Found myself in the Nederlands for a couple of weeks, so I might as well take in the race! Any suggestions on where to view etc? Lodging is taken care of, but need the beebs input on the track.
We went last year. Our seats were in the stands at the exit of turn 2. The view was actually pretty good. We could see 1-4 or 5, I can't remember which, as well as a big video board. However, this close to the race you may only be able to get GA. I think there may be some GA stands near the entrance to 2. If we had it to do over again we would either get the same seats or something near the final chicane before the straight. The atmosphere was intense, especially when Rossi won. Just be aware that there are very few food vendors which means the lines are long. Also, if you take the train to Assen there is a shuttle from the train station to the track for 5 euros. Even if you have a car it may be best to drive to a train station nearby and take the train/shuttle. Traffic around there was crazy. Also, that area is extremely flat and last year it was abou 50 degrees F and very windy, especially at the top of the stands, so take appropriate clothing. Overall, it was a blast. If you can do it, by all means, go.
Thanks so much for that info. Exactly what I was looking for! We'll be staying about a mile away so we'll be on foot. I was at Mugello last year so I am familiar with the European crowds. Good times. Thanks again.
I've never been there, but if I went, I'd want a view of the final chicane. That's where the action is.
We went for WSBK years ago.....prepare and dress for cold rainy weather. Expect to meet an overabundance of drunk Dutch/British fans.
Netherlands is pure marine weather. It's either going to be cold and rainy (and June/July are the wettest months), or if it's dry it will be hot as feck.
It has been many years (they were running 500 two-strokes then!), but I went there for a double race (Germany and Assen were back to back that year). It was a great venue and a great crowd. Some things I remember... * The "night of Assen" in the town is a bit over-rated but OK. * The toilets at the track were pay toilets (for charity). * You could buy a shrink-wrapped case of beer at the concession stand. When our new Dutch friends went off to get "two" Heineken's, they meant two *cases*. * There were an amazing amount of bikes in the parking lot. And the whole way out of the country the motorways are lined with folks watching the parade of bikes leaving the track. We were in a rental car (unfortunately), but you still felt like you were a participant with the kids waving at you. Pretty surreal/cool. * Agree on the final chicane. we were there and it was great! When we were there it was the old "cathedral" track, but even with the severe cuts to the track, that final section remains the same. * Weather is generally crap on (at least) one day of the event. Be prepared for mud/rain. * It is a relatively small area to house the large crowds, so you are in good shape having accommodations already. I can't imagine getting something reasonably nearby without very advance reservations, but I could be wrong. Like the IOM TT, lots of folks camp.
I went to the WSBK race there in 2009 (race 1 was EPIC)! +1 on the lack of food vendors. The only thing I could find a was cart selling really strange hotdogs. I stood on the second floor of a building over the garages, on the inside of the track. It had a really good view of turns 1-5 and the finish line, but the big screen wasn’t visible from there to watch the rest of the track. So, once they went by, you’d lose them until they came back around. You’ll have a great time there. Take lots of pictures…and share them
All great info guys!!! Thanks so much. I have a lot of friends here that are police/military so we are staying at a military base close by. Looks like they have lined up paddock access and escort in. I have a friend with me that doesn't ride but I had him hooked on the races while in Afghanistan this year. I'll be taking lots of pics for sure!
