The Ring PT2
Not really knowing what to do with the rest of our night we drove around for hours trying to see if we could find other parts of the track. If you have never been there, its pretty gigantic.
Even at night there is quite alot of enjoyable displays in both the main Arena and the industrial estate…
The roads around the Ring themselves are literally some of the best roads we have ever driven, the german countryside is dotted with stunning tarmac with bend that would rival anywhere, it made us wonder why there is not that much action on them. We drove till the late hours of the morning getting lost and killing foxes around the German countryside until we found a part of the track to pitch a tent and try get some sleep.
The alarm clock was something special, as the sun started to rise we were woken to the sound of screeching tyres and hard driving.
We packed away our ridiculous tents for the last time and sat back had some rubbish breakfast and enjoyed the show.
As a car enthusiast who gets excited over a sticker I was speechless watching test car after test car being driven to the limit.
Every type of vehicle was being pushed to the utmost limit. Lucky for us it was manufacturer wednesdays so we got a chance to see most of the latest prototype cars/tyres and other various parts being pushed to the extremes in 30+ degree heat.
The ring is apparently going to be changing hands and just might close down, there was a sticker on almost every barrier as a reminder, Hopefully this never happens as everyone and their friend knows about this infamous track, even more so half of Ireland has a sticker on the back of their car which is hilarious. The track is easily the best known circuit in the world.
There is an unexplainable feeling when you hear the grunt of the VR38DETT or a similar sound rumbling through the trees, the car comes into view and screeches across the graffiti around the bend and out of view.
It has to be one of the best things I have ever woken up to, any real car enthusiast could sit there with a grin all day watching it over and over. Knowing what we were in for we decided to head towards the Carousel.
The heat was seriously intense, and from where we parked the carousel is quite a trek down, games give this track zero justice, the elevation of every section of the track is mental. The first car that bounced its way into the infamous bend was this c63, what a site to behold.
Not long after this new blacked out Aston Martin was right behind pushing even harder.
It was literally like a video game, from SUV’s to police cars!
Its an obvious statement which you were expecting me to make but everything about the track, even the carousel is so much more intimidating to see in real life, if you messed up here you would do some serious damage.
Toyota were up to no good, it looked like they were doing some testing, there was four standard Supras out on the track along with a collection of ISF’s. All getting the bag driven out of them.
Out of nowhere an M-spec Nur came flying into view, possibly one of the Nissan drivers chasing down the newer GTR which was right in front but holy shit was this an enjoyable sight to behold.
One of the rarest Skylines ever built, the Nur spec II on the Nürburgring, it didn’t get any better than that. That seriously made my day.
I love how anywhere you are in the world, you are never too far from a good oul penis drawing.
After a few hours drooling over the main track we headed back to the Grand Prix track and paid 2 euros to sit down and watch a couple of cars being tested out on the circuit.
Just as we thought it couldnt get any better, two Zackspeed Mk1 escorts went out for a blast.
That old Castrol Livery is too good, the sound of off both cars was amazing.
There is this incredible castle which overlooks the entire area which I would highly reccomend for just 3 euros, it really gives you an idea of just how big this place is.
As far as the eye can see you can spot little pieces of tarmac lurking out of the trees.
In the distance you could hear all sorts of V8 or V12 assortments echoing across the valley. You can see the main straight and the entry area just in the middle here, it really is such a surreal place.
At the Paddock the line up of public cars to have a turn on the track was immense..
Seriously the level of BMW’s around was insane, I couldn’t get enough of this Tom Schirmer M3 GT.. Holy shit on so many levels…
We muscled up the remainder of our currency and tried to find a way onto the track, it was 25 euros in the rental car or you could pay up to 100 to get a lap around the track with someone who has been living there their entire life. I chose the second, and it was easily the best 100 euros I have spent, we got a lap around the ring in this Magane RS which is the fastest production FF car around the course. I really wish I brought the camera to take a few snaps of the spin but I just got too caught up in the craic.
A seriously expensive collection of vehicles lines up here every single day, its nuts. Even though it was Wednesday it was still pretty busy, talking to a few of the locals they said this is one of the quietest days. Its insane that people come from all over the world every single day to tackle the gruesome Green hell.
Car after car would just line up pay the tole and give it a lash. For years watching this in videos or playing it on games (yeah I know) it really is something any real car enthusiast needs to experience.
Ill never forget just eating a burger like an idiot, trying to soak up what would be a collection of incredible memories ill take to the grave… Such an enjoyable trip. I hope you enjoyed a little look at some of the nonsense we got up to this summer.