Hot hatch fans were agog when Honda->ke34 unveiled the new Civic Type R. With a fresh turbo engine, a segment-leading 167-mph top speed, and the legendary handling prowess of a red H badge, the package is more than a little promising. 

Then earlier this month, a video was released showing the little front-wheeler setting a lap time around the Nurburgring of 7:50, a new world record. Cue jaw dropping.

Now, Honda is inviting Type R owners back to the infamous German track for the chance to witness the ADAC Zurich 24-hour sports car race between May 15th and 17th, featuring, for the first time ever, a round of the FIA WTCC. 

The race will be held on all 15.5-miles of the combined Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit, with Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro of Team Castrol Honda pushing for victory. 

For €175 ($191) per person, Honda is offering a three-day package for the event, which includes a VIP entrance ticket to the race and paddock, camping accommodations in a souvenir tent, all-inclusive food and drink, a “hands-on encounter with the new Civic Type R,” a tour of the garage, and a Q&A with the drivers. A few lucky fans will also get to take a lap of the circuit in their Civic before the race. 

For more information, check out www.typeR-nurburgring.honda-experience.com.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Honda Civic Type R.

Why it matters

Almost 200 bucks might seem like a lot, but for Type R lovers, it should be more than worth it. Honda performance fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and the chance to see high-powered H badges flying around the ‘Ring for 24 hours will almost definitely provide a good deal of drama and excitement.

What’s more, the chance to actually drive on the track is extremely enticing. Don’t expect any sub-eight minute times, but still, the chance to say you’ve done something like that is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

That is unless you live in Germany, of course.

2016 Honda Civic Type R

Officially dropping cover at this year’s Geneva Motor Show,->ke228 the new Civic Type R brings with it all sorts of expectations. Is it cool looking? Check. Is it powerful? Check. Is it fast? That’s a big check.

Sporting Honda’s latest 2.0-liter VTEC turbo powerplant, the Type R makes 306 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. Putting this to the front wheels is a six-speed gearbox (mercifully offered with a third pedal), which makes for a sprint to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The aero is big and functional, perfect for the ‘Ring, while 19-inch alloys wrapped in 235/35ZR19 gumball rubber make max traction.

Read our full review here.