Motorsport and the Coronavirus

[Derwent]

Of course Goose and other businesses have made millions out of these events over the years so don't feel sorry for them. I was saddened to read that they run Formula Student. That's just the sort of series that should be run by MSUK and backed by the motorsport industry as it is they that will benefit.
As regards MSUK committee meetings, that is the cost of democracy. Delegates travel costs are large because of the current location of Motorsport House and that many of us have flights into Heathrow. A three hour meeting at MSH involved a 90 miles drive to the airport, a day's parking a flight to Heathrow, a taxi ride an three hour meeting and the same in reverse. I am away for 16 hours. Fortunately we now Zoom and it takes less than three hours of my time. There will be a huge saving there
But moving to Bicester will be a big improvement and more accessible.

[Moneyseeker]

Originally Posted by Derwent

Of course Goose and other businesses have made millions out of these events over the years so don't feel sorry for them. I was saddened to read that they run Formula Student. That's just the sort of series that should be run by MSUK and backed by the motorsport industry as it is they that will benefit.
As regards MSUK committee meetings, that is the cost of democracy. Delegates travel costs are large because of the current location of Motorsport House and that many of us have flights into Heathrow. A three hour meeting at MSH involved a 90 miles drive to the airport, a day's parking a flight to Heathrow, a taxi ride an three hour meeting and the same in reverse. I am away for 16 hours. Fortunately we now Zoom and it takes less than three hours of my time. There will be a huge saving there
But moving to Bicester will be a big improvement and more accessible.

To be fair, and speaking as an events person on these type of events, I doubt the organisers make anything like the return you imagine. Generally these sort of events might make a reasonable surplus in a good year and are high risk as has been shown this year. The CEO himself admitted the cancellation of the SC had put their business back 10 years.

Formula Student is owned and run by the Institue of Mechanical Engineers and is generally supported by assorted automotive industry - e.g Bosch have been a supporter, GLE are part of the organising team, but the event is ultimately an Imeche one.

[coppice]

Shock news - Goose is a commercial firm which , like every other firm , exists, y'know , to make a profit . I don't really lose too much sleep that some of what I've paid them is profit . I have enjoyed many of their events , found any contact with them helpful and efficient and I feel very sorry for its staff , many of whom won't be shareholders , in this horrible time .

Am I supposed only to feel sympathy for volunteers - whose livelihood doesn't even depend on events happening ?

[midgetman]

There are two ways of looking at motor sport workers - some think everyone should do it "for the good of the sport" and some appreciate those who try to earn a living from it. I'm lucky to be working in the sport and get some very unpleasant comments from those in the former camp.

It's an expensive sport, both to compete in and put on. It needs certain skills that Goose will have brought to the table to ensure a fun and SAFE event. I don't begrudge a single penny of profit to big companies who absorb risks and costs to bring an amazing spectacle to life.

That they made good profits and may be able to ride out the disaster of CV-19 is terrific forward planning. Hopefully it means they will be around in 2021 or 2022 or whenever we're allowed out again. If they had run on a shoestring with no profits, the Classic and many other events would be dead by now.

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[john ruston]

Totally agree with last post.
These same people are sticking their necks out putting on events now with reduced entries and no gate money.
Silverstone this weekend with MRL ( help from various sponsors) and Goodwood last weekend going ahead despite lots of outside pressure to stop them happening

[S griffin]

It's the dedication of racers and the like that have kept Motorsport going at a difficult time. I take my hat off to them

[john ruston]

Without the organisers their are no races!
That’s the bottom line.
Looking at the entry at weekend most racers would go to an opening of an envelope

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by john ruston

Without the organisers their are no races!
That’s the bottom line.
Looking at the entry at weekend most racers would go to an opening of an envelope

Oy!

Its a good entry no doubt bolstered by the lack of Spa. We should celebrate this because unless we still have the Covid problems next year it's unlikely to happen again.

[The Fat Clerk]

Interesting that the BARC Interclub meeting @ Brands is going ahead this weekend, looking at the timetable there's definitely no 'elite' formulas there.

[andy97]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

Interesting that the BARC Interclub meeting @ Brands is going ahead this weekend, looking at the timetable there's definitely no 'elite' formulas there.

Hmmm, I think they are the support races for the British Truck Racing Championship and that appears to be classed as “elite motorsport”. I kid you not.

[E.B]

Just as you people in the UK / Europe are going back into lockdowns and curfews as we had here, we have just been told here after a few months of nothing in Victoria under any circumstances, that small events will be allowed.... no spectators at this stage but if we continue to display good numbers after being released out into the public, and allowed to go to socially distanced restaurants, shops etc, (we can even get a haircut now!) that might change.

Otherwise competitors are allowed but one 'helper'. Sandown and Phillip Island have events planned as does Rob Roy have a hillclimb, all on consecutive weekends from the end of November through early December. (At least our weather is improving into summer)
A baptism of fire.

[delta]

We had test at Silverstone booked Nov 13th. Just been told its postponed.

[midgetman]

I did my last test today, all the kart tracks are closing. PFI near Newark has opened entries for its race 5/6 December. Let's hope BJ keeps his promise and opens us up again on 2nd December!

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[The Fat Clerk]

Had our last bike day today before the latest closedown.
The next event I know of is the Plum Pudding on Boxing Day, subject to our glorious leader, although Javelin have pencilled in December 4th.

On another note, Real Motorsport, my employer have taken over the East Midlands Racing Association (EMRA) and will organise the running of their bike meetings which all happen @ Mallory.

[delta]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

Had our last bike day today before the latest closedown.
The next event I know of is the Plum Pudding on Boxing Day, subject to our glorious leader, although Javelin have pencilled in December 4th.

On another note, Real Motorsport, my employer have taken over the East Midlands Racing Association (EMRA) and will organise the running of their bike meetings which all happen @ Mallory.

Don't suppose Javelin will let in single seaters that day ?

[The Fat Clerk]

You could ask them.

[andy97]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

Interesting that the BARC Interclub meeting @ Brands is going ahead this weekend, looking at the timetable there's definitely no 'elite' formulas there.

Cancelled now, apparently

[Greem]

Originally Posted by andy97

Cancelled now, apparently

Yep: https://www.barc.net/statement-cance...-brands-hatch/

[The Fat Clerk]

We're surprised because?

The thought that Truck Racing on an Interclub permit is classed as 'elite' is stretching a point in my opinion.

I'm sure they're nice people and competent drivers but come on.

At least the meeting @ Silverstone has an International Permit.

[Moneyseeker]

Sadly, I understand that one of the event organisers of a large UK classic event has made a number of redundancies, tough times for event organisers and promoters.

[john ruston]

A few organisers have redundancies and many on furlough
It’s today’s norm as they now say about most things!

[john ruston]

Forgot to add
Buy a Mike Bell calendar!

[delta]

Originally Posted by delta

We had test at Silverstone booked Nov 13th. Just been told its postponed.

Now cancelled

[Peter Mallett]

Hmm. I guess that's it for 2020. I think I read earlier today that the pubs have had their licences for takeaway services extended to March 2021. Suggests we aren't getting back to any kind of normal soon.

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Suggests we aren't getting back to any kind of normal soon.

I dont know if we can rely on the big numbers launched by media but it seems the situation is far worse than was in March. We are prepared to have several periods of lockdown depending on how many people the hospitals can accept.