RAF Marham Events - Comments for future improvements
Discussion
I'm sorry I missed it this time, I've really enjoyed my last 2 trips to Marham and it was only work commitments which meant I couldn't attend.
I'm not sure I'd change anything as far as the 'track' or format was concerned, I don't find stone chips to be any worse than Snetterton for example.
It remains the best value 'track' day in the calendar and as we're supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund too it's hard to beat.
I'm not sure I'd change anything as far as the 'track' or format was concerned, I don't find stone chips to be any worse than Snetterton for example.
It remains the best value 'track' day in the calendar and as we're supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund too it's hard to beat.
B'stard Child said:
chevin said:
Fair point. How about a poll:
I didnt go to Marham because -
1. I didn't have the cash
2. It's too chippy
3. It's too boring
4. The other cars get in my way
Chuckled at No' 4I didnt go to Marham because -
1. I didn't have the cash
2. It's too chippy
3. It's too boring
4. The other cars get in my way
Yup
I think that explains it well enough
Kink on the main straight or not
I shall return
Bill
Having been the one who started it all.....I do love the fact that the essential aspects of it have endured since I left Marham (and its nice enjoying being a participant!) and it continues, being improved in one way or another, each and every time.
Why was attendance down in April and more in September? Aside from a number of coincidences conspiring for our small "classics' contingent last weekend which meant that we missed it, I think the recession is one factor, and the others, particularly for last weekend (I suspect) were just the relatively late date announcement, the earlier than usual date, and it coming hot on the heels of summer hols (finance profile) and the return to school (for those with kids). Not sure if the number of forums being contacted and/or represented has reduced.
My thoughts on the event:
1) A consistently happy, friendly, event with a relaxed "club" atmosphere, where people are responsible for their actions, respect that, and (by and large) self-police - unique in those respects, as it is for the grownup approach of the Station in not allowing it to be strangled into submission by risk-averse factors.
2) The outstanding price for the event and for the refreshments - best value for money event going, and a substantial sum raised for charity thanks to the volunteers giving their time.
3) It has the space and length/width of track that enables novices through to racers alike to mix it safely on the track and not get continually frustrated. And I am sure we have all experienced "where is everybody?" moments at Marham even with 50+ other cars out on the track. All of which make it markedly different (and less stressful) than a standard track day or race circuit.
4) The track layout is always trying to put in enough of everything so that there is something for everyone which, along with the way the event is run, is to try and appeal to many. It is much better now than the early event layouts, where we were restricted to running on the other side of the airfield, which just gave us 3 long straights including the runway with connecting bends and a couple of coned chicanes, and had to run separate car and bike sessions! The thought of doing a "left side" wiggle and vmax up the "right side" on the main runway is attractive in some ways ways, but perhaps fraught in others, such as the possibility of a "wiggler" getting it wrong and spearing into the path of a vmax car, and remember that the wide "shoulders" and peripheral runway lighting mean you can't use the wide margins of the runway. The main straight is a feature you can't avoid using somehow; I think the only time we have done anything different with it was when we only used 2/3 of the length of it (going in the same direction as recent events) with a VERY high speed corner leading up the secondary runway to where the piano keys hairpin is located. Perhaps an alternative would be to reverse the existing track direction (trust me, it is as much fun - I've tried it when setting up...) but add a "spur" by going up and back the secondary runway towards the piano keys hairpin - would add another slow speed entry corner, a hairpin and a fast sweeping exit corner to enter the runway, which at 2/3 of its length is shorter but still long enough; careful cone positioning would minimise any risk of "oncoming traffic". And the double apex corner at the present entry to the runway becomes a double apex on the exit going uphill which means that, if you go in too hot, it's a swift "straight on into the runoff", or or if too slow, it's a slooooow climb... helps understanding of high speed braking points and performance no end! Anyway, just a thought, as it might also be to try circulating anti-clockwise on Saturday and clockwise on Sunday (or indeed reverse the direction between the morning and afternoon sessions on each day).
5) The Station sweeps the track before the event and after, but stone chips are regrettably something of a fact of life because the surface is not road tarmac, but airfield tarmac and concrete; some cars (e.g. TVRs) seem to suffer more than others and if it is an issue for some, then hanging back from the back end of other cars, particularly in the corners reduces the problem, and taping up is always an option. Not ideal, but little else can be done.
6) The entry administration is made pretty easy by the forum co-ords (well done Ian, every time!). The personal/vehicle details required are clear and the forum co-ords have to sort out those who have some difficulty with following the instructions...(bless them), which means that entry is relatively painless - but it's like any other event really, pitch up with 5 minutes to spare and..... In terms of the lead time, other sections at Marham, such as the RAF Police who run any pre-entry checks, are doing this as a fairly chunky additional task, so it has to fit in with what they are willing to bear - one possibility might be to add a premium of, say, £20-30 for a late entry to contribute to the Police christmas party, but one of the other reasons for the lead time and pre-payment was to ensure that the forum co-ords and the organisers were dealing with those who are serious about actually turning up.
7) Expand the advertisement of it further across Pistonheads beyond the East Anglia threads, and if PHers are members of other forums, then encourage others on those forums likewise to have a go.
8) Various factors will sometimes prevent dates being confirmed early, but the earlier they can be the better.
That's probably enough from me for now - thanks as ever to the guys and gals who keep it running and to all those who participate, whether regularly or occasionally - just sorry that I missed the driving and cameraderie last weekend!
MG Mark
Why was attendance down in April and more in September? Aside from a number of coincidences conspiring for our small "classics' contingent last weekend which meant that we missed it, I think the recession is one factor, and the others, particularly for last weekend (I suspect) were just the relatively late date announcement, the earlier than usual date, and it coming hot on the heels of summer hols (finance profile) and the return to school (for those with kids). Not sure if the number of forums being contacted and/or represented has reduced.
My thoughts on the event:
1) A consistently happy, friendly, event with a relaxed "club" atmosphere, where people are responsible for their actions, respect that, and (by and large) self-police - unique in those respects, as it is for the grownup approach of the Station in not allowing it to be strangled into submission by risk-averse factors.
2) The outstanding price for the event and for the refreshments - best value for money event going, and a substantial sum raised for charity thanks to the volunteers giving their time.
3) It has the space and length/width of track that enables novices through to racers alike to mix it safely on the track and not get continually frustrated. And I am sure we have all experienced "where is everybody?" moments at Marham even with 50+ other cars out on the track. All of which make it markedly different (and less stressful) than a standard track day or race circuit.
4) The track layout is always trying to put in enough of everything so that there is something for everyone which, along with the way the event is run, is to try and appeal to many. It is much better now than the early event layouts, where we were restricted to running on the other side of the airfield, which just gave us 3 long straights including the runway with connecting bends and a couple of coned chicanes, and had to run separate car and bike sessions! The thought of doing a "left side" wiggle and vmax up the "right side" on the main runway is attractive in some ways ways, but perhaps fraught in others, such as the possibility of a "wiggler" getting it wrong and spearing into the path of a vmax car, and remember that the wide "shoulders" and peripheral runway lighting mean you can't use the wide margins of the runway. The main straight is a feature you can't avoid using somehow; I think the only time we have done anything different with it was when we only used 2/3 of the length of it (going in the same direction as recent events) with a VERY high speed corner leading up the secondary runway to where the piano keys hairpin is located. Perhaps an alternative would be to reverse the existing track direction (trust me, it is as much fun - I've tried it when setting up...) but add a "spur" by going up and back the secondary runway towards the piano keys hairpin - would add another slow speed entry corner, a hairpin and a fast sweeping exit corner to enter the runway, which at 2/3 of its length is shorter but still long enough; careful cone positioning would minimise any risk of "oncoming traffic". And the double apex corner at the present entry to the runway becomes a double apex on the exit going uphill which means that, if you go in too hot, it's a swift "straight on into the runoff", or or if too slow, it's a slooooow climb... helps understanding of high speed braking points and performance no end! Anyway, just a thought, as it might also be to try circulating anti-clockwise on Saturday and clockwise on Sunday (or indeed reverse the direction between the morning and afternoon sessions on each day).
5) The Station sweeps the track before the event and after, but stone chips are regrettably something of a fact of life because the surface is not road tarmac, but airfield tarmac and concrete; some cars (e.g. TVRs) seem to suffer more than others and if it is an issue for some, then hanging back from the back end of other cars, particularly in the corners reduces the problem, and taping up is always an option. Not ideal, but little else can be done.
6) The entry administration is made pretty easy by the forum co-ords (well done Ian, every time!). The personal/vehicle details required are clear and the forum co-ords have to sort out those who have some difficulty with following the instructions...(bless them), which means that entry is relatively painless - but it's like any other event really, pitch up with 5 minutes to spare and..... In terms of the lead time, other sections at Marham, such as the RAF Police who run any pre-entry checks, are doing this as a fairly chunky additional task, so it has to fit in with what they are willing to bear - one possibility might be to add a premium of, say, £20-30 for a late entry to contribute to the Police christmas party, but one of the other reasons for the lead time and pre-payment was to ensure that the forum co-ords and the organisers were dealing with those who are serious about actually turning up.
7) Expand the advertisement of it further across Pistonheads beyond the East Anglia threads, and if PHers are members of other forums, then encourage others on those forums likewise to have a go.
8) Various factors will sometimes prevent dates being confirmed early, but the earlier they can be the better.
That's probably enough from me for now - thanks as ever to the guys and gals who keep it running and to all those who participate, whether regularly or occasionally - just sorry that I missed the driving and cameraderie last weekend!
MG Mark
Edited by MG Mark on Tuesday 7th September 22:18
Edited by MG Mark on Tuesday 7th September 22:18
Edited by MG Mark on Tuesday 7th September 22:24
I'm glad to see some healthy chat post event 
I'm all for that.
We have been running this event since April 2005 and have been tweeking the format to best suit everyone.
It is an imposible task to please everyone but we address points as quickly as we can.
Some things we have improved;
New Track Layout; from a Triangle with a few chicanes to the current 3 mile course. This was been designed to please as many driving styles and car types as possible. Long straight for big stuff and twisties for the nippy cars.
Most people including me use the straight to cool the brakes and settle the car down before the next set of complexes. The old layout over at 2620 Sqn used to burn a lot of brakes out
Stone chips; In April this year we took delivery of a new type of surface sweeper. That thing is brilliant! (If you're in to that sort of thing) I think that most have noticed a massive improvement. That coupled with a slight change in driving style should prevent damage. On the new surfaces we do get a type of sand generated and this can be thrown up if someone takes a strange line but it doesn't cause damage.
Improved entry; Entry is very simple now. Email your details, send your payment off then turn up with photo ID and you're in. This will not change. We have to remain secure.
Paramedic cover; We pride ourselves with the level of cover we have for this event. A fully crewed Paramedic Ambulance, 1 Ambulance Response Car, 3 Safety Cars, A fully crewed Rescue Fire Truck with cutting gear and the head marshal for Snetterton over seeing it all. You don't get that at many airfield track days for £60!
Drifting; We have banned drifting. It was just not worth it. Too many complaints.
Cheap food; We are the cheapest. I have checked
Tyre fitter on site; nuff said.
I do enjoy this event and long may it continue. It is a lot of hard work and takes months of hoop jumping to get going. So many moons have to align before this event can be held. Every year we have to beg for the airfield and it's getting harder and harder to get the weekends we want so in most cases the weekends you come to play was the only weekend available to us.
Lets break this down to it's componant parts.....
We close the largest operational Tornado station twice a year to hold this event. It simply has to be ready to go on Monday morning so we have to be able to set it up and set it down in 3 days including cleanup. That limits what we can do. We are running very close to the bone with the amount of time we have to spare
When we started we earned about £10,000 a year now we get over that every event.
We have raised over £160,000 for charity to date and clear at least £30,000 every year so we're very pleased
We get the cones for free from Atkins the barriers from Deborah Services for free the medical cover from the NHS for free and all that help are volunteers so we have close to no overheads.
We will be giving as much notice for the next event as we can but pencil it in for mid April (now I'm in trouble!)
I really do believe that the numbers are down due to the economic climate and I'm sure it will pick up very soon.
Hope to see you all here soon when ever you can make it.
George
I'm all for that.We have been running this event since April 2005 and have been tweeking the format to best suit everyone.
It is an imposible task to please everyone but we address points as quickly as we can.
Some things we have improved;
New Track Layout; from a Triangle with a few chicanes to the current 3 mile course. This was been designed to please as many driving styles and car types as possible. Long straight for big stuff and twisties for the nippy cars.
Most people including me use the straight to cool the brakes and settle the car down before the next set of complexes. The old layout over at 2620 Sqn used to burn a lot of brakes out
Stone chips; In April this year we took delivery of a new type of surface sweeper. That thing is brilliant! (If you're in to that sort of thing) I think that most have noticed a massive improvement. That coupled with a slight change in driving style should prevent damage. On the new surfaces we do get a type of sand generated and this can be thrown up if someone takes a strange line but it doesn't cause damage.
Improved entry; Entry is very simple now. Email your details, send your payment off then turn up with photo ID and you're in. This will not change. We have to remain secure.
Paramedic cover; We pride ourselves with the level of cover we have for this event. A fully crewed Paramedic Ambulance, 1 Ambulance Response Car, 3 Safety Cars, A fully crewed Rescue Fire Truck with cutting gear and the head marshal for Snetterton over seeing it all. You don't get that at many airfield track days for £60!
Drifting; We have banned drifting. It was just not worth it. Too many complaints.
Cheap food; We are the cheapest. I have checked
Tyre fitter on site; nuff said.
I do enjoy this event and long may it continue. It is a lot of hard work and takes months of hoop jumping to get going. So many moons have to align before this event can be held. Every year we have to beg for the airfield and it's getting harder and harder to get the weekends we want so in most cases the weekends you come to play was the only weekend available to us.
Lets break this down to it's componant parts.....
We close the largest operational Tornado station twice a year to hold this event. It simply has to be ready to go on Monday morning so we have to be able to set it up and set it down in 3 days including cleanup. That limits what we can do. We are running very close to the bone with the amount of time we have to spare
When we started we earned about £10,000 a year now we get over that every event.
We have raised over £160,000 for charity to date and clear at least £30,000 every year so we're very pleased
We get the cones for free from Atkins the barriers from Deborah Services for free the medical cover from the NHS for free and all that help are volunteers so we have close to no overheads.
We will be giving as much notice for the next event as we can but pencil it in for mid April
(now I'm in trouble!)I really do believe that the numbers are down due to the economic climate and I'm sure it will pick up very soon.
Hope to see you all here soon when ever you can make it.
George
Edited by GeorgeyDee on Thursday 9th September 13:34
Well Georges post sums everything up with clear concise answers (as expected) 
Would still like to see some of the PHEA polishers attending (prehaps a static display could be organised?)
Also, if we can't attend with a car, can we volunteer to marshall as I'll probably have the old girl still in bits next year!
Steve
Would still like to see some of the PHEA polishers attending (prehaps a static display could be organised?)
Also, if we can't attend with a car, can we volunteer to marshall as I'll probably have the old girl still in bits next year!
Steve
Thanks Steve
Any help with marshalling would be greatly received. I'm not sure how we would go with it. Probably send a seperate invite out or ask during the booking process. My concern would be that lots of people would volunteer to marshal just to get in. We have to be very careful that this event doesn't become a spectator event as the insurance costs will go through the roof. If someone paid and brought a car then offered to marshal then that would be the perfect solution for us and our insurers.
As for static displays; We are able to do this but they will still have to book and pay so that this event remains a participant only event. Space is a premium (or used to be) and we need to fill it with paying punters.
I know this sounds a bit money grabbing but our aim for this event is clear. The most money possible for charities with the minimum of disruption to the station.
PS. Steve, No car next time!! She's not broken is she??
Any help with marshalling would be greatly received. I'm not sure how we would go with it. Probably send a seperate invite out or ask during the booking process. My concern would be that lots of people would volunteer to marshal just to get in. We have to be very careful that this event doesn't become a spectator event as the insurance costs will go through the roof. If someone paid and brought a car then offered to marshal then that would be the perfect solution for us and our insurers.
As for static displays; We are able to do this but they will still have to book and pay so that this event remains a participant only event. Space is a premium (or used to be) and we need to fill it with paying punters.
I know this sounds a bit money grabbing but our aim for this event is clear. The most money possible for charities with the minimum of disruption to the station.
PS. Steve, No car next time!! She's not broken is she??
been to three so far
managed to break four cars (took 2 this time ...)
But for me it is brilliant and the best track day and the best value of any I have attended
the latest circuit is better than the last and all of the corners are a challenge
(just about got the measure of some of them ....)
It was quiet ,but as a novice I like this so I can get my lines right without pressure ...
however there is space for lots more
the restriction is that it is ,for me anyway a "best kept secret" with the details appearing in the east anglia section of regional ph'rs ...WTF ?
also we have a strong SAAB community which likes this circuit and our numbers are growing but we are not recognised in our own right
So a bit more openness on were it is promoted would help
managed to break four cars (took 2 this time ...)
But for me it is brilliant and the best track day and the best value of any I have attended
the latest circuit is better than the last and all of the corners are a challenge
(just about got the measure of some of them ....)
It was quiet ,but as a novice I like this so I can get my lines right without pressure ...
however there is space for lots more
the restriction is that it is ,for me anyway a "best kept secret" with the details appearing in the east anglia section of regional ph'rs ...WTF ?
also we have a strong SAAB community which likes this circuit and our numbers are growing but we are not recognised in our own right
So a bit more openness on were it is promoted would help
As a newcomer to Marham, and trackdays in general, GeorgeyDee's post is very encouraging. As I said before I couldn't make the one just gone, but I hugely enjoyed my time at the April one after coming along as a passenger the previous October. I hope to be able to attend as often as time/money permits in the future, and it's great to hear that the current low numbers of attendees shouldn't affect its future.
The relaxed feel and set-up of Marham suits me perfectly, it's unlikely I'd make the effort to do anything similar otherwise.
My passenger in April (the chap with the 1938 Riley) has more experience of such events and he was impressed too. Hopefully I can persuade him to bring something along next April.
The relaxed feel and set-up of Marham suits me perfectly, it's unlikely I'd make the effort to do anything similar otherwise.
My passenger in April (the chap with the 1938 Riley) has more experience of such events and he was impressed too. Hopefully I can persuade him to bring something along next April.
GeorgeyDee said:
Thanks Steve
PS. Steve, No car next time!! She's not broken is she??
Unfortunatly lost 4th gear. so called it a day a bit early. PS. Steve, No car next time!! She's not broken is she??
Was always thinking of getting the old girl smartened up, which will probably take a year due to time/financial constraints......so the gear problems probably came at a good time (and requirement for a wing mirror!
)Steve
ylee coyote said:
the restriction is that it is ,for me anyway a "best kept secret" with the details appearing in the east anglia section of regional ph'rs ...WTF ?
<snip>
So a bit more openness on were it is promoted would help
Hmmm - I've cross posted (in the past) a link to the thread in other regional areas bordering EA but it didn't seem to raise much interest - maybe I should have tried again knowing that the numbers were down<snip>
So a bit more openness on were it is promoted would help
ylee coyote said:
also we have a strong SAAB community which likes this circuit and our numbers are growing but we are not recognised in our own right
I think that can be fixed - you've been part of the PH entry for a long time and I think it's about time that group attended as a recognised groupCheers Keith.
I do enjoy these events and the fact that most of the past organisers come back says a lot.
It's not just the fact that we raise money for the charity but hopefully it demonstrates what we within the RAF can achieve when we put our minds to it.
We have taken all the ideas in and have some changes for next time.
Thanks all for your kind comments and standby to standby.
George
I do enjoy these events and the fact that most of the past organisers come back says a lot.
It's not just the fact that we raise money for the charity but hopefully it demonstrates what we within the RAF can achieve when we put our minds to it.
We have taken all the ideas in and have some changes for next time.
Thanks all for your kind comments and standby to standby.
George
Edited by GeorgeyDee on Friday 10th September 08:31
Can i just add a suggestion?? I don't know how viable it would be but its the case of "if you don't ask....."
I've missed the last 2 for the simple fact they've fallen on the wrong weekend, i get my son every other weekend and they've been a weekend i'm due to have him. To me its not fair for me to farm him off to someone else whilst i go and have fun for the day that i know he would thoroughly enjoy too.
IIRC the minimum age is 16?? Is this an insurance stipulated thing or self imposed? Would it have any bearing if the minimum age was reduced to, say, 13? By this age they're not "kids" but young adults and i know i can speak for my son in saying he is sensible enough to follow spoken instructions of what to do and what not to do. He would LOVE to come along and passenger ride with me as he is a petrol head in the making. Afterall, how are we meant to get them involved if they can't participate in the enjoyment of the atmosphere? My son has been on junior driving days and even taken a Lambo round a track with him in total control of it.
As i say, if its an insurance stipulation on the age then fair enough but in my mind, i wouldn't let my son "wander off" on his own, he'd always be either in the passenger seat on the track or watching from the pits, and to allow him to come along would also generate an extra £10 into the kitty. not alot i know but as they say every little helps. I'm sure i'm not the only one that has this problem of a teenage son/daughter that wants to get involved more, as mine has said to me already "why should i help you build the car if i can't come along too?" So with that in mind if 25 dads were able to bring their sons/daughters, it would generate an extra few hundred quid????
Even if there was some way of introducing a self-policing "rule" that all minors HAD to wear a yellow Hi-viz whilst in the pits so they could be spotted easily by other drivers etc.
Other than that its a great weekend and i look forward to coming back next time when its the "right" weekend.
Lee.
I've missed the last 2 for the simple fact they've fallen on the wrong weekend, i get my son every other weekend and they've been a weekend i'm due to have him. To me its not fair for me to farm him off to someone else whilst i go and have fun for the day that i know he would thoroughly enjoy too.
IIRC the minimum age is 16?? Is this an insurance stipulated thing or self imposed? Would it have any bearing if the minimum age was reduced to, say, 13? By this age they're not "kids" but young adults and i know i can speak for my son in saying he is sensible enough to follow spoken instructions of what to do and what not to do. He would LOVE to come along and passenger ride with me as he is a petrol head in the making. Afterall, how are we meant to get them involved if they can't participate in the enjoyment of the atmosphere? My son has been on junior driving days and even taken a Lambo round a track with him in total control of it.
As i say, if its an insurance stipulation on the age then fair enough but in my mind, i wouldn't let my son "wander off" on his own, he'd always be either in the passenger seat on the track or watching from the pits, and to allow him to come along would also generate an extra £10 into the kitty. not alot i know but as they say every little helps. I'm sure i'm not the only one that has this problem of a teenage son/daughter that wants to get involved more, as mine has said to me already "why should i help you build the car if i can't come along too?" So with that in mind if 25 dads were able to bring their sons/daughters, it would generate an extra few hundred quid????
Even if there was some way of introducing a self-policing "rule" that all minors HAD to wear a yellow Hi-viz whilst in the pits so they could be spotted easily by other drivers etc.
Other than that its a great weekend and i look forward to coming back next time when its the "right" weekend.
Lee.
Shortie123 said:
Can i just add a suggestion?? I don't know how viable it would be but its the case of "if you don't ask....."
I've missed the last 2 for the simple fact they've fallen on the wrong weekend, i get my son every other weekend and they've been a weekend i'm due to have him. To me its not fair for me to farm him off to someone else whilst i go and have fun for the day that i know he would thoroughly enjoy too.
IIRC the minimum age is 16?? Is this an insurance stipulated thing or self imposed? Would it have any bearing if the minimum age was reduced to, say, 13? By this age they're not "kids" but young adults and i know i can speak for my son in saying he is sensible enough to follow spoken instructions of what to do and what not to do. He would LOVE to come along and passenger ride with me as he is a petrol head in the making. Afterall, how are we meant to get them involved if they can't participate in the enjoyment of the atmosphere? My son has been on junior driving days and even taken a Lambo round a track with him in total control of it.
As i say, if its an insurance stipulation on the age then fair enough but in my mind, i wouldn't let my son "wander off" on his own, he'd always be either in the passenger seat on the track or watching from the pits, and to allow him to come along would also generate an extra £10 into the kitty. not alot i know but as they say every little helps. I'm sure i'm not the only one that has this problem of a teenage son/daughter that wants to get involved more, as mine has said to me already "why should i help you build the car if i can't come along too?" So with that in mind if 25 dads were able to bring their sons/daughters, it would generate an extra few hundred quid????
In car age is 16 - however several people who regularily attend bring their sons with them although they are below that age (they just don't go out in the cars) - I went to a French run track day earlier in the year and min age was 14I've missed the last 2 for the simple fact they've fallen on the wrong weekend, i get my son every other weekend and they've been a weekend i'm due to have him. To me its not fair for me to farm him off to someone else whilst i go and have fun for the day that i know he would thoroughly enjoy too.
IIRC the minimum age is 16?? Is this an insurance stipulated thing or self imposed? Would it have any bearing if the minimum age was reduced to, say, 13? By this age they're not "kids" but young adults and i know i can speak for my son in saying he is sensible enough to follow spoken instructions of what to do and what not to do. He would LOVE to come along and passenger ride with me as he is a petrol head in the making. Afterall, how are we meant to get them involved if they can't participate in the enjoyment of the atmosphere? My son has been on junior driving days and even taken a Lambo round a track with him in total control of it.
As i say, if its an insurance stipulation on the age then fair enough but in my mind, i wouldn't let my son "wander off" on his own, he'd always be either in the passenger seat on the track or watching from the pits, and to allow him to come along would also generate an extra £10 into the kitty. not alot i know but as they say every little helps. I'm sure i'm not the only one that has this problem of a teenage son/daughter that wants to get involved more, as mine has said to me already "why should i help you build the car if i can't come along too?" So with that in mind if 25 dads were able to bring their sons/daughters, it would generate an extra few hundred quid????
Shortie123 said:
I guess thats the problem, if i took my son along and said "wait there i'll do a few laps then i'll be back" would be as bad to him as sending him to his grandparents for the day!!
Really 
or
The smell of
- cooked brakes
- hot tyres
- tortured clutch (actually not my favorite)
- petrol
I'm concerned that you really aren't bring him up proper
Stick him on the pit lane barrier with a camera/video and he'll keep us amused for month uploading the outtakes
Edited by B'stard Child on Friday 10th September 18:38
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