The Ring faces financial collapse

[Zak33]

The world famous Nürburgring is reported to be in serious financial doodoo and close to collapse financially.

It's hard to think of a motoring world WITHOUT that track.. and worse.. I've not been yet!

Rumour has it that it's over 13million Euros' upside down on it's bank statement, and has no way to pay it.

the new 13 miles Nordschleife is THE place to get your new Manufacturers car, pre launch, slam it round really fast with an expert on the track...., and whack it up on Utube for the advertising benefits and serious marketing clout that a good lap brings... but it's all in danger of closing!

that's a bad day... a bad bad day.

[kalniel]

They need to convert it to an F1 track

[Biscuit]

i have to say i think the usage of the ring to sell cars has been abused as of late.

I think James May was talking about it on top gear, we just dont need this many 'Hardened' sportscars that are a pig to drive on regular roads, or even regular tracks!

That said it will be a real shame if it does close down as its legendary!

[Zak33]

i have to say i think the usage of the ring to sell cars has been abused as of late.

I think James May was talking about it on top gear, we just dont need this many 'Hardened' sportscars that are a pig to drive on regular roads, or even regular tracks!

I disagree with that strongly... it IS motorsport that brings fine cars to the fore.. that brings development and moments of automotive genius to us. And the terror that would fill many of us to go around the Ring at the speeds required for a good lap time is what brings the respect, and ultimately the DESIRE to buy cars.

But... on a more mundane note, not ALL cars born of the Ring are hard pigs. And it's not just used for development.. it's used for marketing. I agree with you that it's been abused.... I believe it is there, in the abuse.... that the Ring is losing out. When a Fiat 500 rotates its really fast, in Abarth form, Fiat, in my opinion, don't pay enough for the vibe that goes with it.

[Guy]

Keep calm and don't panic.

The track will still be there, you'll still be able to go round it. The biggest cash cow they have won't be going anywhere.
All that's likely to happen will be the selling/removal of 'Nurodisney' which is no shame at all...

[Knoxville]

I remember reading about the financial crippling the theme park's lead to for the site a while back. I wish I could've been in the room when someone fielded that idea.. Common sense was obviously lacking at the time. I don't think the track as we know it will disappear but the fear seemed to be that the way it's currently operated would have to change and that it would become much more cost prohibitive for a member of Joe public to pop down for a quick lap, which would obviously be a real shame as like Zak, I haven't been myself yet!!

As far as Mr May's opinion on more and more cars being ruined by development at the ring it hasn't done any harm to the Nissan GT-R, nor the R33 Skyline back in the day, or recent BMW M cars, Jags, Mini Coopers etc etc etc. I'm tired of seeing lowered Corsas with Nurburgring logo's, extra large wheels and silly bucket seats on the forecourt too but it has it's place. It annoys me to see cars cash in on the name and association like that but cars that are actually developed there don't suffer for it as much as the man from Top Gear would have us all believe imo.

[Biscuit]

I disagree with that strongly... it IS motorsport that brings fine cars to the fore.. that brings development and moments of automotive genius to us. And the terror that would fill many of us to go around the Ring at the speeds required for a good lap time is what brings the respect, and ultimately the DESIRE to buy cars.

But... on a more mundane note, not ALL cars born of the Ring are hard pigs. And it's not just used for development.. it's used for marketing. I agree with you that it's been abused.... I believe it is there, in the abuse.... that the Ring is losing out. When a Fiat 500 rotates its really fast, in Abarth form, Fiat, in my opinion, don't pay enough for the vibe that goes with it.

As far as Mr May's opinion on more and more cars being ruined by development at the ring it hasn't done any harm to the Nissan GT-R, nor the R33 Skyline back in the day, or recent BMW M cars, Jags, Mini Coopers etc etc etc. I'm tired of seeing lowered Corsas with Nurburgring logo's, extra large wheels and silly bucket seats on the forecourt too but it has it's place. It annoys me to see cars cash in on the name and association like that but cars that are actually developed there don't suffer for it as much as the man from Top Gear would have us all believe imo.

Your more agreeing with me more than disagreeing i think. I specifically said 'too many' and not, 'any'. Im not saying it shouldn't be used to develop hardcore cars, i just think there are too many of these daft 'Nurburgring Edition' cars that should never have anything to do with a track that demanding.
Dodge Viper - Yes!
Vauxhall Corsa - No

BWM M-Mports/Jags i can understand to an extend but i would still see them as a car that should be capable of comfortable normal driving. Having had little experience driving a range of them, and only going by what i read in magazines or see on tv it seems this isn't necessarily the case.

Basically i think there should be a Nurburg classification, it has to get round the track in a certain time for its class, with a strict set of classes, to get the badge and the advertising... or something like that?

[Zak33]

Keep calm and don't panic.

The track will still be there, you'll still be able to go round it.

Sadly....it's not likely you will be allowed in and on it. The issue of who pays for repairs, course cars, gate fee etc... needs a company to run it.

[bledd]

13 million isn't that much.

Can't they ask all the big car companies to all chip in

[Guy]

Don't worry it'll be fine.

It would not be in anybody's interest to close down the GP track or Nordschleife. The queues to get on it stretch beyond the car parks on some days, queueing right into Adenau on popular days.

Nurburgring GMBH have gone bankrupt, liquidators will get rid of all other assets so Nuro-Disney (which wasn't actually 'that' bad just totally out of keeping with the whole area), besides the main creditor is the Rheinland Pfalz state.

Worst case we are left with the GP track and the Nordschleife, ticket prices take a hit (again) and more of the calendar is sold to the automotive industry for test slots.

Besides the rest of this season isn't in question, so if you truely think it won't be here in 12 months, well what are you waiting for, get yourself booked on a ferry or the tunnel and get out there!!

[Zak33]

/\ now THAT is an answer...

[Zak33]

Looks like Mr Eccelstone might be up for helping with this.

but his name is tied with everything when the crunch hits.