FoS first timer, after some advice.

[RyanTank]

Hi all. I've won tickets to go to the opening day of the FoS this year from Subaru, with a test drive of one f their vehicle which I believe will allow me to tackle the hillclimb at a decent speed. tho not nearly as aggressive as the professionals!

I'll be taking an array of video/photography equipment with me to savour the day and am just wondering if there's any availability to charge up said devices, mainly the camera as it doesn't support USB charging and I'm too tight to buy a second battery just for the day I've plenty of powerbanks to take car of the phone/gopro recharging.

I've seen there's power lockers that will allow phone charging but it doesn't make clear if plugs are available for camera equipment.

Slightly gutted there'll be no flat out action on the hill when I'm there, but at least the rally stage is running to some capacity, even if it is juts shakedown runs. seeing that is higher on my list than an F1 car up the hill to be honest.

my other query is should I aim to get there for car park opening or leave it until its open to avoid sitting in hrs of queues? Coming from south wales so really need to plan ahead!

Going to be taking a rucksack with a poncho in in case the weather turns, so other than my camera gear and bottles of water anything else that should be going in the bag? never done an event like this so no idea whats good/bad.

cheers


sorry, forgot to add. is it worth picking up a programme? and whats the likelihood of the star drivers being around on the Thursday? (always happy to collect a few autographs)

Edited by RyanTank on Wednesday 15th June 20:42

[RyanTank]

thanks for the advice all. I'll make sure the battery on the camera is fully charged before setting off. if it lasts it lasts if not then the phone & GoPro will have to do as substitute.

I'll chance it on Thursday for a programme, there's only the option of getting a voucher sent out signed for, making it more expensive than trying on the day! if I cant get one then nothing lost there.

Waiting on the details from Subaru to come through to allow military style planning for the day

[RyanTank]

Lynchie999 said:

I wouldn't military plan too much! best to just take your time and enjoy the day!

just take note of the timings for the GAS arena if you wish to see that....

also, top tip.. don't bother looking too much at all the trade stands... and take note of where things are on the map for shortest routes...

Cheers. The planning will be more getting to the event. 3hourish drive down, so to get there for 7am means leaving 4am or earlier to factor in stops for comfort breaks and people fuel.

Will likely spend all day there start to close so will just meander around and take it all in.
Trade stands will probably be avoided, seriously doubt there's any deals to be had on the opening day and given the event only premium stuff are offered, no?

[RyanTank]

Keith ctr said:

Sounds like I won the same as you last week with Subaru, have you received anything yet as I haven't?

Hi Keith. yes, got my tickets through the post yesterday. I did panic a bit and messaged Subaru PR as I need to set off at around 4am Thursday morning, so getting tickets on the day would have meant not going really as I don't usually get post until the afternoon
They replied with "dont worry, tickets were sent yesterday (monday) and should arrive by tomorrow (today)"

Got my time slot and choice of 2 cars by the looks of the letters? Unless I get one and my guest gets the other??

[RyanTank]

Keith ctr said:

Mine didn't arrive yesterday so hopefully they will be there for me today. I contacted them yesterday but didn't get a reply.

The drives are for you and your guest, but if the times are spread out no reason why you can't do them both

I thought as much, both are at the same time. I don't see them on the event map so cant have that many cars going. I'd have liked a trip up in the WRX, but will have to settle on the BRZ

[RyanTank]

Lynchie999 said:

they will be in the moving motorshow "tent" so not necessarily on the map in the "open" area...

Thanks, never been so didn't know they have stands in the moving motorshow tent
(however reading back over the letter it does say "stand on the moving motorshow"

eybic said:

OP: Are you sure it isn't just a matter of you test driving something on the hill? If that's the case then you will not be allowed to go at a fast pace. I don't want to put a downer on it but also it wouldn't be nice for you to expect to do some quick driving when in reality it could be at a more leisurely pace.

I'm not expecting a full fat test drive up the hill (as awesome as that'd be) and have resigned to just a basic test. I think they use the wording "entitles you to one time slot to drive the Hill Climb with one of our Hill Climb instructors" rather generously. Still free tickets and a test up the hill is better than nothing

[RyanTank]

Just packing for both eventualities in weather and realising if I take it all I'm going to be like a pack mule!
What's the situation with being able to go back to the car if I leave stuff there but need it later on in the day?

[RyanTank]

Cheers. Hopefully I'll just dump some stuff in the car and not need it.