How to fill the stands at Britcar 24h ?
Discussion
After last weekend, I was left wondering what else needs to be done to fill the stands of what, for me, was a fantastic weekend (unfortunately incredibly marred by a certain incident).
The actual Britcar championship is immensely interesting with such a vast array of cars on track and the 24 hour element adds another great side to the championship. Watching the cars day and night.
In addition to this, there was a massive programme of other exciting racing series. Chuck in the fantastic air displays (and from a personal point of view, a 2 lap 'parade' drive in our TVR's), optional camping at the circuit (although a tad expensive) and it was pretty much petrolhead heaven for a weekend. Literally, like a mini LeMans trip.
So, looking back at the pictures, why the hell were there only a handful of spectators bunched into one stand with a scattering of people in some of the other stands ? I realise that the seating area at Silverstone is large but it looked odd that there were excessively more empty seats than there were filled.
For such a good event, it looked pitiful to me.
I know it's only 4 years old but it needs to be kicking in by now.
The weather was fabulous but unusual for late September. I have no doubt that the weather was a big contributing factor to the overall enjoyment. This would lead me to suggest that a more mid summer weekend would be a good idea for future Britcar 24h gatherings in order to give a better chance of nice weather.
The organisers did a great job with regards to laying on a proper spectacle. So why weren't more people there to share the weekend ?
Even the British motor racing press have barely covered it ?
What's to do ?
The actual Britcar championship is immensely interesting with such a vast array of cars on track and the 24 hour element adds another great side to the championship. Watching the cars day and night.
In addition to this, there was a massive programme of other exciting racing series. Chuck in the fantastic air displays (and from a personal point of view, a 2 lap 'parade' drive in our TVR's), optional camping at the circuit (although a tad expensive) and it was pretty much petrolhead heaven for a weekend. Literally, like a mini LeMans trip.
So, looking back at the pictures, why the hell were there only a handful of spectators bunched into one stand with a scattering of people in some of the other stands ? I realise that the seating area at Silverstone is large but it looked odd that there were excessively more empty seats than there were filled.
For such a good event, it looked pitiful to me.
I know it's only 4 years old but it needs to be kicking in by now.
The weather was fabulous but unusual for late September. I have no doubt that the weather was a big contributing factor to the overall enjoyment. This would lead me to suggest that a more mid summer weekend would be a good idea for future Britcar 24h gatherings in order to give a better chance of nice weather.
The organisers did a great job with regards to laying on a proper spectacle. So why weren't more people there to share the weekend ?
Even the British motor racing press have barely covered it ?
What's to do ?
james tucker said:
Night qual has to be done at night.
8.00pm-10.00pm
That is why it is sept.
Re Le Mans series tickets, the manufacturers payed about £10.00 per ticket, I cannot afford to do that..
jt
Wow !8.00pm-10.00pm
That is why it is sept.
Re Le Mans series tickets, the manufacturers payed about £10.00 per ticket, I cannot afford to do that..
jt
The night quali time issue is a bummer. Makes alot more sense now. What is it with the rule book makers in this country ?
James, it wasn't a dig at you or the event by the way. I can see you made a massive effort because I was there to see it. Top marks.
I know nothing about organising these sorts of things and I imagine James must have to negotiate hard to get a weekend there, but bear in mind that The BTCC ws at Brands and the Goodwood revival was also in full swing, therefore the amount of people who would normally attend an event like this is automatically slashed. Therefore the choice of weekend maybe wasnt the best, but im sure that his was tyaken into account on the original planning.
I would look at trying to get a weekend where there isnt too much of a clash with anything ( almost impossible!) maybe just before or just after le mans, when people are still in "24hr Mode" The thought of camping in September cant be much of a seller, despite the fact that this weekend we had a result with the weather!
I think the camping guys did the event proud. OK, not everyone was happy with the price, but it did entitle people to discounted tickets and from what I hear and the little I saw Guy and his team laid on a good camp site which they didnt skimp too much on. Im sure that as the years pass if the numbers go up, he may be able to massage the cost slightly, depending on what peoples requirements are. At least he had the balls to put his money on the line and provide the service. I think he should be awarded with an exclusive contract for the future, providing he doesnt take advantage of it by pushing costs up ( which im sure he wont).
I think coverage is important. There is a thread running on here about Autosport and Motoring week. Certinaly more coverage needs to be given to the 24hr, it has the potential to be a massive event in the season and the press should recognise this early and promote it as such. Maybe a few "big names" in some of the cars may help from a PR point of view. Some TV coverage or updates on SKY wouldnt go amiss either, especially in light of some of the obscure crap they cover on there.
I think it has the potential to be massive, its excellent for spectators, the access to cars, drivers and teams is second to none and with the F1 going to Donnington, Silverstone should really be bending over backwards to get James and the Britcar back and making concessions to that end.
just my 2ps worth
edited to add - just read about the night qually times and the choice of month - makes sense now!
I would look at trying to get a weekend where there isnt too much of a clash with anything ( almost impossible!) maybe just before or just after le mans, when people are still in "24hr Mode" The thought of camping in September cant be much of a seller, despite the fact that this weekend we had a result with the weather!
I think the camping guys did the event proud. OK, not everyone was happy with the price, but it did entitle people to discounted tickets and from what I hear and the little I saw Guy and his team laid on a good camp site which they didnt skimp too much on. Im sure that as the years pass if the numbers go up, he may be able to massage the cost slightly, depending on what peoples requirements are. At least he had the balls to put his money on the line and provide the service. I think he should be awarded with an exclusive contract for the future, providing he doesnt take advantage of it by pushing costs up ( which im sure he wont).
I think coverage is important. There is a thread running on here about Autosport and Motoring week. Certinaly more coverage needs to be given to the 24hr, it has the potential to be a massive event in the season and the press should recognise this early and promote it as such. Maybe a few "big names" in some of the cars may help from a PR point of view. Some TV coverage or updates on SKY wouldnt go amiss either, especially in light of some of the obscure crap they cover on there.
I think it has the potential to be massive, its excellent for spectators, the access to cars, drivers and teams is second to none and with the F1 going to Donnington, Silverstone should really be bending over backwards to get James and the Britcar back and making concessions to that end.
just my 2ps worth
edited to add - just read about the night qually times and the choice of month - makes sense now!
Edited by Obiwonkeyblokey on Thursday 25th September 09:49
Obiwonkeyblokey said:
I think the camping guys did the event proud. OK, not everyone was happy with the price, but it did entitle people to discounted tickets and from what I hear and the little I saw Guy and his team laid on a good camp site which they didnt skimp too much on.
The camping area was excellent. Maybe I am being a tad harsh on the price issue but I wasn't the only one commenting on this. The security in the camping area was comforting too so I suppose it's worth paying a touch more for that peace of mind.Anyway, this isn't a moaning thread.
It's more of a "What a mega weekend !" thread and a hope that it can get bigger and even better (where possible) in the future.
lazyitus - 100% agree with your opening post.
Certainly it is a lot cheaper than a Le Mans weekend, you see the cars more often, the motors are more similar to what the man in the street uses and everyone is so friendly. (we also do not have to wrestle with poor Euro exchange rates)
This race is at a stage now where it could spring forward into something really very big -- some innovative marketing initiatives would help, some factory involvement would as mentioned lift it to another level.
To everyone at Britcar HQ -- rest up and enjoy the satisfaction of a successful well run event -- then, I encourage you to push forward into the 2009 event and hope that you create opportunities to move it up to the next level. Good luck I for one will support you all the way.
paul f
Certainly it is a lot cheaper than a Le Mans weekend, you see the cars more often, the motors are more similar to what the man in the street uses and everyone is so friendly. (we also do not have to wrestle with poor Euro exchange rates)
This race is at a stage now where it could spring forward into something really very big -- some innovative marketing initiatives would help, some factory involvement would as mentioned lift it to another level.
To everyone at Britcar HQ -- rest up and enjoy the satisfaction of a successful well run event -- then, I encourage you to push forward into the 2009 event and hope that you create opportunities to move it up to the next level. Good luck I for one will support you all the way.
paul f
Edited by legaleagleboy on Thursday 25th September 10:10
Obviously the series deserves more interest but can I also say I loved the fact it felt so small. It was like true deadicated fans and that provided a great atmosphere and I just felt like part of the britcar family.
We left at around 10ish and I went back on my own at 3am and had the entire track to myself it was amazing! So I would agree that more people should go but at the same time think its great to have such a special race with a true fan base
We left at around 10ish and I went back on my own at 3am and had the entire track to myself it was amazing! So I would agree that more people should go but at the same time think its great to have such a special race with a true fan base
sirtyro said:
Obviously the series deserves more interest but can I also say I loved the fact it felt so small. It was like true deadicated fans and that provided a great atmosphere and I just felt like part of the britcar family.
We left at around 10ish and I went back on my own at 3am and had the entire track to myself it was amazing! So I would agree that more people should go but at the same time think its great to have such a special race with a true fan base
I understand that sentiment. We left at around 10ish and I went back on my own at 3am and had the entire track to myself it was amazing! So I would agree that more people should go but at the same time think its great to have such a special race with a true fan base
I guess part of the problem is that as mentioned above there are only a finite number of people prepared to pay for tickets to a race meeting in the UK - 150,000 of them went to Goodwood, 15,000 (it was a poor crowd at TOCA apparently this weekend too) went to Brands for TOCA and perhaps 10,000 came to Silverstone - basically with those 2 events on the same weekend its going to be difficult to attract those 'petrol heads' that might consider forking out for a race meeting.
I thought given the other two events it wasn't badly attended, but there is no doubt that it has scope to improve it.
The comments I had back from people that came up were all positive, lots thought watching the racing was more exciting than they thought it might be given its endurance racing, those that camped thought it was expensive - perhaps worth it for both nights, but not for one (sorry WRR) - couldn't you have got the multiple ticket offer from BritCar and therefore sold race weekends much cheaper (I know you had them for 25 not 30 - but I think it was possible if you bought a bulk load to get them for about 5).
I thought though it was a great event and I'll certainly be back for more - and interestingly all those that came along over the weekend as guests also said they'd be back for more and spreading the word.
I thought given the other two events it wasn't badly attended, but there is no doubt that it has scope to improve it.
The comments I had back from people that came up were all positive, lots thought watching the racing was more exciting than they thought it might be given its endurance racing, those that camped thought it was expensive - perhaps worth it for both nights, but not for one (sorry WRR) - couldn't you have got the multiple ticket offer from BritCar and therefore sold race weekends much cheaper (I know you had them for 25 not 30 - but I think it was possible if you bought a bulk load to get them for about 5).
I thought though it was a great event and I'll certainly be back for more - and interestingly all those that came along over the weekend as guests also said they'd be back for more and spreading the word.
I think its a fantastic event but obviously if you start growing the event, the cars are going to change as more money will go into it, and then you will start to create more of a high end lemans rival at the same level.
I like the fact that it seems accessible for the average person, even to get compete seems like its not a silly difficult challenge beyond anyone who doesnt have a mainstream manufacturers budget.
The weekend competing with good wood and BTCC will always be a difficult one. the weekend has a lot of potential but i dont want it to become to big of a weekend as you will loose a lot of the feeling of the britcar race.
I have to say with the small amount of events work ive been involved in i have to say that what goes on is incredibly good event and i want this event to carry on as it is, a true motorsport event and not a pissup weekend.
this year was my first and most definatly not my last.
I like the fact that it seems accessible for the average person, even to get compete seems like its not a silly difficult challenge beyond anyone who doesnt have a mainstream manufacturers budget.
The weekend competing with good wood and BTCC will always be a difficult one. the weekend has a lot of potential but i dont want it to become to big of a weekend as you will loose a lot of the feeling of the britcar race.
I have to say with the small amount of events work ive been involved in i have to say that what goes on is incredibly good event and i want this event to carry on as it is, a true motorsport event and not a pissup weekend.
this year was my first and most definatly not my last.
Edited by Rich VRS on Thursday 25th September 11:26
It was a great weekend and the atmosphere was brilliant.
The last couple of years having the Dutch Supercar Challenge helps to add an international feel to the event. Some of them use to race in both the DSC and the 24 hours which was great. This year did lack international presents compared to the previous years. However this shouldn't be a factor for bringing in more fans (should it?) because there was a great variety of cars from all over GB.
The last couple of years having the Dutch Supercar Challenge helps to add an international feel to the event. Some of them use to race in both the DSC and the 24 hours which was great. This year did lack international presents compared to the previous years. However this shouldn't be a factor for bringing in more fans (should it?) because there was a great variety of cars from all over GB.
Obviously two other high profile events on the same day is going to split any potential audience. Given the free choice between attending Goodwood Revival, Britcar or BTCC, then it would be in that order. Goodwood is fantastic, the cars are wonderful and the atmosphere is great - fancy dress or smart casual and all that. I don't like BTCC its too much like glorified banger racing these days. I was at Britcar working as a photographer.
To give Britcar more clout there needs to be more attractions - some more household names in the drivers seats would help, and some off circuit attractions - more varied food stands - LMS series managed lots of different food stalls - pizza, fish and chips, burgers, oriental. The normal Silverstone deathburger wasn't very appetizing.
People were excited when Top Gear confirmed their entry, but when news from various other forums trickled through on the Thursday / Friday that they weren't there, many people made alternative arrangements.
Camping at £ 50 seemed expensive when for a lot of people it would only be one night. For only a little bit more I had a proper bed, a hot batch and a full English breakfast.
A bit more of a funfair or other events may make it more attractive as a family event rather than the single bloke on his own event.
To give Britcar more clout there needs to be more attractions - some more household names in the drivers seats would help, and some off circuit attractions - more varied food stands - LMS series managed lots of different food stalls - pizza, fish and chips, burgers, oriental. The normal Silverstone deathburger wasn't very appetizing.
People were excited when Top Gear confirmed their entry, but when news from various other forums trickled through on the Thursday / Friday that they weren't there, many people made alternative arrangements.
Camping at £ 50 seemed expensive when for a lot of people it would only be one night. For only a little bit more I had a proper bed, a hot batch and a full English breakfast.
A bit more of a funfair or other events may make it more attractive as a family event rather than the single bloke on his own event.
james tucker said:
Re Le Mans series tickets, the manufacturers payed about £10.00 per ticket, I cannot afford to do that..
jt
I think you've got the wrong end of the stick there. No-one expects you to give tickets away but the only reason for that LMS crowd was the Peugeot give-away. If everyone had to pay i suspect the crowds would have been very similar for LMS and Britcar.jt
norwichphoto said:
People were excited when Top Gear confirmed their entry, but when news from various other forums trickled through on the Thursday / Friday that they weren't there, many people made alternative arrangements.
Yep. I reckon you have a good point there about TG. Also, the Vulcan went unserviceable on Thursday/Friday. You'd be suprised what a crowd-puller that plane can be and when TVOC announced the display was off i suspect a lot of casual visitors for Saturday will have decided not to bother.Having said all of that it's growing every year and in the grand scheme of things 4 years is nothing.
Hello all.
Observations from a total outsider.
My brother in law is a member of the TVR owners club and a few months ago he asked me to go with him and a couple of mates to go to the Britcar event. Don't know why I agreed, I don't like motorsport as such. Occasionally watch F1 and touring cars, if there's 'nothing better' on.
Well, I duly turned up and what can I say, I thouroughly enjoyed it. Watched the qualifying on Friday night, good fun. Love the illuminated door numbers.
Walked round the pits, expected to get bawled out when we stuck our heads in a garage, not a bit of it. Everyone took time to speak to us and made us most welcome. I don't know if it would have the same feel if it was rammed. One of our party always goes to the F1 weekend and he said:- a, it was solid you can hardly move. b, you wouldn't get within a finishing straight's distance of the pits.
Camping was good. Not too much rowdyism, but a good craic, nonetheless.
I would suggest somewhere to go for a drink at night on the friday, beer tent etc. If there was one and I missed it I apologise.
Enjoyed the hog roast and complimentary hog roll on Sat night. And what a roll, a meal in itself.
I was sickened by the accident at the start, sent shivers down my spine. My thoughts to Andy Neate and his family at this time. I suffered a similar injury, playing rugby 18 months ago. You DO recover, albeit slowly.
So after all the rambling I enjoyed it. I think we're going again next year. I don't know if I'd enjoy it if it was too successful. I don't know the financial set up, what the break even point is etc etc.
Observations from a total outsider.
My brother in law is a member of the TVR owners club and a few months ago he asked me to go with him and a couple of mates to go to the Britcar event. Don't know why I agreed, I don't like motorsport as such. Occasionally watch F1 and touring cars, if there's 'nothing better' on.
Well, I duly turned up and what can I say, I thouroughly enjoyed it. Watched the qualifying on Friday night, good fun. Love the illuminated door numbers.
Walked round the pits, expected to get bawled out when we stuck our heads in a garage, not a bit of it. Everyone took time to speak to us and made us most welcome. I don't know if it would have the same feel if it was rammed. One of our party always goes to the F1 weekend and he said:- a, it was solid you can hardly move. b, you wouldn't get within a finishing straight's distance of the pits.
Camping was good. Not too much rowdyism, but a good craic, nonetheless.
I would suggest somewhere to go for a drink at night on the friday, beer tent etc. If there was one and I missed it I apologise.
Enjoyed the hog roast and complimentary hog roll on Sat night. And what a roll, a meal in itself.
I was sickened by the accident at the start, sent shivers down my spine. My thoughts to Andy Neate and his family at this time. I suffered a similar injury, playing rugby 18 months ago. You DO recover, albeit slowly.
So after all the rambling I enjoyed it. I think we're going again next year. I don't know if I'd enjoy it if it was too successful. I don't know the financial set up, what the break even point is etc etc.
i'm not digging at OP or taking sides with James tucker as thats not my style but i gotta say that even tho the stands werent packed there was still alot of people there and the paddock was a buzz all weekend (i was helping out at the BPM team but am a motorsport fan and participant first and foremost)
during the race i took a quad upto the back of the circuit where the odd group of people were sat watching, i took in and enjoyed the racing for a good 20 minutes although if i was just a spectator i would of had little idea of who was in which position at the time, but tbh that didnt bother me as i preferred to concentrate on the mosler taking three cars into a bend, and the powersliding 911!!!
again going back to the paddock, people were in and out of garages, trotting about, crossing circuit, the tvr support there was brilliant... so the crowds are defo growing. the open pitlane was a brilliant idea, that will continue to attract more and more people as it is vey hard to get so close to any form of racing let alone stand watching the cars pit and be worked on.
i didnt stay at silverstone after qualy, but now wish i had. my only gripe is that i wish general parking would of been considered within the perimeter of the circuit and not stoppin at the gates as large areas infield were empty and at Renault world series, the cars infield that people were able to see were breathtaking, but as the event grows and grows i think this is an option that will grow less and less appealing to the organisers.
whilst in the garage james trotted down the pitlane and took myself and a friend down the pits to show me the telemetry and TV/internet viewing ideas that are going to be implimented within the next year. (even though id never met the guy before) this stuff is on par if not above what nascar is using (and thats not doing too badly) so within the next year the attendance, viewing figures, revenue will continue to grow.
working for the BBC (although not at the event) i feel that the showing of the race on a secondary channel i.e ITV4, BBC3 will only add to the experience, bring in interest, sponsership and support for the series which over two days and having never previously attended i fell in love with!
and like i said when we were in the mosler garage james, if you need any advertising, media or general ideas, assistence im more than willing to help
regard
Naithan
during the race i took a quad upto the back of the circuit where the odd group of people were sat watching, i took in and enjoyed the racing for a good 20 minutes although if i was just a spectator i would of had little idea of who was in which position at the time, but tbh that didnt bother me as i preferred to concentrate on the mosler taking three cars into a bend, and the powersliding 911!!!
again going back to the paddock, people were in and out of garages, trotting about, crossing circuit, the tvr support there was brilliant... so the crowds are defo growing. the open pitlane was a brilliant idea, that will continue to attract more and more people as it is vey hard to get so close to any form of racing let alone stand watching the cars pit and be worked on.
i didnt stay at silverstone after qualy, but now wish i had. my only gripe is that i wish general parking would of been considered within the perimeter of the circuit and not stoppin at the gates as large areas infield were empty and at Renault world series, the cars infield that people were able to see were breathtaking, but as the event grows and grows i think this is an option that will grow less and less appealing to the organisers.
whilst in the garage james trotted down the pitlane and took myself and a friend down the pits to show me the telemetry and TV/internet viewing ideas that are going to be implimented within the next year. (even though id never met the guy before) this stuff is on par if not above what nascar is using (and thats not doing too badly) so within the next year the attendance, viewing figures, revenue will continue to grow.
working for the BBC (although not at the event) i feel that the showing of the race on a secondary channel i.e ITV4, BBC3 will only add to the experience, bring in interest, sponsership and support for the series which over two days and having never previously attended i fell in love with!
and like i said when we were in the mosler garage james, if you need any advertising, media or general ideas, assistence im more than willing to help
regard
Naithan
Edited by welsharab on Thursday 25th September 13:03
As already mentioned, it would certainly help if it didn't clash with other major UK events. As things stand at the moment it will again clash with the BTCC next season and quite possibly Goodwood. There are some dates around that time of year where no other major uk series/events are running so surely it makes sense to pick one of those?
Dan Friel said:
How does the 24hrs work? Is it like all other series - i.e. Britcar will pay for the circuit hire and pocket the entry fees, but the crowd numbers are of no benefit (because the circuit makes money from them??)..
Yes I think so.I'm not sure why there's a desire to fill the stands - OK as a driver it's kinda nice to see people watching you but this is really a club level event. It's not part of a major series, the cars & budgets are pretty diverse.
Do people _really_ want to see old BMW's, Honda's, VW's etc pounding around for 24hrs?
Those that do will be there - possibly because they've a connection with the competitors/teams, otherwise it really is a minority interest event.
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