Race at the Hockenheimring

Yes, you can race on a Formula 1 track in Germany. (Photo courtesy of Hockenheim-Ring GmbH)

You can get a ride in a race car—or even take your own for a spin—on the track at Hockenheim

Racing your own car at the Hockenheim Ring. (Photo courtesy of Hockenheim-Ring GmbH)

Hockenheim has been home to the German Formula 1 Grand Prix race since 1977—though its racing history dates back to the first Hockenheim-Ring (a triangle, actually) laid out way back in 1932.

The current version of the race track was opened in 2002, and it's not just for spectators. You can get behind the wheel and drive on the fabled track itself... for a fee.

A three-lap ride with a professional driver will set you back €249 to €299—or €399 if you want to take the wheel yourself and drive those final three laps—but there is another option, so long as you don't mind seriously voiding your rental car agreement.

For just €15 per 15 minutes, you can take your own set of wheels out onto the race track and see what it's like to keep turning left repeatedly very fast.

A few caveats: No racing us allowed, and I am 100% confident that this is completely illegal according to any rental car contract.

Slow-lane drivers might prefer to come on a Tuesdays evening from April to September when he track is opened to in-line skaters.

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