I returned to the visitors centre after I had done my four laps and I had looked over all the interesting cars.
They have a wonderful information kiosk. The people at the desk were unfailingly polite and full of good advice. I signed up for the tour of the facility. There were a few hours until the tour so I started to look around.
It starts here
My first stop was ring werk. It is a fantastic museum that covers: automotive history, Nurburgring history, truck racing, F1 racing, the future of automotive technology and much more. Most of the printed information is in German (not a surprise) but there are great guides around every corner. After a couple of hours there I went to the stores.
For a car guy, it is nirvana. These are not the stores you find at your local strip mall. The main gift shop has a Ford GT40 sitting in it. There is a Ferrari store with everything you could ever imagine with a Ferrari logo on it, except a car. The Aston Martin store did have a race ready car in it. At the Veritas Store I got in to a great conversation with one of their chief designers. He was more than happy to give me some insight in to their designs and the history of their company. At the racing supply store, I did break down and buy a pair of racing shoes. Did I need them? No, but they look cool and feel great.
Through the windows of these stores I could watch the Porsche Cup race being held on the grand prix circuit.
I took a walk through the original pits. There was a classic car rally using the pits as a stopping point. Porsches, Austin Healys and other fascinating vehicles were stretched as far as the eye could see. I got some great pictures.
I made it back to the information desk just in time for the back stage tour. There was only one anglophone on the tour (that would be me) but the guide was more than happy to say everything twice.
I was expecting a quick run around the track and a couple of standard history lessons. The tour went on and on. We walked down an active pit row. We saw the press room, the driver’s room and the podium where the winners are awarded their prizes. The tour guide was knowledgeable and patient.
I stuck around looking at everything I could until they started locking up. I didn’t want to go. The people I met were pure car freaks, just like me. Nothing was dumbed down. It did not feel like a plastic Disney version of its former self.
This is where I am a bit worried. They are building a spa nearby. There are more people talking about it on the internet. What was once a secret whispered amongst those with high octane in their veins is now showing up in Cadillac commercials and video games. I don’t mind the gospel being spread to the faithful but if it gets too well known there will be problems. They start by making sure there is something for the whole family. Heath and safety will show up ensuring that nobody can possibly get hurt. From there it is a hop, skip and jump to a costumed mascot, a theme song and a liability wavier thick enough to stop a bullet.
If this happens, the faithful will be looking for a new place. It will be a place that the nanny state has not caught up to yet. It will be a place with long straights, blind curves and lots of hills. You will know you are close when you can hear the engines cooling with that unmistakable tick tick tick. You will see the brake dust turning the front wheels from silver to pewter to black. ......
Until that happens, enjoy the ring. It is truly an amazing place!
For a car guy, it is nirvana. These are not the stores you find at your local strip mall. The main gift shop has a Ford GT40 sitting in it. There is a Ferrari store with everything you could ever imagine with a Ferrari logo on it, except a car. The Aston Martin store did have a race ready car in it. At the Veritas Store I got in to a great conversation with one of their chief designers. He was more than happy to give me some insight in to their designs and the history of their company. At the racing supply store, I did break down and buy a pair of racing shoes. Did I need them? No, but they look cool and feel great.
Yes this is the real deal
I took a walk through the original pits. There was a classic car rally using the pits as a stopping point. Porsches, Austin Healys and other fascinating vehicles were stretched as far as the eye could see. I got some great pictures.
I made it back to the information desk just in time for the back stage tour. There was only one anglophone on the tour (that would be me) but the guide was more than happy to say everything twice.
I was expecting a quick run around the track and a couple of standard history lessons. The tour went on and on. We walked down an active pit row. We saw the press room, the driver’s room and the podium where the winners are awarded their prizes. The tour guide was knowledgeable and patient.
I stuck around looking at everything I could until they started locking up. I didn’t want to go. The people I met were pure car freaks, just like me. Nothing was dumbed down. It did not feel like a plastic Disney version of its former self.
This is where I am a bit worried. They are building a spa nearby. There are more people talking about it on the internet. What was once a secret whispered amongst those with high octane in their veins is now showing up in Cadillac commercials and video games. I don’t mind the gospel being spread to the faithful but if it gets too well known there will be problems. They start by making sure there is something for the whole family. Heath and safety will show up ensuring that nobody can possibly get hurt. From there it is a hop, skip and jump to a costumed mascot, a theme song and a liability wavier thick enough to stop a bullet.
If this happens, the faithful will be looking for a new place. It will be a place that the nanny state has not caught up to yet. It will be a place with long straights, blind curves and lots of hills. You will know you are close when you can hear the engines cooling with that unmistakable tick tick tick. You will see the brake dust turning the front wheels from silver to pewter to black. ......
Until that happens, enjoy the ring. It is truly an amazing place!
