Silverstone classic first time - tips?
Discussion
FlaminiaGT said:
I have been going for over 5 years, went Saturday and still rate it as first class and one of the best, the grids and racing are still fantastic, pit access is second to none, beer and food is a lot better priced than most events. Only £45 for the day or £22 through a club, plus you have the Stranglers, thrown in, bloody good value.
My only comment is that there has been a decreasing number of interesting older classics in the infield, only a handful of older Maserati, Astons, Ferraris, Alfas and definite decrease in the other interesting marques. Although Lamborghini had a great line up, Piper had nearly all the cars which were made, and five Lancia Flaminias. I assume this is because of previous queuing to get in, not fun in a car that doesn’t have an electric fan. Although I got there at 8am and drove straight in, which is a first, so did my mates that arrived mid morning.
Also it’s becoming a bit of Porsche event, last year was a bit self-flattery with complete waste of space for 10 cars or so. This year l think I have seen my life’s quota, didn’t like being turned away from almost empty stand as I wasn’t a member of the POC. Hopefully this isn’t the beginning of the end, as some may think Porsches are (now) a bit mundane and boring.
Bless....My only comment is that there has been a decreasing number of interesting older classics in the infield, only a handful of older Maserati, Astons, Ferraris, Alfas and definite decrease in the other interesting marques. Although Lamborghini had a great line up, Piper had nearly all the cars which were made, and five Lancia Flaminias. I assume this is because of previous queuing to get in, not fun in a car that doesn’t have an electric fan. Although I got there at 8am and drove straight in, which is a first, so did my mates that arrived mid morning.
Also it’s becoming a bit of Porsche event, last year was a bit self-flattery with complete waste of space for 10 cars or so. This year l think I have seen my life’s quota, didn’t like being turned away from almost empty stand as I wasn’t a member of the POC. Hopefully this isn’t the beginning of the end, as some may think Porsches are (now) a bit mundane and boring.
Join Porsche club go like me then and you'll be most welcome in the grandstand. We even give you free tea and coffee to help you over the trauma of rejection
Would anyone recommend this event for young children (5)? We've been to CarFest for the last 3 years and fancied a change. One thing CF cater for are things for the kids to do, whilst I would quite happily wander round the cars and watch the racing all day, my nipper would be bored stiff after an hour.
There is a giant inflatable slide (£5 and come and go all day), mini ball adventure ballpen, and then in the centre of the circuit a small funfair (that part is all free) consisting of a carousel, mini rollercoaster, dodgems, chain swingy things – about 5 rides in total.
However, I went with my brother and 4 ½ year old nephew on Saturday and (not being a Dad) never again. You just sit down to watch a race and it’s – I need a wee, I’m bored etc. etc.
Things for the kids to do are great, but that’s all they want to do so getting anywhere else is a royal PITA. That said, you probably have more patience than me
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However, I went with my brother and 4 ½ year old nephew on Saturday and (not being a Dad) never again. You just sit down to watch a race and it’s – I need a wee, I’m bored etc. etc.
Things for the kids to do are great, but that’s all they want to do so getting anywhere else is a royal PITA. That said, you probably have more patience than me
TSCfree said:
Would anyone recommend this event for young children (5)? We've been to CarFest for the last 3 years and fancied a change. One thing CF cater for are things for the kids to do, whilst I would quite happily wander round the cars and watch the racing all day, my nipper would be bored stiff after an hour.
We actually mentioned how well set up it was for kids, free rides, face painting and plenty of food outlets to suit all tastes.Find a day nursery or Grandparents, drop kids and wife off then spend all day doing what YOU want to do and you won't have to worry about anyone else 
But yes there is a funfair and all the usual kiddie stuff. But what you have to remember is the infield at silverstone is massive so a buggie will be in order to drag the little uns around, ear defenders are also a must if you plan to go anywhere near the main paddocks, race cars are moving around fast as are pit crew mopeds, so you will have to have the kids on a tight reign for their own safety. The race cars will expect you to move out the way fast!
But yes there is a funfair and all the usual kiddie stuff. But what you have to remember is the infield at silverstone is massive so a buggie will be in order to drag the little uns around, ear defenders are also a must if you plan to go anywhere near the main paddocks, race cars are moving around fast as are pit crew mopeds, so you will have to have the kids on a tight reign for their own safety. The race cars will expect you to move out the way fast!
Edited by fatboy18 on Tuesday 2nd August 16:58
Thanks for all the advice. Enjoyed our day Sunday - arrived 8am straight in and left 4:30 straight out so traffic good. Club pass said "strictly no infield vehicle movement 09:30-17:00 but no one seemed to be paying much attention to that. We'll be more flexible on our timings if we go again.
I agree it seemed quiet on Sunday. International pits were a particular highlight with the F1 Masters and Group C in close quarters. Worth the bus ride down there. Why didnt they build a tunnel from there to Club corner I'll never know (cheapskates I guess).
Porsche Club deal at £64 for 2 adults and infield parking was fair value. Not sure I'd have paid full ticket price (more like £64 pp as I recall).
Will prob try Saturday if I go next year.
I agree it seemed quiet on Sunday. International pits were a particular highlight with the F1 Masters and Group C in close quarters. Worth the bus ride down there. Why didnt they build a tunnel from there to Club corner I'll never know (cheapskates I guess).
Porsche Club deal at £64 for 2 adults and infield parking was fair value. Not sure I'd have paid full ticket price (more like £64 pp as I recall).
Will prob try Saturday if I go next year.
I've posted a video and some a few dozen images on http://writewheel.uk/articles/silverstone-classic-...
Later than promised, so apologies. Those who've never been will see that you can walk right up to the cars. I helped move one last year. It is brilliant.
I normally go to both GFoS and Silverstone Classic and used to look on the latter as second best. But I've changed my mind. Next year I'me going for the whole weekend to Silverstone.
Later than promised, so apologies. Those who've never been will see that you can walk right up to the cars. I helped move one last year. It is brilliant.
I normally go to both GFoS and Silverstone Classic and used to look on the latter as second best. But I've changed my mind. Next year I'me going for the whole weekend to Silverstone.
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