The Ring is 20,8km long with over 70 bends, so yeah, it takes some time to do one lap. We're not supposed to have timers or video's running, as it turned out those were the ones that caused most of the accidents...
Its absolutely fantastic to drive there. Tricky, but so unique, especially the differences in heights. If you ever have the chance do do so or go there, take it with both hands. Usually you can drive co-pilot with someone there. I had a passenger as well, but with 270 hp and 350Nm torque you must be very carefull as it takes 50-60 laps to really 'know' the track...
Yes, we're (about 6 or 7 fast bugs) going again on the 18th (friday before DasDragDay in Bitburg, which is very close-by) and I am staying over there to run some more laps on saturday as well. I actually enjoy this more than drag racing at Bitburg.
I have the relais of the waste-gate actuating mapped in such a way that the boost pressure steadily increases with the position of the throttle plate. This means I can 'do it easy' and run half-throttle without getting full boost (and almost full power then as well). But if I want it for an up-hill part or coming onto a straight, I can get full boost by flooring it 😁
Still, last time, the boost pressure was at full or nearly full boost (16 psi) quite a lot of the time getting out of corners...its just too much fun! The turbo engine does great and actually gets less hot on the track then on the Autobahn/highway because your not on the pedal the whole time at the track. Each bend means letting off while your breaking and that helps cool down the turbo parts. I never would have thought, but a turbo on the track really works well if the turbine is not too big and spool-up is acceptable.
There is nothing to be gained by pushing it on the Ring however, you can only loose there...
Hi Wally, your car is looking fantastic as always. I just booked my next Germany trip, my Girlfriend and I are heading over in April of next year, we can't wait to get back to the Nurburgring!
That would be great Wally. We'll be in Germany from the 14th to the 30th of April and be deciding on the dates when the calendar for April is online, it would be great to meet you and check out your bug in the flesh 😎