The dangers of the Nurburgring

Next weekend, the Oldtimer Grand Prix will take place at the infamous Nurburgring track hidden in a German forest. It’s an event that’s heralded by public, press and entrants, with an audience of some 60,000 and a starting field with Cobras, Ferraris, Elans and Thunderbirds and anything from Formula Vee’s to Formula Ones. Starting grids full of excitement.

As we should all know by now, the Green Hell is also full of danger. The endless curves and hills of the track make it difficult to judge corners. And then there’s the sheer length of it, making it for beginners virtually impossible to remember what’s coming next. We drove there only twice and the first time was on a very rainy day. Together with a powerful car (a then-brand new BMW M3) and all the tales that had reached us throughout the years, it made us drive slower on that track than on the average shopping trip. Especially after a bright orange Lamborghini spun at high speed. When we puttered through the notorious Adenauer Forst corner, chased up by anyone else on the track that day, including guys at diesel lease cars, we were given a sight not to forget shortly. At first there were the skidmarks. Very black skidmarks. Then there was the severe bump in the left hand crash barrier, followed by an orange stripe of several metres. Then there were other skidmarks over the tarmac now from left to right; another bump in the right hand crash barrier, more of an orange stripe and then the battered Lambo, with a woman standing next to it. Crying.

Although not quite such an everyday car, it did make us think of that well known film footage filmed at the very same bend in the early 1970s. When tourists made it, too, to the track. Although the majority of them drove their passenger cars with considerable softer suspension and considerable lesser safety measures. Oh, there were no crash barriers at the time, too. You’ll be intrigued if you haven’t seen the footage yet. You’ll be aware of the dangers if you have. A serious amount of people can be seen flying through windows. So. Enjoy motor sport. Enjoy the Oldtimer Grand Prix. But do be careful out there.

(Words editor, video courtesy Futura Video / youtube)

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