Goodwood Festival of Speed 2006 - anyone else going?

[Jon Chalk]

Just got tickets through for Saturday 8th July - this'll be my first time .

Are any other Mini2'ers planning on going & has anyone got any tips for first-timers (best places to go, best places to see drivers, etc)?

[Jordan210]

i might have to go to this been meaning to go for ages love lambos so they might have the concept S there

[Wobert]

Thinking of taking my 7 yr old lad this year.....

Bit expensive, esp as you now need a grandstand seat to see anything.. ...I went the second year they revived it, no straw bales on the straight bits, and no need to spend extra for the grandstand......

Best memory is hearing the BRM V16 launch off the line....boy my ears hurt.

My folks live nearby, so what I spend on g/s seats I recoup on no B&B costs!

[Jon Chalk]

Yes it is expensive, but it's one of those "you've got to do it ate least once" things, bit like going to a GP. We're doing it as a birthday present for my father, who's also always wanted to go.

Got startline grandstand tickets - hopefully one of the noisiest areas!!

[CraigNeville]

I was thinking about going, is the Friday a good day to go, by the sounds of ti there are less people so more chance to get closer and see more cars.

Has anyone been on a Friday and what grandstand will be the best to sit in to get a good view aswell as a decent line of sight (eg. not just seeing a car belt past in a flash but actually being able to see it coming and going for a decent distance).

Any advice would be great as i have never been before.

[NeilAndHisMini]

I'll definitely be going, it's my second favourite weekend of the year (the first being the Goodwood Revival Meeting). As I live near Goodwood I usually go on all 3 days but it's still not enough!

Friday always used to be less crowded, but everyone seems to have got wise to that now.
Also the F1 teams tend not to do much running on the Friday (must be force of habit) so if you want to see recent F1 cars in action Saturday or Sunday would be best.

Whichever day you go, it's worth getting there early and staying late if you want to get a good look at the cars in the paddock. This also helps avoid the inevitable traffic jams in and out of the car parks ...

The Startline grandstand (or the spectator area in front of it) is good, as you get a lot of noise and tyre smoke, but I tend to go for the Park grandstand opposite Goodwood House, as it gives the best views of the cars against a fantastic backdrop. Plus the F1 drivers tend to stop here and perform burnouts and doughnuts ... If you get time (and it's not raining) it's worth walking all the way up the hill, stopping to watch at various points on the way. There's also a rally stage in the woods at the top of the hill, which this year will be run in memory of Richard Burns and Michael Park.

Keep an eye out for the air displays as well - hopefully the Boeing 747 will be back this year ...

The only drawback with the Festival is that it's become so popular that you don't get the same kind of access to the drivers as in the past. A few years back I actually walked in with Stirling Moss, but I can't imagine that would happen now. The current F1 drivers usually need a police escort to get them through the crowds!

Oh, and take plenty of spending money. There are numerous trade stands and you will see lots of things you'll want to buy ...

[Jon Chalk]

Thanks for the tips, Neil (apart from the one about money - can't see that one going down too well!).

I don't suppose we'll spend all day in the grandstand - I'll definitely be walking around with camera(s).

[CraigNeville]

thanks for the info Neil, i think i will probably go on the Friday then. If anyone else is going along on the friday we should arrange to meet up!

[Jordan210]

I might be sneaky and find out if my neighbours son tim harvey is doing any driving if so ill go along with him