Discussion
Well I went to the Festival of Speed last week and came away with a somewhat negative feeling as follows:
- very formulaic; the same attractions in the same places (Porsche off-road, mad Land Rover hybris rally racing at the top, the 'too far to walk; forrester stages, those damn helicopters whizzing up every minute and loads of dust
- everything way over priced for what you got (£7.00 for a beef roll etc)
- those bl**dy bales of hay that stop you seeing anything!
- the fact that (unlike the Revival) this isn't done on a race circuit none of the cars ever really open up; it's more like a parade than racing
Not sure if I'll be going next year. Does anyone else feel this way or is it just me!?
- very formulaic; the same attractions in the same places (Porsche off-road, mad Land Rover hybris rally racing at the top, the 'too far to walk; forrester stages, those damn helicopters whizzing up every minute and loads of dust
- everything way over priced for what you got (£7.00 for a beef roll etc)
- those bl**dy bales of hay that stop you seeing anything!
- the fact that (unlike the Revival) this isn't done on a race circuit none of the cars ever really open up; it's more like a parade than racing
Not sure if I'll be going next year. Does anyone else feel this way or is it just me!?
Blue One said:
Well I went to the Festival of Speed last week and came away with a somewhat negative feeling as follows:
- very formulaic; the same attractions in the same places (Porsche off-road, mad Land Rover hybris rally racing at the top, the 'too far to walk; forrester stages, those damn helicopters whizzing up every minute and loads of dust
- everything way over priced for what you got (£7.00 for a beef roll etc)
- those bl**dy bales of hay that stop you seeing anything!
- the fact that (unlike the Revival) this isn't done on a race circuit none of the cars ever really open up; it's more like a parade than racing
Not sure if I'll be going next year. Does anyone else feel this way or is it just me!?
I went once, and if you are vertically challenged like me, you'll see very little of the action. Not gone again.- very formulaic; the same attractions in the same places (Porsche off-road, mad Land Rover hybris rally racing at the top, the 'too far to walk; forrester stages, those damn helicopters whizzing up every minute and loads of dust
- everything way over priced for what you got (£7.00 for a beef roll etc)
- those bl**dy bales of hay that stop you seeing anything!
- the fact that (unlike the Revival) this isn't done on a race circuit none of the cars ever really open up; it's more like a parade than racing
Not sure if I'll be going next year. Does anyone else feel this way or is it just me!?
Big fan of the Revival though
Blue One said:
- those bl**dy bales of hay that stop you seeing anything!
The bales of hay are there to stop fast cars hitting the crowd. What would propose instead. Blue One said:
- the fact that (unlike the Revival) this isn't done on a race circuit none of the cars ever really open up; it's more like a parade than racing
It's not on the race circuit because it's a hillclimb - a perfectly respected form of motorsport. The 'parade' issue arises because a lot of cars don't do timed runs. If it was a requirement that all cars did timed runs you would likely not get the same quality of cars being brought to the event - a lot of these cars are unique, historically significant, and priceless. not to mention being owned by museums. The FoS provides an opportunity to see these cars up close and being driven , albeit not at 10/10. Chap
I know what the bales of hay are for, but they are absolutely awful for spectators. We had a chat with one of the organisers at last year's event and the line was that it was the most cost effective thing to do as all the hay came from the estate farms. But I just don't think that is good enough given that this is such an expensive prestigous event; it's actually appalling that people who have paid at least £35 each have to put up with it.
In terms of the hill climb angle, even the commentators on the PA last Saturday admitted this was not tarmac that it was safe to race on so the motor bikes had to take it slowly. Again, I just don't think it is good enough and for all the money circulating there you would think a proper surfacing of that road wouldn't be impossible.
Good for Lord March, he's clearly a clever chap and has been great at marketing his events and building the profile of Goodwood, but they have to deliver the standards people expect for what they claim to offer and charge....
I know what the bales of hay are for, but they are absolutely awful for spectators. We had a chat with one of the organisers at last year's event and the line was that it was the most cost effective thing to do as all the hay came from the estate farms. But I just don't think that is good enough given that this is such an expensive prestigous event; it's actually appalling that people who have paid at least £35 each have to put up with it.
In terms of the hill climb angle, even the commentators on the PA last Saturday admitted this was not tarmac that it was safe to race on so the motor bikes had to take it slowly. Again, I just don't think it is good enough and for all the money circulating there you would think a proper surfacing of that road wouldn't be impossible.
Good for Lord March, he's clearly a clever chap and has been great at marketing his events and building the profile of Goodwood, but they have to deliver the standards people expect for what they claim to offer and charge....
Blue One said:
Chap
I know what the bales of hay are for, but they are absolutely awful for spectators. We had a chat with one of the organisers at last year's event and the line was that it was the most cost effective thing to do as all the hay came from the estate farms. But I just don't think that is good enough given that this is such an expensive prestigous event; it's actually appalling that people who have paid at least £35 each have to put up with it.
In terms of the hill climb angle, even the commentators on the PA last Saturday admitted this was not tarmac that it was safe to race on so the motor bikes had to take it slowly. Again, I just don't think it is good enough and for all the money circulating there you would think a proper surfacing of that road wouldn't be impossible.
Good for Lord March, he's clearly a clever chap and has been great at marketing his events and building the profile of Goodwood, but they have to deliver the standards people expect for what they claim to offer and charge....
Surface is not a problem at all - it's the cambers that put off the bikes... Also, Bales of hay are one of the best forms of protection and are not permanent. Lord March does not want his beautiful park permanently scarred by the event. We use hay because it's the best option and it's also cost effective for us as we have a farm and grow it ourselves.. Can understand that this might have been mis-understood. Also, we improved the standing steps (which are free) this year which offer a great view at various parts of the hill-climb. I know what the bales of hay are for, but they are absolutely awful for spectators. We had a chat with one of the organisers at last year's event and the line was that it was the most cost effective thing to do as all the hay came from the estate farms. But I just don't think that is good enough given that this is such an expensive prestigous event; it's actually appalling that people who have paid at least £35 each have to put up with it.
In terms of the hill climb angle, even the commentators on the PA last Saturday admitted this was not tarmac that it was safe to race on so the motor bikes had to take it slowly. Again, I just don't think it is good enough and for all the money circulating there you would think a proper surfacing of that road wouldn't be impossible.
Good for Lord March, he's clearly a clever chap and has been great at marketing his events and building the profile of Goodwood, but they have to deliver the standards people expect for what they claim to offer and charge....
J
The improved step-based stands were definately better, appreciated the one next to the F1 paddock and the clearings further up by the bowlers. All the stands along the start straight could be a bit closer to the track though? If they were as close as the MMS building on the other side it would be a nicer, more intimate view.
Not sure how you can complain about the bales, significantly better for viewing than the 10ft catch fencing you get at pretty much ANY other race event?
Edit: Wish there was a way of getting to the inside of the rally stage and to the jump without having to wait for the stage to close, sometimes it seems to take ages with nothing on the stage and I get impatient when you can hear stuff on the hillclimb! It's no so bad if you're there for more than a day, but there is too much to see in one day to be hanging around looking at trees for too long
Not sure how you can complain about the bales, significantly better for viewing than the 10ft catch fencing you get at pretty much ANY other race event?
Edit: Wish there was a way of getting to the inside of the rally stage and to the jump without having to wait for the stage to close, sometimes it seems to take ages with nothing on the stage and I get impatient when you can hear stuff on the hillclimb! It's no so bad if you're there for more than a day, but there is too much to see in one day to be hanging around looking at trees for too long
Edited by FuriousGeorge on Monday 5th July 19:17
Blue One said:
Chap
I know what the bales of hay are for, but they are absolutely awful for spectators.
I do empahise with your gripe about the bales impeding the view. However I wasn't being altogether facetious when I asked what you'd do instead. Its a temporary course in front of a posh house so permanenet earth banks wouldn't be on. temporary concrete or armco barriers ? You could move the course away from the house but then it would lose its character. Best bet is to walk further up the hill away from the crowds where there is a bit more elevation to see over the bales. I know what the bales of hay are for, but they are absolutely awful for spectators.
I'd rather stand behind bales than catch fencing.
I'm certain that the bales used to be nearer but I'd rather be safe.
The recent free stands are a real bonus allowing you a good view.
Regardless if you walk the track you will find a nice uninterupted view.
I'm certain that the bales used to be nearer but I'd rather be safe.
The recent free stands are a real bonus allowing you a good view.
Regardless if you walk the track you will find a nice uninterupted view.
Edited by Simes205 on Monday 5th July 20:45
We went to the Pageant of Power in 2009, view was better,all cars went up the course including the Veyron,good boating display and in a more compact area which is very easy to move around, but very few celebs turned up but good value at £40 for 2 days with accompanied kids under 15 free. A concert and firework display on the Saturday night at an extra cost. But I did enjoy FOS this year, with the Saturday better day than Sunday.
This was my first time at Goodwood FOS, i came back today with my son. I got ta say this was the best organised motorsport event that i have ever been to. It was awesome. No were else can one get so close to these great cars, both road cars and famous racing cars/bikes. And on top of all that they drive in full anger within feet of you. And then there are the star drivers and rides....Amazing event.
I am away at the Classic Le mans in two days time for 5 days. I fear that this event will be an anti climax compared to Goodwood. I hope its not but goodwood FOS is a hard act to follow.
I am away at the Classic Le mans in two days time for 5 days. I fear that this event will be an anti climax compared to Goodwood. I hope its not but goodwood FOS is a hard act to follow.
What happened to the big UK debut of the Hennessey Elise thingy?
Was there Sunday and no sign of it!
Also I think Bugatti missed a trick with there new Veyron Super Sport, perhaps they could have had one hidden away somewhere then revealed it once they had bagged there new speed record on Saturday!
Maybe they only have one at the moment?!?!
Was there Sunday and no sign of it!
Also I think Bugatti missed a trick with there new Veyron Super Sport, perhaps they could have had one hidden away somewhere then revealed it once they had bagged there new speed record on Saturday!
Maybe they only have one at the moment?!?!
I've been going to the FoS for years now but never managed to see it all, so this year I got tickets for all 4 days. I think Thursday was a great success, it enabled you to look round everything with far less crowds and was the best day for anyone wanting to get photos.
The whole weekend is very well run and something that Lord March and what must be a huge team can be proud of.
The whole weekend is very well run and something that Lord March and what must be a huge team can be proud of.
went camping for the whole weekend this year after going last year on the saturday and not being able to make it to the rally stage.
overall was very impressed with the event and had a great weekend on the goodwood campsite(site 11)
however there were a few things that slightly annoyed me:
faster cars catching other cars up hill, ok alot of these cars cost mega ££££,are somebodys car they have lent to goodwood etc but why put a very old classic that needs to driven with care etc in front of some supercar/touring car etc with a driver who wants to put the car through its paces????
air displays happening at the same time as the f1/supercar run, both very popular and on at the same time??
that aside i cant pick out any faults really, yes the hay bales are a pain but this weekend proved they are needed, and yes the food and drink is a rip off but your allowed to bring food and drink with you
overall was very impressed with the event and had a great weekend on the goodwood campsite(site 11)
however there were a few things that slightly annoyed me:
faster cars catching other cars up hill, ok alot of these cars cost mega ££££,are somebodys car they have lent to goodwood etc but why put a very old classic that needs to driven with care etc in front of some supercar/touring car etc with a driver who wants to put the car through its paces????
air displays happening at the same time as the f1/supercar run, both very popular and on at the same time??
that aside i cant pick out any faults really, yes the hay bales are a pain but this weekend proved they are needed, and yes the food and drink is a rip off but your allowed to bring food and drink with you
PompeyM3 said:
That's a good point, The Red Arrows were on the same time as the F1 cars going up the hill. I thought at the time it would be better to split these 2 main attractions into their own time slots.
While the Red Arrows will have a scheduled time slot for their display this could have varied during the day because of some other occurrence outside their control. I expect the hill runs proceed according to Goodwood's schedule and the air displays are programmed the best they can be around this, it was probably unfortunate rather than intentional. ferrari spider said:
This was my first time at Goodwood FOS, i came back today with my son. I got ta say this was the best organised motorsport event that i have ever been to. It was awesome. No were else can one get so close to these great cars, both road cars and famous racing cars/bikes. And on top of all that they drive in full anger within feet of you. And then there are the star drivers and rides....Amazing event.
I am away at the Classic Le mans in two days time for 5 days. I fear that this event will be an anti climax compared to Goodwood. I hope its not but goodwood FOS is a hard act to follow.
Classic Le Mans makes Goodwood FoS look like amateur hour. I am away at the Classic Le mans in two days time for 5 days. I fear that this event will be an anti climax compared to Goodwood. I hope its not but goodwood FOS is a hard act to follow.
PaulHogan said:
ferrari spider said:
This was my first time at Goodwood FOS, i came back today with my son. I got ta say this was the best organised motorsport event that i have ever been to. It was awesome. No were else can one get so close to these great cars, both road cars and famous racing cars/bikes. And on top of all that they drive in full anger within feet of you. And then there are the star drivers and rides....Amazing event.
I am away at the Classic Le mans in two days time for 5 days. I fear that this event will be an anti climax compared to Goodwood. I hope its not but goodwood FOS is a hard act to follow.
Classic Le Mans makes Goodwood FoS look like amateur hour. I am away at the Classic Le mans in two days time for 5 days. I fear that this event will be an anti climax compared to Goodwood. I hope its not but goodwood FOS is a hard act to follow.
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