Simulators and the ‘RING
Driving the Nordschleife is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many motorsport enthusiasts. However, it's also a challenging and demanding track that requires careful preparation and training. By using a simulator and practicing on virtual versions of the Nordschleife, you can reduce the likelihood of having an accident and get the most out of your trip.
With a simulator, you can familiarize yourself with the track's layout, curves, and elevation changes, as well as practice driving in various weather conditions and scenarios. By doing so, you'll be better prepared for the real-life experience and will be able to drive with greater confidence and precision.
In addition to improving your skills, pre-trip preparation using a simulator can also greatly reduce the risk of having an accident and incurring costly damages. Accidents on the Nordschleife can result in high fees for armco repairs, safety car attendance, vehicle recovery, track closure, hospital stays, and helicopter fees. The cost of these services can add up quickly and easily exceed thousands of euros.
For example, a base fee for attendance of an armco truck is €150, and removing damaged armco costs €10 per meter. The cost of replacing armco posts can range from €5.10 each to €39 each, and safety car attendance costs €82 per 30 minutes. A hospital stay and air ambulance can also add significantly to the overall cost, making it imperative to have travel insurance in case of an accident.
Source: nurburgring.org.uk/prices.php
By using a simulator and practicing on virtual versions of the Nordschleife, you can reduce the likelihood of having an accident, get the most out of your trip, and potentially save thousands of euros in the process. Whether you're a seasoned track driver or a first-time visitor, investing in pre-trip preparation is a smart and cost-effective way to enjoy your experience on the Nordschleife to the fullest.
Costs for a weekend at the Ring
If you want to get an idea of all-in costs for a weekend trip, for a 'standard' weekend (out Fri, full day Saturday, half-day Sunday, return Sun afternoon/eve) from London by car, the costs look something like this:
• Channel crossing: Varies, but say typically £120
• Petrol en-route: Typically 2 x £60 = £120
• Petrol for the Ring: Say £90
• Bed-and-breakfast per person: £25 per night x 2 = £50
• Food: 2 x dinner, 2 x lunch, food en-route, beer = £100
Total = approx £500, plus laps as above.
You can use credit and debit cards for petrol, Ring tickets and food (in most places) but you'll want cash for accommodation costs and miscellaneous bits and pieces. For visitors from the UK it's usually cheapest to get euros in the UK and take it with you, but you can also get cash at a local ATM. Most banks charge a 1-2% commission on debit/credit card payments, plus extortionate exchange rates.
Cost of crashing on the Nurburgring
These include Armco repairs, safety car attendance, vehicle recovery, track closure, hospital stays and helicopter fees. I recommend avoiding these. If you can't, then the following price-list may help:
• Base fee for attendance of armco truck: €150
• Removing damaged armco: €10/metre (x2 or x3 or x4 for multiple-height sections)
• Replacement armco: €31/metre (x2 or x3 for double/triple height)
• Removing damaged armco posts: €5.10 each
• Replacing armco post: €39 each
• Safety car attendance: €82 per 30 mins (car + 2 people)
• Circuit closure: €1,350 per hour
• Recovery truck: €500 (inc VAT)
• Hospital stay & air ambulance: Let's just say, do NOT go there without travel insurance! (Though a European Health Card - which replaced the E111 - may cover the hospital bit.)
Everything except the recovery truck is then subject to 19% VAT.
The record armco bill I'm aware of is €15,000. That was a car that managed to flatten a very impressive length of armco between the Quiddlebacher Hohe bridge and the crest on the approach to Flugplatz. But even a minor bump can turn into a surprisingly expensive day out.
