24hr Spectators Point of View, i.e. Paying Public?
Discussion
Thought I'd leave it a few days before I'd post this as the actual event, result, support races were superb.
If I'd of been one of the above and paid £35 for the weekend I'd of been mightly pissed off!
Made to park outside the circuit, if you didn't have the correct car pass, you couldn't even drive around the outside of the circuit on Saturday even though all the toilet blocks were open! The place is huge, I'm led to believe that Sunday was different?
I saw with my own eyes 2 cars turn around an leave when told they couldn't drive around and park up around the circuit!
As for the Security Firm!
But I'm led to believe the EERC have no control over that aspect?
Anybody else have any bad Silverstone not EERC problems?
If I'd of been one of the above and paid £35 for the weekend I'd of been mightly pissed off!
Made to park outside the circuit, if you didn't have the correct car pass, you couldn't even drive around the outside of the circuit on Saturday even though all the toilet blocks were open! The place is huge, I'm led to believe that Sunday was different?
I saw with my own eyes 2 cars turn around an leave when told they couldn't drive around and park up around the circuit!
As for the Security Firm!
But I'm led to believe the EERC have no control over that aspect?Anybody else have any bad Silverstone not EERC problems?
I didnt quite get it, once it had got dark they put security at the bridge and at copse to stop people driving round the track, they said to us that it was reserved for media but that you could walk round. We cycled round the track, a few photographers but no major media but yet plenty of spectators sat in and on their cars watching the race with tents up and enjoying the race it didnt make sense?
And also riding past bridge the marshal on the gate told me off for not having my lights on on my bike yet the whole area had floodlights and all the roads where lite up, yet id just ridin round the whole track in pitch black. I can see where he was coming from saftey wise but he had a right go at me and my friends even when we had put them on, not the EERC's fault silverstone!
Chris
And also riding past bridge the marshal on the gate told me off for not having my lights on on my bike yet the whole area had floodlights and all the roads where lite up, yet id just ridin round the whole track in pitch black. I can see where he was coming from saftey wise but he had a right go at me and my friends even when we had put them on, not the EERC's fault silverstone!
Chris
Silverstone aren't the most accomodating for the spectator on non F1 days!
I remember the LMES (as it was) a couple of years back. None of the toilets were open away from the complex, almost all of the grandstands were closed and there were zero refreshments away from the complex/prior to Copse and it was scorching. Could have made a killing on soft drinks and food for those making their way around the circuit.
As for parking outside, I'd have presumed that is what I'd be doing if I were a spectator and would have taken my bike to travel around the circuit. As it was I had my camera and my two feet for the weekend and the blisters to show for it.
I remember the LMES (as it was) a couple of years back. None of the toilets were open away from the complex, almost all of the grandstands were closed and there were zero refreshments away from the complex/prior to Copse and it was scorching. Could have made a killing on soft drinks and food for those making their way around the circuit.
As for parking outside, I'd have presumed that is what I'd be doing if I were a spectator and would have taken my bike to travel around the circuit. As it was I had my camera and my two feet for the weekend and the blisters to show for it.
because Its Silverstone....... as their tag lines go..
Your right I think given the inflexibility of the Silverstone old boys club the EERC put on a fantastic event.
Your right though to allow the event to move to its full potential, there needs to be better facilities for spectators, oh and cleaning some of the facilities in the paddock occasionally might be nice
We tried to organise something onsite for the tvrcc but it proved impossible in the end. silverstone want blood for anything and everything... hopefully next year.
imho for silverstone to be worthy of the title home of british motorsport it needs to consider things other than the GP and the fans and the competitors a little more... There is more to motorsport than the GP!!!
Your right I think given the inflexibility of the Silverstone old boys club the EERC put on a fantastic event.
Your right though to allow the event to move to its full potential, there needs to be better facilities for spectators, oh and cleaning some of the facilities in the paddock occasionally might be nice
We tried to organise something onsite for the tvrcc but it proved impossible in the end. silverstone want blood for anything and everything... hopefully next year.
imho for silverstone to be worthy of the title home of british motorsport it needs to consider things other than the GP and the fans and the competitors a little more... There is more to motorsport than the GP!!!
which resulted in my Dad stepping in to calm things down.
The rather random officialdom was pretty impressive even in the garages. I was threatened with eviction from the circuit by some EERC guy on Thursday morning for having a crafty fag in back of the garage. He got quite nasty when I laughed at him...
He should try coming to an LMS race (or any race in Europe, really), where smoking is more or less compulsory.
He should try coming to an LMS race (or any race in Europe, really), where smoking is more or less compulsory.
don't go together either!
Sat in the grandstand, i saw Clarkson up in the section above the pit garages where he was, think its race control and guess what he was doing, smoking, and it was inside the building which sure'lly wouldnt be allowed, they really need to sort there rules out, different rules for different people!
I had to laugh, one of the event security people called himself "bullet". I kid you not, on the radio "bullet here...." Over heard another conversation between 2 security patrol people which seemed to go along the lines of "we only took 4 of them when we could have had a load more" & basically carried on with them patted themselves on the back for showing such restraint. As with all these things there are good & bad. The regular guys are fine, we see them at all the meetings, they know which bits are important and when it`s prudent to turn a blind eye in order for the event to run smoothly. I suspect the problems arose with staff bussed in for the event.
The EERC themselves did a fine job with the organisation and I`m sure next year`s event will once again move yet further forward. As already discussed I would love the circuit / BRDC to get behind the event and give it the final push required to switch all the lights on.
Henry
The EERC themselves did a fine job with the organisation and I`m sure next year`s event will once again move yet further forward. As already discussed I would love the circuit / BRDC to get behind the event and give it the final push required to switch all the lights on.
Henry
I was there from Thursday, racing in the support races, but stayed for the whole 24hr race too (sore back after 3 nights in a tent though - The Chill Zone if anyone saw it?). After I had prepared the car on Friday evening and showered, it was around 8.30pm. The night qualifying was 8-10 so this was still on. I was AMAZED to find there was NOWHERE on the circuit I could get anything to eat. I cycled round everywhere (very frustrating to see all the hospitality tents full of food) but nothing. There was someone in a small booth (behind the gap in the garages) selling programmes in the dark (or probably failing to) but no catering whatsoever.
I never got asked for my ticket by any security staff anywhere all weekend though. I went into various garages (though mainly those where I knew the occupants) and into the pitlane no problem. At the scheduled pit walkabout time it was slightly amusing to have casually walked through a garage and then along the pitlane to then come across hoardes of people waiting patiently at the assembly area (the gates between the garages) to be hosted in. We weren't wearing passes and I didn't have racing overalls on, (although we had branded fleeces on) and no security staff batted an eyelid. Some would greet you if you initiated it, some were asleep in chairs (the scrutineering end entrance of the paddock for example).
I don't see a problem with this - there wasn't an excessive number of people in any one place that would warrant controlling them. It did seem they could have reduced costs by having fewer security staff though.
There was a live band on in the bar (who were quite good) on Saturday night but we only happened across this. The bar closed at midnight (I think, may have been 11, it was a bit blurred by then
). Personally, probably a good job (it was difficult enough to hold the torch steady for Henry's mechanics when their clutch went), but I'm sure they could have made more money staying open longer/all night and been seen to better serve the spectators (and teams, one of whom I fetched a round of pints of lager for - only the mechanics mind).
I have to say I was amazed at the disorganisation regarding trophies etc at the end, but whilst this looked terrible it is so easily rectified. The EERC guy (don't know names sorry) did make a point of saying the BRDC will be working more closely with them next year in terms of PR, promotion etc which sounds like good news. More spectators will only increase the enjoyment for all I'm sure.
I'll be there next year, whether spectating and generally making a nuisance of myself in and around the garges or maybe racing myself. Would love a seat in Henry's GT3 (if one were available) but not sure I want to sell any internal organs just yet.....
I never got asked for my ticket by any security staff anywhere all weekend though. I went into various garages (though mainly those where I knew the occupants) and into the pitlane no problem. At the scheduled pit walkabout time it was slightly amusing to have casually walked through a garage and then along the pitlane to then come across hoardes of people waiting patiently at the assembly area (the gates between the garages) to be hosted in. We weren't wearing passes and I didn't have racing overalls on, (although we had branded fleeces on) and no security staff batted an eyelid. Some would greet you if you initiated it, some were asleep in chairs (the scrutineering end entrance of the paddock for example).
I don't see a problem with this - there wasn't an excessive number of people in any one place that would warrant controlling them. It did seem they could have reduced costs by having fewer security staff though.
There was a live band on in the bar (who were quite good) on Saturday night but we only happened across this. The bar closed at midnight (I think, may have been 11, it was a bit blurred by then
). Personally, probably a good job (it was difficult enough to hold the torch steady for Henry's mechanics when their clutch went), but I'm sure they could have made more money staying open longer/all night and been seen to better serve the spectators (and teams, one of whom I fetched a round of pints of lager for - only the mechanics mind).I have to say I was amazed at the disorganisation regarding trophies etc at the end, but whilst this looked terrible it is so easily rectified. The EERC guy (don't know names sorry) did make a point of saying the BRDC will be working more closely with them next year in terms of PR, promotion etc which sounds like good news. More spectators will only increase the enjoyment for all I'm sure.
I'll be there next year, whether spectating and generally making a nuisance of myself in and around the garges or maybe racing myself. Would love a seat in Henry's GT3 (if one were available) but not sure I want to sell any internal organs just yet.....
As an event I found it most enjoyable - very good support races and air display - but then I live locally so went home to a warm bed for the night.
Didn't realise that security were stopping people parking inside the circuit - there were certainly a few spectators parked up here and there. I just drove in with no problems on both Saturday and Sunday.
Hopefully next year it gets some more promotion as there was very little in the local press about it.
Didn't realise that security were stopping people parking inside the circuit - there were certainly a few spectators parked up here and there. I just drove in with no problems on both Saturday and Sunday.
Hopefully next year it gets some more promotion as there was very little in the local press about it.
"There was a live band on in the bar (who were quite good) on Saturday night but we only happened across this."
We were that band. We are Dirty Little Secrets from Leicester. Thank you to everyone who came and had a look at us - we had so much fun, and it was all down to you lot. Cheers.
If anyone wants anymore information, have a look at www.myspace.com/dirtylittlesecretsuk (where we've done a full review of the night) or http://dirtylittlesecrets.bands4gigs.com
Cheers
Chris
We were that band. We are Dirty Little Secrets from Leicester. Thank you to everyone who came and had a look at us - we had so much fun, and it was all down to you lot. Cheers.
If anyone wants anymore information, have a look at www.myspace.com/dirtylittlesecretsuk (where we've done a full review of the night) or http://dirtylittlesecrets.bands4gigs.com
Cheers
Chris
I arrived at Silverstone at about 10.00 on the Saturday morning in my motorhome and was directed into the car park outside the circuit. I found somewhere reasonably flat to park, as I was staying overnight, made the vehicle secure, packed a backpack and headed to the entrance with ticket in hand.
I was surprised to see the amount of motorhomes, caravans, and tents already sited within the infield areas along with cars that didn't appear to have special passes or such like.
I asked a security man if I was allowed to bring my motorhome inside the complex and he told me that only vehicles belonging to competitors or teams were allowed in, and then only if they had the correct pass.
A few hours later I wanted to go back to the motorhome for a rest, it was going to be a long night, and I thought I'd try to drive in and see if I got turned away. A quick flash of my ticket and I was past the main gate and heading for the infield to be greeted by the same security guard waving me by and onto the camping field. So again, I found somewhere fairly flat to park and made myself at home.
I really enjoyed my first experience of attending a 24hr race. It was quite something to sit beer in hand, in the pitch black at 1.00am watching live motorsport. Will definately be there next year and booking tickets in advance offered excellent value for money.
EERC keep up the good work !!!!!
I was surprised to see the amount of motorhomes, caravans, and tents already sited within the infield areas along with cars that didn't appear to have special passes or such like.
I asked a security man if I was allowed to bring my motorhome inside the complex and he told me that only vehicles belonging to competitors or teams were allowed in, and then only if they had the correct pass.
A few hours later I wanted to go back to the motorhome for a rest, it was going to be a long night, and I thought I'd try to drive in and see if I got turned away. A quick flash of my ticket and I was past the main gate and heading for the infield to be greeted by the same security guard waving me by and onto the camping field. So again, I found somewhere fairly flat to park and made myself at home.
I really enjoyed my first experience of attending a 24hr race. It was quite something to sit beer in hand, in the pitch black at 1.00am watching live motorsport. Will definately be there next year and booking tickets in advance offered excellent value for money.
EERC keep up the good work !!!!!
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