Nürburgring Adds 'Pit Stop' Rest Area for Touristenfahrten Public Lapping

The Nürburgring has a problem with traffic jams. Since the second entrance at Breidscheid was closed during a shift to a pandemic-era contactless system, drivers entering and exiting the 'Ring during touristenfahrten public lapping sessions have found themselves stuck in long lines on the long Döttinger Höhe straight. A new public rest area planned for turn 13 should alleviate that starting next month.

The pit lane rest area would be effectively the only other public entrance and exit along the length of the course. By opening a secondary area for short rest, quick bathroom use, and refueling, the track believes that it can reduce traffic on access roads. This starts with a trial run to prove the concept next month.

Before the turn 13 pit lane was open, cars would line up in four or five lanes along the track's famous final straight as they approached a system of exits and gates that confounded relatively inexperienced 'Ring drivers. Any reduction in that stoppage will theoretically help drivers get more time on the track and open up more revenue opportunities for the circuit by increasing flow, all while making the experience less frustrating for everyone involved.

The addition of a new point to enter and exit the world's most famous unlimited toll road may generate a new issue. At the moment, there are currently little-known posted speed limits in the corners before and after the pit lane exit during touristenfahrten lapping sessions. Nordschleife master Dale Lomas notes that similar posted limits were, effectively, an issue for 'Ring Taxi drivers and 'Ring Taxi drivers only around the former second entrance at Breischeid. With a new location for publicly-run cars to enter and exit the track, those speed limits could suddenly become relevant again.

Via Bridge to Gantry.

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