Remscheid

Remscheid, an independent city in the heart of the Bergisches Land with approximately 110,000 residents, offers motorsport enthusiasts a fascinating blend of industrial heritage and winding mountain roads. The city is located approximately 110-130 km from the Nürburgring – the exact distance depends on the chosen route – translating to about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving via the A1 and A61 motorways. Alternatively, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium is approximately 130-140 km away, reachable in about 1.5 to 2 hours via the A46 and E40. This dual proximity to two of Europe's most legendary racing circuits makes Remscheid an attractive base for track day enthusiasts looking to explore both the Nordschleife and the Belgian Ardennes.

Remscheid is historically known as the "City of Tools" – quality tools have been manufactured here for centuries, and this culture of precision and engineering is reflected in the local automotive enthusiast scene. The city may not possess its own racing circuit, but the hilly topography of the Bergisches Land with elevation changes exceeding 300 meters within the city limits has created a network of challenging roads. The L 412 between Remscheid and Radevormwald, the L 427 to Wuppertal, and the serpentine L 58 toward Hückeswagen are known among local drivers for their technically demanding curves and changing gradients. These roads are excellent for refining driving technique but should be driven with respect and within speed limits, as police conduct increased checks especially on weekends.

The organized motorsport scene in Remscheid is served by several regional ADAC local clubs. ADAC Bergisches Land, with representation in surrounding cities, regularly organizes automobile slalom events that provide a cost-effective entry point into motorsport. At these events, a course is marked with pylons on closed surfaces – often on decommissioned airfields or large parking lots – which participants must navigate with their own vehicle as quickly as possible. Participation fees typically range between 60-80 euros per day, and no special racing license is required, only a valid driver's license and a roadworthy vehicle. MSC Remscheid e.V. im ADAC also organizes orienteering drives and classic car excursions through the picturesque Bergisches Land.

For more serious track day ambitions, the Nürburgring offers various formats. Public tourist driving sessions on the 20.8 km Nordschleife are legendary and affordable at 30 euros per lap or approximately 110 euros for a 4-lap card. The track is open from March to November on most evenings and weekends, with exact times being weather-dependent and published online. For beginners, organized track days from providers like RSRNurburg, Pistenclub, or Nordschleife Competence Center are recommended. These offer structured events with division into driver groups by experience level, track briefings by experienced instructors, timing systems, and often helmet rentals. A full track day costs between 300-600 euros, depending on track configuration (Nordschleife only, GP circuit only, or combinations), number of driving sessions, and whether additional services like instructor accompaniment are desired.

Spa-Francorchamps, the 7 km racing circuit in the Belgian Ardennes, is accessible from Remscheid at a similar distance as the Nürburgring. Many Remscheid enthusiasts particularly appreciate Spa for its legendary corners like Eau Rouge/Raidillon, Pouhon, and Blanchimont. Organized track days at Spa are offered by various providers including RSR, Apex Trackdays, and Circuit Days. Costs typically range between 350-700 euros for a day. Many consider Spa the most beautiful racing circuit in the world – the combination of fast corners, elevation changes, and Ardennes landscape is unique. The more modern infrastructure and more generous runoff areas compared to the Nordschleife also make Spa attractive for less experienced drivers.

Karting opportunities can be found in the immediate vicinity of Remscheid. While the city itself doesn't have a permanent karting track, Kartbahn Wuppertal is located only about 15 km northwest. This indoor facility offers a 480-meter asphalt track with karts reaching speeds up to 65 km/h. Prices start at approximately 20-25 euros for 10 minutes of driving time. In Gummersbach, about 25 km east, is Kart Center Gummersbach, another indoor option with similar pricing. For outdoor karting, Kartbahn Waldbröl approximately 30 km southeast is a popular facility with a 600-meter track. Serious kart racers can also participate in club sport events and championship races organized by ADAC Nordrhein.

The Bergische Panorama-Straße, a signposted tourist route of approximately 340 km length, leads directly through Remscheid and the surrounding region. This route connects the most beautiful roads of the Bergisches Land through forests, along reservoirs, and through historic town centers. For motorsport enthusiasts, the sections running away from main traffic roads offering tight curves and changing gradients are particularly interesting. The route along the Wupper reservoir, the connecting roads between Remscheid and Solingen, as well as routes through the southern part of the Bergisches Land to Overath and Engelskirchen are equally popular with convertible drivers and motorcyclists. On sunny weekends, these roads are well-trafficked, which both increases the social aspect and calls for caution.

The local automotive enthusiast scene is closely networked through various brand clubs and umbrella organizations. Porsche Club Bergisches Land organizes monthly meetings and regular drives, both on public roads and to organized track days at the Nürburgring or Spa. BMW Club Deutschland has an active chapter in the region with its own regular gathering in Wuppertal and joint motorsport events. Audi enthusiasts will find an engaged group in the quattro Community Rhein-Ruhr-Berg with regular meetings. These clubs offer not only social networking but often group rates for track days, significantly reducing costs per person. They also enable exchange of technical knowledge and access to specialized workshops.

Remscheid has several specialized automotive workshops focused on performance tuning and track day preparations. The city's industrial heritage has left a culture of precise engineering work reflected in the quality of available services. From suspension specialists to engine tuning experts, enthusiasts will find competent partners for their projects. A complete track day inspection – including checking brakes, suspension, fluids, and safety equipment – typically costs between 200-400 euros, depending on vehicle type. Some workshops also offer complete services for endurance racing and VLN participation, including technical inspection and logistics to the Nürburgring.