This Was a TERRIBLE Idea… *Nürburgring*

The video documents a visit to the Nürburgring, often called the most dangerous racetrack in the world. The hosts, Damon and another individual, are set to drive the ring for the first time, expressing significant nervousness due to the track's reputation. The Nürburgring is described as a historic venue, with the old pit section featuring garages of racing legends like James Hunt and Gil Villeneuve. The track was built in 1901. A professional instructor, a five-time Nürburgring winner and two-time DTM world champion, is introduced to guide them. The GP track and the full Nürburgring are distinct, with the full ring being the focus of their experience. The area around the pit is described as a "whole village" during major events like the 24-hour race. Before hitting the actual track, the hosts undergo training in a full-movement racing simulator. These simulators are highly realistic, requiring harnesses and providing an intense physical workout. The plan is to first get a feel for the track in the simulator, then go out with the professional driver in the same car they're learning on, and finally, drive the ring themselves. The cars they will be driving are Porsches, the same model they used in the simulator. The professional driver, a veteran racer since 1997 with two DTM championships (2008 and 2009), shares his extensive racing background, including Formula 3, DTM for 16 years with Opel and Audi, and current involvement in off-road racing, where he recently became vice world champion in Extreme E. He emphasizes that the Nürburgring is a special place for both tourist drives and professional racing, with the famous 24-hour race approaching in May. Regarding the driving experience, the instructor states that on tourist drives, they never go 100%, typically around 85%, due to the need for patience and safety. The hosts express their desire to drive a Porsche, having practiced on the simulator. One host mentions being the only one to achieve a clean lap on the simulator, despite a minor collision with Damon. The instructor suggests starting with a less powerful BMW E36 for a check lap to get accustomed to the track before transitioning to the Porsche. The Nürburgring is considered a public road on tourist days, meaning cars must be registered and street-legal, with limited noise levels. This restriction prevents full race cars from being used unless the track is closed for dedicated track days. The track's danger is cited as the reason F1 no longer races there, due to tight runoff areas and close proximity to walls and barriers, which don't meet modern safety standards. Despite this, the Nürburgring attracts top drivers like Max Verstappen, who recently tested a GT3 car for the 24-hour race there. To drive the Nürburgring, one buys a ticket per lap. The track is often packed, even on weekdays. The hosts describe the experience as intimidating due to the sheer number of people and the track's blind corners, which make it difficult to anticipate turns and instinctively want to brake. The first hot lap as passengers with the professional driver is described as an incredible and terrifying experience. The lateral G-forces and extreme elevation changes are highlighted as elements that videos cannot convey, comparing it to a roller coaster. The sheer speed and the car's mechanical grip are astonishing, allowing it to perform maneuvers that seem impossible for a street car. The hosts are genuinely scared and physically affected, with one almost throwing up and another shaking. They are amazed by the car's capabilities, especially on road tires, and the driver's skill in navigating the fast, unpredictable track. The driver's ability to maintain composure while they are overwhelmed underscores his professionalism. The instructor estimates their hot lap time in the Porsche at around 6 minutes and 36-39 seconds, which is considered a sub-seven-minute lap – an impressive feat, especially on cold tires. This highlights the GT3 RS's incredible speed and the driver's expertise. The hosts express that witnessing this level of driving firsthand is far more impactful than watching it on video. Following the Porsche experience, the hosts are given the keys to a BMW E36 for their own driving lap. Despite the earlier intensity, the E36, with under 200 horsepower, offers a less terrifying and more manageable experience. They still encounter other cars, including Patrick in his Porsche, who comes up fast behind them, causing one host to look back and nearly miss a tight corner. This incident emphasizes the dangers of the track and the importance of focus. Despite minor incidents, like driving off the track slightly onto the grass, they complete their lap without significant damage. One host considers buying an E36 to keep at the Nürburgring for future visits, given its relatively low cost and suitability for learning the track. The video concludes with the hosts having survived their first Nürburgring experience, profoundly impressed by the track and the capabilities of both the high-performance Porsche and the simpler BMW, and the skills of the professional driver.