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Increase tyre pressure, load tools, pack helmet bags, food and clothes. Then quickly hitch up the trailer and load up the track tool. Briefly about the vehicle: I'm currently driving a Clio 3 RS, which has been largely converted to Clio Cup technology. The vehicle is maintained, serviced and optimised by Raeder Motorsport. Among other things, a KW Clubsport double, the standard brakes with Endless pads, an empty interior with Wiechers cage and Recaro SPG are installed. With just under 200 hp, the Clio is no rocket on the straights - you have to carry a lot of momentum and drive at speed. But thanks to its kerb weight of around 1150 kilograms, it guarantees late braking manoeuvres, and with the Dunlop Direzza tyres, the fun usually starts from the first turning point.
Descent towards Bilster Berg
Everything lashed down - we're ready to go. 250 kilometres lie ahead of us. Destination: Bad Driburg and the Pistenclub trackday at Bilster Berg. For over three years, my best mate has accompanied me on all trackdays and the associated journeys. From the Heumar motorway junction: the first big traffic jam - you know the drill. After Leverkusen and the exit onto the A1 motorway towards Remscheid, things fortunately calm down. Travelling at 100 km/h, we make good progress and approach our actual destination.
We arrive at the Landhotel Bad Schwallenhof at around 7.30 p.m. with a slight delay. The caravan is safely parked and we quickly check into our room - dinner is urgently needed. The ‘Feldscheune’ restaurant is my first recommendation on this trip: the staff are super-friendly and the food is always a delight.
Trackday in dream weather
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, it's off to the Bilster Berg racetrack at around 8am. The weather is fantastic - sunny, 17 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and, most importantly, no precipitation in sight. We drive the 15 kilometres to the gatehouse in a good mood and pass through the barrier. The view of the mousetrap from outside the track is absolutely stunning.
We have no problem finding a parking space for our car at the pits - right next to an old friend from last year's track day, this time with his son-in-law. It's always nice to see like-minded people again. After a brief registration in the Pistenclub box, the car is prepared: Adjust the air pressure, attach the stickers, fit the transponder.
Briefing and paddock
This is followed by the two-part briefing organised by the Pistenclub. First the general part, which is compulsory for everyone, then the specific part - this is only compulsory for those who have not completed or passed the e-learning. We start in group two and therefore have some time left, which we use for a tour of the paddock. As is so often the case, Porsche dominates again today - the RS, GT3 and GT4 in particular are impressively fast on every track. Other manufacturers usually require significantly more conversion work to achieve a similar level of pace. Nevertheless, it is pleasing to see a very mixed field today - some BMWs, Audis, Golf GTIs, Hyundai i30 N and co. are also represented.
Off to the track
The race starts on time at 10 am. As usual, the vehicle and tyres are warmed up on the first lap, and the pace is increased from lap two onwards. As mentioned at the beginning - the conditions couldn't be better. Ideal temperatures, dry track, no caution periods - the first stint runs absolutely smoothly. The Clio RS performs strongly as usual - the technical part of the track in particular seems to have been made for it.
After a short break and some petrol talk, it's time for the second stint. Anyone who also drives with an empty interior and without air conditioning will be familiar with the fact that the car starts to get warm. Nevertheless, the second stint runs without incident - no yellow flags, no drama. The behaviour on the track is very fair.
I personally think the track club's rules for overtaking are excellent: the overtaking manoeuvre must be completed before the bend - in other words, whoever turns in owns the bend. This usually avoids dicey situations and makes driving more relaxed overall.
Laps together & lunch break
In the last stint before the lunch break, we drive together in a Golf 7 GTI. Naturally superior in terms of performance, but the Clio can keep up well on the technical part of the track thanks to its weight. Driving together on a track day is always a highlight for me - the opportunity to ‘let yourself go’ and enjoy the track with like-minded people.
1 p.m. - Lunch: After an intensive morning and what feels like three sweaty T-shirts, refreshments are urgently needed. Catering is available at the ‘Turn One’ restaurant. Located at the end of the start-finish straight, it offers a great view over the Bilster Berg area from its hilltop location. The food is - as always - first-class: varied, fresh and flavourful. We spend the two-hour lunch break with our group from the morning. Shortly before the start of the afternoon session, the piste club management announces that it is now ‘open pitlane’ - the group division is cancelled. Another highlight for the second part of the day, of course!
Final hours
We start the final sessions on time at 3 pm. The Clio has had time to cool down, the air pressure is adjusted and we refuel again. The next two hours are pure pleasure - but of course also a strain on man and material. Towards the end, the brakes are a bit ‘bitchy’ under ABS. I take a few per cent off to be on the safe side and don't overdo it on the last few laps. We finish the last few minutes relaxed - stress-free and without scratches. Prepare the trailer, load the car, lash everything down - ready for the return journey.
My conclusion:
High praise to everyone involved! No accidents, no unfair behaviour, no interruptions. The organisation by the piste club was excellent and the atmosphere was super relaxed. That's one of the main reasons why I've been a member of Pistenclub trackdays for two years now. Keep up the good work - and many thanks for this great event at Bilster Berg! See you soon!
‘The Green Hell remains unbeaten’
In conversation with Lennart Jungheim - trackday enthusiast, IT entrepreneur and family man.
Lennart, thank you for taking the time! You've already impressed us with your report from Bilster Berg - now we'd like to get to know you a little better. Let's start at the beginning: How old are you and where are you from?
I'm 35 years old and come from the beautiful town of Bad Honnef - right on the Rhine, with short distances to the Eifel. A perfect base if you like travelling on the racetrack.
What else should our readers know about you?
I am the managing director of an IT company, married and the proud father of a son. So professionally, I deal a lot with digital topics - but as soon as the helmet is on my head, a different world begins. Then all that counts is the next braking point. In addition to trackdays, I'm also regularly active in karting. For me, that's the
perfect balance to everyday life.
How long have you been a member of the Pistenclub?
Since 2023 - so still quite new, but already fully convinced!
And how did you find out about the Pistenclub?
The classic way, via Instagram. I came across the content, was immediately curious - and after the first event it was clear to me that everything was just right here.
Do you remember your first event with the Pistenclub?
Sure - that was in spring 2024 at Bilster Berg. A superbly organised event and the perfect start for me. The course is challenging but incredibly fun. And the atmosphere in the paddock? Really relaxed and friendly.
How many track days do you have on the calendar each year?
I try to fit in three to four a year. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to fit more in with my job, family and other commitments - but these days are real highlights in the calendar.
Why did you decide to join the piste club?
The organisation is great, the groups are never overcrowded and the audience is always reasonable. The behaviour on the track is respectful, there are clear rules - that creates safety and a pleasant atmosphere. For me, it's one of the best platforms for trackday drivers.
You've already mentioned Bilster Berg in the report - but what is your absolute favourite track?
There's only one answer for me: the Nordschleife. The track is unique - not only because of its length and level of difficulty, but also because of the surroundings. The Eifel, the history, the atmosphere... it's simply the Green Hell. And it remains a challenge every time. You're never really ‘done’ with it.
What was your first car?
A Mercedes-Benz A-Class - back then it was more pragmatic than sporty. But you have to start somehow!
And what do you drive on the racetrack today?
I currently drive a Renault Clio 3 RS - but only on the racetrack. For me, it's a perfect track tool: manoeuvrable, light, direct. Exactly what I like.
What changes have you made to your Clio?
The vehicle had already been extensively modified by the previous owner - and we then optimised the whole thing further. It currently has a KW Clubsport 2-fold suspension, a Wiechers cage, Recaro SPG bucket seats, six-point seat belts, an OMP steering wheel - and the interior has been completely stripped out. Everything consistently trimmed for lightweight construction. Raeder Motorsport has been looking after the vehicle for three years - I'm absolutely satisfied.
Are you also active in motorsport outside of the track club?
Yes - but only in karting.
What has been your personal motorsport highlight so far?
Definitely the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2023. The atmosphere, the proximity to the teams, the spectacle - it's simply a goosebump experience. Anyone who has experienced it live will understand why this event has cult status.
Is there a motorsport role model that inspires you?
Yes - Ken Miles. Not just because of his driving skills, but above all because of his attitude. His story shows how much passion, precision and character there can be in motorsport.
Lennart, thank you for the interview - and good luck for the next trackdays!
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