Newbie.....Hi & info on Nurburgring 24

[adamw]

Hi guys,
New post & info required please 
We are regular Lemans 24hr goers & have been for the last 7 years (consecutive) but we are unable to attend in 2011 & are looking for an alternative.  We have always wanted to go to the Nurburgring so this event seems to fit the bill for us.

Are you able to provide me with some info on the event:

Is the culture of the Nurburgring 24hr event similar to the lemans 24hr.  IE, you pay for a track pass, & camping pitches (where you pitch your tent & park your car) & you are just free to wander the circuit for the event weekend?

Are you able to highlight any differences from the Lemans 24hr event?

Where is the best place to book tickets & can anyone give me an idea of prices
Any other valid info. would be much appreciated

Thanks 
Adam

[Neil]

Welcome to the forum Adam. Can certainly offer some advice on the N24.

Many of the Brits attending the N24 do so after a few years of Le Mans. The two events are quite different but if you like Le Mans you will definitely enjoy the N24.

Camping is a little bit different to Le Mans. For starters you cannot pre book. You just turn up and pay on the gate. Charges are per person per night rather than per vehicle. There doesn't appear to be any restrictions on room, in fact some of the locals take up huge amounts of space with their home made grandstands On entry to the campsite you also have to pay for circuit admission per person since all the campsites are considered to be inside the confines of the Nordschleife. All the campsites on the Nordschleife overlook the circuit and from most of them you can follow the circuit along to the next viewing area. Take a look at the viewing guide for more info: http://www.racetours.co.uk/Nurburgring%2024%20where%20to%20watch.htm

Differences from Le Mans.
Much much bigger event in terms of places to go and the number of cars competing over the weekend.
The racing is not as top class as Le Mans. Audi, Porsche and VW have thrown a lot of resources at the event in the last few years with many full factory entries, however, the traditional lifeblood of the event are the privateer teams. With over 200 cars in the main event the difference in speed between the R8s and the 911s at the head of the race compared to the huge number of lower spec beemers, golfs, civics amongst others is quite breathtaking and makes for many racing incidents.
The N24 is less commercial than Le Mans. As a fan you are much less restricted in where you can go so it is possible to feel much closer to the action. A good example of this is the fact that everyone is free to walk down the pitlane and onto the grid whilst the cars are trying to get assembled for the start. It is absolute chaos but a lot of fun.
The spectating is brilliant, so many interesting corners and the backdrop of the Eifel mountains is awesome.
Far less Brits at the event which does mean for some, the event will never have quite the same atmosphere as Le Mans.

For tickets, just get them on arrival. Price guide here: http://adac.24h-rennen.de/Tickets.219.0.html
You will need the Event-Karte priced at 59 Euros

Happy to answer any more questions. If you do make it to the event in 2011 make sure you report back to the forum!

[adamw]

Hi Neil.
Thanks for all the info mate.  Very useful. 
I will digest but I'm sure there will be more questions to follow - up until I book & then probably some after too 

We're definitely up for the N24 next year for a change of scenery as much of everything else & the more I read about the event the more it appeals.

I have had a quote from one travel company that organize tours to the N24:
They are quoting £209 pp for Track admittance, Camping passes in their own site & ferry Dover to Calais (Monday to Thurs).
I didn't think that sounded to bad all in.  What are your thoughts?

As I've said thanks for your info. & I'll be back with more questions for sure.
If I don't respond over the next few days then apologies but I'm in Lemans.......Woohoooooo 

[Neil]

I'm off to Le Mans today

The cost doesn't sound too bad, it will definitely be cheaper if you book yourself of course, that is always the case. So it really depends on what the campsite setup is. I didn't know of any companies who were offering their own camping places so that is quite interesting. The public camping zones on the Nordschleife are what really make the event for me. Most of them have a temporary bar, the locals always put on a good show and then there is the fact that you can see the track from your tent. So will the private campsite have the same appeal. Prob not for me but everyone has different requirements!

[adamw]

Cheers again Neil,
Have a great LM & pick up with ya again on this afterwards 

[adamw]

Hi, back from LM now.  What another top year!!! 

Looking to sort next years endurance event now.
Based on what been said above, what would you say are the best track locations to camp by??

Most of the viewing\camping locations sound amazing but how do you decide.

I guess we will be looking for:

Somewhere close (walking distance) to the village & other bars restaurants etc
Walking distance to several good viewing points.
A campsite with a lively party atmosphere with good viewing but also maybe a bar onsite.


Also, are there any sites with electric hookup (like Houx at lemans)?

One more question, we'd all be driving to the event.  Do you get the same sort of numbers driving to the event in there top cars like you do at Lemans.

Looking for answers from an experienced N24 goer.
Hope someone can help

Thanks in advance
Adam
 

[Neil]

You can rule out the camping grounds from Steilstrecke to Pflanzgarten because they are quite remote (do try to make it to this area of the circuit though as it is the most impressive).

Hatzenbach is close to the GP circuit/paddock and the village of Nurburg (a few bars and restaurants) and there is a good portion of the Nordschleife accessible on foot. Downside is it is very very busy so you would need to get there on the Wednesday at the latest. Big on atmosphere!

Metzgesfeld to Breidscheid is a good option. Close to the town of Adenau (loads of bars and restaurants) and there is a supermarket and beer store just off the track at Breidscheid. Really good part of the Nordschleife to watch from and good atmosphere.

All the campsites have little temporary bars. No electrical hook up unfortunately and most don't have showers although they do have bogs and water.

Nowhere near as many brits, doubt you would even see any on the way down. Don't tend to see supercars in the campsites, its too rugged for them!

[adamw]

Again Thanks Neil 

Hatzenbach, Metzgesfeld or Breidscheid sound like a good option then.  I will look in to this!!

As far as cars, having a run out in ours is a major part of the weekend for us & would definately want to take them over to Gernany. 

Would you not advise taking them then?  We usually take Porsche's (2 996's & a 964)??
Once they are parked they usually remain that way for the weekend 

[Neil]

There is also Wehrseifen in between Metzgesfeld and Breidscheid.

The run down to Nring is pretty good. First part through Belgium is boring but once over the border the roads turn good. As far as the campsites go you will be ok so long as you get there early, Wednesday ideally and that way there should be a decent amount of space left and you'll be able to find somewhere safe to park the cars. The campsites ARE hilly but you will be able to drive in and out in the porkers ok so long as you take it slow. If you can't get there early then you have the option of going to Adenauer Forst. Loads of space there even if you turn up on Sat.