This event is also in another thread, but the important details are here.
[size=18][color=red]Dear All,[/color][/size]
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> As you may know, 2009 is the 20th anniversary of the launch of the MX-5 and various groups and people are looking into ways to enjoy this year in a special way. As such I was asked back in September last year by a Hungarian friend in Northampton to organise a group trip to the famous Nurburgring in the Eifel Mountains in Germany, basically to tie up with a group of Hungarian owners coming in the other direction. I have had to wait for Ring opening times to be published but in the meanwhile have put in a lot of work to make this trip a special event. The dates are now set at May 30th through till June 2nd. This avoids the OC Spring Rally and then falls between the ADAC 24 hour race and Rock Am Ring, an MTV rock festival. Both events close the track to the public. This however, this of course opens up the possibility of inviting many if not all clubs from around <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Europe, if not the world to participate also. To some, the Nurburgring is motoring nirvana and many drivers make the annual pilgrimage to Germany once if not lots more times each year. It is also something that many UK based car groups do as a activity. Just recently I shared a hotel with about 20 young Saxo drivers, the month before the Retro Car Club was there and you wonder how some of the cars made it, but they did, and returned. Therefore we are now booking places via Mazda on Track for this pilgrimage to the famous Nordschleife next year. [size=24][url=http://www.ekmpowershop9.com/ekmps/shops/mazdaontrack/nurburgring-trip-2009-25-c.asp]Click me for Nurburg 09 bookings[/url][/size] First up the good bits, and I am doing this without reference to books or internet so if there are experts and I go a little astray, the general points are correct. The original Nurburgring was built in the 1920, allegedly at the order of Hitler, to help bring economy to the depressed Eifel region. It consisted of the Nordschleife (North Loop) Sudschleife, (unsurprisingly the South Loop) a warm up loop and the whole combined course with totalled about 170 corners. Ever increasing safety considerations and finally by Niki Lauda’s crash in 1975 meant this was the last time the German GP was held on the Nordschleife and not long afterwards the Sudschleife was abandoned and adjoining track pulled up to build the new GP circuit. The famous Nordschleife “Green Hell” remains and is without doubt one of, if not the most famous remaining race circuit in the world. Made even more so because frequently the track is open as a public toll road, open to the public to drive all manor of vehicle on including busses, vans, taxi’s trucks and of course cars and motorbikes. It also still serves very much as an active race circuit and a manufacturers test ground where many of the cars we drive to day have been tested. It also features as the definitive sports car test with the crown of the fastest lap time being a sure fire way to ensure cult status of a car. The latest Corvette and the Nissan GTR are hotly contesting the current road going production car lap time record. I think it is safe to say there is nothing that approaches it in the UK. Cadwell Park is sited as the Mini Nurburg and the part between The Mountain and Barn come closest, but it is the whole place that is so evocative and captivating. From the amazing scenery to the wonderful hospitality, food and history to the way people mix and mingle. Apart from when on the track it is actually hard to get a glimpse of the circuit, so well hidden is it in the surrounding country side, even when driving parallel on the B258 it is only the Audi badged gantry and the odd glimpse of Armco that give it away. There are of course spectacular viewing areas and getting out the car and taking a walk on the wonderful wooded paths can access most places. And again that is part of the charm; it is not locked away behind security fences, banned from people. Cars that have yet to be released are plain to see if they are being tested on that day and even if you don’t ever drive on the track the experience itself is worthwhile. So to the bad bits. While the Ring is addictive and some of the most fun you can have on tarmac it is not a cheap thing to do. In 2008 a single lap ticket was 21 Euros and if you really want to drive, as I did on my first ever trip when I completed over 30 laps it can add up. However most people are happy on their first trip to stick to 4 or 8 laps spread over the complete weekend depending on how they feel. The big issue can come if you make a mistake. The track is narrow compared to a modern GP circuit and due to the mountain location there is little space for run off. So leaving the track can be expensive. Unlike UK circuits damage has to be paid for, although is specialist insurance that can be bought to limit any liability. The best and simplest way to avoid this through is to drive within your abilities. There is no requirement to go fast and more importantly no pressure to go fast, I have seen a Citroen 2CV going round with 4 adults in and there was no way that went fast anywhere. They just had fun all the way round, which is how it should be. I am currently contacting other European Clubs. The Belgium MX-5 Club is interested in involvement as also is the Hungarian Club. As there are many clubs to write to, it is not quick, but I will keep everybody updated. Reasons to go with Mazda on Track [b]Included in the basic price of the run are:[/b] [list] [*]Your ferry booking both ways. [*]Convoy teams ensuring you all get there! [*]Three nights in a clean and comfortable, English speaking hotel located 2 minutes from the Nurburgring entrance, and including a proper German breakfast! [*]A huge introductory group meal so you can relax with your fellow runners and meet new people on the first night. [*]A detailed run pack featuring route cards, guides to the local historic sights and great roads and even the best viewing points. [*]A chance to meet the European MX-5 owners who have been specially invited to join the run! [*]Free passenger lap round the Nurburgring (on request) in a tuned Mazda on Track car (Helmet required). [*]An informal optional safety talk for those who want to know how to get the most out of the circuit. [*]Discounts on tuition. [*]Local area information including the local Mazda dealership in Adenau, Cafes, Take-aways, Garages and race schools. [*]Basic mechanical support. [*]A one day organised (but optional) road convoy tour for those who want to experience the local historic towns and see some of the greatest driving roads in Europe. [*]A special organised parade lap around the circuit itself (lap ticket not included). [*]Mazda on Track staff available on hand to help with local knowledge. [/list] [b]Not Included in the price:[/b] [list] [*]Lap tickets or fuel. Single lap tickets start from €22, but decrease if bought in multiple amounts. [*]Insurance (You require European E111 form as a minimum and we recommend buying Health and Travel insurance). [*]Helmets for passenger laps. [*]Meals other than daily breakfast and the big group meal on the first night. [*]Recovery or Break down services. Basic mechanical support will be available however. [*]Break down vests, spare bulbs, and warning triangles. (Standard European requirement) [/list] This is what we are trying to achieve with this trip. For much the same reasons that Mazda on Track exists we believe that Mazda have made one of the greatest and most accomplished sports cars of all times in the MX-5. Last year MoT staff were involved with trips by RX8 club, Saxperience, Retro Car Club and Fast Classics and the it was blindingly obvious then that it is an ideal trip for MX-5's particularly in the 20th anniversary year. As said above there is no requirement to drive fast and indeed no requirement to even drive, as there are plenty of people who are more than happy to give passenger rides. It is nothing like a UK track day and also nothing like a UK circuit. The scenery is spectacular and the atmosphere is special. However, obviously this is a race track and if you do go on track accidents can happen. The staff of MoT that will be there for this trip have well over a 1,000 laps of the ring between us. In that time we have seen too many other groups arrive at the Ring with a Play Station mentality, thinking they know the track and hell bent on beating Clarkson and their mate and end up in the Armco with a big bill. There is no reason at all to crash and no pressure to drive fast. Remember Clarkson didn’t end up in the Armco and he was trying to go fast. We are determined that every car that comes with us should return with the body panels in the same place and shape that they started with. For that reason we have arranged a safety talk with people that actually marshal the Ring, we are arranging a discount on instruction, and we will give any of the people that come free passenger rides so you can see what the track is like and where it goes. We can't coach you, but we are more than happy to share our experiences. We have arranged a convoy lap, which is a great thing and we will show you the other things to do if you want to do some sightseeing or just have a break. We aim to make this a special trip so that everybody gets the most from it and it. So that it is a Sunday lunch run with a difference. The MX-5 is ideal for the Ring, it is capable of covering long distances in comfort, have brilliant fun on circuit, is reliable, won't munch it's brakes or tyres and then carry you home again and be ready for work the next day. Places are limited and an early booking discount does apply. [b]Adenau[/b] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/19092008246.jpg[/img] [b]For the fit amongst you! [/b] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/04092007224.jpg[/img] [b]Family fun[/b] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/18082008157.jpg[/img] [b]Some expensive cars and a fast one.[/b] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/DSC01494.jpg[/img] [b]Good company[/b] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/DSC01501.jpg[/img] [b]Lots of stuff to see[/b] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/04092007198.jpg[/img] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/DSC01484.jpg[/img] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/Nurburg031.jpg[/img] [b]And what it is all about[/b] [img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/IMGP58491.jpg[/img] Matt Waddilove [b]Full size pictures[/b] [URL=http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/?action=view¤t=19092008246.jpg][img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/th_19092008246.jpg[/img][/URL] [URL=http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/?action=view¤t=19092008248.jpg][img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/th_19092008248.jpg[/img][/URL] [URL=http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/?action=view¤t=18082008157.jpg][img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/th_18082008157.jpg[/img][/URL] [URL=http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/?action=view¤t=IMGP58491.jpg][img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/th_IMGP58491.jpg[/img][/URL] [URL=http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/?action=view¤t=04092007224.jpg][img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b294/NickJD/Nurburg/th_04092007224.jpg[/img][/URL] 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