Quote:
Originally Posted by Spec C Wannabe
"389- euro for 4 laps all inclusive"
Insurance, Gas, Ring Entrance Fee--all included?
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Yes on entrance and gas. I don't know how much gas I burn through, maybe ~60% of a tank in a session doing about 5-6 laps. I suggest the all inclusive because the difference works out to a few euros between cost yourself and all inclusive especially anything under 10 laps - those few euros are worth the convenience 10x. Insurance is a standard liability which you're responsible for up to 5,000 euros or so of damage. You have the option to choose for a lower deductible of 2,500 euro for 40- euro or something like that. I take it because I figure an accident at speed will likely mean big costs one way (track damage) or another (vehicle damage). Like motorycling, it isn't a matter of if but when. Those figures may have changed, fuzzy memory on the details.
Funny/not so funny story. When I went last year I was the last to get safety proofed out of the facility to head to the track. I'm watching from my seat a first timer with his father (drive must have been 20-22 years old) as passenger in their Swift get ready to leave for the track. The guy was definitely excited during the driver brief. Anyway, he gets the go head from the tech and lets the clutch out to leave the parking lot (has a steep driveway) but the car rolls back some 5' and hits an angle of the building. Due to the bizarre 90 degree puncturing the trunk and denting the rear roll cage it's deemed a loss. Driver got pulled, was on the hook for the car and I don't believe was able to run. Was heart breaking to see but that's life, weird things happen.
So another word of caution, take it easy and think things through. Don't let the Playstation confidence get to your head or a simple clutch out roll could end your day. Again, watch as many crash videos as you can to stay sober and humble. It's a lot of fun going 100+ mph through fuchsrohre flat out when others are lifting or through pflantzgarten at high speeds dancing around high end sports cars getting caught out but it takes only one small misjudgment to put you on youtube as well. Trust in the machinery and trust in your judgement. And take lots of photos and post post post!
To OP:
As far as areas around the Ring go, it is a small village town. Though there are several hotels/inn's located in and around Nurburg. The nearest large 'city' would likely be Koblenz - I'm a fan of this city, it's large but still has a quaintness to it though some may say boring. You get the German Corner; two rivers meet, and a nice university with some local drink holes and overall chill vibe. Take the cablecar for some good views. Cochem is to the south, I've only been once - small square and a little but charming castle. A bit south of that is Wittlich. I don't know what to say about Wittlich, I know it as a pun for jokes and I've been there go karting a couple of times. It reminds me of Bitburg in some ways. Definitely see Burg Eltz. Anytime you see "Burg" it means Castle. And that is a beautiful castle, well worth the visit. Plan 4-6 hours for it. Anytime you see "Bad" it means spa or bath - a historical reference. Doesn't guarantee the place will be a nice destination
Lots of time's you'll see two names with a hyphen in between like Bernkastel-Kues it's usually two opposing areas either side of a river now conjoined as a single city. Also a nice small quaint town to visit for an ice cream and hour or two of sight seeing and shopping. And anytime you see "Dom" it means cathedral - and some can be absolutely breathtaking and worth the visit. One of the best is in Cologne. A great city to stay for a few days. It's a fun place and you can always take a short train to Dusseldorf for a day or two as well. So much to see, do and the nightlife is wonderful in either.
Don't forget - you aren't far from Spa-Franco course only some 100 km away to the west. I haven't driven on it yet but visited a few times for events as a kid. Obviously it is in Belgium, but crossing isn't an issue. I'm unaware of any race car rental agencies or public lapping days - I think it's more of a traditional race track with conventional track sessions (and costs!). Gerolstein could be a nice stop on the way westward to Spa.
It sounds like you two are staying more on the western portion of Germany, correct? If so, make an effort to get to Luxemburg for a day or two, small but very cool and different. If you're willing to go the distance, Maastricht in the Netherlands is also a fun two day place to visit with a completely difference vibe (food, language, culture, etc.).
I highly, highly recommend you two rent a car for some period of time. The public transport is good but it's so much fun to drive around the little villages in the Eifel Forest and get lost. Head south through the Black Forest for a road trip and really see some beautiful romantic places. Or take a dip into France in Strasbourg for a couple of days, or do a very romantic getaway to Colmar and head back into Germany via Freiburg - one of my top five cities! Germany is a drivers country for sure, you can be efficient with time or take the longer route.
I think I've given you material here for a 3 week and 1,000 km round trip vacation! Again, happy to answer questions though I won't be responding for a few weeks, going on vacation myself in 48 hours!