Save The Nürburgring!

zo6dude · November 11, 2010

Source: Jalopnik

Germany's Nürburgring is the world's automotive playground. A public park for gearheads. Sadly, it's been handed over to privateers who've put the entire 'Ring at risk. Michael Frison of 20832.com explains why we need to save the Nürburgring! — Ed.

You might be surprised by reading this headline and I'm aware the subject has not gained much awareness abroad, but there's currently a serious threat to the Nürburgring.

Since it's opening in 1927, the Nurburgring has been under complete public ownership and administration, but in May of this year the complete Nurburgring race track and park was rented out to two privateers (Kai Richter, Jörg Lindner). They have no motorsports background whatsoever, but are the driving forces behind the makeover, which includes the addition of a theme park with a new roller coaster that doesn't work, more hotel capacity than the area needs, a 3,000-seat event arena, and a shopping mall. Everything appears to be far too big and remains empty most of the time.

They promised private financing, but this soon turned out to be a fake. The Minister of Finance had to resign as a consequence. Despite lack of funding completion of the project continued.

The heavy burden now sitting on Nordschleife's shoulder is the debt of approximately 400 Million Euros, which seems completely unnecessary considering complete race tracks have been constructed for a fraction of this amount.

The issue is complex and has kept fans of the 'Ring busy, but I want to share with you what just happend last week: Nürburgring officials always claim a total of two million visitors per year, but in true Wikileaks style we got ahold of an older internal document (PDF) telling a different story. Promoters always engage in number polishing, but this is of different quality. It appears there's double bookkeeping for real vs. published visitors for all events held at the Ring. Have a look at the graph summarizing the figures:

Who would dare to claim two million spectators while only 370,000 actually turned up? The Nürburgring did and they based the business plan of the new leisure park on these numbers.

You don't believe me? Ask Sabine next time you meet her. Several investigations have already been triggered by the Department of Public Prosecution, a governmental board of inquiry and the competition department of the European Commission.

And anyone who criticizes the current direction of the 'Ring is answered with force. Wilhelm Hahne — the oldest of the racing Hahne brothers (his brother Armin finished 6th last weekend at the track) — had his house searched in June of last year and as recent as last week received again a warning letter from the Nürburgring lawyers for speaking the truth.

It really hurts to get sucked into politics and to witness how they treat the heritage we all love. The worst that could happen is enthusiasts be forced to pay the price of a privateer's blunder in the form of higher prices or worse. Threats to the track include reduced maintenance of the track to reduce costs, less motorsports, and restrictions on small clubs running events in the area. Enthusiasts could also be required to book at the new hotels to race at the track.

Please spread the word if you care about Nordschleife and its heritage. Follow ringumbau.de (the documentary community site accompanying the development) and question the information shared by officials.

Michael Frison founded the 20832.com Nurburgring site 10 years ago (ever seen the red-and-white-N logo when at the 'Ring?). He's also the person behind the renn.tv movies (you have probably seen Hans Stuck / BMW M3 GTR / Nordschleife Onboard), and donated the engine/idea of the Gixxerkart. He wears a Che Geuvara T-Shirt when he drives the 'Ring.

t. · November 11, 2010

So we have someone here who wanted a Nurburg Disney Land, failed and is now running around trying to cover all the mistakes?

Sponge · November 11, 2010

Look on the brightside, at least the "What you saw recently" thread won't be flooded with Mb's pictures :p

Penfold · November 11, 2010

So we have someone here who wanted a Nurburg Disney Land, failed and is now running around trying to cover all the mistakes?

:lol: Sounds about right!

TimBud · November 11, 2010

iirc its been through worse dilemas than this before :o

Mb · November 11, 2010

So we have someone here who wanted a Nurburg Disney Land, failed and is now running around trying to cover all the mistakes?

Sort of.

You can know in advance that people are not going to come to a lousy museum with a way to high entry price because there is a rollercoaster that doesn't work. :lol:

Look on the brightside, at least the "What you saw recently" thread won't be flooded with Mb's pictures :p

:sulk:

Camel · November 11, 2010

They mustn't make it close before I get to go! :(

T0M722 · November 11, 2010

I'm pretty sure it won't close and there won't a be a huge attraction park near it. If the people who are suggesting this had half a brain they'd realise that it's just about the most famous track in the world and people love it for being 'it'.

Mb · November 11, 2010

I'm pretty sure it won't close and there won't a be a huge attraction park near it. If the people who are suggesting this had half a brain they'd realise that it's just about the most famous track in the world and people love it for being 'it'.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but there is an attraction park next to it. It's nog huge, but hey :p

And3rs · November 11, 2010

Der will be no ring?

hey

Hello

CarMadMike · November 11, 2010

Just sounds like exaggerated pessimistic scaremongering propaganda to be honest, even if it does happen, the effects won't be as bad as stated, the amount of guests visiting will be more than stated etc.

Typical media garbage...