Why don't you race at the 'less glamourous' circuits?

[diz]

Is there a snob, or poseurs reason behind your choice of where you will race? The reason I ask is that the less glamourous circuits tend to be 'avoided like the plague' by a lot of you.
Tell them in the golf club that you are racing this weekend at Brands Hatch, or Silverstone and you have 'leisure time credibility'. Tell them you are racing at Lydden Hill, Anglesey, Cadwell Park etc. and they will wonder what planet you are on.
I've just had a look at the MST website for this weekends HSCC meeting at Snetterton and the numbers of qualifiers make interesting reading [when compared to their Silversone meeting 3 weeks ago].
Class -------------------- Silv - Snet
70s Road Sports ------- 37 - 29
Classic F3 --------------- 25 - 17
Classic Racing Cars --- 38 - 20
Classic Sports Cars --- 32 - 24
Derek Bell Trophy ----- 31 - 9
Historic FF1600 -------- 41 - 22
Historic FJ --------------- 42 - 10
Historic Road Sports -- 37 - 23
TOTAL ----------------- 283 -154
Where are the other 129 entries this weeekend?

[Peter Mallett]

Well let's assume that there are some family members and as such they may be on holiday.

Next geography. Snetterton is a pain in the backside to get to unless you live east of Cambridge.

Personally I don't like Lydden. I've usually been reasonably succesful there but I just don't like it, so unless there's a pressing need to be ther I don't go.

I've never been to Anglesey so can't comment. Always make an effort to get to Cadwell Park, Mallory too.

Don't particularly like Brands Indy but I'll race there because its usually a big event.

I make a special effort to race at Spa Francorchamps likwise Pembrey, both circuits that give me huge enjoyment.

I like Castle Coombe but don't get there very often.

Oulton Park is also fun and I suspect I'm one of the few who enjoys the National circuit at Silverstone.

So its not so much "snobbery" with me more like personal preference. And as I don't play golf (not that boring) I'm unlikely to get any "leisure time credibilty".

And I wouldn't race a "spindly" at any circuit!

[diz]

Originally posted by Peter Mallett
Don't particularly like Brands Indy but I'll race there because its usually a big event.
And I wouldn't race a "spindly" at any circuit!

'its usually a big event' This sort of backs up the "leisure time credibilty" argument.

'I wouldn't race a "spindly" at any circuit! '
I didn't state any preference to types of racing car, but as you've mentioned it, 'it's only toilets that need doors

[ss_collins]

I prefer the 'little circuits' I consider Lydden my home circuit, I really like Mallory, Combe and Anglesey looks good (but is too far for me!)

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by diz
'its usually a big event' This sort of backs up the "leisure time credibilty" argument.

Not at all. The more people adds to the fun. We only get to go there for major events.

But maybe when you get to drive a "toilet" you'll find out.

[Peter Mallett]

Have a look at the entry for Snetterton next weekend. Thats a BARC event with a lot of "toilets" or "proper" cars racing. Big grids BTW.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by ss_collins
I prefer the 'little circuits' I consider Lydden my home circuit, I really like Mallory, Combe and Anglesey looks good (but is too far for me!)

I've sort of monopolised this but that was my "geography" point.

I "like" all circuits. But some are more fun than others. I just don't enjoy Lydden. Five hours drive there for me. I can be at Oulton in less time.

The tone of the thread starter is a bit strange also. With a sig promoting a NW championship one assumes he (or she) only goes to Oulton anyway.

[kickstart]

Generally most racers only have a finite amount of time and money to indulge in motorsport. I don't follow the snob value point as personally I keep racing and my "real life" totally separate and certainly don't play golf.
I generally enjoy the longer circuits that give me real driving pleasure - hence my favourites of Castle Combe, Oulton int, Cadwell Park full circuit and Donington.
As for me I really do not get the required thrill out of some circuits and hence I don't bother racing there.

[Ian Sowman]

Peter

The NW FF1600 Championship also goes to Anglesey and diz tries very hard to get people to go to Croft too - he has organised a non-championship event there. If you'd seen CLSS forum lately you'd have noticed a bit of 'debate' about Anglesey - and why NWFF people go there in smaller numbers than they do to Oulton.

[ss_collins]

I always do the vee races at Brands even though I hate the place - simply cos its local. I Don't really venture north for racing - cheaper to go to France / Holland where I can run my car.

[Chris Y]

Originally posted by ss_collins
I Don't really venture north for racing - cheaper to go to France / Holland

I'd love to see some figures to back that claim up!

[diz]

Originally posted by Peter Mallett
The tone of the thread starter is a bit strange also. With a sig promoting a NW championship one assumes he (or she) only goes to Oulton anyway.

Peter, it is he and he doesn't drive, just organises. It was Sunday morning and I thought I would ask for peoples opinions and reasons and it looks like I am getting them. I'm not quite sure what 'tone' I have intimated, there was certainly none intended.
I suppose an answer could be that motor racing is no different to any other pastime in my 'poseur' argument. Many more people attend Premier League football matches than go to watch the lower division stuff - which is often better. Similarly more people go to the likes of TOCA, F3, BSB. This would bring us back to promotion of events, but this has been done to death on other threads.
As for only going to Oulton, I have attended every circuit in the mainland, Ulster and Eire on many occasions over the last forty years [except Rockingham] and many that are no longer in use.

Thanks Ian Sowman for the support. It is a bit tight, but I will keep wearing it.

[JohnMiller]

Originally posted by diz
I have attended every circuit in the mainland, Ulster and Eire on many occasions over the last forty years [except Rockingham] and many are no longer in use.

Surely the closures weren't all down to you Diz?

[diz]

Originally posted by JohnMiller
Surely the closures weren't all down to you Diz?

The old version of Croft maybe, but that's another tale. In retrospect, lifting the main gates off their hinges to gain access to the Paddock on the Saturday night was not the best of moves. It was worth it though to see the circuit manager [who was also in situ at another circuit when that got closed] jumping up and down in his pyjamas. My driver and the driver from the other team involved had to apologise the next morning though, before they would be allowed to race.

[simon drabble]

I would have done Snett meeting as it was an hour long race for most classes and personally I dont find it too difficult to get to - however it clashed with an annual cricket match! Also I think a hillclimb down in Sussex might have taken a few punters away!