Nürburgring — Attraction in Adenau

This is a review of the 2024 Ravenol 24hr Nürburgring endurance race .... which became the shortest in history due to weather.

The critique goes to the Nürburgring management and organizational team for failing to organize the logistics for such an event. I am critizising things that actually could be fairly easy fixed.

First of all there seems to be no care for the spectators experience...I get the feeling we were last on the priority list. Parking is a disaster, often in nearby grass fields which turns in a mudbath when weather is as it is. All nearby parking were occupied by those who has some kind relation to the professional side of it (teams, trucks, and those kind) us normal people were directed to grass field up to 2-3 km away, with no kind of shuttle service or pedestrian sidewalks on the main roads surrounding the area (there are some, but majority is without). I'm my opinion unacceptable for such a big event that has been around for many years.

Next is Nürburgrings website.  Finding maps, or quick information related to this specific event is complicated and just poorly designed.  For instance, buying a simple ticket for the public turist drives requires many steps for something that should be just a few clicks - like buying an airline ticket or train ticket online. Fair enough, that is not really related to the 24hr race event, but still... Its just a poor web experience for such a big event.

Next - toilet facilities.... Its a complete disaster!! I can split it up in the actual Nürburgring areas that requires a ticket to enter, and then the areas around the track that technically is public area and as such not just Nürburgring as the company. In the areas where the tribunes are, which serves several thousands of people, not just for a few hours but the whole day and partly during the night, the toilet facilities are way too small and you have to stand in line forever. I actually tried to find another place with toilet facilities and actually went out of the secure area without knowing it since no signs or anything that would give a warning that you now leave the area. The problem is that once the race starts there is a maximum number of people allowed and that is fair enough. But at the very least have signs and warnings that if you leave this point now, you cannot come back. Many places you find  construction site type mobile toilets which simply are disgusting and if you are a female wanting to sit down....good luck!

As a result people are urinating left, and right and center and all over the place and there seems to be no toilet cleaning service in place. Just utterly disgusting.

Conclusion - build much better toilet facilities like a long building under the tribunes with 50 toilets and stalls inside. Outside and around the track have dedicated truck trailers that are staffed with crew fur such events.

Next catering and drink facilities. Food is sort of okay but could be better. The problem is in two main areas - lack of card payment and deposit of 2 eur for having the plastic cup to a coffee. The problem is most people don't bother to go back and stand in line to the 2 eur deposit back, the this is know, and the catering side make a little fortune on this morally wrong concept. The idea is to reduce waste for environmental reasons, which brings me to the next point.

There are literally no garbage bins around, and those few there are full within short time and no trash service seems to be organized to keep them empty during the event. The result is garbage, cans, bottles and broken glass everywhere....so utterly disgusting that it makes the event feel like a slum.

Overall the impression is its a dirty, disgusting unprofessional event that seems to have been put together by people who has no experience and/or knowhow on how to manage the logistics. Poor poor...

Since my first pilgrimage in 2009, the Nürburgring Nordschleife has held a special place in my heart – a place where asphalt and adrenaline intertwine to create an experience unlike any other. It's not just a racetrack; it's a living, breathing legend.

For those who haven't experienced it, the Nordschleife is more than just a series of corners. It's a demanding, unforgiving, and utterly exhilarating test of skill and machine. Each lap is a journey, a rollercoaster ride through the Eifel mountains that leaves you breathless and wanting more.

Here's what keeps me coming back, year after year:

The Sheer Challenge: The Nordschleife's 73 corners, elevation changes, and blind crests demand respect. It's a track that rewards precision and punishes mistakes, making every lap a learning experience. It is a track that humbles even the most seasoned driver. The Atmosphere: The history and heritage of the Nordschleife are palpable. You can feel the echoes of racing legends as you navigate its iconic sections. The people, from the track marshals to the fellow enthusiasts, share a common passion that creates an incredible sense of community. The Thrill: There's nothing quite like the feeling of conquering a perfect lap, of threading your car through the Carousel or flying down the Döttinger Höhe. The adrenaline rush is simply amazing. The constant change: Even after many visits, the track always feels different, and there is always something new to learn. The Nordschleife is a pilgrimage for any petrolhead, a place where dreams are realized and legends are born. It's more than a racetrack; it's an addiction, a passion, and a way of life. If you're looking for the ultimate driving experience, look no further than the Green Hell. It will...

An amazing experience. I was there on a day they allow tourist drives, and the weather was perfect. For 35 euros you can take one lap on the Nordschliefe. This is not for the faint of heart, because "tourist drive" doesn't really describe the experience. This is an active ractrack and once you're through the gates and past the lead-in cones, you can push as fast as you want, but be careful as there are many others doing the same. The main rule is to just keep right when someone is approaching to overtake you. If passing someone else you MUST do so on the left, just like the normal roads in Germany. I have had lots of seat time in high performance cars, but having never been on this track before, and driving a rental VW Golf at that, I did hold back a bit. It is a bit disconcerting being passed by someone going twice your speed when you're already doing 80kph heading into a turn and they cut past to hit the apex clearing your fender by mere inches. Crashes can and do happen here on tourist drives so please be careful. The course was closed for about an hour when I first lined up for the entrance in order to clean up what I can only assume was a bad wreck, because police were even involved. And while I was on the course there was a yellow flag briefly while another incident was being cleaned up.

Overall, this is a must-do experience for anyone who enjoys cars, but please be careful, don't push past your own limits or that of your car, and be respectful to the other drivers. Don't drive with an ego, because there is always going to be someone faster. Just enjoy the time...