I went around the world’s most infamous racing circuit which saw horrific F1 crash – I thought it was all over at 147mph
IT is one of the world’s most infamous racing circuits and the site of one of the most impactful crashes in motorsport history.
So when I got the chance of a lap around the legendary Nurburgring, I obviously said “sign me up”.
Stretching across 17 and a half miles of otherwise largely undisturbed German countryside, the ring has long been the measuring stick against which modern motors are tested.
Just about every major manufacturer brings cars to the track to push them to the limit.
Nicknamed “The Green Hell” by Scottish F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart, the ring has seen spectacular action over the years.
That includes Niki Lauda’s era-defining crash there during the 1976 German Grand Prix which left him permanently scarred and prompted a re-evaluation of the sport’s safety protocols.
As such when, on a damp May afternoon, I clambered into the back seat of a 600-horsepower BMW M5 sedan to blast round the northern loop section of the circuit, I felt a not inconsiderable sense of apprehension.
While the car was under the calm control of a very friendly and professional local racer, none of that really popped into my head as we hit 147mph on the main straight.
And I was convinced my race was run when the back end of the sportster defied the all-wheel driver system at well over 80mph to slide out towards the barriers bordering the slick tarmac.
However, despite the abject and, according to the dash cam footage, well-concealed terror, I can honestly say I have never quite felt a rush like it.
As you might imagine, working as a humble reporter on Sun Motors, I spend most of my day looking at the whole range of weird and wonderful vehicles.
While, for a petrolhead, it’s something of a dream gig, at the same time it’s easy to get a little desensitized to all the supercars and sportbikes.
There is relatively little anymore that makes me giggle like a child but a thrash round the Nurburgring managed it within the first minute.
Indeed, as I write I am still wearing the slightly overpriced Nurburgring t-shirt I snapped up as a memento that same day (don’t worry it has been washed since).
Best of all, though, if you want to try it yourself you can.
The ring is not some exclusive private track where you have to bring your racing licence and £3 million Ferrari to play.
Instead, it skirts around motorsport regulations by being classified as an unrestricted toll road.
All you need do is drive about 8 hours from the UK (or fly and rent a car there) and pay the toll and you’re off with no speed limits imposed.
Those, like me, not brave enough to get behind the wheel ourselves can also take advantage of “ring taxi” services where you are driven around in the safe hands of the pros.
And it’s not just for speed demons – I spotted people racing round in stock Renault Twingos, Citroen DS’s and even a retro Mini.
So if you ever get the chance to have a go, grab it with both hands.
I won’t forget my lap in a hurry, that’s for sure.
