ianhowell
Registered User
- Joined
- May 11, 2004
- Messages
- 42
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 6
- Location
- Staffordshire
- Website
- www.northloop.co.uk
WOW! what an experience. I will do a proper write up in a few days but wanted to let you all know my initial thoughts.
Basically I loved the place!
The whole trip went to plan with no problems. Had a great crossing on the Ferry followed by a smooth run to Germany through Belgium and Holland. The Satnav plus was outstanding making the journey so easy. The hotel was easy to find and very good. Steak, chips and a beer on arrival was ordered for my girlfriend and I as we talked some others about The Ring. Next Morning up and early and down to the ticket office to get my 12 lap ticket by 8am. Within a few mins I was out on my 1st lap, ESP off, DSG in manual and foot planted.
Some time latter I arrive under a gantry I recognised from top gear and it was all over (no time taken as advised not to). My lap was over and what an experience. The Car performed brilliantly. Over the next few days I got quicker both from learning the track but also from the confidence the car gave. The grip from the tyres was pretty good and the Quattro system came into its own even though it was dry. The V6 was smooth and punchy allowing me to have plenty of fun. By the end of the weekend I had worn out the front tyres but the rest of car was as new. The DSG was fantastic and overall handling was neutral.
We saw lots of different vehicles ranging from all sorts of motorbikes, normal cars, modded cars, special prep cars, exotic cars, race cars, the EVO 8min BMW, Sabine in the Ring taxi, to a COACH full of tourists. Yes we saw accidents, and yes some people did get hurt, I believe one possible death. All of which were very sobering but it didn't detract from what an experience the whole place is.
If you are thinking about going stop thinking and just do it! It doesn't matter what you drive, as my late Father once told me "it's not what you drive, it's how you drive it" and this is very true for the ring. I was in a Clio Cup and sailed passed lots of other so called faster cars because the driver new the track and used the full potential of the Clio. Petrol or diesel doesn't matter to start, just leran the track. I got a ride in a 1.6 1series BMW that left other cars. As a certain advert says....
Just Do It!!!
Basically I loved the place!
The whole trip went to plan with no problems. Had a great crossing on the Ferry followed by a smooth run to Germany through Belgium and Holland. The Satnav plus was outstanding making the journey so easy. The hotel was easy to find and very good. Steak, chips and a beer on arrival was ordered for my girlfriend and I as we talked some others about The Ring. Next Morning up and early and down to the ticket office to get my 12 lap ticket by 8am. Within a few mins I was out on my 1st lap, ESP off, DSG in manual and foot planted.
Some time latter I arrive under a gantry I recognised from top gear and it was all over (no time taken as advised not to). My lap was over and what an experience. The Car performed brilliantly. Over the next few days I got quicker both from learning the track but also from the confidence the car gave. The grip from the tyres was pretty good and the Quattro system came into its own even though it was dry. The V6 was smooth and punchy allowing me to have plenty of fun. By the end of the weekend I had worn out the front tyres but the rest of car was as new. The DSG was fantastic and overall handling was neutral.
We saw lots of different vehicles ranging from all sorts of motorbikes, normal cars, modded cars, special prep cars, exotic cars, race cars, the EVO 8min BMW, Sabine in the Ring taxi, to a COACH full of tourists. Yes we saw accidents, and yes some people did get hurt, I believe one possible death. All of which were very sobering but it didn't detract from what an experience the whole place is.
If you are thinking about going stop thinking and just do it! It doesn't matter what you drive, as my late Father once told me "it's not what you drive, it's how you drive it" and this is very true for the ring. I was in a Clio Cup and sailed passed lots of other so called faster cars because the driver new the track and used the full potential of the Clio. Petrol or diesel doesn't matter to start, just leran the track. I got a ride in a 1.6 1series BMW that left other cars. As a certain advert says....
Just Do It!!!
