I can’t say I am a huge fan of (or indeed know that much about) motor racing generally, but I do have a Small Boy who is completely enthusiastic about all matters Grand Prix, and a husband who went through a bit of a “petrol head” stage in his student days. So, given that it’s virtually on the doorstop of the Lindner Ferienpark we stayed at recently, we thought we should go and give the Formula One Track – Nürburgring the once over. Luckily I love learning about the history of such places, and believe me the Nürburgring has a long and varied past…
For some strange reason, I had anticipated a “behind the scenes tour” to be mostly indoors, so wondered why I was given a few strange looks when I turned up with a camera around my neck and the baby in his own set of wheels (without an engine). As I kind of guessed once our tour guide arrived in winter gear and ear muffs, the tour was to be mostly very much outdoors in the bitter sleet and fog. Not that the baby was bothered mind you, he was nice and warm thanks to his mother’s Bavarian instruction (!) on how to keep a baby warm in winter (which includes at least five pairs of socks to ward off the terribleness that is cold feet) and her previous Scandinavian training too (although I don’t quite go to their extremes – if you knew how many layers and duvets get put on Dansk babies I could well make UK tabloid headlines!) so he was happily snug as we took a tour of the pits and paddock (I didn’t know it was called that – I am more used to paddocks for things with four legs not wheels), plus a good section of the freezing cold track.
Known as Green Hell for its truly challenging driving conditions, the track is almost 14 miles long with nearly 80 bends (something that’s still disputed as there are so many!) – the Nürburgring was opened in 1927 with an aim to bring both tourists and economic growth to the then relatively poor region. It was also the ideal test track for Germany’s new motor industry – not quite the behemoth it is today.
No racing that day…
I couldn’t think of a better person to take you behind the scenes of such a track than our guide Denise either, racing is very much in her blood. Friendly and knowledgeable, she’s a true local as she grew up in one of the four villages inside the ring itself (yes you did read that correctly). Her enthusiasm is infectious meaning that you can’t help enjoy a tour here whether you are a “petrol head” or not… Plus she didn’t mind doing the tour in English for the failed linguist of the group (me) and took extra time making sure the children understood all the different racing terms.
The last time the German Grand Prix was held here was 2013, and as of yet it’s not sure when it will be held here again, but I’m sure there are drivers waiting for the opportunity to say they have completed this infamous and pretty crazy track. There are several other races throughout the year however, including a mad 24 hour one, and a race (that might give you nightmares if you remember the film duel) with juggernauts. Actually, if you fancy it, and more importantly if you feel your car is up to it – you can book a time to speed around the track yourself. Don’t be certain about getting insurance easily though, and if you happen to have an accident you pay for any damage to the track and the people that cart you off…
Included in the tour is a visit to a private collection of historical racing/driving paraphernalia (which was probably the highlight of the tour for me), an opportunity to have your pictures taken on the winners podium (at which point I will add that the Small People are incredibly lucky I don’t include a lot of pictures of them here as I have a great one of them trying to strangle each other in an attempt to shove the other one off the first place spot), a look inside the pit buildings, and a trip to the very top of the track side stadium which gives you a brilliant view of the track, and the beautiful 12th century castle that overlooks everything.
And one of my favourite facts learned on the day? At the very top of the winners wall is a name not recognised by even the most clued up member of our group. It turned out to be a Nürburgring fan who had taken the trouble to sneak in in the middle of the night with an electric drill to add his own name above all the other true winners. Why was it still there? Why not was the answer… they like a bit of craziness in these parts!
Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com says
I love the fact they left the interloper’s name on the wall! Sounds like a fascinating visit, although I’m not sure I’d have liked to live in one of those villages inside the track…
Emma says
Thanks Nell. I think it’s so massive that the villagers probably don’t notice it much. Many of them work there anyway! :D
Karen Langridge says
Gosh I would never have realised that this would be so big! Looks like an interesting place to visit x
Emma says
It’s enormous! Thanks Karen! :)
Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One says
Oh wow, I’d have been in heaven there.
Emma says
It’s worth a trip! :D Thanks Mary!
Kara says
I would love to drive around this track, I remember the Top Gear boys doing it. Love that someone sneaked in and drilled their name on the winners wall too!
Emma says
I thought they might have heard of it! :D Thanks Kara!
Elinor Hill says
Inside the track ring there are villages?
Emma says
It’s so huge, there are actually four! Crazy isn’t it?
Cass@frugalfamily says
I’m not a huge racing fan myself but I know that we would all have found that really interesting – especially my husband x
Emma says
I am not really a car person, but even I enjoyed it! :D Thanks Cass!
Kizzy says
What an amazing experience. I have a husband who would lov to do something like this.
Emma says
I think my husband would have liked the weather to have been nicer so he could have driven around it! :D Thanks Kizzy!
Nayna Kanabar says
What an interesting day out , I am glad you all enjoyed it. A good place to visit for motor racing fans.
Emma says
Thank you Nayna! :)
Trish says
I think my boys would love this – and, like you, I would enjoy the history and unusual details (especially that last bit!).
I do love the word ‘paraphernalia’ – I once had an argument with a team mate during a quiz regarding its spelling. I insisted it had an ‘r’ in the middle. Thankfully the rest of the team listened to me and we won that round.
(This has nothing to do with your post but I had to share it with you while it was on my mind.)
Emma says
Ha! Now I am going to have to go back and check MY spelling! Thanks Trish! :D
Jen says
I can not imagine living inside Silverstone – they must be true fans!
Emma says
I think this is so huge that you wouldn’t hear the cars quite as much as you might if you lived inside Silverstone! :D Thanks Jen!
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill says
I’ve never been into motor racing but I found your post really interesting! Plus I’d love to know how many layers Dansk babies wear!
Emma says
Thanks Nadine… So many, plus a duvet on top for the days when they are parked outside in their prams to sleep! :D
Orli says
I have to admit (quietly, so no one hears) that I actually love car races, and would absolutely love to do a tour like that (actually I would love a tour where you actually also get to drive a race car but that’s a different matter), all I have to do now is convince my boys to go for it :)
Emma says
You can drive your own car around if you are brave enough! :D Thanks Orli! :)
Liz Burton says
People live INSIDE the race track area? Huh? That’s crazy!
Emma says
That’s how big it is, madness isn’t it? :D Thanks Liz