Travel
Mick Hannick
Sun Feb 03 2013 21:01:10 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Nürburgring is a motorsports complex around the village of Nürburg, Germany. It is located about 70 km (43 mi) south of Cologne, and 120 km (75 mi) northwest of Frankfurt. It features a Grand Prix race track built in 1984, and a much longer old "Northern loop" track which was built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. The old track was nicknamed "The Green Hell" by Jackie Stewart, and is widely considered as the most demanding and difficult purpose-built racing circuit in the world.
Steve Redmond
Mon Feb 04 2013 17:51:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
The Nordschleife has remained a public one-way toll road for nearly 80 years except when it is closed off for testing purposes, training lessons, or racing events. Since its opening in 1927, the track has been used by the public for the so-called "Touristenfahrten," i.e. anyone with a road-legal car or motorcycle, as well as tour buses, motor homes, or cars with trailers. German road law applies during Touristenfahrten sessions. There is no general speed limit, although speed limits exist in certain areas in order to reduce noise and risks. Passing on the right is prohibited, and the police prosecute poor driving with the aid of helicopters.
asymetrx
Tue Feb 05 2013 20:52:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
As of now the record holding car is the Radical SR8LM with a time of 6:48.00. This lap was done in 2000.
SweetPotato
Mon Feb 04 2013 19:57:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
One of my favorite Top Gear segments EVER is when Jeremy does a lap in a Jaguar X-Type and Sabine Schmitz says she can beat his time in a VAN. She doesn't wind up beating him, but she comes SHOCKINGLY close.