If Silverstone really want the 24 hour to work.....
Discussion
I`ve just come back from competing in the Silverstone classic meeting and what a fantastic weekend. Signing in was a pleasure with tea and coffee, driver`s briefings were civilised affairs with tea and coffee provided. Infield parking for Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus, Bentley, Toyota, Renault, Old cars, plastic cars, Austin Healy, Bizzerini, group C cars (the whole of the national straight), and I`ve probably missed as many more marques. A free fairground, the BRDC opened their doors for a champagne reception, staff were on hand at every turn to help out - they even parked your trailer up for you, the PA system was perfection it`s self and broadcast on 87.7FM in crystal clarity, in spite of torrential rain the staff prevented the site from becoming a muddy bog, although our practice session had to be canceled due to flooding - in fairness it was re-scheduled an hour later when the track cleared, all the different clubs had their own catering / hospitality facilities, and so the list goes on.
I`ll get on James` case when I think the need arises (I`ve given up with classes for this year`s 24 hour - we`re just going to go out and race
) but I do know he gets / has had, a load of grief from Silverstone in terms of what is and what is not possible. It seems the circuit can do the job properly, one just wonders what it takes to get them to do it for us.
How lovely would it be for instance if the BRDC opened their hallowed walls (and it`s bloody lovely in there by the way), up to competing drivers in what is a unique event in the UK. They are after all a Driver`s club and whilst we may only be humble clubmen and women this is a seminal event. I am confident the members won`t be attending in any great numbers so I don`t think it would tread on too many toes, besides how lovely to hear the goings on track-side straight from the horse`s mouth.
I know the circuit won`t allow camping on site in spite of their being toilet facilities that out rank Le Mans by a factor of 10 and this single activity, given it`s a 24 hour event would probably increase ticket sales tenfold, what is one to do during the long night ? You can`t enjoy a beer because you`ve got to keep driving back to your hotel / outside campsite.
When you think what could be it really hurts.
Anyway here`s to a great event.
Henry
Oh yes and the historic grand prix circuit is absolute bliss - vale especially is just so much kinder on the car and flowing, Abbey is awesome but quite quick for the 24 hour race. Why not have a new circuit - the 24 hour grand prix circuit which uses the historic circuit`s Vale and the current grand prix circuit`s Abbey ?
I`ll get on James` case when I think the need arises (I`ve given up with classes for this year`s 24 hour - we`re just going to go out and race
) but I do know he gets / has had, a load of grief from Silverstone in terms of what is and what is not possible. It seems the circuit can do the job properly, one just wonders what it takes to get them to do it for us.How lovely would it be for instance if the BRDC opened their hallowed walls (and it`s bloody lovely in there by the way), up to competing drivers in what is a unique event in the UK. They are after all a Driver`s club and whilst we may only be humble clubmen and women this is a seminal event. I am confident the members won`t be attending in any great numbers so I don`t think it would tread on too many toes, besides how lovely to hear the goings on track-side straight from the horse`s mouth.
I know the circuit won`t allow camping on site in spite of their being toilet facilities that out rank Le Mans by a factor of 10 and this single activity, given it`s a 24 hour event would probably increase ticket sales tenfold, what is one to do during the long night ? You can`t enjoy a beer because you`ve got to keep driving back to your hotel / outside campsite.
When you think what could be it really hurts.
Anyway here`s to a great event.
Henry
Oh yes and the historic grand prix circuit is absolute bliss - vale especially is just so much kinder on the car and flowing, Abbey is awesome but quite quick for the 24 hour race. Why not have a new circuit - the 24 hour grand prix circuit which uses the historic circuit`s Vale and the current grand prix circuit`s Abbey ?
Saw the 911 Virgen car out in the porsche race running strong, shame about the porsche 935 what happened it was doing so well up until the last lap? Great sounding car and always love the flame display!
I thought camping for this year was allowed inside the circuit?
I agree with your comments, its a one of race here in Britian but silverstone dont seem to be willing to help out as much as they can.
I thought camping for this year was allowed inside the circuit?
I agree with your comments, its a one of race here in Britian but silverstone dont seem to be willing to help out as much as they can.
Henry-F said:
I`ve just come back from competing in the Silverstone classic meeting and what a fantastic weekend. Signing in was a pleasure with tea and coffee, driver`s briefings were civilised affairs with tea and coffee provided. Infield parking for Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus, Bentley, Toyota, Renault, Old cars, plastic cars, Austin Healy, Bizzerini, group C cars (the whole of the national straight), and I`ve probably missed as many more marques. A free fairground, the BRDC opened their doors for a champagne reception, staff were on hand at every turn to help out - they even parked your trailer up for you, the PA system was perfection it`s self and broadcast on 87.7FM in crystal clarity, in spite of torrential rain the staff prevented the site from becoming a muddy bog, although our practice session had to be canceled due to flooding - in fairness it was re-scheduled an hour later when the track cleared, all the different clubs had their own catering / hospitality facilities, and so the list goes on.
I`ll get on James` case when I think the need arises (I`ve given up with classes for this year`s 24 hour - we`re just going to go out and race ) but I do know he gets / has had, a load of grief from Silverstone in terms of what is and what is not possible. It seems the circuit can do the job properly, one just wonders what it takes to get them to do it for us.
How lovely would it be for instance if the BRDC opened their hallowed walls (and it`s bloody lovely in there by the way), up to competing drivers in what is a unique event in the UK. They are after all a Driver`s club and whilst we may only be humble clubmen and women this is a seminal event. I am confident the members won`t be attending in any great numbers so I don`t think it would tread on too many toes, besides how lovely to hear the goings on track-side straight from the horse`s mouth.
I know the circuit won`t allow camping on site in spite of their being toilet facilities that out rank Le Mans by a factor of 10 and this single activity, given it`s a 24 hour event would probably increase ticket sales tenfold, what is one to do during the long night ? You can`t enjoy a beer because you`ve got to keep driving back to your hotel / outside campsite.
When you think what could be it really hurts.
Anyway here`s to a great event.
Henry
It isn't James who is preventing any of the above from happening.I`ll get on James` case when I think the need arises (I`ve given up with classes for this year`s 24 hour - we`re just going to go out and race
) but I do know he gets / has had, a load of grief from Silverstone in terms of what is and what is not possible. It seems the circuit can do the job properly, one just wonders what it takes to get them to do it for us.How lovely would it be for instance if the BRDC opened their hallowed walls (and it`s bloody lovely in there by the way), up to competing drivers in what is a unique event in the UK. They are after all a Driver`s club and whilst we may only be humble clubmen and women this is a seminal event. I am confident the members won`t be attending in any great numbers so I don`t think it would tread on too many toes, besides how lovely to hear the goings on track-side straight from the horse`s mouth.
I know the circuit won`t allow camping on site in spite of their being toilet facilities that out rank Le Mans by a factor of 10 and this single activity, given it`s a 24 hour event would probably increase ticket sales tenfold, what is one to do during the long night ? You can`t enjoy a beer because you`ve got to keep driving back to your hotel / outside campsite.
When you think what could be it really hurts.
Anyway here`s to a great event.
Henry
I don't think Henry was suggesting for a moment that it was:
Henry-F said:
....but I do know he (James) gets / has had, a load of grief from Silverstone in terms of what is and what is not possible. It seems the circuit can do the job properly, one just wonders what it takes to get them to do it for us.
To my mind, Silverstone Circuits & the BRDC should be behind James, co-promoting this event. Behind the GP, you could say it is one of the biggest events in the British motorsport calendar, and the BRITISH Racing Driver's Club should be there - after all - many of it's members will be out there doing their bit.
For camping to be verboten - makes no sense what so ever - it should be part of it, heck it is everywhere else there's a 24 hour race!!
And to opening the BRDC Club House to the great unwashed? Hmmmmmm a nice refreshing pint or two, maybe a G&T, between driving stints, there's an idea. You're buying.
Henry. Stop speaking the truth. People don't like it. It makes too much sense!
For camping to be verboten - makes no sense what so ever - it should be part of it, heck it is everywhere else there's a 24 hour race!!
And to opening the BRDC Club House to the great unwashed? Hmmmmmm a nice refreshing pint or two, maybe a G&T, between driving stints, there's an idea. You're buying.
Henry. Stop speaking the truth. People don't like it. It makes too much sense!
Having spent a most pleasant couple of hours in the clubhouse on Saturday I couldn`t think of a nicer place for drivers to chat amongst themselves, enjoy a glass of water, orange juice or diet coke, watch the race unfold or just find a quiet spot on the roof terrace to mull things over at 3.00am over a cup of hot coffee. Why it would almost be sort of racing driver`s club.
One driver, one guest. No fancy catering or special effort required. There`s a shared bond in the pit lane for this event and that bond should be just what the BRDC is trying to embrace. One wonders how many of the names on the boards actually race at Silverstone on a regular basis.
Come on guys, throw open the doors and give a little something back to the people who are putting on the show and footing the £4,000,000 or so bill that`s going to be spent in the pit lane that race. You did a blinding job this weekend, possibly the best run event I`ve had the pleasure of competing in, why not keep up the momentum into September
As ever keep smiling.
Re the round of drinks: If we win & the BRDC open their doors I`ll stick a hundred quid behind the bar!
Henry
One driver, one guest. No fancy catering or special effort required. There`s a shared bond in the pit lane for this event and that bond should be just what the BRDC is trying to embrace. One wonders how many of the names on the boards actually race at Silverstone on a regular basis.
Come on guys, throw open the doors and give a little something back to the people who are putting on the show and footing the £4,000,000 or so bill that`s going to be spent in the pit lane that race. You did a blinding job this weekend, possibly the best run event I`ve had the pleasure of competing in, why not keep up the momentum into September
As ever keep smiling.
Re the round of drinks: If we win & the BRDC open their doors I`ll stick a hundred quid behind the bar!
Henry
Henry-F said:
Having spent a most pleasant couple of hours in the clubhouse on Saturday I couldn`t think of a nicer place for drivers to chat amongst themselves, enjoy a glass of water, orange juice or diet coke, watch the race unfold or just find a quiet spot on the roof terrace to mull things over at 3.00am over a cup of hot coffee. Why it would almost be sort of racing driver`s club.
One driver, one guest. No fancy catering or special effort required. There`s a shared bond in the pit lane for this event and that bond should be just what the BRDC is trying to embrace. One wonders how many of the names on the boards actually race at Silverstone on a regular basis.
Come on guys, throw open the doors and give a little something back to the people who are putting on the show and footing the £4,000,000 or so bill that`s going to be spent in the pit lane that race. You did a blinding job this weekend, possibly the best run event I`ve had the pleasure of competing in, why not keep up the momentum into September
As ever keep smiling.
Re the round of drinks: If we win & the BRDC open their doors I`ll stick a hundred quid behind the bar!
Henry
The BRDC come in for a heck of a lot of flack and tbh much of the critism is because the club do very little to manage its own PR.One driver, one guest. No fancy catering or special effort required. There`s a shared bond in the pit lane for this event and that bond should be just what the BRDC is trying to embrace. One wonders how many of the names on the boards actually race at Silverstone on a regular basis.
Come on guys, throw open the doors and give a little something back to the people who are putting on the show and footing the £4,000,000 or so bill that`s going to be spent in the pit lane that race. You did a blinding job this weekend, possibly the best run event I`ve had the pleasure of competing in, why not keep up the momentum into September
As ever keep smiling.
Re the round of drinks: If we win & the BRDC open their doors I`ll stick a hundred quid behind the bar!
Henry
The BRDC is the members club that owns the circuit but the day to day management of that circuit is done by Silverstone Circuits Limited. SCL do have to report to the BRDC but as you can imagine they will not be doing so on a day to day basis and in any event reporting will be done in the wider context of stratagy and financial reporting.
To the 24hrs - SCL have rented the circuit to JT and given the poor attendance to date from a business point of view that made better sense. If JT couldn't negotiate camping, etc, etc then that is for him to answer; perhaps there was a premium to pay for getting camping access and he didn't want to pay?
With regard to the club house. Again it is going to come down to cost. If JT wanted to pay a premium then sure you'd have had access but the problem in opening the club house is that it needs staffing, lighting, security, passes done to control who can get in and then after all and sundry have clumped their muddy boots everywhere - it needs cleaning up. (You could all go and earn membership to the BRDC and hole up in the club house at every meeting...)
Its all very nice to say the BRDC should do this, they should support British motorsport, blah, blah - but someone has to pay and the BRDC can't afford it (don't believe me then just look at the publically available accounts).
Its a bit like me pitching up at a second hand Porsche sales pitch with a bunch of young drivers and saying "you should let these lads do the 24hrs in that unsold GT3-RS; you'd be supporting British motorsport..."
Henry I don't actually disagree with much of what you say but the bottom line is exactly that and the reason you haven't got all of the things you have asked for is down to money and for that go and speak to James Tucker.
Henry-F said:
Come on guys, throw open the doors and give a little something back to the people who are putting on the show and footing the £4,000,000 or so bill that`s going to be spent in the pit lane that race.
Henry
Give a little back...what planet are you on? If Silverstone wasn't rented for a 24hr event then it would have been rented out for use as a track day, another race meeting, a Silverstone corporate, public driving experiences, a trade show or whatever. Henry
JT has rented the track and he is going to get exactly what he paid for, should the BRDC open the doors to everyone at every meeting? If you say No then why is the exception made for the 24hrs??
The reason you had a things at the weekend was because the event had sponsors that would have paid and the sponsors got involved because of the demographic of the people in attendance. Come on we both know that just a handful of those cars racing at the weekend could buy the whole grid at the 24hrs.
2priestsferrari said:
The BRDC come in for a heck of a lot of flack and tbh much of the critism is because the club do very little to manage its own PR..........
To the 24hrs - SCL have rented the circuit to JT and given the poor attendance to date something of a chicken and egg situation there - as I understand it the circuit retains any gate money for these "smaller" events so what incentive is there to publicise / spend money
If JT couldn't negotiate camping, etc, etc then that is for him to answer; perhaps there was a premium to pay for getting camping access and he didn't want to pay? Or possibly the circuit might want to take a punt, charge campers £20-30 a pop and use the money to swell coffers / clean up afterwards or both. As I understand it the circuit were unhappy with their toilet facilities (which I think are excellent).
With regard to the club house. Again it is going to come down to cost. If JT wanted to pay a premium then sure you'd have had access but the problem in opening the club house is that it needs staffing, lighting, security, passes done to control who can get in and then after all and sundry have clumped their muddy boots everywhere - it needs cleaning up. Has the bar suddenly gone free in there? The frog & Ferret near me manages to earn a crust through it`s bar & snack sales - I`m not suggesting they stop charging. If times really are that hard I`ll offer a £10 surcharge for our drivers to use the clubhouse (You could all go and earn membership to the BRDC and hole up in the club house at every meeting...) yeah right. As far as I`m aware UK club racers are unlikely to be offered membership. You need to compete at an international level (although the 24 hour race might be classes as such). All the stars I saw of late on the board were either F1 drivers (DC for several years running) or Le Mans drivers. Finances preclude my entry into those events
Its all very nice to say the BRDC should do this, they should support British motorsport, blah, blah - but someone has to pay and the BRDC can't afford it (don't believe me then just look at the publically available accounts).
To the 24hrs - SCL have rented the circuit to JT and given the poor attendance to date something of a chicken and egg situation there - as I understand it the circuit retains any gate money for these "smaller" events so what incentive is there to publicise / spend money
If JT couldn't negotiate camping, etc, etc then that is for him to answer; perhaps there was a premium to pay for getting camping access and he didn't want to pay? Or possibly the circuit might want to take a punt, charge campers £20-30 a pop and use the money to swell coffers / clean up afterwards or both. As I understand it the circuit were unhappy with their toilet facilities (which I think are excellent).
With regard to the club house. Again it is going to come down to cost. If JT wanted to pay a premium then sure you'd have had access but the problem in opening the club house is that it needs staffing, lighting, security, passes done to control who can get in and then after all and sundry have clumped their muddy boots everywhere - it needs cleaning up. Has the bar suddenly gone free in there? The frog & Ferret near me manages to earn a crust through it`s bar & snack sales - I`m not suggesting they stop charging. If times really are that hard I`ll offer a £10 surcharge for our drivers to use the clubhouse (You could all go and earn membership to the BRDC and hole up in the club house at every meeting...) yeah right. As far as I`m aware UK club racers are unlikely to be offered membership. You need to compete at an international level (although the 24 hour race might be classes as such). All the stars I saw of late on the board were either F1 drivers (DC for several years running) or Le Mans drivers. Finances preclude my entry into those events
Its all very nice to say the BRDC should do this, they should support British motorsport, blah, blah - but someone has to pay and the BRDC can't afford it (don't believe me then just look at the publically available accounts).
earlier on 2priestsferrari said:
The BRDC come in for a heck of a lot of flack and tbh much of the critism is because the club do very little to manage its own PR..........
what a great way of redressing that PR imbalance - put a value on that if you will2priestsferrari said:
Its a bit like me pitching up at a second hand Porsche sales pitch with a bunch of young drivers and saying "you should let these lads do the 24hrs in that unsold GT3-RS; you'd be supporting British motorsport..." I don`t set my stall out as an organisation who supports / represents British racing drivers. The British Racing Driver`s Association kind of sound as though they might
Henry I don't actually disagree with much of what you say but the bottom line is exactly that and the reason you haven't got all of the things you have asked for is down to money and for that go and speak to James Tucker.
James & I don`t see eye to eye on many issues (I`m not racing in Britcar this season as a result of my differences), but as a big ideas man he`s come up with a mad harebrained scheme and bugger me it`s into it`s 3rd year. If you can`t see how this event differs from every other club event in the UK then I`m amazed. Do you compete yourself ? The shared bond and sense of achievement / failure / camaraderie between 24 hour competitors is unique. The effort involved, especially for grass roots teams to attend and compete is herculean. At £50,000 a team they are spending £4,000,000 to be there, I`m not talking about the value of the cars if they were to go through Bonhams, I`m talking they money spent and put back into the industry on the day (and night) (and next day).Henry I don't actually disagree with much of what you say but the bottom line is exactly that and the reason you haven't got all of the things you have asked for is down to money and for that go and speak to James Tucker.
Yes Silverstone could rent it`s self out for a trackday that weekend (but it`swouldn`t get anything like the revenue - guess how much the bill is for circuit rental for the 24 hour event!).
It just opened my eyes when I saw how the classic weekend was run and now I know who ran it I understand why it was leagues ahead of other events I`ve competed in. The organising bodies wanted to showcase their talents (and did a fine job). Now we know you can do it once whay not get behind another unique event.
I still think the BRDC should open it`s doors to drivers (we`ll all be wearing unique wristbands so there won`t be any extra expense there), I`m also hopeful the historic corner at Vale might be on the cards to spare brakes, accidents etc, and a new circuit layout born.
Keep smiling
Henry
The 24 hour event IS special. Of course, everyone wants to win but there is a camaraderie down the pit lane no matter what car you are in.
I think the real issue with the paying spectator is that a 24 hour event is a long time to watch a Mazda, a Honda or even a Mosler. James tried to put on entertainment but if the punter does not know its there then they cannot benifit from it. If you want to build the event into a Daytona or a Le Mans then you have to have the cars, the entertainment and everything else that goes into a 24 hour package. Trouble is, you can't have everything from day one.
James should be applauded, as should all the entrants, as it is a mamouth job. A little help from other parties wouldn't go amiss either.
If we are talking about the BRDC I agree with some of Henrys points. It's a members club for drivers with International success. In the old days this was much easier to achieve as budgets, although still relatively high, were not in todays league. Just look at the average age of the membership - why its older than me! I think there is a strong arguement to open up the membership to younger drivers with UK experience only. Maybe there is a different type of membership but at least it could be something that drivers could realistically aspire to. It would be a nice gesture if they would open their doors over the 24 hour weekend but I do understand the arguement about cost, security etc.
Anyway, to all those lucky enough to participate in the 2007 24 hours - good luck, I wish I was one of you!
Cheers,
Richard.
I think the real issue with the paying spectator is that a 24 hour event is a long time to watch a Mazda, a Honda or even a Mosler. James tried to put on entertainment but if the punter does not know its there then they cannot benifit from it. If you want to build the event into a Daytona or a Le Mans then you have to have the cars, the entertainment and everything else that goes into a 24 hour package. Trouble is, you can't have everything from day one.
James should be applauded, as should all the entrants, as it is a mamouth job. A little help from other parties wouldn't go amiss either.
If we are talking about the BRDC I agree with some of Henrys points. It's a members club for drivers with International success. In the old days this was much easier to achieve as budgets, although still relatively high, were not in todays league. Just look at the average age of the membership - why its older than me! I think there is a strong arguement to open up the membership to younger drivers with UK experience only. Maybe there is a different type of membership but at least it could be something that drivers could realistically aspire to. It would be a nice gesture if they would open their doors over the 24 hour weekend but I do understand the arguement about cost, security etc.
Anyway, to all those lucky enough to participate in the 2007 24 hours - good luck, I wish I was one of you!
Cheers,
Richard.
Henry - The notion that the BRDC is some kind of catch all and charity for British motorsport is perhaps why there is continued confusion.
The BRDC is a members club made up of drivers who have in some way proved a talent in international events OR team owners/mechanics who have served in the sport for a long time.
Now of course within that the BRDC has run a young drivers scheme which funded the early careers of many - some who made it like Button/Priaulx and some who didn't. It also has a young driver membership which has around 40 of the better drivers and to whom it gives advice and makes contacts for them.
That aside it works hard to retain the British GP from which it makes virtually no profit and ultimately (despite several offers from property developers) it has retained the circuit as a motor racing venue. That in itself is not to be over looked because if the BRDC sold out then its members would all take an equal share of the sale proceeds and would make around £100K each.
Opening the doors up to the club house to all and sundry or even to the drivers of the 24hrs just wouldn't be on because the club house is an oasis for the members. They would rather have a bit of piece and quiet amoungst their own than open it up and earn a few hundred quid from bar takings.
I agree that there is a great deal of spirt in the 24hrs event and it is something of celebration but the fact remains that the focus should be on the racing and the BRDC are not obstructive to anything but they would like to keep the club house their club house for their members. Otherwise whats the point in being a member?!
The Classic event this weekend had around 12K people attend on the Sunday. Now I don't know what would be possible with the 24hrs but I'd imagine half that number at most. When you look at it in that context you can see why the cost of extra policing just so a few hundred can camp just wouldn't work and it is why JT hasn't paid for it.
Regarding membership I think you'll find that there are a great many members who didn't have the money to do it but took a huge risk and stuck at it. Maybe the people that don't race at a level just don't want it enough?
The BRDC is a members club made up of drivers who have in some way proved a talent in international events OR team owners/mechanics who have served in the sport for a long time.
Now of course within that the BRDC has run a young drivers scheme which funded the early careers of many - some who made it like Button/Priaulx and some who didn't. It also has a young driver membership which has around 40 of the better drivers and to whom it gives advice and makes contacts for them.
That aside it works hard to retain the British GP from which it makes virtually no profit and ultimately (despite several offers from property developers) it has retained the circuit as a motor racing venue. That in itself is not to be over looked because if the BRDC sold out then its members would all take an equal share of the sale proceeds and would make around £100K each.
Opening the doors up to the club house to all and sundry or even to the drivers of the 24hrs just wouldn't be on because the club house is an oasis for the members. They would rather have a bit of piece and quiet amoungst their own than open it up and earn a few hundred quid from bar takings.
I agree that there is a great deal of spirt in the 24hrs event and it is something of celebration but the fact remains that the focus should be on the racing and the BRDC are not obstructive to anything but they would like to keep the club house their club house for their members. Otherwise whats the point in being a member?!
The Classic event this weekend had around 12K people attend on the Sunday. Now I don't know what would be possible with the 24hrs but I'd imagine half that number at most. When you look at it in that context you can see why the cost of extra policing just so a few hundred can camp just wouldn't work and it is why JT hasn't paid for it.
Regarding membership I think you'll find that there are a great many members who didn't have the money to do it but took a huge risk and stuck at it. Maybe the people that don't race at a level just don't want it enough?
2priestsferrari said:
Henry - The notion that the BRDC is some kind of catch all and charity for British motorsport is perhaps why there is continued confusion.
The BRDC is a members club made up of drivers who have in some way proved a talent in international events OR team owners/mechanics who have served in the sport for a long time.
Now of course within that the BRDC has run a young drivers scheme which funded the early careers of many - some who made it like Button/Priaulx and some who didn't. It also has a young driver membership which has around 40 of the better drivers and to whom it gives advice and makes contacts for them.
That aside it works hard to retain the British GP from which it makes virtually no profit and ultimately (despite several offers from property developers) it has retained the circuit as a motor racing venue. That in itself is not to be over looked because if the BRDC sold out then its members would all take an equal share of the sale proceeds and would make around £100K each. Maybe it`s time we let the members take their money and run then. Somewhere like Rockingham would relish the extra revenue and has quite spectacular facilities. BRDC members could then purchase a little club in London where they wouldn`t be disturbed. They could even purchase some form of debenture at the newly promoted Rockingham circuit, possibly a hermetically sealed Box right at the top of the stands - the view is great.
Opening the doors up to the club house to all and sundry or even to the drivers of the 24hrs just wouldn't be on because the club house is an oasis for the members. They would rather have a bit of piece and quiet amoungst their own than open it up and earn a few hundred quid from bar takings.I really hope you are not a member or employed by the BRDC, if you are and this is the official viewpoint then you`ve just shot down my deluded vision of the club being full of motor racing enthusiasts rather than elitist snobs who want to shut themselves away from the rest of the world. I doubt whether there will be more than a handful of members using the facilities over the weekend, this isn`t the Grand Prix. I think the members would rather share their club with racing drivers as per the classic weekend, rather than corporate luggage being wheeled in as hundred pound notes to drink champers and discuss the state of the money markets / telecoms industry / IT world. As I understand it The BRDC will gladly sell their soul to me and allow my corporate guests into the club providing I pay enough money so let`s not get too emotional about "peace and quiet"
I agree that there is a great deal of spirt in the 24hrs event and it is something of celebration but the fact remains that the focus should be on the racing and the BRDC are not obstructive to anything but they would like to keep the club house their club house for their members. Otherwise whats the point in being a member?! The last time I came across BRDC members as spectators was at the Monaco Classic. It was on the roof of the Cafe de Paris and I can assure you they were perfectly normal motoring enthusiasts who enjoyed interaction with other like minded individuals. Were I a member I would love to hear the goings around the paddock straight from the horse`s mouth. Sponsors pay a small fortune to have a competing driver attend their social gathering during an international event such as the grand prix. If you travel abroad with a boating regatta for instance the hosting / local yacht club customarily opens it`s doors to the visiting yachtsmen. The home members do not see this as diluting their membership, more enriching their club atmosphere or actvities
The Classic event this weekend had around 12K people attend on the Sunday. Now I don't know what would be possible with the 24hrs but I'd imagine half that number at most. When you look at it in that context you can see why the cost of extra policing just so a few hundred can camp just wouldn't work and it is why JT hasn't paid for it. There is a race held every year in France called 24 heures du Mans, each year something like 80,000 British citizens make the haul over to see it and enjoy a festive weekend`s camping / motorsport. With a bit of effort I don`t think it would be too hard to attract a few of those people to Silverstone. The problem is distribution of funds between Silverstone circuits and Britcar. As far as I`m aware Britcar would find it hard to access revenue generated from any camping activities and Silverstone circuits won`t allow camping infield or outfield which is essential to enjoy a 24 hour race. Again, chicken & egg. I think it suits British circuits to just take money off entrants / organisers and keep the gate down to avoid hassle. If a series happens to take off then they`ll gladly take the gate money but they`re ot going to bust a gut trying to generate spectators.
Regarding membership I think you'll find that there are a great many members who didn't have the money to do it but took a huge risk and stuck at it. Maybe the people that don't race at a level just don't want it enough?
So are you suggesting we all bankrupt ourselves to go racing overseas (and take money away from British industry), in an attempt to gain entry into the BRDC? I think it would be rather cool for the British Racing Drivers Club to embrace both the British and the racing drivers part of their title. This unique event so embraces the spirit of the BRDC (or at least what I perceive to be it`s spirit - Bentley Boys & all that) that I think there is reason for them to open their doors. Do you have anything to do with the BRDC or are you just hypothesising ? (I genuinely hope it is the latter The BRDC is a members club made up of drivers who have in some way proved a talent in international events OR team owners/mechanics who have served in the sport for a long time.
Now of course within that the BRDC has run a young drivers scheme which funded the early careers of many - some who made it like Button/Priaulx and some who didn't. It also has a young driver membership which has around 40 of the better drivers and to whom it gives advice and makes contacts for them.
That aside it works hard to retain the British GP from which it makes virtually no profit and ultimately (despite several offers from property developers) it has retained the circuit as a motor racing venue. That in itself is not to be over looked because if the BRDC sold out then its members would all take an equal share of the sale proceeds and would make around £100K each. Maybe it`s time we let the members take their money and run then. Somewhere like Rockingham would relish the extra revenue and has quite spectacular facilities. BRDC members could then purchase a little club in London where they wouldn`t be disturbed. They could even purchase some form of debenture at the newly promoted Rockingham circuit, possibly a hermetically sealed Box right at the top of the stands - the view is great.
Opening the doors up to the club house to all and sundry or even to the drivers of the 24hrs just wouldn't be on because the club house is an oasis for the members. They would rather have a bit of piece and quiet amoungst their own than open it up and earn a few hundred quid from bar takings.I really hope you are not a member or employed by the BRDC, if you are and this is the official viewpoint then you`ve just shot down my deluded vision of the club being full of motor racing enthusiasts rather than elitist snobs who want to shut themselves away from the rest of the world. I doubt whether there will be more than a handful of members using the facilities over the weekend, this isn`t the Grand Prix. I think the members would rather share their club with racing drivers as per the classic weekend, rather than corporate luggage being wheeled in as hundred pound notes to drink champers and discuss the state of the money markets / telecoms industry / IT world. As I understand it The BRDC will gladly sell their soul to me and allow my corporate guests into the club providing I pay enough money so let`s not get too emotional about "peace and quiet"
I agree that there is a great deal of spirt in the 24hrs event and it is something of celebration but the fact remains that the focus should be on the racing and the BRDC are not obstructive to anything but they would like to keep the club house their club house for their members. Otherwise whats the point in being a member?! The last time I came across BRDC members as spectators was at the Monaco Classic. It was on the roof of the Cafe de Paris and I can assure you they were perfectly normal motoring enthusiasts who enjoyed interaction with other like minded individuals. Were I a member I would love to hear the goings around the paddock straight from the horse`s mouth. Sponsors pay a small fortune to have a competing driver attend their social gathering during an international event such as the grand prix. If you travel abroad with a boating regatta for instance the hosting / local yacht club customarily opens it`s doors to the visiting yachtsmen. The home members do not see this as diluting their membership, more enriching their club atmosphere or actvities
The Classic event this weekend had around 12K people attend on the Sunday. Now I don't know what would be possible with the 24hrs but I'd imagine half that number at most. When you look at it in that context you can see why the cost of extra policing just so a few hundred can camp just wouldn't work and it is why JT hasn't paid for it. There is a race held every year in France called 24 heures du Mans, each year something like 80,000 British citizens make the haul over to see it and enjoy a festive weekend`s camping / motorsport. With a bit of effort I don`t think it would be too hard to attract a few of those people to Silverstone. The problem is distribution of funds between Silverstone circuits and Britcar. As far as I`m aware Britcar would find it hard to access revenue generated from any camping activities and Silverstone circuits won`t allow camping infield or outfield which is essential to enjoy a 24 hour race. Again, chicken & egg. I think it suits British circuits to just take money off entrants / organisers and keep the gate down to avoid hassle. If a series happens to take off then they`ll gladly take the gate money but they`re ot going to bust a gut trying to generate spectators.
Regarding membership I think you'll find that there are a great many members who didn't have the money to do it but took a huge risk and stuck at it. Maybe the people that don't race at a level just don't want it enough?
)Henry
2 priests said:
"Regarding membership I think you'll find that there are a great many members who didn't have the money to do it but took a huge risk and stuck at it. Maybe the people that don't race at a level just don't want it enough?"
I can accept there may be people out there who "just dont want it enough" but most competitors spend a lot more than they can afford and take large financial risks to do what they do. Its hardly a fair test of their ability of a driver if the only way they can get membership is to spend £100k per annum on international racing. Surely, the BRDC should be open to British drivers of all means and the entry criteria should be their ability, not the depth of their pockets?
Just my thoughts!
Cheers,
Richard.
"Regarding membership I think you'll find that there are a great many members who didn't have the money to do it but took a huge risk and stuck at it. Maybe the people that don't race at a level just don't want it enough?"
I can accept there may be people out there who "just dont want it enough" but most competitors spend a lot more than they can afford and take large financial risks to do what they do. Its hardly a fair test of their ability of a driver if the only way they can get membership is to spend £100k per annum on international racing. Surely, the BRDC should be open to British drivers of all means and the entry criteria should be their ability, not the depth of their pockets?
Just my thoughts!
Cheers,
Richard.
2priestsferrari said:
i When you look at it in that context you can see why the cost of extra policing just so a few hundred can camp just wouldn't work and it is why JT hasn't paid for it.
I've just rung JT and asked him about camping at Silverstone. Silverstone won't allow camping on site, its not a question of him not paying, Silverstone haven't offered it and don't want it. Camping is available at Whittlebury and there is easy direct access to the circuit at Copse corner.Have you some sort of anti-Britcar agenda? Because all seem to do is to want to have a pop at them. Easy to sneer from the anonymous safety, but you aren't even brave enough to put your name to your comments.
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