A simple Hotel in the small German town Bad Bertrich is my usual place to spend the nights. Located about half an hour from the circuit. With some interesting winding roads that still bring some fun in driving.
After a speedy breakfast in the Hotel, I am of for the first day at the track. Friday is still a practice Day for all competitors. And at the end of the Day the 30 fastest cars get each 2 laps to set a time. And among them decide who will start from Pole Position. And these 30 cars get a blue flashlight inside the cabin so back markers see there is a fast car behind them, about to lap them.
But first its a long walk from spectators parking place A1 to the Bilstein Grandstand.
One of the many camping sides along the track.
At 9.30 it is still quiet at the track. The first spectators are taking their seats. And some cars at the track are doing their laps,
After the drizling rain has gone, the fog comes.
In the Afternoon the Sun came out and beautifully brought out the Colors of the Cars that competed in the ADAC 24h Classic. The Name for this Race is a little confusing: it isn't a race of 24 hrs, but only 3 hours. And with roughly 125 competitors, it is really a trip down to Memory Lane.
Just check out this huge 1964 Mercedes Benz 300 SE, behind a tiny Fiat Abarth from 1969.
SATURDAY IS RACE DAY!
With the Start of the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. But there were also 3 support races in the Morning. First the German Porsche Carrera Cup, that didn't bring much of a spectacle.
Next up were the 2 races for the FIA WTCC of both 3 laps on the +24km track. A Series that is being dominated for the second year by the Citroens. For the Dutch Fans there were 2 drivers to support: Al time WTCC driver Tom Coronel and Substitute Driver Jaap van Lagen.
Tom Coronel really had an off-weekend, with a spin in race 1 that set him back to the back of the field and he had to go to the pits for repairs, and race 2 showed that the Chevrolet had absolutely no pace, lacked top speed and was difficult to handle, as he commented on his Facebook Page.
Jaap van Lagen, was happy he was able to score points for the Lada Team.
Here you see the start of Race 1 with both Dutch Drivers at the back of the field in the yellow cars.
But then it is time for the start of the ADAC Zurich 24h-Rennen as is the official name.
The Cars are being pushed to the Starting Grid, and not much later all the fans are allowed to visit the Starting Grid.
It is starting to become more a gimmick than a really honest "thank you" to the spectators: The Drivers cheering at the audiance and waving their team flags.
And after some of the Mercedes Benz drivers paid a tribute the the Spectators (First of course, those seated at the Mercedes Benz Grandstand.), the BMW Drivers made there way to the Audience.
Then it is Time for the Drivers to prepare themselves, as the spectators, are being directed away from the Starting Grid.
Pole Sitter Augusto Farfus is wishing the other BMW Drivers and Team Members all the best for the next 24 hrs.
Dutch Driver Tom Coronel also was to race in the 24 hours, but that didn't happen: the car retired after one of his Co-Driver crashed out of the 24 Hours. On the photo bellow, we see him socializing with some other Teams.
German Race Veteran Bernd Schneider is being interviewed by the people of German Broadcaster Sport Eins.
A Thumbs up from the Japenese Media.
And the Race has started. Less frantic than the last years. This year the track, partly dry, partly wet or damped, is to become the biggest opponent for even the best racers like Jeroen Bleekemolen in the Bentley no. 84 and Patrick Pilet in the Porsche no. 30.
After already an hour of Racing the first fans are off to some sightseeing, food and beer.
Its Getting Dark and Cold, of to Bed. See you again Next Year Nurbring 24Hrs !
