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FYI: Ross Bentley & RSR Ring trip 5/30-31

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Old 01-03-2017, 11:53 AM
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Larry Cable
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Default FYI: Ross Bentley & RSR Ring trip 5/30-31

Hi Laurence,

If you’ve always dreamt of driving the Nurburgring, here’s your chance to fulfill that dream. I’m working with Ron Simons and his team at RSRNurburg (www.rsrnurburg.com) to take 15 to 20 “serious, but fun” drivers to Germany for two days of driving the famous Nordschleife circuit on May 30-31, 2017.

To get a glimpse of what you would be in for, check out this video:
. In June 2016, we took 15 people to the Nurburgring, and to say that it was a fantastic trip would be an understatement! Three of the drivers who went with us are interviewed in this video - real-life testimonials!

What does the trip look like?
Two days of driving the Nordschleife, with a limited number of other drivers sharing the track. In other words, this is not one of those crazy open “touristenfahrten” days where you’re on track with tour buses and superbikes! No, the circuit will not be open to the general public.
The circuit will be open from 8am to 4:30pm, and you can come and go on track all day - there are enough laps included in your base package to keep you happy. However, you can always add laps to the package at a price-per-lap.
Private 1-on-1 (or shared) instruction from RSR’s instructors is available. I would highly recommend you take advantage of this sometime while you're on track.
I will be there to provide guidance and coaching throughout the days (and evenings). In fact, prior to the days on track, I’ll conduct a mini-workshop on how to approach your “drive of a lifetime.” Also, we’ll provide resources, advice and guidance in the months leading up to the trip, so you'll feel as well-prepared as possible. My personal goal is to help you learn as much about the Ring as you can, and have the time of your life.
Your choice of car from RSR’s fleet (on a first-come, first-served basis). The “default” car/plan is a Renault Megan RS (275hp FWD car) on a shared basis with one other driver. This is the car I drove this past year, and I can tell you that it’s a blast to drive! Or you can choose from BMWs, Lotus Exiges, Nissan GTR, or Porsches. As you would expect, the costs go up for those. Also, you can choose to share a car with a friend to keep your costs down.
You’ll be responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from the Nurburgring, but while you're there all costs will be included in your package. The RSR team will coordinate and include your accommodations.
Group dinners. I can tell you that this was one of the highlights of last year’s trip - great food, great conversation, great wine, great experience...
The cost for this trip will be in the USD$5,000 to $10,000 range (including everything between arrival at the Nurburgring and departure), depending on your hotel needs, the car you choose, whether or not you have an instructor, whether you share the car and instructor with another driver, the amount of driving on the circuit you do, and the Euro-Dollar exchange rate. In other words, your package will be tailored to you, by you and the RSR team. Your personal expenses, such as air travel, rental car, food and accommodations before and after your time at the Nurburgring will be extra.

Currently, the Euro-Dollar exchange is favorable for us, so the earlier your package is put together and paid for, the better.

If you’re interested, please send me an email at info@speedsecrets.com. By “interested,” I mean:
You’re able and willing to pay a deposit to RSRNurburg of $2,000 by January 15th and the balance by May 1st. (I wish we could have given more notice but the dates were just released)
You feel that you’re qualified to take on the Nordschleife (knowing that you’ll have time to prepare and can have instruction at the circuit).
You’re a fun, enthusiastic person who wants - and has the time - to experience the drive of a lifetime!
A maximum of 20 people will be able to go on this trip, and I'll send anyone who is interested directly to Ron at RSR so he can work with you to put your program together.

This is not a trip for everyone. But for those of you who commit to doing this, it’ll be something you never forget!

Ross
Nurburgring: A Drive of a Lifetime


PO Box 25685
Federal Way WA 98093
USA
Old 01-03-2017, 12:37 PM
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24Chromium
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Surely you can't be serious?!?!?!!! You, of all people, promoting RSR? Truly the world has gone mad.
Old 01-03-2017, 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 24Chromium
Surely you can't be serious?!?!?!!! You, of all people, promoting RSR? Truly the world has gone mad.
Just being a good RLer - RSR are great until things go wrong, then not so much!

p.s
love the new avatar!
Old 01-03-2017, 04:25 PM
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24Chromium
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Bwah, I'm just yanking your chain. I had a wonderful experience with RSR my first time at Spa. The second time I went, they never put my name on their list, despite charging me. Needless to say, I was furious. I drive all the way from Nürburg, Germany to drive in their event at Spa only to be denied. The salt in my wounds were learning it actually wasn't their event, they merely bought a few spots from a British outfit (who were sold out and wouldn't budge on granting one more spot). Even worse was they wouldn't refund my money, but instead gave me future credit. As if I'm in Belgium every other week! It wasn't until months later I was finally refunded the money.

Yes, that avatar photo is from my RSR experience at Spa. Best track in the world IMHO. The 'Ring is awesome, and every petrol-head needs to make a pilgrimage there at least once in their life. But... if you go all the way to Nürburg, spend a little extra time to make it a point to drive Spa!
Old 01-03-2017, 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 24Chromium
Bwah, I'm just yanking your chain. I had a wonderful experience with RSR my first time at Spa. The second time I went, they never put my name on their list, despite charging me. Needless to say, I was furious. I drive all the way from Nürburg, Germany to drive in their event at Spa only to be denied. The salt in my wounds were learning it actually wasn't their event, they merely bought a few spots from a British outfit (who were sold out and wouldn't budge on granting one more spot). Even worse was they wouldn't refund my money, but instead gave me future credit. As if I'm in Belgium every other week! It wasn't until months later I was finally refunded the money.
actually I'm not a fan of RSR either... everything is "good" until it "isn't"...

Originally Posted by 24Chromium
Yes, that avatar photo is from my RSR experience at Spa. Best track in the world IMHO. The 'Ring is awesome, and every petrol-head needs to make a pilgrimage there at least once in their life. But... if you go all the way to Nürburg, spend a little extra time to make it a point to drive Spa!
+1!
Old 01-03-2017, 04:40 PM
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Is 5-10k incl a rental car for the ring from rsr? Gas?
How many cars in total will drive these days?
Old 01-03-2017, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 80s
Is 5-10k incl a rental car for the ring from rsr? Gas?
How many cars in total will drive these days?
I'm only sharing the info, I'm not affiliated with either Ross Bentley or RSR; my understanding is that it does include a car of your choice (cost varies) from RSR
but *not* gas, I do not know how many cars in total will participate, my guess
is more than the # mentioned by RB above YMMV...
Old 01-03-2017, 04:46 PM
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Same dates as gran turismos trackdays of nurburgring???
Old 01-03-2017, 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 80s
Same dates as gran turismos trackdays of nurburgring???
well spotted! I guess that answers the question about the # of cars on track ... the event is not exclusive!
Old 01-03-2017, 04:53 PM
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Track days in Europe are NOTHING like a track day in the USA. They are not for the feint of heart. You really should read my thread in the European Delivery section (link in sig below). They are open pit lane, meaning no run groups and no segregation of driving skills or car performance. You are out there with full-on race cars, piloted by pro racers getting seat time, or testing set-ups. As well as complete newbs doing their first track day, in 1.6 liter ****boxes. Needless to say, it's chaos nearly every lap. Track closures occur frequently. Personally, I don't recommend it, unless you race, or at least have a season or more in open passing DE events.
Old 01-03-2017, 06:29 PM
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Yup, they're definitely a different animal over there...was shocked at the speed of the 'orientation ' laps at Spa!
Old 01-03-2017, 07:02 PM
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Yes, the average skill level in Europe is far higher than what I've found in the US. However, if someone has a modicum of skill, awareness, and common sense, I'd hate to see someone avoid Euro track days. They are really special!

While I'm really glad I tried Spa, I thought the Nordschliefe (closed course instructional class limited to 100 cars) was far more interesting and satisfying (although you don't get within miles of the limit, while you can at Spa).
Old 01-03-2017, 10:29 PM
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Can you guys expand on with RSR everything is good until it isn't??

Does the cost include track insurance? Is there insurance for a mishap?
Old 01-04-2017, 03:00 AM
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Id say def not insured on the nordschleife.
Ive done some quick calc and the price is high. Say 5k euro for sharing a megane rs.
Gran turismo event cost 2.8k euro for two
Person sharing. Might as well buy a used megane rs, drive it to ring do unlimited laps then sell the crap, probably it will be in better shape than the rentals, no offence.
Old 01-04-2017, 03:21 AM
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I know RSR well and have rented with them on many occasions. I've personally never had issues but witnessed some disputes. I agree they are tough on people that have crashed, but they need to be or they'd go out of business. Their reasoning is that besides the cost of the damage (which many crashers try to wriggle out of) there's also a loss of income when the car is being repaired. Seeing how many people have tried the business model and failed, RSR may have the right approach.


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