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Who has driven the Ring?

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Old May 30, 2013 | 07:59 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Mr.E.G.
I want to start by saying that I think Vader1 is a swell fellow, so I mean no disrespect in any way.

But have you considered the possibility that this is a bad idea? Maybe you have some other type of performance driving experience that I missed, but it seems like you are really jumping right in to the superbowl having not played in the minor leagues yet. I suck at driving on the track, so don't get the impression that I'm ripping on you, but the first time I ever drove a car on a road course I was blown away by how hard it is. Race car drivers and video games make it seem so easy but it is really hard to do well. For me anyway, there was nothing intuitive about it. I thought I'd be able to tell when to brake, what speed to take into a turn, etc. and I was flat wrong on turn after turn for the first few times I went to the track.

I would suggest that you drive any car on any track, at least once, before you drive on the Ring. This will at least allow you to make a few mistakes in a better environment, rather than baptism by fire.

I can understand why a track junkie would want to drive the Ring, but I'm kind of lost as to why that matters to someone who doesn't normally track their car and who doesn't want to drive that fast on it. Sounds kind of like taking a helicopter ride to Mt. Everest just to have bragging rights about going to the top of Mt. Everest when you're not even a climber.

Again, I mean no offense, but this whole thing seems kind of odd/ like it is a bad idea without some track time under your belt first.

I get what you are saying and that was why I was inquiring and I am not offended in the slightest. Even though I have no track experience, I have driven sports cars since I was sixteen, but really the boy racer days are behind me. I am going to be 44 so some degree of reason has settled into my head. I am more worried that my 7/10ths pace will be more a hazard to other drivers who may be trying to go balls out.

After doing some research and watching a bunch of videos I don't think my driving or lack of experience will be a hazard to me or the car because I really won't even approach the limit for conditions, the car itself, or my sightlines. I have no ego that will be bruised by letting anyone and everyone who wants to pass the full opportunity to do so, and I am pretty cognizant of what is going on in my mirrors, unless someone is coming up at super unrealistic speeds like a crotch rocket doing 180.

After watching many of the videos, I actually feel more comfortable about it because it seems as though you can drive spiritedly and not be an issue without having to let it all hang out. I really don't feel like hearing tires squeal around corners and most track junkies who will ride with me would probably tell me I am being a puss if they were riding along.

I will probably take it easier than this guy who seems to be driving fairly laid back:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az9Iiv84-ig
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Old May 30, 2013 | 09:54 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Mr.E.G.
I want to start by saying that I think Vader1 is a swell fellow, so I mean no disrespect in any way.

But have you considered the possibility that this is a bad idea? Maybe you have some other type of performance driving experience that I missed, but it seems like you are really jumping right in to the superbowl having not played in the minor leagues yet. I suck at driving on the track, so don't get the impression that I'm ripping on you, but the first time I ever drove a car on a road course I was blown away by how hard it is. Race car drivers and video games make it seem so easy but it is really hard to do well. For me anyway, there was nothing intuitive about it. I thought I'd be able to tell when to brake, what speed to take into a turn, etc. and I was flat wrong on turn after turn for the first few times I went to the track.

I would suggest that you drive any car on any track, at least once, before you drive on the Ring. This will at least allow you to make a few mistakes in a better environment, rather than baptism by fire.

I can understand why a track junkie would want to drive the Ring, but I'm kind of lost as to why that matters to someone who doesn't normally track their car and who doesn't want to drive that fast on it. Sounds kind of like taking a helicopter ride to Mt. Everest just to have bragging rights about going to the top of Mt. Everest when you're not even a climber.

Again, I mean no offense, but this whole thing seems kind of odd/ like it is a bad idea without some track time under your belt first.

I can understand where you are going with this. I will be "that guy". When I was in Germany my brother came to visit. He really wanted to ride on the 'Ring and if he felt comfortable, drive it. A little car/driving background on him. He has never driven a sports car, never been on a racetrack or even AutoX. However, he is smart enough to not drive like an idiot. I forget exactly how many laps he got in. I want to say at least 4 driving with no issues. Also, it's not a "racetrack" on tourists days. It's seen as more of an "Autobahn" type road. Typical German road rules apply. Stay right unless you are passing. If the road is clear choose your line. The Nurburgring is as crazy as you make it. Drive at your limit or the cars limit and it can chew you up. If you drive it responsibly, you will have no issues.

Trust me when I say you NEED to drive it. It would be best to get a ride along with someone that knows it well. Anything under 9 mins out there is a great time.
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Old May 30, 2013 | 11:39 AM
  #23  
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Ahh, ok. I guess I assumed everyone was out there hauling ass the whole time. I would feel incredibly unsafe driving a car slow on a road course, but it seems this is different.
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Old May 30, 2013 | 11:51 AM
  #24  
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Just don't try to push it too hard and you should be fine. And to put a little bit of fear into you, I now present you with...

Nurburgring Crashes From 2012
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Old May 30, 2013 | 12:56 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by XxMerlinxX
Just don't try to push it too hard and you should be fine. And to put a little bit of fear into you, I now present you with...

Nurburgring Crashes From 2012

Oh my wife should love watching that. That corner seems to be problematic.

Anyone know what it is called and its location on the track? From my video game judgement (yes I know, I know) it looks to me like one of three places: one near the begining right after the left hand descending hairpin, one in the middle (about a half a virtual mile before the long uphill ascent), and one near the end I think after the first carousel.

And judging by the cars in that video, that to me looks more like a "track day" given the cars then a lot of the other videos I have seen with more tourists. Most looked like track cars and not too many joyriders.
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Old May 30, 2013 | 01:26 PM
  #26  
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Brunchen, its in the lower right corner of the map. Its blind and off camber. Be prepared for every type of car and speed out there. As seen in my video I get my doors blown off by some fast cars and drivers, but at the same time catch and pass joyriders. Go into the drive expecting everything.

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Old May 30, 2013 | 01:49 PM
  #27  
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From: Miramar, FloriDUH
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Originally Posted by XxMerlinxX
Just don't try to push it too hard and you should be fine. And to put a little bit of fear into you, I now present you with...

Nurburgring Crashes From 2012
The last crash with the 911 looked gruesome.
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