Driving the 'ring has been the highlight of my driving experience.
I drove it in 1964 in an EMPI equipped, Judson supercharged, 1200cc VW Beetle. The beetle had all the bolt on goodies of the day, camber compensator, short shifter, hi volt ignition, Dunlop sport tires on reversed rims, etc. I ran neck and neck with a Triumph TR4 for 10 laps of that incredible 12+ mile course. At that time the cost was 20 DM (about $4.50) per lap, but after the first couple of laps, the guys taking the money just kept waving us through for another lap!
In 1966 I ran a paltry 4 laps in my 1965 Turbo Covair Spyder. The Corvair was pretty much stock ( think the only thing it had was Kleber V10 radials). I must have spun that thing out at least 6 times, but also reached some crazy speeds on the down hill section towards Adenau. As I recall, I hever did negotiate the Carussel Kurve properly.
I went back in 1970 and drove the track in my brother-in-laws fully set up, tube framed, Rally Renault Turbo (about 300hp as I recall). Again, about 4 laps. I can clearly recall scaring the crap out of myself in that thing!
I also watched a number of Formula 1 races and the accompaning GT races. Both featured guys like Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Dan Gurney, The Rodriguez brother, John Surtees, Jack Brabham, Phil Hill, etc.
I am seriously thinking of going back with the oldest son next year. I think it would be a blast in one of the new M3s, though I doubt he would ride with me!