Vic
VCA Venom Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2000
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On our most recent visit to Europe, we stopped by the Nordshleife, and took a ride in the Aston Martin Ring Taxi, driven by Andreas Gulden, former driver for the now-defunct Zakspeed Viper GTS's. I could have driven the North Loop in the rental car, but it was a big dorfy sedan, hardly appropriate to mix it up with all the sports cars, or so I thought. I bought a sticker for the GTS back home, a jacket, shirts, etc.
Sabine set out ahead of us in the BMW M5, with 500hp + and a passenger or two, while Andreas and I were coming up from behind in the 370hp (but lightweight) Aston Martin. Coming through some fast switch backs, we spied "Ring Queen" Sabine up ahead, and got a run on her, passing her in a short straight, then dissapearing through another series of turns, making the pass stick. Adreas is a hot shoe, and passing Sabine made his day. She is no slouch, faster than many men. She is also a fun person, and smiles and jokes in real life, just like you've seen her on Top Gear. Nice rack, too! (Yep, I said it)
On her BMW, I mean, of course. Why, what were you thinking? 
Here's Andreas and me after the fantastic ride around the North Loop. I have no idea what our time was,
but we passed a lot of cars, like they were traffic cones.
There's a tradition that you sign the Aston after your ride. When that sticker fills up, they'll probably can it!
Sabine Schmit, "Ring Queen", with over 10,000 laps. She was born in Nurburg, been going around that track since she was 3 years old. She's the official (one of) driver for BMW's promotional program, Ring Taxi. She's very quick, and very cheerful, friendly.
My wifey Lina and the Autobahn cruiser. They dont sell the 350 in the US, but I dont know why. I didnt think it was underpowered? I only got up to about 135mph on the Autobahn, partly because we didnt go on the very straight portions, and partly, (ok, mostly) because my wife is terrified of speed. I've gone faster than that on US hwys, like 170mph. Damm, did I just say that out loud? Anyway, the Autobahn is a pleasure, one of life's last sweet unspoiled treats. Oddly enough, I came accross many German drivers who werent following lane rules, (left lane for passing only), even saw one driver with his car fully in the emergency lane, as if it was a legal lane for driving. I thought only us Yanks pulled stunts like that!
Here the lonely Zakspeed Vipers sit, like discarded toys, looking sad and forlorn. Zakspeed isnt allowed to run their cars at the Nordshleife anymore, according to Nuburgring DE, the track managers. Financial issues, they said. They sit in the historical Zakspeed garage area, now owned by Nurburgring DE Adventure. Dont send Zakspeed money for a ride, they didnt honor my appointment. I finally got my money back, with the kind help of a VCA Germany member. Supossedly, Zakspeed is still a viable racing team, running in DTM or something.
A little momento of the occasion for the GTS! About 9.25" long.
Sabine set out ahead of us in the BMW M5, with 500hp + and a passenger or two, while Andreas and I were coming up from behind in the 370hp (but lightweight) Aston Martin. Coming through some fast switch backs, we spied "Ring Queen" Sabine up ahead, and got a run on her, passing her in a short straight, then dissapearing through another series of turns, making the pass stick. Adreas is a hot shoe, and passing Sabine made his day. She is no slouch, faster than many men. She is also a fun person, and smiles and jokes in real life, just like you've seen her on Top Gear. Nice rack, too! (Yep, I said it)
On her BMW, I mean, of course. Why, what were you thinking? Here's Andreas and me after the fantastic ride around the North Loop. I have no idea what our time was,
but we passed a lot of cars, like they were traffic cones.
There's a tradition that you sign the Aston after your ride. When that sticker fills up, they'll probably can it!
Sabine Schmit, "Ring Queen", with over 10,000 laps. She was born in Nurburg, been going around that track since she was 3 years old. She's the official (one of) driver for BMW's promotional program, Ring Taxi. She's very quick, and very cheerful, friendly.
My wifey Lina and the Autobahn cruiser. They dont sell the 350 in the US, but I dont know why. I didnt think it was underpowered? I only got up to about 135mph on the Autobahn, partly because we didnt go on the very straight portions, and partly, (ok, mostly) because my wife is terrified of speed. I've gone faster than that on US hwys, like 170mph. Damm, did I just say that out loud? Anyway, the Autobahn is a pleasure, one of life's last sweet unspoiled treats. Oddly enough, I came accross many German drivers who werent following lane rules, (left lane for passing only), even saw one driver with his car fully in the emergency lane, as if it was a legal lane for driving. I thought only us Yanks pulled stunts like that!
Here the lonely Zakspeed Vipers sit, like discarded toys, looking sad and forlorn. Zakspeed isnt allowed to run their cars at the Nordshleife anymore, according to Nuburgring DE, the track managers. Financial issues, they said. They sit in the historical Zakspeed garage area, now owned by Nurburgring DE Adventure. Dont send Zakspeed money for a ride, they didnt honor my appointment. I finally got my money back, with the kind help of a VCA Germany member. Supossedly, Zakspeed is still a viable racing team, running in DTM or something.
A little momento of the occasion for the GTS! About 9.25" long.
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