Last weekend, Germany’s Nürburgring was a melting point of cars of all generations, everything from a 1920s BMW Dixi 3/15 Sport to the 1990s BMW E36 320i STC. The 2024 Nürburgring Classic was a chance to see legends of the past parked up in the paddock and at wide-open throttle out on track.
My day at the event began at Adenau – the lowest point of the Nordschleife – at 9:00am, a long way away from the centre of the action. There was a good reason why I wanted to kick off here.
While the Nürburgring Classic is run on the GP Circuit, Pre-War cars take over the Nordschleife for a special session on Saturday morning. My knowledge of these cars is minimal, but I enjoyed the sights and sounds of these vintage speed machines in this iconic setting.
After the session ended, I headed to the Nürburgring GP Circuit’s paddock. The paddock here isn’t all that big, so race cars and support vehicles are all crammed into one space. This makes shooting more convenient, but it can be hard to find a theme.
Being packed with people, but without a dedicated road for the race cars to head to and from the circuit, you find yourself in the middle of it all. It’s necessary to be alert, but everyone has the chance to get up close to the racing machinery.
One well-themed spot is the old Nürburgring paddock at the far end of the venue. This is where the Pre-War cars were situated.
The grid walks are another chance to get up close with the cars. For about 15 minutes, spectators are allowed on the starting grid before the racing starts. I only had a short window of opportunity to shoot on the grid, and the size of the crowd made it difficult to get a clean shot.
The casual track session and spectator cars don’t disappoint either.
Porsche 911s are a given at any car event in Germany, but for the Nürburgring Classic, all the specials came out. This off-road-spec long-hood 911 I spotted at the Porsche Club Nürburgring was the wildest.
This 911 is a contemporary 935 tribute. Complete with the iconic Vaillant livery, the G-body 911 – presumably a Turbo – is a DP Motorsport creation. I also came across another DP special at the event, but I am saving that one for a standalone spotlight…
The Nürburgring Classic is always a great event, and 2024 was no different. Although the schedule was packed – which meant I had to miss a few races to enjoy the paddock sights – it never felt like I missed out on any of the action.
Steve Edward
Instagram: stevedwrd
Additional Photography by Jonathan Wedel
Instagram: jonathanwdl
jonathanwdl | Motorsport Fotografie
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What a daunting track this must be the first laps. My first thought was how crazy it would be with 100 people on track but then I remembered how long it is so people would be pretty spaced out.
I think the hardest part of this track would be managing the changing weather conditions from one end to the next as well as the lack of run off in extremely high speed sections.
Have always wanted to drive it. Looks like one of the most incredible circuits on earth. Great photos and write up.
The Nürburgring Nordschleife really offers a unique experience. On one hand, the challenging layout makes it very enjoyable to drive with extreme elevation changes and even some jumps. But at the same time, the tight track and very narrow run-offs is quite daunting. I really noticed the difference when I tried the GP race track for the first time, where I very quickly settled in and felt far less fear of wrecking my car with the abundant run-offs.
"Treat the circuit with respect" is the best advice I've heard.
I am genuinely surprised to see Japanese metal amongst those European machineries! Those pre-war cars must be fun and scary at the same time to throw around the Nordschleife.
Braking would be my main concern, as cars from that period had really weak brakes. Thankfully the weather was on their side during Nürburgring Classic. It had been raining a lot on the days before but was clear on Saturday morning.
"Lighten up, Francis."
-Sargent Hulka, Stripes, 1981
Pretty stupid comments from the guys here who don't kart. "We drive REAL cars at REAL speed." No you really don't. You aren't sustaining anywhere near 2G in your REAL car at any REAL speed.
A 125cc kart with a 6 speed gear box and 30bhp (about 27 to the wheels) will run 1:37.xx around Laguna Seca. This is faster than a new 911 Turbo driven by a professional driver and on par with a GTR-35 driven by a professional driver as well. As the track becomes tighter and more technical the kart will become faster and faster until it ends up beating the GTR and other hyper cars.
A modern 250cc Kart is capable of doing 150mph with no seatbelt and no roll cage. You wouldn't even have the balls to drive one.
Here is a youtube video of a 125cc (45hp) (it is not a 250 as the video claims) beating a La Ferrari on a canyon road:
watch?v=7t_65NIjes8
Here is a video of a 250 single cylinder kart (60hp) absolutely slaughtering a 488 Pista in several tests:
watch?v=6xwe-Kheya8
You guys are dumb as rocks and have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to actual race cars compared to your REAL ROAD CARS.
Lmao...the only thing your road cars are are real slow and real easy to drive. And you're absolutely clueless
Hahahahhaa the guy insulting karting is probably a homosexual incapable of lifting 10lbs
Hey not sure if you noticed kartfart. You are gay. Hello from Latvia
Not sure if you've noticed, but this site isn't really into karts much. Senna started in karts, and ended in cars. Toodle off and find a karting site you retard.
PS: nothing against any normal karters out there - respect any form of racing
You’re insufferable. You ever figure that? Literally anyone can gloat about karting and stroke old f1 drivers. Grow up
Cant help yourself huh? Have to bring a kart into every convo