The only reason this is not number 1 is that it is really not a road - but a race track.

But, it is a race track that has been converted to a road that you can pay to drive on - if you are brave enough!

Completed in 1927, Nurburgring was designed as two seperate areas that could be joined. The south loop (Sudschleife) and the north loop (Nordschleife).

In 1976 Nicky Lauda very nearly lost his life in an F1 Grand Prix and after that, the south loop was demolished and made into a formula 1 race track.

The North loop retains most of its original character (and danger) and is now accesible to the public - that means me and you can drive on it!

Basically, you drive up, pay for a ticklet - about 21 Euros (33 bucks at current exchange rates) and drive a lap of just about 13 miles.. It is that simple.

At the end of the lap, you can either leave, pay for another lap or hang around the paddock looking at all the exotic (and other) cars of people doing exactly the same as you.

Now, I am no expert on "the ring" - and there is no way I will tell you my best lap time - but here are some tips that you may want to remember:-

1. Don't bother trying to time yourself - you will crash if you push to hard - this I KNOW.
2. Don't crash - it is VERY expensive.
3. Make sure you understand your insurance BEFORE going to the track.
4. Don't get pissed-off when a 150bhp Golf passes your Ferrari.
5. Expect wet weather and a slipery track.
6. Do not, under any cicumstances, drink alcohol before you drive.
7. If you get in to an accident, get yourself into a safe position but do NOT leave the course.
8. Don't run out of gas (either yourself or your car).
9. Remember your brakes and tires will only stand so much punishment.
10. Learn as much about the track as you can BEFORE going.
11. Search YourTube and other places for Videos (I have some links lower down).
12. Practice on a computer game that has Nurburgring as one of the tracks.
13. Hitch a ride with a "regular" for your first lap (you can also pay someone).
14. Have lots and lots and lots of fun!

It is extremly easy to get there as it is just about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Frankfurt airport. As for time to go, weekdays as the best (usually) as it can get busy on weekends.

Sometimes the track is closed for an event but you can check the opening times at the offical site of the Nurburgring - let the page load as the opening flash is excellent - and then go to the English site.

There is plenty of information already on the wen to help you plan your visit. Here are some excellent places to start:-
Dummies Guide To The Nurburgring
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
Project Gotham Racing 4