Are car enthusiasts a dying breed?

[Kozy]

Not round my neck of they woods they aren't.

But then, that might just be me, I don't tend to talk to people if they aren't into their cars. I consider those people 'weird'.

[DLovett]

I have just one friend which I would consider a true petrolhead, I have a couple of friends that are sort of into cars, but don't know a ton about them, and just like hooning around.

Shame really.

[chevronb37]

Ari said:

chevronb37 said:

I think Goodwood are doing well at the moment with the FoS in this respect. With the likes of Ken Block and Top Gear, kids are interested in cars.

Interested in cars, or interested in watching stunts?

I don't think, when we're talking about young kids, that you need to make too much of a distinction. It's about engaging them in the automobile. TG and Block can make these things accessible. I was 8 before I attended my first FoS but it was one of the greatest experiences of my life - I still hold very dear memories of it, although it was 17 years ago. I started going to race meetings when I was 3 and my interest has only grown ever stronger with time. It's a phenomenally addictive sport and once a child is hooked on it, it doesn't matter whether it's because they've enjoyed Ken Block showboating or the sound of an Auto Union C-Type being fired up...that's the addiction. It's the greatest privilege in the world and if I ever have children I dearly hope they can take as much pleasure from the cars and racing as I have.

[a_bread]

mwstewart said:

The world kids are growing up in is quite different to the world in which I gew up; the 1980's. Speed is deemed socially unacceptable and to a large extent so is risk, so there's far less opportunity to glamorise cars and speed.

It's true - the politically correct Left have had their flabby hands on the levers of power.
However, the idea that stuff is disapproved of might just make people do it more

[Seb27]

I'm 21, complete petrol head, converted my toy farm into a garage when I was 4.... Always been the odd one out in my group of friends. They ask why would a student own a 15 year old mid engined sports car when he could have a nice little diesel with space for passengers?... And why would that student spend all of his spare money on a similarly 'useless' trackday car that only gets used once a month? I'm sick of being asked those questions!

A few of them have stopped asking those questions after I took them out for a few laps round Cadwell - it's like a new world of opportunities have been opened up to them, and they can see how driving can be exciting, and why people are passionate about driving and their cars. Its true, the cost of driving today is so much higher than it ever has been, especially for young drivers. But, I think the natural interest is still there, it just needs to be unlocked, as it's so easy these days to see motoring as just a costly neccessity in life. I'm glad I've had the chance to show a few of my pals that previously had little of no interest that driving can be a lot more than just getting to the shops and back!

[MartynVRS]

I'm really into cars but not many of my mates are. Most see it as a way of "getting from A to B", a phrase I hate with a passion. You can't mention speed or going fast to many people without them wanting to burn you like a witch. Not many people get going for a drive with no destination. I've driven for several hours without stopping until I got home again. I always put good tyres on my cars and I've had loads of people saying "why are you paying £70 for tyres when I get mine for £30?". People don't know the difference between a ditchfinder and a quality tyre. Most don't know about servicing and checking oil or even changing a tyre. Some people are genuinely useless.

I'm convinced that they are a dying breed.