Dude, has Goodwood, like..sold out?
Poll: Dude, has Goodwood, like..sold out?
Total Members Polled: 101
Discussion
Yep I know I sound like one of those old hippys who slag off Glastonbury but...
I've had some great times at Goodwood and I mean some really good times. I've always told my boss for the last 10 years; Friday Goodwood Festival of Speed, I'm on day off. And its always rewarded my loyalty with some incredible sights, sounds & experiences but this year it seemed well, different. The atmosphere seemed for want of a better phrase, strained.
Talking to a couple of stall-holders who I've had the pleasure to meet over the last few years, they were saying the same thing. Dark mutterings of massively increased prices, last minute pitch changes and some very odd non motoring stands given prime position. I heard stories from a couple of them of a very different management style at the estate now. For a couple of years the standard and the amount of stands seems to have decreased. When I first went there were stands you wouldn't see anywhere else in the UK, places from the states and europe which you would never see at any other motoring event in the UK.
It would appear that the catalyst for this would be the increase in the size and presence of the car manufacturers presence. First couple of years I went the Lotus stand was a tent, an Elise, the Bell & Colvill race car & Tom Clark. Now its a palace of glass, white cars and dollys just like all the other manufacturers, which I understand if they've got the money to spend (how Lotus? how? You're not selling any cars!) but it seems an example of perhaps where the management at Goodwood are taking the event. I don't know if its was my on-going brain problems but seemed to be a lot less racecars this year and a lot more roadcars and speaking for myself thats not what I go to Festival for. I like a balance of both racing and roadcars and this year there seemed to be a change towards the latter.
I also thought there was just far too many people there this year. I know, I know, I'm a snob, I just want it all to myself but at times I just couldn't believe how crowded it was, again compared to how busy it used to be back in 2000. Again, yes I know it proves how well the event is being run, that they are giving the people what they want and that was fine up until last year. But this year with the Moving Motor Show the whole atmosphere seems to have changed.
When I were a lad... you could wander in when you arrived (06-30) and were trusted that you weren't going to do anything dumb. Now we're all made to queue like good little boys til they open all the gates together.
A few years ago, I remember John Watson calling out for volunteers to help push his Porsche back into its place. We mucked in and got a genuine "thanks guys" and a handshake. This year I saw on "touring car ace" jump out of the car he was driving, throw his crash helmet onto the passenger seat before stalking off, without even looking back or asking the fans for help. There was one poor, Japanese mechanic who obviously had no grasp of English left to push this very heavy sports car back himself. The driver really didn't seem to care much about the event at all, maybe just collecting his cheque?
I don't know, maybe I'm just a sad,senile old Toad & I know the manufacturers are probably saying "you can have x car but only if we can have y" but the whole atmosphere seemed to have altered this year and not for the better. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I won't go again but it seemed to have changed, to have become more cynical, more corporate and I for one think its a real shame. It used to be about getting real car fans close to rare and unusual cars, that now seems to me to have changed.
I don't know maybe I can't enjoy simple pleasures anymore but I'd like to know what you guys think?
Again I know, if I don't like don't go. That's not really what this post is about.
I've had some great times at Goodwood and I mean some really good times. I've always told my boss for the last 10 years; Friday Goodwood Festival of Speed, I'm on day off. And its always rewarded my loyalty with some incredible sights, sounds & experiences but this year it seemed well, different. The atmosphere seemed for want of a better phrase, strained.
Talking to a couple of stall-holders who I've had the pleasure to meet over the last few years, they were saying the same thing. Dark mutterings of massively increased prices, last minute pitch changes and some very odd non motoring stands given prime position. I heard stories from a couple of them of a very different management style at the estate now. For a couple of years the standard and the amount of stands seems to have decreased. When I first went there were stands you wouldn't see anywhere else in the UK, places from the states and europe which you would never see at any other motoring event in the UK.
It would appear that the catalyst for this would be the increase in the size and presence of the car manufacturers presence. First couple of years I went the Lotus stand was a tent, an Elise, the Bell & Colvill race car & Tom Clark. Now its a palace of glass, white cars and dollys just like all the other manufacturers, which I understand if they've got the money to spend (how Lotus? how? You're not selling any cars!) but it seems an example of perhaps where the management at Goodwood are taking the event. I don't know if its was my on-going brain problems but seemed to be a lot less racecars this year and a lot more roadcars and speaking for myself thats not what I go to Festival for. I like a balance of both racing and roadcars and this year there seemed to be a change towards the latter.
I also thought there was just far too many people there this year. I know, I know, I'm a snob, I just want it all to myself but at times I just couldn't believe how crowded it was, again compared to how busy it used to be back in 2000. Again, yes I know it proves how well the event is being run, that they are giving the people what they want and that was fine up until last year. But this year with the Moving Motor Show the whole atmosphere seems to have changed.
When I were a lad... you could wander in when you arrived (06-30) and were trusted that you weren't going to do anything dumb. Now we're all made to queue like good little boys til they open all the gates together.
A few years ago, I remember John Watson calling out for volunteers to help push his Porsche back into its place. We mucked in and got a genuine "thanks guys" and a handshake. This year I saw on "touring car ace" jump out of the car he was driving, throw his crash helmet onto the passenger seat before stalking off, without even looking back or asking the fans for help. There was one poor, Japanese mechanic who obviously had no grasp of English left to push this very heavy sports car back himself. The driver really didn't seem to care much about the event at all, maybe just collecting his cheque?
I don't know, maybe I'm just a sad,senile old Toad & I know the manufacturers are probably saying "you can have x car but only if we can have y" but the whole atmosphere seemed to have altered this year and not for the better. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I won't go again but it seemed to have changed, to have become more cynical, more corporate and I for one think its a real shame. It used to be about getting real car fans close to rare and unusual cars, that now seems to me to have changed.
I don't know maybe I can't enjoy simple pleasures anymore but I'd like to know what you guys think?
Again I know, if I don't like don't go. That's not really what this post is about.
I've been going for 11 years now and normally 2 out of the 3 days.
My only gripe was this 'stars, cars and guitars' toss, just as the Peter Fonda thing last year. Is this meant to appeal to anyone or is it away of paying for their services at the Ball?
If you go more than one day it can be a little tiring - plus it stops all action on the hill for around 30 minutes.
My only gripe was this 'stars, cars and guitars' toss, just as the Peter Fonda thing last year. Is this meant to appeal to anyone or is it away of paying for their services at the Ball?
If you go more than one day it can be a little tiring - plus it stops all action on the hill for around 30 minutes.
I've never been before, but oddly about the first experience I had was listening to two stall holders complaining that their pitches had been downgraded (size and location) without any prior warning...
I was slightly gobsmacked by the prices (£2 for a 500ml bottle of water!), but I guess that's what you have to put up with.
I'm planning to go on the Friday next year (only went on Thursday this, but it whetted my appetite).
M.
I was slightly gobsmacked by the prices (£2 for a 500ml bottle of water!), but I guess that's what you have to put up with.
I'm planning to go on the Friday next year (only went on Thursday this, but it whetted my appetite).
M.
Simes205 said:
I've been going for 11 years now and normally 2 out of the 3 days.
My only gripe was this 'stars, cars and guitars' toss, just as the Peter Fonda thing last year. Is this meant to appeal to anyone or is it away of paying for their services at the Ball?
If you go more than one day it can be a little tiring - plus it stops all action on the hill for around 30 minutes.
I am with you on that one, great if you are in front of the house, i went all 4 days, now that is a little tiring !! best bit though i only live 10 minuets away, so its just nip down here, across there, round here, and in beats sitting in the traffic :-)My only gripe was this 'stars, cars and guitars' toss, just as the Peter Fonda thing last year. Is this meant to appeal to anyone or is it away of paying for their services at the Ball?
If you go more than one day it can be a little tiring - plus it stops all action on the hill for around 30 minutes.
The event has certainly grown massively since I first went way back in 1994. I had gone every year (except 1995) up until about 2005. By that stage the corporate element had firmly moved in and the fun did seem to be going out of it I then had a few years break and went last Thursday on a complimentary ticket (thank you Lotus). I thoroughly enjoyed myself and might very well make Thursday my regular day from now on - as long as there are complimentaries going 
I'm not too interested in the celebrity side of things, supercars, or the runs up the hill. I just love seeing the historic racing cars in the paddocks and talking to the owners or those who look after them for the owners. I always learn a great deal from listening to these people and they are always keen to chat - especially those who bring their cars in from the US.
I'm not too interested in the celebrity side of things, supercars, or the runs up the hill. I just love seeing the historic racing cars in the paddocks and talking to the owners or those who look after them for the owners. I always learn a great deal from listening to these people and they are always keen to chat - especially those who bring their cars in from the US.
This was only my second year going to Goodwood but even from last year the crowds had massively increased. It was SO busy! To me it felt like there were half as many people again.
I was glad when the F1 cars finished up and the weather turned cold around 4pm because it seemed like almost everyone left!! We were able to get right at the front and took some great pics of the sports prototypes doing their stuff. Loved seeing that Camry doing a rolling-burnout most of the way up the hill
Still a great event, just unfortunate that it's becoming so mainstream-popular. Again that sounds snobby, but by loosing that intimate atmosphere you loose the essence of Goodwood IMO.
I was glad when the F1 cars finished up and the weather turned cold around 4pm because it seemed like almost everyone left!! We were able to get right at the front and took some great pics of the sports prototypes doing their stuff. Loved seeing that Camry doing a rolling-burnout most of the way up the hill
Still a great event, just unfortunate that it's becoming so mainstream-popular. Again that sounds snobby, but by loosing that intimate atmosphere you loose the essence of Goodwood IMO.
its the hangers on that are making it less special.
Key moment for me, the F1 cars going up the hill, and hundreds of WAGs, curly haired, silver spooned tw@ts, walking infront of everyone to look for dinner etc etc.
You came here to see this! whats the point in coming if you have no interest in cars?!?
reminds me of the corporate boxes at Wembley.
still, climb up the hill to gate 9 and further and its too far to walk for champagne, so you get a decent view with enthusiasts
Key moment for me, the F1 cars going up the hill, and hundreds of WAGs, curly haired, silver spooned tw@ts, walking infront of everyone to look for dinner etc etc.
You came here to see this! whats the point in coming if you have no interest in cars?!?
reminds me of the corporate boxes at Wembley.
still, climb up the hill to gate 9 and further and its too far to walk for champagne, so you get a decent view with enthusiasts
_Batty_ said:
its the hangers on that are making it less special.
I didn't bother this year, but last year I was stood at the start line watching some magnificent F1 machinery scream off the line, for someone to announce they were "bored of these old things, and when were the supercars coming out?"
Jeez...
Another event ruined by hangers on, with no real interest in cars.
Shame
Edited by Podie on Monday 5th July 09:35
I actually thought that, although the corporate stands were massive, there were far fewer small traders (models, bookshops etc) than in past years. It maybe was because I was there on the Thursday but the only proper motor racing bookshop I found was Pooks. What happened to Chaters, Motor Books etc? They used to always be there.
I thought I might pick up some white metal or resin car models and I could'nt find anyone selling such items.
I thought I might pick up some white metal or resin car models and I could'nt find anyone selling such items.
I thought the corporate element had reduced significantly from previous years. This could be seen by the Moving Motor Show site which used to be entirely corporate boxes on that site. There also used to be a stand half way up on the left opposite the GRRC tent and that's also gone. Some years ago we used to do a lot of work for LM and his crowd for both FOS and Revival, but like most events, quality has gone out of the window and it's now down to cost of goods and ROI.
Having spoken at length to a senior member of Goodwood staff on Saturday, it's clear they are now looking at additional ways to raise money for Goodwood's books. The event is changing to suit the times and economic climate and it will have no choice but to have elements that won't appeal to everyone, especially die-hard petrolheads.
However, to change pitches just before an event is unforgivable and if I were one of the effected companies, knowing what I know about Goodwood, I'd throw a huge strop.
As I see it, there are also two problems:
As I see it is simply the event has become a victim of its own success. LM has the best contacts and it draws the celebs from all over the world and I understand he is often in his own little bubble and won't listen to staff and advice from those closest to him.
Also for the record and following the accident on Thursday, I am a firm believer that it's only a matter of time before there is a serious accident or worse a death/deaths in the crowd due to the desire for some drivers to push their cars to the limit. Watching a rally car drifting off track close to bails is exciting, but one problem at those speeds and the hay may not stop a car travelling into the crowd. F1 have been banned from times up the hill which is a shame, yet we have a Celica with 700BHP + nitrous oxide! F1 were banned for a reason, excessive speed in the wrong environment kills.
Anyway, rant over.
Having spoken at length to a senior member of Goodwood staff on Saturday, it's clear they are now looking at additional ways to raise money for Goodwood's books. The event is changing to suit the times and economic climate and it will have no choice but to have elements that won't appeal to everyone, especially die-hard petrolheads.
However, to change pitches just before an event is unforgivable and if I were one of the effected companies, knowing what I know about Goodwood, I'd throw a huge strop.
As I see it, there are also two problems:
As I see it is simply the event has become a victim of its own success. LM has the best contacts and it draws the celebs from all over the world and I understand he is often in his own little bubble and won't listen to staff and advice from those closest to him.
Also for the record and following the accident on Thursday, I am a firm believer that it's only a matter of time before there is a serious accident or worse a death/deaths in the crowd due to the desire for some drivers to push their cars to the limit. Watching a rally car drifting off track close to bails is exciting, but one problem at those speeds and the hay may not stop a car travelling into the crowd. F1 have been banned from times up the hill which is a shame, yet we have a Celica with 700BHP + nitrous oxide! F1 were banned for a reason, excessive speed in the wrong environment kills.
Anyway, rant over.
I was pretty horrified to see that picture of the Bugatti. An Exige on the Johnnie Walker stand received the same treatment - indicative of some of the visitors sadly. I also think it's about time they introduced a rule that makes the wearing of a shirt compulsory - quite why overweight men think the rest of us want to gaze at their gut is beyond me.
I always go on the Friday and I still love it - yes it's busier than it used to be, but that's just how it is. Things like the Red Arrows, Vulcan etc don't come cheap after all. I for one was very pleased to see Lotus there with a big shiny stand - no I don't know where the money came from, but for once they put on a good show and hopefully attracted some new customers to the marque. The days of the B&C car and Clive wandering around, while nice in its own way, aren't really where they need to be now.
I always go on the Friday and I still love it - yes it's busier than it used to be, but that's just how it is. Things like the Red Arrows, Vulcan etc don't come cheap after all. I for one was very pleased to see Lotus there with a big shiny stand - no I don't know where the money came from, but for once they put on a good show and hopefully attracted some new customers to the marque. The days of the B&C car and Clive wandering around, while nice in its own way, aren't really where they need to be now.
The main thing that irks me now is the obsession with the modern F1 teams
TBH I want to see 917s and T33s, Lotus 72s etc with Derek Bell and Jacky Ickx driving
Modern F1 cars driven ceremonially up the hill dont hold a great deal of interest, though they make a great noise
Its also a shame that there isnt a true comepetetive edge to the event like there used to be
Palmers runs in the 6 wheel Williams were jaw dropping, but you just dont get that any more.
Its still a great event though with cars you just wont see elsewhere
TBH I want to see 917s and T33s, Lotus 72s etc with Derek Bell and Jacky Ickx driving
Modern F1 cars driven ceremonially up the hill dont hold a great deal of interest, though they make a great noise
Its also a shame that there isnt a true comepetetive edge to the event like there used to be
Palmers runs in the 6 wheel Williams were jaw dropping, but you just dont get that any more.
Its still a great event though with cars you just wont see elsewhere
JonRB said:
Podie said:
Unfortunately for me, this photo sums up the fact that the FoS has become a victim of its own success and no longer attracts true car fans.
You say that, Pods, but look at this pic I took in 2003
So stuff like this is hardly new. Totally inexcusable though.
The first few were fantastic.
Eric Mc said:
I actually thought that, although the corporate stands were massive, there were far fewer small traders (models, bookshops etc) than in past years. It maybe was because I was there on the Thursday but the only proper motor racing bookshop I found was Pooks. What happened to Chaters, Motor Books etc? They used to always be there.
I thought I might pick up some white metal or resin car models and I could'nt find anyone selling such items.
FWIW Chaters had a large double stand this year.I thought I might pick up some white metal or resin car models and I could'nt find anyone selling such items.
I went to the 2nd FoS in 1993, and spent all three days at the event, staying in a camper van parked in the hardstanding in Goodwood (horse)racecourse.
There were still only small hay bales protecting the trees along the drive, very little corporate presence, no current F1 cars or 'supercars', and an informality that has almost completely dissapeared.
But I still remember some bloke complaining that it wasn't as good as the year before...
SS7
Notable things I saw this weekend:
Someone asking a steward where they were showing the football, as it was coming up to 3pm and the world cup was on so "they had to show the football somewhere".
2 people sitting in one of the new XJ's who'd managed to tune the in-car television to football and refused to leave the car for anyone else to have a poke.
Someone asking a steward where they were showing the football, as it was coming up to 3pm and the world cup was on so "they had to show the football somewhere".
2 people sitting in one of the new XJ's who'd managed to tune the in-car television to football and refused to leave the car for anyone else to have a poke.
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