Pics + Story: Gran Turismo Nurburgring 2010 Part II

[Erik]

This is Part II, Part I (http://www.rs6.com/showthread.php?t=21314) has more focus on the Audi RS5.

Imagine the most famous track in the world with almost no other traffic. This is the ultimate Nurburgring experience, organized by Gran Turismo Events with auto motor & sport as the main partner.

Gran Turismo Nurburgring 201023-25 May 2010 @ Nurburgring
http://www.gt-nurburgring.com/
More images: http://www.gt-nurburgring.com/images/
More videos: http://www.gt-nurburgring.com/videos/

I was there as a driver, passanger and a photographer...

All pictures copyright, but feel free to link to this thread.

Here's my rental car fron Rent4Ring: http://www.rent4ring.de/en/info/index.html

It's a Suzuki Swift, but DO NOT laugh :nono: this car is only 900 kg and 150 hp, and with sticky Toyo 888 it will outrun most sportscars in the corners.
More details on the car here. (http://www.rent4ring.de/en/info/rentals-for-the-nordschleife.html#) With laps, extra laps, extra driver, fuel, car etc. I paid about €840 (real cost, nothing hidden) for a full day. This is the most expensive option, as it's a stage 3 car. Stage 1 and 2 are much cheaper options. Excess for the stage 3 is €5,000 so you don't get ruined if you smash it.

I can really recommend a dedicated (not Hertz, Avis etc.) rental car for your first visit.

Check out this video to get an idea. This is a stage 2 car, from an event arranged by one of the members here http://www.provsjoe.se/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDo_GemAzpk&feature=player_embedded

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-5.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-6.jpg

Stage 1 and 2 Swifts.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-3.jpg

Pro vs. Joe CEO :hahahehe: besides the Nissan GT-R rescue vehicle.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-1.jpg

The view fron Dorint, our hotel. Actually, this is the view from our balcony. Me like.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-2.jpg

UK RS6 C6. Anyone here? :vhmmm:

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-4.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-7.jpg

997 GT3 and Bell Jet helicopter.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-8.jpg

Let's fly! One flying lap around Nordschleife. :applause:

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-15.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-9.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-10.jpg http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-11.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-12.jpg

The Karousell, from above.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-13.jpg

The entrance / exit and parking area.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-14.jpg

I usually don't display crashed cars, accidents etc., but I make an exception as a warning to others.
This is a rental car as well.

On my first lap for a very long time I drove the Suzuki Swift with my co-driver/instructor, and we came down the Foxhole when we were warned to slow down.
We came down the "hole" and there were car parts every here and there - but there was no car? :vhmmm:

Later we found out this car had flipped over the Armco and the fence (that's pretty high...) and landed in some trees to fall down.

I don't know if it's true or not, but I read in a magazine the driver was on his first lap ever (with 2 friends in the car) and that he normally would drive flat out in his computer game down the foxhole. :noshake:

Luckily noone was hurt. But please stop for a while and think about it.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-16.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-17.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-18.jpg

Some of my friends :D

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-19.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-20.jpg

[Erik]

Viper and M3 CSL

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-21.jpg

We own the track!

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-22.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-23.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-24.jpg

This is the foxhole...how fast can you go?

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-25.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-27.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-28.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-29.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-30.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-31.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-32.jpg

Famous driver Mr Alx and famous actor behind.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-33.jpg

I'm told this Ferrari 250TR is worth near 7 million Euros. Yes, the owner did track it.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-34.jpg

Don't miss the RS5 in the back.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-36.jpg

Porsche Carrera GT and Nissan GT-R. Is there a wager going on? ;)

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-35.jpg

The Bell lands...

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-37.jpg

Looks like there's going to be some serious driving afterall. GT-R vs. CGT. I think the helicopter will win :D

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-38.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-39.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-40.jpg

[Erik]

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-41.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-42.jpg

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-43.jpg

The GT-R isn't exaclty slow...

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-44.jpg

Back at the pits, everyone's safe and two drivers just beat personal bests.

http://www.rs6.com/pics/Various/RS5-GT-Ringen-2010-45.jpg

[Erik]

I'm sure all of you are interested to know the result. Just check out the video.

Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche Carerra GT at Nurburgring.

7.42.2 BTG, driven by Mr. Persbrandt in the GT-R.

Please note that this is the owners driving their own cars.
To my knowledge the GT-R has no major tuning apart from other wheels and tires, and the Carrera GT is on r tires.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16OrU3OuaT0&feature=player_embedded

[Toto89]

Thank You for this write-up Erik! This must have been an unforgettable experience! I wish once i could have part in something like this.

Regards,
Tom

[Erik]

Thank You for this write-up Erik! This must have been an unforgettable experience! I wish once i could have part in something like this.


You just missed Gran Turismo Budapest 2010 :D
http://www.gt-budapest.com/

Ferrari 599XX in Hungaroring


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrH3Dkgc3UI&feature=player_embedded

[Toto89]

Wow! Didn't know about that kind of events are held in my country as well! Really interesting, thanks for the post. Unfortunately, those kind of events are too expensive for me.

[Ruergard]

Just what I needed on a Monday at work. :D

Great writeup, nice to see some faces you recognize as well.

[Benman]

Here's my rental car fron Rent4Ring: http://www.rent4ring.de/en/info/index.html

It's a Suzuki Swift, but DO NOT laugh :nono: this car is only 900 kg and 150 hp, and with sticky Toyo 888 it will outrun most sportscars in the corners.
More details on the car here. (http://www.rent4ring.de/en/info/rentals-for-the-nordschleife.html#) With laps, extra laps, extra driver, fuel, car etc. I paid about €840 (real cost, nothing hidden) for a full day. This is the most expensive option, as it's a stage 3 car. Stage 1 and 2 are much cheaper options. Excess for the stage 3 is €5,000 so you don't get ruined if you smash it.

I can really recommend a dedicated (not Hertz, Avis etc.) rental car for your first visit.

Just an epic vacation Erik! I'll second the Suzuki. Having only @50 laps under my belt of the Northern Loop, I will also say it is NOT a place to hop into some supercar and then flog around. This track demands respect. Hell, the weather is different from one end to the other. A small lightweight car will provide plenty of fun.

Great write up and pics! :cheers:

Ben

PS, on a side note, was Gote able to make it? The guy in the glasses almost looks like him so it got me wondering...

[Erik]

Was Gote able to make it? The guy in the glasses almost looks like him so it got me wondering...

He was my co-driver and instructor in the Swift, so you're correct.

[Benman]

He was my co-driver and instructor in the Swift, so you're correct. ahhh... cool. Tell him I say hello. :)

[inF]

Hello,

Erik, were you happy with your Swift? Is there any other rent-a-car company that you can suggest? I heard good things about RSR Nürburg too:

http://www.rsrnurburg.com/

I'm planning to visit 'Ring on 22nd of this month. Is there anything that I should arrange other than booking my rental car? No hotel needed.

Thanks.

[Benman]

Yes, eat here:

http://www.am-tiergarten.de/

Good food with a great atmosphere :D

[Erik]

Erik, were you happy with your Swift? Is there any other rent-a-car company that you can suggest? I heard good things about RSR Nürburg too:

http://www.rsrnurburg.com/

I'm planning to visit 'Ring on 22nd of this month. Is there anything that I should arrange other than booking my rental car? No hotel needed.


Yes, very happy. RSR should be good also.

But you have to book well in advance! Am Tiergarten is very good for food. Cheers!

[Benman]

^^^See^^^ Erik agrees, gotta go to Am Tiergarten. ;) :D

[inF]

I'm booked in for the trackday on next monday, with RSR's Clio Cup :race: But it cost me too much (entry fee alone is 599 € !) as it's a private trackday, not public session. Tomorrow I'm gonna arrange the hotel, I hope I can afford Am Tiergarten.

[Erik]

€599 ain't too bad. It cost me more to rent the Stage 3 Swift (different, better race car) with fuel and laps etc.

I don't think a meal at Tiergarten will set you back more than €30-40 with a few drinks. I like their Peppersteak :)

[inF]

That was only track fee. The car itself with 10 laps, without fuel, costs another 449 €.

[Erik]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPfHtOfB99A

[inF]

Lift-off oversteer, the one thing that I'm worried about...

[Benman]

One of the things I truely love about the Nurburgring, one of the last places on Earth where this pretty much happens EVERY single day, and yet, no forms to sign, no special licenses, no liability waivers, no helmets, just buy the ticket and go.

Personal Accountability, something my country (and a lot of others) sorely lacks. :cheers:

Ben

[Erik]

Lift-off oversteer, the one thing that I'm worried about...

Don't worry, just take it easy.

Like these guys. A bit vintage, but what a brilliant video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj4-clpN8N4

[crespo]

great video Erik. especially liked the use of a "downshift available" light, hadn't seen that before.

[inF]

Don't worry, just take it easy.

I can´t really say that I took it easy but... :hahahehe: Anyway, I did 8 laps, 2-3 of them in the wet, no problem.

I don't know about other trackdays but the one I attended was fantastic. What I witnessed includes,

911 GT2 RS (Chris Harris on the wheel)
599 GTO
R8 GT
Caparo T1

..and so on. Photos in a few weeks :)

[Erik]

Photos in a few weeks? Are you serious...hurry up!

PS How was your dinner? :D

[inF]

Am Tiergarten was full, so I stayed at Dorint. Hamburg-Nürburg trip took us 8 (eight! horrible traffic - many roadworks) hours so my dinner consisted of a fat Double Steakhouse Burger, some onion rings, chili cheese nuggets, etc. :hihi:

We have to wait until I go back to Istanbul for uploading, for now the only available one:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs181.ash2/44392_432909916508_576466508_4846602_4946626_n.jpg

:race:

[Erik]

Yeah, you need to book a table at Am Tiergarten asI think I told you. ;) And you shouldn't drive the A1. :)

But I think Ron is happy that you kept his Clio intact :D

[inF]

Yes but it was almost 1 a.m. when we got there :) We knew about A1's condition so we took A2 for both going there (sunday) and getting back (monday), though way home took only 5 hrs including dinner break.

[Benman]

Yeah, you need to book a table at Am Tiergarten asI think I told you. ;) Shame, years back, you could just walk in (except for race weekends of course), but with exposure (and great reputation) comes increased foot traffic. Kudos for Am Tiergarten though, glad to see they are even more popular than ever. One of my very favorite places around the area. :)

Ben

[inF]

http://www.oto-park.com/and/ring/IMG_1855.JPG

Teaser. :hahahehe:

[Benman]

But did they let you drive it? ;) :D:D:D

[The RS6]

OMG I just noticed there's even a hole in the piece of metal holding up the rear-view mirror...

Details, details...

[inF]

Okay, here we go.

Pics (120+!): http://www.oto-park.com/foto-park/yesil-cennet-120-fotograf-t10253.html
Videos: http://www.oto-park.com/video-park/yesil-cennet-t10251.html

There is also a very nice story/guide but everything's in Turkish, sorry :/

[Ruergard]

okay, here we go.

Pics (120+!): http://www.oto-park.com/foto-park/yesil-cennet-120-fotograf-t10253.html
videos: http://www.oto-park.com/video-park/yesil-cennet-t10251.html

there is also a very nice story/guide but everything's in turkish, sorry :/

WOW! Thanks! :D

[andreadebi]

Okay, here we go.

Pics (120+!): http://www.oto-park.com/foto-park/yesil-cennet-120-fotograf-t10253.html
Videos: http://www.oto-park.com/video-park/yesil-cennet-t10251.html

There is also a very nice story/guide but everything's in Turkish, sorry :/

fab pics,thanks!
what about the caparo t1? was the sound "terrific" :) ??

[inF]

I have never heard it at full throttle, but at idle and low revs you could hear almost all the mechanical components working, at a very high volume...

[andreadebi]

I have never heard it at full throttle, but at idle and low revs you could hear almost all the mechanical components working, at a very high volume...

thanks,imho it's the perfect track-toy car! the problem is you have to be able to handle it to its (high) limits ;)

[inF]

10329

Looks familiar :hihi: