Favourite motoring events

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 11:55
Favourite motoring events - Random

I'm looking to experience some new motoring events this year. What are your favourites/recommendations?

I've been to FOTU, both Goodwood events, Beaulieu Motor Museum and Autojumble, Haynes Museum, Shelsey Walsh Hill Climb, Helmingham Hall Classic Car Event, East Coast Retros, Morgan Factory Tour., British Grand Prix. There are others, but can't remember at the moment!

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 12:00
Favourite motoring events - paul 1963

Can I suggest going to a round of the BTCC? Tickets are very reasonable and you do get a full day's racing.

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 12:19
Favourite motoring events - mcb100
Get out in a forest and watch a stage of the Roger Albert Clark Rally in November.
If old British cars are your thing, the British Motor Museum at Gaydon is well worth a look.
Not been here -greatbritishcarjourney.com- but looks interesting if you want to book a drive in something classic.

Edited by mcb100 on 13/03/2023 at 12:29

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 13:12
Favourite motoring events - badbusdriver

Problem for me is that with very few exceptions (like BTCC Knockhill, but even that would mean a round trip over 300 miles) all the best motoring events are a long way away from me in North East Scotland.

But I would love to go to the FOTU.

Also, any really big classic car event, particularly Retromobile.

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 13:34
Favourite motoring events - mcb100
‘Problem for me is that with very few exceptions (like BTCC Knockhill, but even that would mean a round trip over 300 miles) all the best motoring events are a long way away from me in North East Scotland.

Grampian Forest Rally, based in Banchory, 12th of August.
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Mon 13 Mar 2023 13:52
Favourite motoring events - badbusdriver
‘Problem for me is that with very few exceptions (like BTCC Knockhill, but even that would mean a round trip over 300 miles) all the best motoring events are a long way away from me in North East Scotland. Grampian Forest Rally, based in Banchory, 12th of August.

Yeah I don't mind watching rallying on the TV, but actually going to one has never held that much appeal. Enjoyment would really be determined by getting to a good spot.

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 13:38
Favourite motoring events - Ian_SW

If you've never been, I'd recommend a trip to watch Truck Racing or Rallycross. Far more action than F1, and unlike BTCC as they are much smaller events there's none of the chaos of getting in/out and a much better chance to see the race cars up close in the paddock.

Not directly car related, but if you like machinery in general (or have young children), Tractor Fest is also a good day out.

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 13:48
Favourite motoring events - badbusdriver

I also fancy going to Santa Pod to see some proper drag racing action including top fuel. Tractor pulling I guess is like a more rural version, and there are events which, certainly pre covid, might be fairly close to me.

Just remember to bring some ear plugs/defenders..........

watch

:-)

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 14:16
Favourite motoring events - SmithyBilly

Alright mate, sounds like you've hit up some top motoring events around the UK. If you're after something new, there's a few more things iv'e either heard about or been to personally.

If you're into classic cars and racing, there is the Donington Historic Festival. They showcase some sweet classic racing cars from various eras, so you can catch some proper iconic vehicles in action.

if you like off-road? Give the Land Rover Experience a go. You'll get a guided tour of the Solihull factory, learn about the history of Land Rover, and then take the wheel for some off-road driving.

Off the top of my head there is also the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. Over 60 of the world's most beautiful cars will be on display, so it's a great chance to see some rare and exclusive vehicles.

If you're after some speed, hit up the Silverstone Classic. There's hundreds of classic racing cars on the track, along with other activities and entertainment.

Hope that helps mate.

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 15:18
Favourite motoring events - Ex Alfa mail

At the risk of brazenly showing my bias, Italian Car Day at Brooklands.(Saturday 30th April this year). Great range of Italian cars from the unexceptional to the glorious. Plus the whole of the Brooklands Museum of course. The one event of the year I try to not miss.

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 16:35
Favourite motoring events - Xileno

A vote for Donington. Always a good day out. Used to go to the Earl's Court Motorshow in the day but hasn't run for years now.

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Mon 20 Mar 2023 13:42
Favourite motoring events - SmithyBilly

Donington's a belter of a day out, Shame to hear the Earl's Court Motorshow's not on anymore, used to love going to that back in the day.

t's always gutting when something you love comes to an end, But there's still plenty of other car shows and events kicking about that can give you a good time. Have you been to any other shows or events that you've proper enjoyed?

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 18:21
Favourite motoring events - paul 1963

At the risk of brazenly showing my bias, Italian Car Day at Brooklands.(Saturday 30th April this year). Great range of Italian cars from the unexceptional to the glorious. Plus the whole of the Brooklands Museum of course. The one event of the year I try to not miss.

Good shout sir! I used to be in the BMW car club ( when I had bmw's) and attended a couple of meetings held on the banking, although its been cut up a bit driving round is a bit of a eye opener.

I also used to work part time in the museum mainly on the sopwith camel, replica airframe, genuine engine, they have a wonderful collection of aero engines and cars,well worth a visit.

BBD, although I've never been knockhill apart from Thruxton it is my favourite track the BTTC circus race at....really must go one day.

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 18:34
Favourite motoring events - badbusdriver

BBD, although I've never been knockhill apart from Thruxton it is my favourite track the BTTC circus race at....really must go one day.

Only been once myself and that was actually to an off-road event, probably more than 30 years ago with my brother. There was some fairly extreme off road routes in the area within the track which I drove in a Land Rover Defender V8, then as a passenger in an original shape (then current) Suzuki Vitara!. Don't laugh, it handled the course easily, though if memory serves it was on fairly aggressive rubber!.

Also remember there being a MK2 Escort doing donuts and burnouts on track :-)

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 18:52
Favourite motoring events - badbusdriver

On BTCC, Thruxton is pretty spectacular because it is so fast. But I also enjoy watching motorbike racing, and I'd say on the BSB, Cadwell Park has the edge because it is so narrow and twisty, and has "The Mountain"!

Also really like Mount Panorama in Oz, a fantastic blend of the tight and twisty undulations of the mountain section but with the crazy speeds possible down Conrod Straight.

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Mon 13 Mar 2023 22:26
Favourite motoring events - bathtub tom

I always tried to attend classics on the common at Harpenden pre covid. A free event with all sorts of vehicles on an open common. Starts around noon and goes on until sunset, although from about 5:00pm onwards it gets too crowded to get close to the vehicles.

www.classicsonthecommon.com/

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Tue 14 Mar 2023 00:42
Favourite motoring events - edlithgow

Getting one of my bangers through the arbitrarily uber-anal UK MOT.

Passing inspection here in Taiwan isn't quite as much of a challenge/relief, but it does have to happen every six months, so probably comes out around the same.

Motorsport events dont come close, but as a lad I quite liked watching trials, which were on TV on a Saturday afternoon, IIRC

This may have had something to do with it involving big women bouncing up and down in the mud, though, rite of passage stylee.

Should really try it live...

Edited by edlithgow on 14/03/2023 at 00:48

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Tue 14 Mar 2023 07:39
Favourite motoring events - mcb100
Not been to one, but Bicester Scrambles are massively popular at Bicester Heritage.

bicesterheritage.co.uk/events/april-scramble-2023

If you can come up with an excuse to get past the (normally closed) barrier, it’s a former RAF base now used by multiple classic car restoration businesses. Classic and historic cars everywhere.
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Tue 14 Mar 2023 08:36
Favourite motoring events - John F

Le Mans 24hrs. Ideally including the drive there and back in an interesting car. Happy daze.

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Tue 14 Mar 2023 11:10
Favourite motoring events - Steveieb

Company Car in Action held at Millbrook for me.

Most of the major manufacturers represented and you are left to test the cars of your choice on the alpine circuit, high speed parabola or off road event.

Been to a Porsche event there too where we were split up into teams and competed against each other. Followed by a hands on trial of a Robinson R 32 helicopter.

Strict rules apply, no cameras in case you spotted a new model being tested but often used by Fifth Gear and other motoring programmes especially the alpine circuit .

Profesional. Drivers take you out on the parabolica with speeds up to 160 mph . Attendees limited to 100 and no straying into the upper rung of the bowl.

Complementary lunch from some of the manufacturers making it a perfect day !

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Tue 14 Mar 2023 11:49
Favourite motoring events - mcb100
CCIA is a good day for delegates, but not something you can just rock up to.
It’s less fun to work at, however…
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Wed 15 Mar 2023 17:25
Favourite motoring events - Manatee

Sometimes go to Shelsley Walsh which I enjoy (good breakfast). I've done the Silverstone Classic (now renamed Festival I think) for the last few years. I get a 3 day ticket with infield parking for the car club. Good to see historic racers in action especially the Grand Prix cars. It's fairly cheap booked early enough, not much over £100 for 3 days for car and 2 occupants.

They open some of the stands up, plenty of seating. I probably wouldn't go if it was miles away - it's about an hour for me.

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Wed 15 Mar 2023 17:48
Favourite motoring events - badbusdriver

Since I've become much keener on really old racing cars, i'd love to go to one of the events at Goodwood where they run. Particular favourites are the Beast of Turin, the Blitzen Benz, the Darracq 200hp, and (because it is an unlikely looking giant killer) the Frazer Nash Owlet.

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Wed 15 Mar 2023 17:52
Favourite motoring events - mcb100
I worked at the Festival of Speed in 2021, didn’t see a single second of the hillclimb…
Heard lots of it, saw nothing.
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Wed 22 Mar 2023 19:44
Favourite motoring events - Steveieb

Prescott Hill Climb was enjoyable especially if you went as a corporate guest and enjoyed the hospitality arrangements.

Lovely setting in the Gloucestershire hills near Cheltenham and home to the Bugatti Racing Club!

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Sat 25 Mar 2023 01:21
Favourite motoring events - Ma83
Not as accessible but I went to Geneva in 2018. I’ve never seen anything like it, I got to go because it was combined with a work trip though but it seemed a lovely city for a break as well as the motor show, the backdrop at the airport with the mountains was something else. Very expensive place for food and drink though I found.

Uk wise I think other posts have it covered :)
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Sat 25 Mar 2023 18:14
Favourite motoring events - Sofa Spud

Off-toad trials are fun to watch and the action takes place relatively slowly so great for photos.

There are trials for cars, specials, 4x4s such as Land Rovers as well as bikes.

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Fri 31 Mar 2023 12:32
Favourite motoring events - Random

Some ineteresting selections - thanks.

Went to FoS in the early days and never been back. Revival rocks, FoS didn't do it for me, now I gather rather corporate.

Bicester Scramble is defintely up my street as is the Italian Car Day at Brooklands next month. Certainly going to The Brooklands event now I have a Fiat Coupe. Taxing it tomorrow after the winter slumber.

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Fri 31 Mar 2023 13:24
Favourite motoring events - Ex Alfa mail

Might see you at Brooklands then. Only a month to go. What Coupe do you have? I'll look out for it. Personally not a fan of Chris Bangle's design but an absolutely brilliant car (for its time). To my mind those were the best years for Italian cars. Walter Da Silva's influence on Alfa's was a joy to see.

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Fri 31 Mar 2023 14:25
Favourite motoring events - Random

20V N/A, wine red metallic. TBH, sometimes I love the design yet from some angles I don't. The details and driving experince are the best bits, also the sheer quality of construction is impressive.

Do you have an Always Looking For Another?

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Fri 31 Mar 2023 14:53
Favourite motoring events - Ex Alfa mail

Yes, I get that. If you get an opportunity try the Turbo and the 3 litre Alfa GTV back to back. The same basic platform, the old Tipo, but such different cars. I realise it is harder to do, but also try to drive an Integrale. All very different yet all great fun. In my view, driving those related cars should be on every keen drivers bucket list. And no, not anymore. As the saying goes, every keen driver should own an Alfa, but every one I had eventually let me down. Yet I always find myself looking at the auctions. Alfa's, unlike Ferraris, look great in red. B

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Fri 31 Mar 2023 14:54
Favourite motoring events - Ex Alfa mail

Yes, I get that. If you get an opportunity try the Turbo and the 3 litre Alfa GTV back to back. The same basic platform, the old Tipo, but such different cars. I realise it is harder to do, but also try to drive an Integrale. All very different yet all great fun. In my view, driving those related cars should be on every keen drivers bucket list. And no, not anymore. As the saying goes, every keen driver should own an Alfa, but every one I had eventually let me down. Yet I always find myself looking at the auctions. Alfa's, unlike Ferraris, look great in red.

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Fri 31 Mar 2023 17:22
Favourite motoring events - Random

I've driven a 20v Turbo about 20 years ago, sowed the seeds for me to buy my N/A. I had various cars on my shortlist, the Fiat coming up for sale locally made life easier.

Apart from the first 30 cm never liked the GTV. A mate has a 2 litre, drinks oil as fast as petrol!

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