Silverstone Festival (Classic) August 2023

[ncjones]

We really enjoyed the day yesterday (Saturday). One day plenty of time and we spent quite a good hour or so on the fun fair rides.

Easy to get in out and good mix of cars racing. Not one I’d go to every year but would happily go back. Agree about the comment above about infield parking, think they need to tighten up on type and standard of cars allowed in. Maybe like the ‘Happy Few’ list used for the Spa Classic and similar?

[stevemcs]

For anyone not going but want to watch, it’s currently on YouTube

[Oneball]

AllezWasps said:

I also found that the easy access to the cars in some of the garages (particularly in the International Paddock) wasn’t as easy as previous years with barriers up in many stating no access to the public.

We were racing and quite miffed about the barriers and signs that the organisers (not the teams) had put up saying no access to the garages. We turned ours around so you couldn’t see the sign and invited anyone in who we noticed standing at the barrier. The Formula Junior guys a couple of doors down just put all their cars outside.

[AllezWasps]

Oneball said:

AllezWasps said:

I also found that the easy access to the cars in some of the garages (particularly in the International Paddock) wasn’t as easy as previous years with barriers up in many stating no access to the public.

We were racing and quite miffed about the barriers and signs that the organisers (not the teams) had put up saying no access to the garages. We turned ours around so you couldn’t see the sign and invited anyone in who we noticed standing at the barrier. The Formula Junior guys a couple of doors down just put all their cars outside.

That’s interesting to know- thank you for sharing. I can’t ever recall there being no access before? Maybe the organisers were expecting a different type of crowd this year being as it’s being sold as a Festival and not a ‘classic’ event- in other words people who might be less respectful of the cars and the work going on around them to prep them for the races- who knows.

[Oneball]

AllezWasps said:

That’s interesting to know- thank you for sharing. I can’t ever recall there being no access before? Maybe the organisers were expecting a different type of crowd this year being as it’s being sold as a Festival and not a ‘classic’ event- in other words people who might be less respectful of the cars and the work going on around them to prep them for the races- who knows.

I don’t remember any event in 20 odd years of historic motorsport where signs and barriers like that have been put up. If you want people interested in racing it’s just counterproductive.

Everyone I met was super respectful and really gratefully to be asked in, even it it meant them being bored to death by me talking!

You don’t see a 935 out of your windscreen very often!

[havoc]

AllezWasps said:

I have to say, as a classic car enthusiast, after numerous years of attending I shan’t be going anymore. I’ve felt the classic car ‘theme’ has been watered down more and more every year and the fact it’s now a ‘festival’ as opposed to the ‘classic’ reinforces that IMHO. In terms of the infield car club parking there were fewer genuine classics than I’ve ever seen before and far more modern cars including a ridiculous number of what I would call daily drivers parked infield no doubt as a result of people taking advantage of their club membership.
More and more space is also being given over to ‘other entertainment’ inside the venue and I also found that the easy access to the cars in some of the garages (particularly in the International Paddock) wasn’t as easy as previous years with barriers up in many stating no access to the public.
Additionally there was also a modern Ferrari/ Lamborghini race at lunchtime which lasted about an hour which would not have happened a few years ago.
When you add to that it was £3.90 for a bottle of Fanta and the racetrack views are pretty dire around much of the circuit it’s just not for me anymore.
I appreciate others will have different views but it’s just not what it was- it’s aligning itself more towards a ‘car fest’/ festival of speed these days.
Hope that those who go today do enjoy it and that you have a better day with the weather!

Agree with a lot of that:-
- The VOLVO car club?!? Really? Joe Bloggs Corner car club? Definitely time for a definitive list, or at least some clear rules
- "Festival" is really getting on my tits - there are too many family-friendly things to do out there already and not enough petrolhead-focused things. But as always Silverstone are chasing the money (except see footnote). The modern funfair was definitely a step too far - the classic one (wheel/helter-skelter, etc.) was a decent nod to entertaining kids and was in-theme. This neon eyesore certainly wasn't.
- Layout was a bloody mess - the best food stands (well, probably) were out of the way by Luffield where there was little reason to go (esp. as only the Luffield steps were open).
- The modern GT race would have been OK if they'd put an age cap on it (at least 10 years, pref. 15 / 20). But seeing Blancpain-spec Lambos walking off wasn't in-keeping either.
- Views are definitely getting worse - they've put additional fencing up too to make sure us amateur photographers can't get some of the good shots we used to.

wilbo83 said:

havoc said:

Really enjoyed the NASCAR display...interesting how much detail actually in them, and some of the cheats/rule-bending that went on there.

What time and where did they come out? As per the timetable, I was expecting them to be on track after the historic touring cars and they didn't appear and it went straight into car clubs. I didn't have a radio so couldn't hear any announcements about amends to the schedule.

They didn't yesterday. Came out at 6pm today, but it was a bit lacklustre - only a few of them giving their cars any beans at all.

Oneball said:

We were racing and quite miffed about the barriers and signs that the organisers (not the teams) had put up saying no access to the garages. We turned ours around so you couldn’t see the sign and invited anyone in who we noticed standing at the barrier. The Formula Junior guys a couple of doors down just put all their cars outside.

Yours wasn't the blue LMP with the PH smiley on the wing end-fence, was it?

I was really miffed about those fences. That has always been one of the big draws for me - the unfettered access. And whilst I've not been everywhere, I've never seen anyone taking the piss or being dangerous. I'll definitely be writing to Silverstone about that when they ask for feedback...not that they'll care.

Related to that...did anyone else notice "Ken Tyrrell" was driving a Tyrrell 011 (and doing a rather good job - qualified pole, 2nd in 1st race, climbed to 3rd in 2nd race)? Really gentlemanly American guy who'd worked as an almost-kid for the team through a friend of his dad...my son and I were meandering round the cars, taking photos and talking about them and he, unprompted, asked if Josh wanted to sit in his car!




Footnote: Anyone else feel this year was quieter than ever, even last year? I think the date-change has messed things up for them...clashing with CarFest, Leeds/Reading and arguably family summer holidays...

[Oneball]

I was at the back in a Corvette. I noticed the Ken Tyrell thing too. Heard it over the Tanoy and had to go look in the programme.

We didn’t really know what to do about the barriers and access, the Ms actually got told off by race staff at one point presumably because she didn’t look like a team member even though she had a wristband on.

Friday seemed busier than Saturday to me but it did seem quiet. Last week we were racing at Oulton Park for the US Autoshow. I’d describe it as a grand club meet. This is how you do it. Open access to all and a free grid walk, that’s a random youngster climbing in the Nascar.




The organisers gave out free posters and pens to everyone doing the grid walk so they could get driver’s autographs. As a club driver who no one’s heard of and who’s never really won anything I thought it was cheesy beforehand but it wasn’t, it was really inspired. All the children were really in to it and wanted to collect everyone so even after the race they were coming into the paddock to “collect” you, that’s family friendly

Edited by Oneball on Monday 28th August 07:54

[Voodoo Blue]

havoc said:

thumbup:

Related to that...did anyone else notice "Ken Tyrrell" was driving a Tyrrell 011 (and doing a rather good job - qualified pole, 2nd in 1st race, climbed to 3rd in 2nd race)? Really gentlemanly American guy who'd worked as an almost-kid for the team through a friend of his dad...my son and I were meandering round the cars, taking photos and talking about them and he, unprompted, asked if Josh wanted to sit in his car!

I met Ken and his wife last year and his back story to how he ended up getting his Tyrrell are what dreams are made of. A thoroughly decent man, full of enthusiasm. I wanted to catch up with him this year but unfortunately was too busy helping out at the PCGB encampment.

[butaclor]

My thoughts for this weekend, weather aside.The event is has lost a lot of interest for me , definitely less focus on classics. Large area once occupied by classic restoration and dealers now EV and electric push bikes . A lot less catering and refreshments especially the Wing , There seemed to be a lot of empty space that last year were filled by clubs , traders etc. Food wise we found choice and quality quite poor, even the Tasting Tent seemed empty compared to previous years. This was an event I had preferred to Le Man's Classic int the past ( only missed the first Le Mans Classic) but not sure will be back next year. The event just seems to have lost its way more village fete than classic car event. Lots of space left in campsites as well.

[stevemcs]

Watching the parade lap, how does a mk7 golf GTi and GT86 get in on the act ? Neither are exactly a classic. I'm glad I didn't go. Silverstone only seem to car about the F1.

[AllezWasps]

Sadly it seems it’s all about making a fast buck now for Silverstone. The quality experience of the past seems to have been largely forgotten.

[havoc]

butaclor said:

This was an event I had preferred to Le Man's Classic int the past ( only missed the first Le Mans Classic)

Off topic, but can you contrast LMC vs the Silverstone Classic (as it used to be) / Festival (as this year) - giving the next LMC very serious thought, wouldn't mind your thoughts / some tips.

Thanks.

[butaclor]

havoc said:

butaclor said:

This was an event I had preferred to Le Man's Classic int the past ( only missed the first Le Mans Classic)

Off topic, but can you contrast LMC vs the Silverstone Classic (as it used to be) / Festival (as this year) - giving the next LMC very serious thought, wouldn't mind your thoughts / some tips.

Thanks.

Festival this year ,I just felt was a shadow of previous years, just not as much there . Lack of focus on classics, lack of choice in food etc just a smaller and less interesting event .past Silverstone there was just more of everything and better value than Le Man's .

Le Mans has long breaks between races need extra tickets for paddocks etc ,cost of food and drink comparable or you can go upmarket and spend a fortune. Getting in to Classic on a daily basis this year was very busy. However good viewing around the circuit lots to see off the track and the usual excellent value for food away from the circuit.

Silverstone was always a better value, as interesting if not more so than Le man's . Le mans you have to factor in getting there and accommodation. We camp at Silverstone so it was always way better value for a comparable show. Now I'm not so sure

[tonymor]

Anyone know if itv4 are going to have a coverage on it as has been known in other years?

[MRichards99]

I had a flick through the livestream from Sunday and I was amazed to see how many grandstands were empty (as only a select few are open). I've become used to this being the case for smaller events (club racing, a bit of GT racing etc.) but didn't expect to see it at an event of this size (I haven't been to the Classic for a few years but it used to be a very big event).

[butaclor]

MRichards99 said:

I had a flick through the livestream from Sunday and I was amazed to see how many grandstands were empty (as only a select few are open). I've become used to this being the case for smaller events (club racing, a bit of GT racing etc.) but didn't expect to see it at an event of this size (I haven't been to the Classic for a few years but it used to be a very big event).

I'm afraid this event is a shadow of its former self.

[ChrisJ.]

MRichards99 said:

I had a flick through the livestream from Sunday and I was amazed to see how many grandstands were empty (as only a select few are open). I've become used to this being the case for smaller events (club racing, a bit of GT racing etc.) but didn't expect to see it at an event of this size (I haven't been to the Classic for a few years but it used to be a very big event).

In all the years I have attended this event (since the Coy's Historic Festival) only small parts of the grandstands have ever been open.
Usually with current configuration:
• Village,
• The uncovered grandstand between the new loop and Becketts/Maggots
• The outside of Becketts/Maggots
• A small part of Luffield/Woodcote
• A small part of Club
• Hamilton Straight
• Abbey
• Luffield and Copse terraces

The open grandstands only get (almost) full at the time of the F1 race on both Saturday and Sunday.

The racing is still good at the 'Festival' but the 'Family Fun Day' aspect I'd rather not have. This year, the digital tickets saga, the re-introduced bag search, and the National pit garage barriers all got my back up.
Back in the 'Coys' or early 'Classic' era, the idea that someone would buy a ticket, but not look visit any pit garages or watch any races, would seem very odd. I'm sure that happens now though.

[RGG]

Silverstone Festival attendance survey.

I received and have just taken the time to complete this satisfaction survey.

There are some "clear and inviting" questions to respond to.

And on a positive plenty of fields to express ones views.

Whether or not this influences anything in the future is another matter and out of the participants control, obviously.

For my part I have commented on the retrograde step towards "Festival", Inhibited access to the paddock / pits and the reduced grandstand availability.

Plus, as I experienced, in my usual haunt areas a big decline in the numbers of actual enthusiasts. Eg, club corner, lack of spectators and photographers.

I also indicated, when prompted, that I would be looking to the continent for future event - Spa and Le Mans.

Edited by RGG on Thursday 31st August 23:12

Edited by RGG on Thursday 31st August 23:13

[havoc]

Similar responses from me.

[RGG]

havoc said:

Similar responses from me.

Nice car.