Ultima Open Day Alternative Suggestions
Discussion
I don't want this to sound negative as this is certainly not the intention,I hope this is viewed as constructive .....
I am a Big Ultima fan and I was looking forward to the factory open day as didn't manage to get to it last year.
I have met several owners at various events around the country and all have been very helpful and a fountain of knowledge on the build process etc.
I'm glad the factory are involved with their customers and are looking to do things for them & move things on, but this seems to have taken the factory open day down to what seems like a jolly for the owners and a show n shine in the infield, this may not be the case and I'll definitely be popping over to have a look.
I believe this should be a separate event organised by the owners/enthusiasts as are things like the Griff Growl which I have attended and enjoyed. Obviously the Ultima owners club is no more and as such it is commendable that the factory have stepped up and taken this on.
It strikes me that whilst having an Ultima presence at Silverstone Classic can only be a good thing for visibility of the brand, this event is ticketed and as such does not make it "open to the public" in the sense of how the previous open days have been, and will deter potential new owners coming along.
Holding an event at the factory gives potential new owners & current owners alike the benefits of the factory resources & staff on hand, and the ability to see things that are not possible to display/take to an event like Silverstone Classic e.g. I don't think they will let you park a new chassis or rolling road in the infield "club parking" somehow, and even if they did I think there would be a queue a mile long from every other club wanting a go, also not withstanding the PC world we now live in and the potential legal/insurance ramifications at such an event, I'm not sure the factory insurance would cover them & the owners for events off premises etc.
I am a Big Ultima fan and I was looking forward to the factory open day as didn't manage to get to it last year.
I have met several owners at various events around the country and all have been very helpful and a fountain of knowledge on the build process etc.
I'm glad the factory are involved with their customers and are looking to do things for them & move things on, but this seems to have taken the factory open day down to what seems like a jolly for the owners and a show n shine in the infield, this may not be the case and I'll definitely be popping over to have a look.
I believe this should be a separate event organised by the owners/enthusiasts as are things like the Griff Growl which I have attended and enjoyed. Obviously the Ultima owners club is no more and as such it is commendable that the factory have stepped up and taken this on.
It strikes me that whilst having an Ultima presence at Silverstone Classic can only be a good thing for visibility of the brand, this event is ticketed and as such does not make it "open to the public" in the sense of how the previous open days have been, and will deter potential new owners coming along.
Holding an event at the factory gives potential new owners & current owners alike the benefits of the factory resources & staff on hand, and the ability to see things that are not possible to display/take to an event like Silverstone Classic e.g. I don't think they will let you park a new chassis or rolling road in the infield "club parking" somehow, and even if they did I think there would be a queue a mile long from every other club wanting a go, also not withstanding the PC world we now live in and the potential legal/insurance ramifications at such an event, I'm not sure the factory insurance would cover them & the owners for events off premises etc.
Hi Paul,
You're not being negative, and that is very valid and probably not something the owners of built cars have not thought about... Up until now.
There are a couple of possibilities here, firstly I believe RacingRoj has planned to visit the factory on the Monday morning after Silverstone and has contacted Richard about it. This might be another possible 'addition' to the weekend and as I am staying at the Hinckley island hotel on Saturday and Sunday night, I might join Roger at the factory on Monday morning too.
If others fancy doing the same, then there is definitely an opportunity to meet up and talk with other owners and with less of the "show" atmosphere.
Another thing I had thought about, is that if there are any solo drivers heading in the convoy from the Hinckley island and they are willing to take a passenger, then maybe that is an even better opportunity for builders to get the chance of being driven in finished car and arriving in style so to speak. After all the special offer tickets include 2 adults so there's also the chance for some owners to half their cost.
I'm afraid I'm taking my better half (maybe I should word that better) so unfortunately I don't have a space, but I would have been more than happy to take someone from the hotel and back again. It doesn't even have to be from the hotel, you might find there's someone near where you live that's travelling to the event and would be happy to join up, so maybe this one deserves a separate thread to link folk up.
The upshot is that this could end up so much more than the 'old' factory open day for builders and owners alike.
Pete
You're not being negative, and that is very valid and probably not something the owners of built cars have not thought about... Up until now.
There are a couple of possibilities here, firstly I believe RacingRoj has planned to visit the factory on the Monday morning after Silverstone and has contacted Richard about it. This might be another possible 'addition' to the weekend and as I am staying at the Hinckley island hotel on Saturday and Sunday night, I might join Roger at the factory on Monday morning too.
If others fancy doing the same, then there is definitely an opportunity to meet up and talk with other owners and with less of the "show" atmosphere.
Another thing I had thought about, is that if there are any solo drivers heading in the convoy from the Hinckley island and they are willing to take a passenger, then maybe that is an even better opportunity for builders to get the chance of being driven in finished car and arriving in style so to speak. After all the special offer tickets include 2 adults so there's also the chance for some owners to half their cost.
I'm afraid I'm taking my better half (maybe I should word that better) so unfortunately I don't have a space, but I would have been more than happy to take someone from the hotel and back again. It doesn't even have to be from the hotel, you might find there's someone near where you live that's travelling to the event and would be happy to join up, so maybe this one deserves a separate thread to link folk up.
The upshot is that this could end up so much more than the 'old' factory open day for builders and owners alike.
Pete
Just a heads up re: entrance to Silverstone Classic
There is no "special" entrance for infield parking and as such you have to queue up with the regular public attending.
Last year this queue was over an hour long and led to some very heated discussions with the marshals who didn't want to let people infield who were now late and past the cut off time.
Previous experience of Silverstone Classic is that it is a great event, but traffic management in/out could most definitely be improved - plan ahead and allow for such issues if you can.
There is no "special" entrance for infield parking and as such you have to queue up with the regular public attending.
Last year this queue was over an hour long and led to some very heated discussions with the marshals who didn't want to let people infield who were now late and past the cut off time.
Previous experience of Silverstone Classic is that it is a great event, but traffic management in/out could most definitely be improved - plan ahead and allow for such issues if you can.
Hi all.
Sorry if I have not got this correct (I have followed this thread and was really interested in the thoughts of Paul above) but does this mean that the factory open day that was scheduled on August 2nd this year is no longer happening?
Like I said, it may be obvious in the threads, but just wanted confirmation either way as I, too was hoping to come along and meet several owners and have a look around on the factory open day.
Cheers
Sorry if I have not got this correct (I have followed this thread and was really interested in the thoughts of Paul above) but does this mean that the factory open day that was scheduled on August 2nd this year is no longer happening?
Like I said, it may be obvious in the threads, but just wanted confirmation either way as I, too was hoping to come along and meet several owners and have a look around on the factory open day.
Cheers
Hi Guys
Hope you don't mind me pulling the details together, I guess somebody had to.
Hotel - Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley (as suggested by the factory) still £90.40 for one night with breakfast, same price for Sunday for those who are staying over. It has secure parking with a barrier and security guard. Dinner is extra.
Sunday Silverstone - Richard will be leading the convoy with the new EVO departing the Hotel at 7-00pm obviously travelling at normal speeds. The route will be A5 then A43 then A413 missing out the motorways. For those who want to meet near Silverstone (Paul V8YES) can someone come up with a place?
Factory Visit - There has been a request from one of the Scottish contingent for a factory visit so for those who want to will be going after breakfast on the Monday morning.
I have booked the 2 nights at the hotel and will be going to the factory on the Monday morning. It will be good to catch up over dinner etc on both Saturday and Sunday evening. As has been previously said this is a massive meeting nearly as big as the F1 GP so there will be a lot to see on the day, some think you will need all 3 days to do it justice.
Roj
Hope you don't mind me pulling the details together, I guess somebody had to.
Hotel - Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley (as suggested by the factory) still £90.40 for one night with breakfast, same price for Sunday for those who are staying over. It has secure parking with a barrier and security guard. Dinner is extra.
Sunday Silverstone - Richard will be leading the convoy with the new EVO departing the Hotel at 7-00pm obviously travelling at normal speeds. The route will be A5 then A43 then A413 missing out the motorways. For those who want to meet near Silverstone (Paul V8YES) can someone come up with a place?
Factory Visit - There has been a request from one of the Scottish contingent for a factory visit so for those who want to will be going after breakfast on the Monday morning.
I have booked the 2 nights at the hotel and will be going to the factory on the Monday morning. It will be good to catch up over dinner etc on both Saturday and Sunday evening. As has been previously said this is a massive meeting nearly as big as the F1 GP so there will be a lot to see on the day, some think you will need all 3 days to do it justice.
Roj
Racingroj said:
Hi Guys
Hope you don't mind me pulling the details together, I guess somebody had to.
Hotel - Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley (as suggested by the factory) still £90.40 for one night with breakfast, same price for Sunday for those who are staying over. It has secure parking with a barrier and security guard. Dinner is extra.
Sunday Silverstone - Richard will be leading the convoy with the new EVO departing the Hotel at 7-00pm obviously travelling at normal speeds. The route will be A5 then A43 then A413 missing out the motorways. For those who want to meet near Silverstone (Paul V8YES) can someone come up with a place?
Factory Visit - There has been a request from one of the Scottish contingent for a factory visit so for those who want to will be going after breakfast on the Monday morning.
I have booked the 2 nights at the hotel and will be going to the factory on the Monday morning. It will be good to catch up over dinner etc on both Saturday and Sunday evening. As has been previously said this is a massive meeting nearly as big as the F1 GP so there will be a lot to see on the day, some think you will need all 3 days to do it justice.
Roj
Hope they serve breakfast early on a Sunday if we are meeting at the factory at 7am!!!Hope you don't mind me pulling the details together, I guess somebody had to.
Hotel - Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley (as suggested by the factory) still £90.40 for one night with breakfast, same price for Sunday for those who are staying over. It has secure parking with a barrier and security guard. Dinner is extra.
Sunday Silverstone - Richard will be leading the convoy with the new EVO departing the Hotel at 7-00pm obviously travelling at normal speeds. The route will be A5 then A43 then A413 missing out the motorways. For those who want to meet near Silverstone (Paul V8YES) can someone come up with a place?
Factory Visit - There has been a request from one of the Scottish contingent for a factory visit so for those who want to will be going after breakfast on the Monday morning.
I have booked the 2 nights at the hotel and will be going to the factory on the Monday morning. It will be good to catch up over dinner etc on both Saturday and Sunday evening. As has been previously said this is a massive meeting nearly as big as the F1 GP so there will be a lot to see on the day, some think you will need all 3 days to do it justice.
Roj
OK I am now booked at the Hinckley Island hotel for the Saturday night too. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Looks like they serve at 6.30am so if they are quick we might squeeze it in just before getting to factory for 7am.
Richard, how about 7.15am at factory so we can all eat? Looks like only a 10 minute drive. Or if we are all at the hotel we leave from the hotel?
I'll be with my 9 year old son so at least I'm likely to get an early night on the Saturday!
Mark
Richard, how about 7.15am at factory so we can all eat? Looks like only a 10 minute drive. Or if we are all at the hotel we leave from the hotel?
I'll be with my 9 year old son so at least I'm likely to get an early night on the Saturday!
Mark
Ref meeting point near silverstone to pick up stragglers and ones that can't make the factory meeting place . So that all can group up to go in in all together How's about Going to whitlebury hall hotel its 5 mins from the venue And would take everyone out of the traffic que and come in through silverstone village would just need a meet up time iff this is a good option ?
Morning Guys
Some mentioned earlier on the thread that they would still like to visit the factory. Richard has arranged for us to visit at 9-00am on the Monday the 27th after the Silverstone Classic. I will be going straight from the Hinckley Island Hotel for those who would like to join me. If that day doesn't suit please contact Richard direct to arrange another time.
Roj
Some mentioned earlier on the thread that they would still like to visit the factory. Richard has arranged for us to visit at 9-00am on the Monday the 27th after the Silverstone Classic. I will be going straight from the Hinckley Island Hotel for those who would like to join me. If that day doesn't suit please contact Richard direct to arrange another time.
Roj
What a shame about the lousy weather!
We had only been at the track about an hour before the rain started, with the drop in temperature and increase in the wind, it felt like November rather than July.
Not sure of the final number of Ultimas but it must have been around 20. Shame we 'forgot' to collect the cars waiting at a pub near Silverstone. A glitch I am sure.
With the weather forecast we wanted to get a good look round before the rain started so didn't get to talk to many, so my apologies, and when we called back a couple of times you had all headed for shelter.
Silverstone is a crap place to be on a horribly wet day especially when we were turned away from the only infield grandstand that was virtually empty because it was 'reserved' for Suite users. The French would have shrugged their shoulders and let us in, but hey, this is rule abiding Britain!
Due to a lack of seating on the inside of the track we called it quits at 2.00pm and followed the other 60% of Ultimas and left for home.
I hope to have captured some video on the convoy but I am not good at getting pictures so will wait for others to post some.
The plan was a good one, but mother nature stuck her oar in!
Paul
We had only been at the track about an hour before the rain started, with the drop in temperature and increase in the wind, it felt like November rather than July.
Not sure of the final number of Ultimas but it must have been around 20. Shame we 'forgot' to collect the cars waiting at a pub near Silverstone. A glitch I am sure.
With the weather forecast we wanted to get a good look round before the rain started so didn't get to talk to many, so my apologies, and when we called back a couple of times you had all headed for shelter.
Silverstone is a crap place to be on a horribly wet day especially when we were turned away from the only infield grandstand that was virtually empty because it was 'reserved' for Suite users. The French would have shrugged their shoulders and let us in, but hey, this is rule abiding Britain!
Due to a lack of seating on the inside of the track we called it quits at 2.00pm and followed the other 60% of Ultimas and left for home.
I hope to have captured some video on the convoy but I am not good at getting pictures so will wait for others to post some.
The plan was a good one, but mother nature stuck her oar in!
Paul
WGood to have met you Paul at the White horse.
I managed to get back home on the cut slicks by driving at 120 leptons and using the aero to hold it all together
- occasionally touching 170 to avoid being flashed by any cameras.
(Alternatively I drove at 55 and took the back roads
)
I managed to get back home on the cut slicks by driving at 120 leptons and using the aero to hold it all together
- occasionally touching 170 to avoid being flashed by any cameras.(Alternatively I drove at 55 and took the back roads
)Edited by tjlees on Sunday 26th July 20:59
Edited by tjlees on Sunday 26th July 21:01
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