Not to Scale: Nurburgring, USA

For those North Americans seeking to drive the famous 14-mile Nurburgring, a look-alike loop has been plotted just south of Indianapolis, IN. While most replicas are not as big as the original, the “Schweinefiletring™” is more than 12 times the size of the famed German circuit. Utilizing 175 miles of public roads through southern Indiana, its route replicates the Green Hell.

VIR’s Grand Course has frequently been claimed as the USA’s answer to the Nurburging. But, at a paltry 4.2 miles long, it pales in comparison. The only other way to experience the 14-mile challenge for yourself would be on a driving simulator. If you want to see the sights, smell the smells, and feel the g-forces, you can now do so without the need for a track car or fancy sim rig.

The original Nordshleife was 22.8km long

According to the Schweinefiletring website, the route is named after the Indiana Pork Tenderloin sandwich that Indiana is apparently known for. Schnitzelring would’ve had a better ring to it, but I gather that the term schnitzel is broader and not specific to the pork specialty.

The creators are hosting a charity rally event this coming weekend (June 22-23) called The Tire Squeal, which takes entrants from restaurant to restaurant along the route. Eating at those establishments will result in a 10 percent donation from each associated purchase being made to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana or their own local food banks. Any additional money and food donations raised by participants will also be donated.

One of Brown County State Park’s many covered bridges

As you strap on your Piloti shoes and string-backed leather gloves, remember that the Schweinefiletring is not a closed circuit and certainly not a racetrack. These are simply engaging public roads that run through a scenic — and under-appreciated — part of the country. Likewise, if you can’t make the charity rally this weekend, you can do drive the route in full or in part any time. It’s free. In that regard, it is even better than the Nurburgring, not to mention that the pit stops are a lot tastier!

A few laps of the Schweinefiletring might be just what I need to prepare me for my first visit to the “little” Nordschleife later this fall.

[Images: Google Maps; Nurburgring.de]