Shock at Nürburgring: Management Ends Open Sessions for All Motorcycles
The Nürburgring, that legendary circuit that has been the dream of generations of motorcycle enthusiasts, is shaking things up in a big way. If you dreamed of outpacing a Porsche 911 GT3 on your R1 along the Nordschleife, that dream is now… well, nearly over. The track’s management has decided to ban motorcycles from open sessions. The reason? Too many collisions between cars and bikes, and the human toll was getting too heavy.
A Bold Decision: No More Open Sessions for Motorcycles
Until now, the Nordschleife was a one-of-a-kind playground. Twenty-one kilometers of asphalt cutting through the forest, a place of records, thrills, and unforgettable memories for anyone lucky enough to ride there. You could encounter just about anything: super-tuned GT3s, M3s driven by overenthusiastic amateurs, and of course, motorcyclists chasing extreme adrenaline.
But the mingling of cars and motorcycles was becoming more hazardous. A misunderstanding entering a corner, an overly ambitious brake from a car, a bike in the wrong place… and disaster strikes. Thus, the Nürburgring management made the call: no more open track for motorcycles. Public sessions are now cars-only affairs.
Only Four Days for Motorcyclists… With Instruction
If you thought you could still ride at your leisure, prepare for a reality check! Only four days are now set aside for motorcycles, and only under the guidance of riding schools. Action Team will host two days (July 30-31), while ADAC will handle the other two (August 13-14). Needless to say, spots will be hard to come by, and the freedom to ride as before is gone.
Other options are available, but they pale compared to the dream. The Grand Prix track remains open, offering 38 riding days with 9 exclusively for motorcyclists. But let’s be honest—it’s not the Nordschleife…
Safety First: The Director’s Reason
Ingo Böder, the managing director of the Nürburgring, explains this decision as a matter of safety. He insists that motorcycles are far more vulnerable than cars, which have a protective cell. “The safety of all participants is our top priority. We have closely examined the situation and decided to strictly separate cars and bikes,” he states. While his point is understandable, it’s hard to overlook the uneven treatment. Why not create bike-only free days, without cars, to maintain the Nordschleife spirit?
A Blow to the Motorcyclist Community
This decision leaves a bitter taste, and it’s easy to see why. The Nordschleife was a unique destination, a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts who flocked there to take on one of the world’s most demanding tracks. With this ban, a whole aspect of motorcycle culture is lost. Those who have ridden there know how unique the experience was: the fast sequences, the breathtaking drops, the challenge of blind braking… Now, only a select few who can afford a spot in a guided day will have access.
