Silvetstone Classic 20th - 22nd July
Discussion
Hello everyone,
I'm attending the above in an official capacity and am on site from Thursday PM to Sunday PM. My duties will/may include hospitality, discussing our products and services and other such duties with patrons of the event. My contracted hours will be from 8-6 for the 3 days and staying in a Snoozebox on site.
My question is this; what are my options/chances for maximising my experience, I'd relish the idea of getting closer to the pits than maybe I should nomally, a passenger lap seems a distant dream at best but what an experience that would be. It will be my first visit to the circuit so I'm not sure what to expect. Of course work will come first but after 6 my time is my own.
Does anyone have any experience of the event or could provide any insight? I'm in no way looking to crash into areas I'm not allowed in to; I'm sure my company would frown upon such conduct.
It's a real work/play weekend and I'm sure I'll enjoy my time there, especially if we have this weather but, what are my odds lads?
I'm attending the above in an official capacity and am on site from Thursday PM to Sunday PM. My duties will/may include hospitality, discussing our products and services and other such duties with patrons of the event. My contracted hours will be from 8-6 for the 3 days and staying in a Snoozebox on site.
My question is this; what are my options/chances for maximising my experience, I'd relish the idea of getting closer to the pits than maybe I should nomally, a passenger lap seems a distant dream at best but what an experience that would be. It will be my first visit to the circuit so I'm not sure what to expect. Of course work will come first but after 6 my time is my own.
Does anyone have any experience of the event or could provide any insight? I'm in no way looking to crash into areas I'm not allowed in to; I'm sure my company would frown upon such conduct.
It's a real work/play weekend and I'm sure I'll enjoy my time there, especially if we have this weather but, what are my odds lads?
you will be surprised just how relaxed and laid back it is.
I havent been since the new pit complex was opened but it depends which garages they are predominantly using. If its the old pits between Woodcote and Copse they are open to the public but be careful, respect that its a dangerous place, the cars are worth millions and people are working. Dont get in the way, spend ages trying to take photos etc and you shouldnt have a problem. talk to the mechanics and drivers if they dont look busy, most of them are just amateurs enjoying themselves. No idea if they are using the new pits and what access is like there but I would assume that there will be stuff in the old pits regardless. There are going to be close to 1000 competition cars there so they often have makeshift paddocks around the infield for those who are not in garages.
as i said, its very relaxed and a hospitality pass will get you anywhere, not that a regular punter admission pass wont but you wont have a problem with access.
races carry on way into the evening so after 1800 you should be able to wander to a good spot and watch an hour or two. the grandstands are normally free and unreserved so I often go to the grandstand on the inside of Copse just where the exit of the pit lane joins the track.
there are usually some owners club parades and things during the day between races on the track, see whats going on and see if you can blag a ride in something. have a wander round the owners clubs area and ask. unfortunately if you are working 0800-1800 your chances are very slim though as that sort of stuff happens at lunchtime.
A word of warning, after 10 hours on your feet serving people you will be so tired, cars will be the last thing on your mind, especially if its hot.
I havent been since the new pit complex was opened but it depends which garages they are predominantly using. If its the old pits between Woodcote and Copse they are open to the public but be careful, respect that its a dangerous place, the cars are worth millions and people are working. Dont get in the way, spend ages trying to take photos etc and you shouldnt have a problem. talk to the mechanics and drivers if they dont look busy, most of them are just amateurs enjoying themselves. No idea if they are using the new pits and what access is like there but I would assume that there will be stuff in the old pits regardless. There are going to be close to 1000 competition cars there so they often have makeshift paddocks around the infield for those who are not in garages.
as i said, its very relaxed and a hospitality pass will get you anywhere, not that a regular punter admission pass wont but you wont have a problem with access.
races carry on way into the evening so after 1800 you should be able to wander to a good spot and watch an hour or two. the grandstands are normally free and unreserved so I often go to the grandstand on the inside of Copse just where the exit of the pit lane joins the track.
there are usually some owners club parades and things during the day between races on the track, see whats going on and see if you can blag a ride in something. have a wander round the owners clubs area and ask. unfortunately if you are working 0800-1800 your chances are very slim though as that sort of stuff happens at lunchtime.
A word of warning, after 10 hours on your feet serving people you will be so tired, cars will be the last thing on your mind, especially if its hot.
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 25th May 11:49
If it's anything like last year, there'll be a Group C race very late on Saturday. If it's on, head to either Luffield or down to grass in front of the stands at Stowe, two good spots for watching these beasts as the sun goes down.
Get there early, especially at the weekend - normally it takes about 30 minutes for me to drive to get into the circuit. On the Saturday morning last year, it took me over 3 hours, having set off around 8.30am. You have been warned!
Get there early, especially at the weekend - normally it takes about 30 minutes for me to drive to get into the circuit. On the Saturday morning last year, it took me over 3 hours, having set off around 8.30am. You have been warned!
Two stories to illustrate just how relaxed it is...
We went along to the Classic on the Friday a couple of years ago. We wandered through the paddock, into a couple of pit garages, across the pit lane and then watched a few laps from the pit wall. All on standard tickets. A more relaxed atmosphere you couldn't wish to find.
Second story, same day: our parking permit meant we were supposed to be on one of the outlying car parks. This didn't appeal - we'd taken a heavy picnic box and didn't fancy lugging it around. Anyways... I'd just taken delivery of a brand new Fiat 500. Alfa were sponsoring the event, shipping officials round in a fleet of brand new Alfas. I guess one new Italian hatch looks much like another, because we just tucked into a little convoy of Alfas and drove through to the centre of the track.
Once there, we had to find a parking spot but of course didn't have a valid pass. We ended up by the trade stalls wondering what to do with the car, when a chap from the Autoglym stand came over, said the display car intended for his stand hadn't arrived, and asked if he could use my Fiat.
Job jobbed. Little Fiat took pride of place outside the Autoglym stall being washed and polished, we had an excellent day watching beautiful cars at very close quarters, and then we strolled back to Autoglym and drove home in a shiny car.
We went along to the Classic on the Friday a couple of years ago. We wandered through the paddock, into a couple of pit garages, across the pit lane and then watched a few laps from the pit wall. All on standard tickets. A more relaxed atmosphere you couldn't wish to find.
Second story, same day: our parking permit meant we were supposed to be on one of the outlying car parks. This didn't appeal - we'd taken a heavy picnic box and didn't fancy lugging it around. Anyways... I'd just taken delivery of a brand new Fiat 500. Alfa were sponsoring the event, shipping officials round in a fleet of brand new Alfas. I guess one new Italian hatch looks much like another, because we just tucked into a little convoy of Alfas and drove through to the centre of the track.
Once there, we had to find a parking spot but of course didn't have a valid pass. We ended up by the trade stalls wondering what to do with the car, when a chap from the Autoglym stand came over, said the display car intended for his stand hadn't arrived, and asked if he could use my Fiat.
Job jobbed. Little Fiat took pride of place outside the Autoglym stall being washed and polished, we had an excellent day watching beautiful cars at very close quarters, and then we strolled back to Autoglym and drove home in a shiny car.
Just relax & wander around the circuit. I did exactly that last year complete with a 6 year old & a non classic car racing other half.
The event is fantastic, with no barriers, no heavy handed security guards stopping you from getting within 500 miles of the cars, no over officious fools etc etc.
It just superb. Last years Group C race in the Saturday night ran into the early evening, it was wet, the cars lights lit up the wet track, the Group C cars looked & sounded superb.
The E-Type display & parade was stunning & the organisers laid on double decker Routemaster buses, free of charge, to take you around the circuit.
The race cars, when not in use, we're just parked in the pits & anywhere there was space at what other event would you see a couple of 250GTO's left in a garage with the keys in the ignition & JPS Lotus F1 car parked next to them!
Superb weekend which, this year, celebrates the F40 so it is worth attending the event just to see row upon row of F40's.
I can't wait.
Slight amendment - I think that the wet Group C race was held on Friday night & not Saturday.
The event is fantastic, with no barriers, no heavy handed security guards stopping you from getting within 500 miles of the cars, no over officious fools etc etc.
It just superb. Last years Group C race in the Saturday night ran into the early evening, it was wet, the cars lights lit up the wet track, the Group C cars looked & sounded superb.
The E-Type display & parade was stunning & the organisers laid on double decker Routemaster buses, free of charge, to take you around the circuit.
The race cars, when not in use, we're just parked in the pits & anywhere there was space at what other event would you see a couple of 250GTO's left in a garage with the keys in the ignition & JPS Lotus F1 car parked next to them!
Superb weekend which, this year, celebrates the F40 so it is worth attending the event just to see row upon row of F40's.
I can't wait.
Slight amendment - I think that the wet Group C race was held on Friday night & not Saturday.
superb guys thanks (can't do smileys atm but big thumbs up 
I'm looking forward to it more so now having read your advice and experiences, I'll be looking up group c and familiarising myself with the various speccy points and names of corners..
I need a PH tee and flag now don't I..
edit: smiley fail / success
I'm looking forward to it more so now having read your advice and experiences, I'll be looking up group c and familiarising myself with the various speccy points and names of corners.. I need a PH tee and flag now don't I..
edit: smiley fail / success
Edited by squareflops on Friday 25th May 13:57
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