Britcar 24 promotion
Discussion
Promoting The Britcar 24
In Milton Keynes
“The organization is being put together now,” says James Tucker, “but we’ve got the provisional agreement from Milton Keynes council to promote this year’s Britcar 24 Hours in Milton Keynes on the previous Saturday, September 13.”
The council will be making its car park available for demonstrations of some of the race cars, which will be driving around the council buildings.
“We’ll have ice cream stalls, burger vans, stalls to sell tickets to the 24 Hours – it’s going to be a good show,” says James Tucker.
The crowd numbers for the 24 Hours have increased exponentially every year so far: this novel event should see them rise again this year, for the fourth running of the event.
Source: Dailysportscar
In Milton Keynes
“The organization is being put together now,” says James Tucker, “but we’ve got the provisional agreement from Milton Keynes council to promote this year’s Britcar 24 Hours in Milton Keynes on the previous Saturday, September 13.”
The council will be making its car park available for demonstrations of some of the race cars, which will be driving around the council buildings.
“We’ll have ice cream stalls, burger vans, stalls to sell tickets to the 24 Hours – it’s going to be a good show,” says James Tucker.
The crowd numbers for the 24 Hours have increased exponentially every year so far: this novel event should see them rise again this year, for the fourth running of the event.
Source: Dailysportscar
teamHOLDENracing said:
The crowd numbers for the 24 Hours have increased exponentially every year so far: this novel event should see them rise again this year, for the fourth running of the event.
Yep the crowd has doubled each year
2005=1
2006=2
2007=4
step in the right direction though
I only went to the first running of the event, so cannot comment on the attendance figures but really cannot see that a burger van together with one selling ice cream will exactly impress......
Furthermore, the setting of the dates for these events in September does not really help to encourage many supporters who might not be prepared to brave the almost certain wet, misty and chilly autumnal conditions.
I really think that a mid summers day is the only time to get a healthy crowd, if the callender will not allow for it then why not make it a 12 hour event?
Furthermore, the setting of the dates for these events in September does not really help to encourage many supporters who might not be prepared to brave the almost certain wet, misty and chilly autumnal conditions.
I really think that a mid summers day is the only time to get a healthy crowd, if the callender will not allow for it then why not make it a 12 hour event?
These 'taking the cars the people to the public' events certainly seemed to have worked for the BTCC in the past, so good on Britcar for proposing the same idea. They'll have to make sure they don't stop for too long around the car parks of MK though or else the parking mafia'll have a field day 
.
If it helps to bring a few more folks though the gate on race weekend, then it'll be a success. Pretty much everything else about the 24 is good; just need to sort out some decent on-site camping and vehicular access (I know, dead horse and the flogging thereof springs to mind...) and it'll be just about spot-on. Looking forward to September's race as usual though.
.If it helps to bring a few more folks though the gate on race weekend, then it'll be a success. Pretty much everything else about the 24 is good; just need to sort out some decent on-site camping and vehicular access (I know, dead horse and the flogging thereof springs to mind...) and it'll be just about spot-on. Looking forward to September's race as usual though.
I think a buzz round Milton Keynes is a fantastic idea. The media interest will be huge, the interest from Joe Public will be huge - I mean come on. How often do you get to see full race spec supercars roaring round the streets of your town. Remember also that there won`t be the noise limitations of the 24 hour race so there`s going to be a pretty good atmosphere 
The Top Gear entry last year has generated a massive interest in the event. Every single person I`ve spoken to about my racing saw the programme. This year James tells me he`s been given the go ahead for infield camping. If that`s true then on the back of the Top Gear show there should be a huge increase in public support. Finally you can park your Porsche / TVR / BMW / Ferrari / Lotus / MG / Honda / Vauxhall / Ford or Marcos up, pitch camp, have a few beers and a BBQ without having to drive anywhere and make a weekend of it. You can dip in and out of the race as you wish, have a base to listen to the radio or surf the web to see how the race is going and if it gets cold snuggle up for a couple of hours kip. Up to now that simply hasn`t been possible so is it any wonder the numbers have been low.
The race it`s self is wonderful, the support races entertaining and last year the club did a very good job with branding / garage banners etc. All we need to do is make it possible for just a few % of the millions who saw the event on BBC 2 to come and have a fun weekend.
I don`t even think the club needs to do any more than it already does in terms of music / funfair / catering / radio broadcasts etc. Just allow people to set up camp close to the action as they do at Le Mans. What a cracking end to the year. Friday & Saturday night away with the boys (possibly even Thursday as well). A last run out in the cars, the chance to talk petrol, enjoy a few beers, possibly even dream about the odd pit of lane crumpet. A last venture out for some of the car clubs. And the best bit - you don`t have to bob away on an expensive ferry with sick floating around the floors in the toilets. The locals pretty much speak the same language as you & the toilet facilities are excellent thanks to Silverstone`s significant investment over the past few years.
I for one give it my full backing and will be doing whatever I can to support the event.
Henry
The Top Gear entry last year has generated a massive interest in the event. Every single person I`ve spoken to about my racing saw the programme. This year James tells me he`s been given the go ahead for infield camping. If that`s true then on the back of the Top Gear show there should be a huge increase in public support. Finally you can park your Porsche / TVR / BMW / Ferrari / Lotus / MG / Honda / Vauxhall / Ford or Marcos up, pitch camp, have a few beers and a BBQ without having to drive anywhere and make a weekend of it. You can dip in and out of the race as you wish, have a base to listen to the radio or surf the web to see how the race is going and if it gets cold snuggle up for a couple of hours kip. Up to now that simply hasn`t been possible so is it any wonder the numbers have been low.
The race it`s self is wonderful, the support races entertaining and last year the club did a very good job with branding / garage banners etc. All we need to do is make it possible for just a few % of the millions who saw the event on BBC 2 to come and have a fun weekend.
I don`t even think the club needs to do any more than it already does in terms of music / funfair / catering / radio broadcasts etc. Just allow people to set up camp close to the action as they do at Le Mans. What a cracking end to the year. Friday & Saturday night away with the boys (possibly even Thursday as well). A last run out in the cars, the chance to talk petrol, enjoy a few beers, possibly even dream about the odd pit of lane crumpet. A last venture out for some of the car clubs. And the best bit - you don`t have to bob away on an expensive ferry with sick floating around the floors in the toilets. The locals pretty much speak the same language as you & the toilet facilities are excellent thanks to Silverstone`s significant investment over the past few years.
I for one give it my full backing and will be doing whatever I can to support the event.
Henry
I agree with everything that Henry said 
The 24 hour weekend is building real momentum. Infield camping and the ability to follow the race through radio and the odd timing screen, coupled with a decent beer tent/bar would encourage the public to come along and make a weekend out of it.
I also think that the teams have got a responsibility to promote the event to assist with its longevity. So, turning up in MK and making a bit of noise for some PR is a great idea. Also, sending out e-mail ticket offers to friends, family and contacts is bound to help.
This is already the best UK event in the calendar and we owe it to each other to grow its success and appeal.
The 24 hour weekend is building real momentum. Infield camping and the ability to follow the race through radio and the odd timing screen, coupled with a decent beer tent/bar would encourage the public to come along and make a weekend out of it.
I also think that the teams have got a responsibility to promote the event to assist with its longevity. So, turning up in MK and making a bit of noise for some PR is a great idea. Also, sending out e-mail ticket offers to friends, family and contacts is bound to help.
This is already the best UK event in the calendar and we owe it to each other to grow its success and appeal.
Agree 100% Henry 
The Milton Keynes idea is first class, and I suspect infield camping will give the spectator figures a big nudge forward.
Don, get the Volvo entered into the race, (as we prepare for our 4th Britcar 24 hrs) you will see just how much fun the whole race week is, you will get the point about why is HAS to be 24 hours, and why it is such a fitting end to the season.
Andy "as seen on Top Gear" Hancock
Jemco Racing
The Milton Keynes idea is first class, and I suspect infield camping will give the spectator figures a big nudge forward.
Don, get the Volvo entered into the race, (as we prepare for our 4th Britcar 24 hrs) you will see just how much fun the whole race week is, you will get the point about why is HAS to be 24 hours, and why it is such a fitting end to the season.
Andy "as seen on Top Gear" Hancock
Jemco Racing
I think it's an excellent idea. 
Schools are also key to this, I know the local football / Ice Hockey clubs etc, get people into
schools or advise them of a 'free' event in the centre of MK where the teams can then do their sales pitch.
I've already got my daughter telling all her friends at her school in MK to come along and hopefully
they will then put pressure on their parents to attend the race the following week.
Many of them love cars already, but most will never have seen a race car up close....and of course
they ALL know about Top Gear, so play that card.
Schools are also key to this, I know the local football / Ice Hockey clubs etc, get people into
schools or advise them of a 'free' event in the centre of MK where the teams can then do their sales pitch.
I've already got my daughter telling all her friends at her school in MK to come along and hopefully
they will then put pressure on their parents to attend the race the following week.
Many of them love cars already, but most will never have seen a race car up close....and of course
they ALL know about Top Gear, so play that card.
I must admit that when I first read the article the references to a car park and burger/ice cream vans conjured up an image of a school fete.
However, one of MK Councils two offices is directly next to the main shopping area. If the weather is kind, the cars are suitably loud and there is sufficient room to put on some sort of show then this could be a crowd puller. If it works well then perhaps the council could be persuaded to close off a couple of roads next year and it could make a real impact with Joe Public.
The really significant news though is infield camping. I don't think Le Mans draws a local crowd and I suspect the Britcar 24 won't either. Opening up camping on site together with sensible pricing in the first couple of years could start pulling in car and motorsport enthusiasts in numbers. Should be good!
From a personal perspective it is a shame that Dutch Supercars are no longer part of the weekend so I won't be racing.
However, one of MK Councils two offices is directly next to the main shopping area. If the weather is kind, the cars are suitably loud and there is sufficient room to put on some sort of show then this could be a crowd puller. If it works well then perhaps the council could be persuaded to close off a couple of roads next year and it could make a real impact with Joe Public.
The really significant news though is infield camping. I don't think Le Mans draws a local crowd and I suspect the Britcar 24 won't either. Opening up camping on site together with sensible pricing in the first couple of years could start pulling in car and motorsport enthusiasts in numbers. Should be good!
From a personal perspective it is a shame that Dutch Supercars are no longer part of the weekend so I won't be racing.
don kalmar union said:
Furthermore, the setting of the dates for these events in September does not really help to encourage many supporters who might not be prepared to brave the almost certain wet, misty and chilly autumnal conditions.
I have marshalled at the last two races and the weather has been great. For 2007 myself and a mate stayed on for the LMES event the next weekend and the weather was fantastic the whole time. Mind you, coming from Scotland, any time there is no rain is great 
.Having said that I believe the first Britcar 24H had thunder, lightning and rain of biblical proportions.
KJR
The weather was good in 2007, but fog/mist in the night is a regular issue that you would almost certainly not have if it were possible to have the race a month earlier.
We were at Spa in October last year and it was 27 deg C during the day all weekend (and no rain). Bloody cold at night though!
We were at Spa in October last year and it was 27 deg C during the day all weekend (and no rain). Bloody cold at night though!
We were there last year but no camping so had to drive there and back from home which is a drag and would put a lot off. The whole point is to dip in and out as you see fit and absorb the atmosphere, having a BBQ and a few beers.
It would be helpful if they opened some more toilets aas around 50% are closed. We also had to park outside when it was virtually empty.
The LMES racing was wet but you could camp over, the main stand was closed so Silverstone don't help themselves by providing shoddy facilities when they have them and it could be a massive success. After the LMES in 2006 we decided to pop into the bar after the race finished (10pm), so we got changed in the tent, had a freshen up and walked over, only to find out they were shutting up at 11pm - losers. Personally, I hate Silverstone but this is the only race I would consider coming to Silverstone for.
FFG
It would be helpful if they opened some more toilets aas around 50% are closed. We also had to park outside when it was virtually empty.
The LMES racing was wet but you could camp over, the main stand was closed so Silverstone don't help themselves by providing shoddy facilities when they have them and it could be a massive success. After the LMES in 2006 we decided to pop into the bar after the race finished (10pm), so we got changed in the tent, had a freshen up and walked over, only to find out they were shutting up at 11pm - losers. Personally, I hate Silverstone but this is the only race I would consider coming to Silverstone for.
FFG
I'll be there, have been for the past two years and TBH its great talking to the people watching because they are all hardened racegoers. Last year was awesome because the crowds had begun to increase plus the top gear team caused some interest. IIRC there was limited camping on site, we managed to watch various stages of the race through the night when it wasnt stopped for the fog and we camped. Im not sure its feasible to hold it any other time of year because there are so many other well established events going on. I dont mind what the weather is and despite the evenings being dark early at that time I have never found that dertracts from an excellent race.
I'm looking forward to it. Especially being able to provide trackside camping for everyone. We'll have a bar etc too.
Don't know what this chat about september being miserable is all about. It's usually a fabulous month for weather. Reckon the date in question has a very very good chance of still being hot and sunny so bring it on!
Don't know what this chat about september being miserable is all about. It's usually a fabulous month for weather. Reckon the date in question has a very very good chance of still being hot and sunny so bring it on!
I think its a great idea promoting the event, will the cars actually be screaming around milton keynes or just on show? Ive come to the past two 24hour races, the first year on my own, and last year 2friends decided to come along, but after my mates seeing it on TopGear ive got a gang of 13 already coming along this year so the TopGear team entering seemed to do the trick and I hope they are there again this year.
And what with the camping even better whe'll bring the barby along, considering the past two years ive just been sleeping in the stands although ive only had 5hours sleep over the past two events! And the timing of the year is perfect for us as its the weekend before we start sixth form which will get us all in a good mood for it! Can't Wait!!!
And what with the camping even better whe'll bring the barby along, considering the past two years ive just been sleeping in the stands although ive only had 5hours sleep over the past two events! And the timing of the year is perfect for us as its the weekend before we start sixth form which will get us all in a good mood for it! Can't Wait!!!
Is the Britcar 24hr promotion day going ahead in Milton Keynes on Sept 13th ?
It seems to have gone very quiet. Was this idea a non-starter ?
I was thinking of taking a look at it as I will be down that way for the Le Mans Series at Silverstone that weekend.
Could somebody confirm any details.
I've attended the Britcar 24hr for the last 2 years and really enjoyed the 24hr experience.
Lloyd.
It seems to have gone very quiet. Was this idea a non-starter ?
I was thinking of taking a look at it as I will be down that way for the Le Mans Series at Silverstone that weekend.
Could somebody confirm any details.
I've attended the Britcar 24hr for the last 2 years and really enjoyed the 24hr experience.
Lloyd.
Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff