General FoS 2017 Thoughts/Reviews Thread
Discussion
I had a great time, but that may be due to various factors, including it being my first ever time at FOS.
Initially, I thought I'd want another day or two up there, but I think I'd rather just have a day ticket again next year (or based on what others have said, perhaps leave it a year or two). But, I had a fantastic day for various reasons...
- We were there by invitation of a driver, so parked in a less busy car park, and no queues.
- Spent some time in the Martini drivers club, which was fun (and lunch was great). No-one asked for our autograph though...
- We took a helicopter ride. Not sure I'd say it was anything more than an expensive indulgence to be honest, but it was my first ever helicopter ride!
- We took a ride out in two of the rally cars. A Lancia Fulvia (which was the very kind chap who invited us), and the Golden Wonder Metro 6R4 (his first time driving a rally car was the day before!).
- We took a ride up the hill in the VIP Range Rovers accidentally.
- We saw some things you just never get the opportunity to see. Rally cars which reminded me of my youth playing Sega Rally, Colin McRae Rally, V-Rally, etc (yep, total nerding out for me), and things like the Vulcan (which I'd seen at the AM Sunday Service, but was great to see it on track).
- The biggest highlight of the day though... the nutter who took us over to the VIP Range Rovers in a golf cart! We slid, got air, everything. Crazy.
My only small criticisms would be that I don't see the point of the manufacturer stands (I can go to a Honda showroom any time I like), the food was average (outside of the Martini drivers club) and expensive, and the toilets near the rally start/finish were out of hand wash by the end of the day. Very minimal to complain about!
Initially, I thought I'd want another day or two up there, but I think I'd rather just have a day ticket again next year (or based on what others have said, perhaps leave it a year or two). But, I had a fantastic day for various reasons...
- We were there by invitation of a driver, so parked in a less busy car park, and no queues.
- Spent some time in the Martini drivers club, which was fun (and lunch was great). No-one asked for our autograph though...
- We took a helicopter ride. Not sure I'd say it was anything more than an expensive indulgence to be honest, but it was my first ever helicopter ride!
- We took a ride out in two of the rally cars. A Lancia Fulvia (which was the very kind chap who invited us), and the Golden Wonder Metro 6R4 (his first time driving a rally car was the day before!).
- We took a ride up the hill in the VIP Range Rovers accidentally.
- We saw some things you just never get the opportunity to see. Rally cars which reminded me of my youth playing Sega Rally, Colin McRae Rally, V-Rally, etc (yep, total nerding out for me), and things like the Vulcan (which I'd seen at the AM Sunday Service, but was great to see it on track).
- The biggest highlight of the day though... the nutter who took us over to the VIP Range Rovers in a golf cart! We slid, got air, everything. Crazy.
My only small criticisms would be that I don't see the point of the manufacturer stands (I can go to a Honda showroom any time I like), the food was average (outside of the Martini drivers club) and expensive, and the toilets near the rally start/finish were out of hand wash by the end of the day. Very minimal to complain about!
I went yesterday, generally it was a good experience, we spent four hours wandering around, looking at stalls and stands etc. However, this year we decided not to shell out on a stand ticket and you immediately notice how inaccessible the racing and generally car displays are. The event seems to be skewed so that only those with stand tickets or access to enclosures can enjoy the car racing displays. The persistent use of hay bails which greatly reduces ground level visibility and the fact that most prime sites are enclosed helps ensure this - basically economic segregation which I think is wrong.
Also, has already been mentioned, there seemed to be far more late middle-aged gents in GRRC uniform (jacket, posh casual trousers, brown brogues and expensive watch) than previous years (maybe more of them, or less general public this year). The number of stalls and stands also down. The food pricing has always been a rip-off so used to that.
Not the worst year, but feels overall the event has declined on previous ones.
Also, has already been mentioned, there seemed to be far more late middle-aged gents in GRRC uniform (jacket, posh casual trousers, brown brogues and expensive watch) than previous years (maybe more of them, or less general public this year). The number of stalls and stands also down. The food pricing has always been a rip-off so used to that.
Not the worst year, but feels overall the event has declined on previous ones.
I went yesterday and definitely didnt see "everything", not that I was trying to and would probably want two days (or stay locally and not have a hangover...) to do the lot. We got onto a stand (not a grandstand) above crossing 9 and saw enough, probably wouldn't want to spend the day there though. I agree on the point about perm crossings, though I could swear the last time I went there were bridges, but they would have been lower down the hill.
I agree on the pricing, We'd paid £57 for general admision tickets and given the restricted access to anything not pleb class & effort needed to do it all in a day it's not good enough value for this to be an every year thing compared to Alton Towers etc.
As to the manufactures stands, I probably wouldn't take a trip to a dealer and I doubt either Porsche or Maseratti would let me sit in as much metal as I did yesterday. I did though decide a Porsche might be the next car to aim for (though not new) so there's that for them I suppose.
I agree on the pricing, We'd paid £57 for general admision tickets and given the restricted access to anything not pleb class & effort needed to do it all in a day it's not good enough value for this to be an every year thing compared to Alton Towers etc.
As to the manufactures stands, I probably wouldn't take a trip to a dealer and I doubt either Porsche or Maseratti would let me sit in as much metal as I did yesterday. I did though decide a Porsche might be the next car to aim for (though not new) so there's that for them I suppose.
I went for the first time ever on Thursday and really enjoyed it.
We arrived around 11:00, because Google maps decided to add Norleywood as a stop on our journey!! Traffic was flowing into the site and parked straight up without an issue.
I'd have been a little disappointed if I'd managed to get a run up the hill and got stuck behind many of the cars that were just pootling along. An Imprezas impressive performance was halted by someone barely moving in a Dacia!
The practise shootouts were a little tame (as to be expected), except for Mark Higgins in the WRX and the RS200, who overcooked it a tad!
The rally cars were the highlight for me, some real legends there. Getting to see a Mclaren F1 and an F40 and 288GTO in the flesh was a real bonus too!
We arrived around 11:00, because Google maps decided to add Norleywood as a stop on our journey!! Traffic was flowing into the site and parked straight up without an issue.
I'd have been a little disappointed if I'd managed to get a run up the hill and got stuck behind many of the cars that were just pootling along. An Imprezas impressive performance was halted by someone barely moving in a Dacia!
The practise shootouts were a little tame (as to be expected), except for Mark Higgins in the WRX and the RS200, who overcooked it a tad!
The rally cars were the highlight for me, some real legends there. Getting to see a Mclaren F1 and an F40 and 288GTO in the flesh was a real bonus too!
We went on Friday - first time ever and had a great day. My God there's a lot to see and hear - and you walk for miles, I think we did about 8 miles and didn't see it all, no trade stands
Food was a little pricey and not enough stands ( unless you go up the top of the hill and then they're empty and cheaper ). £5 a pint is ok.
I'd definately go again, maybe Thursday if it's quieter and there's as much to see ?
Food was a little pricey and not enough stands ( unless you go up the top of the hill and then they're empty and cheaper ). £5 a pint is ok.
I'd definately go again, maybe Thursday if it's quieter and there's as much to see ?
Blue One said:
I went yesterday, generally it was a good experience, we spent four hours wandering around, looking at stalls and stands etc. However, this year we decided not to shell out on a stand ticket and you immediately notice how inaccessible the racing and generally car displays are. The event seems to be skewed so that only those with stand tickets or access to enclosures can enjoy the car racing displays. The persistent use of hay bails which greatly reduces ground level visibility and the fact that most prime sites are enclosed helps ensure this - basically economic segregation which I think is wrong.
Also, has already been mentioned, there seemed to be far more late middle-aged gents in GRRC uniform (jacket, posh casual trousers, brown brogues and expensive watch) than previous years (maybe more of them, or less general public this year). The number of stalls and stands also down. The food pricing has always been a rip-off so used to that.
Not the worst year, but feels overall the event has declined on previous ones.
Is there an inner circle of GRRC members that I’m not a part of?Also, has already been mentioned, there seemed to be far more late middle-aged gents in GRRC uniform (jacket, posh casual trousers, brown brogues and expensive watch) than previous years (maybe more of them, or less general public this year). The number of stalls and stands also down. The food pricing has always been a rip-off so used to that.
Not the worst year, but feels overall the event has declined on previous ones.
Certainly most in the enclosure we’re in shorts and tshirts. Certainly as an active member I rarely see any members matching your description??
Blue One said:
The persistent use of hay bails which greatly reduces ground level visibility and the fact that most prime sites are enclosed helps ensure this - basically economic segregation which I think is wrong.
Generally I'd agree, it's definitely got worse in that respect, but, if you're willing to put the leg work in or get a spot early there are still good spots.The top of the hill is excellent (free open grandstand too) despite the fact that they put no effort in for people who are willing to walk that far. The toilets are a hell of a walk down and there is just one or two food/drink outlets (but they do seem to be cheaper).
I managed to do an entire day on Friday without once getting anything near a crowd, and that's as a peasant general ticket holder.
Some (200+) pics of mine if anyone's interested.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/janesyb/sets/7215768...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/janesyb/sets/7215768...
Janesy B said:
Some (200+) pics of mine if anyone's interested.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/janesyb/sets/7215768...
Superb selection of pics.https://www.flickr.com/photos/janesyb/sets/7215768...
Thanks for sharing.....
went on friday and had a good time, we were stuck in queues on the A23 around Chichester for an hour or so which was arse but once in around 0930 we could pretty much walk to a spot by the rope anywhere on the lower part of the course (from the start line to the main bridge) throughout the day, We had a good chat to the guys restoring the Connew F1 car, heard lots of DFVs being warmed up too 
Yes food and drink is expensive but thats why we take our own and we really didnt need a programme because between my brother and I we knew what 99% of the cars were so its possible to do it on the cheap... And whoever owns the yellow Banks Europa 47 in the car park is a very lucky chap...
Yes food and drink is expensive but thats why we take our own and we really didnt need a programme because between my brother and I we knew what 99% of the cars were so its possible to do it on the cheap... And whoever owns the yellow Banks Europa 47 in the car park is a very lucky chap...It was my 5th visit on Friday. Didn't bother paying for supercar parking this year as the marshalls have no idea where it is and send you on a wild goose chase. Parked in the purple area, just 5 mins away. Although the metal road that was laid was a couple of inches proud of the ground and a lot of cars (me included) were losing bits of bumper getting over it, they had built some ramps by thd time we left. The new layout around the paddock is much improved, the cars, noise and atmosphere was better than ever. Some of the trade stalls were odd, wtf is 'turbo cleaner'? I was going to have a chat with the vendor about it but worried it may end in an argument!
18th time of going.
Thought I'd be bored and was contemplating not going again.
Parking was fine, access was good.
Really enjoyed it.
Arrived at 7:15 no traffic.
Left at 19:50 no traffic.
Less of the bright trousers brigade, replaced by a different type of person.
Humoured by the marshal in the paddock telling people to put their shirts on!
Yes it is more commercial than ever but you don't have to look at that.
Stay for the prize giving though it reminds you of how it used to be.
I've got about 1000 photos to sort
Thought I'd be bored and was contemplating not going again.
Parking was fine, access was good.
Really enjoyed it.
Arrived at 7:15 no traffic.
Left at 19:50 no traffic.
Less of the bright trousers brigade, replaced by a different type of person.
Humoured by the marshal in the paddock telling people to put their shirts on!
Yes it is more commercial than ever but you don't have to look at that.
Stay for the prize giving though it reminds you of how it used to be.
I've got about 1000 photos to sort
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 2nd July 21:52
Another great FoS - it is a world-class event and I consider myself lucky to have it an hour away. Incredible selection of cars and if you know your way around it's relatively easy to avoid queues and get a good view. Buying food on-site is entirely voluntary, I've never done it.
Only marred by some chump in a Saxo policing the two-lane exit towards the race-course - it's two lanes for a reason you muppet, learn what "merge in turn" means!
Only marred by some chump in a Saxo policing the two-lane exit towards the race-course - it's two lanes for a reason you muppet, learn what "merge in turn" means!
will_ said:
Another great FoS - it is a world-class event and I consider myself lucky to have it an hour away. Incredible selection of cars and if you know your way around it's relatively easy to avoid queues and get a good view. Buying food on-site is entirely voluntary, I've never done it.
Only marred by some chump in a Saxo policing the two-lane exit towards the race-course - it's two lanes for a reason you muppet, learn what "merge in turn" means!
No one in this country understands merge in turn. They're too thick to get it and just think of it as a chance for others to push in the "queue". Hence all the arsey driving and desperate closing of gaps.Only marred by some chump in a Saxo policing the two-lane exit towards the race-course - it's two lanes for a reason you muppet, learn what "merge in turn" means!
Dim f
kers.I took my 77 year old dad on Thursday. He's quite spry but tires far quicker than he used to. He also never complains. We arrived and after a good 10 min walk we are at the moving motor show. From there we need to cross the track where people are driving up the hill. There are numerous crossings roped off, with signs saying that the crossings will be opened on the 1/2 hour every hour. Except they weren't. The bridge is steep and looked to be a fair cardio workout for an older guy.
I saw more than a few women with buggies and prams as well. There are loads of young, disinterested looking blokes wearing jackets with 'steward' on the back. I asked how long till we can cross to get a blank look and a mumbled 'don't know'. Why don't you use the radio on your lapel and find out then, I suggest, 45 mins later the cars pause and we cross the track.
Many Brands which used to have a presence now don't. Loads of stands selling magazines and the like now absent. Food prices significantly increased.
I spoke to a middle aged woman wearing a Goodwood info sash later in the day. She arranged a golf cart to drive my dad back to the entrance.. We got a courtesy car from there to the car park.
Good wood need to employ better quality agency staff who have a clue and give a hoot. The access on site crossing the track is not disabled friendly and urgently needs to be addressed.
I suspect the prices GW require to have a stand here have risen dramatically, hence the decline of brand representation and smaller stands.
I saw more than a few women with buggies and prams as well. There are loads of young, disinterested looking blokes wearing jackets with 'steward' on the back. I asked how long till we can cross to get a blank look and a mumbled 'don't know'. Why don't you use the radio on your lapel and find out then, I suggest, 45 mins later the cars pause and we cross the track.
Many Brands which used to have a presence now don't. Loads of stands selling magazines and the like now absent. Food prices significantly increased.
I spoke to a middle aged woman wearing a Goodwood info sash later in the day. She arranged a golf cart to drive my dad back to the entrance.. We got a courtesy car from there to the car park.
Good wood need to employ better quality agency staff who have a clue and give a hoot. The access on site crossing the track is not disabled friendly and urgently needs to be addressed.
I suspect the prices GW require to have a stand here have risen dramatically, hence the decline of brand representation and smaller stands.
Crossing the track has always been a pain, hard to know what the answer is short of them building a tunnel.
It's not the fault of the marshals, they can guesstimate opening times but they're at the mercy of the competitors and course director. The pre-war batch alone took well over an hour on Friday morning and obviously no one could have predicted that, scheduled timings were out the window before it even reached 9am.
It's not the fault of the marshals, they can guesstimate opening times but they're at the mercy of the competitors and course director. The pre-war batch alone took well over an hour on Friday morning and obviously no one could have predicted that, scheduled timings were out the window before it even reached 9am.
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