Been to the ring a couple of times now - good to just go to watch and have a few beers if you don't fancy going on the track.
Hotel Nordescliffe is the best place to stay - right next to the Adenau bridge and some good places to go at night in Adenau.
Best to avoid the weekends and go when it is quiet and during good weather. Its then as safe as you make it, if you feel yourself pushing a bit too far - its time to stop....
Hope the people in that MINI were OK