Britcar 24hr 2011: Spectators View
Discussion
I last attended in 2008 and first of all a big thank you to the organisers for making this far more spectator friendly since I last visited. Obviously the weather helped this year, but generally it seemed a fair bit of effort and care had gone into catering for spectators.
Plus points:
- Infield Parking - This pretty much made the event for me, so handy being able to pop to your car (essential for an event this long in my opinion) and the location was pretty much perfect.
- National Paddock - The access to the back of the garages was incredible, and along with the infield parking it made Silverstone seem like a much more compact place than it normally does. I hope a move to the International Paddock isn't on the cards anytime soon.
- Catering - Plenty of options (far more than I expected) and a fair number staying open until I decided to catch a few hours in my car.
- Signage - Very useful, particularly noting which stands would be open, it made life much easier.
Negatives:
- Grandstands - Whilst I appreciate that Woodcote B is a 'nicer', larger stand, it did seem like a huge oversight to shut the National Pit Straight Grand Stand at 6:30pm. Ambient light from the pits meant that only one or two spot lights would have been needed for the stairways to make it as bright as Woodcote.
I would love to see other peoples photos from the event as I bumped into loads of friendly photographers, particularly late at night and early in the morning. My gallery is here:
http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Britca...
Plus points:
- Infield Parking - This pretty much made the event for me, so handy being able to pop to your car (essential for an event this long in my opinion) and the location was pretty much perfect.
- National Paddock - The access to the back of the garages was incredible, and along with the infield parking it made Silverstone seem like a much more compact place than it normally does. I hope a move to the International Paddock isn't on the cards anytime soon.
- Catering - Plenty of options (far more than I expected) and a fair number staying open until I decided to catch a few hours in my car.
- Signage - Very useful, particularly noting which stands would be open, it made life much easier.
Negatives:
- Grandstands - Whilst I appreciate that Woodcote B is a 'nicer', larger stand, it did seem like a huge oversight to shut the National Pit Straight Grand Stand at 6:30pm. Ambient light from the pits meant that only one or two spot lights would have been needed for the stairways to make it as bright as Woodcote.
I would love to see other peoples photos from the event as I bumped into loads of friendly photographers, particularly late at night and early in the morning. My gallery is here:
http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Britca...
Indeed. The disabled viewing area across from the pits was packed out last night as it was the only stand open with a view over the barriers into the pits.
I was also surprised that the covered stands by the new arena section were closed even during the day. (yesterday at least, didn't go to check today).
Other than that it was an excellent meeting (as always) made even better by the good weather.
I was also surprised that the covered stands by the new arena section were closed even during the day. (yesterday at least, didn't go to check today).
Other than that it was an excellent meeting (as always) made even better by the good weather.
ukaskew said:
Plus points:
- Infield Parking - This pretty much made the event for me, so handy being able to pop to your car (essential for an event this long in my opinion) and the location was pretty much perfect.
- National Paddock - The access to the back of the garages was incredible, and along with the infield parking it made Silverstone seem like a much more compact place than it normally does. I hope a move to the International Paddock isn't on the cards anytime soon.
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Barring a couple of VSCC meetings where I was a participant of sorts, I have refused to go to Silverstone for many years. - Infield Parking - This pretty much made the event for me, so handy being able to pop to your car (essential for an event this long in my opinion) and the location was pretty much perfect.
- National Paddock - The access to the back of the garages was incredible, and along with the infield parking it made Silverstone seem like a much more compact place than it normally does. I hope a move to the International Paddock isn't on the cards anytime soon.
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This weekend was a bit of a revelation for me and I was impressed. I agree with everything above, especially regarding the accessibility. The friendliness of the teams was super, I spent a lot of time wandering around the garages and they were always good humoured.
I also agree on the closing on grandstands - presumably a cost saving measure because of the cleaning cost plus having a g4 chap in each one - but nonetheless as a first timer at the event it was utterly FANTASTIC and to the organisers, marshalls, teams, everyone I want to say thank you and I will undoubtedly be there next year.
-the lad in the red and white striped t-shirt
-the lad in the red and white striped t-shirt
ukaskew said:
I would love to see other peoples photos from the event as I bumped into loads of friendly photographers, particularly late at night and early in the morning. My gallery is here:
http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Britca...
Great photos....they really catch the spirit of the weekend http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Britca...
.Here's a gallery taken by a friend of mine:
http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/A9XXC/Bri...
...they also include photos from the support races which proved to be very entertaining. The Porsche races in particular because of the huge variation in performance of the different models in their grids.
I'll give Silverstone/Britcar top marks for the weekend.
ukaskew said:
I last attended in 2008 and first of all a big thank you to the organisers for making this far more spectator friendly since I last visited. Obviously the weather helped this year, but generally it seemed a fair bit of effort and care had gone into catering for spectators.
Plus points:
- Infield Parking - This pretty much made the event for me, so handy being able to pop to your car (essential for an event this long in my opinion) and the location was pretty much perfect.
- National Paddock - The access to the back of the garages was incredible, and along with the infield parking it made Silverstone seem like a much more compact place than it normally does. I hope a move to the International Paddock isn't on the cards anytime soon.
- Catering - Plenty of options (far more than I expected) and a fair number staying open until I decided to catch a few hours in my car.
- Signage - Very useful, particularly noting which stands would be open, it made life much easier.
Negatives:
- Grandstands - Whilst I appreciate that Woodcote B is a 'nicer', larger stand, it did seem like a huge oversight to shut the National Pit Straight Grand Stand at 6:30pm. Ambient light from the pits meant that only one or two spot lights would have been needed for the stairways to make it as bright as Woodcote.
I would love to see other peoples photos from the event as I bumped into loads of friendly photographers, particularly late at night and early in the morning. My gallery is here:
http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Britca...
Amazing pics still editing mine but not in the same leaguePlus points:
- Infield Parking - This pretty much made the event for me, so handy being able to pop to your car (essential for an event this long in my opinion) and the location was pretty much perfect.
- National Paddock - The access to the back of the garages was incredible, and along with the infield parking it made Silverstone seem like a much more compact place than it normally does. I hope a move to the International Paddock isn't on the cards anytime soon.
- Catering - Plenty of options (far more than I expected) and a fair number staying open until I decided to catch a few hours in my car.
- Signage - Very useful, particularly noting which stands would be open, it made life much easier.
Negatives:
- Grandstands - Whilst I appreciate that Woodcote B is a 'nicer', larger stand, it did seem like a huge oversight to shut the National Pit Straight Grand Stand at 6:30pm. Ambient light from the pits meant that only one or two spot lights would have been needed for the stairways to make it as bright as Woodcote.
I would love to see other peoples photos from the event as I bumped into loads of friendly photographers, particularly late at night and early in the morning. My gallery is here:
http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Britca...
Was an enjoyable weekend weather was kind great access to pits and paddock the food wagon in the pits was good and nice to be able to get a beer in the bar till late great to be able to park inside although was at hotel Sat so only used my pass Sunday but great to be able to drive around for different shooting spots but as said not happy with the stands being closed especially Club covered stand rushed around for the start to find locked which is a shame as i got some great shots from there at the 6 hour event.
The location of the program seller could be better we were sent in the opposite direction by the gate security so only noticed the gazeebo as we left Sunday
A brilliant event yet again by britcar, well done to all the teams!!! The access is still second to none, with getting to the garages and onto the grid! But as everyone else is saying, the grandstands being shut was rather silly. Even during the day all the stands around becketts and the new arena section all being shut meant you didnt get the views of the action you wanted, and then the main pit straight grandstand being shut at night, which is the first time thats happened in the 6years i've been to the event was stupid, especially considering it was preety much fully lit simply from the pitlane lights, and yet a few stands round the far side of the track, in complete darkness were open...? Apart from that a brilliant event yet again, hopefully the grid will grow even more next year and the event will keep growing from strength to strength!
ukaskew said:
I last attended in 2008 and first of all a big thank you to the organisers for making this far more spectator friendly since I last visited. Obviously the weather helped this year, but generally it seemed a fair bit of effort and care had gone into catering for spectators.
Plus points:
- Infield Parking - This pretty much made the event for me, so handy being able to pop to your car (essential for an event this long in my opinion) and the location was pretty much perfect.
- National Paddock - The access to the back of the garages was incredible, and along with the infield parking it made Silverstone seem like a much more compact place than it normally does. I hope a move to the International Paddock isn't on the cards anytime soon.
- Catering - Plenty of options (far more than I expected) and a fair number staying open until I decided to catch a few hours in my car.
- Signage - Very useful, particularly noting which stands would be open, it made life much easier.
Negatives:
- Grandstands - Whilst I appreciate that Woodcote B is a 'nicer', larger stand, it did seem like a huge oversight to shut the National Pit Straight Grand Stand at 6:30pm. Ambient light from the pits meant that only one or two spot lights would have been needed for the stairways to make it as bright as Woodcote.
I would love to see other peoples photos from the event as I bumped into loads of friendly photographers, particularly late at night and early in the morning. My gallery is here:
http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Britca...
Very impressive pics that really capture the atmosphere of the event. Thanks for posting the link.Plus points:
- Infield Parking - This pretty much made the event for me, so handy being able to pop to your car (essential for an event this long in my opinion) and the location was pretty much perfect.
- National Paddock - The access to the back of the garages was incredible, and along with the infield parking it made Silverstone seem like a much more compact place than it normally does. I hope a move to the International Paddock isn't on the cards anytime soon.
- Catering - Plenty of options (far more than I expected) and a fair number staying open until I decided to catch a few hours in my car.
- Signage - Very useful, particularly noting which stands would be open, it made life much easier.
Negatives:
- Grandstands - Whilst I appreciate that Woodcote B is a 'nicer', larger stand, it did seem like a huge oversight to shut the National Pit Straight Grand Stand at 6:30pm. Ambient light from the pits meant that only one or two spot lights would have been needed for the stairways to make it as bright as Woodcote.
I would love to see other peoples photos from the event as I bumped into loads of friendly photographers, particularly late at night and early in the morning. My gallery is here:
http://chrisharrison.smugmug.com/Motorsport/Britca...
Was working in the pitlane & there were clearly a lot of people not used to the open atmosphere - couldn't help but laugh as they stood as close as they dared (or tried to sneak just inside) the garage.
I only got out around the circuit on Friday, but between that & the pit/grid walkabouts it definately seemed a good crowd - hopefully the event encourages follow up crowds.
I only got out around the circuit on Friday, but between that & the pit/grid walkabouts it definately seemed a good crowd - hopefully the event encourages follow up crowds.
courageous said:
Was working in the pitlane & there were clearly a lot of people not used to the open atmosphere - couldn't help but laugh as they stood as close as they dared (or tried to sneak just inside) the garage.
More than likely was me 
, was really taken back by how open and friendly everyone was, really great first impression and will be attending again (booked in the diary for next year and also the round at brands hatch) only downside for me was some the stands being closed at random times but all covered above and have to echo all the praise and one last thanks to all the organisers and everyone who was just great overall This year was my first Britcar, and I will definitely be back next year. As I booked direct I too managed to get "infield" parking which was a god send. The initial idea of sleeping in the car (golf estate) got scuppered at the last minute with a visit to the body shop meaning a Alfa Guiletta courtesy car and a tent was needed. We camped at the Dadford camp field which worked out brilliantly.
The revelation of the weekend for me was 2 fold, firstly the brilliant level of access, secondly and surprisingly it was that for the first hours we followed the front running cars, but as the hours went on we found ourselves cheering on the smaller cars and teams, I was so happy to see the Mk3 Golf GTi, MG ZR & Smart car finish. I also liked the way Mazda got the 45 car running for the 3 over the line finish!
A point of contention, I liked the fact that the grandstand over looking the pits closed overnight, I meant people were forced to walk the track an see some of the spectacular views else where, my favourite being village late Saturday night.
I cannot wait for next year.
The revelation of the weekend for me was 2 fold, firstly the brilliant level of access, secondly and surprisingly it was that for the first hours we followed the front running cars, but as the hours went on we found ourselves cheering on the smaller cars and teams, I was so happy to see the Mk3 Golf GTi, MG ZR & Smart car finish. I also liked the way Mazda got the 45 car running for the 3 over the line finish!
A point of contention, I liked the fact that the grandstand over looking the pits closed overnight, I meant people were forced to walk the track an see some of the spectacular views else where, my favourite being village late Saturday night.
I cannot wait for next year.
PageyUK said:
Was me and my friend the only ones who managed to get back into the stadium seating after hours to watch the racing? Fantastic view from Village B stands.
One of my favourite weekends, ever!
I saw a couple of lads sneak into a village stand around lunchtime sunday, was that you? One of my favourite weekends, ever!
pwrc said:
I saw a couple of lads sneak into a village stand around lunchtime sunday, was that you?
No, we snuck in after dark on Saturday night. I say snuck, it was more climb in 
Sat up there with a radio for the Silverston Radio, some booze, food and sleeping bags. Brilliant view on an exciting section. If anyone wants to make comments about grandstands etc. the Silverstone group on Facebook is watched and they will usually respond. This was my third Britcar and each has been excellent - but I have yet to stay overnight. Would like to race in it some day, but the fees are frightening!
If you are an adult and wish to get into all the garages for a closer look simply take with you a small child and a programme looking for autographs. If you ask you'll definitely get.
Spectators must realise that we, the drivers, are mainly amateurs who have saved up all year to do this plus admittedly a few poseurs thrown in. Being asked to sign my autograph is a huge boost to my self esteem!
Spectators must realise that we, the drivers, are mainly amateurs who have saved up all year to do this plus admittedly a few poseurs thrown in. Being asked to sign my autograph is a huge boost to my self esteem!
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