goodwood revival too big for its own good
Discussion
v8250 said:
steve2 said:
The Revival has never been about the cars only...
Utter rubbish. The Revival has always been about the cars...the bikes, and the competitors...without them there would be no Revival.It's only the fact that Lord March and the GRRCompany have turned, what is purported to be, the greatest motorsports event into an overpriced fancy dress party for the masses. The Revival has not been, for at least a decade, about the cars, the bikes, the historic racing. As an ex-GRRC member, I...like so many many others...have intentionally not been to the Revival for the past seven years. I was there for every one, from year one, until the event became excessively commercialized...ballooning into its current overpriced, overfed, semi-sycophantic colossus.
It has grown into a very big event, but it is still really quite possibly the greatest show on earth.
I've been to every revival from day one .
This year we had a family party of six two who travelled from Norfolk had never been before . They were amazed by the event we had no problems with traffic leaving guildford 07 am in the car park at 08 am . We always take our own picnic part of the day out which means no queues .
Every part was enjoyed by all but we agreed that 2016 we will go purely to enjoy the revival car park and the over the road as there is so much there and the screens keep you more than informed .
We left at 1800 no problem getting out of the car park and were hack in guildford at 1900.
Maybe we were lucky , but planning your day can help ?.
This year we had a family party of six two who travelled from Norfolk had never been before . They were amazed by the event we had no problems with traffic leaving guildford 07 am in the car park at 08 am . We always take our own picnic part of the day out which means no queues .
Every part was enjoyed by all but we agreed that 2016 we will go purely to enjoy the revival car park and the over the road as there is so much there and the screens keep you more than informed .
We left at 1800 no problem getting out of the car park and were hack in guildford at 1900.
Maybe we were lucky , but planning your day can help ?.
vjj said:
Went there Friday
What a load of crap - great cars notwithstanding
I had VIP comps courtesy of LR but it took me nearly 3 hours to get in after a 90 minute drive
Too many people and too many distractions
Couldn't get near the daytona cobras
Had to que for ages to get a beer
Massive lines for toilets as well
Total bunch of nonsense - the racing is incidental - whereas it should be the whole point.
Then at about 3.30 - just when I had found somewhere sensible to watch the spitfires and P51s flying - some demented cow dressed up as Maria Von Trapp turned up with seven brats of various ages resplendent in faux lederhosen and dresses made from me nan's parlour curtains and promptly started terrorising me with appallingly twee close harmony singing!!!!!!
It was awful - completely awful.
I returned totally dejected to the main car park
I wandered into the pre-66 parking area
Bristols,Jags,Astons,the usual fine assortment
But my boyhood dream cars were also there
A beautiful Facel Vega HK500 AND a Gordon-Keeble
So at least I left happy having seen those
But the event itself was crap
Isnt it funny how its always those getting things for free moan the loudest that its not good enough?What a load of crap - great cars notwithstanding
I had VIP comps courtesy of LR but it took me nearly 3 hours to get in after a 90 minute drive
Too many people and too many distractions
Couldn't get near the daytona cobras
Had to que for ages to get a beer
Massive lines for toilets as well
Total bunch of nonsense - the racing is incidental - whereas it should be the whole point.
Then at about 3.30 - just when I had found somewhere sensible to watch the spitfires and P51s flying - some demented cow dressed up as Maria Von Trapp turned up with seven brats of various ages resplendent in faux lederhosen and dresses made from me nan's parlour curtains and promptly started terrorising me with appallingly twee close harmony singing!!!!!!
It was awful - completely awful.
I returned totally dejected to the main car park
I wandered into the pre-66 parking area
Bristols,Jags,Astons,the usual fine assortment
But my boyhood dream cars were also there
A beautiful Facel Vega HK500 AND a Gordon-Keeble
So at least I left happy having seen those
But the event itself was crap
There's historic racing available to watch umpteen times a year at various circuits. Just because you dont understand the event that you're going to, doesnt make it "crap."
Funny you view the racing as "incidental" when, incidentally, Friday is dominated by qualifying sessions so there was only 1 race to watch. Both Saturday and Sunday's St Mary's were some of the closest motor racing I've seen in years.
Edited by emicen on Monday 14th September 10:42
vjj said:
Went there Friday
What a load of crap - great cars notwithstanding
I had VIP comps courtesy of LR but it took me nearly 3 hours to get in after a 90 minute drive
Seem to very hit and miss this year, I too had VIP from Landrover, went on Sunday, journey normally 1hr took 1hr and 10 mins got there bang on 10am. What a load of crap - great cars notwithstanding
I had VIP comps courtesy of LR but it took me nearly 3 hours to get in after a 90 minute drive
Edited by vjj on Sunday 13th September 14:34
Straight into car park, land rover picked us up from car park and took us straight in, totally painless.
Another Landover to Lavant, and it was dead up there watching the racing.
I almost didn't bother going this year as in previous years its been hell and I swore I would never go again but my faith was renewed this year
Phib
I thought it was another good year. We went yesterday it was easy to get in (arrived at 07.30) I did think that there was a lot less people making the effort to at least try to smarten up or get with the idea. The track action was great Land rovers were a bit slow but that was a good time to get lunch. Air display was very gentle it would of been nice to of seen a tail chase or beat up of the airfield. The pits and the other attractions were all great. The Von Trapps snuck up on us too !!
We left at 20.00 tired and achey but with lots of stories and a million photos.
Roll on 2016
We left at 20.00 tired and achey but with lots of stories and a million photos.
Roll on 2016
No problems at all here yesterday...
Left Oxfordshire at 6:20am
Arrived Car Park A - Circa 7:55am
Straight in with no queues
Cars were great
Racing was great
Atmosphere inside was spot on
Toilet queues OK if main spots avoided at peak times.
Left shortly after last race
5 min queue to get out of the car park
It is by far my favourite event of the year.
If I had to give feedback about something to improve I would say -
There weren't enough food/coffee stands, but I had a big breakfast early on so wasn't too bothered. A minor gripe.
Left Oxfordshire at 6:20am
Arrived Car Park A - Circa 7:55am
Straight in with no queues
Cars were great
Racing was great
Atmosphere inside was spot on
Toilet queues OK if main spots avoided at peak times.
Left shortly after last race
5 min queue to get out of the car park
It is by far my favourite event of the year.
If I had to give feedback about something to improve I would say -
There weren't enough food/coffee stands, but I had a big breakfast early on so wasn't too bothered. A minor gripe.
Haven’t been for a while, but a good friend came up with a spare ticket for Sunday, so off I went. Arrived just before 7.30 am from the race course end, drove straight in.
It was all fantastic. Motorbike race was awesome, especially the last lap, touring cars great too, and the TT Cars fabtastic, although a safety car just after the driver changes would have made it more interesting, that Ward / Sheddon E type was incredible, so well balanced, and what the hell do they do to the 6 cyl engine to keep up with the Cobra’s!!
However, the moment that will stay with me forever I suspect was the Battle of Britain memorial procession around the track with 2 survivors from the battle in an open top Humber [ ? ] staff car, just as they went past us at the Lavent corners, a Mk 5 Spitfire came into land right over their heads, perfect timing.
Watching all the Spitfires land from a few hundred feet above was amazing, then as we got to Madgwick they all took off [ 11 plus a hurricane ] and flew right over our heads at that end of the track, such an emotive experience, thank you Goodwood.
Left just after 4 pm and only a 2 min queue to get out
It was all fantastic. Motorbike race was awesome, especially the last lap, touring cars great too, and the TT Cars fabtastic, although a safety car just after the driver changes would have made it more interesting, that Ward / Sheddon E type was incredible, so well balanced, and what the hell do they do to the 6 cyl engine to keep up with the Cobra’s!!
However, the moment that will stay with me forever I suspect was the Battle of Britain memorial procession around the track with 2 survivors from the battle in an open top Humber [ ? ] staff car, just as they went past us at the Lavent corners, a Mk 5 Spitfire came into land right over their heads, perfect timing.
Watching all the Spitfires land from a few hundred feet above was amazing, then as we got to Madgwick they all took off [ 11 plus a hurricane ] and flew right over our heads at that end of the track, such an emotive experience, thank you Goodwood.
Left just after 4 pm and only a 2 min queue to get out
You must have gone to a different event to the one I went to.
6 of us in 2 cars drove straight in without a single queue at 7.45am.
Had a bacon roll and a coffee 'over the road'.
Went in, mooched around the shopping bit.
Went and had a look around the paddocks.
Still not huge numbers of people.
Looked at the Spitfires.
Went to the Woodcote Grandstand. Watched the XK storm to victory in the Fordwater Trophy (although cheered for the little Lotus 6 that came in 4th).
Had a bottle of champagne on the grass.
Watched the bikes.
Fish and chips in the shade.
Watched "the greatest race in revival History". And utterly mesmerising performance from Frank Stippler…worth the ticket price alone.
Went up to the Lavant members area; Daytonas, drum-brked Ferrari race, vintage WW2 fighters, tea and scones.
Soaked up a few rays before calling it a day at about 5.
Drove straight out.
A near perfect late summer's day.
6 of us in 2 cars drove straight in without a single queue at 7.45am.
Had a bacon roll and a coffee 'over the road'.
Went in, mooched around the shopping bit.
Went and had a look around the paddocks.
Still not huge numbers of people.
Looked at the Spitfires.
Went to the Woodcote Grandstand. Watched the XK storm to victory in the Fordwater Trophy (although cheered for the little Lotus 6 that came in 4th).
Had a bottle of champagne on the grass.
Watched the bikes.
Fish and chips in the shade.
Watched "the greatest race in revival History". And utterly mesmerising performance from Frank Stippler…worth the ticket price alone.
Went up to the Lavant members area; Daytonas, drum-brked Ferrari race, vintage WW2 fighters, tea and scones.
Soaked up a few rays before calling it a day at about 5.
Drove straight out.
A near perfect late summer's day.
Sounds as though the rest of us who had no problems and loved every moment of it should take OP on a guided tour next year ;-)
I really don't see how anyone can call the racing/motor vehicles are nowi incidental to the rest of the event. The quality and uniqueness of the vehicles each year is amazing. Auto Unions recently, Earls Court Ferraris, Shelby Daytona Coupes this year to mention but a few. The aircraft are also amazing year on year.
Revival is a family event and I know that a huge amount of work goes on to ensure that everyone, no matter what their interests or ages are entertained throughout the weekend.
I really don't see how anyone can call the racing/motor vehicles are nowi incidental to the rest of the event. The quality and uniqueness of the vehicles each year is amazing. Auto Unions recently, Earls Court Ferraris, Shelby Daytona Coupes this year to mention but a few. The aircraft are also amazing year on year.
Revival is a family event and I know that a huge amount of work goes on to ensure that everyone, no matter what their interests or ages are entertained throughout the weekend.
v8250 said:
It's only the fact that Lord March and the GRRCompany have turned, what is purported to be, the greatest motorsports event into an overpriced fancy dress party for the masses. The Revival has not been, for at least a decade, about the cars, the bikes, the historic racing. As an ex-GRRC member, I...like so many many others...have intentionally not been to the Revival for the past seven years. I was there for every one, from year one, until the event became excessively commercialized...ballooning into its current overpriced, overfed, semi-sycophantic colossus.
If you haven't been for seven years, you've missed an awful lot of great stuff! Not really sure why you're commenting, tbh, unless you've been viewing the 'current overpriced, overfed, semi-sycophantic colossus' on the telly, which is rather different to attending.I love it, and have done since the first one I attended (2000 - and I missed 2004 too) Of course some bits are more interesting than others to me, but it's easy to avoid them. I wouldn't moan that a hotel I stayed in had a swimming pool if I didn't swim, or that a supermarket stocked items I didn't want to purchase, so I always think moaning about events like this (especially people who haven't attended for years or have blagged free tickets, or who boast about sneaking round stewards and parking where they shouldn't!) is a bit sad.
If it's too crowded for your liking, there's always the Members' Meeting (although people complain that's too cold *rolls eyes*) and I can't wait now until March 2016!
Friday and Sunday attendee
Arrived at 0910 on Sunday with only a 10 min queue (from the Richmond Arms) to get into the carpark. Surprisingly, in exactly the same spot as Friday - when it had taken 30 mins in the queue arriving at the same time.
Faultless day of racing but my opinion is that accommodating the air displays just places too much restriction on spectating space and movement. If you want to see air displays go to Duxford - Revival should be about the circuit -in period - first and foremost. Speaking about 'in period' the ambience has become fancy dress rather than 'in period' dress! Race goers in the 50s and 60s did not wear shooting tweeds, plus fours or any other form of Downton Abbey refugee apparel. Similarly modern Ascot wear or best wedding frocks on the ladies may look smart but increasingly gives the place an air of Henley 'gorn wrong'!
Shame about the fixed price of beverages regardless of quality or type of outlet - whatever happened to the 'free-market'?
Despite increasing feelings that Goodwood are progressively marginalising the racing (deliberately?)I will continue to attend while the bang for buck equation is still so worthwhile.
Arrived at 0910 on Sunday with only a 10 min queue (from the Richmond Arms) to get into the carpark. Surprisingly, in exactly the same spot as Friday - when it had taken 30 mins in the queue arriving at the same time.
Faultless day of racing but my opinion is that accommodating the air displays just places too much restriction on spectating space and movement. If you want to see air displays go to Duxford - Revival should be about the circuit -in period - first and foremost. Speaking about 'in period' the ambience has become fancy dress rather than 'in period' dress! Race goers in the 50s and 60s did not wear shooting tweeds, plus fours or any other form of Downton Abbey refugee apparel. Similarly modern Ascot wear or best wedding frocks on the ladies may look smart but increasingly gives the place an air of Henley 'gorn wrong'!
Shame about the fixed price of beverages regardless of quality or type of outlet - whatever happened to the 'free-market'?
Despite increasing feelings that Goodwood are progressively marginalising the racing (deliberately?)I will continue to attend while the bang for buck equation is still so worthwhile.
Went for the first time on Sunday and enjoyed the day. Though because it was a last minute thing I didn't get to do much research that would have allowed me to enjoy it more but will definitely do so before I go again. It was also a long day for us with the travelling that didn't help.
Overall, I was impressed and enjoyed it! They do a cracking job in my opinion and although I agree that in some ways the event is a little to crowded or busy, that's probably because I don't like large crowds anyway and as other have said if you plan in advance or know when and where the peaks will be, you can avoid the worst of it. I'm sure, like the FOS, it will become more a place for 'celebrities' to be seen but then that doesn't stop us enjoying it.
One question though, are the race cars invited or can you enter? My brother and I were commenting on the lack of Hillman Imps in the saloon car race and how the racing Imp we are building would be perfect for it.
Overall, I was impressed and enjoyed it! They do a cracking job in my opinion and although I agree that in some ways the event is a little to crowded or busy, that's probably because I don't like large crowds anyway and as other have said if you plan in advance or know when and where the peaks will be, you can avoid the worst of it. I'm sure, like the FOS, it will become more a place for 'celebrities' to be seen but then that doesn't stop us enjoying it.
One question though, are the race cars invited or can you enter? My brother and I were commenting on the lack of Hillman Imps in the saloon car race and how the racing Imp we are building would be perfect for it.
My first time at Goodwood Revival having only been to the Festival of Speed for the last 5 years...
Arrived at 0730, no queues - not even too far to walk either - loved every moment of this truly special event.
The cars, the people, the aircraft were all spectacular, I just wished I had bought a weekend ticket!
Without any doubt at all I will go again on the Friday next year for a walk around all the paddocks \ shopping areas then buy a Saturday ticket with Grandstand entry & enjoy the racing sat down...
Roll on 2016 - well done Lord March & team!
Arrived at 0730, no queues - not even too far to walk either - loved every moment of this truly special event.
The cars, the people, the aircraft were all spectacular, I just wished I had bought a weekend ticket!
Without any doubt at all I will go again on the Friday next year for a walk around all the paddocks \ shopping areas then buy a Saturday ticket with Grandstand entry & enjoy the racing sat down...
Roll on 2016 - well done Lord March & team!
2nd time of going this year, went for 3 days and camped. Yes I had guest tickets, but there was so much to see and walk around looking at that I barely got to see the racing, but I did manage the 2 races I knew people racing in. Took a petrolhead girly friend with me this year, and she loved the walking around looking at the stands as much as the cars and talking to the drivers (OK the Earls Court show is commercial) but overall it was FUN.
We saw the Von Trapp family singers, and had a chuckle at it, but it was Entertaining. I agree there should be more Tea/Coffee stands, but we nipped into the Tesco and grabbed a sandwich and a beer for lunch. We also agreed that a whole day could be lost in the outside car parks, and we might do that.
At the end of the day, you get out of it what you put in. We dressed up, took a leisurely stroll everywhere and made plans to go back next year
We saw the Von Trapp family singers, and had a chuckle at it, but it was Entertaining. I agree there should be more Tea/Coffee stands, but we nipped into the Tesco and grabbed a sandwich and a beer for lunch. We also agreed that a whole day could be lost in the outside car parks, and we might do that.
At the end of the day, you get out of it what you put in. We dressed up, took a leisurely stroll everywhere and made plans to go back next year
Although I go to the race track at least twice a month to see the track days and stuff held there this year was my first year attending the Revival. All I can say is how in awe I am at the event - I genuinely am gutted I didn't get tickets for the whole weekend!
How the OP can moan when it was free is beyond me - to see the cars on track which are as good priceless to us normal folk and to see them being driven on the edge, inches apart was breath taking and something I am still smiling about now.
And whilst you cant compare the Festival with the Revival since they are different from one another I found the crowd at the Revival a far better crowd - not just the dressing up but the lack of pretence - no body wondering around with their pinkies out holding daddies Ferrari keys type business, mostly genuine car fans enjoying the event or the right reasons.
Sure we queued a little getting in and getting out and my car was a total dust heap after - but so what queuing with a Ferrari behind me and an Aston Martin in front made that painless.
All I can say is for me roll on next year since the spectacle provided for the price you pay was incredible and I'm a tight g*t!
How the OP can moan when it was free is beyond me - to see the cars on track which are as good priceless to us normal folk and to see them being driven on the edge, inches apart was breath taking and something I am still smiling about now.
And whilst you cant compare the Festival with the Revival since they are different from one another I found the crowd at the Revival a far better crowd - not just the dressing up but the lack of pretence - no body wondering around with their pinkies out holding daddies Ferrari keys type business, mostly genuine car fans enjoying the event or the right reasons.
Sure we queued a little getting in and getting out and my car was a total dust heap after - but so what queuing with a Ferrari behind me and an Aston Martin in front made that painless.
All I can say is for me roll on next year since the spectacle provided for the price you pay was incredible and I'm a tight g*t!
3xpendable said:
One question though, are the race cars invited or can you enter? My brother and I were commenting on the lack of Hillman Imps in the saloon car race and how the racing Imp we are building would be perfect for it.
Invite only I'm afraid. It does help who you know, the provenance of your vehicle and if you could find a celebrity to drive it!Gassing Station | Goodwood Events | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff