Take your Polo to a motoring mecca - Join the Ringers!

dino · Post by **dino** » Sun May 14, 2006 6:01 pm

Reading Ben's site now :>

MisterMinty · Post by **MisterMinty** » Sun May 14, 2006 6:44 pm

Excellent! You thinking of taking the torquemobile over for a spin round the ring?

dino · Post by **dino** » Sun May 14, 2006 6:58 pm

I really want to but i dout i can make this trip - bit short notice. Plus i want to prepare fully.

Keep me informed of your next trip

What you taking round? Just noticed your in MK - i'm just a stones throw down the road in dunstable!

MisterMinty · Post by **MisterMinty** » Sun May 14, 2006 7:19 pm

My faithful steed - Polo 16V Sport. Powerflow exhaust and K&N 57 induction give the 100 horses a bit more get up and go, but its sat on Bilstein sports shocks and Eibach Prokit springs...they're more important than power on the ring. Your TDI engine is just the ticket, plenty of tug for the uphill sections! You can see it in the Mk5 section under Polo Mint lol!
Yep just up the road in MK! (for my sins...)

Anyway, in terms of dates, looking at July I think. It's dependent on work leave, best track times, and also if I can get my new engine under the bonnet by then... 180 turbocharged horses and I CANNOT BLOODY WAIT!

So, will defo keep thee posted. Hope to get people addicted like I am (do I sound like a dealer or what?) ...in the meantime the best advice I can give you is 1. Learn the track, 2. Learn the track, and then 3. Learn the track.

Yeah, I know...boring. BUT - it will really help you as a Ring Rookie. JW Hubber's website has some good video laps on it...they're great, as they show you the gradients on the circuit!

dino · Post by **dino** » Sun May 14, 2006 7:35 pm

I'll have to get a copy of GT4 to learn the track. Possibly grab a lap with someone before i do my first one.

dino · Post by **dino** » Sun May 14, 2006 9:04 pm

I REALLY wanna go now after reading Ben's site all evening!

MisterMinty · Post by **MisterMinty** » Sun May 14, 2006 9:36 pm

Well if you do feel like going for it, and I'm over there as well, I'll be more than happy to give pax laps (passenger laps) to you if you're wanting a taster before trying it in your own car - and that goes for anyone reading this forum. Everybody has to start somewhere - and paxlaps are a good starting point! I must warn you - ringing can be an addictive business. A year ago, my Polo was happily buzzing around England, with all stock parts.
But now...well,

ModifiedMadness · Post by **ModifiedMadness** » Sun May 14, 2006 10:11 pm

I'm the same as Dino, I'd really love to go but this one is a bit short notice, about 12 days tomorrow.

That way I'll have earnt the Nurburgring sticker I have on the back of my car, and can put the lap time in the middle of it

MisterMinty · Post by **MisterMinty** » Sun May 14, 2006 10:28 pm

LOL I have said sticker on my car too! Although it was bought from the GP track at the ring! Found it nestled amongst the BIGGEST pile of Ferrari and Schumacher merchandise known to mankind....

Alex_6n2 · Post by **Alex_6n2** » Sun May 14, 2006 10:56 pm

Is there an age limit for drivers on track? Or do you just have to have a valid drivers liecense?

I'd really like to go and see how fast I can chuck my huge 60 horses round in

MisterMinty · Post by **MisterMinty** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:03 pm

No, no age limit. As long as you hold a full driving license, that's fine.
A few things worth bearing in mind for any prospective drivers:
1. Check your motor insurance with a TOOTHCOMB! The ring's legal status is that of a derestricted, one-way toll road; meaning that in theory your standard fully comprehensive insurance will cover you. BUT - your insurance company will move heaven and hell rather than pay out - especially if it involves an accident at the ring. Also, Nurburgring GmBH charge if an accident caused by you damages the track in any way - and armco is not cheap. The best thing I can say is this: weigh up the risks BEFORE you go; maybe get yourself some extra insurance - and drive the ring on the assumption that you're UNINSURED. That'll sharpen you up a bit!

2. Get yourself some European breakdown cover. Remember that it's 300 miles to the Ring, and after you've given your tyres clutch and brakes some hefty abuse, it's 300 miles back to Calais! Green Flag are pretty good - they're who I use - but I WOULD avoid AA five-star European cover; it specifically excludes those who break down on the Ring. So, unless you've got mates with you who'll tow you off the track, avoid the AA.
3. Read Ben's website! www.nurburgring.org.uk - everything you need to know is there. He speaks with the sense of somebody who's been unfortunate enough to crash himself, and to arrive at the scene of a fatal accident. And he still goes out there, and loves it.
Go figure, folks...