The Perfect Kit Car Show
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I run Adrenaline Motorsport and have attended many shows over the last couple of years as a manufacturer (including within the kit car scene, in the Japanese Performance scene and Motorsport speciality events) and countless more shows since passing my driving test all those years ago! We have also done public track days and even put on some exclusive demonstration days of our own at Llandow and Millbrook.
After each show there is normally a thread or two with comments good and bad regarding the show, the attendance of manufacturers, parts suppliers, alternative entertainment alongside the displays etc and this has got me wondering what the perfect show for the buying public would actually look like.
So, in a bid to get some firm ideas I thought that I would create this thread in the hope that we can get some really positive thoughts and ideas together as to what you would like to see, what is worth the effort and what is not, and we can then go to the organisers of the events and tell them what you guys, the paying attendees at their shows really want to see.
So, some thoughts to kick off with;-
Track element, essential or nice addition? Should there be general public access to the track if one is available and how much would you be prepared to pay for it? Should the track be for manufacturer displays only?
Live petrol head related shows and displays like the Westfield slalom and trials riding demos that John Cooke normally makes sure are present at his events. Is there room for more, are you interested in things like the professional drifting teams, or autotesting demonstrations showing amazing car control, indoor or outdoor karting track available for you to use, extreme motocross jumping and tricks, burnouts and acceleration runs from drag cars or bikes???? Who knows what else, ideas please and would you be prepared to pay extra for these things or take an increase in ticket price to cover the added attractions?
Venues, are the big flashy show halls and arenas necessary? Would you attend an outdoor show? Is the prestige of holding a show at a big name venue something that attracts you to go, or is it what is at the show that matters more? Are there any places that you would like shows to go that they do not at the moment (particular parts of the country or particular venues which you think would be good)? What about an organised road driving element to a show, eg a car tour taking in some good driving roads ending at the venue in the way that the classic car scene does at some of its events?
Prize draws, raffles, treasure hunts involving seeking out certain things which are part of the show???
Kiddies entertainment/creche, worth it ot not? Would it encourage people to come who do not at the moment?
Club stands, social events for the clubs attending, organised bbq/live entertainment etc, should there be an element of a show being a social gathering of like minded people where there also happens to be a show happening (think Le Mans for example, a huge party where there happens to be a motor race going on as well !).
How about the parts suppliers? The events are normally supported well by the key industry players such as Tifosi and Car Builder Solutions, what other things would you like to see? Perhaps some of the big wheel suppliers like Midland Wheels or Team Dynamics? How about people like Demon Tweeks or Merlin Motorsport who can offer something of everything? Any input here could help the organisers with targetting companies who perhaps do not attend at the moment with evidence that there could be good reason for them to come along as the public want to see them there!
Finally how about the calendar itself, how many shows do you/would you attend each year? Should shows specialise on certain things rather than trying to be all things to all people (for example Rally Day at Castle Combe is very much a tagetted event and is hugely successful, is there room within our industry to do similar things, eg specific owners club orientated events without the traditional show element, kit car based track days without the traditional show elements, again lets have some thoughts and ideas?). What about dates for shows? How close together should they be, would you go to two shows only separated by a month or so if they had similar attractions, would you go to both if they were varied in what they offered? Is the current April to November spread sufficient or would you like to see a winter show as well? Do you go to shows like Autosport International, MPH etc as well as the kit shows?
I love doing the shows and meeting as many people as possible, and I want to see the shows do well and prosper by delivering what you want to see happening. They are also crucial to the sustainability and growth of our industry as we need to attract new people into the shows for the first time. Most people are amazed by the diversity and quality of vehicles that are available when they do take their first look and will go on to tell others and maybe even buy a car or two! How do we keep the converted and faithful kit car enthusiast coming back time after time, year in year out?
I hope that with this forum we can come up with some constructive thoughts and ideas to put to the show organisers and do the industry as a whole a big favour.
If you do not want to post publicly then feel free to contact me through personal email to neil@adrenalinemotorsport.co.uk
Thank you for you help, and have a great winter on your project cars. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Neil.
I run Adrenaline Motorsport and have attended many shows over the last couple of years as a manufacturer (including within the kit car scene, in the Japanese Performance scene and Motorsport speciality events) and countless more shows since passing my driving test all those years ago! We have also done public track days and even put on some exclusive demonstration days of our own at Llandow and Millbrook.
After each show there is normally a thread or two with comments good and bad regarding the show, the attendance of manufacturers, parts suppliers, alternative entertainment alongside the displays etc and this has got me wondering what the perfect show for the buying public would actually look like.
So, in a bid to get some firm ideas I thought that I would create this thread in the hope that we can get some really positive thoughts and ideas together as to what you would like to see, what is worth the effort and what is not, and we can then go to the organisers of the events and tell them what you guys, the paying attendees at their shows really want to see.
So, some thoughts to kick off with;-
Track element, essential or nice addition? Should there be general public access to the track if one is available and how much would you be prepared to pay for it? Should the track be for manufacturer displays only?
Live petrol head related shows and displays like the Westfield slalom and trials riding demos that John Cooke normally makes sure are present at his events. Is there room for more, are you interested in things like the professional drifting teams, or autotesting demonstrations showing amazing car control, indoor or outdoor karting track available for you to use, extreme motocross jumping and tricks, burnouts and acceleration runs from drag cars or bikes???? Who knows what else, ideas please and would you be prepared to pay extra for these things or take an increase in ticket price to cover the added attractions?
Venues, are the big flashy show halls and arenas necessary? Would you attend an outdoor show? Is the prestige of holding a show at a big name venue something that attracts you to go, or is it what is at the show that matters more? Are there any places that you would like shows to go that they do not at the moment (particular parts of the country or particular venues which you think would be good)? What about an organised road driving element to a show, eg a car tour taking in some good driving roads ending at the venue in the way that the classic car scene does at some of its events?
Prize draws, raffles, treasure hunts involving seeking out certain things which are part of the show???
Kiddies entertainment/creche, worth it ot not? Would it encourage people to come who do not at the moment?
Club stands, social events for the clubs attending, organised bbq/live entertainment etc, should there be an element of a show being a social gathering of like minded people where there also happens to be a show happening (think Le Mans for example, a huge party where there happens to be a motor race going on as well !).
How about the parts suppliers? The events are normally supported well by the key industry players such as Tifosi and Car Builder Solutions, what other things would you like to see? Perhaps some of the big wheel suppliers like Midland Wheels or Team Dynamics? How about people like Demon Tweeks or Merlin Motorsport who can offer something of everything? Any input here could help the organisers with targetting companies who perhaps do not attend at the moment with evidence that there could be good reason for them to come along as the public want to see them there!
Finally how about the calendar itself, how many shows do you/would you attend each year? Should shows specialise on certain things rather than trying to be all things to all people (for example Rally Day at Castle Combe is very much a tagetted event and is hugely successful, is there room within our industry to do similar things, eg specific owners club orientated events without the traditional show element, kit car based track days without the traditional show elements, again lets have some thoughts and ideas?). What about dates for shows? How close together should they be, would you go to two shows only separated by a month or so if they had similar attractions, would you go to both if they were varied in what they offered? Is the current April to November spread sufficient or would you like to see a winter show as well? Do you go to shows like Autosport International, MPH etc as well as the kit shows?
I love doing the shows and meeting as many people as possible, and I want to see the shows do well and prosper by delivering what you want to see happening. They are also crucial to the sustainability and growth of our industry as we need to attract new people into the shows for the first time. Most people are amazed by the diversity and quality of vehicles that are available when they do take their first look and will go on to tell others and maybe even buy a car or two! How do we keep the converted and faithful kit car enthusiast coming back time after time, year in year out?
I hope that with this forum we can come up with some constructive thoughts and ideas to put to the show organisers and do the industry as a whole a big favour.
If you do not want to post publicly then feel free to contact me through personal email to neil@adrenalinemotorsport.co.uk
Thank you for you help, and have a great winter on your project cars. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Neil.
Hi Neil
Some thoughts just off the top of my head, more about the shows than a specific event such as Le Mans
In your car, sure. In my car, no way
I went to Exeter for the first time weekend just gone, I was surprised at how good it was, even with a nasty weather forecast looming it was pretty well attended. The inside exhibition was OK, pretty much what I'd expect. Outside could do with a bit more organisation into owners clubs / type of vehicle. Your comment about seeing more manufacturers there is right, Sunday I went to Donington for the Ford spares day and bumped into a fair few traders that would probably do well at a Kit Car show.
I think Stoneleigh is the benchmark for all the shows, Detling, Donington, Newark, Exter and next year Peterborough (?) It's certainly the most well attended, and probably the most well known one out of all of them.
As to any additional suppliers, thats an awkward one. I'd love to get a nice discount on a set of wheels at a show, but I probably a) wouldnt have that sort of cash on me, and b) wouldnt have anywhere to put them/transport them home again. This is a Quantum, so imagine what it'd be like for the Seven owners.
What I would like to see from shows is more freebies from suppliers, simple but effective. If I got a free sachet of Meguiars or some spangly new car wax, I'd be more likely to go back and buy some once I'd used the free lot.
That doesnt really work for wheels or Murtayas I know, but in the context of what makes a good show - coming out with something you didnt have before for not much money would make me happy.
I think shows would attract a buying/looking ratio of say 500:1 ? You probably know better than I do who the serious people are versus who's a tyre kicker. I dont think I've seen anyone put a bad word in about the Murtaya for example, and the more coverage you get from that the better.
I wouldnt necessarily go to a show to buy a car, I've said before that I wasnt sure how someone buys a car from you. For me, it would be the sort of thing that I'd arrange to come down, hire the car off you for a weekend or something, then make a call on it from there
Some thoughts just off the top of my head, more about the shows than a specific event such as Le Mans
neilrallying said:
Track element, essential or nice addition?
Much like the yearly nailbiter thats called an MOT, if it's there then use it. I was really disappointed at this years Donington that I couldnt get out on track. I'd have happily paid for some fast laps in the Murtayaneilrallying said:
burnouts and acceleration runs from drag cars or bikes????
In your car, sure. In my car, no way
neilrallying said:
Club stands, social events for the clubs attending
Yes, the QOC do the annual meeting at Stoneleigh. I've noticed that there's always some entertainment after the show on the first night there courtesy of the organisers, although it's commutable for me so I dont tend to bother stopping aroundneilrallying said:
Finally how about the calendar itself, how many shows do you/would you attend each year?
There's a lot of owners who SORN for 6 months over the winter, 6 months being because of the road tax. In my mind, Stoneleigh has it set just right, it's the right time of year to get the owners out for the first real run of the year and the show itself is one of the biggest. I went to Exeter for the first time weekend just gone, I was surprised at how good it was, even with a nasty weather forecast looming it was pretty well attended. The inside exhibition was OK, pretty much what I'd expect. Outside could do with a bit more organisation into owners clubs / type of vehicle. Your comment about seeing more manufacturers there is right, Sunday I went to Donington for the Ford spares day and bumped into a fair few traders that would probably do well at a Kit Car show.
I think Stoneleigh is the benchmark for all the shows, Detling, Donington, Newark, Exter and next year Peterborough (?) It's certainly the most well attended, and probably the most well known one out of all of them.
As to any additional suppliers, thats an awkward one. I'd love to get a nice discount on a set of wheels at a show, but I probably a) wouldnt have that sort of cash on me, and b) wouldnt have anywhere to put them/transport them home again. This is a Quantum, so imagine what it'd be like for the Seven owners.
What I would like to see from shows is more freebies from suppliers, simple but effective. If I got a free sachet of Meguiars or some spangly new car wax, I'd be more likely to go back and buy some once I'd used the free lot.
That doesnt really work for wheels or Murtayas I know, but in the context of what makes a good show - coming out with something you didnt have before for not much money would make me happy.
I think shows would attract a buying/looking ratio of say 500:1 ? You probably know better than I do who the serious people are versus who's a tyre kicker. I dont think I've seen anyone put a bad word in about the Murtaya for example, and the more coverage you get from that the better.
I wouldnt necessarily go to a show to buy a car, I've said before that I wasnt sure how someone buys a car from you. For me, it would be the sort of thing that I'd arrange to come down, hire the car off you for a weekend or something, then make a call on it from there
I'd like one in say June / July based at RAF Portreath in Cornwall.
It's local - for me!!!!!
There's a ringroad / airfield for test drives.
It's big enough for loads of stands.
I would like other industries involved too as this will attract loads more punters (Max Power & club race scene etc).
Area is big enough to have camping.
Newquay is just down the road for a night out.
There are numerous beaches about.
Rolling road for those who dare to test their car's power.
Families will love it - you can bring the wife & kids down for a long weekend.
Stage & a few bands for those who stay on site . . . .
Oh & don't forget the cars!
It's local - for me!!!!!
There's a ringroad / airfield for test drives.
It's big enough for loads of stands.
I would like other industries involved too as this will attract loads more punters (Max Power & club race scene etc).
Area is big enough to have camping.
Newquay is just down the road for a night out.
There are numerous beaches about.
Rolling road for those who dare to test their car's power.
Families will love it - you can bring the wife & kids down for a long weekend.
Stage & a few bands for those who stay on site . . . .
Oh & don't forget the cars!
Things that would make it ideal for me personally are:
as much of it under cover as possible - Fresh Air is great. British weather is not.
All the manufacturers in one place! Every show I've been to in the last few years I've come away thinking more about who wasn't there and a missed opportunity. I was recently looking back through photo's of kit car shows I went to when I was 17/18 - there was a much higher manufacturer attendance level.
owners clubs - manufacturers are great, but you only get certain answers from those that have built it in their 15ft long ropey lean-to.
location wise, anywhere that is easy to get to, centrally placed in the country (unless you want to have it in Southampton, which would be nice and convenient for me...) and with good access.
oh - and on the suppliers front, I think it would be worthwhile trying to get some of the larger fixings suppliers involved. There are always the same ones at all the shows I've been to, which are neither value for money nor quality.
I'd like to see just one or two huge shows a year personally.
as much of it under cover as possible - Fresh Air is great. British weather is not.
All the manufacturers in one place! Every show I've been to in the last few years I've come away thinking more about who wasn't there and a missed opportunity. I was recently looking back through photo's of kit car shows I went to when I was 17/18 - there was a much higher manufacturer attendance level.
owners clubs - manufacturers are great, but you only get certain answers from those that have built it in their 15ft long ropey lean-to.
location wise, anywhere that is easy to get to, centrally placed in the country (unless you want to have it in Southampton, which would be nice and convenient for me...) and with good access.
oh - and on the suppliers front, I think it would be worthwhile trying to get some of the larger fixings suppliers involved. There are always the same ones at all the shows I've been to, which are neither value for money nor quality.
I'd like to see just one or two huge shows a year personally.
Edited by Davi on Monday 19th November 13:52
Following on from what Black5 said if you did one in cornwall/devon area in July your into the holiday season and you may get some people arranging their holiday around the show. On the other hand you may miss a few as they go away for holidays difficult one to decide i think.
Track not essential but as has been said if it is there use it. I have been to Donington on several occasions and have to admit when the open track was there was interesting also when there was the kit race meet was good as well as you had people racing the sort of machinery we are building. To my mind either option but to have to pay extra to watch isnt on. Yes pay to use the track
I think a autotest type thing would also be interesting and may attract pay per ride, a bit like the slalom, as people could get a feel for what their car or potential car is capable of.
A creche may not necessary but certainly something to amuse children to allow parents to blackmail them into behaving so they can look at the cars kind of like "behave or you cant go on the merry-go-round"
I must admit I only attend shows that are within a relatively easy commute to me IE within just over an hour drive. so I go to Stoneleigh which is fantastic Donington, usually good but a let down this year, occasionally newark but will definately doing peterborough.
Certainly the show stands should be indoors as i dont think anyone would spend time talking to a manufacturer outside if it was teeming with rain and blowing a gale and as this is britain and we cannot guarantee the weather this could happen in the middle of August
Track not essential but as has been said if it is there use it. I have been to Donington on several occasions and have to admit when the open track was there was interesting also when there was the kit race meet was good as well as you had people racing the sort of machinery we are building. To my mind either option but to have to pay extra to watch isnt on. Yes pay to use the track
I think a autotest type thing would also be interesting and may attract pay per ride, a bit like the slalom, as people could get a feel for what their car or potential car is capable of.
A creche may not necessary but certainly something to amuse children to allow parents to blackmail them into behaving so they can look at the cars kind of like "behave or you cant go on the merry-go-round"
I must admit I only attend shows that are within a relatively easy commute to me IE within just over an hour drive. so I go to Stoneleigh which is fantastic Donington, usually good but a let down this year, occasionally newark but will definately doing peterborough.
Certainly the show stands should be indoors as i dont think anyone would spend time talking to a manufacturer outside if it was teeming with rain and blowing a gale and as this is britain and we cannot guarantee the weather this could happen in the middle of August
Hi Neil
Nice topic, not sure any of the regular organisations have ever been bothered to ask this questioon so its pretty welcome.
Dissapointing Donington seems to be ringing in my ears, the track has allways nade the Donington show in my opinion and an addition of possible drag strip could be interesting.
As mentioned one of those mobile rolling road outfits would take a few £'s and i would think you would need two of them as they would get pretty busy.
Apart from wheels i cant seem to remember any one big tyre seller at the shows, would even be good if there was a fitting service too.
As for clubs, after being involved with the running of the MK owners club until last year i would say most who want to stop over (camping) ask every time "are there showers and proper toilet facilities" dissapointing Donington comes to mind again.
As said earlier Stoneleigh is really the benchmark but we are not sure for how long, a lot of land at the national agriculture centre is being sold off so its a case of lets see next year.
Also can someone vet the caterers at these shows
best regards
bob
Nice topic, not sure any of the regular organisations have ever been bothered to ask this questioon so its pretty welcome.
Dissapointing Donington seems to be ringing in my ears, the track has allways nade the Donington show in my opinion and an addition of possible drag strip could be interesting.
As mentioned one of those mobile rolling road outfits would take a few £'s and i would think you would need two of them as they would get pretty busy.
Apart from wheels i cant seem to remember any one big tyre seller at the shows, would even be good if there was a fitting service too.
As for clubs, after being involved with the running of the MK owners club until last year i would say most who want to stop over (camping) ask every time "are there showers and proper toilet facilities" dissapointing Donington comes to mind again.
As said earlier Stoneleigh is really the benchmark but we are not sure for how long, a lot of land at the national agriculture centre is being sold off so its a case of lets see next year.
Also can someone vet the caterers at these shows
best regards
bob
Edited by B O B on Monday 19th November 19:18
For me track action is good there is something special seeing car like an Ultima being given the beans, or lesser vehicles.
Facilities need to be good, as a bloke we can piss in a bucket but my wife wants a good standard of toilet and catering, again a burger is fine for some but I have gone past that stage now.
The reason this is important is the customers. The average builder who has a spare £20k plus to spare on a toy is likly to have a nice home, good company car and want more than a bucket and a burger, I know I do and many I now whos partner will not attend if they aren't offered those facilities.
Good attendance by suppliers and the stalls to buy from. Stoneleigh is as good as it gets, imagine that with a track attached, fantastic.
Weather does form a barrier to a succesful show and organsers are at the whim of the elements
Facilities need to be good, as a bloke we can piss in a bucket but my wife wants a good standard of toilet and catering, again a burger is fine for some but I have gone past that stage now.
The reason this is important is the customers. The average builder who has a spare £20k plus to spare on a toy is likly to have a nice home, good company car and want more than a bucket and a burger, I know I do and many I now whos partner will not attend if they aren't offered those facilities.
Good attendance by suppliers and the stalls to buy from. Stoneleigh is as good as it gets, imagine that with a track attached, fantastic.
Weather does form a barrier to a succesful show and organsers are at the whim of the elements
What a brillo idea Black5, an RAF base or disused airfield would be great and low cost. Wonder what the RAFs rules are on private hire of a hanger? They are tax payers property mind you and they have car clubs. Can they invite us in for a weekend? Location wise it has to be central. Dont understand the proposed show at Stafford as it coincides with Donny, do we need another show in the middle of the country in the middle of the year?
Harley riders have a huge social life, they have their own clothing style, they do rock music and most drink JD or Bud and smokers generally use Marlboro, the whole life style has many links, not just the vehicles. Any ideas on how kit peeps can be follow their lead? Silly replies welcome. Nice thread Neil hope show organises or potential organises are looking. I think entertainment is a must and of a quality that would encourage non kit car owners to stay over and enjoy competitions etc. Skiing on a bonnet or lobbing an alternator etc.
Its great to see familiar faces at shows but they have seen our merchandise and as a trader we need new contacts, thats down to show marketing to a wider audience, there were some great cars on sale at Exeter and most I spoke to were pleased to see the variety. From a manufacturer view as we dont have agents around the country we are quite happy to travel to shows/customers but what about up north. You would have to be keen to travel from Glasgow to Stoneleigh to see if anything that floats your boat. Stig
Harley riders have a huge social life, they have their own clothing style, they do rock music and most drink JD or Bud and smokers generally use Marlboro, the whole life style has many links, not just the vehicles. Any ideas on how kit peeps can be follow their lead? Silly replies welcome. Nice thread Neil hope show organises or potential organises are looking. I think entertainment is a must and of a quality that would encourage non kit car owners to stay over and enjoy competitions etc. Skiing on a bonnet or lobbing an alternator etc.
Its great to see familiar faces at shows but they have seen our merchandise and as a trader we need new contacts, thats down to show marketing to a wider audience, there were some great cars on sale at Exeter and most I spoke to were pleased to see the variety. From a manufacturer view as we dont have agents around the country we are quite happy to travel to shows/customers but what about up north. You would have to be keen to travel from Glasgow to Stoneleigh to see if anything that floats your boat. Stig
Black5 said:
I'd like one in say June / July based at RAF Portreath in Cornwall.
It's local - for me!!!!!
There's a ringroad / airfield for test drives.
It's big enough for loads of stands.
I would like other industries involved too as this will attract loads more punters (Max Power & club race scene etc).
Area is big enough to have camping.
Newquay is just down the road for a night out.
There are numerous beaches about.
Rolling road for those who dare to test their car's power.
Families will love it - you can bring the wife & kids down for a long weekend.
Stage & a few bands for those who stay on site . . . .
Oh & don't forget the cars!
It's local - for me!!!!!
There's a ringroad / airfield for test drives.
It's big enough for loads of stands.
I would like other industries involved too as this will attract loads more punters (Max Power & club race scene etc).
Area is big enough to have camping.
Newquay is just down the road for a night out.
There are numerous beaches about.
Rolling road for those who dare to test their car's power.
Families will love it - you can bring the wife & kids down for a long weekend.
Stage & a few bands for those who stay on site . . . .
Oh & don't forget the cars!
Simple - Stoneleigh with a track.
Total Kit Car Live almost have it sussed. They need to open up the track. Say 20 minute sessions. Alternate Owners then Manufacturers etc.
Need loads of manufacturers stands with their static displays and of course all the accessory stands that Stoneleigh attract.
Steve Hole has used Brands Hatch in the past but has not maxed the potential out yet. Great venue with loads of space etc. Circuit facilities are good for the ladies too.
Just do it at Silverstone on the GP Circuit and it will be Kit Car utopia.
Packman
Total Kit Car Live almost have it sussed. They need to open up the track. Say 20 minute sessions. Alternate Owners then Manufacturers etc.
Need loads of manufacturers stands with their static displays and of course all the accessory stands that Stoneleigh attract.
Steve Hole has used Brands Hatch in the past but has not maxed the potential out yet. Great venue with loads of space etc. Circuit facilities are good for the ladies too.
Just do it at Silverstone on the GP Circuit and it will be Kit Car utopia.
Packman
Thank you for all of your input guys.
This thread is very worthwhile as I have been contacted by several leading show promoters saying that they are actively watching this thread.
So keep the ideas and opinions coming, you could end up seeing the things that you want at the shows in the future.
Neil.
This thread is very worthwhile as I have been contacted by several leading show promoters saying that they are actively watching this thread.
So keep the ideas and opinions coming, you could end up seeing the things that you want at the shows in the future.
Neil.
I have been to quite a few shows which I enjoy, however I have always wanted to be able to take my car for a good thrash, just around a large empty carpark or the like. Problem is though its usually after a few jars in the evening!. But having a track on which one could do a few laps would be great.
To get a big crowd a show has to be everything to everybody.
The track is good for some, but I'm not interested in taking my car on the track. I use the shows as a way to catch up with friends from way back and I love to wander about amongst the same-old-same-old and come across some crazy contraption that someone has made the effort on or something from years ago that still manages to survive.
What I really DON'T like is chavs at Stoneleigh on mini-motos.
The track is good for some, but I'm not interested in taking my car on the track. I use the shows as a way to catch up with friends from way back and I love to wander about amongst the same-old-same-old and come across some crazy contraption that someone has made the effort on or something from years ago that still manages to survive.
What I really DON'T like is chavs at Stoneleigh on mini-motos.
I have been actively looking to buy a 7 style car this year and everyone tells me go to a show.... So i have, several times infact and still have not bought a car.
Problem is the atomosphere is dry, arenas full of stands but nothing which grabs my attention from any manufacturer, when talking to anyone the general chat is "mine is the best" with no substance, if tracks available would like to see some competition between all manufactures as sort of proving ground which a track is really all about, make it entertaining yet informative!!!
I think lots of little things make bigger impact than one stand focusing on one aspect of own products, promote as much as possible without being cluttered or annoying, again back it up somehow! You saying to me this will do XYZ is just you saying it! stand after stand becomes boring and left no wiser infact more confused and empty handed.
Would like to see a less busy show calander with more manufactures attending spread out across the country not in all up north either.
In general would like to see racing which 7 cars should be about unless im wrong? with shows as the add-on from each brand i would like to see how cars perform driven by somebody who knows what they are doing then speak to who ever brand it is then be most likely buy a kit. Maybe group race events according to budgets like a car that can be built for £5,000, £10,000 then £15,000 so on. This would be directly comparative and i think would help simplify enormous spec lists as each maker be forced to mix'n'match best parts for each price range to compete in and prove it!
I think current shows are more for those in the scene already and shoots itself in the foot attracting a newbie, its more like a big meet for those who are experienced for repeat business instead of exploring new paths to get new customers.
Problem is the atomosphere is dry, arenas full of stands but nothing which grabs my attention from any manufacturer, when talking to anyone the general chat is "mine is the best" with no substance, if tracks available would like to see some competition between all manufactures as sort of proving ground which a track is really all about, make it entertaining yet informative!!!
I think lots of little things make bigger impact than one stand focusing on one aspect of own products, promote as much as possible without being cluttered or annoying, again back it up somehow! You saying to me this will do XYZ is just you saying it! stand after stand becomes boring and left no wiser infact more confused and empty handed.
Would like to see a less busy show calander with more manufactures attending spread out across the country not in all up north either.
In general would like to see racing which 7 cars should be about unless im wrong? with shows as the add-on from each brand i would like to see how cars perform driven by somebody who knows what they are doing then speak to who ever brand it is then be most likely buy a kit. Maybe group race events according to budgets like a car that can be built for £5,000, £10,000 then £15,000 so on. This would be directly comparative and i think would help simplify enormous spec lists as each maker be forced to mix'n'match best parts for each price range to compete in and prove it!
I think current shows are more for those in the scene already and shoots itself in the foot attracting a newbie, its more like a big meet for those who are experienced for repeat business instead of exploring new paths to get new customers.
Edited by ShakeyC on Sunday 25th November 16:04
With all due respect, though....
There are racing events for kitcars, why not go to one.
The idea that any Super Seven replica is better than any other is fine, except that the nature of kitcars is that they are all different. No two are the same. The same manufacturer and model will have various differences depending on the person that built it.
Then there's the idea that the fastest 'seven' around a track is the 'best'.... If you are building it yourself you don't want it to be: 'fastest 'round a track, but a bugger to build'!!
There are racing events for kitcars, why not go to one.
The idea that any Super Seven replica is better than any other is fine, except that the nature of kitcars is that they are all different. No two are the same. The same manufacturer and model will have various differences depending on the person that built it.
Then there's the idea that the fastest 'seven' around a track is the 'best'.... If you are building it yourself you don't want it to be: 'fastest 'round a track, but a bugger to build'!!
Ferg said:
With all due respect, though....
There are racing events for kitcars, why not go to one.
The idea that any Super Seven replica is better than any other is fine, except that the nature of kitcars is that they are all different. No two are the same. The same manufacturer and model will have various differences depending on the person that built it.
Then there's the idea that the fastest 'seven' around a track is the 'best'.... If you are building it yourself you don't want it to be: 'fastest 'round a track, but a bugger to build'!!
Very true and have attended a few 750mc events too but never been able to speak to any team regarding buying a kit. The problem for a newcommer to the scene is overwhelmed by spec lists and variety of kits we do not know the specifics or which one is the best for our needs inc ease of build. There are racing events for kitcars, why not go to one.
The idea that any Super Seven replica is better than any other is fine, except that the nature of kitcars is that they are all different. No two are the same. The same manufacturer and model will have various differences depending on the person that built it.
Then there's the idea that the fastest 'seven' around a track is the 'best'.... If you are building it yourself you don't want it to be: 'fastest 'round a track, but a bugger to build'!!
The main issue for me and many other newbies is working out which is best in our budgets and shows do nothing to help us apart from X looks pretty, Z are friendly chaps and Y says mine is best everything else is rubbish. No way of backing up claims, proof or reasoning.
One stand i saw was helpful showing the differences between suspension components that helped me decide IRS is best for my needs so i focused looking at kits with only IRS.
Track action would be good, specially if newbs are cattered for (like me). Most disapointing thing I found about Donnington this year was the lack of customising stalls. Finding a good steering wheel at an even better price proved tricky and bosses were in short supply. Component parts relevent to kit cars seemed lacking too. However, I did buy one of those indoor battery operated planes, which is sitting neatly in a draw. Cos I keep crashing it! 
Just my view from the international crowd....
Was at Stoneleigh in 2005, and thought it was a very good show, found a lot of info and caught with a few PH mates,but thought it lacked something......
Maybe it needs a few major events during the 2 days, , the enthusiast could vote the best kitcar shown by a manufacturer, or newcomer, or whatever.......but something that can bring an interest to the industry, its manufacturers, and kitcar suppliers, after market parts, and so on.........
Better facilities, from toilets to restaurant/cafetteria/pub at reasonable prices help a lot....
Better and more informative brochures, from the show organizers, creating links with Hostels, hotels, car rentals, or shuttle busses from major airports, train stations or other....invaluable info for foreigners!!!!!!!!
Maybe I'm asking too much, but these could help a repeat visit by enthusiast, but most of all, increase international attendence, and and foreign buyers.
I know that a lot of guys, won't go back in the future, because it's so hard to get to Stoneleigh, or for that matter, any other show!!, a difficult and expensive trip, especially if there is very little to see at the show....
I beleive it's lost revenue for all , and if the industry wants to expand, it needs to make things accessible ...
Kitcars are international, but the shows haven't seen this change coming.....
Just my opinion
Italo
Was at Stoneleigh in 2005, and thought it was a very good show, found a lot of info and caught with a few PH mates,but thought it lacked something......
Maybe it needs a few major events during the 2 days, , the enthusiast could vote the best kitcar shown by a manufacturer, or newcomer, or whatever.......but something that can bring an interest to the industry, its manufacturers, and kitcar suppliers, after market parts, and so on.........
Better facilities, from toilets to restaurant/cafetteria/pub at reasonable prices help a lot....
Better and more informative brochures, from the show organizers, creating links with Hostels, hotels, car rentals, or shuttle busses from major airports, train stations or other....invaluable info for foreigners!!!!!!!!
Maybe I'm asking too much, but these could help a repeat visit by enthusiast, but most of all, increase international attendence, and and foreign buyers.
I know that a lot of guys, won't go back in the future, because it's so hard to get to Stoneleigh, or for that matter, any other show!!, a difficult and expensive trip, especially if there is very little to see at the show....
I beleive it's lost revenue for all , and if the industry wants to expand, it needs to make things accessible ...
Kitcars are international, but the shows haven't seen this change coming.....
Just my opinion
Italo
Edited by fuoriserie on Friday 30th November 11:29
One of the nicest shows I attend usually, is around May, not large by any means, but a very friendly atmosphere and normally enough to do for three or four hours...(no car manufacturers , but plenty of tool stalls etc)
The Cheshire kit car show at Capesthorne Hall near Wiilmslow, Manchester....
The Cheshire kit car show at Capesthorne Hall near Wiilmslow, Manchester....
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