BMW Ring-Taxi, a Taxi with Attitude
One of the few things that was left undone during our 2005 European odyssey was to visit the Nürburgring. This legendary track in the Eifel Mountains of Germany, 70 kilometers outside of Cologne, was known as “The Green Hell†during the early days of the modern Formula 1 championship when “Ringmeisters†like Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart literally risked life and limb to win the German Grand Prix.
Today the North Loop of the ring is considered too dangerous for Formula 1 racing and the European Grand Prix—held this year during July 20 through 22 and by far the most eventful and entertaining race this year—takes place in the more sedate new Nürburgring. (Starting in 2008, the European Grand Prix will be held in Valencia, Spain and the German Grand Prix will alternate between the Nürburgring and Hockenheimring.) As for the “old†Nürburgring, anyone can experience the thrill and beauty of the site—even if they drive a Yugo—as the track is open to the public on some days. There are also some more exciting car hire alternatives.
Another way to experience “the ring†is through an exciting new service offered by BMW called the Ring-Taxi. Now you can ride shotgun in a BMW M5 as an experienced driver demonstrates how to handle the 73 curves, 300 meters altitude change and 20.8 km in less than 10 minutes. Just be sure to bring a change of underwear just in case…
