Track Guide: Nordschleife

Submitted by Andrew Collins on Wed, 2009-09-23 12:56

Known simply as ‘The Ring’ to the people who dare to drive it, Nürburgring finally makes its debut in the Need for Speed universe in SHIFT.

The track - which is actually a one-way toll road that was originally four tracks, only Nordschleife is still in use - was finished in 1927 and is unique in that anyone with a street-legal vehicle can drive the nearly 21-kilometre civilian track when it’s open for the meagre cost of $33 per lap. The track has a fearsome reputation - several people are killed driving on it every year and it’s common for the track to be closed several times a day to clean up crashed cars or help injured drivers.

While Nordschleife doesn’t have a general speed limit, police are known to follow overly aggressive drivers with helicopters. Despite its age, the track still provides a challenge to professional and amateur racers alike, with former Formula One driver Michael Schumacher holding the F-1 lap record, just shy of 1:30. Schumacher has two S-curves on the road named after him but then with more than 100 corners on the track there are plenty to go around.

Nordschleife promises to be a ‘must-drive’ for racers trying their luck with SHIFT, especially with the Porsche GT3, which, according to the German carmaker (just don't tell Nissan), completed a lap of the 'Ring in well under eight minutes. SHIFT is in stores now so follow the guide and see if you can manage the same impressive feat.

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