MF Special: Guide to the Nurburgring

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As you may have guessed we’re pretty pumped for the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring this weekend here at MF. Sure F1 is at Valencia but for those could do without the glitz and glamour and would rather focus on the ultimate man and machine, there isn’t a better race in the world. So with that said we thought it appropriate to do a little refresher on the track that will be featured this weekend and that has so shaped MINI’s parent company BMW over the years.

The Nordschleife Nurburgring has been synonymous with the BMW brand since the 1930′s. BMW and its products are probably more closely tied to the ‘Ring than any other manufacturer. And since the R50 and R53 MINI has been part of that. Every car MINI designs and engineers ultimately makes its way to the ‘Ring for what some would consider the most important part of its development process.

But the beauty of the Nordschleife is that you can actually drive any street legal car on it much of the year. All it takes is around $30 and you have a chance to tackle the most famous (and perhaps dangerous) track in the world. Having driven it in the past I can tell you that there is simply nothing that can totally prepare you for the experience. No matter how great video games have become, there is no way they can match the sensation of the real track. And beyond that the paddock area is about as close to automotive heaven as you can get. Every kind of car from every manufacturer is there in one of the best impromptu car shows you’ll ever see.

So to celebrate the 2010 24 Hours of the Nurburgring we’re presenting both our podcast (recording while driving the ‘Ring with an R56 MCS and our good friend Axel from Bigblogg) and the official BMW PDF all about the history of the track. A highly recommended and listen read for anyone with interest in the ultimate track.

+ The Nordschleife Line / Sport Auto PDF (by BMW, 2003)

You can see more photos of our last trip to the ‘Ring below.

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