Goodwood, did I get in for free?
Discussion
I had gone for a drive around the countryside and stopped at the Open Air Museum to use the loo. Thought I'd might as well have a look at the circuit as I was in the area.
Beautiful day, great roads
Checking on line I could see that it was a members only track day, £250 cost but I thought I'd drive up and just ask at the gate if I could be a spectator.
As I approached the entrance a security guy waved me down but before I could say anything, he just waved me through.
I'm wondering if it was because I was in my Alpine
So I followed a bunch of cars, McClarans, Porsches, TVRs etc through the tunnel and next thing I'm in a line for the pit lane
I didn't carry on as I didn't want to take the pee and I'm sure the marshals must be checking something with each driver.
So I just parked up nearby and wondered over to the stands above the pit lane to watch.
This was yesterday, 17th Sept.
Is this usual? If so it's a nice drive down with something to do on the journey.
Beautiful day, great roads
Checking on line I could see that it was a members only track day, £250 cost but I thought I'd drive up and just ask at the gate if I could be a spectator.
As I approached the entrance a security guy waved me down but before I could say anything, he just waved me through.
I'm wondering if it was because I was in my Alpine
So I followed a bunch of cars, McClarans, Porsches, TVRs etc through the tunnel and next thing I'm in a line for the pit lane
I didn't carry on as I didn't want to take the pee and I'm sure the marshals must be checking something with each driver.
So I just parked up nearby and wondered over to the stands above the pit lane to watch.
This was yesterday, 17th Sept.
Is this usual? If so it's a nice drive down with something to do on the journey.
At Goodwood the Marshalls check as they wave you onto the track from the pit lane. It's a sessioned track day, so they let 5 or 7 cars out one by one, and check the wrist bands as they do so (and on passengers too).
Always free to spectate all track days though, and park in the paddock etc.
Always free to spectate all track days though, and park in the paddock etc.
I am nearby often go to spectate. Some of my best afternoons spent there. Especially when the weather is like it is now.
I was speaking with the ladies in the cafe on the outside of the circuit opposite the pits and like absolutely everything you can think of at Goodwood, they are about to make it a pay car park. They really have become money grabbing worms. She said it was going to be £6 an hour.
It will mean I don't go and I then won't pay any money to the cafe. Shame but it's just how that place is going.
I was speaking with the ladies in the cafe on the outside of the circuit opposite the pits and like absolutely everything you can think of at Goodwood, they are about to make it a pay car park. They really have become money grabbing worms. She said it was going to be £6 an hour.
It will mean I don't go and I then won't pay any money to the cafe. Shame but it's just how that place is going.
Edited by cliffords on Wednesday 18th September 16:14
The airport cafe is also really nice and a great viewing area of the airfield but also catching glimpses of the cars in the distance.
We went yesterday to watch the Saywell trackday and had a really nice afternoon there.
If that’s right about them charging to park there then I can see a lot of people giving it a miss.
We went yesterday to watch the Saywell trackday and had a really nice afternoon there.
If that’s right about them charging to park there then I can see a lot of people giving it a miss.
cliffords said:
I am nearby often go to spectate. Some of my best afternoons spent there. Especially when the weather is like it is now.
I was speaking with the ladies in the cafe on the outside of the circuit opposite the pits and like absolutely everything you can think of at Goodwood, they are about to make it a pay car park. They really have become money grabbing worms. She said it was going to be £6 an hour.
It will mean I don't go and I then won't pay any money to the cafe. Shame but it's just how that place is going.
It's just a rumour right now so wait and see if it becomes reality and then how it's applied before judging too much (e.g. maybe it will apply to the paddock but not an area on the outside perimeter). When I've been to track days there are sometimes groups of cars that turn up to hang around and take photos for their instragram posts etc - they are not much more than loiterers - not there for either participating or spectating. I suspect that expensive parking fees are a way for Goodwood to manage that issue.I was speaking with the ladies in the cafe on the outside of the circuit opposite the pits and like absolutely everything you can think of at Goodwood, they are about to make it a pay car park. They really have become money grabbing worms. She said it was going to be £6 an hour.
It will mean I don't go and I then won't pay any money to the cafe. Shame but it's just how that place is going.
braddo said:
It's just a rumour right now so wait and see if it becomes reality and then how it's applied before judging too much (e.g. maybe it will apply to the paddock but not an area on the outside perimeter). When I've been to track days there are sometimes groups of cars that turn up to hang around and take photos for their instragram posts etc - they are not much more than loiterers - not there for either participating or spectating. I suspect that expensive parking fees are a way for Goodwood to manage that issue.
Yeah I see plenty of car clubs organise runs or meets to there, use the loos don’t grab any food or drink and off they go again. croyde said:
I'm kicking myself for only just finding out that one can attend as a spectator and find some grub too.
I've been using the roads from London down that way for decades, to enjoy (test) my cars and motorbikes
Definitely still worth doing I've been using the roads from London down that way for decades, to enjoy (test) my cars and motorbikes
If a track day is on then the paddock will be open from about 7.30am. Go through the tunnel and into the paddock and there is an old WWII truck that serves breakfast baps etc. There is always some tasty machinery to look at while having a munch.
croyde said:
I'm kicking myself for only just finding out that one can attend as a spectator and find some grub too.
I've been using the roads from London down that way for decades, to enjoy (test) my cars and motorbikes
The diary for the rest of the year is here:I've been using the roads from London down that way for decades, to enjoy (test) my cars and motorbikes
https://www.goodwood.com/globalassets/motorsport/m...
To note for next year members meet and revival testing is members only.
I just dropped in there this afternoon the sun came out and I sat and had a quick coffee and then had a mooch about. Despite the fact I moan about the place quite a bit, it reminded me how lucky I am to have that on my doorstep just 15 minutes away. Not busy today that car park that may start charging had me and one car in it. It's surprising how much equipment is still being dismantled from revival, quite a few contractors there, track closed this afternoon so you could actually walk across it 
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