Porsche GT3 RS and BMW Collision at Nurburgring Triggers Massive Explosion, Fuels Blame Game

      YouTube (Various Uploaders)

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      Last weekend, a BMW M2 and a Porsche GT3 RS collided at high speed on the Nürburgring, resulting in a dramatic explosion reminiscent of a Michael Bay film, which severely damaged both vehicles and some guardrail. Remarkably, both drivers managed to exit their cars unaided. However, the security camera footage and dashcam video of the incident are quite alarming.

      Germany’s Nürburgring holds a special significance for car enthusiasts and driving aficionados. It serves as a venue for racing, developing, and benchmarking the world’s top-notch vehicles, while surprisingly, it remains accessible to the public. During touristenfahrten (tourist drive) sessions, anyone with a safe car (or, under specific circumstances, a motorcycle) can arrive and tackle the Green Hell’s 12-plus miles, consisting of 73 turns and 984 feet of elevation changes.

      Driving on the 'Ring is a spectacular privilege that should be preserved, but this incident underlines the risks associated with recreational driving alongside strangers, particularly when there are significant differences in speed and skill.

      Dashcam footage from the Porsche and the CCTV footage from the corner where the two cars collided have been circulating online recently, prompting significant discussion about who bears responsibility. There are numerous random uploads now, but this particular one compiles all the clips I’ve seen into a concise video:

      After browsing through a variety of comments and Reddit discussions, many people aim to place blame on the BMW driver. However, after watching both internal and external videos multiple times, I believe both drivers made mistakes and misjudged the situation. This can happen at speed, even for experienced drivers in capable vehicles.

      The BMW should have been more aware of its surroundings and recognized that a faster car was approaching the apex of the corner. Generally, track day rules dictate that one must yield to a quicker driver in such situations.

      That said, during a tourist session on the 'Ring, faster drivers also need to be acutely aware and acknowledge when a slower car might not see them. Ayrton Senna’s philosophy, “if you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver,” does not apply here.

      From the onboard footage of the Porsche, we can see that the GT3 RS approached the BMW at a tricky spot where it would have been somewhat difficult to notice the fast-approaching vehicle in the rearview mirror. My interpretation of the BMW’s body language suggests that the blue car didn’t see the Porsche at all.

      When the Porsche attempted to pass on the inside, the BMW also sought the same line without noticing the other vehicle, resulting in both cars crashing into the barriers.

      Thus, while the BMW should have yielded, I can understand how the driver may not have been aware of the car behind them at that moment, and the Porsche should have waited for a safer opportunity to overtake. However, if this incident is referenced in any official investigations, it’s important to note that I’m simply a person re-watching grainy social media clips.

      I have yet to find any comments from the BMW driver directly, but the Porsche driver has spoken about the incident on social media, even mentioning that he is finished with track driving because of it. Here are screenshots from his Instagram story:

      A media representative for the Nürburgring Nordschleife provided the following statement regarding the incident, affirming that both drivers successfully exited their cars. Here’s the official statement in full:

      “Last Saturday evening, during the tourist drives, an accident occurred involving two vehicles. The individuals were able to exit their vehicles on their own. The safety systems of the Nürburgring Nordschleife – including guardrails, digital monitoring, and operational coordination – functioned effectively. Nonetheless, such incidents are always internally reviewed as part of our safety management. Further information falls under the jurisdiction of the police.”

      Lastly, some aftermath images have been posted on Facebook:

      Regrettably, this crash underscores the potential dangers that arise when vehicles at significantly different speeds share a track. However, it also serves as a solid endorsement for the safety systems of Porsche and BMW. Stay safe out there!

      What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment or reach out to the author at [email protected].