There will be No Porsche Club Presence / Hospitality at Silverstone Classic 2022

[andywill]

Hi All
With regards to the Silverstone classic in August. Just to make you all aware, the regional organisers and register secretaries have just been informed by the board that there will be no club presence at the Classic this year, so unlike previous years there will be no club marquee or club grandstand. Very disappointing news IMHO.
Sorry about this bad news
Andy

 

[GeoffB]

Totally unacceptable in my view,what is the reasoning behind this decision? The largest club gathering of the year for members and the board decides to not provide facilities.
Maybe saving funds to support the move to a shed at Bicester , a facility that very few will visit in comparison to the Classic
Please find out and publish the rationale behind this decision

 

[andywill]

Hi Geoff.
The board said they will be sending out a mailchimp email advising all members re the classic.

 

[Peter_Bull]

As a board we worked dammed hard to get the site we have used for the last 7 or 8 years, together with the adjacent stand For our members use. What a real shame that this event will not be graced with the club this year. I doubt very much that we will be able to retain it for future classics, as other clubs will no doubt jump at the chance to use this vacated area.

Only the board know the rationale behind the decision not to attend and I look forward to the proposed email.

Really pleased I am booked in to Salon Prive the following weekend ??

 

[ralphmusic]

I hope the board will be refunding tickets promoted by the Club and purchased on the quite reasonable assumption that the Club facilities of previous years would continue. This in my view is worse than BH, it removes a significant member benefit and in a year where there is no Club National event.

It matters not that it costs £x, that it is a lot of work, or that the Classic organisers have decided that newer cars will be parked outside the Circuit, it is just an unconscionable decision. I suspect the vast majority of members that typically attended the Classic with the Club are not those who visit the Forum nor vote in electronic EGMs.

 

[John Sims]

A very sad state of affairs as, not only does the stand support and provide focus for members it is also one of the biggest shop windows for prospective members.

Ok, so new shiny cars can't park on the infield, but what about all those older cars run by enthusiasts and those with less disposable income? An opportunity for the club to make "lesser" members feel special?

Though I am given to understand Silverstone are wanting to charge big money for the pitch, so do you offset that expenditure against member benefits and advertising or (apparently) just not bother?

 

[Peter_Bull]

Ok, so new shiny cars can't park on the infield…….

Silverstone brought this new ‘rule’ in 3 years ago and for someone like myself with reduced mobility, and a newer Porsche, it was a real disappointment. The last time I went two years ago Ed and Nick Pike came to my rescue with a golf buggy to ferry me to and from my car. They were my stars of the day.

What really bugged me was that the Ferrari Club had all the latest models there on the best tarmac parking place on the entire infield site. As usual they had more space than they needed.

Definitely different rules for the Ferrari Club that’s for sure.

 

[mr pg]

But they haven't got as nice a clubhouse as us!

 

[John Sims]

But they haven't got as nice a clubhouse as us!

LOL!

 

[gedburke3]

Hi all,

This news is very disappointing.
I really enjoy being 'part of the club' at events like the Classic.
The facilities add significantly to the enjoyment of the weekend and provide a real focal point for members to catch up and have a chat.
I usually go with my wife and she likes the opportunity for a bit of comfort, access to toilets etc whilst I wander around.
The club area is a real draw, it always look great and attracts a lot of attention and probably brings in new members.
We will start to lose members if we reduce our profile and the benefits of joining.
I won't be going to the Classic this year without the Club facilities.

In defence of the Club, perhaps they haven't been able to get sufficient volunteers to run the site.
I would be willing to do my bit if they are short.

Gerry

 

[1porscheST]

I joined the club recently as i am seeking to buy a modern companion for my early car. One of the deciding factors was the free valuation service, apparently that is a bit hit and miss at the moment
The other being the enjoyable time i had at this event with a good friend of mine whom kindly invited me along last year. I was a little shocked at the single day ticket price of £100 quid but purchased as i could park my 70 car near the club stand and have a cuppa and a chat with like minded enthusiasts. I feel i have been mi-sold my membership and am very disappointed at this latest news. I understand i will now not be guaranteed an in-field parking slot. Not only will i ask for a refund on my ticket, i am seriously thinking of leaving the club. Poor show.

 

[gedburke3]

Dear all,
If you read the Silverstone Classic article in the events section it explains the reasons why the Clubs presence has changed.
Still a big disappointment but at least I know why.
The Classic at Silverstone | Porsche Club Events August 2022 | Porsche Club Great Britain (porscheclubgb.com)
Gerry

 

[tscaptain]

Like many others, I've always regarded the Club presence and facilities at the Classic a superb member benefit and well worth the entrance fee and hotel costs. The event draws together members from all over the UK and the exclusivity of our own marquee, parking and grandstand stood out against the presence of other car clubs at the event.
I wonder how much effort was put into negotiating a better rate and parking arrangements with Silverstone given our history at the event?

 

[pse_SC]

In defence of the Club, perhaps they haven't been able to get sufficient volunteers to run the site.

Ha, ha, ha, ha, haha, what load of rubbish! They haven’t even talked to any of us!

Many regular supporters and stalwarts of the Club have put heart and soul into this event for MANY years and to not make an additional effort to retain and cherish our position in this showcase event for the Club is an absolute disgrace.

 

[kasspa]

Hi Geoff.
The board said they will be sending out a mailchimp email advising all members re the classic.

That information should have been provided before a discount code was given.....!

 

[SteveAndrews]

FYI when the booking codes were released on 25 Nov 2021 this included the statement "Tickets are now on sale with Club members able to enjoy significant savings as well as display parking and complimentary Club hospitality."

 

[Ian_959]

Like many things at the moment, it looks like 'Silverstone Classic' as a business has changed formats, dates and costs, I have seen this before many times with the GP in the past and this is not the only event location to make changes to the calendar this year. It doesn't appear to be a conspiracy by the POC to pay for the new headquarters, it is a shame however but the entry tickets are still good value. What's more concerning is the split parking for pre and post 82 cars - what if you're turning up with both and wanted to park together - I wonder where they will park us young gun's 'Donnington'?

 

[Trackside Tripod]

When I first heard of this I did my usual thing and was fuming. I was going to write a stroppy email to both the PCGB and to Silverstone for pricing the clubs out, but am glad that I didn't. I assumed that the PCGB had just abandoned it's memberships needs because of money but in fact all that's happening is that the costs involved with marquee hire for the weekend have risen substantially, to such a degree, that it's not deemed good value any more. This has nothing to do with Silverstone, but with third party suppliers. Having an infield section is however, free to the club and lets face it, it's one of the main reasons people arrive at the event; to see all the club cars parked up is a big draw, along with the racing of course! So the membership can still park their cars on the infield and you can get club packages including the infield parking. The only thing missing will be the PCGB marquee along with the usual accutrements. Unfortunately I found this out too late and have booked my e-type in with the Jaguar Drivers Club instead. If the weather looks like it's going to be as bad as last year (I've just recovered from trench foot from the campsite from last year!) then I'll see if I can change it to the PCGB infield. Rain is no good for ill fitting Leyland built convertibles...though I have bought the optional extra of permanently located j cloths for the British weather! Anyway, I'll be spending much time with Porsches and Jags over that weekend. Hope to see you there. Oh BTW, it really wouldn't bother me having to park my 2002 car with the moderns.