General FoS 2017 Thoughts/Reviews Thread

General FoS 2017 Thoughts/Reviews Thread

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9.3

1,134 posts

192 months

Thursday 6th July 2017
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swisstoni said:
This thread is a bit light on pics!

Here's one to start. (Not saying it's important or artistic or anything else).

If you want pics, go to Facebook and look for the Independent Goodwood Photographers Guild page. Fill yer boots!

ukaskew

Original Poster:

10,642 posts

221 months

Thursday 6th July 2017
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swisstoni said:
This thread is a bit light on pics!
See the dedicated picture thread!

swisstoni

16,980 posts

279 months

Thursday 6th July 2017
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ukaskew said:
swisstoni said:
This thread is a bit light on pics!
See the dedicated picture thread!
Fair enough. thumbup

ecsrobin

17,114 posts

165 months

Thursday 6th July 2017
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9.3 said:
If you want pics, go to Facebook and look for the Independent Goodwood Photographers Guild page. Fill yer boots!
+1 we/they also hold an annual competition held early in the year, the previous 2 years has been in the Jackie Stewart pavilion however this year we were lacking space so may look for a larger venue.

Simes205

4,538 posts

228 months

Thursday 6th July 2017
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Haves1979 said:
It's about 10years since I have been and thoroughly enjoyed it. No real issues with traffic and camping with bus transfer was great. Superb selection of cars and the rally stage was epic!

Ross brawn judging the 250 as mentioned already;



Helps when you have a mate taking a marquee!

I probably have pictures of you then, I've plenty of pictures of RB and Nick Mason judging those 250's!

ArcherIDN

20 posts

82 months

Saturday 8th July 2017
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Okay I hope I can give somewhat fresh point of view from FoS.

A bit of backstory. I saved up for 2 years to go to Goodwood and I chose FoS because I think FoS offers more style of cars and the chance of interaction within. Come to think of it, the livestream is the one that really makes me want to go, so good job on whoever idea that is.

Okay back to the D-Day. I purchase ticket for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You guys probably realize I ask some stuff earlier in this forum and I think your tips really helps but in the end I couldn't get staying place near Goodwood that is in my budget. So I stay in London most of the times.

I used 2 ways to get there. Train and Official Fanzone Bus. I actually don't find any instruction on the train and mostly rely on train person guidance only. And since many of the people who comes are first timer. They should put a sign on the train station on where the FoS shuttle bus is located. The experience using bus... Well they drop us at ng space A which takes quite a walk to the Goodwood House... I wish they could drop us in the other gate that is closer to the house. We are trapped in traffic as well as we go out. But otherwise the bus service is fine.

I spoke with some people in the bus. What surprised me is amount of foreign people that is coming to Goodwood. I see mostly Japanese or German (or one that I notice based on their language) And some do comes only for the supercars... (more on that later)

And yes about the bag check. When I come on Thursday it seems to be mandatory for everyone and it creates quite a lane. And Thursday is the quietest. But for the Friday and Saturday they let me go through. I think it's because a bag tag that they gave to people in Thursday. Like the tag is probably an ID in case if you lost your bag. I think that they let me through because I had come there the previous day.

A bit interesting note about the tickets. I'm using the young person tickets (although technically I'm qualified for ones. I'm still 21 years old). They did not ask any form of ID from me. And at that time I haven't shaved so I do look older. And yes there are no sign whatsoever for us to keep the ticket for check out. But I think for most foreigners or first timer they will kept the ticket as mementos.

Since this is the first time on FoS I cannot compared the commercial stands. But yeah I did notice there are a lot of non automotive stands, overpriced items (or in my case because I'm traveling on budget and my currencies is weak) and yeah not a lot of freebies around. I did have to say all the manufacturer stands are really nice even though I did not look like person who can afford it. And they let me to walk around, sit, ask and etc. (I was wearing t-shirt, jeans, backpack and haven't shaved. And I also look very student-ish).

The food... Well I already suspect that it will be expensive so I bring my own water and food. And thankfully they allow me and I don't see any problem with it. And I did try some of the food and it's not nice... Although some of the foods look enticing to me..

The toilets are horrible, At Thursday it's already smell and the next day it seems like they didn't clean it!. And please add more toilets in the future it's just horrible. I prefer to walk all the way to Bonhams auction toilets. I think the 50 pounds for toilet there is so much worthed. I also like that Bonhams staff in the documents section wants to talk and show the documents for me. Especially I don't look like a buyer.

Okay back to the event itself. The Thursday weren't supposed to have any runs or practice. At least that's what all the drivers told me. It was all of a sudden, they only been told that Thursday and some of them are really panic and ask any acquaintances of them to drive. I do know someone who works there and he told me that they want to make Thursday more interesting and hopefully gain more visitors next year.

For the event. I love the paddock, It is the best place in the world, So many amazing cars and drivers. My personal best stories from the event are: 1. Duncan Pittaway gave me personal lecture on Fiat S76 (well he did that to most people, amazing bloke he is), 2. Hepworth Family, They bring the whole family with them! And their paddock feels like family reunion and I'm so amazed. And the fact that they gave me T-Shirt and I proudly wear it on Saturday. 3. Ed Berrier scream my name. Yep this is true, so what happened is I spend quite a time with Ed Berrier, Will Stevens (he is the entrant of the cars and Mr. Berrier's boss) and Ralph Sheheen (Speed Sport Journalist and NASCAR commentator). Apparently the next day when Ed Berrier driving down the paddock towards the staging areas he saw me walking and yell my name! I approach him and shake his hand as he drive down and people are just looking at me. So yeah it was amazing experience.

For the distraction I love that sometimes you walk next to someone famous and people did not realize who you are. For example after the driving the Surtees. Derek Bell is literally alone in the paddock. Because people are distracted by the F1 paddock revving behind the Surtees paddock. I approach him and he is kindly enough for signature. I love to chat with him but as soon as I approach him. Autograph hunter comes and he immediately went back to Martini Club... It's shame that maybe he can stay a bit longer and I can have chat with him. Since he is my hero.

For the cars I heard from Gregor Fisken that they didn't invite a lot of pre-wars and 60s. Apparently many of the spots is taken for Ferrari celebration and I do admit this year there are a lot of celebrations. But interestingly what happened to RCM's Gobstopper is a bit tragic... Apparently they didn't invite him because they afraid that he might won again... And I heard it from Goodwood stuff... It's shame really but I do admit they do not invite some of the cars that usually attend FoS such as 405 T16 or March 2-4-0. And for the BTCC... They simply didn't attract people enough and international fans didn't like them either. And they had to spare more pits to other car. Honestly they could have given the special car park for the supercars above the paddock for more space..

I honestly did not like to go to Supercar Paddocks. Too many yoof with annoying comments or just make too many noise. I did not see vloggers tho... I did notice a lot of people bring serious photography stuff. With tripods, stabilizers and sort. But it is fun to see that Honda put a line on NSX while Agera next to it is free for people to explore. I do hope they ceased this rather stupid practice honestly.

The cartier place is amazing. And yes more people drools at the supercar class while the 250s beside them is even rarer and expensive. I honestly salute these owners. In here I always heard that whenever there are Classic Cars exhibition. If you didn't put lines someone will still bits of your car. In FoS? million poounds 250 is being touched and exposed to rain... Amazing. The next door Bugatti and Rolls stand is also impressive.

The 50 year of Bernie? I simply did not get it... Honestly. Yes he does achieve (and failed) F1 throughout his career but changing Goodwood tradition is a bit awkward. Especially the only cars in the paddock that are dedicated to him is the Brabham class. And did you guys see the interview on Sunday? Horrible. He doesn't sound like enjoying it.... Simply it's failed. I hope they stop doing it.

I had to agree if you don't have pass for corporate hospitality... You will get jealous and I do want to wonder where do they get those???

I did not see Lord March really. And from what I heard he rarely goes out unless there is something important. Shame would like to have a picture or autograph.

For the bridge part I had to agree. the crossing lines is always close everytime I comes. And yet if you see the livestream last year. They always open it everytime a run has been done... I don't know if they change it or what but a bridge would be really helpful.

I found watching the run is better on big screen. So I usually hang around in Molecomb paddock. Great big screen in front and you can see the cars revving before they go to Flintwall.

The rally track is amazing... Not so with the shuttle though. I'm lucky to went up early and by the time I get down... There is long line of people in rally shuttle..

So how was it for my first FoS? It is amazing event. And I wish I can attend every year... I probably gonna put Revival in my bucket list in the future though.

CATD8H

157 posts

133 months

Saturday 8th July 2017
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Good post..Thanks

ecsrobin

17,114 posts

165 months

Saturday 8th July 2017
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Great post Archer and glad to see you had a great few days.

The revival is an amazing event however for me the members meeting is now the must attend event of the motorsport calendar.

If you decide to attend another Goodwood event in the future may I suggest staying in the Portsmouth area which may be cheaper/similar to London and if I’m available I’d be happy to provide transport for you, and if it’s the revival happy to provide a paddock pass.

ukaskew

Original Poster:

10,642 posts

221 months

Saturday 8th July 2017
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I'd agree that the Members Meeting is the one to go for now. I've always enjoyed FoS but 73MM was hands down the best Motorsport event I've ever attended (and that list is well over 200 long).

So much more relaxed yet the lineup is easily as impressive as FoS each year, it was also much easier to find a cheap hotel relatively nearby!

Simes205

4,538 posts

228 months

Sunday 9th July 2017
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ukaskew said:
I'd agree that the Members Meeting is the one to go for now. I've always enjoyed FoS but 73MM was hands down the best Motorsport event I've ever attended (and that list is well over 200 long).

So much more relaxed yet the lineup is easily as impressive as FoS each year, it was also much easier to find a cheap hotel relatively nearby!
Shhhhh!
Remember to wrap up warm!

ukaskew

Original Poster:

10,642 posts

221 months

Sunday 9th July 2017
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Simes205 said:
Shhhhh!
Remember to wrap up warm!
Limited ticket sales so no need to keep it quiet! But yes, bloomin' cold.

boxedin

1,353 posts

126 months

Sunday 9th July 2017
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Didn't get a Michelin Pork-Pie hat, again.

I'm blaming Michelin for my overly sunned pate :-)

Yes, GFoS is the same ol', ol' with a few tweaks to the attendees. The trick is to take someone who's never been before. I like to think of the event as a live museum.

Worst bit: the whine of the electric car, meh.

Best bit: quite a few!

Lots of sunshine too, which always helps.

milfordkong

1,231 posts

232 months

Monday 10th July 2017
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ArcherIDN said:
Okay I hope I can give somewhat fresh point of view from FoS.
Great post, really glad you enjoyed the event!

ukaskew

Original Poster:

10,642 posts

221 months

Monday 10th July 2017
quotequote all
Do Goodwood survey attendees, out of interest? I've never had anything personally.

I only ask because the Royal International Air Tattoo (which is similar in that it's pretty much the top event in its field) send out a fairly detailed survey to everyone a while after the event. They appear to act quite specifically on feedback, and then let everyone know which changes they've made and why. They have to balance the needs of a large number of very hardcore aviation enthusiasts and the general public, which is kinda like FoS (although the differences aren't quite so extreme with cars, imo), and also cater to a significant number of 'higher end' clientele.

Any event attended by 200k people or whatever is clearly never going to please everyone, but it would be interesting to know what, if anything, Goodwood do to collect feedback.

ecsrobin

17,114 posts

165 months

Monday 10th July 2017
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ukaskew said:
Do Goodwood survey attendees, out of interest? I've never had anything personally.

I only ask because the Royal International Air Tattoo (which is similar in that it's pretty much the top event in its field) send out a fairly detailed survey to everyone a while after the event. They appear to act quite specifically on feedback, and then let everyone know which changes they've made and why. They have to balance the needs of a large number of very hardcore aviation enthusiasts and the general public, which is kinda like FoS (although the differences aren't quite so extreme with cars, imo), and also cater to a significant number of 'higher end' clientele.

Any event attended by 200k people or whatever is clearly never going to please everyone, but it would be interesting to know what, if anything, Goodwood do to collect feedback.
Goodwood do send out surveys, I got one the other day. I also mentioned on the Thursday to the GRRC staff that maybe a team outing to RIAT was in order to see how they process large crowds through a 100% security check.

fenby9

71 posts

170 months

Wednesday 12th July 2017
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It was my first time at FOS and bought a day ticket for Saturday. Finally got round to going after watching it on TV for as long as I can remember. I was staying about 30 minutes away and got there around 08:00. Traffic was fairly heavy but not too bad considering the amount of people going and the access roads around the place. Parking seemed decent enough with marshals making sure nobody parked like a complete plum. Then a short walk across the golf course to the gate.

For the venue itself I thought it was good, plenty of space between stands and the various outlets etc. I don't see the problem with the commercial side as the event is a well known on a global scale so its a given the manufacturers will put stands there.They all had some interesting and "Goodwood appropriate" cars to look at. I also think it gives people more to look at and explore throughout the day/weekend.

The program of cars going up the hill was varied and very interesting, plenty of general access viewing spots but a bit busy lower down the hill. I think if I went again it would be worth buying a grandstand ticket for a better view towards the start of the course. Access to the cars in the paddock areas was amazing, just being near so many iconic cars without a 10ft gap like at a motor show was fantastic!

Didnt spend much time watching the rally stage but saw some nice cars going around there. Its not as steep/far as I thought, I imagine if you have small children it could be a fair trek but for adults its not bad at all. watching the crazy offroaders half way up was an ideal spot for a little break too.

Concours area was full of absolutely stunning cars and the supercar paddock towards the later part of the days was relatively quiet too. Again the access to be so close to these cars is my parting memory. However that also leads me on to my biggest frustration. CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN! climbing up the wire fences of the concours area (if they fell it would no doubt be the fault of Goodwood), sprinting up to a La Ferrari Aperta & Pagani Zonda shouting and messing about, Jumping in and out of a brand new Mercedes AMG GTC putting their feet on the trim. Yes by all means bring children to the event as they are the next petrol heads of this world but also respect the cars/owners/manufacturers property that are there. Otherwise the adults/behaved children who love to peer wishfully into the cockpit of a Ferrari 250 SWB or be close enough to see their reflection in the paintwork of a DB4 Zagato will no longer be able to do so because of the ropes that will be there in the future.

Overall a brilliant experience and I will certainly go again, but maybe for two days to really soak it all up. Goodwood Revival is next on the list, I imagine completely different but I hope just as good for the experience.

ArcherIDN

20 posts

82 months

Thursday 13th July 2017
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CATD8H said:
Good post..Thanks
milfordkong said:
ArcherIDN said:
Okay I hope I can give somewhat fresh point of view from FoS.
Great post, really glad you enjoyed the event!
Thank you Guys! Goodwood definitely one of the best automotive events at the moment. (Despite its many flaws)


ecsrobin said:
Great post Archer and glad to see you had a great few days.

The revival is an amazing event however for me the members meeting is now the must attend event of the motorsport calendar.

If you decide to attend another Goodwood event in the future may I suggest staying in the Portsmouth area which may be cheaper/similar to London and if I’m available I’d be happy to provide transport for you, and if it’s the revival happy to provide a paddock pass.
Hey if you are serious about transport I would thank you so much and buy you a pint. Because I realized that if I stay around there, transportation would be an issue if you don't have private cars. So I sort of glad I'm travelling from London (It does really wear me off)

I think I need to visit Revival one day. I do make a dare to someone that I would showed up as 1960s Indonesian President/Dictator :P

princealbert23

2,575 posts

161 months

Thursday 13th July 2017
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98elise said:
I did think the running order looked a little short this year. last year I noticed there seemed to be less cars in the paddocks. I've been going for about 20 years and I suspect next year will be the first time I'll give it a miss frown
I reluctantly gave it a miss for the first time since 2002. The ever rising above inflation ticket price was one factor. It's just seems a bit samey and boring. I can't remember any particular highlights from the last couple of times I went. The lawn cars are not that special enough and the cricket pitch cars had gone. The courtyard display is boring and too corporate. There are other reasons but all in all it needs a revamp.

Goldenballs92

23 posts

143 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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ecsrobin said:
The revival is an amazing event however for me the members meeting is now the must attend event of the motorsport calendar.
My Dad and I have said this. We attended the 75MM and felt it was better than both the revival & FOS as it was a nice combo of the two. Less people, more racing, wider range of cars..

F1JHerbert

538 posts

165 months

Monday 21st August 2017
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Festival of Speed is an okay event. Revival far better than FoS. Members Meeting superior to FoS and better than Revival