Silverstone Classics 2015
Discussion
Housey said:
If you had a good time then great, glad you enjoyed it! However, I suspect from your post you haven't experienced much to compare it to?
First off there were many stands without roofs, which didn't bother me frankly as I was there Saturday but if you had walked around the circuit you would have known this.
Ive been spoiled I guess as I have been to many of these events over the years and remember many of the cars from their in era racing period so have something to compare it to. No point arguing about rights and wrongs, but it seems from various forums that many people felt it was a poor event, a few were happy. Can't please all the people all the time, Silverstone Classic isnt an event I'll rush to next year.
I flatly disagree about there being a lack of covered grandstands. For the record.....First off there were many stands without roofs, which didn't bother me frankly as I was there Saturday but if you had walked around the circuit you would have known this.
Ive been spoiled I guess as I have been to many of these events over the years and remember many of the cars from their in era racing period so have something to compare it to. No point arguing about rights and wrongs, but it seems from various forums that many people felt it was a poor event, a few were happy. Can't please all the people all the time, Silverstone Classic isnt an event I'll rush to next year.
2 covered grandstands at Club corner.
1 at abbey
1 at the Arena cant remember the name (village?)(and another without a lid. on the other side of the track)
1 at woodcote (great view! never sat in that one before! will defiantly be going back there!)
1 at Luffield
1 at copse
We were in them most of the weekend and at no point would I say they were ever more than half full. (albeit they didn't offer much protection in gale force winds and torrential rain!)
If you wanted to sit under a covered grandstand then there was plenty of opportunity.
I would also like to see some more of the grandstands open. I would love to sit at beckets and at the end of hanger straight. (we actually got in there once and had a great few mins before a G4S numpty threw us out!)
But you simply cant complain that you couldn't sit in a covered grandstand. That's complete nonsense. To the best of my knowledge, there was and open one at village. on the other side of the track. not sure of the name. and another round the corner from club towards vale but as far as I am aware... that's it. unless you count the viewing areas around luffield but that can hardly be called a grandstand.
I'm not saying it was prefect by any means. But there is a lot of tosh on forums sometimes.
For the record, no I have never been to Goodwood. Would love to but I simply cant afford it.
Peter
I enjoyed it apart from the rain.
I went on Friday and it was a deluge.
The previous years I've been the weather has been great, too hot last year, and that seemed to aid the turnout of classics.
Those who complain of access - well! I remember a 4 hour journey to the M40. I accept that it is how it is now.
I particularly enjoyed wandering around the pits.
The racing is not the most spectacular on the great big circuit. Thee are points around where you can stand closer and see more but not in the rain.
I went on Friday and it was a deluge.
The previous years I've been the weather has been great, too hot last year, and that seemed to aid the turnout of classics.
Those who complain of access - well! I remember a 4 hour journey to the M40. I accept that it is how it is now.
I particularly enjoyed wandering around the pits.
The racing is not the most spectacular on the great big circuit. Thee are points around where you can stand closer and see more but not in the rain.
pedromorgan said:
Housey said:
If you had a good time then great, glad you enjoyed it! However, I suspect from your post you haven't experienced much to compare it to?
First off there were many stands without roofs, which didn't bother me frankly as I was there Saturday but if you had walked around the circuit you would have known this.
Ive been spoiled I guess as I have been to many of these events over the years and remember many of the cars from their in era racing period so have something to compare it to. No point arguing about rights and wrongs, but it seems from various forums that many people felt it was a poor event, a few were happy. Can't please all the people all the time, Silverstone Classic isnt an event I'll rush to next year.
I flatly disagree about there being a lack of covered grandstands. For the record.....First off there were many stands without roofs, which didn't bother me frankly as I was there Saturday but if you had walked around the circuit you would have known this.
Ive been spoiled I guess as I have been to many of these events over the years and remember many of the cars from their in era racing period so have something to compare it to. No point arguing about rights and wrongs, but it seems from various forums that many people felt it was a poor event, a few were happy. Can't please all the people all the time, Silverstone Classic isnt an event I'll rush to next year.
2 covered grandstands at Club corner.
1 at abbey
1 at the Arena cant remember the name (village?)(and another without a lid. on the other side of the track)
1 at woodcote (great view! never sat in that one before! will defiantly be going back there!)
1 at Luffield
1 at copse
We were in them most of the weekend and at no point would I say they were ever more than half full. (albeit they didn't offer much protection in gale force winds and torrential rain!)
If you wanted to sit under a covered grandstand then there was plenty of opportunity.
I would also like to see some more of the grandstands open. I would love to sit at beckets and at the end of hanger straight. (we actually got in there once and had a great few mins before a G4S numpty threw us out!)
But you simply cant complain that you couldn't sit in a covered grandstand. That's complete nonsense. To the best of my knowledge, there was and open one at village. on the other side of the track. not sure of the name. and another round the corner from club towards vale but as far as I am aware... that's it. unless you count the viewing areas around luffield but that can hardly be called a grandstand.
I'm not saying it was prefect by any means. But there is a lot of tosh on forums sometimes.
For the record, no I have never been to Goodwood. Would love to but I simply cant afford it.
Peter
Derek Smith said:
I enjoyed it apart from the rain.
I went on Friday and it was a deluge.
The previous years I've been the weather has been great, too hot last year, and that seemed to aid the turnout of classics.
Those who complain of access - well! I remember a 4 hour journey to the M40. I accept that it is how it is now.
I particularly enjoyed wandering around the pits.
The racing is not the most spectacular on the great big circuit. Thee are points around where you can stand closer and see more but not in the rain.
I drove 90 minutes and was in a queue for 30 minutes. Get there early enough and traffic wasn't a problem. I was parked up at 9am so not mega early either and I wasnt a line jumper as so many seemed to do.I went on Friday and it was a deluge.
The previous years I've been the weather has been great, too hot last year, and that seemed to aid the turnout of classics.
Those who complain of access - well! I remember a 4 hour journey to the M40. I accept that it is how it is now.
I particularly enjoyed wandering around the pits.
The racing is not the most spectacular on the great big circuit. Thee are points around where you can stand closer and see more but not in the rain.
In case Peter was referring to my post, I was talking about the covered grandstand on the Wellington straight. Despite the faq on the website stating free grandstand access, this was apparently only open to some 'society' according to the steward. The F1 race was just starting, and there was no indication of it being restricted other than a small a4 sized sign which he pointed at. There were quite a few people stood in the rain in front of it, and maybe 20 sitting in there? I did not have time to get to another one especially with the shortened races.
yes agree the 70 F40s that came 2 -3 years ago was an epic SS Classic event. Sadly this year was a let down.
thankfully leaving at the crack of dawn to get there meant no traffic for me and I stayed late to see Status Quo and dodged traffic on the way out as well. Traffic is a big killer for me, let alone people in old classics for sure.
the event in both cars racing and car clubs actually having "classics" On display is a valid point.
There was basically nothing "classic" on the Ferrari stand - the oldest thing really being a Dino or 308gtb... although I do also like seeing modern metal but there should be at least 25% historic cars out. But even the Jag club - more than 50% were XK8/r's so every car club was the same and since I was too late to get my car entered, the early birds clearly rule.
the new wing definitely does dull down the event
the activity over at this part of the circuit was dead, I didn't even go over on the Saturday as all the action / car clubs/ track racing/ food etc was over at the old pit lane. I got over to the new pitlane on Sunday, to find the indoor bit laid out as the auction - no entry of course without a catalogue fee and literally nothing else to see there apart from a couple of cars in the pits. - A waste of time going over that way. They should have had some clubs or event over on the tarmac next to it - where the camper vans were.
thankfully leaving at the crack of dawn to get there meant no traffic for me and I stayed late to see Status Quo and dodged traffic on the way out as well. Traffic is a big killer for me, let alone people in old classics for sure.
the event in both cars racing and car clubs actually having "classics" On display is a valid point.
There was basically nothing "classic" on the Ferrari stand - the oldest thing really being a Dino or 308gtb... although I do also like seeing modern metal but there should be at least 25% historic cars out. But even the Jag club - more than 50% were XK8/r's so every car club was the same and since I was too late to get my car entered, the early birds clearly rule.
the new wing definitely does dull down the event
the activity over at this part of the circuit was dead, I didn't even go over on the Saturday as all the action / car clubs/ track racing/ food etc was over at the old pit lane. I got over to the new pitlane on Sunday, to find the indoor bit laid out as the auction - no entry of course without a catalogue fee and literally nothing else to see there apart from a couple of cars in the pits. - A waste of time going over that way. They should have had some clubs or event over on the tarmac next to it - where the camper vans were.
We camped over at Litchlake, as usual, from Friday for the full weekend event (despite living 5 min away!)
SStone Classics has been a huge diary enjoyment each year for a long time for me. A massive amount of racing and variety.
Sadly this year it didn't seem so good. Hugely impacted by the weather for sure, but also I think in part because I have seen the show so many times it is now a bit familiar. That said, I still feel it is a super event worth attending.
Please be aware that the folk racing are the ones we really need to support. The cost and effort involved in taking part is immense, and largely undertaken by folk getting on a bit! Their racing costs have been escalating of late and I'm sure has been preventing participation. These guys pay a lot of money and time to bring their amazing cars to race around the track even in appalling weather and their participation, support and enjoyment must be preserved for the show to be preserved.
Although the concert side is a bonus, I do question whether too much of SStone's focus was on getting Status Quo on. A good cover band is absolutely fine IMO, something to get the crowd buzzed and dancing at the end of the racing. I am pleased they started after the racing out of respect to those on track but the 'DJ'scheduled was no-where providing no warm-up.
Although I can now claim to of seen the Quo, I wasn't enamoured as I didn't know their music and found it a bit samey! Maybe I'm not classic enough!
SStone Classics has been a huge diary enjoyment each year for a long time for me. A massive amount of racing and variety.
Sadly this year it didn't seem so good. Hugely impacted by the weather for sure, but also I think in part because I have seen the show so many times it is now a bit familiar. That said, I still feel it is a super event worth attending.
Please be aware that the folk racing are the ones we really need to support. The cost and effort involved in taking part is immense, and largely undertaken by folk getting on a bit! Their racing costs have been escalating of late and I'm sure has been preventing participation. These guys pay a lot of money and time to bring their amazing cars to race around the track even in appalling weather and their participation, support and enjoyment must be preserved for the show to be preserved.
Although the concert side is a bonus, I do question whether too much of SStone's focus was on getting Status Quo on. A good cover band is absolutely fine IMO, something to get the crowd buzzed and dancing at the end of the racing. I am pleased they started after the racing out of respect to those on track but the 'DJ'scheduled was no-where providing no warm-up.
Although I can now claim to of seen the Quo, I wasn't enamoured as I didn't know their music and found it a bit samey! Maybe I'm not classic enough!
they are indeed the band that can claim to have had numerous hits from the same tune; Da daddly dum, ba-boom ba-boom, Da daddly dum, ba-boom ba-boom (repeat to end) I went with my dad and uncle on the Saturday - judging by the weather we picked the best day to go on!
It's the first time I've been back to Silverstone since becoming a dad myself - the last time I went the new pit lane / wing building hadn't been fully built.
What struck me was how difficult it was to get to the International pit walk. We (wrongly) assumed that there would be a tunnel / pedestrian access to the infield at the southern end of the track....it was a long walk and a desperate sprint for the loo by the time we walked all the way around - entirely our own fault for just not asking for directions I guess.
Whilst it didn't feel warm I'm suitably burnt.
I took lots of terrible photographs and have badly edited some of them too-
What struck me about the GTR stand was just how rare the R-34 was (a personal favourite). 32s and 33s were there in abundance as was the latest 35, but I counted 4 maybe 5 R34s! Was nice to see a Jade Green V Spec II NUR though.
It's the first time I've been back to Silverstone since becoming a dad myself - the last time I went the new pit lane / wing building hadn't been fully built.
What struck me was how difficult it was to get to the International pit walk. We (wrongly) assumed that there would be a tunnel / pedestrian access to the infield at the southern end of the track....it was a long walk and a desperate sprint for the loo by the time we walked all the way around - entirely our own fault for just not asking for directions I guess.
Whilst it didn't feel warm I'm suitably burnt.
I took lots of terrible photographs and have badly edited some of them too-
What struck me about the GTR stand was just how rare the R-34 was (a personal favourite). 32s and 33s were there in abundance as was the latest 35, but I counted 4 maybe 5 R34s! Was nice to see a Jade Green V Spec II NUR though.
I was only there on the Saturday fortunately given the weather on Sunday but having been the last 5 years I found this years to be a bit of a let down in comparison.
The racing was good, formula junior and touring cars especially. I found the F1 and GT legends a real disappointment, very few cars, little speed and not on for long enough. Compare this with last year when we had several Macca F1s, F40LM, XJ220s etc – I realise the weather played a part but still…
The spitfire display though?? WTF – 2 flypasts and then off.
I felt sorry for the traders as Saturday would have been their only real money making day and it’s not cheap for a stand there.
For the first time I didn’t bother heading to the new wing, a pain to get there being just that bit too far away. Silverstone really need a footbridge from the South side (near the streetcar shootout) across to the wing.
The car clubs are OK, some very interesting metal on display but I agree in part with some comments about the modern euroboxes – BMW & Jaguar in particular. If I want to see a boggo 3 or 5 series or an XK/XJ I can pop down to my local business park. I’d prefer it if it were left to classic and sportscar only as display cars though I do understand when it comes to club support.
I arrived about half 8 and queued for about 15 minutes, bloody annoying though sat in the left lane of the A43 watching people shoot down and barge in last minute. Getting out about 7 was also easy. This is compared to this years FoS where it took 2 hours just to get out of a gridlocked car park which in part has put me off ever going again to that one.
I’ll likely go again next year as I find it an enjoyable day out with my brother but I really hope it picks itself up from this one.
The racing was good, formula junior and touring cars especially. I found the F1 and GT legends a real disappointment, very few cars, little speed and not on for long enough. Compare this with last year when we had several Macca F1s, F40LM, XJ220s etc – I realise the weather played a part but still…
The spitfire display though?? WTF – 2 flypasts and then off.
I felt sorry for the traders as Saturday would have been their only real money making day and it’s not cheap for a stand there.
For the first time I didn’t bother heading to the new wing, a pain to get there being just that bit too far away. Silverstone really need a footbridge from the South side (near the streetcar shootout) across to the wing.
The car clubs are OK, some very interesting metal on display but I agree in part with some comments about the modern euroboxes – BMW & Jaguar in particular. If I want to see a boggo 3 or 5 series or an XK/XJ I can pop down to my local business park. I’d prefer it if it were left to classic and sportscar only as display cars though I do understand when it comes to club support.
I arrived about half 8 and queued for about 15 minutes, bloody annoying though sat in the left lane of the A43 watching people shoot down and barge in last minute. Getting out about 7 was also easy. This is compared to this years FoS where it took 2 hours just to get out of a gridlocked car park which in part has put me off ever going again to that one.
I’ll likely go again next year as I find it an enjoyable day out with my brother but I really hope it picks itself up from this one.
fatboy18 said:
We also had overnight hotel accommodation in a place called Horwood House. It was the most dire room I have ever stayed in in my life, the hotel was full so we could not change the room. Rotten door frames, Avocado bathroom suite Yuck! bathroom ceiling artex hanging down on cracked lining paper. Raw plug holes all over the walls, curtains that only reached 3/4 of the way across the window! Just put the final stamp on it for me
Horwood House ? you want TripAdvisor. 
Went on Saturday, got really lucky with the weather. 2nd year i have been and was really looking forward to this but like many others felt a bit let down.
as others have said, the 90's GT cars and F1 demo was very poor, i suspect most people in the crowd have recent and fond memories of 90's cars and this could be a really big draw for the crowds but was not really up to the hype.
Enjoyed to the masters historic sportscars, they are epic. As someone else said, the historic F1 stuff could do really with trying to incorporate some later cars, perhaps it's time to review the cutoff date?
I really love the supertourers, even my wife was enjoying those, this is something the classic could really build on, many examples still in circulation and the racing looks to be genuine and hard fought.
Can't help feeling if it was a bit better laid out then it would perhaps help the event, as noted previously the National paddock was a bit lacking. Would also be nice if the car clubs and event coordinators were a little more selective in their members display cars.
Busses were not too bad, but sometimes it was quicker to walk. And for the love of god, please open more grandstands. it's really not helping having to walk 15/20 mins to get from one grandstand to another. This simple measure is only going to benefit the whole event for very little impact to organisation.
Love the racing, and the access to international pits and ability to get close to these rare cars is great, not too good on organisation and layout of the site. Traffic was horrible, i will arrive earlier next time.
as others have said, the 90's GT cars and F1 demo was very poor, i suspect most people in the crowd have recent and fond memories of 90's cars and this could be a really big draw for the crowds but was not really up to the hype.
Enjoyed to the masters historic sportscars, they are epic. As someone else said, the historic F1 stuff could do really with trying to incorporate some later cars, perhaps it's time to review the cutoff date?
I really love the supertourers, even my wife was enjoying those, this is something the classic could really build on, many examples still in circulation and the racing looks to be genuine and hard fought.
Can't help feeling if it was a bit better laid out then it would perhaps help the event, as noted previously the National paddock was a bit lacking. Would also be nice if the car clubs and event coordinators were a little more selective in their members display cars.
Busses were not too bad, but sometimes it was quicker to walk. And for the love of god, please open more grandstands. it's really not helping having to walk 15/20 mins to get from one grandstand to another. This simple measure is only going to benefit the whole event for very little impact to organisation.
Love the racing, and the access to international pits and ability to get close to these rare cars is great, not too good on organisation and layout of the site. Traffic was horrible, i will arrive earlier next time.
We went on Saturday lucky re weather.
Appalling queue from the dual carriageway to get in . Left Guildford 8 am got in to club parking area at 11 am .
Don't know how much track action we missed but it certainly didn't seem continuous.
We couldn't go last year but we're comparing it to 2
Years ago . By 5 pm had seen all that seemed to be on offer .
Don't think I'll rush to go in 2016 .
Been looking foreward to it since buying the tickets back early this year .
Appalling queue from the dual carriageway to get in . Left Guildford 8 am got in to club parking area at 11 am .
Don't know how much track action we missed but it certainly didn't seem continuous.
We couldn't go last year but we're comparing it to 2
Years ago . By 5 pm had seen all that seemed to be on offer .
Don't think I'll rush to go in 2016 .
Been looking foreward to it since buying the tickets back early this year .
I went for the 5th year in a row. We always go for all three days camping nearby, most recently in Litchlake.
Litchlake was considerably fuller than in prior years with no additional facilities. 20 Minutes queues for the showers at 6.30am on Sunday...not acceptable.
As for the show, agree to cut down on the entertainment budget as above a good cover will suffice. The trade stalls are the same each year with exactly the same stock. The club turn out seemed to be smaller this year along with other attractions...no AA village etc...but we did appreciate the Caterham drifting.
The racing is also very samey. Can they not include a round of an extablished race series?
Are we going back next year? Unsure to be honest, are the only alternatives at Goodwood?
Litchlake was considerably fuller than in prior years with no additional facilities. 20 Minutes queues for the showers at 6.30am on Sunday...not acceptable.
As for the show, agree to cut down on the entertainment budget as above a good cover will suffice. The trade stalls are the same each year with exactly the same stock. The club turn out seemed to be smaller this year along with other attractions...no AA village etc...but we did appreciate the Caterham drifting.
The racing is also very samey. Can they not include a round of an extablished race series?
Are we going back next year? Unsure to be honest, are the only alternatives at Goodwood?
If people just want to watch racing and aren't interested in all the other crap around it, then consider going to HSCC events, entry is normally pretty cheap and the racing is just as good. The Masters Historic at Brands Hatch was £21 in advance and had a good turn out of F1 and touring cars.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/janesyb/sets/7215765...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/janesyb/sets/7215765...
Edited by Janesy B on Monday 27th July 16:37
As with us I think its about value for money fuel, hotel, entrance fee it all adds up for people.
Is it worth the effort and the trip up there for people?
It got to the point, with us with cost not worth the trip.
Lower entrance fee would be a big help, with a family of four its not cheap.
Hence why we stopped going, after the first few years.
Is it worth the effort and the trip up there for people?
It got to the point, with us with cost not worth the trip.
Lower entrance fee would be a big help, with a family of four its not cheap.
Hence why we stopped going, after the first few years.
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