Astonishing entry fees and disparities in pounds per hour.
Discussion
I for one am really surprised at the increases in Britcar entry fees and their premium per hour being asked this year over other races in the Britcar circus.
Going back a couple of years the gross cost per hour now is getting close to having doubled.
VAT is now being charged whereas it was not before, however the circuit owners must have charged VAT to Britcar in the past which would have been factored into the promotor's costs. Obviously, VAT can now be reclaimed on the gross fee charged if the entry is paid by a VAT registered car preparation company but HMCR might have a difficult take on those whose memo and articles do not allow for such activity......
The real blinder is that there is no apparent added value for anyone of the participants in these events, which remain, with the exception of the A1GP weekend unattended club level events.
There must be a lot of owners of suitably prepared cars waiting for another promoter to fill the gap being vacated by Britcar for more reasonably priced long distance events.
Regards, Don.Norchi.
Going back a couple of years the gross cost per hour now is getting close to having doubled.
VAT is now being charged whereas it was not before, however the circuit owners must have charged VAT to Britcar in the past which would have been factored into the promotor's costs. Obviously, VAT can now be reclaimed on the gross fee charged if the entry is paid by a VAT registered car preparation company but HMCR might have a difficult take on those whose memo and articles do not allow for such activity......
The real blinder is that there is no apparent added value for anyone of the participants in these events, which remain, with the exception of the A1GP weekend unattended club level events.
There must be a lot of owners of suitably prepared cars waiting for another promoter to fill the gap being vacated by Britcar for more reasonably priced long distance events.
Regards, Don.Norchi.
I agree in part, price rises were to be expected but I was told that the new prices would be a bit more but would also include vat so in actual fact there was no real major increase, that's not quite the case. I still think it's not bad value really given the seat time, I did cost comparisons with other championships before registering and most worked out about the same but for 1/2 the seat time, I would like to see a serious attempt though to promote it alot better and decent hospitality would be nice for guests and sponsors but apart from that I think it's a great place to race and i'm looking forward to this season immensely
Edited by taffyracer on Tuesday 12th February 21:12
Don / Dom, I understand your points of view, and accept that money is always likely to affect where & when you race. I'm sure James and the team will agree the series is still evolving.
Britcar is about adding value to ensure it survives above (or at least equal to) other series it's in competition with. The positives are a team of hard working staff, TV coverage (even BTCC is only on ITV4 and not accessable to all), a great race programme for 2008 - the A1 GP support cannot be under estimated in terms of what it could give your sponsors etc, the variety of cars, a great pitlane/series spirit (if you are going to spend money, it may as well be somewhere enjoyable!) and the 24 hour race.
That said I agree hospitality should be better. I have to say I'm abit miffed that at the 28th Feb test day only team managers & drivers get to receive this - it's hard to get good mechanics, most of whom work for free, it would be nice to acknowledge them as well. I don't know much about DSC but the Fun Cup guys have got it right - 6 wristbands per weekend, and you pay extra for more. Food, beer & TV on tap.
I'm sure James & team would welcome our views on this - lets use the 28th Feb to suggest some thoughts. It is after all our club. But lets remain positive - Britcar is a great place to race, and the alternative option is simple; race elsewhere if you don't think it's for you.
Andy
Britcar is about adding value to ensure it survives above (or at least equal to) other series it's in competition with. The positives are a team of hard working staff, TV coverage (even BTCC is only on ITV4 and not accessable to all), a great race programme for 2008 - the A1 GP support cannot be under estimated in terms of what it could give your sponsors etc, the variety of cars, a great pitlane/series spirit (if you are going to spend money, it may as well be somewhere enjoyable!) and the 24 hour race.
That said I agree hospitality should be better. I have to say I'm abit miffed that at the 28th Feb test day only team managers & drivers get to receive this - it's hard to get good mechanics, most of whom work for free, it would be nice to acknowledge them as well. I don't know much about DSC but the Fun Cup guys have got it right - 6 wristbands per weekend, and you pay extra for more. Food, beer & TV on tap.
I'm sure James & team would welcome our views on this - lets use the 28th Feb to suggest some thoughts. It is after all our club. But lets remain positive - Britcar is a great place to race, and the alternative option is simple; race elsewhere if you don't think it's for you.
Andy
James, I think free dinner dance tickets is going too far (at least until the food improves!!); but I'm sure you are aware how hard it is to get really good staff & sponsors/customers and we have to keep them happy & motivated on a daily basis. In any walk of life, not just racing, you have to raise the bar to ensure you remain in a healthy, competitive & progressive state - or there are others in the wings waiting to take your place.
People are talking on here because actually they really like Britcar, and in their thoughts/dreams, have seen themselves spending money & racing in THE best racing series in the UK. They/we just want the best out of Britcar. More/better hospitality attracts better quality teams/sponsors and new clients - the grids grow, the quality of cars improve, spectators come to watch etc etc.
I agree & understand that it is a thorny topic, but we (the club members) have never actually been asked "what do you want". I remember seeing on forums previously, that teams would even pay extra to improve this offering so that T/M's, drivers and pit crew could mix with one another and chew the fat at the end of another great Britcar day. Perhaps, if nothing else, it's time to talk it through with the entrants - whats the cost of a small questionnaire to everyone via email?
Andy
People are talking on here because actually they really like Britcar, and in their thoughts/dreams, have seen themselves spending money & racing in THE best racing series in the UK. They/we just want the best out of Britcar. More/better hospitality attracts better quality teams/sponsors and new clients - the grids grow, the quality of cars improve, spectators come to watch etc etc.
I agree & understand that it is a thorny topic, but we (the club members) have never actually been asked "what do you want". I remember seeing on forums previously, that teams would even pay extra to improve this offering so that T/M's, drivers and pit crew could mix with one another and chew the fat at the end of another great Britcar day. Perhaps, if nothing else, it's time to talk it through with the entrants - whats the cost of a small questionnaire to everyone via email?
Andy
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