RE: PistonHeads Sunday Service: Fast Car Festival 31/7
Discussion
chungster said:
Thanks to James and the PH team in arranging this free SS including track session.
The show itself was ok but the Vulcan was a real treat as 1 of only 24 in existence. Big hats off to the owner too who was more than happy to talk to people and answer questions, but also letting pretty much anyone climb in to have a sit and pic taken. You won't see many £2m car owners offering to do that.
Track session - well we stayed till 4pm to go on track - had a ball. Not sure if there were 30 cars out there..but some of us did stay behind to use the track sessions at the end of the day that PH managed to get.
That JPS Clio was quick! Your RS3 sounded great! The TVR sounded the best though! Wheel spinning while changing gear as well!The show itself was ok but the Vulcan was a real treat as 1 of only 24 in existence. Big hats off to the owner too who was more than happy to talk to people and answer questions, but also letting pretty much anyone climb in to have a sit and pic taken. You won't see many £2m car owners offering to do that.
Track session - well we stayed till 4pm to go on track - had a ball. Not sure if there were 30 cars out there..but some of us did stay behind to use the track sessions at the end of the day that PH managed to get.
ayman82 said:
That JPS Clio was quick! Your RS3 sounded great! The TVR sounded the best though! Wheel spinning while changing gear as well!
Cheers 
Dan's Clio was flying but then it is stripped out and had track day tyres on. Yeah can't really compete with the sound from the TVR with its V8 on TBs 
Cheers Pistonheads for organising, our group had an ace day, can't complain with free entry to the show and free track time. Hope they do this again, but with better organisation from fast car and donnington. First time on the circuit and had a real good time.
Here's Ben trying to start a KTM
Here's Ben trying to start a KTM
I may come across a little ''humbug'' now but having just driven a roundtrip of some 600+ miles at a total cost exceeding £300+ I'm wondering why I bothered?
Initially we were asked to put our names forward as you ''needed our cars'' for a PH display, where we would be representing Pistonheads. In return we were offered admission, camping and merchandise. We waited patiently and eventually a list of some 20 lucky owners were chosen. We, the lucky few, were then asked to submit a brief history and specification of our cars, so that PH could print this info off and display it in the windscreen of each vehicle. It all sounded great and I for one, was happy enough to give my time and suffer the expense. My disability means camping is out, so a hotel was duly booked.
Ignoring some confusion over the tickets, that some experienced, after 300 miles I arrive by 8.45am Saturday as per instructions. I'm shown to a spot where there are probably 9 or 10 other cars from the list of 20 and we park up. I have to then go elsewhere but as we were told our cars had to be there for both days, I wasn't too concerned. I did wonder why there was no-one there from PH, no banner and certainly no print-out for each car. In fact, there was absolutely bugger all to tell folk we were there to represent Pistonheads!
Fast forward to Sunday morning and upon arrival it soon becomes clear that the display I left on Saturday morning is no longer there. In fact, my car is on it's own and parked next to a row of modified Jeeps. I knew there was a Sunday Service being run in parallel and it soon became clear that this is where PH's attention was focussed. I was left to work this out for myself though, as there was bugger all information on offer and I guess it was too much to expect that maybe, just maybe, someone from PH would take the time to notify those people who had crossed the country to offer you their car? You know, the cars that you ''needed'' to represent Pistonheads?
An added bonus of no being able to now move my car across to the infield where evidently PH knew in advance the SS would be, was that I would also be unable to get out on track. Great.
Bottom line, just what was the point of the display when the Sunday Service was going to be there anyway?
How come we were instructed to be there by 9.45am Saturday yet there was no-one there from PH to at least say hello, let alone give us the print-outs and merchandise we were told would be given to us?
Why were we not told about the Sunday Service being on the infield? The organisers told me you'd been told this well in advance?
If you see any adverts for event staff at Whitbread, you probably shouldn't bother to apply.
Glad those of you that did get out on track had a good time though.
Initially we were asked to put our names forward as you ''needed our cars'' for a PH display, where we would be representing Pistonheads. In return we were offered admission, camping and merchandise. We waited patiently and eventually a list of some 20 lucky owners were chosen. We, the lucky few, were then asked to submit a brief history and specification of our cars, so that PH could print this info off and display it in the windscreen of each vehicle. It all sounded great and I for one, was happy enough to give my time and suffer the expense. My disability means camping is out, so a hotel was duly booked.
Ignoring some confusion over the tickets, that some experienced, after 300 miles I arrive by 8.45am Saturday as per instructions. I'm shown to a spot where there are probably 9 or 10 other cars from the list of 20 and we park up. I have to then go elsewhere but as we were told our cars had to be there for both days, I wasn't too concerned. I did wonder why there was no-one there from PH, no banner and certainly no print-out for each car. In fact, there was absolutely bugger all to tell folk we were there to represent Pistonheads!
Fast forward to Sunday morning and upon arrival it soon becomes clear that the display I left on Saturday morning is no longer there. In fact, my car is on it's own and parked next to a row of modified Jeeps. I knew there was a Sunday Service being run in parallel and it soon became clear that this is where PH's attention was focussed. I was left to work this out for myself though, as there was bugger all information on offer and I guess it was too much to expect that maybe, just maybe, someone from PH would take the time to notify those people who had crossed the country to offer you their car? You know, the cars that you ''needed'' to represent Pistonheads?
An added bonus of no being able to now move my car across to the infield where evidently PH knew in advance the SS would be, was that I would also be unable to get out on track. Great.
Bottom line, just what was the point of the display when the Sunday Service was going to be there anyway?
How come we were instructed to be there by 9.45am Saturday yet there was no-one there from PH to at least say hello, let alone give us the print-outs and merchandise we were told would be given to us?
Why were we not told about the Sunday Service being on the infield? The organisers told me you'd been told this well in advance?
If you see any adverts for event staff at Whitbread, you probably shouldn't bother to apply.
Glad those of you that did get out on track had a good time though.
Edited by e21Mark on Sunday 31st July 21:18
Ouch, that doesn't sound so good Mark.
Well for a Sunday Service it was pretty good. A long day, a few hours longer than the Festival itself warranted, but worthwhile all the same. Certainly can't complain about free day entry, 2 free track sessions, a sit in a Vulcan, an Aventador SV on track, not to mention meeting Tiff Needell in the toilets
There was a great selection of cars for the SS. That carried over to the track sessions too - a proper eclectic mix. There were some gems in the show too.
Donington was a new track to me but a good one. I certainly hadn't got close to learning it by the end of two sessions.
This pic summed up the generosity of the Vulcan owner for me:
Fast Car Festival by giveitfish, on Flickr
More here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/albums/72...
Well for a Sunday Service it was pretty good. A long day, a few hours longer than the Festival itself warranted, but worthwhile all the same. Certainly can't complain about free day entry, 2 free track sessions, a sit in a Vulcan, an Aventador SV on track, not to mention meeting Tiff Needell in the toilets
There was a great selection of cars for the SS. That carried over to the track sessions too - a proper eclectic mix. There were some gems in the show too.
Donington was a new track to me but a good one. I certainly hadn't got close to learning it by the end of two sessions.
This pic summed up the generosity of the Vulcan owner for me:
Fast Car Festival by giveitfish, on FlickrMore here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giveitfish/albums/72...
e21Mark said:
I may come across a little ''humbug'' now but having just driven a roundtrip of some 600+ miles at a total cost exceeding £300+ I'm wondering why I bothered?
I did think your car looked a little lonely! Lovely E30 though! Here's a crap picture of your great car if that helps!
ayman82 said:
e21Mark said:
I may come across a little ''humbug'' now but having just driven a roundtrip of some 600+ miles at a total cost exceeding £300+ I'm wondering why I bothered?
I did think your car looked a little lonely! Lovely E30 though! Here's a crap picture of your great car if that helps!93Jay said:
ayman82 said:
e21Mark said:
I may come across a little ''humbug'' now but having just driven a roundtrip of some 600+ miles at a total cost exceeding £300+ I'm wondering why I bothered?
I did think your car looked a little lonely! Lovely E30 though! Here's a crap picture of your great car if that helps!
e21Mark said:
93Jay said:
ayman82 said:
e21Mark said:
I may come across a little ''humbug'' now but having just driven a roundtrip of some 600+ miles at a total cost exceeding £300+ I'm wondering why I bothered?
I did think your car looked a little lonely! Lovely E30 though! Here's a crap picture of your great car if that helps!I was a bit surprised that "I'm on the Pistonheads session" was all that was required to get my pass, I asked whether there were spaces an the later session too as I knew people hadn't turned up and was told I'd have to pay £30 (fair enough - one free session was all I was expecting)
However after a PHer said he was offered both sessions, I went back an hour later having found a member that was going early and wouldn't use his place, to be told that it was no problem to go in both sessions for free (by the same guy)
On track I had a "Days Of Thunder" moment when the MK2 Golf went Rallycrossing about 100m ahead of me and I went though a cloud of dust in the fairly certain knowledge the track was clear.
Two sessions later - which considering the range of car types and experience levels - went remarkably well.
All in all, a great day Thanks PH and thanks to all those who didn't turn up, which gave some of us an extra session.
However after a PHer said he was offered both sessions, I went back an hour later having found a member that was going early and wouldn't use his place, to be told that it was no problem to go in both sessions for free (by the same guy)
On track I had a "Days Of Thunder" moment when the MK2 Golf went Rallycrossing about 100m ahead of me and I went though a cloud of dust in the fairly certain knowledge the track was clear.
Two sessions later - which considering the range of car types and experience levels - went remarkably well.
All in all, a great day Thanks PH and thanks to all those who didn't turn up, which gave some of us an extra session.
e21Mark said:
An added bonus of no being able to now move my car across to the infield where evidently PH knew in advance the SS would be, was that I would also be unable to get out on track. Great.
Obviously we had to move from the Infield to the track, I got the feeling they thought it would be a much bigger show than it was, we had no issue moving the cars in or out.
V8RX7 said:
e21Mark said:
An added bonus of no being able to now move my car across to the infield where evidently PH knew in advance the SS would be, was that I would also be unable to get out on track. Great.
Obviously we had to move from the Infield to the track, I got the feeling they thought it would be a much bigger show than it was, we had no issue moving the cars in or out.
Edited by e21Mark on Monday 1st August 07:10
e21Mark said:
I may come across a little ''humbug'' now but having just driven a roundtrip of some 600+ miles at a total cost exceeding £300+ I'm wondering why I bothered?
Initially we were asked to put our names forward as you ''needed our cars'' for a PH display, where we would be representing Pistonheads. In return we were offered admission, camping and merchandise. We waited patiently and eventually a list of some 20 lucky owners were chosen. We, the lucky few, were then asked to submit a brief history and specification of our cars, so that PH could print this info off and display it in the windscreen of each vehicle. It all sounded great and I for one, was happy enough to give my time and suffer the expense. My disability means camping is out, so a hotel was duly booked.
Ignoring some confusion over the tickets, that some experienced, after 300 miles I arrive by 8.45am Saturday as per instructions. I'm shown to a spot where there are probably 9 or 10 other cars from the list of 20 and we park up. I have to then go elsewhere but as we were told our cars had to be there for both days, I wasn't too concerned. I did wonder why there was no-one there from PH, no banner and certainly no print-out for each car. In fact, there was absolutely bugger all to tell folk we were there to represent Pistonheads!
Fast forward to Sunday morning and upon arrival it soon becomes clear that the display I left on Saturday morning is no longer there. In fact, my car is on it's own and parked next to a row of modified Jeeps. I knew there was a Sunday Service being run in parallel and it soon became clear that this is where PH's attention was focussed. I was left to work this out for myself though, as there was bugger all information on offer and I guess it was too much to expect that maybe, just maybe, someone from PH would take the time to notify those people who had crossed the country to offer you their car? You know, the cars that you ''needed'' to represent Pistonheads?
An added bonus of no being able to now move my car across to the infield where evidently PH knew in advance the SS would be, was that I would also be unable to get out on track. Great.
Bottom line, just what was the point of the display when the Sunday Service was going to be there anyway?
How come we were instructed to be there by 9.45am Saturday yet there was no-one there from PH to at least say hello, let alone give us the print-outs and merchandise we were told would be given to us?
Why were we not told about the Sunday Service being on the infield? The organisers told me you'd been told this well in advance?
If you see any adverts for event staff at Whitbread, you probably shouldn't bother to apply.
Glad those of you that did get out on track had a good time though.
Hi Mark,Initially we were asked to put our names forward as you ''needed our cars'' for a PH display, where we would be representing Pistonheads. In return we were offered admission, camping and merchandise. We waited patiently and eventually a list of some 20 lucky owners were chosen. We, the lucky few, were then asked to submit a brief history and specification of our cars, so that PH could print this info off and display it in the windscreen of each vehicle. It all sounded great and I for one, was happy enough to give my time and suffer the expense. My disability means camping is out, so a hotel was duly booked.
Ignoring some confusion over the tickets, that some experienced, after 300 miles I arrive by 8.45am Saturday as per instructions. I'm shown to a spot where there are probably 9 or 10 other cars from the list of 20 and we park up. I have to then go elsewhere but as we were told our cars had to be there for both days, I wasn't too concerned. I did wonder why there was no-one there from PH, no banner and certainly no print-out for each car. In fact, there was absolutely bugger all to tell folk we were there to represent Pistonheads!
Fast forward to Sunday morning and upon arrival it soon becomes clear that the display I left on Saturday morning is no longer there. In fact, my car is on it's own and parked next to a row of modified Jeeps. I knew there was a Sunday Service being run in parallel and it soon became clear that this is where PH's attention was focussed. I was left to work this out for myself though, as there was bugger all information on offer and I guess it was too much to expect that maybe, just maybe, someone from PH would take the time to notify those people who had crossed the country to offer you their car? You know, the cars that you ''needed'' to represent Pistonheads?
An added bonus of no being able to now move my car across to the infield where evidently PH knew in advance the SS would be, was that I would also be unable to get out on track. Great.
Bottom line, just what was the point of the display when the Sunday Service was going to be there anyway?
How come we were instructed to be there by 9.45am Saturday yet there was no-one there from PH to at least say hello, let alone give us the print-outs and merchandise we were told would be given to us?
Why were we not told about the Sunday Service being on the infield? The organisers told me you'd been told this well in advance?
If you see any adverts for event staff at Whitbread, you probably shouldn't bother to apply.
Glad those of you that did get out on track had a good time though.
Edited by e21Mark on Sunday 31st July 21:18
Sorry to hear about your negative experience... it all sounds very frustrating.
The bottom line with all of this is that there were 2 issues:
1) Despite what you may have been told on the day the show organisers were meant to be organising both branding for the "PH display area" and the display boards for each car. We had also told them that we wouldn't have any staff to man this area, even more so following Ollie's departure. All information was provided to them along with our logos etc. In other words, it is them that have dropped the ball and we're as disappointed to hear this as you.
2) Ollie had been liaising with the show organisers about this display, so when he left at short notice there was quite a lot of the catching up to do on our part. Essentially though we only received a site map that showed the PH SS area last Thursday, so their definition of "well in advance" is a strange one. Also, being completely honest we recommended to them that the PH display area was simply part of the SS, but it seems that they wanted to keep it separate - perhaps in an attempt to create more content for the event?
Anyway... apologies for the poor experience. It sounds like there was a lot of confusion surround the entire event but despite this it (mostly) went off without a hitch.
Regarding the merchandise, I'll happily sort that out for you - drop me an email to James.drake@haymarket.com and we can go from there.
Cheers
JD
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