Silverstone Festival 09 (reopened) + Its Organisers

[compte deGraves]

Would it not be nice to think that, with entries fees going up and up, some of the increase was made available for better hospitality for and greater appreciation of the marshals?

[johngee]

Originally Posted by compte deGraves

Would it not be nice to think that, with entries fees going up and up, some of the increase was made available for better hospitality for and greater appreciation of the marshals?

It's a sad fact that, in general terms, the higher the profile of the meeting, the less appreciation both cultural and practical is given to the marshals.

[rogerwills]

My offer from 2008 still stands. If there is nothing arranged for marshalls on Saturday night after the sportscar race, I will host drinks for them at our truck.

[johngee]

Originally Posted by rogerwills

My offer from 2008 still stands. If there is nothing arranged for marshalls on Saturday night after the sportscar race, I will host drinks for them at our truck.

Roger - that's a very kind and generous offer .
However, as I'm sure that rbs will confirm, after having been on duty with limited breaks, for something like 12 hours, the majority of marshals will want to grab a 'proper meal', prepare food and kit for the next day and crash out (if they're staying on site or drive home if they're not).
I think it's more the case of the organisers who set the timetable (who are not necessarily the permit holding club!) understanding the need for sensible timetables and adequate breaks.
Just to make it clear, I'm not talking about people like myself who are in the relative comfort and security of race control - it's the boys and girls outside and exposed to the elements who deserve our support and understanding.

[terence]

A bsolutely correct John,it has been said many times in the past that if "The boys and girls" are not there etc.I wonder at the possibility of something like a meals on wheels for these hardy people.Sandwiches/roll's could be dropped off at the post's during the course car period,it would only take a few minuits extra time.

[KA]

Originally Posted by johngee

Roger - that's a very kind and generous offer .
However, as I'm sure that rbs will confirm, after having been on duty with limited breaks, for something like 12 hours, the majority of marshals will want to grab a 'proper meal', prepare food and kit for the next day and crash out (if they're staying on site or drive home if they're not).
I think it's more the case of the organisers who set the timetable (who are not necessarily the permit holding club!) understanding the need for sensible timetables and adequate breaks.
Just to make it clear, I'm not talking about people like myself who are in the relative comfort and security of race control - it's the boys and girls outside and exposed to the elements who deserve our support and understanding.

Speaking as a mere spectator, and having read many times of the increasing difficulty of encouraging people to marshal, it really shouldn't be beyond the wit of organisers to not only lay on adequate hospitality, including a 'proper meal' but to be able to arrange for enough cover so that marshals aren't expected to be on post 7:30am-9:30pm without relief at meetings featuring an evening race like this....If organisers actually went the distance to look after their marshals at big meetings like these, then perhaps it would be easier to recruit them...

As I said, I'm just a mere spectator...

[HRSTR5]

I've just heard, from a very reliable source, that Roadsports will definitely NOT be on the programme. It is a huge disappointment to me, and I'm sure a load of others - we've been heavily oversubscribed both years, and even won the best-dressed paddock (or some-such title) last year. Not only that, but entrants were selected from those that had best attendance records at HSCC meetings, so that those who wanted to race at the Classic made an effort to get to all the meetings beforehand, so a bit of a win-win for HSCC.

Great shame.

[rbs]

It is a very generous offer from Roger and I am sure there will be some marshals that will attend his truck and on all marshals behalf i would like to thank him.

But, as johngee states, after a long day you feel like a meal and some sleep.

What most people do not appreciate is that when the chequered flag drop[s at 9.30pm our day will finish, tere could be another 2 minutes before all cars have taken the flag then a further 3 minutes for the slowing down lap. You may aslo be unfortunate enough to have had an incident on your post which would have to be cleared.Later posts may have reports to give in to the clerk of the course on his closing lap. Then removing overalls and boots etc, we are now near to 9.45pm. I personally drive home afterwards so it is now 10.15pm.Etc. I am sure you alll understand. This is why I will not be on the circuit for this evening race. There are lots of marshals who have stayed in the past 2 years but there are many ,like me who, have left.

[Finn]

Originally Posted by HRSTR5

I've just heard, from a very reliable source, that Roadsports will definitely NOT be on the programme. It is a huge disappointment to me, and I'm sure a load of others - we've been heavily oversubscribed both years, and even won the best-dressed paddock (or some-such title) last year. Not only that, but entrants were selected from those that had best attendance records at HSCC meetings, so that those who wanted to race at the Classic made an effort to get to all the meetings beforehand, so a bit of a win-win for HSCC.

Great shame.

yes real shame. It mentioned that it had been dropped in last weeks motorsport news. A lot of classic car owners attend this meeting and are keen to see cars like theirs racing. I'm probably a bit biased tho as I was hoping to race. Have to spectate again I suppose.

[Tonto]

How does Britcar 24 hr at S'stone manage the marshalling?
I agree that rather than all the fuss about driver hospitality more effort should go into facilities for marshalls. Perhaps Masters could provide dinner for Marshalls after the evening race - even a 'Marshalls Award' to a deserving driver voted for by the Marshalls. Having heard Tues pm that this meeting was off for 09 I now understand it is on again and entry fees will be average circa £500...........rather than the £875+ previously rumoured.

[simon drabble]

so a few well placed leaks to ten tenths to guage appetite and hey presto its back on at normal prices - the power of the web! I agree with Tonto well fed marshalls are proably happier ones!

[Peter Mallett]

If, and I stress if, it is true then surely it's the power of 10/10s.

Well fed marshals yes, just don't let Clive Wayland near your stash of Old speckled Hen!

[terence]

Originally Posted by simon drabble

so a few well placed leaks to ten tenths to guage appetite and hey presto its back on at normal prices - the power of the web! I agree with Tonto well fed marshalls are proably happier ones!

or possibly sound asleep ones.

[john ruston]

Is it on and whats the cost?Assuming thats OK and we are back to reasonable numbers I can start complaining about the VSCC Aero engined special cars that will be allowed into the Edwardian race.Nothing to do with real proper Edwardian racing!That should start a hell of a discussion.

[rbs]

Originally Posted by john ruston

Is it on and whats the cost?Assuming thats OK and we are back to reasonable numbers I can start complaining about the VSCC Aero engined special cars that will be allowed into the Edwardian race.Nothing to do with real proper Edwardian racing!That should start a hell of a discussion.

That may be worth it's own thread but it's a bit like Continuation cars.

The edwardians have been made to look old though. even the new cars struggle to keep up with the genuine Panhard.

[john ruston]

Think there would only be the two of us with an opinion.Its a long way from a MG B.!

[John Turner]

Just to clarify the situation regarding the event itself, I understand that the meeting didn't go ahead on Wednesday, since agreement with most of the organisers had been reached beforehand and that the Classic is to go ahead as planned. However, the full race content has yet to be confirmed, although most of it is, apparently, in place.

[Tom Walker]

Originally Posted by john ruston

Is it on and whats the cost?Assuming thats OK and we are back to reasonable numbers I can start complaining about the VSCC Aero engined special cars that will be allowed into the Edwardian race.Nothing to do with real proper Edwardian racing!That should start a hell of a discussion.

John, with a bit of luck the LSR Darracq should be out later this year....that should give even the Aero engined boys something to think about !!

[fasted]

From the MotorsTV website re Silverstone Classic 2009
Invited Race Grids:

Pre '59 Sports Cars
Sports Racing Cars (1948-1955)
Grand Prix Cars (1966-1978)
Pre '66 Sports Endurance Cars
World Sports Cars (1963-1973)
Under 2-litre Touring Cars
Formula Junior
Pre '66 Grand Prix Cars
Group C - Le Mans
'90's Super Touring Cars
Vintage Edwardian Sports Cars
Mini Celebration Race (50th Anniversary)
Pre '63 GT Cars
Pre-war Sports Cars

[terence]

That has been up for a couple of weeks,I think there has been some alterations made since.

[rbs]

I understand that that the Group C race has been dropped and that the programme is to "optimistic" and HSCC has rejected the offer to organise/run the meeting!! I just hope these are wrong.

[Mike Bell]

At the risk of repeating something that may have been said several pages earlier-

March edition Classic & Sports Car page 9 announces 'Big plans for Silverstone Classic'. No HF1, Roadsports, Top Hat pre '66 saloons, Porsche or Aston races. But U2TC And Edwardian in. Event now managed and promoted by Goose Communications, headed by historic racer Nick Wigley.

Bearing in mind that the mag is monthly they must have had this info a little while, so it could be out of date already.

[terence]

Nick has been in the frame for quite sometime,if everything holds together I wish every success as I'm sure it will be.

[johngee]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Event now managed and promoted by Goose Communications, headed by historic racer Nick Wigley.

They were the off track organisers for the Masters Grande Passione meeting at Donington last April. They did an excellent job and are a 'safe pair of hands'

[Derwent Motorsp]

I am at a bit of a loss as to why an event needs so many promotors/organisers/backers etc. All of whom will want a profit at the end of the day and that can only come from the competitors and spectators. As this meeting does get a good spectator turnout then surely the entry fees for the competitors should be less as they are providing the entertainment.
In the days of the Coys Festival the BRDC seemed to do a great job on their own but since then it's never been quite the same.

In passing I see Coys are backing MG Live! a couple of weeks earlier which may well be a far better meeting as they are also celebrating Austin Healey as well the MG.