Friday Practice at Silverstone 2018 - advice

[elliss]

hi, I am taking my 8yo son to the Friday practice at Silverstone..... a handy inset day off has make some GA tickets possible. we will travel up in the morning (have parking sorted) and we don't mind early hours, a bit of making do etc etc.

I'm just looking for any pointers. Where to go. Must do's vs don't bothers etc etc

I have never been before and am a little unsure of useful tactics to get the most out of the day with an 8 year old. My son has suddenly become the fountain of all knowledge on the sport and its recent history. this trip is a bit of a try our for longer venture in 2019.

thanks

[BlimeyCharlie]

elliss said:

hi, I am taking my 8yo son to the Friday practice at Silverstone..... a handy inset day off has make some GA tickets possible. we will travel up in the morning (have parking sorted) and we don't mind early hours, a bit of making do etc etc.

I'm just looking for any pointers. Where to go. Must do's vs don't bothers etc etc

I have never been before and am a little unsure of useful tactics to get the most out of the day with an 8 year old. My son has suddenly become the fountain of all knowledge on the sport and its recent history. this trip is a bit of a try our for longer venture in 2019.

thanks

Wow - 'decent question remains unanswered' shock.

However...
I'd go and 'spectate' at the entrance to Becketts, as close to the track/racing line as possible, (on the outside of circuit) just before cars turn right. The speed is crazy, and you can hear the cars coming from Copse but not see them until they explode into view. You will not believe how quickly the cars take the corner...

Bear in mind that teams/cars will do 'installation laps' for a while initially, so not really going 100%, but you will be thrilled.

Rest of track now seems physically too far away from cars (in my opinion), but again Hanger Straight and down to Stowe might be good, just for sheer speed/sound etc.

You'll do far more walking than you'll expect, food expensive so take some, toilets good though, plus if on Hanger Straight you'll be near to helicopters that are always landing/taking off, which is a nice thing to watch for any age.

Porsche have their 'Centre' adjacent to Hanger Straight, nice cars there, so I'd base myself there/Becketts for the action, then wander off for rest of day.

You'll soon get used to the weirdos wearing years-out-of-date Jenson Button McLaren kit, with their fold-up chairs and sandals.

Don't expect glamour!

Have fun, but get there early and maybe watch teams/drivers go through security gates on the main entrance side of circuit. You'll probably not meet anyone famous but you might see them in a nice car.

[Sheetmaself]

Thought id responded to this!

You can buy a pass to get to the infield for spectating and will also allow access to the support race paddocks. Not massively expensive may be worth a look.