Paddock Passes

[lkjohnson1950]

If you're lucky enough to go to a GP this year, you can buy a Paddock Pass. Back in my day, this was not a big deal, passes were available to everyone, and were reasonable in cost.

http://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/americanization-series-f1-sell-paddock-passes-its-races?utm_source=RacingDaily20170323&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_term=arrows-top&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=awracingdaily

[Scott]

I'm not sure which Lucy you are talking about, but if she'll join me in a paddock walkthrough, I would be quite pleased.

Seriously, I am the guy who looked for cracks in the fence shielding, looked for dumpsters to stand on to have a look.  I would LOVE to get into the paddock not to star gaze, but to have close and upfront looks at the motorhomes.  I would even be thrilled if someone would do a 10 episode show doing a descriptive walkthrough of each teams setup - mechanic areas and hospitality areas.  I don't know why they won't share with those of us fascinated by it.

[Robem64]

Surely the defining element if they do this will be the price of a paddock pass - I can still envisage the price point will not be at the level the majority would want to pay and in that case it will likely end up being just more paddock passes snapped up by corporates.

[BraydenSoh]

Can't wait for them to iron the details out! Singapore GP is not till September so I will have my finger crossed!

[Scott]

Surely the defining element if they do this will be the price of a paddock pass - I can still envisage the price point will not be at the level the majority would want to pay and in that case it will likely end up being just more paddock passes snapped up by corporates.

You could be right.  Last time I checked (years ago at Monza), they were around $3500, and that wasn't open, but restricted to the Paddock Club along with a few scheduled paddock walk through tours.  If it came down to decent ticket price levels ($300-400), I would put it on my bucket list.  But I think you are right that there will be limited numbers and will just open up to more corporate tickets. 

On topic, did you see the press conference when Lewis said there should be more women in the paddock - lol

[Robem64]

On topic, did you see the press conference when Lewis said there should be more women in the paddock - lol

I missed that bit - hope he's not going down the Donald Trump view-of-women route!

[John S]

Whilst I see it may be a good idea who gets the money? If it's just another way of Liberty monetising the GP weekend I'm not so keen, unless it's as low as £25 to £50.

However if the tracks get to keep the income it goes someway to address problems faced by most of the heritage circuits. Is this one of the new revenue streams Liberty said it would help tracks find?? 
   

[cosworth151]

I'll take a wait & see approach to this, too. I can see it being a limited number, super high price item.

Here in the States, general admission tickets to many racing series, like ALMS and the SCCA, have always included paddock access.

[Jericoke]

I'm not sure which Lucy you are talking about, but if she'll join me in a paddock walkthrough, I would be quite pleased.

Seriously, I am the guy who looked for cracks in the fence shielding, looked for dumpsters to stand on to have a look.  I would LOVE to get into the paddock not to star gaze, but to have close and upfront looks at the motorhomes.  I would even be thrilled if someone would do a 10 episode show doing a descriptive walkthrough of each teams setup - mechanic areas and hospitality areas.  I don't know why they won't share with those of us fascinated by it.

You know, a hotel owner teamed with a son interested in video production would be well suited to develop a video about F1 living conditions over a Grand Prix weekend...

I'll settle for an EP credit.   

[lkjohnson1950]

Fixed Lucy! The money will go to Liberty I'm sure. The price will need to balance being affordable while not getting the paddock overcrowded. Back in the dim, ancient past when I attended a GP or 3, the paddock/garage area was free. At the Glen, it was a large, rectangular steel building with the teams along either side and the fans passing down the middle. No team motorhomes at all.