get some weekday evening TF, as it will be quieter. Then check UK and german bank holidays, stay away on any weekend wheres there's a UK or german bank holiday between Thursday and Monday.
On who to rent with, stick to the established guys (RSR, Rent4Ring, Nurblife, Ringfreaks). Bare in mind that Ringfreaks is at least 10 minutes further away from teh track than the other companies. There's a new rental comany setting up where Nurblife used to be (Beside BMW) and they dont even own the cars, they are more of an intermediary. A friend was recently asked if he would rent his car out. I would not be comfortable with this setup, from either side.
Insurance and excess will depend on the rental company, but for most cars, it will be in the 5 figures. Some companies give you the option to reduce the escess. If you crash, they wont let you leave without paying, so have a plan if the worst happens (credit cards etc).
I know you have track experience, but the Nordschleife is unlike any other track. It is super bumpy, has compound corners, corners with changing radii, kerbs that you must never hit. Don't go crazy getting a super fast car. Start with a hot hatch on your first day, then progress if you want. You will have more fun in a slower car. In a fast car, everything will be coming at you so fast, you wont take it in.
Most trackdays are booked out by now, so TF is your only option.
On where to stay, again that depends on availability and the size of your group? Adenau is a nice village to stay in, lots of supermarkets and restaurants. There's very little in Nurburg itself.
jmeenach wroteNice, do you fly over and back from the US regularly?Quick pic of my 325is
Malthusian wroteFeel free to send me a direct message and I'm happy to help. I started responding to your questions, but there is a lot of nuance and several options depending on how you want to experience the Ring and what your actual capabilities are. 100+ track days on GP tracks mean less than you'd think at this track. The subtle bumps, dips, shade spots, and 50+ blind corners become much more challenging than you'd think when running hot laps for the first time.Thanks everyone for all the great info. I've been piecing together what I can in an attempt to plan a trip this Spring from the U.S.
Hoping to get a little more guidance to help in the process....
For reference, I'm not a complete newbie. I've been doing HPDE events for 30+ years, with probably 50+ track days, including at Lime Rock and Watkins Glen. I've owned several high HP cars and some race-prepared, from a Spec Miata to a monster 944 Turbo. That said, I'm not going to be overconfident in my own abilities, or with what will necessarily be my first time behind the wheel of whatever I rent.
So here goes.... this is a bucket-list thing for me, so I know I'm gonna drop some cash. Just want to make the most of it.
1. Any recommendations on where to rent from? RingFreaks? RSR? Or are there smaller shops that can save me money and provide a good experience? I'm hoping for a mildly prepared M2 or Cayman or even a M240i. What can I expect to pay for say, 3 laps?
2. What's the 2026 cost of insurance, and does it cover the rental AND any damage to the track or other cars?
3. Should I focus on a TF day or a track day? Maybe TF on day one and plan for something 'quicker' on day two if I'm comfortable? Can I even sign up for a track day if I'm not with a group? Does it cost more or is it a full day thing like HPDE?
4. Any recommendations on where to stay, or maybe a package deal now that Misha doesn't do it anymore?
I'm sure I'll have more ??'s, but any help is appreciated!
kevinm03 wroteI fly out for a few trips each year. Last year I only got one trip, but I stayed for 8 days and hammered out as many laps as I could lol. Do you go often? Always down to meet new friends for some laps and a Pistenklause dinner!Nice, do you fly over and back from the US regularly?
jmeenach wroteWe have a 7 week old at home so trips are curtailed this year. So far I've booked:I fly out for a few trips each year. Last year I only got one trip, but I stayed for 8 days and hammered out as many laps as I could lol. Do you go often? Always down to meet new friends for some laps and a Pistenklause dinner!
Mar 19-21 (Spa trackday on the 20th)
30/5-1/6 TF
July 23-25 ring trackday
This is my carriage, e92 with schirmer welded cage, nitrons, big kinematics and a load of other schirmer bits:
kevinm03 wroteThat’s a nice ride! My e36 is unfortunately much slower than your ride; I think a Fiat Panda would pass it on the straights! HahaWe have a 7 week old at home so trips are curtailed this year. So far I've booked:
Mar 19-21 (Spa trackday on the 20th)
30/5-1/6 TF
July 23-25 ring trackday
This is my carriage, e92 with schirmer welded cage, nitrons, big kinematics and a load of other schirmer bits:
I’m supposed to be at the Ring mid-June, but haven’t confirmed yet so I have flexibility. Would be fun if we could line something up!
Here is my US track toy - KW clubsport (about to upgrade to Nitron actually), light aero, and a few other goodies. It’s currently getting upgraded to include buckets and a half cage. Also working to be one of the early US cars with full Schirmer kinematics as we speak. It’ll be capable, but not to the level of your Schirmer GT.
