Motorsport and the Coronavirus

[Lancsbreaker]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

I wouldn't trust Premier Inn if I were you.
In July i'm Stewarding @ Shenington one weekend and Rissington the next, so booked the same Premier Inn for the two Saturday nights. They were happy to take my money and send confirmation emails etc, a fortnight later they sent me an email saying they were cancelling the bookings and a week or so later the money appeared back in my bank account.
Needless to say I was not impressed, and am now staying in a Holiday Inn, where my breakfast is included.

To be fair, July I can understand - they were presumably hopeful of being able to re-open, but I don't think Government have given the nod, yet, so probably better to give you a chance to consider your options early. I had a few bookings made pre-lockdown (on a non-cancellable basis, I'm a cheapskate), and they refunded very promptly once lockdown was initiated. I don't have a problem with them. Never have breakfast, especially at a race weekend, anyway

[delta]

Originally Posted by Lancsbreaker

To be fair, July I can understand - they were presumably hopeful of being able to re-open, but I don't think Government have given the nod, yet, so probably better to give you a chance to consider your options early. I had a few bookings made pre-lockdown (on a non-cancellable basis, I'm a cheapskate), and they refunded very promptly once lockdown was initiated. I don't have a problem with them. Never have breakfast, especially at a race weekend, anyway

No Breakfast !!!!!!!!

[Gerard C]

Why no breakfast, Iain? Superstitious or kwossons oriented?

[midgetman]

It's the cost of a Premier Inn breakfast that puts you off,. Gerard. Cheaper and better to eat at the greasy spoon on the circuit.

At least that's my opinion.

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[Willmaz223]

Not sure if this has been picked up but looks like the Jaguar Classic Challenge has been ended due to the current situation.

Taken from the HSCC website announcing a special Jaguar Pre 66 at the Oulton Park Gold Cup-

HSCC CEO Andy Dee-Crowne said: “The loss of the Jaguar Classic Challenge to the COVID-19 pandemic was a great disappointment to Jaguar racers, but the Club is honouring its commitment to them with a chance to get back racing in this special race at Oulton Park.

[Clearways]

Originally Posted by delta

I think we are going to find a massive increase in prices to pay for all the screens and signs.

Probably more to cover the 3 months of no income. Even at their current massively inflated prices I'd have thought the cost of perpex, tape, signs, masks etc. is fairly insignifcant.

I would think we can expect an above normal increase in entry fees, spectator admission, food pricing etc. in 2021 if not the remainder of 2020.

[justracing]

No reference at all to spectator attendance at motor racing venues in today's government statement. Where are the powers that be in motorsport in lobbying for a "behind closed doors" reversal? It's a complete shambles with lockdown relaxations allowing pubs to open along with theme parks and cinemas when motor sport venues appear to have been ignored completely. I know my passion is a miniority sport but I had really hoped that the likes of David Richards and Jonathan Palmer would have been able to bring pressure to bear.

[dwh43scale]

Given that it would be challenging to list every possible spectator sport (and variations, therein), I trust that MSUK, MSV, ACU, et al will take the intent of the relaxation and make pragmatic decisions.

Capped, ticketed, attendance, closed grandstands to save metres and metres of warning tape and limited catering for club level events along side social distancing would seem to meet the intention of the rules, or is it advice, or is it guidance, or helpful hints and tips (who knows which one !).

[snowen250]

I have the horrible suspicion that for club events we humble spectators are not really thought about by MSUK, so there's no need to push for us to be able to attend.

Sadly ignoring the fact that todays spectators are often tomorrows racers....

[justracing]

Given that all businesses are in urgent need of boosting their income I'm more than a little surprised at the continuing policy of operating events behind closed doors. The "Superprix" event at Brands in July whilst never being that well supported would under normal circumstances attract a few hundred spectators which at £15 per head runs into thousands, offset against the potential increased operational costs in terms of Covid 19 measures, this would still represent a healthy profit for the circuit.
I'm hoping I've missed something here in interpreting todays relaxation measures but there's certainly nothing to indicate that spectators will be permitted any time soon.

[Moneyseeker]

Interesting to read in MNews today that take up of the MSUK grants for clubs has only been 'moderate', showing that clubs are pretty resiliant.

[Rudernst]

Originally Posted by justracing

Given that all businesses are in urgent need of boosting their income I'm more than a little surprised at the continuing policy of operating events behind closed doors. The "Superprix" event at Brands in July whilst never being that well supported would under normal circumstances attract a few hundred spectators which at £15 per head runs into thousands, offset against the potential increased operational costs in terms of Covid 19 measures, this would still represent a healthy profit for the circuit.
I'm hoping I've missed something here in interpreting todays relaxation measures but there's certainly nothing to indicate that spectators will be permitted any time soon.

Usually, at clubracing events, the cash intake from ticket sales dont even cover the cost of picking up their litter afterwards.
and while the gate receipts of the Superprix (now the "Legends of Brands" unfortunately) might be slightly higher, there is also much more circuit to clean up on the Full GP Loop.

I am very much in favour of having spectators, as they add the feeling and atmosphere, and it is nice to share the experience of historic racing, but spectators are not really part of the clubracing business model

RuE

[Mike Crow]

Originally Posted by Rudernst

Usually, at clubracing events, the cash intake from ticket sales dont even cover the cost of picking up their litter afterwards.
and while the gate receipts of the Superprix (now the "Legends of Brands" unfortunately) might be slightly higher, there is also much more circuit to clean up on the Full GP Loop.

I am very much in favour of having spectators, as they add the feeling and atmosphere, and it is nice to share the experience of historic racing, but spectators are not really part of the clubracing business model

RuE

Nonetheless, MSV at least try very hard to sell tickets. Even a small crowd will make a significant additional contribution to a business in need of every penny

[justracing]

Originally Posted by Rudernst

Usually, at clubracing events, the cash intake from ticket sales dont even cover the cost of picking up their litter afterwards.
and while the gate receipts of the Superprix (now the "Legends of Brands" unfortunately) might be slightly higher, there is also much more circuit to clean up on the Full GP Loop.



RuE

I can see the argument but simple arithmetic tells me that 200 paying spectators will yield an income of circa £3000 which shows a substantial profit against minimal gate and circuit staff wages of say £1000. Having run a small business in the past I am only too well aware that the difference between making a small profit and losing the same amount is a substantial contributor to a balance sheet.

[coppice]

Spectators include future racers , past racers, people like me who have been watching the sport all my life and writing about it for years . More importantly , it's us lot who persuade friends to go , who support circuits in the local press when there's opposition, and who also have spent thousands at circuits .



Commendably, Croft has confirmed my season ticket will roll over to next year . I will certainly resist any move to edge spectators out - Loyalty is a two way thing

[bella]

chaps,

if you are going testing, it's worth checking with others to see whether the circuit is allowing you to park up and ditch the car/truck the night before your test before they kick everyone out.

oulton were letting people do that and it would have made a huge difference if we'd known in advance. it obviously depends on what was going on the day before (if anything).

also, don't forget to say hi and have a chat to your incredibly hard working circuit staff who are covering for their own job plus several of their colleagues

[MGDavid]

CSCC announced earlier today that overnight camping on site will now be allowed at the Thruxton race meeting 24-26 July :-)
Other circuits may well follow suit - no reason not to IMO.

[midgetman]

Kart tracks are allowing camping and therefore two day meetings from 4th July.



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[St Eval]

Max, earlier you said that you were going to use visors at your meetings. Do you use them with masks or instead of? Our Hillclimb/Sprint meetings kick off again on the 18th July, just wondering how you find it and which you find is best.


Roy


What do you want to do ?
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[Gerard C]

In France its either a face mask or a visor. No solution is perfect tho, the masks keep the heat and are not good for those wearing spectacles. To keep away from the virus its better to protect your nose.

[The Fat Clerk]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Kart tracks are allowing camping and therefore two day meetings from 4th July.

That's good news, I'm the Steward @ both Rissington & Shenington in July, which are both 2 day meetings, so hopefully one more step nearer reality. MUK have a webinar tonight & next Tuesday for Clerks & Stewards about how meetings will be run.

[bella]

for what it’s worth, we’re issued with face masks (fabric and disposable, the fabric ones are easier to wear) and safety glasses (under a tenner from the screwfix/toolstation tyre place). the idea is to wear the mask when you can’t socially distance and the glasses when you REALLY can’t, for example when you’re working in very close quarters. i’m not sure anyone has felt the need to wear the glasses in battle yet, which is probably a good indicator that they’d find a visor impractical.

however the folk who wear glasses for seeing haven’t figured out how to deal with the fogging when in a mask, no matter what they’ve prepared their specs with. personally i wear contacts more now but appreciate it’s not for everyone.

[John Elwin]

Originally Posted by bella

for what it’s worth, we’re issued with face masks (fabric and disposable, the fabric ones are easier to wear) and safety glasses (under a tenner from the screwfix/toolstation tyre place). the idea is to wear the mask when you can’t socially distance and the glasses when you REALLY can’t, for example when you’re working in very close quarters. i’m not sure anyone has felt the need to wear the glasses in battle yet, which is probably a good indicator that they’d find a visor impractical.

however the folk who wear glasses for seeing haven’t figured out how to deal with the fogging when in a mask, no matter what they’ve prepared their specs with. personally i wear contacts more now but appreciate it’s not for everyone.

Fortunately I have only needed to wear a mask a couple of times & then only for a very short time, but had problems with fogging spectacles. However, a mask was a requirement at the barber's yesterday & I commented on the fogging problem. The barber, who also wears glasses, says it is not a problem if you wear the mask right to the top of your nose. But, with the arrival of the hot weather, that's a complete no-no!

[bella]

also for those of us with short noses wearing a mask further up rather impedes the vision!

is the requirement for a paper mask at the hairdressers there or is a fabric reusable one suitable?

[John Elwin]

Originally Posted by bella

also for those of us with short noses wearing a mask further up rather impedes the vision!

is the requirement for a paper mask at the hairdressers there or is a fabric reusable one suitable?

Oh, fabric masks - I haven't noticed any paper ones over here.