Britcar 24hr 2012 - Spectators

[ukaskew]

I personally thought the Britcar 24hr struck just the right balance for spectators last year, everything from using the old pitlane, the in-field parking, the pit access etc. With that in mind, is anything major changing that will impact upon spectators this year?

My biggest concern is the in-field parking, will that be available again? It made the event for so many people last year, having a 'base' without wanting to camp or having to leave the circuit. If I remember correctly this was part of the ticket offer last year, is it the same again this year?

[Stevie Borowik]

ukaskew said:

I personally thought the Britcar 24hr struck just the right balance for spectators last year, everything from using the old pitlane, the in-field parking, the pit access etc. With that in mind, is anything major changing that will impact upon spectators this year?

My biggest concern is the in-field parking, will that be available again? It made the event for so many people last year, having a 'base' without wanting to camp or having to leave the circuit. If I remember correctly this was part of the ticket offer last year, is it the same again this year?

if you pre ordered your tickets then its included yes

[legaleagleboy]

........... am I missing something. I cannot find a timetable for the event nor can I see a provisional entry list, can anyone point me in the right direction?

ps. did hear some rumours about the race this year ...... does anyone know anything?

[jurbie]

I don't think the race is in doubt and the timetable and entry list should be online fairly soon. Keep an eye on this page. http://britcar24hr.co.uk/cms/e107_plugins/content/...

[Stevie Borowik]

there was something in autosport a few months ago sying it may not happen next year because james tucker doesnt want to keep paying for it or there is the possibility of moving to another circuit

[Graham]

Stevie Borowik said:

there was something in autosport a few months ago sying it may not happen next year because james tucker doesnt want to keep paying for it or there is the possibility of moving to another circuit

Gamesmanship I would have thought. IIRC the only other uk circuit with a 24hr licence is snetterton.

[Steve Britcar]

Paul, as an entrant in previous Britcar 24hrs races, you know that a small, core team has to bust a gut to prepare this event, and now that the Snetterton meeting is done and dusted, they can concentate solely on the 24hrs. If an entry list and timetable aren't on the website, then that means that they are still being worked on, and not ready for the public domain yet, and this is as much to do with entrants unsure of committing, as much as anything else, along with some teams wanting to keep their powder dry until they choose to release their intentions with a flurry of publicity in Autosport or MN - we couldn't steal their thunder by publishing their entry on a publicly-available list, could we?

Britcar is not SRO or ACO, and their customers/entrants often need to juggle a lot of circumstances and finances to finally commit.

What we can all do without, though, is this disappointing rumour-mongering. Nobody knows anything except James Tucker and the people in the Britcar office, so if anybody chooses to speculate on this forum, then I can say unequivicably that they are spouting opinion that has no foundation - or, breaking a confidence, so PLEASE, PLEASE, let's not dally with detrimental rumours, let's get some positive support behind the best endurance event in the UK. Times without number, Britcar has been critisiced for publishing early information that has eventually been heavily revised, so I am sure that you will all prefer to see data with a semblance of finality rather than a work-in-progress.

[MMC Andy]

Well said Steve.

BTW I've just seen James at Silverstone promoting Britcar in the WEC paddock - there's got to be a rumour worth starting there

[legaleagleboy]

Steve - thanks.

I am most interested about information for spectators as a whole, also some friends who asked for details, yet I could not point them anywhere with 4 weeks to go. (even the Silverstone site is silent on programme details)

A provisional timetable would steer a few more through the doors - never a bad thing IMO as it enables folks to plan ahead.

A couple of PR teasers about entries could also stimulate some excitement, albeit that a full list is not possible. The B24 is such a great event I just want loads of people to share the experience, rather than say damn it I missed it again!

......... we all want to pull with you in the same direction.

Edited by legaleagleboy on Friday 24th August 16:18

[Stuart Thompson]

Last year a provisional list was published quite early with some interesting entries, as the time came nearer some dropped off meaning disappointment, by leaving it till entries are more sure it saves all the disappointment and complaining.

[Stevie Borowik]

I can understamd the frustration from a spectators point of view but then on the other hand it helps build the excitement and it is always a fantastic race!! this is the fourth year on the trot ill be going. just gotta remember to take a bbq for the sunday mornings breakfast

[kybo]

legaleagleboy said:

Steve - thanks.

I am most interested about information for spectators as a whole, also some friends who asked for details, yet I could not point them anywhere with 4 weeks to go. (even the Silverstone site is silent on programme details)

Why not post specific questions here - regulars may be able to answer your questions, based on previous events.

This will be my 1st 24hr and I've searched for previous years' events to get some background info - I appreciate some details change year on year but some core info remains the same.

My tickets have come through and my camping is booked - just got the wait to contend with.

Scott

[strata21]

It's very rare that I would say anything on here but as a car owner with multiple options available for interested drivers I have to say that this year ( as last year) I've been approached by quite a few drivers but unfortunately their expectations are not sensible. It's an expensive event and in this tight economic climate drivers don't have the same budgets they used to and running a car is not a charitable gesture. We have confirmed one car and would LOVE to run a second but a lot of drivers out there are hanging out for a last minute "bargain" - something which they should be very wary of. A competitive car needs a lot of preparation and this can take weeks to complete if done properly - many parts suppliers simply don't hold stock like they used to. Sadly, if we don't get 1 or 2 committed drivers soon then we will remain at one car.

So I guess what I'm saying is that Britcar, the teams and indeed many of the drivers are anxious to confirm their entries and line ups but need the "bargain hunters" to step forward and grab a sensible deal while they are still able to. Of course they could all carry on doing what they're doing and end up in a poorly prepared car far less likely to complete the event...... now that would be a real bargain wouldn't it .......

Britcar and it's 24 hour event are the middle ground in endurance racing and we all need to do whatever we can to ensure it thrives. It has thrills, spills, interesting grids, interesting "characters" and when mixed together it's awesome. I have made some suggestions (including offers to support) to James regarding increasing the series and the 24's presence in the media and think it's high time that some others on the grid did the same !!!

[kybo]

strata21 said:

It's very rare that I would say anything on here but as a car owner with multiple options available for interested drivers I have to say that this year ( as last year) I've been approached by quite a few drivers but unfortunately their expectations are not sensible. It's an expensive event and in this tight economic climate drivers don't have the same budgets they used to and running a car is not a charitable gesture. We have confirmed one car and would LOVE to run a second but a lot of drivers out there are hanging out for a last minute "bargain" - something which they should be very wary of. A competitive car needs a lot of preparation and this can take weeks to complete if done properly - many parts suppliers simply don't hold stock like they used to. Sadly, if we don't get 1 or 2 committed drivers soon then we will remain at one car.

So I guess what I'm saying is that Britcar, the teams and indeed many of the drivers are anxious to confirm their entries and line ups but need the "bargain hunters" to step forward and grab a sensible deal while they are still able to. Of course they could all carry on doing what they're doing and end up in a poorly prepared car far less likely to complete the event...... now that would be a real bargain wouldn't it .......

Britcar and it's 24 hour event are the middle ground in endurance racing and we all need to do whatever we can to ensure it thrives. It has thrills, spills, interesting grids, interesting "characters" and when mixed together it's awesome. I have made some suggestions (including offers to support) to James regarding increasing the series and the 24's presence in the media and think it's high time that some others on the grid did the same !!!

Excellent post!!

I am but a spectator/photographer but if there's anything I can do to help, I'd be willing to do whatever I can.

Thanks,
Scott

[Stevie Borowik]

kybo said:

strata21 said:

It's very rare that I would say anything on here but as a car owner with multiple options available for interested drivers I have to say that this year ( as last year) I've been approached by quite a few drivers but unfortunately their expectations are not sensible. It's an expensive event and in this tight economic climate drivers don't have the same budgets they used to and running a car is not a charitable gesture. We have confirmed one car and would LOVE to run a second but a lot of drivers out there are hanging out for a last minute "bargain" - something which they should be very wary of. A competitive car needs a lot of preparation and this can take weeks to complete if done properly - many parts suppliers simply don't hold stock like they used to. Sadly, if we don't get 1 or 2 committed drivers soon then we will remain at one car.

So I guess what I'm saying is that Britcar, the teams and indeed many of the drivers are anxious to confirm their entries and line ups but need the "bargain hunters" to step forward and grab a sensible deal while they are still able to. Of course they could all carry on doing what they're doing and end up in a poorly prepared car far less likely to complete the event...... now that would be a real bargain wouldn't it .......

Britcar and it's 24 hour event are the middle ground in endurance racing and we all need to do whatever we can to ensure it thrives. It has thrills, spills, interesting grids, interesting "characters" and when mixed together it's awesome. I have made some suggestions (including offers to support) to James regarding increasing the series and the 24's presence in the media and think it's high time that some others on the grid did the same !!!

Excellent post!!

I am but a spectator/photographer but if there's anything I can do to help, I'd be willing to do whatever I can.

Thanks,
Scott

Same Scott, its a really intresting race series as a spectator and i love it!! Not sure i would be much help but still the offers there

Stevie

[legaleagleboy]

.... anyone wanting a drive or indeed with one to offer could use this page on the Britcar site:
http://www.britcar24hr.co.uk/cms/news.php?cat.11

........ and just spotted this useful page for camping at the B24, looks well organised when you click to the link
http://britcar24hr.co.uk/cms/e107_plugins/content/...

Edited by legaleagleboy on Tuesday 28th August 22:21

[Stuart Thompson]

Timetable now up on Silverstone website.4 less races this year, no Caterhams, smarts or Alfas. 24 hrs starts an hour earlier at 3:30.

[Stuart Thompson]

legaleagleboy said:

....

........ and just spotted this useful page for camping at the B24, looks well organised when you click to the link
http://britcar24hr.co.uk/cms/e107_plugins/content/...
The camping is the one being mentioned on here that all the PHers are using.very well organised and makes the 24hrs experience that little bit more special.

Edited by legaleagleboy on Tuesday 28th August 22:21

[SomeMinorTrouble]

Got my tickets today cant wait

[terry678]

I have 2 tickets for the 24 hr race they come with a center parking ticket and a voucher to get a programme,I bought these months ago as the 2 for 1 offer. Sadly I cannot attend this year. If anyone would like them for what I paid ie £40.00 please let me know as soon as possible as I will be out of the country from the 8th Sept.
If you have never been to the 24 hr race I recommend you go as it is one of the racing highlights of the year.
You can contact me through piston heads or ring me on 07973618336. Terry