Known the world over for the famous race track by its namesake, the town of Nurburg is frequently overlooked.

Indeed, when I embarked upon my journey to the car enthusiast's Mecca, my focus was fixed firmly on the imaginary prize awaiting me at the Nurburgring Nordschleife's finish line, but RSR Nurburg's Lotus Road Rally Tour helped me to discover that, in addition to the 12.9 odd miles of the Green Hell, the town and surrounding area, also offers plenty of green beauty for visitors to enjoy.

RSR Nurburg, located just spitting distance from the Nordschleife entrance and established in 2002, offers car rentals and driver instruction to those visiting the Nurburgring.

While there are many car rental companies throughout the area, RSR's Lotus Road Rally Tour offers an interesting addition to your race filled weekend. This two to three hour guided road tour is a great opportunity for visitors to slip behind the wheel of a Lotus Exige S. Although some may be afraid to drive the Exige S, as the lightweight and race-prepped 240 horsepower mid-engined coupe is a demanding car to drive under race conditions, the 249 euro (approximately $362) Rally Tour affords drivers the chance to spend some time at the helm of this amazing piece of machinery.

On the tour, drivers explore the town of Nurburg and its neighboring communities, while stopping intermittently to overlook difficult sections of the Nordschleife and discuss the ideal lines to take. Strictly enforced speed limits throughout the area prevent drivers from getting too carried away as they gallivant through the lush rolling hills in the area, so visitors must decide for themselves if they want to spend their time and money on a leisurely drive.

For some, renting a vehicle and joining one of the crowded Touristfahren sessions at the 'Ring, which are open to the public, may make more sense. Irregardless of your choice, from the moment you enter the town, you'll be "amongst your own" (petrol-heads) and RSR Nurburg can provide you with the equipment you'll need to make your trip to the Nurburgring Nordschleife a memorable experience.