Bring the Nurburgring to the UK?

[Chapppers11]

Little article on a petition made in October proposing the following:

The Nurburgring in Germany has been a roaring success for the region. Tourists come from far and wide to do a lap or two of the famous public racetrack. We propose that a similar road be opened in a deprived area in need of rejuvenation. This would be a good idea because it would be a centre for the public to explore speed in a safe environment, instead of on public roads causing harm to themselves and others. It would also bring automotive tourism to the area, and potentially would make money for the department through a toll system.

http://www.motoringspy.co.uk/1604/campaign-to-build-uk-nurburgring/

I personally don't think it would succeed for many reasons. The reason why the Nurburgring is famous is because of how hard it is to navigate, with varying weather conditions around the track etc.

If a UK equivalent was founded, the amount of accidents would soon have have it shut down under health & safety as well.


Views?

 

[Chip-mk1]

We probably have a higher density of race tracks in the UK than just about any other country, god knows how the petition starter hasnt heard of any of them, lol

Some alternative places that the petition starter could go to drive their car fast in a safe environment:

• Abingdon
  
  Abingdon Airfield has top quality tarmac with a good mix of corners, long straights and run off area.
  
  
• Aintree
  
  Located on the outskirts of Liverpool, Aintree is a largely flat, easy-to-learn circuit.
  
  
• Albacete
  
  Albacete is a shorter track then most, but very technical in it's layout.
  
  
• Almeria
  
  Almeria race circuit has a 4.3km track which was designed with MotoGP and F1 testing in mind. This is a technical circuit with 14 corners some of which have double and even triple apexes. A long 900m back straight gives you a chance to stretch your machines legs and is located in the driest part of Spain, up in the hills, making a fantastic back drop for your photographs.
  
  
  
  
• Anglesey
  
  A brand new circuit layout in 2007 and one of only two racing circuits in Wales. Anglesey is now a very popular track day venue.
  
  
• Aragon
  
  Motorland Aragon is a brand new multiple layout circuit in Spain and host to the MotoGP and World Superbikes amongst other world class racing events. This 2.5 mile main circuit has its own ‘Laguna Seca’ style corkscrew and downhill 1.2km straight. This new Spanish circuit is, in Valentino Rossi’s words, “quite complicated but it's a lot of fun and it's fast!”. Its variety of corners allow for plenty of safe overtaking.
  
  
• Bassingbourn
  
  Bassingbourn is an operational army and cadet training barracks, and is also used for land yachting and gliding.
  
  
• Bedford
  
  A test track and proving ground converted for motorsport on a 400 acre former air force base. Excellent for car track days.
  
  
• Blyton Park
  
  Blyton Park offers a fun and challenging 1.6 mile track day circuit.
  
  The brand new high grip surface has excellent run off and is therefore ideal for beginners.On site you will find toilet blocks and shelter in the paddock as well as an admin and race control building. In addition to own vehicle track days we also offer Blyton Park driving experiences.
  
  
  
• Brands Hatch
  
  Brands Hatch has been home to British Motor Sports since 1926, constantly updated and upgraded it is now home to some of the best car and motorcycle races in the world.
  As well as track days in your own vehicle we also offer Brands Hatch Driving Experiences.
  
  
• Bruntingthorpe
  
  Offering a wide range of driving experiences and one of the best selections of track corners & straights available in the UK, the ex Top Gear location at Bruntingthorpe proving ground is an ideal location for a driving experience day out as well as a track day in your own Car.
  
  The fleet at Bruntingthorpe proving ground includes Ferrari 360, Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, Ferrari 430, Ferrari 599 Fiorano, Ferrari 458 Italia, Aston Martin Vantage V8, Aston Martin DB9, Aston Martin DBS, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Lamborghini Murcielago, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Audi R8, Ariel Atom, Porsche 997 Turbo and a Ford Focus RS 2.5 Turbo. To add to the vast range of experiences we can also cater to corporate groups for bespoke driving experience events.
  
  
  
• Buckmore Park
  
  Buckmore Park is the home of British karting and the career starting point for many famous racing drivers including Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.
  
  
• Cadwell Park
  
  Cadwell Park is more commonly used as a motorcycle circuit, but still great for cars. The track day events are always great value for money.
  
  
  
• Cartagena
  
  Cartagena's undulating gradients and fantastic final chicane make this a satisfying circuit for both new and experienced drivers.
  
  
• Castle Combe
  
  Boasting a 1.85 mile circuit and its modern facilities, Castle Combe makes for one of the best UK circuits for track days and driving experiences in some of the worlds greatest cars.
  
  
• Chobham Test Track
  
  Chobham Test Track (Longcross) is an Alpine Circuit near London and consists of 2 miles of twists, turns and awesome straights. Choose from a great range of cars for your Chobham driving experience.
  
  
  
• Colerne Airfield
  
  Colerne is an Airfield based circuit with a vast amount of space and a smooth surface perfect for car Track days.
  
  
• Croft
  
  Croft is an International Motor Racing Circuit which as well as hosting track day events is used for the British Touring Car and British Superbike Championships.
  
  
• Croix en Ternois
  
  The circuit Croix en Ternois was built back in 1973, and has a succession of slow, tight corners.
  
  
• Donington Park
  
  At the centre of the UK, Donington Park is a major international Grand Prix class motor racing venue that hosts both track day and driving experience events.
  
  
• Dunsfold Park
  
  Dunsfold Park is an airfield venue used for Driving Experience and track day events as well as appearing regularly on TV.
  
  The layout of the track was designed by Lotus test drivers and is marked out on the runway surface using painted lines and structures such as tyre stacks. On experience events the outer circuit configuration is used. The layout is designed to give a fun mix of low and high speed corners as well as a series of straights that will allow you to enjoy a modern day Super Car.
  
  
• Ecuyers
  
  A superb circuit with a variety of corners and straights perfect for any track day enthusiast.
  
  
• Elvington
  
  One of the largest airfield venues out there in use, Elvington benefits from having plenty of run off area, perfect for novices. The range of Supercars available to drive is 2nd to none.
  
  The fleet includes Ferrari 360, Ferrari 430, Ferrari 599, Aston Martin Vantage V8, Aston Martin DB9, Aston Martin DBS, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Murcielago, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Audi R8, Porsche 997 Turbo, Supercharged Ariel Atom and Subaru Impreza.
  
  
  
• Fay de Bretagne
  
  Circuit Fay de Bretagne is a beautiful testing and track days Circuit in France with a great mixture of fast straights and section linking some fast corners.
  
  
• Folembray
  
  This French Circuit is a smooth tarmac, technical and varied track made up of rapid curves, a hair pin bend and a few long straights with many riders reaching speeds of 120mph.
  
  
• Goodwood
  
  Once graced by the likes of Stirling Moss, Goodwood circuit is one of the most famous circuits in British racing history. Track day events and a handful of classic and supercar driving experiences are on offer.
  
  
  
• Great Tew Estate
  
  The Great Tew Estate Driving Centre makes for a fantastic driving day out. The entire venue is purpose built for driving experiences with it's own circuit, rally stage, 4x4 course and recently built a brand new hospitality suite.
  
  
• Guadix
  
  The Guadix circuit in Spain is one of the best circuits for one on one track training.
  
  
  
• Heyford Park
  
  This family run Driving Experience centre has a variety of great value experiences. Each include a class room style driver’s briefing, a sighting lap in an Impreza or Evo then a session in each car/cars of your choice, most of the products also include a Hot Lap ride. You also get a driver feedback form and a certificate to take away. There is an on site photographer to ensure that the in car moments are caught forever.
  The track is fast but simple to maximise the in car experience, instructors will quickly give you the confidence to enjoy your experience to the full.
  Heyford Park is within easy reach of London and the Midlands, it is located close to the M40 in Oxfordshire.
  
  
• Hullavington
  
  The surface at Hullavington is in excellent condition and the normal track layout has a good mix of corners and long straights.
  
  
  
• Jerez
  
  The Jerez GP circuit is world class and hosts top motor racing events. The most famous motor racing circuit in Spain. A seemingly perfect combination of corners to test man and machine. There are no chicanes and the result is a fast and flowing circuit located in the dry southern tip of Spain. A favourite with the the MOTOGP paddock and trackday riders and drivers. Everybody loves this circuit.
  
  
  
• Jurby
  
  Although renowned for it's road racing and tarmac rallies, Jurby is the only permanent circuit available on the Isle of Man.
  
  
• Keevil
  
  Keevil Airfield has mix of corners with varying speeds. The surface is smooth with a huge run off area making it perfect for beginners and drivers looking to stretch the legs of their vehicles.
  
  
• Kenilworth
  
  Kenilworth is the Prodrive test facility 1.8 mile, multi surface track, built for high speed testing with features and corners designed to fully test drivers and vehicles.
  
  Pro drive Kenilworth test facility have a great range of supercars on offer in the UK including Ferrari 360, Ferrari 430, Aston Martin Vantage V8, Aston Martin DB9, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 997 Turbo & an Audi R8.
  
  
  
• Knockhill
  
  Knockhill is Scotland's only permanent racing facility created by linking service roads and a disused railway line to form the simple, yet demanding layout. A great range of track days and driving experiences available.
  
  
  
• Le Man
  
  Within the boundaries of the historic huge 24 hour Le Man Circuit (Le Mans Circuit Des 24 Heures) there are 2 smaller Circuits. The Bugatti Circuit, a permanent circuit used for racing throughout the year and the 'Maison Blanche' Circuit which is a tighter Circuit just South of the Bugatti Circuit that can be adapted to different lengths ranging from 1.9 - 2.9 miles.
  
  
  
• Llandow
  
  A good all round circuit with a challenging layout. Track has recently been resurfaced to meet the MSA Sprint Standard.
  
  
• London Rally School
  
  The London Rally School is a rally driving experience venue with a man-made special stage rally course that incorporates a loose gravel and sealed surface track to give drivers a testing and realistic rally driving environment.
  
  
• Lydd
  
  Lydd Race Circuit is used for our Drifting Events.
  
  
• Lydden
  
  One of the shorter circuits in the UK, but it is very popular with both competitors and spectators. Competitors find the Lydden Circuit quite a challenge.
  
  
• Magny Cours
  
  Magny Cours is flat and smooth Circuit which was formally home to the French Formula One Grand Prix. Long term home of the 24-hour Bol d'Or endurance race. Located in central France. Available for own vehicle trackdays.
  
  
  
• Mallory Park
  
  Host to many Motorsport events and a great track day and driving experience venue. One of the packages available is full-blown Formula One driving experience with overnight accommodation included.
  
  
• Mercedes World
  
  This is an amazing facility in Surrey that has everything you need for the perfect corporate day. A great variation of fun driving experiences including all weather skid pan, off-road course, drag strip and test track. Plus a versatile selection of professional meeting rooms, banquetting facilities, free motor museum and fantasting surroundings. We have packages already in place for you to choose from or can make something bespoke for you easilty.
  
  
• Mettet
  
  The Jules Tacheny Circuit is a long and challenging Circuit in Belgium just a few hours drive from Calais. We have Bike track days at very cheap prices and can organise package deals with Ferry transfers.
  
  
• Millbrook Proving Ground
  
  Millbrook Proving Ground is one of Europe's leading locations for the development and demonstration of every type of land vehicle. Located in the Midlands with a vast array of different driving facilities. Millbrook driving experience.
  
  
  
• Mondello Park
  
  Redeveloped in 2001 Mondello Park is Ireland's only permanent international Motorsport venue.
  
  
• North Weald Airfield
  
  North Weald Airfield is an Essex based venue just off the M11 and is host to Driving Experience Days and track day based driver training days. You can bring your own vehicle or use one of ours.
  
  
  
• Nurburgring
  
  Nurburgring is designed as a dual-purpose test track and race circuit. 13 miles long and at least 73 bends add up to what even racing drivers describe as the most demanding circuit in the world. There are 2 main layouts: The Nordschleife Circuit and the GP-Strecke.
  
  
  
• Oulton Park
  
  Set in pastoral parkland surroundings, Oulton Park Race Track is a popular venue for Car track day and driving events.
  
  
• Pembrey
  
  One of only two racing circuits in Wales. Pembrey is an extremely popular Bike track day venue.
  
  
  
• Portimao
  
  Portimao is a brand new world class circuit in the Portuguese Algarve with a challenging and technical layout and excellent facilities.
  
  The Circuit hosts top class motorsport along with car and bike track days all year around with almost guaranteed good weather. WSB and MOTOGP now hold rounds here - it is that good.
  
  
• Prestwold Hall
  
  Prestwold Hall is a purpose built venue specifically for driving experiences. As well as a 1.8 mile track with fast straights and high speed corners, it also has a 2 rally stages (tarmac and gravel) & a 4x4 off road track.
  
  The fleet at Prestwold Hall consists of Nissan GTR, Porsche 996, Ferrari 360, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin Vantage V8, Aston Martin DB9, Audi R8, Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Evolution and Van Diemen single seater.
  
  Prestwold Hall has it all, perfect for corporate activities and can even provide first class meeting rooms and catering if entertaining special clients.
  
  
  
• RAF Cottesmore
  
  RAF Cottesmore is a 3 mile circuit on a pristine Airfield with multiple track layouts, with plenty of run off and a fantastically smooth and fast surface. For own vehicle track days and RAF Cottesmore driving experiences.
  
  
• RAF Odiham
  
  RAF Odiham own vehicle track days are becoming more & more popular to Track day enthusiasts, with a track said to be better than Donington Park. With straights in which most cars can nearly reach their top speed, all in a safe environment on this active airfield.
  
  
  
• Rockingham
  
  A unique venue with the fastest circuit in the UK. An excellent all round track day and driving experience location.
  
  
• Santa Pod Raceway
  
  Santa Pod Raceway is best known as Europe's Home of Drag Racing Events and 'Run What Ya Brung' Track Days. Run What Ya Brung (RWYB) public track day events are days when you can test you Car or Motorcycle on the 1/4 mile drag strip and straight line race against your friends or other vehicles.
  
  
  
• Seighford Driving Centre
  
  The circuit at Seighford driving centre is a challenging, yet a fun and easy to learn layout that has been marked out using painted lines and cones. It is host to Supercar, Rally and 4x4 Off Road experiences. Perfect for any driver new to driving experiences or for those who just love supercars, the main tarmac track is 1 mile in length but will certainly grant you a smooth drive in some of the worlds greatest supercars.
  
  
  
• Silverstone
  
  Silverstone hosts the British Grand Prix and is probably the most recognised and spectacular track day Circuit in the UK. It's a pleasure to drive or ride on a track day knowing that some of the greatest names in motor sport have been laid down some rubber underneath you. Track days regularly take place on the Grand Prix and National Circuit, whilst the driving experiences are mainly on the International Circuit.
  
  
  
• Silverstone Rally School
  
  Silverstone Rally School was the first established rally school in the world.
  
  Operating out of a purpose built rally facility with an authentic rally gravel stage encompassing every type of challenge you could every wish to encounter. Visited by many world rally champions the likes of Colin Mcrae, Harry Vatanen & Stig Blomqvist to name a few - why not add your name to the impressive list and book your Silverstone Rally Driving Experience today.
  
  
  
• Snetterton
  
  Completely revamped in 2011 with another mile of corners added in for good measure. Still a fast flowing circuit that has retained all the best bits to keep its original fans happy. Better than ever.
  
  
  
• Spa
  
  Without a doubt one of the most popular circuits in the world, Spa survives by its reputation.
  
  
• Teesside Autodrome
  
  Teesside Autodrome is a small, yet very technical Circuit making it a challenging yet fun place to drive.
  
  
• Three Sisters
  
  One of the UK's most challenging tracks boasting a number of tight corners with a track length ranging from 400 metres to a staggering 1500 metres. A Formula 1 driving experience is one of many events available.
  
  
• Thruxton
  
  Thruxton race circuit is one of the fastest in the country with legendary high speed corners and reputation where circuit drivers can really test their skills. It lays claim to being one of the longest in the UK at 2.4 miles per lap. Both track days and driving experiences are available.
  
  
• Tockwith Motorsports Centre
  
  Tockwith Motorsport Centre is a driver and training facility on York with a 1.25 mile brand new tarmac circuit. Tockwith driving experience.
  
  
  
• Tong
  
  Tong rally driving experience is a forest gravel stage rally circuit and used extensively for rally driving experiences and motorsport. Book gift vouchers for Tong Rally Circuit and experience the hairpin bends, rapid straights and long flowing corners in various rally cars.
  
  
• Valencia
  
  A popular circuit with professional drivers, Valencia's unusual layout allows spectators to see almost the entire track.
  
  
• Woodbridge
  
  Woodbridge Airfield is an RAF base near Ipswich which has an extremely smooth runway and
  
  
  

 

[Chapppers11]

I think it's more the fact that you could turn up and drive round cheaply, as opposed to booking a track day, paying over £100 to do so.

 

[Gally]

I hope it doesn't happen. Just gives better access for retards to ruin it.

We don't respect anything.

At the Ring I imagine the spectators, visitors are respectful.

Would never work in this country.

 

[bomber]

would never happen. And the reason the Ring' is so famous is due to its heritage. Silverstone/Donnington etc are known around the world, Bedford autodrome isnt, for example. A new track somewhere in the UK isnt going to warrant the annual pilgrimage that many take to the Ring, i wouldnt have thought so anyway

 

[Chip-mk1]

I think it's more the fact that you could turn up and drive round cheaply, as opposed to booking a track day, paying over £100 to do so.

Its about 15 quid a lap at the ring anyway, so you'll still do your 100 quid quite easily in a day there, and thats before the fuel and tyres etc, actual trackday booking costs are generally the least of my worries when looking at the overall cost of a day at the track.

And if he wants to just turn up and have a drive, he could try going to castle combe for one of their action days, or going to silverstone when they have events on like Trax where you can just pay for a quick 15 minutes session on track.

The whole concept that the tax payer should fork out a few billion quid to save him 100 quid though is pretty daft.

Ive still signed it though, cause although its a daft idea, is one I would love to happen, lol

 

[welshname]

The ring is like a petrol heads Mecca, it can't be replaced with something else. That would be like saying "lets build the pyramids in England to attract tourism, it works for Egypt."...Just no.

 

[Will.]

It wouldn't go down well in this country. I think part of the Ring experience would be the fact you go away with the lads for a few days.

 

[Chip-mk1]

The ring is like a petrol heads Mecca, it can't be replaced with something else. That would be like saying "lets build the pyramids in England to attract tourism, it works for Egypt."...Just no.

I disagree with that, yes its a cool place and no its not going to be replaced for everyone, but if they built a genuinely awesome to drive track, it would get a huge following, the ring has a huge amount of nostalgia around it etc, but personally I go there simply because I really enjoy driving it, and if there was an equally enjoyable track in wiltshire or the west mids or whatever, then I'd go to that one because I could go more times for the same spend and im on a finite budget for trackdays.

 

[Gaz.]

Will never ever happen, nor will it be anywhere near the same. I'm out.

 

[Nickson]

Will never ever happen, nor will it be anywhere near the same. I'm out.

100%. There have been a few of these in the past IIRC. It's a ridiculous idea to be honest.

 

[Chip-mk1]

The government has wars to fight, it cant waste money on racetracks, lol

 

[Matt W]

Its about 15 quid a lap at the ring anyway

Try £24.

 

[182_sport]

Silly idea

 

[Chip-mk1]

Try £24.

17 quid a lap this year if you buy 4 at a time, no one I go with ever buys singles TBH, it keeps going up though, was only 15 quid last time I went which wasnt long ago.
The 24 you are quoting for a single lap is also in euros, which is just over 20 quid

 

[marinemackay2003]

just would not work in this country

just imagine the tesco / mcdonals car park crew, trying to drive it

plus like has been said already its the heritage and challenge that make it exciting to do

health and safety would kill it and it would be destroyed with in a few years

 

[.Adam.]

I think every one is missing the point - If there was a 'Ring here, then us cretins could go and then be classed as "petrol heads". You're not one unless you've been iirc.

 

[Goodj]

total dreamland idea, it wont happen.

There's enough crying about having a couple of wind turbines within 30 miles of peoples houses, imagine the uproar if some company put in for permission to build a 20-mile racing circuit, most likely across brown-land, which will almost invariably be within a short drive of a school, church etc.

Watchdog would paint it up as a porsche/child massacre if it ever made it beyond being laughed off in the commmons

 

[dajones]

the goverment cant keep up with the quality of the roads nevermind a racetrack lol daft idea,

 

[Goodj]

If the M6 Toll was delimited for a fortnight, that would cause almost certainly cause enough destruction to prove that the typical UK driver (in particular the younger ones) cannot, in the main, be trusted to work within the limits of skill or equipment.

In fact, give it 48 hours and you'll see a pile of Saxos, Clios, Impreza and M318's all waiting for the insurance assessors.

 

[Fletcher]

It'll never happen.

 

[Rob_]

Wont happen but for £250 you can drive millbrook for 2 hours 1 to 1 instruction which is awesome apparently!

 

[Mr Burns]

Flatten Wolverhampton and put it there. Win win.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Wont happen but for £250 you can drive millbrook for 2 hours 1 to 1 instruction which is awesome apparently!

I did some a day testing there with toyota when they launched the Mr2, the alpine stage is really good fun but its not a patch on the ring.

 

[Goodj]

Closest you'll get in the UK without oncoming traffic, speed cameras and the thin blue line.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Closest you'll get in the UK without oncoming traffic, speed cameras and the thin blue line.

Cadwell park is pretty similar sort of feel to the ring:

Same hilly/twisty/foresty kind of ambience to it

 

[Rob_]

cadwell is my favourite track loved it in my evo