DT takes on the Green Hell

Darren Turner is taking on a new challenge this year by competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in June. The famous race, held on the daunting Nordschleife, nicknamed the ‘Green Hell’, is one of the toughest events Darren has taken on, not least as he now needs to learn the 33 left-hand and 40 right-hand turns that make up each lap.

Darren will race an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, alongside Chris Porritt and Marc Hacking. In line with the regulations for rookies he has to take part in two VLN races prior to the 24-hour race. His first race was earlier today and the other takes place at the end of May.

“I had an awesome time,” said Darren after today’s race. “I got in after Chris for a six lap run and spent the first lap being careful not to get tangled up with anyone. Lap two was better as I was starting to get an idea of what was around each corner. I was really getting into the swing of things by lap three but then there were lots of yellow flags so I had to back off.”

Ultimately the No.118 Aston Martin didn’t finish the race as Marc Hacking had contact and was stranded out on the track but the weekend provided enough of a taste of what Darren has coming his way in the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

“I absolutely loved it,” he said. “I’ve never been in a race where over 180 cars take the start and it takes nine minutes to do one lap! I’ve also really enjoyed spending time with the guys from Gaydon.”

Described as the most beautiful and the most difficult race track in the world, it was Jackie Stewart who said that the Nürburgring is “the circuit on which every driver just wants to win, once”.

“The Nürburgring 24 Hours is a race that I want to tick off my list,” continued Darren. “It’s great to do the two races beforehand so I can start to learn the track. It’s not easy though; it’s the biggest track in the world and there is a lot to learn. I’ve had a good practice in the simulator though and I’ll be doing a lot more of that before the big race in June.”

Darren Turner