Silverstone Classic 2018
One of the best shows of the year
Review by Michelle
The weekend is rammed with car-centric events, putting aside the ‘civilian’ activities – the fair, concerts, food, entertainment and interactive opportunities. Everything from the club laps on the track, through all the races, pre-race lineups and the celebrations after the winners have been decided, there is no time to be bored or disinterested. If you’re remotely interested in vehicles, there is something for you – a wealth of activities.
Clubs put on displays of their members’ vehicles, Porsche being the largest turnout. All things Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus and everything in between is represented and if you’re quick enough, get your name down for one of the experiences offered. 4x4 off-roading, test-driving a Lexus around Silverstone (not the track, I hasten to add).
Silverstone put on a shuttle service to get people where they want to be inside the grounds. Just one more tick in the many boxes ‘for’ the weekend.
Screens dotted around the grounds keep the crowds up to date with the racing from just about anywhere (just about) and there is an army of stewards all over the place to answer questions and queries.
I personally rave about Silverstone because it is so well organized. It really does seem like everything has been thought of.
One down-mark would be the dirt track to and from the campsite. It is exactly that – dirt, dust, loose stones – by the time you get off the site to where you’re displaying your pride and joy, it’s covered with a thick film of dust. The on-site valets may go a short way toward addressing the issue, but not for my car, thanks. I don’t put my pride and joy’s paintwork into anyone else’s hands. I adore my car, I can’t be assured a valet would be as adoring.
Screens dotted around the grounds keep the crowds up to date with the racing from just about anywhere (just about) and there is an army of stewards all over the place to answer questions and queries.
I personally rave about Silverstone because it is so well organized. It really does seem like everything has been thought of.
One down-mark would be the dirt track to and from the campsite. It is exactly that – dirt, dust, loose stones – by the time you get off the site to where you’re displaying your pride and joy, it’s covered with a thick film of dust. The on-site valets may go a short way toward addressing the issue, but not for my car, thanks. I don’t put my pride and joy’s paintwork into anyone else’s hands. I adore my car, I can’t be assured a valet would be as adoring.
Friday and Saturday’s racing finish late in the evening and yet the evening is by no means finished. Concerts on both night, with an aerial display on Saturday night, topped by pyrotechnics (fireworks) add to the value of the weekend.
Sunday does seem to be more laid-back, with the majority of public footfall landing on Saturday. However, the racing doesn’t let up.
Classic F1 cars were racing as I wrote my initial report – the excitement never stops!
There is a Classic Auction to while away a few hours drooling over what would be on offer if ever you’re in possession of a winning lottery ticket. It’s always interesting – eye-popping - even if you can’t afford the vehicles in the brochure waiting to go under the hammer.
Don’t just wander around the stalls at Silverstone. If ever you were curious about any of the classic marques from your childhood, have a look. There is probably a display or club stand featuring it. The people manning the stands will probably know everything there is to know about the car you’re interested in and will be more than happy to tell you everything you want to know.
As a weekend, Silverstone takes some beating. Friday morning through to Monday morning, the cost of camping is spread over three nights and the facilities are excellent. Toilets, dish-washing sinks, rubbish collection, FREE showers, electricity in the shower/toilet blocks and a well-drained site with clearly marked roadways and camping spots, it’s well-worth the cost. When you add into that, the 24 hour marshals, the onsite pub, play areas and shop, it’s all great value.
Review by Trev
Silverstone Classic 2018
Friday 20th – 22nd July.
We attended as both paying customers and media, having purchased our tickets well in advance, using car club discounts and later applying for media accreditation. I mention this because some photos (on the start line for example) will not represent areas accessible by the general public.
Online early bird discounts using your Car Club Discount makes this event good value for money and you should try and make it a 3 day event if you have the time.
Friday 20th – 22nd July.
We attended as both paying customers and media, having purchased our tickets well in advance, using car club discounts and later applying for media accreditation. I mention this because some photos (on the start line for example) will not represent areas accessible by the general public.
Online early bird discounts using your Car Club Discount makes this event good value for money and you should try and make it a 3 day event if you have the time.
Access and Location
Silverstone is sited just off the A43 between the M40 and M1 and therefore is very easy to access, even at busy times.
If camping at the Woodlands campsite (booked when booking your tickets) or other local sites, then access is well signposted and the roads are not only marked out, but also coned to keep you in the correct lane. (If you get it wrong don’t panic, the marshals will direct you).
The woodlands campsite we stayed on is very well set out, but is dusty and you do get your car very dirty. Apart from this one thing, the site is great and well worth stopping at, even if just for the evening chats about cars, or a visit to the onsite pubs. Everything is well set appointed and facilities kept very clean. Although, like any camping, it is a little noisy. However, it was civilised without any idiots revving their engines in the middle of the night. It does liven up quite early and some people are already making a move to the track.
The most annoying thing is the cleaners banging the toilet doors at 6am each morning, the sound echoes across the campsite. Woodlands, please fit some of those cupboard door dampers.
Once at your allocated entrance, your ticket is scanned and you are guided to your allocated display spot or car park. Make sure you park in the correct area or you will be removed. (A professional team either tow or remove your car by lorry).
The infield display areas are quite large and the club spaces are well allocated and normally managed by the individual clubs. The the larger of the clubs have very impressive welfare facilities.
If you want to look around all the car clubs and chat with a few owners, you will need a full day. Some clubs, like Porsche, have around 600 cars there on Saturday. The Ferrari club won best club display and the Aston Martin DB1 best club car which are both new accolades presented by Adrian Flux Insurance.
Silverstone is sited just off the A43 between the M40 and M1 and therefore is very easy to access, even at busy times.
If camping at the Woodlands campsite (booked when booking your tickets) or other local sites, then access is well signposted and the roads are not only marked out, but also coned to keep you in the correct lane. (If you get it wrong don’t panic, the marshals will direct you).
The woodlands campsite we stayed on is very well set out, but is dusty and you do get your car very dirty. Apart from this one thing, the site is great and well worth stopping at, even if just for the evening chats about cars, or a visit to the onsite pubs. Everything is well set appointed and facilities kept very clean. Although, like any camping, it is a little noisy. However, it was civilised without any idiots revving their engines in the middle of the night. It does liven up quite early and some people are already making a move to the track.
The most annoying thing is the cleaners banging the toilet doors at 6am each morning, the sound echoes across the campsite. Woodlands, please fit some of those cupboard door dampers.
Once at your allocated entrance, your ticket is scanned and you are guided to your allocated display spot or car park. Make sure you park in the correct area or you will be removed. (A professional team either tow or remove your car by lorry).
The infield display areas are quite large and the club spaces are well allocated and normally managed by the individual clubs. The the larger of the clubs have very impressive welfare facilities.
If you want to look around all the car clubs and chat with a few owners, you will need a full day. Some clubs, like Porsche, have around 600 cars there on Saturday. The Ferrari club won best club display and the Aston Martin DB1 best club car which are both new accolades presented by Adrian Flux Insurance.
The Event
Although the car club displays are some of the best anywhere, the main part of the event is the racing.
This starts early on Friday morning and you not only get to see the cars race on track, you can also get up close in the pits and work areas, allowing for good photos and interesting chats with drivers and mechanics.
The racing runs until late in the evening, with Saturday evening races well into dusk at 9.30pm.
You can expect to see cars from classic F1 right through to vintage Bentleys.
Around lunch it quietens down a little and pre booked cars get to have a drive around the circuit on a display lap which looked to be well taken up with a large variety of cars.
Travel around the site on both internal and external circuit routes is provided for public use on double decker buses, which are quite efficient. This allows you to travel the extensive site between the National and International Paddocks. I advise you to visit both.
Down at the International Paddock are situated some of the best racing cars, like the historic F1 and endurance cars. Fixed displays of hypercars give you something to think about.
This area is also where they hold the Silverstone auction, and it’s also where the VIP area is housed, with excellent views over the pits and start line
Although the car club displays are some of the best anywhere, the main part of the event is the racing.
This starts early on Friday morning and you not only get to see the cars race on track, you can also get up close in the pits and work areas, allowing for good photos and interesting chats with drivers and mechanics.
The racing runs until late in the evening, with Saturday evening races well into dusk at 9.30pm.
You can expect to see cars from classic F1 right through to vintage Bentleys.
Around lunch it quietens down a little and pre booked cars get to have a drive around the circuit on a display lap which looked to be well taken up with a large variety of cars.
Travel around the site on both internal and external circuit routes is provided for public use on double decker buses, which are quite efficient. This allows you to travel the extensive site between the National and International Paddocks. I advise you to visit both.
Down at the International Paddock are situated some of the best racing cars, like the historic F1 and endurance cars. Fixed displays of hypercars give you something to think about.
This area is also where they hold the Silverstone auction, and it’s also where the VIP area is housed, with excellent views over the pits and start line
Food
Food is available in several places.
A very large food area is set out in front of the Stage area and also in the Village. You can eat in the Silverstone Café, which was turned into Ace Café for the weekend to mark the historic Café’s anniversary.
Food is not cheap and planning only one meal onsite is probably best. A burger started at £6.60 and quickly ran up to almost £10. Fish and chips turned out to be good value at £8.50 and the one in the Village (set out like a windmill/helter-skelter) was excellent.
Drinks are available everywhere, but again, are expensive and the site would benefit from drinking fountains and encouraging people to reuse water bottles like at Goodwood FOS. This event is in mid-summer and keeping people hydrated should be a priority.
Food is available in several places.
A very large food area is set out in front of the Stage area and also in the Village. You can eat in the Silverstone Café, which was turned into Ace Café for the weekend to mark the historic Café’s anniversary.
Food is not cheap and planning only one meal onsite is probably best. A burger started at £6.60 and quickly ran up to almost £10. Fish and chips turned out to be good value at £8.50 and the one in the Village (set out like a windmill/helter-skelter) was excellent.
Drinks are available everywhere, but again, are expensive and the site would benefit from drinking fountains and encouraging people to reuse water bottles like at Goodwood FOS. This event is in mid-summer and keeping people hydrated should be a priority.
Live Stage.
On Friday and Saturday evening, you can watch the bands which are well advertised in advance and should appeal to quite a number of people. You can either stay onsite for the bands or like many at the Woodlands, get a tractor ride up after tea.
On top of the evening concerts, we were also entertained with hot air balloons, stunt air displays and fireworks.
What else is at the event.
For the kids, big or small, there is the Jet Village fair which is free and massive, including the huge big wheel, dodgems and all the classic rides you expect.
There is a 4x4 area and a drag strip where you can watch some great hot rod and drag car demonstrations, as well as a stunt show.
I haven’t mentioned everything located at the Village area. Lots of great stalls selling everything from photos to cars and the Mike Brewer show reviewing Classic Cars. Triumph also do a great stand to tempt you onto two wheels, especially if you have a Tesla and need a noise fix.
You could book a helicopter ride or even get a test drive in a Lexus.
On Friday and Saturday evening, you can watch the bands which are well advertised in advance and should appeal to quite a number of people. You can either stay onsite for the bands or like many at the Woodlands, get a tractor ride up after tea.
On top of the evening concerts, we were also entertained with hot air balloons, stunt air displays and fireworks.
What else is at the event.
For the kids, big or small, there is the Jet Village fair which is free and massive, including the huge big wheel, dodgems and all the classic rides you expect.
There is a 4x4 area and a drag strip where you can watch some great hot rod and drag car demonstrations, as well as a stunt show.
I haven’t mentioned everything located at the Village area. Lots of great stalls selling everything from photos to cars and the Mike Brewer show reviewing Classic Cars. Triumph also do a great stand to tempt you onto two wheels, especially if you have a Tesla and need a noise fix.
You could book a helicopter ride or even get a test drive in a Lexus.
Conclusions
This is one of the best - if not the best - Classic and Car Club events you can go to. It’s big and you will not see half of it in one day.
Access to just about all areas (that are safe) makes this event excellent to experience your dream car up close. The site is large, but well organised, and internal transport is free.
The best days to visit are Friday if you want to see all the Race Cars but are not bothered about the Car Clubs.
Saturday if you want to see all the Car Club displays and most of the racing.
Sunday if you want a mix and like it a little less busy.
Good bits
The organisation. With more than 100,000 attending in 10,000 cars, the 480 volunteer marshals do a fantastic job.
The races are precision organised, featuring more than 1000 race cars and 780 drivers from 25 countries.
Things just flow, and everyone works very hard to make your visit easy and fun.
Cars of every type, great like minded enthusiasts and a superb racetrack.
Bad bits
Very little really at the event, except there is not much shade and the covered areas get very crowded (rain or shine).
Just the few bits about the campsite already mentioned, dust and noise.
You will have such a great time, you will not remember any bad points. (I have already forgotten not remembering our tent poles, having to buy a new tent that let water in during the first rain this summer. Flat battery, broken air pump, lost infield pass or the stove that tried to cremate me).
What to take with you.
Food, Water, Ear Plugs, Sun Screen, Umbrella (it rains sometimes but mostly in the evening).
This is one of the best - if not the best - Classic and Car Club events you can go to. It’s big and you will not see half of it in one day.
Access to just about all areas (that are safe) makes this event excellent to experience your dream car up close. The site is large, but well organised, and internal transport is free.
The best days to visit are Friday if you want to see all the Race Cars but are not bothered about the Car Clubs.
Saturday if you want to see all the Car Club displays and most of the racing.
Sunday if you want a mix and like it a little less busy.
Good bits
The organisation. With more than 100,000 attending in 10,000 cars, the 480 volunteer marshals do a fantastic job.
The races are precision organised, featuring more than 1000 race cars and 780 drivers from 25 countries.
Things just flow, and everyone works very hard to make your visit easy and fun.
Cars of every type, great like minded enthusiasts and a superb racetrack.
Bad bits
Very little really at the event, except there is not much shade and the covered areas get very crowded (rain or shine).
Just the few bits about the campsite already mentioned, dust and noise.
You will have such a great time, you will not remember any bad points. (I have already forgotten not remembering our tent poles, having to buy a new tent that let water in during the first rain this summer. Flat battery, broken air pump, lost infield pass or the stove that tried to cremate me).
What to take with you.
Food, Water, Ear Plugs, Sun Screen, Umbrella (it rains sometimes but mostly in the evening).
Drag racing demo's throughout the weekend
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The history of Silverstone
By the end of the Second World War, Britain had no major race track. We did, however, have lots of airfields suddenly under-utilised. Silverstone, close to the middle of England looked like the perfect location to re-introduce international motor racing to Britain.
Ex-farmer, James Wilson-Brown was given just two months to transform the site from a wartime airfield into a track worthy of the RAC’s first International Grand Prix. The RAC leased Silverstone airfield from the Air Ministry with the optimism characteristic of the post-war years.
2nd October 1948 arrived and so did hordes of spectators. 100,000 people came to watch the Grand Prix and saw Luigi Villoresi and his Maserati beat a field of 22 others.
The circuit wound around crops and a piggery which were ‘protected’ by hay bales and ropes. The drivers were protected from distraction of other drivers coming the opposite way by canvas barriers.
A little basic and rudimentary perhaps, but the start of Silverstone as a world-renowned race track.
There have been many momentous occasions at Silverstone and two years after the birth of the RAC Grand Prix, King George VI attended for the 1950 European Grand Prix.
The BRDC – British Racing Drivers’ Club took over the lease from the RAC and improvements began. Spectators were given a better vantage point of the racing by raising their view.
Graham Hill drove magnificently at the 1960 GP. After stalling at the start and starting last, he went through the field to gain first position, only to spin off at Copse just five laps from the end, leaving Jack Brabham to take the victory.
In 1975 a chicane was introduced to slow down the cars. Ronnie Peterson slid his Lotus through the corner at 150MPH prior to the chicane’s introduction.
Alain Prost won his first Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1983. Prost went on to match Jim Clark’s five British Grand Prix wins, winning all at Silverstone – Jim Clark won two at Silverstone, three were won at Aintree.
Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell’s epic races at Silverstone is lauded as one of the greatest of all time. Tension at the max, Piquet conceded to Mansell going into the corner at Stowe and the crowd were elated. Mansell ran out of fuel on his slow-down lap, showing just how desperately close it had been. The crowd went wild and flooded onto the track to celebrate Mansell’s victory.
Silverstone underwent a major refurbishment in 1991. A new stadium area between Abbey and Woodcote and new, sweeping curves in place of Becketts Corner.
Following the deaths of Senna and Ratzenberger at Imola, extensive changes had to be implemented in just 18 days in 1994. A new chicane at Abbey Corner and re-profiling of various corners took place.
Damon Hill (son of Graham, mentioned above) won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, an achievement his father missed out on.
1998 and 1999 Michael Schumacher won the British Grand Prix – at last – and the following year, broke his leg at Stowe when his brakes failed.
2006 and a new British Racing Superstar exploded onto the scene. Lewis Hamilton started 8th after winning the GP2 race the previous day. He sped through the field up to 5th, made a great re-start after the safety car and attained 4th. One lap later, cars 3 abreast into Becketts esses, Hamilton wet into second place.
Felix Porteiro succumbed to the newcomer’s emerging brilliance at Brooklands and Hamilton won! His progression up to F1 was nothing short of a dead certainty from then.
2008 Hamilton’s mastery of his McLaren in wet, damp and dry conditions on the same track took the lead from his team mate, Heikki Kovalainen on lap 5. He called his tyre changes to perfection and went on to win his first British Grand Prix by 68.5 seconds ahead of Nick Heidfeld in his BMW Sauber.
Info from www.silverstone.co.uk
Not only can you go to watch thrilling races at Silverstone, you can also buy into the experience and drive the track!
http://www.silverstone.co.uk/experiences/driving-experiences/
I knew Porsche Ducati and David Brown were based at Silverstone Park but I looked deeper into the directory and the array of big names is astonishing.
https://silverstone-park.com/silverstone-park-today/directory/
Ex-farmer, James Wilson-Brown was given just two months to transform the site from a wartime airfield into a track worthy of the RAC’s first International Grand Prix. The RAC leased Silverstone airfield from the Air Ministry with the optimism characteristic of the post-war years.
2nd October 1948 arrived and so did hordes of spectators. 100,000 people came to watch the Grand Prix and saw Luigi Villoresi and his Maserati beat a field of 22 others.
The circuit wound around crops and a piggery which were ‘protected’ by hay bales and ropes. The drivers were protected from distraction of other drivers coming the opposite way by canvas barriers.
A little basic and rudimentary perhaps, but the start of Silverstone as a world-renowned race track.
There have been many momentous occasions at Silverstone and two years after the birth of the RAC Grand Prix, King George VI attended for the 1950 European Grand Prix.
The BRDC – British Racing Drivers’ Club took over the lease from the RAC and improvements began. Spectators were given a better vantage point of the racing by raising their view.
Graham Hill drove magnificently at the 1960 GP. After stalling at the start and starting last, he went through the field to gain first position, only to spin off at Copse just five laps from the end, leaving Jack Brabham to take the victory.
In 1975 a chicane was introduced to slow down the cars. Ronnie Peterson slid his Lotus through the corner at 150MPH prior to the chicane’s introduction.
Alain Prost won his first Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1983. Prost went on to match Jim Clark’s five British Grand Prix wins, winning all at Silverstone – Jim Clark won two at Silverstone, three were won at Aintree.
Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell’s epic races at Silverstone is lauded as one of the greatest of all time. Tension at the max, Piquet conceded to Mansell going into the corner at Stowe and the crowd were elated. Mansell ran out of fuel on his slow-down lap, showing just how desperately close it had been. The crowd went wild and flooded onto the track to celebrate Mansell’s victory.
Silverstone underwent a major refurbishment in 1991. A new stadium area between Abbey and Woodcote and new, sweeping curves in place of Becketts Corner.
Following the deaths of Senna and Ratzenberger at Imola, extensive changes had to be implemented in just 18 days in 1994. A new chicane at Abbey Corner and re-profiling of various corners took place.
Damon Hill (son of Graham, mentioned above) won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, an achievement his father missed out on.
1998 and 1999 Michael Schumacher won the British Grand Prix – at last – and the following year, broke his leg at Stowe when his brakes failed.
2006 and a new British Racing Superstar exploded onto the scene. Lewis Hamilton started 8th after winning the GP2 race the previous day. He sped through the field up to 5th, made a great re-start after the safety car and attained 4th. One lap later, cars 3 abreast into Becketts esses, Hamilton wet into second place.
Felix Porteiro succumbed to the newcomer’s emerging brilliance at Brooklands and Hamilton won! His progression up to F1 was nothing short of a dead certainty from then.
2008 Hamilton’s mastery of his McLaren in wet, damp and dry conditions on the same track took the lead from his team mate, Heikki Kovalainen on lap 5. He called his tyre changes to perfection and went on to win his first British Grand Prix by 68.5 seconds ahead of Nick Heidfeld in his BMW Sauber.
Info from www.silverstone.co.uk
Not only can you go to watch thrilling races at Silverstone, you can also buy into the experience and drive the track!
http://www.silverstone.co.uk/experiences/driving-experiences/
I knew Porsche Ducati and David Brown were based at Silverstone Park but I looked deeper into the directory and the array of big names is astonishing.
https://silverstone-park.com/silverstone-park-today/directory/