British GT 2024

[flatlandsman]

You may feel that way, I do not, it is a fairly simple difference of opinion. It is not always amateur drivers who make mistakes, but they do seem to make daft ones.

And you miss the main issue which is that modern GT3 cars are inherently very difficult on most UK tracks other than Silverstone, even there in bad weather they are. They are too big, too wide and that makes passing almost impossible, making these guys make more mistakes. You might enjoy that, I find it a bit like watching truck racing at times sorry, the cars are great yes, but they look a bit daft sometimes on some, not all UK tracks.

I am not saying I do not watch it, why is that always the first response from people when you post some negative opinions on something, this is meant to be constructive, saying "watch something else" is not really that helpful.

My personal opinion is that GT3 needs to be dumped and make the entire series GT4, it has worked wonders in France where they have huge grids, those cars would work far better on our tracks are not as fast, less tricky to drive.

You will still get the same number of errors, because rich guys egos etc. But perhaps it might also encourage more youth teams, as that seems popular in UK GT4 racing, and that is surely a better way to push the series in my view.

[Bcarr6]

GT3 in British GT is in its healthiest state pretty much since GT3 came into existence. Im really not sure any constructive suggestions could justify scrapping a very popular and well supported class right now.

GT4 in France makes total sense. They couldnt continue to draw GT3 grids domestically and there is great demand for GT4 there. Its a really incredible series to watch.

I dont get why GT3 cars being difficult to drive on UK circuits is an issue. Again, thats really kind of the point. If it was easy and no-one made mistakes, it'd make for boring processions.

Im all for constructive criticism, im just struggling to really see what your issue with the series, which is in arguebly its strongest form in decades.

Everything you seem to dislike about the series is what makes British GT what it is, and what makes it different to GTWC, or DTM, or any other series for that matter.

Hence the suggestion to try a different series if the current format isnt for you. Its a pretty much sure thing that it isnt going to change any time soon

[flatlandsman]

I guess you like aspects of it I do not and vice versa.

It really is that simple.

I find myself drifting off watching British GT as I do usually with most GT3 racing, it is in a strong place yes, but mainly due to endless meddling, this has a plus and a minus, I feel GT3 cars are too bulky and awkward for our tracks, despite there being a decent grid of them, (largely only one make it has to be said)

I do not think GT4 would be processional, if anything GT3 usually is! as the cars are so equal, one of the most enjoyable GT races I have watched in years was GT4 from Ricard recently, less aero, cars with plusses and minuses. Thism all seems masked at times in GT3 with several things, you can make a difference as Harper did at Donny last year, but sadly I see it less and less. I also see immense talent being hampered.

As I say I want different things to you, let's leave it at that as this is going nowhere.

[GregUK]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

I guess you like aspects of it I do not and vice versa.

It really is that simple.

I find myself drifting off watching British GT as I do usually with most GT3 racing, it is in a strong place yes, but mainly due to endless meddling, this has a plus and a minus, I feel GT3 cars are too bulky and awkward for our tracks, despite there being a decent grid of them, (largely only one make it has to be said)

I do not think GT4 would be processional, if anything GT3 usually is! as the cars are so equal, one of the most enjoyable GT races I have watched in years was GT4 from Ricard recently, less aero, cars with plusses and minuses. Thism all seems masked at times in GT3 with several things, you can make a difference as Harper did at Donny last year, but sadly I see it less and less. I also see immense talent being hampered.

As I say I want different things to you, let's leave it at that as this is going nowhere.

You are Max Braams - I claim my £5

[dwh43scale]

https://www.pistonclick.com/british-gt-silverstone-500

For any who are interested, PistonClick has just published a report of the Silverstone 500 - from the perspective of three spectator snappers.

[flatlandsman]

I am not and never have been a snapper, but this was an interesting article.

And it is clear evidence that this venue only cares about one thing and one thing alone, I get it, it makes business sense, but to alienate almost everyone else seems a rather odd decision.

Every time I have been there in the last few years there has been less and less access, the comment about the concrete bollards was hilarious as I was moved from there two years ago by some miserable jobsmith of a marshal who just beckoned me out the without a response when I asked why. A car would need to travel about 80 yards and almost be flat out to move one of those sodding bollards, it is H&S goner mad, its a sodding race track for Gods sake not a shopping centre.

How long have those sodding bollards been there? How hard would it be to pile them? It is stuff like this. Makes them no money so leave it.

The Silverstone Club was knocked down a few years back and replaced with a stand for one race alone, and I recall talking to an elderly member who was a bit miffed as his free infield parking was now gone and he had to walk further, said he would not bother, this was a man who had been coming since the late 60's.

This adds to the fact that unless you are paying hundreds of pounds to watch f1 in the ever more grandstands, Silverstone do not really want you as a friend, customer or anything else.


Sadly I think they could easily make things easier or be more friendly, or make things better for people who are not interested in the dullest motorsport around right now.

But their main interest is in profit and the cash cow that brings it in.

That is losing them a hard earned reputation and it will lose them thousands of fans in the end, and that is something that saddens me and ought to really sadden them.

[Truckosaurus]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

...The Silverstone Club....

I never visited their clubhouse, but it seemed to always have people using it even at the smallest of meetings. Like you said just another victim to 'progress' at the expense of perhaps the most loyal of customers (on number of events visited).

[Redshift]

Originally Posted by Hedley Verity

To me the most obvious of their total disregard for people who are so vulgar as to actually pay for their own tickets is that they always open the wrong Woodcote grandstand. I don’t as contemplating going but between the weather forecast, being treated as an inconvenience by the venue and the cost I’m going to watch it on the telly.
Oulton BSB and Spa WEC over the following 2 weekends will be far more fun experiences

It's the same at the BTCC meeting, the better Woodcote stand, which allows spectators a view of the cars coming down the Wellington straight is usually closed.

[Adam43]

As Silverstone and its complete disregard for fans is such an important topic please start a thread about it. This trope is in many threads. Give it the dedicated thread it deserves rather than making many other the same topic.

Trackside might be a good place for it.

Thank you.

[chunterer]

38 entries for Donington this weekend.

Fingers crossed the weather doesn't go downhill too much after the lovely week or so we've had.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by chunterer

38 entries for Donington this weekend.

Fingers crossed the weather doesn't go downhill too much after the lovely week or so we've had.

According to the BBC it's supposed to be dry, but cloudy, 17°.

[Akrapovic]

I'll be at Donington with a Ginetta team. Rather looking forward to it.

[dwh43scale]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

I'll be at Donington with a Ginetta team. Rather looking forward to it.

Please ask them and their mates to stay on the grey stuff; thank you :-)

[v8supes]

Brutal week for Barwell and Century. Misano Thursday, Friday, Saturday.... SPA 24 hours test Tuesday, Wednesday..... Donington Park Friday, Saturday, Sunday

[v8supes]

Remember that video from Oulton Park with all the cars aquaplaning down the hill? Cars everywhere? It just happened again down to turn 1 at Donington, crazy, crazy stuff. So many cars off.

[dwh43scale]

Perhaps a case for an early FCY today. Took a long time to neutralise the race. Note watching from armchair

[chunterer]

That was a damb good race loads of action throughout.

I was stood next to a nice chap who was spectating and not marshalling at the point when half the field skittered off into the gravel at Redgate! (Reminded me of the Woodcote pile up at the '84 TT caused by a similar downpour)

On Sunday when there were marshalls attending beached cars and the Buncombe Mclaren piled in at unabated speed he was furious saying the red flag should have come out sooner!

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by chunterer

That was a damb good race loads of action throughout.

I was stood next to a nice chap who was spectating and not marshalling at the point when half the field skittered off into the gravel at Redgate! (Reminded me of the Woodcote pile up at the '84 TT caused by a similar downpour)

On Sunday when there were marshalls attending beached cars and the Buncombe Mclaren piled in at unabated speed he was furious saying the red flag should have come out sooner!

I was in the 2Seas garage as this was happening and they were stunned at how long it took for a red flag.

[Hedley Verity]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

I was in the 2Seas garage as this was happening and they were stunned at how long it took for a red flag.

The stewards weren’t impressed with Buncombe, excluding him from the race and points on his licence

[flatlandsman]

+I think all round the standard of a lot of things in British GT is lacking, some of the driving is bang average, has to be expected with rich egocentric men I guess, but yet again the drawbacks of running these cars on tracks they are maybe a bit big for and perhaps a series too!!

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

+I think all round the standard of a lot of things in British GT is lacking, some of the driving is bang average, has to be expected with rich egocentric men I guess, but yet again the drawbacks of running these cars on tracks they are maybe a bit big for and perhaps a series too!!

Partly agree with you on some of the driving but the tracks comment isn't right.

[flatlandsman]

I dont know chap, Oulton and Donington are far narrower than most top level venues.

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

I dont know chap, Oulton and Donington are far narrower than most top level venues.

They have the necessary licences and facilities to host this level of competition.

Donington has held several events for big sportscars in the fairly recent past.

If anything the organisers may need to re-assess the rule book in the event of extreme conditions or on track incidents and what interventions are necessary.

Also as has come up previously, re-assessing what time year, or what circuits certain events should be held at might help.

[Hedley Verity]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

I dont know chap, Oulton and Donington are far narrower than most top level venues.

There was plenty of overtaking at Donington last weekend

Which tracks would you actually be happy with them running at?

[flatlandsman]

I think when you combine the cars, tracks and sadly the fairly average driving ability of some of the drivers, you are going to get issues, when you throw weather into the mix.

We had this discussion after Oulton there really is only Silverstone that is wide enough, and they show little interest in doing anything other than ripping people off with F1.

But clearly this is part of the appeal.