Race Retro and/or London Excel

[Colin Parkinson]

For what it's worth, we are going to RR.

[Lancsbreaker]

Intending to be at RR on Friday......for what its worth received an email yesterday telling me that as a subscriber to Racecar Engineering (a web thing that I don't pay for) they were offering me complementary tickets for Excel. Maybe sales aren't going too well?

[delta]

Thats funny , I have got loads of tickets sent to me for that one. Shame to go to waist if anyone wants them.

[Brian A]

I am going to the Excel on Thursday - because I received complimentary tickets (in fact multiple sets of tickets offered) and we will be in the London area anyway.

However, still going to RR on Friday as I tend to think of it as the perfect prelude to the season and a chance to meet up with old friends.

It will be an interesting comparison......

[geordiecriag101]

I'll be at Retro on Saturday, hopefully the weather will play ball and stay nice and dry. Was thinking of going to Excel on sunday but due to trains being off that put a stop to that idea!

[andy97]

I'm going to RR on the Saturday. The live action stage is a big draw for me and it's a good list of cars taking part.

However, I have also been offered complimentary tickets, which is great, but I would have gone to Stoneleigh anyway. The number of complimentary tickets does seem as though both organisers are trying hard to make sure that their show is a succes!!!!!

[Moosehead]

First year of missing RR for me. Was planning on going but now a family funeral in Devon mid afternoon on Friday and the need to stay overnight has paid to that. Working on Sunday so I'll just have to put up with a vicarious visit

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by andy97

The number of complimentary tickets does seem as though both organisers are trying hard to make sure that their show is a success!!!!!

Yes, from the emails I've received it seems that RR are pushing the 'celebs' aspect more, and that's cars and peeps. Plus of course for some the Rally stage is a draw. HMI seems to be concentrating more on complimentary tickets, but via race organisers and trade suppliers, not mags and papers....

Slight panic reading the Metro this morning- London tube strike this week! Fortunately Wednesday. Phew.

[Chigley]

I'll be at Excel Friday morning, it seems I have an appointment with a multiple LeMans winner.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Chigley

I'll be at Excel Friday morning, it seems I have an appointment with a multiple LeMans winner.

We will need photographic evidence after!

Anyone still not got a ticket (free or otherwise) and is undecided about HMI, I've got a couple of 'complementary' codes that can pm. One is for single ticket thur or fri, second two tickets any day. (I haven't tried the codes so that is from the bumf that came with them....)

And before anyone thinks I am biased towards one show- If I had complementary codes for RR tickets I would be happy to pass them on as well!

[midgetman]

I was feeling left out....but i checked my Spam folder and there is my complimentary invitation to Excel :-)

Shame I'm committed elsewhere.

[Bruce Chambers]

Well, having always found Race Retro a pleasant and easy show at which to exhibit particularly in comparison to the NEC in January we decided to do so again. I seriously doubt that it was a correct commercial decision, generally there are a lot of decent people with whom to have a pleasant chat but very few looking to make purchasing decisions or at least with regard to our product, so if we now dilute the normal level of interest by perhaps 50% with the conflict between the two shows I'm reasonably sure we'll not be retiring off the proceeds!

[delta]

Originally Posted by Bruce Chambers

Well, having always found Race Retro a pleasant and easy show at which to exhibit particularly in comparison to the NEC in January we decided to do so again. I seriously doubt that it was a correct commercial decision, generally there are a lot of decent people with whom to have a pleasant chat but very few looking to make purchasing decisions or at least with regard to our product, so if we now dilute the normal level of interest by perhaps 50% with the conflict between the two shows I'm reasonably sure we'll not be retiring off the proceeds!

I need an extinguisher system Bruce. Get kettle on.

[MartinH]

Mornin, here is the list of presentations in the Superguard theater ;


http://www.thelondonclassiccarshow.c...4TCF5J,1H4C3,1

Pity I'm not going on Thursday (today !) after all, as the one on driving standards could be good fun !!

I could have brought along a good photo selection of bent Cortina & Alfa panels as examples of good clean driving !!

Anyway, see you there if you are going along on Friday.

Martin

[Brian A]

Initial feedback on the Excel show - a bit underwhelmed.......

Not many people there even with all the freebee tickets. If I'd paid to go in, I would be feeling very disappointed.

Did meet up with some old buddies (who would normally be at RR anyway) and even spied Mr Bell from a distance.

Conversely, I have to confess that I quite enjoyed the Classic Car Show which was the other side of the central "boulevard" - sad isn't it. This was mainly filled by the top level dealers, but they certainly know how to put on a good show of quality stuff.

I did manage to buy a very nice 1/18th scale model of an Alfa Monza for £10 and the missus bought an interesting book about Hitler's influence on motor racing in the 30s.

Early start to get to Race Retro tomorrow, I'm hoping that it hasn't been diluted too much by the London event.

P.S. I actually enjoyed the "Green Hell" movie on Tuesday

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Brian A

Initial feedback on the Excel show - a bit underwhelmed.......

Not many people there even with all the freebee tickets. If I'd paid to go in, I would be feeling very disappointed.

Did meet up with some old buddies (who would normally be at RR anyway) and even spied Mr Bell from a distance.

Conversely, I have to confess that I quite enjoyed the Classic Car Show which was the other side of the central "boulevard" - sad isn't it. This was mainly filled by the top level dealers, but they certainly know how to put on a good show of quality stuff.

I did manage to buy a very nice 1/18th scale model of an Alfa Monza for £10 and the missus bought an interesting book about Hitler's influence on motor racing in the 30s.

Early start to get to Race Retro tomorrow, I'm hoping that it hasn't been diluted too much by the London event.

P.S. I actually enjoyed the "Green Hell" movie on Tuesday

Ah, I spotted Mrs A and yourself- also at a distance, Brian!

Have to concur- there were some stunning cars in the Classic show, and we spent more time in there than HMI. No problem as I enjoy the road cars as much as their racing brothers.... Good things about Excel- the transport links, the light 'airy' halls, the central boulevard with lots of food outlet choices.... I'm sure that the first day will be quieter than subsequent days, but the organisers need to get more trade suppliers and ancillary product providers on board, to fill in between the race organisers, preparers and such.

Good day out though, despite the issues getting home again after Doris! But I made it eventually.....

[Rikki Cann]

I spent yesterday at the London classic car show and must say it was brilliant, i have never been to the excel venue before and was very impressed with everything from parking, cost of food, toilets etc., all was great.

The cars on show were amazing, loved the Motorsport section as well, Jackie Ikyx was very entertaining and a joy to see.

Strongly recommend this show, well-done to all the organisers.

[Mike Bell]

Glad you enjoyed it Rikki. I didn't click there was parking on site until waiting on the DLR platform to come home, from where could see the entrance and a car going in!

And I forgot to mention the quality loos- yes, very good and plentiful.....

I attended one of the Henry Hope-Frost chaired panel discussions (on scrutineering and eligibility ) and it was very well done.

'Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow?'

[Mike Bell]

And 3 pics- taken early on before people could get in the way!

My favourite modern Aston- the one off Bertone Jet 2+2

[Mike Bell]

May favourite engine of all time- Cosworth GAA

[Mike Bell]

The beautifully done new Crossle Zetec engined 'Classic Racing School' car

[midgetman]

Well I have some gossip on the clash of dates. Allegedly the London organisers tried to buy the RR show, and when they failed a for of pique ensued. Allegedly the clash will happen in 2018 too.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Well I have some gossip on the clash of dates. Allegedly the London organisers tried to buy the RR show, and when they failed a for of pique ensued. Allegedly the clash will happen in 2018 too.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

Wouldn't be he first time- Ford and Ferrari immediately spring to mind!

[John Elwin]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Glad you enjoyed it Rikki. I didn't click there was parking on site until waiting on the DLR platform to come home, from where could see the entrance and a car going in!

And I forgot to mention the quality loos- yes, very good and plentiful.....

I attended one of the Henry Hope-Frost chaired panel discussions (on scrutineering and eligibility ) and it was very well done.

'Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow?'

HH-F usually does a good job of hosting things.

I was always under the impression there was no parking availability at Excel.

Nice pics, Mike!

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by John Elwin

I was always under the impression there was no parking availability at Excel.

There is parking but they prefer you to use public transport (and to be fair the public transport is reasonable for getting to Excel). We drove there for 'Top Gear Live' a few years back and it was relatively painless.