Friday 17th June - Monday 20th June 2011!

Mazda on Track are delighted to announce the return of the definiative road trip for 2011 - A fully inclusive road trip to the worlds greatest motor racing circuit in the Eifel Mountains in Germany, the Nurburgring where you will have the chance to drive the circuit, sight see the old historic towns and castles, and immerse yourself in petrol head nirvana. You can come in any car you like too!

What is the Nurburgring and why should I want to go with Mazda on Track?

The Nurburgring is one of the oldest, longest and probably most famous race tracks in the world. Set in the stunning Eifel mountains, it is more like a road than a track. This point is made even more interesting in that when it's not being used for racing or prototype testing, it is a one way, derestricted public toll road. The track is 14 miles long, has 140 corners, and takes around 9-11 minutes to complete one lap. On that lap it is not uncommon to have eagles fly above your car, see some of the world most exotic race machinery and to experience some of the most extraordinary corners ever seen on a circuit.

The surrounding region is equally breath taking, miles and miles of old historic towns linked together by fabulous well kept empty tarmac. There is plenty of sight seeing to be done, and just walking around the track is a day's work in itself!

The food is great value and high quality and the beer is of course arguably the best in the world.

All of this brings a great UK community of people together, and several UK drivers make several pilgrimages out there each year, our members of staff included. This is an amazing place, and definitely something you have to experience. 

Mazda on Track staff have a combined experience of over 1000 laps between the three of them, Al Clark who has completed over 600 laps, Nick Dougill who has done over 400 plus John Marcar who is also a dab hand. Needless to say, you're in good hands with our team!

Provisional Timings for the Run:

Friday June 17th -  It's going to be a fairly early start as to make the most of the trip! We will be taking the Ferry from Dover to Dunquerque to get us across the pond. 

Aboard, there will then be a brief welcome from the team who will quickly discuss the details of the convoy, take a register, and hand out run packs and put you in convoy groups. We will then check in at the ferry which will set sail to France!

Upon arrival it takes around 5 hours on our route to reach the hotel and the circuit. The route takes us down the E40 where we turn off at Eupen for a final fuel stop and enjoy a fantastic country drive through quaint Belgian villages and along some superb forest roads straight to the hotel. We expect to arrive at the guest house at around 5pm. It is quite possible in a normal MX-5 1.8 to do the run from Calais to the 'Ring on one tank of fuel. 

At 7pm, (German Local Time) there will be an optional talk about the Nurburgring, its amazing history, and how to get the most out of it including safety, basic pointers and tips, and all the questions you were scared to ask like how and where to buy a ticket and where to park! This will most likely take place in the hotel. If you are new to track driving or the Nurburgring this is highly recommended. 

At 6-8pm (German local time) we will have a huge introductory BBQ meal for all runners so everyone can get to know each other, get a closer look at all the cars, and ask any questions they may have.

Saturday - Sunday: Lapping / Sight seeing / Relaxing

Final Day:

Enjoy a final breakfast, and assemble at around 9 am for departure. We will then drive to a nearby location for a group photo and we will set off for Calais! We will be expecting to be at the Ferry to arrive back in the UK around 8pm. We will be returning the same route we came.

Common Questions:

Included in the basic price of the run are:

• Your crossing booking both ways.
• Convoy teams ensuring you all get there including spares support for Mazdas!
• Three nights in a scrupulously clean and comfortable, English speaking traditional guest house located 2 minutes from the Nurburgring entrance, and including a proper German breakfast each day.
• A huge introductory BBQ feast so you can relax with your fellow runners and meet new people.
• A detailed run pack featuring route cards, guides to the local historic sights and great roads and even the best viewing points sent to you on booking.
• A chance to meet the European MX-5 owners who have been specially invited to join the run!
• An informal but mandatory safety talk at the meal for those who want to know how to get the most out of the circuit.
• Local area information including the local Mazda dealership in Adenau, Cafes, Take-aways, Garages and race schools.
• Basic mechanical support.
• Mazda on Track staff available on hand to help with local knowledge.

Not Included in the price:

• Lap tickets or fuel. Single lap tickets start from €24, but decrease if bought in multiple amounts.
• Tuition
• Insurance (You require European EHIC Card, formally E111 form, as a minimum and we recommend buying Health and Travel insurance).
• Helmets (not legally required, but highly recommended if you intend to drive the cirucit)
• Meals other than daily breakfast and the Introductory meal.
• Recovery or Break down services. Basic mechanical support will be available however.
• Break down vests, spare bulbs, and warning triangles.

See booking and payment methods below.

Do I need a crash helmet?

Whilst the answer is no, if you want a passenger lap with a regular, there is a bit of an unwritten rule amongst old hands that you wear one, especially in an open roofed MX-5. It's just sensbile.

How much will it cost me on top of the run?

Eating out cheap is easy, giant 30" pizzas are only a few Euro's and chinese takewaways are gigantic and cost under €10. Beer is around €2.00 for 1/2 litre, and plenty of restaurants are easily within a five minute walk from the hotel. 

Petrol will be your main expense, probably, - petrol is priced pretty similarly to the UK but the trick is to fill up 5 minutes down the hill in Adenau where it's cheaper. MoT staff are regulars and season ticket holders to the track, and estimate you will do around 10-15 laps per tank of fuel. Remember, 2 laps is over 20 minutes of hard driving!

Laps depend entirely on how many you want to do. A single ticket is €24, but this reduces in price if you buy multi-lap tickets (5/10/25 etc). Laps you don't use do not expire until the end of the year, and can often be sold on for close to face value if you are not able to return. 

Is there any tuition?

Whilst Mazda on Track cannot offer any tuition on track. There are official Nurburgring tuition companies which we can also point you in the direction of.  We will be holding a full and mandatory safety briefing for all drivers on the trip once we arrive to make sure you know what to do, where to do it, and how to get home in one piece, so don't worry. 

What are the opening times for the track?

Current Status: Open all weekend for lapping!

What are the essentials I have to bring?

1. Passport / MOT documents / Tax / Insurance covernote.
2. European Heath and Travel insurance.
3. Fluorescent jacket, warning triangle, spare bulbs, light deflectors and a GB sticker.
4. Camera - You're going to see some amazing stuff

What do I need to do to my car to prepare?

If you intend to drive the Nurburgring Nordscleife, the important part is to make sure your car is serviced, the cooling system is bled and working, and your brakes and tyres are in good working condition. It does not have to be a track car, you don't need a roll cage, posh brakes, stiff suspension or racing tyres to go, it's just as good in a stock car as a modified one. 

What happens if I crash or breakdown on the 'Ring? 

Whilst we advise not crashing, it can happen. You should not underestimate the Nurburgring, with most corners being blind and with often no more than a metre of run off before solid armco. If you drive round at a pace at which you are totally in control and comfortable with, you should be fine. Our staff member Al Clark has done over 600 incident-free laps there, so the old phrase of 'it's bound to happen' isn't necessarily true. 

If you do crash however, it can be an expensive process. Armco, track closure and recovery are all very pricey, and you must be able to pay on the day via credit card. Bills can easily run into €1000's, but if you are unlucky and spin on fluids, it will not count as your fault. The staff at the 'Ring are friendly and helpful, and all the marshals I've ever met are sympathetic if you're well mannered.Your road insurance will almost certainly not cover your armco bills at the Nurburgring. 

Can I film or chase lap times?

Chasing lap times more often than not ends up in the armco.  Our advice is do not take a stop watch. If you really want to know your times, take a data logger and leave it running all day. You'll forget it's even on, and then at the end of the day you can show everyone! There are no winners on public driving, so take it easy, and just enjoy it.

There is a blanket ban of filming on the track. Doing so is entirely at your own risk and you may get banned if you are caught. None of the MoT staff encourage taking film for this reason. There will be a multitude of talented photographers around the track who will take your photo for you.

What age must I be to drive?

You must be 18 years old to drive in Europe. 

What else is there to do, besides drive the 'Ring? I want to sight see! 

There are several new sights for 2011 at the 'Ring including the museum which is full of amazing old and new racing cars. However, as you are also in the middle of a stunning national park, there are several other things to see. For example:

There is the gorgeous city of Cochem - which you can easily spend a day just touring around.

There is also the delightful Satzvey Castle around 40 minutes drive through winding contryside to the village of Kommern. Plenty to do here including archery, fire eating, jousting and birds of prey. Well worth a visit if you want to see some German heritage! There is also a Centre Parcs, Zoo's, Go-Karts, Museums and Toboggan runs (great fun) all very close.

Special Additions

If we can make your trip even more special, or you want to extend the journey, upgrade to a more luxurious hotel, or you just want a cold pint waiting for you when you arrive, let us know!

What to expect in Pictures:

Nick Dougill attacks one of the last corners of the track in one of the MoT track cars. - Frozen Speed

A car lovers paradise. Never is there so regularly such a mix of stunning cars in one place. It's not uncommon for people to just walk up to the owner, and after a good chat be offered a lap in it!

The view from Nurburg Castle (literally next to our hotel), as taken on a clear spring morning looking across to the Grand Prix circuit (which you can visit along with a superb museum and see the BMW Test centre).

Al Clark in his old MX-5 at play on a decidedly wet Adenau Forst .

Parked up in the legendary car park - Filled with some of the worlds best sports machinery (and some Porsches). 

The simply stunning surrounding countryside, and the roofs of the town of Adenau that sits inside the circuit.

The world famous Pistenklause / Nurburgring Argentina fillet steak, which you cook yourself at your table at the Pistenklause restaurant, only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The restaurant has some amazing memorabilia and signatures from some of the worlds greatest motor racing heros. Everyone has to go here to sample it just once. 

Regular MoT customer Gary Handa flies round in his supercharged monster. 

Staff member Al Clark on the road leading to track in Autumn. 

CONFIRMED AND PAID BOOKINGS

Places are limited to 30 cars, so be sure to book early! 

1. Nick Dougill (MK2.5 MX5)
2. John Marcar (BMW 325)
3. Al Clark (BMW E46 M3)
4. Alan O'Donovan (RX-8)
5. Phil Morrison (E46 M3 V10)
6. Chris Mitchell (MX-5)
7. Mike Hosken (MX-5)