At 5.30 in the morning: the sun has not yet fully risen, but a good friend and I are already sitting in the Porsche 718 GT4 on the way to the Nürburgring. With two hot coffees in hand and a large portion of anticipation, the three-hour journey from Lüdenscheid to the Eifel region flies by. Finally, the race track comes into view. The pulse slowly starts to rise and the first like-minded sports car drivers can be seen. So off we go through the historic pit lane, into the ‘heart’ of the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit. The anticipation of being able to drive on this track again - now for the third time - is immeasurable. And what do I see with astonishment at the registration desk: an old work colleague has also registered for the track day. Neither he nor I knew about our shared hobby. A really nice and unexpected surprise that provided plenty to talk about during the breaks.

Benjamin and his Porsche 718 Cayman GT4.

After the usual well-organised briefing and a brief chat with a young, enthusiastic sports car driver and his BMW E39, which has been lovingly converted for the racetrack, we finally set off. We line up in the pit lane for the start, the GT4's 4.0-litre boxer engine quietly rumbling away in anticipation of the many straights and bends to come. It's only 10 o'clock in the morning, but it's already over 25 degrees. My T-shirt is starting to sweat - probably a mixture of temperature, pure adrenaline and respect. Although this is my third time on this route, I wouldn't describe myself as experienced yet. Then the first gear of the manual gearbox is engaged with an audible click - and off we go.

After the first few laps, I feel really comfortable on the track again. The tyres and brakes are getting up to temperature, and the interaction on the track is exemplary as usual. Everyone is obviously here to have fun together, show consideration and improve their own driving skills: Slower cars let me overtake, and I give way to the many faster vehicles in return. Eventually, I start to become a little safer and faster: The Porsche 718 GT4 is not a racing car and is the ‘entry-level’ car in Porsche's GT world, but on the racetrack the car feels noticeably at home and comfortable. Braking at 210 km/h after the long start-finish straight in fourth gear and decelerating to 60 km/h is an almost indescribable feeling. The five-point seatbelt holds me in position and I have to watch with a grin in the corner of my eye as my front passenger struggles to hold himself in the seat with the standard seatbelt - he will ask me several times why I didn't opt for the five-point seatbelt for the front passenger when I bought the car. My answer always remains the same with a broad grin: I don't have to sit there.

The weather was perfect and Benjamin was able to try out various lines.

After initially being overwhelmed by the interplay of braking, clutching, changing gears, engaging the clutch and accelerating, the bends become increasingly fluid and faster. I try out different lines in the bends and listen to my ‘popometer’ to better understand the Porsche. The Cayman's gearbox is pretty much the most precise I've ever had the pleasure of driving. The audible clunk when the gear is engaged emphasises the racing car character of the car. The interplay between the tyres - currently Dunlop Race Maxx - and the sophisticated aerodynamics of the Porsche allows cornering speeds that never cease to amaze me. At full throttle, I'm travelling at 190 km/h through the Advan bend. All I hear from my co-driver is astonished laughter. The tyres stick to the asphalt and I can hear the tyre wear beating in the wheel arches. At 8000 revs of the boxer six-cylinder engine, the cockpit turns into a concert hall - the sound, the G-forces, the smell: simply everything is addictive.

Finally, what can always happen happens - especially if you're not a professional like me: I miss the braking point of the RTL curve, spin and fly off the track. And here comes one of the most important reasons why I am a member of the Pistenclub: gaining track experience on circuits like the Nürburgring GP circuit is forgiving of mistakes. These can always happen, but the track is set up in such a way - with run-off areas and gravel beds - that accidents are completely avoided at best. This is in stark contrast to the Nordschleife, for which I have immense respect. So I took three deep breaths and made sure that my co-driver was okay. I briefly drove out to Boes Motorsport and checked that the car hadn't been damaged - really uncomplicated and an incredibly nice team, thank you very much at this point. And back on the track again - and learning from the mistake.

During the many breaks with snacks and drinks, you get to chat to many like-minded people. Including with a very experienced Porsche 718 GT4 RS driver who followed me for an entire lap and gave me tips on how I could improve my driving style. That's what I call friendly co-operation - just the way you want it.

Lucky with the weather: Benjamin was still driving in the rain on his first two trackdays.

We leave the track at 5 pm after a long day. The adrenalin slowly fades and on the journey back, my co-driver and I process our shared impressions. It was my third time on the GP circuit, but I've never had such good conditions: warm and dry. So far, the Eifel has always shown its rainy side. In April 2024, there was even snow, and fast cornering was only possible to a limited extent. The day once again reinforced my belief that I still have a lot to learn. The GT4 is certainly capable of more with a better driver, but I'm still ‘young’ and want to improve. Unfortunately, my wife only shares my passion to a limited extent, and my two small children (two and five years old) only allow me a few opportunities to pursue this hobby. However, I do have a plan for next year: a holiday with the family on the coast in Zandvoort - if there is a track day there at the same time. I am sure that this community is infectious and that my wife will also enjoy it.

With this in mind: see you soon at the next trackday!