The Nurburgring Nordschliefe is one of those bucket list tracks. You don’t have to race on it to check the box, you just have to drive on it. And unlike most tracks, you can do just that on the open days. Pay your toll, get your card, and try not to hit an Armco barrier as you take a scenic drive around the German countryside. It sounds like an absolute blast and usually leads into a “what would you take?” discussion. There are many things to consider when picking out a weapon to take to the track…grip, power and agility all are important features that must be considered, but what might trump all of those is comfort with the vehicle you’re driving. A late-model Camaro Z/28 can rip the Ring a brand new one in a tick over seven minutes…but in my hands, it won’t achieve that time because I’ll be too worried about wadding that car up at any given point. You want to see me at my most comfortable? How about a Dodge Charger SRT 392…handles like my Chrysler, but with a bit more power and a lot more in the braking department. I know what that car will do, it’s limits and how tolerant of stupidity it is.

For some, taking the vehicle they know to the track just makes good sense. For others, it’s just the fact that they drove their own car on one of the most famous racetracks on the planet. And for some others…well…let’s just leave it at there’s an additional thrill in there somewhere. Bringing a coal-rolling Cummins-powered Dodge, an overlanding-ready Land Rover, or a sidecar-equipped motorcycle are just individual choices. Just like the person riding in the back of the Peugeot van….