Rockingham to close
Discussion
Vaud said:
StevieBee said:
Regularly achievable in the past. John Webb managed to bring them into Brands in vast numbers,
I used to marshall the startline for Rallycross at Brands Hatch in the 80s and the (now gone) startline grandstand and all round paddock up to Druids was completely chokka - and this was in the winter!!
Different era for entertainment.I used to marshall the startline for Rallycross at Brands Hatch in the 80s and the (now gone) startline grandstand and all round paddock up to Druids was completely chokka - and this was in the winter!!
(Different era for Rallycross as well)
chunder27 said:
Santa Pod is different
it runs events that appeal to mass markets and has no competion.
They invested heavily in facilities a few years agoa nd are reaping the rewards, they embrace youth, drift culture etc and have events for all types of vehicles.
Their big events are very expensive however. And drag racing in the UK is pretty crap usually due to the weather, but the pod is a fabulous strip.
And with the recent closure of Shakey, the Pod is now virtually the only drag strip left in the UK.....it runs events that appeal to mass markets and has no competion.
They invested heavily in facilities a few years agoa nd are reaping the rewards, they embrace youth, drift culture etc and have events for all types of vehicles.
Their big events are very expensive however. And drag racing in the UK is pretty crap usually due to the weather, but the pod is a fabulous strip.
chunder27 said:
Their big events are very expensive however. And drag racing in the UK is pretty crap usually due to the weather, but the pod is a fabulous strip.
That’s a little unfair!!!! Firstly the European championship weekend is £100 on the gate or about £80 in advance...for 4 days racing....or about 36 hours of racing, plus side shows, air displays, free pit access etc. Tell me at what other venue you get value for money like that for an fia/ European event
Secondly...pretty crap? That’s more than a little unfair! We’ve got some of the fastest vehicles in the world racing at Santa Pod, which holds European and world records, you get a massive variety of cars from multiple classes all weekend, and they have dozens of events throughout the year to suit everyone’s tastes.
Yeh sure drag racing is crap when it rains but more often than not it’s dry even when we are in the UK
In Mr 'Eeyore' Chunder's world also everything is pretty crap/overpriced/not what it was/ sparsely attended/ruined...I am thinking of starting a crowd funding campaign for the 2018 season to drag him against his will to a big Santa Pod, Brands and a VSCC Cadwell - that will cheer him up . Surely ?
37chevy said:
Firstly the European championship weekend is £100 on the gate or about £80 in advance...for 4 days racing....or about 36 hours of racing, plus side shows, air displays, free pit access etc. Tell me at what other venue you get value for money like that for an fia/ European event
There are a few. World Endurance Championship at Silverstone. £50 for three days access to all practice, qualifying sessions, support races and the main 6-hour race. Full access everywhere other than the garages and pit lane (except the free pit lane walkabout) - including the balcony overhanding the pits so you can look down on to the pit stops. Similar for other similar series. Not disputing the rest of your post at all, though!
Am not having a pop at drag racing, I will do perhaps one or two events a year and for me Pod is a decent venue.
Simply saying that for a day visitor (as I am not interested enough at all to attend more than a day) the price is fairly high. I have been nevertheless, but back in the day when Friday was cheaper, now it's all the same price which for me is a con, I get it, campers all pay more, and are happy to. I am not.
Yes, my opinions on pricing is probably lower than everyone elses, but that is because there are sports that have kept low. Bartlett has done very well for himself out of events like the Main event, but he also does very well a lot of the time year round.
Problem is, when you make one day at drag racing dearer than BSB, BTCC, you are asking for people like me who value cheapness to make a decision and mine is, sod off, if it rains, which it does a bit in the UK. I simply don't risk it.
Dragstalgia used to be cheap but has ramped up last couple of years, so I might do the odd British champs event.
Simply saying that for a day visitor (as I am not interested enough at all to attend more than a day) the price is fairly high. I have been nevertheless, but back in the day when Friday was cheaper, now it's all the same price which for me is a con, I get it, campers all pay more, and are happy to. I am not.
Yes, my opinions on pricing is probably lower than everyone elses, but that is because there are sports that have kept low. Bartlett has done very well for himself out of events like the Main event, but he also does very well a lot of the time year round.
Problem is, when you make one day at drag racing dearer than BSB, BTCC, you are asking for people like me who value cheapness to make a decision and mine is, sod off, if it rains, which it does a bit in the UK. I simply don't risk it.
Dragstalgia used to be cheap but has ramped up last couple of years, so I might do the odd British champs event.
chunder27 said:
Am not having a pop at drag racing, I will do perhaps one or two events a year and for me Pod is a decent venue.
Simply saying that for a day visitor (as I am not interested enough at all to attend more than a day) the price is fairly high. I have been nevertheless, but back in the day when Friday was cheaper, now it's all the same price which for me is a con, I get it, campers all pay more, and are happy to. I am not.
Yes, my opinions on pricing is probably lower than everyone elses, but that is because there are sports that have kept low. Bartlett has done very well for himself out of events like the Main event, but he also does very well a lot of the time year round.
Problem is, when you make one day at drag racing dearer than BSB, BTCC, you are asking for people like me who value cheapness to make a decision and mine is, sod off, if it rains, which it does a bit in the UK. I simply don't risk it.
Dragstalgia used to be cheap but has ramped up last couple of years, so I might do the odd British champs event.
Not having a pop but calling it pretty crap.....Simply saying that for a day visitor (as I am not interested enough at all to attend more than a day) the price is fairly high. I have been nevertheless, but back in the day when Friday was cheaper, now it's all the same price which for me is a con, I get it, campers all pay more, and are happy to. I am not.
Yes, my opinions on pricing is probably lower than everyone elses, but that is because there are sports that have kept low. Bartlett has done very well for himself out of events like the Main event, but he also does very well a lot of the time year round.
Problem is, when you make one day at drag racing dearer than BSB, BTCC, you are asking for people like me who value cheapness to make a decision and mine is, sod off, if it rains, which it does a bit in the UK. I simply don't risk it.
Dragstalgia used to be cheap but has ramped up last couple of years, so I might do the odd British champs event.
For 1 day at the Euros it’s £35 in advance or £45 on the gate. Touring cars is £28 in advance or £35 on the gate. But with touring cars it’s a national event, there’s not much in the way of side shows, no air displays, stunt shows etc etc. As an event I don’t know anywhere that gives you Santa Pod level of variety and entertainment both on and off track. Plus of course at Santa Pod kids are still classed as 16 and under not 13 and under...
The pretty crap comment was aimed at the possible weather issues, which I have experienced a couple of times, or simply not gone due to the forecast.
I agree what is offered is good.
Its never 35 in advance as you pay large posting and admin fees, read the small print. 45 quid on the day is expensive for a very amateur sport if you ask me sorry.
I know its a big event, but they only charge that because thousands turn up and pay it regardless.
if they charged 60 the crowd would not dwindle that much, that to me is fairly dumb. As it shows people are not really interested in the cost, so you get what you deserve, ever increasing prices. It is the way most events are run now, to fleece the punter
I agree what is offered is good.
Its never 35 in advance as you pay large posting and admin fees, read the small print. 45 quid on the day is expensive for a very amateur sport if you ask me sorry.
I know its a big event, but they only charge that because thousands turn up and pay it regardless.
if they charged 60 the crowd would not dwindle that much, that to me is fairly dumb. As it shows people are not really interested in the cost, so you get what you deserve, ever increasing prices. It is the way most events are run now, to fleece the punter
chunder27 said:
Its never 35 in advance as you pay large posting and admin fees, read the small print. 45 quid on the day is expensive for a very amateur sport if you ask me sorry.
I know its a big event, but they only charge that because thousands turn up and pay it regardless.
You can get it for 35, ring up with credit card a week before and pick up tickets on the gate. For such a tight arse I’m suprised you don’t know this already ;-)I know its a big event, but they only charge that because thousands turn up and pay it regardless.
Very amateur sport? It’s not as thought the BTCC is for professional drivers, or british GT. sure there’s some drivers that are paid but most are rich businessmen who are amateurs. Our amateurs travel all around Europe spending hundreds of thousands on racing, employ some of the best tuners out there and engineer works of art, hell the Europeans still hold several records that the NHRA can’t top, we have numerous racers like Lindberg, Leanders, Puma who sell their technology to top NHRA teams because it’s better than what they can produce and the likes of Lindberg, Leanders, Erbacher, Ålund, Wilson, Gulquist, King etc have all gone and won in the NHRA..not so amateurish
And as one of those very ‘Amateur’ racers, if you’d like to stop by my pit I can run you through how much prep goes into the sport...even as one of the little guys.
Edited by 37chevy on Wednesday 29th August 23:14
Stop thinking I am picking.
I know a fair bit about drag racing and know it is not cheap, you can say the same for any sport.
So praps defend your beloved sport against someone who knows nothing about it, as I know enough to know that it aisn t worth the money for the big events, sorry. I've been and it's a once in a few years thing, nothing more.
The smaller events are better, just as interesting.
NHRA is fully pro, very few teams in Europe or anywhere near that level of craft, budget and staffing. Most Euro teams are still part time.
I know a fair bit about drag racing and know it is not cheap, you can say the same for any sport.
So praps defend your beloved sport against someone who knows nothing about it, as I know enough to know that it aisn t worth the money for the big events, sorry. I've been and it's a once in a few years thing, nothing more.
The smaller events are better, just as interesting.
NHRA is fully pro, very few teams in Europe or anywhere near that level of craft, budget and staffing. Most Euro teams are still part time.
chunder27 said:
So praps defend your beloved sport against someone who knows nothing about it, as I know enough to know that it aisn t worth the money for the big events, sorry. I've been and it's a once in a few years thing, nothing more.
Well those who know nothing about it haven’t called it crap etc. Look I’m not saying it’s NHRA level, but your posts have been pretty bloody condescending to say the least, you keep saying the biggest events aren’t worth it, but still haven’t countered my arguments that they have more racing, side shows, and all round entertainment than any Motorsport event in the uk....with exception to goodwood a s Silverstone classic. (Which cost a lot more). You have an opinion which Is is fine, but it doesn’t mean you’re correct.If you knew as much as you think about drag racing, and the European events that Santa pod hold, then you’d know it’s worth every penny. Where else in the UK can you watch 10 hours of racing a day, with some of the fastest cars and bikes in the world, with free pit access, see the red arrows or Battle of Britain, have a fun fair, free stunt shows and monster trucks and live bands in the evening.....all for £40 a day or £100 for 4 days.
Go on, give me an example...
It might be worth it to you, but you are obviously a massive fan.
I am not, so for you fair enough.
This thread is about Rockingham closing.
Ironically if they had built a few others disciplines like a short oval and maybe an eighth drag strip in there it might have helped keep it going
I am not, so for you fair enough.
This thread is about Rockingham closing.
Ironically if they had built a few others disciplines like a short oval and maybe an eighth drag strip in there it might have helped keep it going
Oh mercy - you obviously think we're all doomed , world gone to the dogs , nothing as good as it was and so on ad nauseam . I go to the Pod at least every other year and love it . The professionalism of the teams is only matched by the laid back ..err...vibe of the day, the accessibility of the paddock and the diversity of those taking part .The sheer spectacle is unmatched in British motor sport and I know nobody who has made their first trip and not been blown away by it .
I can't remember , nor do I care exactly what it cost, as I don't evaluate enjoyment by how much , or how little I spend. It's affordable , if not cheap - but neither is a good meal out for two, seeing a decent band or going to the opera . I do all of these , as well as lots of motorsport , and may not be rich as a result but I'm happy ....
I can't remember , nor do I care exactly what it cost, as I don't evaluate enjoyment by how much , or how little I spend. It's affordable , if not cheap - but neither is a good meal out for two, seeing a decent band or going to the opera . I do all of these , as well as lots of motorsport , and may not be rich as a result but I'm happy ....
coppice said:
Oh mercy - you obviously think we're all doomed , world gone to the dogs , nothing as good as it was and so on ad nauseam . I go to the Pod at least every other year and love it . The professionalism of the teams is only matched by the laid back ..err...vibe of the day, the accessibility of the paddock and the diversity of those taking part .The sheer spectacle is unmatched in British motor sport and I know nobody who has made their first trip and not been blown away by it .
I can't remember , nor do I care exactly what it cost, as I don't evaluate enjoyment by how much , or how little I spend. It's affordable , if not cheap - but neither is a good meal out for two, seeing a decent band or going to the opera . I do all of these , as well as lots of motorsport , and may not be rich as a result but I'm happy ....
amen to thatI can't remember , nor do I care exactly what it cost, as I don't evaluate enjoyment by how much , or how little I spend. It's affordable , if not cheap - but neither is a good meal out for two, seeing a decent band or going to the opera . I do all of these , as well as lots of motorsport , and may not be rich as a result but I'm happy ....
Just a quick note to say the numbers at Brands for the 'proper' clubby meetings are indeed below 5,000.
But things like Festival Italia and American Speedfest (not strictly a clubbie but not headline UK motorsport) See way, way more than that... All because they push the family and off track entertainment side of things.
Very effectively too. The November truck meeting usually sees BTCC rivalling crowds too. Despite the awful weather.
I'll have to try Santa Pod sometime...
But things like Festival Italia and American Speedfest (not strictly a clubbie but not headline UK motorsport) See way, way more than that... All because they push the family and off track entertainment side of things.
Very effectively too. The November truck meeting usually sees BTCC rivalling crowds too. Despite the awful weather.
I'll have to try Santa Pod sometime...
The new owners of Rockingham have missed a trick.
Driftland South.
Driftland was the UK's first purpose built drift circuit, and Rockingham has stepped up and hosted more and more drift days.
Yes, the infield will need a redesign, yes those condemned grandstands need to come down.
Drifting is in-vogue, and IDC/BDC pulls decent crowds.
I see the scramble for drift day tickets whenever they are announced, it's mad.
Driftland South.
Driftland was the UK's first purpose built drift circuit, and Rockingham has stepped up and hosted more and more drift days.
Yes, the infield will need a redesign, yes those condemned grandstands need to come down.
Drifting is in-vogue, and IDC/BDC pulls decent crowds.
I see the scramble for drift day tickets whenever they are announced, it's mad.
chunder27 said:
Good luck trying to get 5000 people to a clubby anywhere.
Jesus, that would never happen if you charged less than a tenner, had Thundersalooons, Historic f1 and 10 other series.
Get real for Gods sake
Others have mentioned it, but...Castle Combe probably average the highest purely club level attendances in the UK, and all with little more than some grass banking, toilets and burger vans. Jesus, that would never happen if you charged less than a tenner, had Thundersalooons, Historic f1 and 10 other series.
Get real for Gods sake
Even without any 'big' nationals such as BGT (or BTCC, BSB etc) for over a decade now it appears to be doing very nicely indeed, in fact it has done so without even needing to rely heavily on national club championships, the home championships are usually a big enough draw.
Heck, they can get comfortably get 5000 spectators for weekend trackdays 5 or 6 times per year.
Edited by ukaskew on Saturday 1st September 12:28
I will agree Combe has done well.
But look at their surroundings, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, huge populations, that don't have to travel far to get there. Its a cash cow if you do it right.
They market themselves very well, clearly do a lot of PR locally, it's an example of what you can do if you do it properly. They should be running MSV, not the greedy t
t Palmer.
Rockingham is surrounded by populace places, Kettering, Northampton, Peterborough, and it did nothing other than a few crappy rock concerts, to attract them. No shock it's done for.
But look at their surroundings, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, huge populations, that don't have to travel far to get there. Its a cash cow if you do it right.
They market themselves very well, clearly do a lot of PR locally, it's an example of what you can do if you do it properly. They should be running MSV, not the greedy t
t Palmer.Rockingham is surrounded by populace places, Kettering, Northampton, Peterborough, and it did nothing other than a few crappy rock concerts, to attract them. No shock it's done for.
chunder27 said:
I will agree Combe has done well.
But look at their surroundings, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, huge populations, that don't have to travel far to get there. Its a cash cow if you do it right.
They market themselves very well, clearly do a lot of PR locally, it's an example of what you can do if you do it properly. They should be running MSV, not the greedy tt Palmer.
Rockingham is surrounded by populace places, Kettering, Northampton, Peterborough, and it did nothing other than a few crappy rock concerts, to attract them. No shock it's done for.
I cannot understand the need to attack Jonathan Palmer,he and his investors have put their money to buy the business,it was on its knees during the Foulston regime, the circuits were tatty,toilets were dire etc. The facilties are much improved,what is the problem,he has also turned BSB into a major series.Dont understand your attitude,it is not against the law to make a profit, that is why Rockingham is closing.But look at their surroundings, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, huge populations, that don't have to travel far to get there. Its a cash cow if you do it right.
They market themselves very well, clearly do a lot of PR locally, it's an example of what you can do if you do it properly. They should be running MSV, not the greedy t
t Palmer.Rockingham is surrounded by populace places, Kettering, Northampton, Peterborough, and it did nothing other than a few crappy rock concerts, to attract them. No shock it's done for.
Sorry Mr Chunder , but you really are talking the most humungous balls about MSV . Unlike your good self, I don't spend all day moaning about how everything has gone to the dogs, 'it's all about money now '. I have news - it always was about the money and Grovewood and then Foulston were in it for a return , and nothing wrong with that , it's sort of how capitalism works .
But under the previous regimes places like Oulton and Cadwell (especially) were run down and tatty. Not any more - Cadwell ,especially, in the 43years since I first went , has never looked better . The catering is hugely improved and all the staff I have dealt with have exemplary customer care , never more so than when I had a serious mobility problem with a back condition .
My last visit to Cadwell was 20 quid for a weekend ...
JP may be prickly, so I hear , but so what ? Who cares - without him our circuits would be fked. If you want to see how badly it can be done , then try Croft . Season ticket is more than one for Snett AND Cadwell, until recently it was infested with rude and officious security staff and it is still strewn with litter, some months old . So well done BARC ...
But under the previous regimes places like Oulton and Cadwell (especially) were run down and tatty. Not any more - Cadwell ,especially, in the 43years since I first went , has never looked better . The catering is hugely improved and all the staff I have dealt with have exemplary customer care , never more so than when I had a serious mobility problem with a back condition .
My last visit to Cadwell was 20 quid for a weekend ...
JP may be prickly, so I hear , but so what ? Who cares - without him our circuits would be f
ked. If you want to see how badly it can be done , then try Croft . Season ticket is more than one for Snett AND Cadwell, until recently it was infested with rude and officious security staff and it is still strewn with litter, some months old . So well done BARC ... Edited by coppice on Saturday 1st September 16:53
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