Further dates will be released for the second half of the year. I would also expect more evening and morning dates, because in previous years, many weekdays in the summer had a Touristfahrten public evening session, from about 5.30pm to 7.30pm (to 6.30pm from October). Friday afternoons often have a 2.15pm to 7.30pm (6.30pm from October) session. Blank cells mean no information has been released yet about that date.

Nurburgring Events 2012

Events taking place on the GP circuit only are marked (GP). VLN and RCN are explained below, and you can find more information about the other events on the Nurburgring website

Private track day dates

The Nurburgring can be hired for private track days. The benefits of driving the Nordschleife on a closed track day are that there will be fewer cars, the standard of driving (should) be higher than on Touristfahrten days, instruction is available and encouraged, and there is no third party liability for UK drivers (see Insurance for more details on this). Track day dates for 2012 will be added when I receive them from organisers:

• 20-21 March 2012 Destination Nurburgring
• 8 October 2012 Nurburgring 700

More details of Destination Nurburgring, Nurburgring 700, and Unique Track Days dates can also be found on the Organised Tours page

2012 German legal holidays (including regional holidays for Rheinland-Pfalz)

German bank holidays can increase traffic at the Ring. Holidays for this year are:

• Good Friday - Friday 6th April
• Easter Monday - Monday 9h April
• May Day - Tuesday 1st May
• Ascension Day - Thursday 17th May
• Pentecost - Monday 28th May
• Corpus Christi - Thursday 7th June
• Day of German Unity - Wednesday 3rd October
• All Saints' Day - Thursday 1st November
• Christmas / St Stephens Day 25-26th December

Track closures

The Nürburgring can be hired at short notice by manufacturers or track day organisers, and the track can open and close at very short notice - although the managers have said this year they will try to avoid this. However, you have to accept that there is a risk the Ring may be closed when you get there.  You can minimize the risk by checking the Ring's official Touristfahrten calendar:

Nuerburgring.de Nordschleife calendar
Nuerburgring.de GP Strecke calendar

Check direct with the GP Strecke office for the official opening times. See the page for more details. Or the full events calendar here:

http://www.nuerburgring.de/events/motorsport-events/alle-events.html

For the final word on whether the track is open, you can also call the office on +49 2691 302 630, although don't expect them to speak English.

VLN endurance races

There are ten four hour races a year in this endurance series held on a combined Nordschleife and (shortened) GP track. Entrants range from compacts and classics to fully developed race cars. Access to most of the Nordschleife is free and Grandstand tickets are only €15 in 2012 (up from €12 in 2011) including access to the paddock. Most races start Saturday 12pm and there is usually an evening Touristfahrten after the race finishes at 4pm. It's well worth going to see if it coincides with your visit and is rarely crowded around the track. 2012 dates:

RCN Circuit Challenge

RCN is apparently the oldest touring car race series in Germany. It is described as grassroots motorsport so expect familiar cars but not the full race cars of the VLN. Entrance to the Nordschleife is free for spectators. 2012 dates: