Nurburgring Prohibits Motorcycles from Tourist Laps Following Years of Controversy | Carscoops

      Crashes involving motorcycles have increasingly led to track closures in recent years.

      15 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      For many years, motorcycles and cars have shared the challenging German track.

      Due to safety concerns, the Nurburgring has announced that the two can no longer coexist.

      Motorcycles will now be confined to tourist sessions at the Nurburgring Grand Prix circuit.

      Motorcycles have been prohibited from Touristenfahrten sessions on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, marking one of the most significant policy shifts in the history of the renowned German circuit. The track cites safety issues as the primary reason for this immediate ban, although financial factors may also be involved.

      Previously, the Touristenfahrten sessions open to the general public allowed both cars and motorcycles. For decades, four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles shared the track, but the sometimes rocky relationship between drivers and riders has created friction at the circuit.

      Moving forward, motorcyclists will only be permitted to join Touristenfahrten sessions on the Nurburgring’s Grand Prix circuit, while access to the Nordschleife will now be restricted to professionally organized training sessions.

      According to Bridge to Gantry, safety is not the only reason for this decision. Crashes involving motorcyclists during Touristfahrten sessions are significantly more likely to result in track closures, especially when paramedics are required to assist injured riders, which can negatively impact the track’s finances.

      When I attended the Nordschleife last year for one of these public outings, the entire session was canceled because a motorcyclist crashed within the first three minutes of the track opening. This left hundreds of frustrated drivers unable to utilize the track and resulted in lost revenue for the circuit.

      At that time, my instructor noted that many car rental companies at the track were increasingly dissatisfied with the frequent motorcycle accidents leading to session cancellations.

      Officials have stated that motorcyclists who have already purchased a season pass may still use it on the Nurburgring Grand Prix circuit or request a refund at the track’s information center.

      This news is undoubtedly disappointing for motorcyclists who aspired to ride on one of the most iconic and challenging racetracks in the world, potentially driving them to seek alternative tracks across Europe.

      H/T to Road & Track