Silverstone, the death of British Motorsport
Discussion
Went to the FIA GT Championship round yesterday. Was nice to see that Silverstone remains it's usual hospitable self.
All the pre-event marketing offered advance tickets covering the whole weekend for £20, so you can imagine the feeling I got when I arrived at the circuit 'on the day' to find single raceday tickets were £25 each. I guess they have to spread the cost of "Bernie's bribe" throughout all thier events, but frankly paying more for a single day's racing than an advance weekend pass is taking the piss.
In addition, Silverstone still remains a pretty unwelcoming place for spectators. The place has more fencing and barriers than a German WW2 camp, and a lot of it is totally unnecessary. The endless 20ft catchfencing everywhere also means that there are only two or three spaces between Bridge & Becketts where one has a unobscured view suitable for photography. Leaving the circuit at the end of the day is also a tedious affair even with the modest crowds attending yesterday, with a complete lack of any marshalls at all to direct the traffic out of the car park. I can't begin to imagine what a clusterfark the British GP crowds have to experience.
My final point concerns the programming of the races at the circuit. I'm sure it's nice for the sponsors to have "VIP" sessions inserted throughout the whole day's racing programme to enjoy thier jollies, but frankly waiting 45-60 minutes between each race is a bloody long time if you're not a VIP spectator.
I'm grateful that we get a chance to see a round of the FIA GT championships in the UK, but frankly the race organisation, spectator viewing and facilities (and I mean normal paying spectators, not VIPs, Celebs and Sponsors) need to improve dramatically, and the ripoff on-day ticket pricing are just not good enough and all need to be addressed. Don't even get me started on the £6.50 burgers...
So - pull your bloody socks up Silverstone! If you go to an event at Castle Combe (for example) there's often a packed schedule with races mostly only 15-20 minutes apart, and whilst they don't have to host "big" events like the FIA GT, they also don't have the TV & sponsorship benefits that Silverstone receives, or the corporate hospitality income, or all the rental from the onsite units & businesses.
I travelled a bloody long way to Silverstone yesterday, and most of it except the actual racing was just not good enough.
All the pre-event marketing offered advance tickets covering the whole weekend for £20, so you can imagine the feeling I got when I arrived at the circuit 'on the day' to find single raceday tickets were £25 each. I guess they have to spread the cost of "Bernie's bribe" throughout all thier events, but frankly paying more for a single day's racing than an advance weekend pass is taking the piss.
In addition, Silverstone still remains a pretty unwelcoming place for spectators. The place has more fencing and barriers than a German WW2 camp, and a lot of it is totally unnecessary. The endless 20ft catchfencing everywhere also means that there are only two or three spaces between Bridge & Becketts where one has a unobscured view suitable for photography. Leaving the circuit at the end of the day is also a tedious affair even with the modest crowds attending yesterday, with a complete lack of any marshalls at all to direct the traffic out of the car park. I can't begin to imagine what a clusterfark the British GP crowds have to experience.
My final point concerns the programming of the races at the circuit. I'm sure it's nice for the sponsors to have "VIP" sessions inserted throughout the whole day's racing programme to enjoy thier jollies, but frankly waiting 45-60 minutes between each race is a bloody long time if you're not a VIP spectator.
I'm grateful that we get a chance to see a round of the FIA GT championships in the UK, but frankly the race organisation, spectator viewing and facilities (and I mean normal paying spectators, not VIPs, Celebs and Sponsors) need to improve dramatically, and the ripoff on-day ticket pricing are just not good enough and all need to be addressed. Don't even get me started on the £6.50 burgers...
So - pull your bloody socks up Silverstone! If you go to an event at Castle Combe (for example) there's often a packed schedule with races mostly only 15-20 minutes apart, and whilst they don't have to host "big" events like the FIA GT, they also don't have the TV & sponsorship benefits that Silverstone receives, or the corporate hospitality income, or all the rental from the onsite units & businesses.
I travelled a bloody long way to Silverstone yesterday, and most of it except the actual racing was just not good enough.
corozin said:
Went to the FIA GT Championship round yesterday. Was nice to see that Silverstone remains it's usual hospitable self.
All the pre-event marketing offered advance tickets covering the whole weekend for £20, so you can imagine the feeling I got when I arrived at the circuit 'on the day' to find single raceday tickets were £25 each. I guess they have to spread the cost of "Bernie's bribe" throughout all thier events, but frankly paying more for a single day's racing than an advance weekend pass is taking the piss.
In addition, Silverstone still remains a pretty unwelcoming place for spectators. The place has more fencing and barriers than a German WW2 camp, and a lot of it is totally unnecessary. The endless 20ft catchfencing everywhere also means that there are only two or three spaces between Bridge & Becketts where one has a unobscured view suitable for photography. Leaving the circuit at the end of the day is also a tedious affair even with the modest crowds attending yesterday, with a complete lack of any marshalls at all to direct the traffic out of the car park. I can't begin to imagine what a clusterfark the British GP crowds have to experience.
My final point concerns the programming of the races at the circuit. I'm sure it's nice for the sponsors to have "VIP" sessions inserted throughout the whole day's racing programme to enjoy thier jollies, but frankly waiting 45-60 minutes between each race is a bloody long time if you're not a VIP spectator.
I'm grateful that we get a chance to see a round of the FIA GT championships in the UK, but frankly the race organisation, spectator viewing and facilities (and I mean normal paying spectators, not VIPs, Celebs and Sponsors) need to improve dramatically, and the ripoff on-day ticket pricing are just not good enough and all need to be addressed. Don't even get me started on the £6.50 burgers...
So - pull your bloody socks up Silverstone! If you go to an event at Castle Combe (for example) there's often a packed schedule with races mostly only 15-20 minutes apart, and whilst they don't have to host "big" events like the FIA GT, they also don't have the TV & sponsorship benefits that Silverstone receives, or the corporate hospitality income, or all the rental from the onsite units & businesses.
I travelled a bloody long way to Silverstone yesterday, and most of it except the actual racing was just not good enough.
All the pre-event marketing offered advance tickets covering the whole weekend for £20, so you can imagine the feeling I got when I arrived at the circuit 'on the day' to find single raceday tickets were £25 each. I guess they have to spread the cost of "Bernie's bribe" throughout all thier events, but frankly paying more for a single day's racing than an advance weekend pass is taking the piss.
In addition, Silverstone still remains a pretty unwelcoming place for spectators. The place has more fencing and barriers than a German WW2 camp, and a lot of it is totally unnecessary. The endless 20ft catchfencing everywhere also means that there are only two or three spaces between Bridge & Becketts where one has a unobscured view suitable for photography. Leaving the circuit at the end of the day is also a tedious affair even with the modest crowds attending yesterday, with a complete lack of any marshalls at all to direct the traffic out of the car park. I can't begin to imagine what a clusterfark the British GP crowds have to experience.
My final point concerns the programming of the races at the circuit. I'm sure it's nice for the sponsors to have "VIP" sessions inserted throughout the whole day's racing programme to enjoy thier jollies, but frankly waiting 45-60 minutes between each race is a bloody long time if you're not a VIP spectator.
I'm grateful that we get a chance to see a round of the FIA GT championships in the UK, but frankly the race organisation, spectator viewing and facilities (and I mean normal paying spectators, not VIPs, Celebs and Sponsors) need to improve dramatically, and the ripoff on-day ticket pricing are just not good enough and all need to be addressed. Don't even get me started on the £6.50 burgers...
So - pull your bloody socks up Silverstone! If you go to an event at Castle Combe (for example) there's often a packed schedule with races mostly only 15-20 minutes apart, and whilst they don't have to host "big" events like the FIA GT, they also don't have the TV & sponsorship benefits that Silverstone receives, or the corporate hospitality income, or all the rental from the onsite units & businesses.
I travelled a bloody long way to Silverstone yesterday, and most of it except the actual racing was just not good enough.
1) Ticket prices for on the day or always higher in advance, just like everywhere else (football games anywhere)
2) Silverstone hosts the GP, hence the fences etc. Its a fact of life at most modern tracks, especially those that host f1. If you want a good view stand on the banking round the maggots/becketts complex or use the grandstand at abbey.
3) FIA GT isn't some small event like you get at Coombe - its an international event which requires a lot of money (hence the sponsors) and conforming to FIA regs with safety (track checks etc and prepping the cars). That said i do like small club events, especially at places like Cadwell where you can get within ~3m of the track behind a ~3m high fence.
4) £6.50 burgers. Its a big international event and you are a captive market. Best to take your own sandwiches.
5) Traffic has always been a nightmare at silverstone, but its a lot better than it was.
I never had any traffic problems...
Yes, modern racing has to have all this safety, otherwise we would see more spectators and marshal’s being killed!
Well I don't know what it like for a spectator, but for a driver it is a hectic weekend. There is not enough time for us between races in fact, I really struggled to get everything done in the time we had, from press conferences to autograph sessions around the track. FIA GT being compressed into 2 days is not good, it is too much to do in such little time.
Well if you knew the price of advance tickets, why did you not buy it in advance... Of course there going to charge more on the day, because no one is going to turn round and go all the way home are they.
Food at tracks is always very expensive, but at major events it is even worse.
www.seanedwards.eu
Yes, modern racing has to have all this safety, otherwise we would see more spectators and marshal’s being killed!
Well I don't know what it like for a spectator, but for a driver it is a hectic weekend. There is not enough time for us between races in fact, I really struggled to get everything done in the time we had, from press conferences to autograph sessions around the track. FIA GT being compressed into 2 days is not good, it is too much to do in such little time.
Well if you knew the price of advance tickets, why did you not buy it in advance... Of course there going to charge more on the day, because no one is going to turn round and go all the way home are they.
Food at tracks is always very expensive, but at major events it is even worse.
www.seanedwards.eu
It seems to be standard fare on here to knock Silverstone at any given opportunity. Considering that we were watching the creme de la creme of GT racing, £25 on the gate was quite reasonable. You'd pay that for a BTCC meeting which is only a national British championship event and I'm sure you'd have to pay a hell of a lot more than that for a Premiership or European soccer match, which lasts for all of 90 minutes. As has been mentioned before though, unless you were unsure of your plans until a day or so before, why not buy your tickets in advance? Even if you weren't planning on going for the whole weekend, it would still have been cheaper.
God knows where you managed to find a burger for £6.50! Are you sure it wasn't Harry Enfield's 'Saw You Coming' character? The one I had on Saturday in the paddock was £3.00, which would've been the same price at a club meeting actually.
As for the fences issue; Silverstone's had them up all the way round since the very late 80s / early 90s after the post-race track invasions after Nigel Mansell's GP wins. I can only assume you've not been there for 20 years or so. All the photos I took here were taken from public areas (the grandstand at Abbey and the hardstanding area outside of Priory) so I guess it's a case of knowing where to go.
I thought the paddock area was very open and inviting (I didn't have any special passes, BTW) and didn't come across that many, if any, locked gates either. All in all, for a large FIA event, I found Silverstone very hospitable. And there were marshals in the car parks whilst arriving and leaving at the end of the day.
Maybe you were just unlucky?
God knows where you managed to find a burger for £6.50! Are you sure it wasn't Harry Enfield's 'Saw You Coming' character? The one I had on Saturday in the paddock was £3.00, which would've been the same price at a club meeting actually.
As for the fences issue; Silverstone's had them up all the way round since the very late 80s / early 90s after the post-race track invasions after Nigel Mansell's GP wins. I can only assume you've not been there for 20 years or so. All the photos I took here were taken from public areas (the grandstand at Abbey and the hardstanding area outside of Priory) so I guess it's a case of knowing where to go.
I thought the paddock area was very open and inviting (I didn't have any special passes, BTW) and didn't come across that many, if any, locked gates either. All in all, for a large FIA event, I found Silverstone very hospitable. And there were marshals in the car parks whilst arriving and leaving at the end of the day.
Maybe you were just unlucky?
Actually I didn't think that £25 itself was so expensive for the racing concerned, but I am clearly quite annoyed that Silverstone offered it at such a lower price for a full weekend pass, only to crank up the price on the day. That is a sharp practice however you look at it, and the fact that it also happens in Football doesn't make it right. In fact if I was to buy a ticket for cinema, theatre, or in many other motorsport venues I go to this practice doesn't occur.
Why didn't I buy the ticket in advance? Well As I said I travelled to the event from Bournemouth, which isn't exactly around the corner. Earlier in the week the weather forecast wasn't so great, and I made my final decision to attend on Saturday. I don't expect that I was the only person to do that.
As I've said the actual racing itself was great quality, despite what I've said about the long delays between races.
It just seems to me that Silverstone (and for that matter Brands Hatch) need to work on this aspect and just get some more racing onto the programme for the paying spectators to watch. Waiting 45-60 minutes between races probably doesn't seem like a long time if you're a driver or a guest, but if you're in the stands it's a long time.
I want Silverstone to improve, but the combination of things I've described means I'll probably spend my money at events where the spectators are more of a priority than seems to be the case at Silverstone.
Photos : http://eventpictures.fotopic.net/c127
(I did get some good photos, I just wished there were a few more good viewpoints!)
Why didn't I buy the ticket in advance? Well As I said I travelled to the event from Bournemouth, which isn't exactly around the corner. Earlier in the week the weather forecast wasn't so great, and I made my final decision to attend on Saturday. I don't expect that I was the only person to do that.
As I've said the actual racing itself was great quality, despite what I've said about the long delays between races.
It just seems to me that Silverstone (and for that matter Brands Hatch) need to work on this aspect and just get some more racing onto the programme for the paying spectators to watch. Waiting 45-60 minutes between races probably doesn't seem like a long time if you're a driver or a guest, but if you're in the stands it's a long time.
I want Silverstone to improve, but the combination of things I've described means I'll probably spend my money at events where the spectators are more of a priority than seems to be the case at Silverstone.
Photos : http://eventpictures.fotopic.net/c127
(I did get some good photos, I just wished there were a few more good viewpoints!)
Edited by corozin on Monday 7th May 18:52
corozin said:
Actually I didn't think that £25 itself was so expensive for the racing concerned, but I am clearly quite annoyed that Silverstone offered it at such a lower price for a full weekend pass, only to crank up the price on the day. That is a sharp practice however you look at it, and the fact that it also happens in Football doesn't make it right. In fact if I was to buy a ticket for cinema, theatre, or in many other motorsport venues I go to this practice doesn't occur.
Why didn't I buy the ticket in advance? Well As I said I travelled to the event from Bournemouth, which isn't exactly around the corner. Earlier in the week the weather forecast wasn't so great, and I made my final decision to attend on Saturday. I don't expect that I was the only person to do that.
As I've said the actual racing itself was great quality, despite what I've said about the long delays between races.
It just seems to me that Silverstone (and for that matter Brands Hatch) need to work on this aspect and just get some more racing onto the programme for the paying spectators to watch. Waiting 45-60 minutes between races probably doesn't seem like a long time if you're a driver or a guest, but if you're in the stands it's a long time.
I want Silverstone to improve, but the combination of things I've described means I'll probably spend my money at events where the spectators are more of a priority than seems to be the case at Silverstone.
Photos : http://eventpictures.fotopic.net/c127
(I did get some good photos, I just wished there were a few more good viewpoints!)
To describe the ticket price structure as sharp practice seems a bit rich - they have to lay on the event no matter what the weather, hence the reason why they encourage people to book in advance to reduce their risk of massive losses if the weather turns to crap. Booking in advance means you get rewarded with advantageous pricing. The pricing structure was clear for all to see on their website before the event so they did not "crank it up" overnight. Why didn't I buy the ticket in advance? Well As I said I travelled to the event from Bournemouth, which isn't exactly around the corner. Earlier in the week the weather forecast wasn't so great, and I made my final decision to attend on Saturday. I don't expect that I was the only person to do that.
As I've said the actual racing itself was great quality, despite what I've said about the long delays between races.
It just seems to me that Silverstone (and for that matter Brands Hatch) need to work on this aspect and just get some more racing onto the programme for the paying spectators to watch. Waiting 45-60 minutes between races probably doesn't seem like a long time if you're a driver or a guest, but if you're in the stands it's a long time.
I want Silverstone to improve, but the combination of things I've described means I'll probably spend my money at events where the spectators are more of a priority than seems to be the case at Silverstone.
Photos : http://eventpictures.fotopic.net/c127
(I did get some good photos, I just wished there were a few more good viewpoints!)
Edited by corozin on Monday 7th May 18:52
Me, well I booked in advance and got a weekends worth of racing at £20. If I had decided at the last minute to turn up and chance it then I would have expected to pay more.
Silverstone do have a lot of areas to improve upon but i personally felt they got this weekend about right.
And no, i don't work for them or have any connection to them!
P
I bought a £20 ticket in advance which covered me for all weekend and silverstone also offered car club parking at no extra cost.
Having recently been to the ALMS racing at both Sebring and St. Petersburg where the GT1 class consisted of two cars it was refreshing to see a field of 30 cars entered for the GT and another thirty odd for the GT3 racing.
If you went into the Silverstone Restaurant located behind the pits you could have a full English for less than £6 or a choice of passable lunch meals for about the same price or baguettes etc.
I agree about the fencing it is a pain.....but I managed to wangle a press pass so got track side to take pics so if you want any let me know
In my experience the nicest most helpful circuit is Donnington.
(I did take pictures of cars other than the vettes but haven't uploaded them anywhere but if anyone wants any let me know and I will either post them here of will email them to you if you have any specific requirements and I can help)
Having recently been to the ALMS racing at both Sebring and St. Petersburg where the GT1 class consisted of two cars it was refreshing to see a field of 30 cars entered for the GT and another thirty odd for the GT3 racing.
If you went into the Silverstone Restaurant located behind the pits you could have a full English for less than £6 or a choice of passable lunch meals for about the same price or baguettes etc.
I agree about the fencing it is a pain.....but I managed to wangle a press pass so got track side to take pics so if you want any let me know
In my experience the nicest most helpful circuit is Donnington.
(I did take pictures of cars other than the vettes but haven't uploaded them anywhere but if anyone wants any let me know and I will either post them here of will email them to you if you have any specific requirements and I can help)
Edited by vetteheadracer on Monday 7th May 19:59
Sim89 said:
The prices did not affect me as i marshaled the event, we drove all the way down from near Manchester and i will be honest and say that i found the racing not at all up to scratch.
Shame really
Sim
Shame really
Sim
To be honest I agree about the racing - very pooor grid for the GT's and why was the race only 2 hours???? Could have sworn the last time I went down it was 3 hours (and 4 before that!!).
Dug out a tape from 98 I think last night - Mclarens, Merc's, Viper's and a shed load of others - 40 car grid!!! and 4 hours of racing.
Thought the GT3 racing was the best of the weekend!.
And also didn't seem to be too many support races either.
Chris
Well, I had a great time, the viewing was fantastic all around the circuit, commentary very good, live timing screens, good food, fantastic menu, unlimited alcohol and all free.
I watched it at home on Men and Motors with the timing via the internet. That gave me the option of also watching parts of the ELMS (felt totally gutted for Shorty)and the WTCC. Almost a perfect day.
I watched it at home on Men and Motors with the timing via the internet. That gave me the option of also watching parts of the ELMS (felt totally gutted for Shorty)and the WTCC. Almost a perfect day.
woody said:
To be honest I agree about the racing - very pooor grid for the GT's and why was the race only 2 hours???? Could have sworn the last time I went down it was 3 hours (and 4 before that!!).
Dug out a tape from 98 I think last night - Mclarens, Merc's, Viper's and a shed load of others - 40 car grid!!! and 4 hours of racing.
Thought the GT3 racing was the best of the weekend!.
And also didn't seem to be too many support races either.
Chris
I took Sim and too marshalled the event, the race being only two hours IIRC is due to T.V. audience concentration as a result of studies carried out in the U.S.FFS! Now if you want real racing then watch the LMS in September! 4 classes all trying to overtake and being overtaken over 6hrs or 1000km! THAT'S racing, not the same old procession of F1. GT's are worth the money (£25 for 4hrs 25mins of racing, come on its better than £90 for the bloody F1)and I also enjoyed much of the event (although I admit to falling asleep on my feet during the Sunday GT3 race!
) GT4 has alot of mileage if promoted correctly and the GT3's are usually spectacular especially the Ford GT! Awesome noise! Looking forward to diong the LMS in September. C u there? I agree that silverstone can seem a little unfriendly sometimes compared to the smaller tracks, oulton, donnington etc but the fact that you can still wander around the paddock and the rear of the pits is great. I went to Le mans in 2005 and really disappoint with how little access seemed to be granted, so although silverstone could improve it could defo be alot worse. One of my highlights of the weekend was when all the races had ended on sunday evening i managed to walk down the track side of the pit lane and have a good look at the red porsche 911 GT1 sat there, just a shame it didnt race.
Now isnt that strange because my local track in my town of Derby is Donnington. And thats not very child friendly or hospitable as a whole. Also i find at times a bloody pain in the backside. Also there are not many great places to watch the races. Either the main stand that is opposite the pits or the grass bank by the Spitfire plane, in which there is no seating only grass.
But this saturday gone was my very first time and i took my son. There were way way more better viewing spots and there was a sh*t load of seats all around the track. Most if not all the Silverstone track can be seen in comfort. Were as the Donny track has large sections of the track at the top that cant be seen.
Also worth commenting on is the toilet facilities at Silverstone, boy they shame Donnys.
All in all i gave Silverstone 10/10 for my first visit. Its not up to Parr with most European tracks but thats what i found.
But this saturday gone was my very first time and i took my son. There were way way more better viewing spots and there was a sh*t load of seats all around the track. Most if not all the Silverstone track can be seen in comfort. Were as the Donny track has large sections of the track at the top that cant be seen.
Also worth commenting on is the toilet facilities at Silverstone, boy they shame Donnys.
All in all i gave Silverstone 10/10 for my first visit. Its not up to Parr with most European tracks but thats what i found.
Edited by ferrarispider on Tuesday 8th May 17:11
I have to say I enjoyed Sunday. Even at £25 I thought it was good VFM for a major international competition...and the advance/day difference is quite standard so the OP should stop whinging. And the cars sounded 
If he's worried about Silverstone traffic he should try Rockingham or Castle Combe after a major event...both are a nightmare, while I've always found S'stone very well organised, and not in need of marshals (who IMHO tend to f'k things up!).
As for the minor stuff:-
Catering...yeah, a little disappointing there wasn't much choice, but it's the same everywhere else, be it BTCC or a music festival. Actually - music festivals now tend to be a lot better, so I'd gripe about lack of catering choice, rather than price.
Fencing...I don't like it either, but if it's an F1 requirement then FFS lets keep F1 at S'stone only so Brands and Donny can stay fence-free. But I still found some good photo opps at Abbey, Bridge, and Club, so not impossible.
If he's worried about Silverstone traffic he should try Rockingham or Castle Combe after a major event...both are a nightmare, while I've always found S'stone very well organised, and not in need of marshals (who IMHO tend to f'k things up!).
As for the minor stuff:-
Catering...yeah, a little disappointing there wasn't much choice, but it's the same everywhere else, be it BTCC or a music festival. Actually - music festivals now tend to be a lot better, so I'd gripe about lack of catering choice, rather than price.
Fencing...I don't like it either, but if it's an F1 requirement then FFS lets keep F1 at S'stone only so Brands and Donny can stay fence-free. But I still found some good photo opps at Abbey, Bridge, and Club, so not impossible.
Don't forget, Brands has Champcar spec fences now. I may be wrong, but aren't these bigger than F1 fences.
If you want to see racing without fences in the way, then sit in the grandstand at Rockingham!!! 55,000 seats that can see just about the whole circuit.
However, I concur with the issues of catering at Silverstone. They have some great facilities there, yet half of them are closed unless it's those three days in June/July/April(whenever Bernie wants it). Think yourself lucky as most of them are shut for clubbie events, locked down and bolted.
It's often not the circuit, but the event promotor that handles the issue of what is where, and whether it's open. Who was the promotor of this event? Who ever it is, the sad fact is that to many motorsport organisers these days, FIA included, spectators are nothing but a pain in the arse. All they ever do is "want". What they forget is that without spectators, media, sponsors, motorsport will not exist.
There are only a handful of motorsport organisers who appreciate that the customer is king. NASCAR is one - it relies on the spectator for merchandising the whole thing.
In the UK, probably on the SCSA & the Pickups do the whole "spectator" thing. Families are important, as the kids are the future of motorsport, not a bloody hinderance that circuits and organisers should do their utmost to exclude.
Motor racing is all about haves and have-nots, and there are plenty of wasters (both of money and time) in the pitlane, on both sides of the fence, sponsors and competitors alike. However, they like to be full of their own self-importance and don't want the great unwashed anywhere near "their" car, yet they expect you to grip the fence and smile like you're enjoying it.
It should be about entertaning the crowd too. That goes for the organisers too.
I'm sure the time delays in the events are also related to television schedules.
Here endeth the rant.
Rob.
If you want to see racing without fences in the way, then sit in the grandstand at Rockingham!!! 55,000 seats that can see just about the whole circuit.
However, I concur with the issues of catering at Silverstone. They have some great facilities there, yet half of them are closed unless it's those three days in June/July/April(whenever Bernie wants it). Think yourself lucky as most of them are shut for clubbie events, locked down and bolted.
It's often not the circuit, but the event promotor that handles the issue of what is where, and whether it's open. Who was the promotor of this event? Who ever it is, the sad fact is that to many motorsport organisers these days, FIA included, spectators are nothing but a pain in the arse. All they ever do is "want". What they forget is that without spectators, media, sponsors, motorsport will not exist.
There are only a handful of motorsport organisers who appreciate that the customer is king. NASCAR is one - it relies on the spectator for merchandising the whole thing.
In the UK, probably on the SCSA & the Pickups do the whole "spectator" thing. Families are important, as the kids are the future of motorsport, not a bloody hinderance that circuits and organisers should do their utmost to exclude.
Motor racing is all about haves and have-nots, and there are plenty of wasters (both of money and time) in the pitlane, on both sides of the fence, sponsors and competitors alike. However, they like to be full of their own self-importance and don't want the great unwashed anywhere near "their" car, yet they expect you to grip the fence and smile like you're enjoying it.
It should be about entertaning the crowd too. That goes for the organisers too.
I'm sure the time delays in the events are also related to television schedules.
Here endeth the rant.
Rob.
thunderbelmont said:
It's often not the circuit, but the event promotor that handles the issue of what is where, and whether it's open. Who was the promotor of this event? Who ever it is, the sad fact is that to many motorsport organisers these days, FIA included, spectators are nothing but a pain in the arse. All they ever do is "want". What they forget is that without spectators, media, sponsors, motorsport will not exist.
There are only a handful of motorsport organisers who appreciate that the customer is king. NASCAR is one - it relies on the spectator for merchandising the whole thing.
In the UK, probably on the SCSA & the Pickups do the whole "spectator" thing. Families are important, as the kids are the future of motorsport, not a bloody hinderance that circuits and organisers should do their utmost to exclude.
Rob.
This is very true indeed.
I will always go out of my way to make spectators feel more involved in motorsport and have as much fun as possible, as without them it does not exist! I even stayed signing autographs until 20 min beofre I had to get in the car, which did make my race preparations fast and furious, but it made some people happy...
I think the money is well worth it for this sort of event anyway and with such an open atmosphere to fans. The racing was very good as well
Compared to BTCC or BSB, FIA GTs was great value for money regardless if you payed 20 or 25 quid.
Last weekend was probably one of the best meetings I've ever attended.
The racing in all championships ranged from good to excellent, though admittedly I was in the paddock area for nearly half of Sunday. It's brilliant because its open to the general punters. You're unbelievably close to the cars in parc ferme.
I got Mansell to sign his autobiography for me, managed to bump into Anthony Reid and had a quick chat whilst I was gawping at the Jag XKR. Last year I saw Karl Wendlinger chatting to his engineer and he was quite happy to sign autographs.
Big disappointments for the weekend were:
1. Pit-walkabout was for pass holders/VIPS. Loads of disappointed people got turned away.
2. Non-appearance of the XKRs in the GT3 races, though credit to Apex for doing demo laps and allowing the punters get real close to the actual car.
3. Poor grid for GT90s revival. I know there were problems but its a shame we didn't see the McLaren F1s and 9ll GT1.
Personally can't wait for Silverstone 1000
Last weekend was probably one of the best meetings I've ever attended.
The racing in all championships ranged from good to excellent, though admittedly I was in the paddock area for nearly half of Sunday. It's brilliant because its open to the general punters. You're unbelievably close to the cars in parc ferme.
I got Mansell to sign his autobiography for me, managed to bump into Anthony Reid and had a quick chat whilst I was gawping at the Jag XKR. Last year I saw Karl Wendlinger chatting to his engineer and he was quite happy to sign autographs.
Big disappointments for the weekend were:
1. Pit-walkabout was for pass holders/VIPS. Loads of disappointed people got turned away.
2. Non-appearance of the XKRs in the GT3 races, though credit to Apex for doing demo laps and allowing the punters get real close to the actual car.
3. Poor grid for GT90s revival. I know there were problems but its a shame we didn't see the McLaren F1s and 9ll GT1.
Personally can't wait for Silverstone 1000
c9/89 said:
woody said:
To be honest I agree about the racing - very pooor grid for the GT's and why was the race only 2 hours???? Could have sworn the last time I went down it was 3 hours (and 4 before that!!).
Dug out a tape from 98 I think last night - Mclarens, Merc's, Viper's and a shed load of others - 40 car grid!!! and 4 hours of racing.
Thought the GT3 racing was the best of the weekend!.
And also didn't seem to be too many support races either.
Chris
I took Sim and too marshalled the event, the race being only two hours IIRC is due to T.V. audience concentration as a result of studies carried out in the U.S.FFS! Now if you want real racing then watch the LMS in September! 4 classes all trying to overtake and being overtaken over 6hrs or 1000km! THAT'S racing, not the same old procession of F1. GT's are worth the money (£25 for 4hrs 25mins of racing, come on its better than £90 for the bloody F1)and I also enjoyed much of the event (although I admit to falling asleep on my feet during the Sunday GT3 race!
) GT4 has alot of mileage if promoted correctly and the GT3's are usually spectacular especially the Ford GT! Awesome noise! Looking forward to diong the LMS in September. C u there? LMES is usually a very good weekend - been for the last 3 years, unfortunatley can't got this year as I've (stupidly) entered a marathon on the sunday!!! And as I'm not going to Le Mans (again....) this year would have been my only chance to see these cars race
Anyway - lets hope the organisers see sense next year and re-instate the pit walk and a few other 'spectator' perks!!
Chris
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