The Nürburgring is a dream destination for car enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its challenging 20.8 km Nordschleife loop, which winds through Germany’s Eifel mountains, the track tests both drivers and their vehicles to the limit. If you’re planning to drive the Nürburgring, you’ll need to ensure your car is prepared to handle the intense demands of the track. This guide outlines how to get your car track-ready, focusing on key components like tires, brakes, suspension, fluids, and safety equipment.
1. Tires: The Foundation of Track Performance
Tires are one of the most crucial elements for any car on the Nürburgring. The track has a variety of turns, straights, and elevation changes, and your tires need to provide reliable grip throughout.
- Check Tire Condition: Inspect your tires for any signs of wear, cracks, or uneven tread. Worn-out tires won’t provide the necessary grip, especially on the Nürburgring’s many sharp corners.
- Opt for High-Performance Tires: If possible, invest in track-ready or high-performance summer tires designed for gripping the asphalt at high speeds. Brands like Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R are popular choices among track drivers.
- Monitor and Adjust Tire Pressure: Tires heat up and increase in pressure during track driving. Begin with slightly lower tire pressure than normal, as the increased heat from the track will raise the pressure to optimal levels. Aim for 5–10% below your standard road pressure and monitor between laps to prevent overinflation.
2. Brakes: Essential for Control and Safety
The Nürburgring has several sections where hard braking is required, such as the Karussell and Fuchsröhre. A well-maintained braking system is crucial to ensure you can handle these challenges safely.
- Upgrade Brake Pads and Discs: Standard road brakes may not be sufficient for Nürburgring conditions. High-performance or track-specific brake pads, such as those from Ferodo or Pagid, provide more bite and better heat resistance. Consider upgrading your brake discs to slotted or drilled rotors for improved cooling and performance.
- Brake Fluid: High-performance brake fluid with a high boiling point, like Motul RBF 600 or Castrol SRF, is essential. Track driving generates significant heat, which can cause regular brake fluid to boil, resulting in brake fade. Replace your fluid with a high-temperature-rated option to maintain stopping power throughout your laps.
- Brake Line Condition: Consider installing stainless steel braided brake lines, which resist expansion and provide a more consistent brake feel. These lines improve response and durability, crucial for a track like the Nürburgring where reliable braking is a must.
3. Suspension and Alignment: Ensuring Stability
The Nürburgring has a wide variety of turns, including banked curves, undulating hills, and off-camber corners. A solid suspension setup and alignment will help maintain control through these challenging sections.
- Check Suspension Health: Inspect your suspension for any worn bushings, loose bolts, or damage. Even slight weaknesses in the suspension can reduce handling capabilities, which are essential on the Nürburgring.
- Consider Suspension Upgrades: Coilovers or sport shocks can improve handling and control on track. Adjustable suspension lets you dial in a stiffer setup for better stability, though this may not be necessary unless you’re aiming for optimal performance.
- Alignment and Camber Adjustments: Proper alignment ensures balanced handling and tire wear. For track days, some drivers opt for slight negative camber, which improves cornering grip. However, make sure to adjust these settings carefully to avoid compromising stability on straight sections.
4. Engine and Cooling: Keeping Temperatures in Check
Track driving can push your engine to its limits, and the Nürburgring’s elevation changes and lengthy straights place additional stress on your cooling system.
- Oil and Coolant Levels: Start with fresh, high-quality engine oil and coolant. Look for high-temperature synthetic oils, which withstand the increased demands of the track. Ensure all fluid levels are topped off before hitting the track.
- Install an Oil Cooler (If Necessary): Many performance cars come with an oil cooler, but if your vehicle doesn’t have one, consider installing one. Oil coolers help regulate oil temperature during extended periods of high RPM driving.
- Check Radiator Condition: Ensure that your radiator is in good shape and free of any blockages or leaks. Overheating can quickly end a track day, so it’s essential to have a well-maintained cooling system. Consider upgrading your radiator if you plan on doing frequent track days.
5. Transmission and Drivetrain: Ensuring Smooth Power Delivery
The Nürburgring puts a lot of strain on the drivetrain, especially on high-power vehicles. Ensuring your transmission and differential are prepared for the challenge can save you from mechanical issues.
- Check Transmission Fluid: Like engine oil, transmission fluid should be fresh and at the correct level. High-quality synthetic transmission fluid can withstand the extra heat generated by track driving.
- Differential Fluid: If your car has a limited-slip differential, make sure the fluid is fresh. This will prevent excessive heat buildup and ensure smoother power delivery to the wheels.
- Clutch and Gearbox Condition: If your clutch or gearbox is already showing signs of wear, consider having it checked or serviced before taking it to the track. Shifting issues or a slipping clutch can detract from your Nürburgring experience.
6. Safety Equipment: Protecting Yourself and Your Car
Safety is paramount on the Nürburgring. Investing in safety equipment can make a huge difference in preventing or mitigating accidents.
- Install a Roll Bar (Optional for Regular Cars): While a roll cage is not essential unless you’re racing, a roll bar can provide additional safety and rigidity, especially if you drive a convertible.
- Harnesses and Seats: Consider investing in a four-point or five-point harness, which offers better support than regular seatbelts. Racing seats provide stability and improve control during high-speed cornering by keeping you securely in place.
- Helmet: A high-quality helmet is essential for Nürburgring track days. Choose a motorsport-certified helmet to protect your head in case of an accident.
- Tow Hook: Many track day drivers install a tow hook, which makes it easier for track marshals to safely tow your vehicle if needed. This is a small but important addition that can simplify recovery in the event of a breakdown or accident.
7. Inspection Checklist: Final Preparations
Before you head to the track, conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure everything is in top shape.
- Tighten All Bolts: Check that all critical bolts on your car, such as those on the suspension, brakes, and wheels, are properly tightened. Loose bolts can lead to severe issues during high-speed driving.
- Inspect Windshield and Lights: Ensure your windshield is free of cracks and your lights are functioning properly. Good visibility is essential, especially in changing weather conditions.
- Remove Unnecessary Items: Clear your car of any loose objects, including floor mats and personal items, which could move around or interfere with your driving.
8. Practice Before You Go
If it’s your first time on the track, practice in a controlled environment like a local track or autocross course. Familiarizing yourself with the car’s handling and responsiveness will help build confidence before tackling the Nürburgring.
Conclusion
Driving the Nürburgring is a thrilling experience, but it requires preparation to ensure both safety and performance. Preparing your car with high-quality tires, brakes, and fluids, along with a solid suspension setup, will help you handle the Nordschleife’s challenges. Don’t forget essential safety equipment, and do a thorough pre-track inspection to catch any issues before they arise. With the right preparation, your Nürburgring experience will be as safe as it is exhilarating, allowing you to enjoy the track’s legendary twists and turns with confidence.