Nurburgring,s Closed Nordschleife Circuit, for the 3 Day Better Driving Course will be Monday 8th August-Wednesday 10th.Price will be confirmed in near future.

New Special agreement with Clubs "NEW Partner- SEAFRANCE" , on the Dover/Calais service , give discounts on Standard and Special Rates for Club Members.Details in next Magazine.

Great I will book the time off - and await details

Martin

 Nothing---------------Unless YOU decide to run off the super surfaced track.At This moment in time--the Ring is Closed for its annual surface improvements, ironing out a bump or getting a better camber on a corner.Improvements to Flugplatz , Schwedenkreuz, and the middle section of Adenauer Forst(where some go straight on)to give drivers a surface, instead of grass - works are in progress.

If this report relates to BMW AG going Racing, presume they know what they are doing??.But--if you drive over All the Kerbs, rumble strips etc, you would have to accept it-but lose some races if its suspension rebuilds.Tyres and pads at racing speeds, like all teams.

In visits over 25 years,of 3 day events- No tyres , renew part worn pads 1-2, (should have fitted New Before I went-lesson learnt) What suspension ??, When you 1st Ring drive, you are TOO fast and Too early going IN--so untill you learn to be smooth, and follow the advice given,  pads and Disc,s will wear.Like they do at Brands-Donington etc.

 Wise words Nick But- I would suggest that the cr-p conditions on UK roads, are the cause of 99.9% of suspension failure,s and expence for drivers.

I note that a Large Insurer, is discussing with 5 County Authorities ,the Fact that they have NOT repaired the roads--resulting in the public claiming off the councils for Suspension and Wheel/Tyre damage.

As the insurer has to pay the councils claims, it has "Discussed" Future cover--perhaps it may make the councils spend taxpayers cash on the roads, DONT hold your breath

Going back to the Nurburgring info on changing suspension-Tyres-Pads--on the Ring Taxi--Part of the Lap Ride includes lots of "Riding the Kerbs"for effect, so Heavy M5 = lots of Renews, if you the driver had to pay the bills--you keep off.

Stupid question I know, but bear with me, as a complete novice to track days. ie, never done one!!!!!  

If I was considering doing the Nurburgring, what kind of speeds and stresses could I expect on my car. If I'm only intending to do it purely for the experience!

Plus, whats the cost  

kevin wrote: adam I did this course last year and would strongly recommend it. A few words of caution, it will get you hooked on the Nurburgring. Stresses on your car, petrol...and provided you treat it as a learning experience that will be it. I was worried but despite it's length it is fairly easy on the car. The major wear will be on you, your brain and body. Take something to snack on and also drinks. Speed, whatever you feel comfortable with, but I would expect you all get to 120-130mph easily at various places.   Cost will be around £600 for the course plus petrol to get there and around (1300 miles ish), channel crossing £120, hotel circa £50 per night (5 nights) and then food and drink. You and your car would have a great time

Thanks for the reply Kevin, I appreciate it.

Can partners (the better half ) be in the car whilst your on track.

 Adam B, to assist your consideration go http://www.fahrerlehrgang.info - www.fahrerlehrgang.info   which will answer lots of questions.

The Nordschleife circuit is closed to the Public for the 3 days.So you dont go into a blind section and find a Motorhome or Tourist Bus, doing the sightseeing bit---as happens when the buy 5 laps drivers, do the public days , and sometimes see the results on lowloaders.It can be a great one off visit--Or a yearly Pilgrimage.Safety IS No 1, as well as an enjoyable drive, without the UK Govt brainwash-You know it will make sense.

Is there a way of pre-registering for this BDD?

SS7

shoestring7--if you go back 3 posts above--log onto the website I gave, and you can book your Entry Details.If you require Hotel and Ferry details, send me a pm.

Thanks for that! I hadn't realised it was an international event.

I'm particularly intrigued by the promise of:

Guard rails - Safety Training
Final option in case of traffic jam and immenence to drive against other cars:
keep to the left and further slow by leaning to the guard rail

and the thought that I could be enjoying:

"BMW M3 in sqadron entry Karussel"

regards

SS7

 None of that Formation flying into Karussell---if you look over the Armco on the outside, BIG drop down to ground level.

On the Long Dottinger Hohe straight, they have built a special section of Armco for our 3 day event.BMW AG send a 5-7 series from Munich to be the Victim( Just when YOU thought it would YOUR car being reshaped-like that Peugeot 205 advert !!!!

Each driver at approx 45/50 Kmh drives parallel to rail and Gently leans the car against rail, clutch in and NO brake use, turning steering into rail-bringing car to a stop--then pulls off rail, turns around and repeats on the other side of the car !!!!!!!!!!!.Good training in someone else, s car.

The car gets 500 + visit,s to the rail during the event--and doors still open and close at the end of the event.If you were on a Motorway and an instant stop was needed--you have the back of a Lorry to go under OR you have the small gap upto the Armco--you would take this gap Everytime.

The meeting is a "Homecoming and reunion " for true Ringers--they come from around the World , 40/60 from USA-Japan-South America-Aus & NZ , and every corner of Europe--some have Never missed in 43 events.

Come See. 

Hi folks,

I'm interested in doing this course but would like to know a bit more about it. (Have looked at the official site).

How many laps of the ring can you expect per day? I like the idea of doing complete laps either with an instructor sitting next to me or on my own. I'm not so keen on going to certain corners and the instructors then chatting about them for half an hour then moving onto the next etc.

TBH I'm just looking to drive the Ring again on a non public day (have previously done a track day there). Instruction would be a bonus but I would want to spend most of the time driving, not going on circuit walks etc.

Is this course for me?

Dave

Hope you all have a good time this year, I've finally earned enough brownie points to quailfy for next year!

When do bookings open for 2006? I need to get signed up before I screw up and lose the advantage.

  Nurburgring drivers Course dates usually get confirmed in January , subject to the F1 calender. For some years the course has been held in the second week of August--so 6th-10th MAYBE the time agreed.

Trust you can put those Brownie points in a High interest" Nordschleife " 2006 account.

 Derek M5 , will be interesting to count how many V10,s are doing the Biz this year--apart from the Taxi,s.

B 7 VP wrote: Trust you can put those Brownie points in a High interest" Nordschleife " 2006 account.  Derek M5 , will be interesting to count how many V10,s are doing the Biz this year--apart from the Taxi,s.

I'll certainly try, if I cna just hang out til bookings in January life will be sweet.

I'd imagine a good few V10's will be there humbling my little straight six That said I'm going to two main reasons;

To improve my driving skills/understanding of my car at real speed

I've always wanted to do the 'ring

Anything else is bonus material!!

I'm booked for this event - who else will be there that I should keep an eye out for? I'm travelling over early Sunday morning on the tunnel - staying at the Zurburg.

I'll be the one choking everyone with the diesel fumes

I'm travelling out early Sunday but on the ferry. Large Audi with trailer and E30 M3 on the back. Also staying at the Zurburg see you there.

Martin

We are on early Sunday Ferry , Staying at Zurburg, Are you going from Dover Martin,  It will be good to meet some new people and re aquaint with some familiar faces,  See you all at the Zurburg.

  Mark and Jacque

HI Mark and Jacque

I am going out from Dover at around eight - if I dont see you at dover I will see you in Zurburg

Cant wait.....

Martin

  A Ferries Update. WARNING.

 Allow a bit of EXTRA time before Departures for Security checks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Kevin

I will be capturing a number of full laps and will try to put them on a cd to you, but the last time i used it it created a 300mb file???

Martin

kevin wrote: If somebody would be kind enough to capture a full lap on video and be willing to let me have a copy of it I would be most grateful. Thanks

Are you allowed cameras on the course? I know they're banned on public days. If so, I'll also be capturing full laps

kevin wrote: Steve, No problem with cameras on non public days.

Thanks Kev  I'll get some footage as well.

Was at the ring on monday 1st august on a public day, It was wet!! for the first couple of laps, at least it kept the bikers in the car park. Shame the coach didnt stay there, caught it at a great overtaking spot though.

I did get a video of a whole lap though, was chasing one of our group in his Z1.

I'm still toying with attending this event next year, for a 3 day intensive ring experience, only time will tell if I will be able to or not. Hope everyone going has a great time, have made 3 visits to the ring over the last 3 years, and yes it is addictive.

Spokey mind the bridge!  

Spokey mind the bridge!  

            that was evil              

I will be travelling over with another E30 M3 - Grant's going too now

Try out his new suspension set up

We are both on the 815am on sunday from Dover - we will be leaving Newbury at 430am.......................to allow extra time for security and traffic

Martin

spokey wrote: PS Steve, I managed not to tell everyone about the time you went on the the skidpan with the DSC on!

Cheers Spokey - keep it between us, yip?

kevin wrote: Spokey Sounds like Steve has a new career opportunity, what points did he get?

62 points Kevin, but I think the group was pretty evenly matched - most of the group had pretty similar scores within a few points of each other (apart from John and Mark of course!)

The course was fantastic, and I'll definitely be going next year. My wife suggested she could take her Citreon C3 round herself, I think she was joking  but will try and persuade her to come along next year.

I particularly found it useful following John round on the open laps, boy was it fun when he upped the pace

See you all at Gaydon

Steve,

My name is Dallas Fox and I just want to thank you for your kindness in taking me around the 'ring.  In case you don't remember, you took me, my dad, and my younger brother in your shockingly quick 535d with racing tires (tyres).

I have to say that you were amazing in your driving skill and to tell you the truth, riding in your 535 didn't feel too different than riding with Andy in the Alpina B5!!  My hat's off to you.

Thanks alot for a memorable experience and to fulfilling a dream of a young college student obsessed with BMWs...

--Dallas Fox

 Hi Dallas Fox, Welcome to this Forum.Pleased you enjoyed your ride around with Steve , and hope Austin has some good memories  .

Perhaps one day, both of you will come over with the American group, and drive yourself around Nordschleife.

greatfox wrote: Steve, My name is Dallas Fox and I just want to thank you for your kindness in taking me around the 'ring.  In case you don't remember, you took me, my dad, and my younger brother in your shockingly quick 535d with racing tires (tyres). I have to say that you were amazing in your driving skill and to tell you the truth, riding in your 535 didn't feel too different than riding with Andy in the Alpina B5!!  My hat's off to you. Thanks alot for a memorable experience and to fulfilling a dream of a young college student obsessed with BMWs... --Dallas Fox

No problem Dallas!  I remember you and your family - that was on Wednesday evening, wasn't it? Glad you enjoyed the ride

My car has had a few modifications since - new ap brakes and a bilstein pss9 suspension kit - it's handles and stops even better now  Don't know if you remember but my brakes were slightly warped then. The new APs are fantastic!

Without sounding like I'm trying to earn points, I've got to give lots of credit to John (B7 VP). Whilst Andy was the instructor, I followed John for most of the course and learnt an awful lot from him. I admire the way he can take it easy round the course and then suddenly take everyone by surprise by upping the pace

Cheers

Steve