price increase
Discussion
Appreciate you saying that and the many mails of support from Vmaxxers.
I have always tried to do right by my customers who I greatly value, if people have cancelled for whatever reason right up until the day I've always honoured a space at the next event and indeed, I've had some Vmaxxers who have fallen on hard times and I have always looked after them.
It is increasingly difficult to even break even at the events. Fag packet maths are all well and good but when you drill down into it believe me we're not making fortunes from this. Yes, there are other events of course and I wish them well. I only pray that if anything ever goes wrong that there is adequate insurance and a robust and competent safety procedure and team in place.
We had a reasonably large incident last year and the money we spend on an ongoing basis to ensure the very best safety crew attends was the best money I have ever paid. The people who were involved will bear me out on this.
Thanks all.
Craig
I have always tried to do right by my customers who I greatly value, if people have cancelled for whatever reason right up until the day I've always honoured a space at the next event and indeed, I've had some Vmaxxers who have fallen on hard times and I have always looked after them.
It is increasingly difficult to even break even at the events. Fag packet maths are all well and good but when you drill down into it believe me we're not making fortunes from this. Yes, there are other events of course and I wish them well. I only pray that if anything ever goes wrong that there is adequate insurance and a robust and competent safety procedure and team in place.
We had a reasonably large incident last year and the money we spend on an ongoing basis to ensure the very best safety crew attends was the best money I have ever paid. The people who were involved will bear me out on this.
Thanks all.
Craig
CraigVmax said:
Appreciate you saying that and the many mails of support from Vmaxxers.
We had a reasonably large incident last year and the money we spend on an ongoing basis to ensure the very best safety crew attends was the best money I have ever paid. The people who were involved will bear me out on this.
Thanks all.
Craig
Having seen the full aftermath of a 200mph accident, and the quality of the team involved when the worst does happen would suggest the money Craig has invested was well spent. We had a reasonably large incident last year and the money we spend on an ongoing basis to ensure the very best safety crew attends was the best money I have ever paid. The people who were involved will bear me out on this.
Thanks all.
Craig
Doing VMax with a 1 first aider and a recovery lorry is not comparable with what Craig runs/provides, and I'm afraid there has to be a cost involved.
Depends on what you value, and the associated risks you're happy with accepting.
As someone who runs a large event myself and has seen the amount of admin and expense involved in running it far outpace its growth Craig and his VMAX team have my full sympathy here.
For those of you being critical I have to say until you've run a large scale motoring event you have no idea what an utter ballache it is, from getting the right permissions, to ensuring all the right insurance, risk assessments are in place, medical cover, emergency action plans, police approval, local authority traffic management etc, it's all work to do, and all expense incurred.
And when you finally do all that there will always be one or two vocally complaining how the event wasn't run exactly how they wanted, and demanding it is changed to suit them. The funny thing is the one or two are often ones who don't even turn up, just spectate and become armchair experts from the sidelines.
For those of you being critical I have to say until you've run a large scale motoring event you have no idea what an utter ballache it is, from getting the right permissions, to ensuring all the right insurance, risk assessments are in place, medical cover, emergency action plans, police approval, local authority traffic management etc, it's all work to do, and all expense incurred.
And when you finally do all that there will always be one or two vocally complaining how the event wasn't run exactly how they wanted, and demanding it is changed to suit them. The funny thing is the one or two are often ones who don't even turn up, just spectate and become armchair experts from the sidelines.
I can't really believe what I've been reading here to be honest. I've not been to a VMax event, but hope to in the future when I have a car worthy of it.
What I have done is attended a 'top speed' run event on an ex WWII runway near me some years ago. The low entry fee was great, but sadly I felt I 'got what I paid for'
The runway hadn't been cleared of sheep, never mind been swept, cars were lined up 5 abreast, and on my first run I discovered that the last part of the braking zone was where aircraft & missiles had been cut up as part of disarmament agreements from the USAF, so there was gravel, metal swarf & debris all around. Not ideal when entering this area braking hard to shed off the last few mph...
There were several near misses during the day, a complete absence of facilities, and I felt grateful to have got my car off site with no incident.
Sadly the following year there was a fatality on site which closed the event down, and put paid to the location being available for similar events...
Chatting to those that have attended VMax recently illustrates the huge gulf between what Craig & his team have achieved when compared to 'the cheap option' - there are plenty of experienced marshall, on site loos, hospitality facilities and medics.
Driving a performance car flat out is NOT a God given right, nor should it be 'freely available to all' - it has a cost (on fuel, consumables & servicing), even before any event entrance fees are paid.
I'd like to think that each car that turns up for VMax has been properly prepared, well maintained and is being driven by an enthusiast.
Running a fast car close to its maximum speed places a different set of stresses on components, and if something were to go wrong, I'd like to think that the best facilities available (within reason) are available on site, rather than placing reliance on trying to locate a Halfords First Aid kit and a willing volunteer...
Obviously all of that has a cost...
I wouldn't begrudge paying a few £00s to ensure that I can extend the legs of my car several times in a safe environment, with as many of the risks minimised / mitigated as possible, if I want a 'cheap' option, I'll remove my number plates & visit the A1 past Peterborough in the dead of night for a top speed run...
What I have done is attended a 'top speed' run event on an ex WWII runway near me some years ago. The low entry fee was great, but sadly I felt I 'got what I paid for'
The runway hadn't been cleared of sheep, never mind been swept, cars were lined up 5 abreast, and on my first run I discovered that the last part of the braking zone was where aircraft & missiles had been cut up as part of disarmament agreements from the USAF, so there was gravel, metal swarf & debris all around. Not ideal when entering this area braking hard to shed off the last few mph...
There were several near misses during the day, a complete absence of facilities, and I felt grateful to have got my car off site with no incident.
Sadly the following year there was a fatality on site which closed the event down, and put paid to the location being available for similar events...
Chatting to those that have attended VMax recently illustrates the huge gulf between what Craig & his team have achieved when compared to 'the cheap option' - there are plenty of experienced marshall, on site loos, hospitality facilities and medics.
Driving a performance car flat out is NOT a God given right, nor should it be 'freely available to all' - it has a cost (on fuel, consumables & servicing), even before any event entrance fees are paid.
I'd like to think that each car that turns up for VMax has been properly prepared, well maintained and is being driven by an enthusiast.
Running a fast car close to its maximum speed places a different set of stresses on components, and if something were to go wrong, I'd like to think that the best facilities available (within reason) are available on site, rather than placing reliance on trying to locate a Halfords First Aid kit and a willing volunteer...
Obviously all of that has a cost...
I wouldn't begrudge paying a few £00s to ensure that I can extend the legs of my car several times in a safe environment, with as many of the risks minimised / mitigated as possible, if I want a 'cheap' option, I'll remove my number plates & visit the A1 past Peterborough in the dead of night for a top speed run...
chris.mapey said:
I can't really believe what I've been reading here to be honest. I've not been to a VMax event, but hope to in the future when I have a car worthy of it.
What I have done is attended a 'top speed' run event on an ex WWII runway near me some years ago. The low entry fee was great, but sadly I felt I 'got what I paid for'
The runway hadn't been cleared of sheep, never mind been swept, cars were lined up 5 abreast, and on my first run I discovered that the last part of the braking zone was where aircraft & missiles had been cut up as part of disarmament agreements from the USAF, so there was gravel, metal swarf & debris all around. Not ideal when entering this area braking hard to shed off the last few mph...
There were several near misses during the day, a complete absence of facilities, and I felt grateful to have got my car off site with no incident.
Sadly the following year there was a fatality on site which closed the event down, and put paid to the location being available for similar events...
Chatting to those that have attended VMax recently illustrates the huge gulf between what Craig & his team have achieved when compared to 'the cheap option' - there are plenty of experienced marshall, on site loos, hospitality facilities and medics.
Driving a performance car flat out is NOT a God given right, nor should it be 'freely available to all' - it has a cost (on fuel, consumables & servicing), even before any event entrance fees are paid.
I'd like to think that each car that turns up for VMax has been properly prepared, well maintained and is being driven by an enthusiast.
Running a fast car close to its maximum speed places a different set of stresses on components, and if something were to go wrong, I'd like to think that the best facilities available (within reason) are available on site, rather than placing reliance on trying to locate a Halfords First Aid kit and a willing volunteer...
Obviously all of that has a cost...
I wouldn't begrudge paying a few £00s to ensure that I can extend the legs of my car several times in a safe environment, with as many of the risks minimised / mitigated as possible, if I want a 'cheap' option, I'll remove my number plates & visit the A1 past Peterborough in the dead of night for a top speed run...
That pretty much covers it.What I have done is attended a 'top speed' run event on an ex WWII runway near me some years ago. The low entry fee was great, but sadly I felt I 'got what I paid for'
The runway hadn't been cleared of sheep, never mind been swept, cars were lined up 5 abreast, and on my first run I discovered that the last part of the braking zone was where aircraft & missiles had been cut up as part of disarmament agreements from the USAF, so there was gravel, metal swarf & debris all around. Not ideal when entering this area braking hard to shed off the last few mph...
There were several near misses during the day, a complete absence of facilities, and I felt grateful to have got my car off site with no incident.
Sadly the following year there was a fatality on site which closed the event down, and put paid to the location being available for similar events...
Chatting to those that have attended VMax recently illustrates the huge gulf between what Craig & his team have achieved when compared to 'the cheap option' - there are plenty of experienced marshall, on site loos, hospitality facilities and medics.
Driving a performance car flat out is NOT a God given right, nor should it be 'freely available to all' - it has a cost (on fuel, consumables & servicing), even before any event entrance fees are paid.
I'd like to think that each car that turns up for VMax has been properly prepared, well maintained and is being driven by an enthusiast.
Running a fast car close to its maximum speed places a different set of stresses on components, and if something were to go wrong, I'd like to think that the best facilities available (within reason) are available on site, rather than placing reliance on trying to locate a Halfords First Aid kit and a willing volunteer...
Obviously all of that has a cost...
I wouldn't begrudge paying a few £00s to ensure that I can extend the legs of my car several times in a safe environment, with as many of the risks minimised / mitigated as possible, if I want a 'cheap' option, I'll remove my number plates & visit the A1 past Peterborough in the dead of night for a top speed run...
VMAX is very different to other runway events, both by way of the catering, hospitality & safety regime, as well as the cars attending. Although i don't own a super/hypercar, i'd rather run my car against more exotic machinery than a tricked out Scooby/Evo, perhaps that's just me. I'm looking forward to attending Hypermax V in September, just a bit frustrated i can't make any of the other dates this year.
chris.mapey said:
I can't really believe what I've been reading here to be honest. I've not been to a VMax event, but hope to in the future when I have a car worthy of it.
What I have done is attended a 'top speed' run event on an ex WWII runway near me some years ago. The low entry fee was great, but sadly I felt I 'got what I paid for'
The runway hadn't been cleared of sheep, never mind been swept, cars were lined up 5 abreast, and on my first run I discovered that the last part of the braking zone was where aircraft & missiles had been cut up as part of disarmament agreements from the USAF, so there was gravel, metal swarf & debris all around. Not ideal when entering this area braking hard to shed off the last few mph...
There were several near misses during the day, a complete absence of facilities, and I felt grateful to have got my car off site with no incident.
Sadly the following year there was a fatality on site which closed the event down, and put paid to the location being available for similar events...
Chatting to those that have attended VMax recently illustrates the huge gulf between what Craig & his team have achieved when compared to 'the cheap option' - there are plenty of experienced marshall, on site loos, hospitality facilities and medics.
Driving a performance car flat out is NOT a God given right, nor should it be 'freely available to all' - it has a cost (on fuel, consumables & servicing), even before any event entrance fees are paid.
I'd like to think that each car that turns up for VMax has been properly prepared, well maintained and is being driven by an enthusiast.
Running a fast car close to its maximum speed places a different set of stresses on components, and if something were to go wrong, I'd like to think that the best facilities available (within reason) are available on site, rather than placing reliance on trying to locate a Halfords First Aid kit and a willing volunteer...
Obviously all of that has a cost...
I wouldn't begrudge paying a few £00s to ensure that I can extend the legs of my car several times in a safe environment, with as many of the risks minimised / mitigated as possible, if I want a 'cheap' option, I'll remove my number plates & visit the A1 past Peterborough in the dead of night for a top speed run...
Well said! I suspect if it was quite as easy and profitable as some on here make out there would be a glut of events all across the UK. The fact there aren't and the only ones that are appear to be the more fly by night operations you have mentioned suggests its not as simple as people make outWhat I have done is attended a 'top speed' run event on an ex WWII runway near me some years ago. The low entry fee was great, but sadly I felt I 'got what I paid for'
The runway hadn't been cleared of sheep, never mind been swept, cars were lined up 5 abreast, and on my first run I discovered that the last part of the braking zone was where aircraft & missiles had been cut up as part of disarmament agreements from the USAF, so there was gravel, metal swarf & debris all around. Not ideal when entering this area braking hard to shed off the last few mph...
There were several near misses during the day, a complete absence of facilities, and I felt grateful to have got my car off site with no incident.
Sadly the following year there was a fatality on site which closed the event down, and put paid to the location being available for similar events...
Chatting to those that have attended VMax recently illustrates the huge gulf between what Craig & his team have achieved when compared to 'the cheap option' - there are plenty of experienced marshall, on site loos, hospitality facilities and medics.
Driving a performance car flat out is NOT a God given right, nor should it be 'freely available to all' - it has a cost (on fuel, consumables & servicing), even before any event entrance fees are paid.
I'd like to think that each car that turns up for VMax has been properly prepared, well maintained and is being driven by an enthusiast.
Running a fast car close to its maximum speed places a different set of stresses on components, and if something were to go wrong, I'd like to think that the best facilities available (within reason) are available on site, rather than placing reliance on trying to locate a Halfords First Aid kit and a willing volunteer...
Obviously all of that has a cost...
I wouldn't begrudge paying a few £00s to ensure that I can extend the legs of my car several times in a safe environment, with as many of the risks minimised / mitigated as possible, if I want a 'cheap' option, I'll remove my number plates & visit the A1 past Peterborough in the dead of night for a top speed run...
Seems to be the PH way these days, moan a lot about something you don't attend with very little actual knowledge.
I haven't read all 3 pages of posts ref the price increase at vmax. I have seen all of page 1 and I've read both sides of the cost argument. I don't know how many of you attended the event last year, but for those who didn't, here is my angle on things.
Now, I'm not Cyril, I'm not the guy at the bottom in his Evo and I don't think I'm even the guy in the middle. I'm just into cars, and that's what makes me spend my money on an event like this. I was lucky enough to get a last minute slot for Hypermax last May and although it cost me circa £400 plus costs I felt it was just about worth the money for somebody at my level. I took my modified A45 AMG. It was run against a La Ferrai, an Aventador, 918 and Hirracan to name a few. Of course I got nowhere near the trap speeds of the elite but that didn't matter. Where else can you line up against a 918 and floor it for 1.44 miles? Where else can you pull up along side the owner of the 918 after the run, shake hands and be offered a passenger ride at 200mph+? That's the thing with Vmax.
Although it is crammed with some of the wealthiest and maddest / most eccentric people in the UK it's also home to some of the most hardcore petrolheads in the country. Somebody said that Cyril didn't know much about his 918. I bet you that's not true. Cyril wouldn't take his 918 to the track if he was anything other than a petrolhead. Those who buy cars and tuck them away in private collections usually know nothing more than the price they paid and the price they'll be worth in a few year. The Vmax attendees are only interested in satisfying a desire to vent steam after time spent in the office earning money. Isn't that what we do at our level too? You can bet your bottom dollar Cyril probably owns an Evo 6 anyway so he'll be fully aware of the love that is needed to keep it working.
At Vmax, the real money guys are pretty much all more than happy to chat and mingle with the regular guys in the Toyota's, Audi's, Merc and BM's. They'll ask about the Evos and the Ultimas and the other sheds at the track because they know the owner wouldn't be spending the money and running the strip if it wasn't an interesting car to own and drive. Some of the regular Joe's are a bit unnerved by the big money boys but experience tells me that they are approachable and usually happy to take any old person down the runway at full chat. My passengers last year experienced an SLR722, a GT40 and other stuff, some at 180+mph. I had people queuing to jump in the A45 too which was surprising.
The only group in my experience that doesn't mix is the Arab contingent but that's up to them. The mentality of self made money vs family money / oil money at vmax is very obvious.
The only reservation I had about Vmax was the requirement to buy your own food at the event. For the outlay I feel a good lunch should be provided FoC and not made an opportunity to fund an overpriced hog roast. But that's just my opinion. For some the day out will cost £1000+ covering everything from entry to fuel and parts. Some possibly much, much more. I spent over £600 last year on entry and fuel, and a requirement for new pads after the event. When I attend this year in the C63 I expect to add a couple of hundred notes to that.
Anyway, I believe (awaiting Craig's paperwork) that I'll be attending in April for Stealth. Hopefully the weather will play ball again.
If anyone here is going please do come say hi to the guy in the red C63. I'll be more than happy to take you for a run down the strip in exchange for a handshake and a nose around whatever you decide to bring.
Eddie (was green A45 last year. Ran 168mph)
Now, I'm not Cyril, I'm not the guy at the bottom in his Evo and I don't think I'm even the guy in the middle. I'm just into cars, and that's what makes me spend my money on an event like this. I was lucky enough to get a last minute slot for Hypermax last May and although it cost me circa £400 plus costs I felt it was just about worth the money for somebody at my level. I took my modified A45 AMG. It was run against a La Ferrai, an Aventador, 918 and Hirracan to name a few. Of course I got nowhere near the trap speeds of the elite but that didn't matter. Where else can you line up against a 918 and floor it for 1.44 miles? Where else can you pull up along side the owner of the 918 after the run, shake hands and be offered a passenger ride at 200mph+? That's the thing with Vmax.
Although it is crammed with some of the wealthiest and maddest / most eccentric people in the UK it's also home to some of the most hardcore petrolheads in the country. Somebody said that Cyril didn't know much about his 918. I bet you that's not true. Cyril wouldn't take his 918 to the track if he was anything other than a petrolhead. Those who buy cars and tuck them away in private collections usually know nothing more than the price they paid and the price they'll be worth in a few year. The Vmax attendees are only interested in satisfying a desire to vent steam after time spent in the office earning money. Isn't that what we do at our level too? You can bet your bottom dollar Cyril probably owns an Evo 6 anyway so he'll be fully aware of the love that is needed to keep it working.
At Vmax, the real money guys are pretty much all more than happy to chat and mingle with the regular guys in the Toyota's, Audi's, Merc and BM's. They'll ask about the Evos and the Ultimas and the other sheds at the track because they know the owner wouldn't be spending the money and running the strip if it wasn't an interesting car to own and drive. Some of the regular Joe's are a bit unnerved by the big money boys but experience tells me that they are approachable and usually happy to take any old person down the runway at full chat. My passengers last year experienced an SLR722, a GT40 and other stuff, some at 180+mph. I had people queuing to jump in the A45 too which was surprising.
The only group in my experience that doesn't mix is the Arab contingent but that's up to them. The mentality of self made money vs family money / oil money at vmax is very obvious.
The only reservation I had about Vmax was the requirement to buy your own food at the event. For the outlay I feel a good lunch should be provided FoC and not made an opportunity to fund an overpriced hog roast. But that's just my opinion. For some the day out will cost £1000+ covering everything from entry to fuel and parts. Some possibly much, much more. I spent over £600 last year on entry and fuel, and a requirement for new pads after the event. When I attend this year in the C63 I expect to add a couple of hundred notes to that.
Anyway, I believe (awaiting Craig's paperwork) that I'll be attending in April for Stealth. Hopefully the weather will play ball again.
If anyone here is going please do come say hi to the guy in the red C63. I'll be more than happy to take you for a run down the strip in exchange for a handshake and a nose around whatever you decide to bring.
Eddie (was green A45 last year. Ran 168mph)
Mmmm, an interesting set of thoughts and pre-conceptions on this thread.
I'm a lifetime Petrolhead and I started many years ago with a Triumph Dolomite Sprint, that I completely rebuilt into a second shell (including rebuilding the wiring loom, engine etc) and modded. Went through 205 GTi etc and dozens of other cars including TVRs. Skip forward a few years and I was turning up at Vmax in a Ruf modified GT2. I was lucky enough to win a few times, was first to break 200mph there and gave the pleasure of passenger rides to probably 100+ people there, including a bunch of random foreign students who got in one year!
It was a great event and was much cheaper then, but it was also cold, had no toilets, crap food and I'd have happily paid a bit more for some facilities and a way to sit in comfort. I guess it's naturally driven for profit, as part of AV now, but given it's quite common for trackways now to be charged at £500, all prices have risen and like any event if you don't like the price don't go or try to organise one cheaper.
Also don't compare to Terminal Velocity or other, I've done them and they are terrible surfaces.
Whilst I'm sure there are many owners of exotica who don't know much about the cars, the fact is that many do. I know loads of people with 918, Enzo, F40/50, Zonda, McLaren, Aventador etc and every single one of them knows lots about their cars. Many started with nothing and worked up to these cars and we debate in detail about the technicalities of the thermodynamics, aerodynamics, suspension, material construction and aesthetics of these cars.
Does everyone know about the details, no, but then some of the posters on here probably live in nice houses and couldn't fix the plumbing or lay a straight line of bricks either, so do they not deserve those?
I'm a lifetime Petrolhead and I started many years ago with a Triumph Dolomite Sprint, that I completely rebuilt into a second shell (including rebuilding the wiring loom, engine etc) and modded. Went through 205 GTi etc and dozens of other cars including TVRs. Skip forward a few years and I was turning up at Vmax in a Ruf modified GT2. I was lucky enough to win a few times, was first to break 200mph there and gave the pleasure of passenger rides to probably 100+ people there, including a bunch of random foreign students who got in one year!
It was a great event and was much cheaper then, but it was also cold, had no toilets, crap food and I'd have happily paid a bit more for some facilities and a way to sit in comfort. I guess it's naturally driven for profit, as part of AV now, but given it's quite common for trackways now to be charged at £500, all prices have risen and like any event if you don't like the price don't go or try to organise one cheaper.
Also don't compare to Terminal Velocity or other, I've done them and they are terrible surfaces.
Whilst I'm sure there are many owners of exotica who don't know much about the cars, the fact is that many do. I know loads of people with 918, Enzo, F40/50, Zonda, McLaren, Aventador etc and every single one of them knows lots about their cars. Many started with nothing and worked up to these cars and we debate in detail about the technicalities of the thermodynamics, aerodynamics, suspension, material construction and aesthetics of these cars.
Does everyone know about the details, no, but then some of the posters on here probably live in nice houses and couldn't fix the plumbing or lay a straight line of bricks either, so do they not deserve those?
i've been to two (thanks to a very generous offer to drive someone elses 911 Turbo)
each one was fabulous. the cars were superb, and everyone was really friendly. i did 202mph the first time driving there and 213mph as a passenger the second time. we passed a 918 spyder at 205mph about 4 seconds before the finish line. you cant buy that sort of experience.
saying all that, £800 is a lot of dough, but no one would begrudge the guys making a profit if they have been running at cost for a few years. and some of the owners there probably carry £800 in loose change.
my suggestion to Craig is sell a limited amount of spectator tickets at £50 a head, to cover the loss in entry fees and charge maybe £595 max etc. people will buy tickets and if you keep the numbers down and manageable you dont need dozens of security etc etc.
all the best
each one was fabulous. the cars were superb, and everyone was really friendly. i did 202mph the first time driving there and 213mph as a passenger the second time. we passed a 918 spyder at 205mph about 4 seconds before the finish line. you cant buy that sort of experience.
saying all that, £800 is a lot of dough, but no one would begrudge the guys making a profit if they have been running at cost for a few years. and some of the owners there probably carry £800 in loose change.
my suggestion to Craig is sell a limited amount of spectator tickets at £50 a head, to cover the loss in entry fees and charge maybe £595 max etc. people will buy tickets and if you keep the numbers down and manageable you dont need dozens of security etc etc.
all the best
Difference being spa is a proper track day, vmax is just a long straight. As fun as it is doing a top speed event tack days are much more enjoyable to me, I would do another day at vmax if the cost was down a bit. I'm not fussed by all the hospitality to be honest. I don't bare a grudge against Craig I hope he is successful with it and can go on to do more events, maybe down south.
acr_nick said:
Difference being spa is a proper track day, vmax is just a long straight. As fun as it is doing a top speed event tack days are much more enjoyable to me, I would do another day at vmax if the cost was down a bit. I'm not fussed by all the hospitality to be honest. I don't bare a grudge against Craig I hope he is successful with it and can go on to do more events, maybe down south.
It defo is and in mosts view best in the world. Living close by we go there every other week, Vmax to us is a WE trip and great fun a few times yearly. It was just a reference point of price being in line with other well set up days. Perhaps it was too cheap in the past. Looking at facilities, safety set up, staff, renting Brunts and prepping it, admin and marketing for the event, to me it looks sensibly priced. Doubt there is much, if any, profit in it. Dare I mention we are going to Spa next 2 WE's, but quite busy in the biz so only have 1 day on Zandvoort slipped in there
ecain63 said:
I haven't read all 3 pages of posts ref the price increase at vmax. I have seen all of page 1 and I've read both sides of the cost argument. I don't know how many of you attended the event last year, but for those who didn't, here is my angle on things.
Now, I'm not Cyril, I'm not the guy at the bottom in his Evo and I don't think I'm even the guy in the middle. I'm just into cars, and that's what makes me spend my money on an event like this. I was lucky enough to get a last minute slot for Hypermax last May and although it cost me circa £400 plus costs I felt it was just about worth the money for somebody at my level. I took my modified A45 AMG. It was run against a La Ferrai, an Aventador, 918 and Hirracan to name a few. Of course I got nowhere near the trap speeds of the elite but that didn't matter. Where else can you line up against a 918 and floor it for 1.44 miles? Where else can you pull up along side the owner of the 918 after the run, shake hands and be offered a passenger ride at 200mph+? That's the thing with Vmax.
Although it is crammed with some of the wealthiest and maddest / most eccentric people in the UK it's also home to some of the most hardcore petrolheads in the country. Somebody said that Cyril didn't know much about his 918. I bet you that's not true. Cyril wouldn't take his 918 to the track if he was anything other than a petrolhead. Those who buy cars and tuck them away in private collections usually know nothing more than the price they paid and the price they'll be worth in a few year. The Vmax attendees are only interested in satisfying a desire to vent steam after time spent in the office earning money. Isn't that what we do at our level too? You can bet your bottom dollar Cyril probably owns an Evo 6 anyway so he'll be fully aware of the love that is needed to keep it working.
At Vmax, the real money guys are pretty much all more than happy to chat and mingle with the regular guys in the Toyota's, Audi's, Merc and BM's. They'll ask about the Evos and the Ultimas and the other sheds at the track because they know the owner wouldn't be spending the money and running the strip if it wasn't an interesting car to own and drive. Some of the regular Joe's are a bit unnerved by the big money boys but experience tells me that they are approachable and usually happy to take any old person down the runway at full chat. My passengers last year experienced an SLR722, a GT40 and other stuff, some at 180+mph. I had people queuing to jump in the A45 too which was surprising.
The only group in my experience that doesn't mix is the Arab contingent but that's up to them. The mentality of self made money vs family money / oil money at vmax is very obvious.
The only reservation I had about Vmax was the requirement to buy your own food at the event. For the outlay I feel a good lunch should be provided FoC and not made an opportunity to fund an overpriced hog roast. But that's just my opinion. For some the day out will cost £1000+ covering everything from entry to fuel and parts. Some possibly much, much more. I spent over £600 last year on entry and fuel, and a requirement for new pads after the event. When I attend this year in the C63 I expect to add a couple of hundred notes to that.
Anyway, I believe (awaiting Craig's paperwork) that I'll be attending in April for Stealth. Hopefully the weather will play ball again.
If anyone here is going please do come say hi to the guy in the red C63. I'll be more than happy to take you for a run down the strip in exchange for a handshake and a nose around whatever you decide to bring.
Eddie (was green A45 last year. Ran 168mph)
I'll be there on the 9th as a spectator and will definitely be looking out for you in that case! Now, I'm not Cyril, I'm not the guy at the bottom in his Evo and I don't think I'm even the guy in the middle. I'm just into cars, and that's what makes me spend my money on an event like this. I was lucky enough to get a last minute slot for Hypermax last May and although it cost me circa £400 plus costs I felt it was just about worth the money for somebody at my level. I took my modified A45 AMG. It was run against a La Ferrai, an Aventador, 918 and Hirracan to name a few. Of course I got nowhere near the trap speeds of the elite but that didn't matter. Where else can you line up against a 918 and floor it for 1.44 miles? Where else can you pull up along side the owner of the 918 after the run, shake hands and be offered a passenger ride at 200mph+? That's the thing with Vmax.
Although it is crammed with some of the wealthiest and maddest / most eccentric people in the UK it's also home to some of the most hardcore petrolheads in the country. Somebody said that Cyril didn't know much about his 918. I bet you that's not true. Cyril wouldn't take his 918 to the track if he was anything other than a petrolhead. Those who buy cars and tuck them away in private collections usually know nothing more than the price they paid and the price they'll be worth in a few year. The Vmax attendees are only interested in satisfying a desire to vent steam after time spent in the office earning money. Isn't that what we do at our level too? You can bet your bottom dollar Cyril probably owns an Evo 6 anyway so he'll be fully aware of the love that is needed to keep it working.
At Vmax, the real money guys are pretty much all more than happy to chat and mingle with the regular guys in the Toyota's, Audi's, Merc and BM's. They'll ask about the Evos and the Ultimas and the other sheds at the track because they know the owner wouldn't be spending the money and running the strip if it wasn't an interesting car to own and drive. Some of the regular Joe's are a bit unnerved by the big money boys but experience tells me that they are approachable and usually happy to take any old person down the runway at full chat. My passengers last year experienced an SLR722, a GT40 and other stuff, some at 180+mph. I had people queuing to jump in the A45 too which was surprising.
The only group in my experience that doesn't mix is the Arab contingent but that's up to them. The mentality of self made money vs family money / oil money at vmax is very obvious.
The only reservation I had about Vmax was the requirement to buy your own food at the event. For the outlay I feel a good lunch should be provided FoC and not made an opportunity to fund an overpriced hog roast. But that's just my opinion. For some the day out will cost £1000+ covering everything from entry to fuel and parts. Some possibly much, much more. I spent over £600 last year on entry and fuel, and a requirement for new pads after the event. When I attend this year in the C63 I expect to add a couple of hundred notes to that.
Anyway, I believe (awaiting Craig's paperwork) that I'll be attending in April for Stealth. Hopefully the weather will play ball again.
If anyone here is going please do come say hi to the guy in the red C63. I'll be more than happy to take you for a run down the strip in exchange for a handshake and a nose around whatever you decide to bring.
Eddie (was green A45 last year. Ran 168mph)
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