5 Legendary European Race Tracks That You Can Drive On With Your Own Car

For motorsport fanatics, driving on a race track is a bucket list item, while driving on one of the most legendary tracks in the world is the ultimate dream.

A chosen few get to realize this dream by becoming profesional drivers, while most settle for tackling these tracks virtually, in racing simulators such as Gran Turismo 7, iRacing, Assetto Corsa, or Forza Motorsport.

However, some circuits organize track days that are open to the public. In most cases, you'll have to rent a track-prepped car, but in the case of the following iconic venues, you can drive around in your own car.

Red Bull Ring

Located in Spielberg, Austria, the Red Bull Ring (formerly known as Österreichring and A1-Ring) was built in 1969 on the location of the old Zeltweg Airfield circuit.

Modernized and shortened from 1995 to 1996, it currently hosts races on the Formula 1, MotoGP, or DTM calendars.

In its current configuration, the 4.3-km (2.9-mile) track with few quick corners and long straights favors fast driving, and it's generally easy to navigate at moderate speeds. However, during wet conditions, it can be extremely dangerous, mainly due to its sharp elevation changes.

When it doesn't host an event, the Grand Prix track is open to the public, and those who want to experience it can either rent a track car or drive their own vehicle.

The price for a 20-minute stint is €60 ($65), but you'll have to send a request on the venue's official site to find out when the next open track day event is scheduled.

Hockenheimring

Opened in the spring of 1932 and initially called Dreieckskurs (triangle course), the famed track located near the town of Hockenheim in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, went through a series of major redesigns throughout the decades.

In its current layout, the Hockenheimring hosts DTM and GT World Challenge Europe, but during its history, it was home to Formula 1, World SBK, FIA GT, and WSC races.

In the full Grand Prix configuration, the 4.6 km (2.8-mile) track features 17 turns that mix high-speed corners with technical hairpins. Due to its combination of fast straights and variety of corners, it's one of the most exciting tracks in the world.

For amateurs who want to experience Hockenheimring with their own car, track days or tourist rides are available.

For the latter event, which prohibits racing and imposes a speed limit, prices start at €55 ($60) for two stints of 15 or 20 minutes.

Spa-Francorchamps

Located in Francorchamps, Stavelot, Wallonia, Belgium, this legendary race track opened in 1921, and in the beginning, it was comprised of public roads.

To improve safety, it was redesigned several times throughout its history, becoming a closed track in 1979.

For motorsport fans, Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most iconic race circuits in the world, having hosted many memorable races in various competitions.

These days, the 7-km (4.3-mile) track hosts the Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1, a 24-hour race in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, and a 6-hour race in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

With a mix of fast straights, abrupt elevation changes, quick corners, and technical sections, it's one of the most exciting tracks in the world.

Like the previous entries on this list, the Spa is open to the public when it doesn't organize any official races, and those who want to tackle this legendary venue in their own cars can take part in public driving experiences usually organized once a month, from May to October.

A 25-minute run starts at €130 ($141), and drivers are required to wear a helmet. Up to three passengers are also permitted for an extra fee of €40 ($43) per passenger.

Silverstone

The Silverstone Circuit near the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury is England's most famous race track and one of the most iconic motorsport venues in the world.

Built on the site of a former Royal Air Force (RAF) bomber station, the circuit opened its gates in 1948.

Throughout its history, it hosted races in the world's most prestigious competitions, and today, it's home to Formula 1, MotoGP, BTCC, and British GT events.

The track that turned many pormising race drivers into motorsport legends also hosts track days that allow amateurs to use their own cars, but unlike the other circuits on this list, there are no short, tourist-oriented experiences.

The Silverstone track day experience, which starts at a hefty £999 ($1,270), allows enthusiasts to spend up to 10 hours on the full 5.9-km (3.6-mile) Grand Prix track and includes complimentary meals, garage space, and the ability to bring along one passenger as well as an additional driver.

Nürburgring Nordschleife

Located in the town of Nürburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is the longest, most technical, but also most exciting race track in the world.

Built in the 1920s, it used to feature four separate configurations, but today, only three main layouts are used for major events. These include the Grand Prix track, the Nordschleife (North Loop), and the 24 Hours track, which combines the first two.

Nicknamed "Green Hell" by the legendary Jackie Stewart, the 22.8-km (14.1-mie) Nordschleife used to host races in major competitions such as Formula 1, but due to many serious accidents, the majority of competitions moved to the new GP track built in 1984.

Consisting of 154 corners, multiple elevation changes, and long, fast straights, the Nordschleife delivers the ultimate driving experience.

Since it was opened, the Nordschleife has been opened to the public for so-called Touristenfahrten (tourist rides) sessions, allowing drivers to take their own vehicles to the track.

Prices start at €30 ($32.5) from Monday to Thursday and €35 ($38) from Friday to Sunday or during public holidays.

Tickets can be acquired online or on-site, and there are multiple packages, as well as a bonus system to take advantage of it you want to spend multiple days experiencing the Green Hell.