43 replies to this topic

[Terry Haines]

...used in IRL cars,not F1, but correct a good home grown race engine....

[SeiCoRacing]

In re standards for driving, Autobahn, etc.

Yes, Terry, you are absolutely correct. First, just to obtain a license in Germany, you have to go through a process that in the US is only matched by getting a pilot's license! Classroom, X hours, documented; followed by dual driving, with a licensed instructor (not dear ol' Dad), also minimum number of documented (in a logbook) hours; then followed by"solo" (not autocross) in a vehicle followed by a licensed instructor, also with a set minimum numberr of logged hours. After that, you can sign up to take the exams, written and practical -- and oh, did I forget to mention, you must also be trained in first aid and pass both types of exams for that. [Germany has a Good Samaritan law with TEETH! If you don't stop and render aid, you can be fined, go to jail, or both, depending on the outcome.] Last time I checked in the 70's, the cost for the average German to get a license was in the neighborhood of $2000 for schools, etc. Then you add to that traffic laws with teeth, too: just get caught passing on the right some time, or speeding in a construction zone, for example.

As one who had pretty close to a perfect Autobahn sleeper at one time (1975 Chev Cosworth Vega), I had quite a bit of experience in the late seventies & 1983. My German neighbors wanted to know where I had gotten a "mini-camaro". I kept it in immaculate trim until cheap-a$$ stamped GM sheetmetal rusted in critical places, causing rear axle to try to go in two different directions at once (now there's a rush for you at 120 kph on a back road). But back to the subject, there was nothing more frightening then seeing a 20-year-old GI in a big block muscle car as old as he was, with USA tags, trying to prove he could keep up with a whale-tail 911. Yes, Virginia, the real Autobahn DOES have some curves, and the main highways abound with twisties, switchbacks, and all kinds of interesting obstacles like tractors and manure wagons!


Just my $0.02 on driving in Germany.

BTW, for those who would like to wind out their higher revving sports sedans in the eastern Midwest, check out www.racenasa.com for the HPDE (track days) events this yer. MidOhio, BeaverRun, Gingerman, Putnam Park, Nashville Speedway (in three weeks!?!), and RoadAmerica are all on the venue this year. C'mon out & play! LOTs of seat time, good instruction, and high speed in a safe, controlled environment an the same tracks and days as there are also actual race sessions.