GPWizard F1 Forum
Everything Else => Events & Special Offers => Topic started by: Slugger on August 06, 2008, 07:54:57 AM
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Morning all
Just a quick plug. We have Autosport 2009 tickets available already on one of our new sites here http://www.thatticketsite.com/sport/motor-sport/autosport-international-2009/358/.
Tickets are £29 for standard tickets, £35 for paddock pass tickets and £100 for Platinum Club tickets.
All tickets include a seat in the Live Action Arena performance of your choice, a 68-page souvenir brochure and FREE entry into PistonHeads: The Performance Car Show.
The Paddock Pass includes
Admission to Autosport International
VIP seats & fast-track entry to Live Action Arena performance of your choice
Exclusive access to the Driver Signing Area where you can get autographs and take photos with famous drivers/motor racing celebrities. Past guests include Lewis Hamilton, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Jason Plato, Colin McRae, the ITV-F1 team and many more. find out more
Exclusive access to Live Action Arena Paddock Area where you can see the cars and chat to the drivers & celebrities, you can also watch any Live Action performance from the sidelines find out more
A showguide lanyard with pictures of celebrities perfect for signing autographs along with a detailed floorplan highlighting the key areas of the Show
Platinum Club tickets include all the benefits of the Paddock Pass, plus:
Exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action Arena grandstand to watch the 45-minute action-packed performance of your choice, complete with champagne and canapés
Complimentary parking at the NEC
Complimentary cloakroom
Goodie bag
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The other thing to mention about this is that there's a project going on (with strands in Sidepodcast and F1 Insight) to have an "F1 Bloggers and Friends Karting Competition" in Birmingham during the Autosport weekend. This wouldn't be included in the ticket price, but it would make a good get-together.
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Hmm could be interesting Ali if anyone is up for it.
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Yeah Sluggs, I'm up for the Karting, put my name down Ali please.
Neil.P
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Nice idea Ali :good: Lets see if we can get something organised.
As Slugger started this off I think he should contribute with free air fares for all members outside the UK! :D
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Hahaha i'm just going to go in to hiding for a bit now.....
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As Slugger started this off I think he should contribute with free air fares for all members outside the UK!
Does that include the extra $7 for a pillow & blanket? ;)
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At the moment, I'm still trying to get things organised, with the help of the people at Sidepodcast and F1 Insight. I've set up a wiki page (http://alianoralacanta.wik.is/index.php?title=Sidepodcast%27s_Corner/The_F1_Bloggers_and_Friends_Karting_Competition) where the planning can be co-ordinated. When it's time to commit/sort out payments, I'll let you know.
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Great idea Ali. I think organising this could be awkward but it will be good if we can make it happen.
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We've started taking names over at the wiki.
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Just put my name down :)
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UPDATE: I've had an e-mail from Teamworks. The date is free, but I need exact numbers to make the booking (at least of the people who will actually be karting - I'm happy to have spectators attend as well).
Could everyone who intends to kart at the "F1 Bloggers and Friends Karting Competition" please put their names down at the wiki where the plans are being organised (http://alianoralacanta.wik.is/index.php?title=Sidepodcast's_Corner/The_F1_Bloggers_and_Friends_Karting_Competition), or ask me to put your name down for you, by 31 October 2008?
If you've already put your name down and are having second thoughts, you have until 31 October to withdraw.
The payment schedule is thus:
£20 before 30 November 2008
£20.50 on or before the day (which is Saturday 10 January 2009)
Note, however, that I need to set up a payment facility before accepting payments. But for now, the most important thing is that I know how many people want to turn up in the first place.
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I have now sorted out Paypal, but I can only invoice - I still don't know how to get the Paypal button working. Could everyone who's decided to kart (as opposed to watch) please PM or email me with their email so that I can send the invoice?
If you want to watch and can get to Birmingham on the 10th January, the bar will be available for the event. If you want to watch but can't get to Birmingham, I believe Sidepodcast are planning on live commenting the event.
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How are the numbers looking Ali? I assume there are still slots available if anyone fancies joining in.
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There are slots free, but I did have a deadline as well. I'll see what the Teamworks people say and get back to you.
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I sent you an email as well Ali. I am thinking about coming along in January. I should know by the end of the week if we can get things booked...but waiting for your response on hotel deals with Teamworks. Do I also book the Autosport show tickets through you?
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Book the Autosport tickets here ;)
http://www.thatticketsite.com/sport/motor-sport/autosport-international-2009/358/ (http://www.thatticketsite.com/sport/motor-sport/autosport-international-2009/358/)
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I sent you a PM Ali :good:
Neil.P
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OK Ali, I sent the money via the paypal. :good:
Neil.P
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Thank you Neil. :D
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I've sent my money too :)
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And I've received it - thank you :D
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Could everyone who has expressed interest and not paid me please send me their e-mail address to alianora . lacanta @ yahoo . co . uk or through the PM system so that I can invoice you? Some of you have paid, and if you have you may ignore this post.
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Paid in full - can't wait.
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Nice one Scotty, looking forward to meeting you and a few more of the gang.
Neil.P
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Cos and me would come but were afraid they
wouldn't let us back in the country
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You'd have to get in here first. You know that we are very very fussy who we let in here Dare :D
Neil.P
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I'd be happy for you to come, dare. Though I cannot guarantee what border control of either the UK or US will do.
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I'd be a man without a country
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Then come and live in Switzerland...we have plenty of your type here :P
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I'm coming in on Saturday around lunchtime. I'll go to the AIS on Sunday instead since my day will be too short to do the AIS and karting. Is anyone else going on Sunday to the AIS that I can meet up with, or are you all going on Saturday?
Any hints about what to do or where to go while there would be great. Tips on the show would be great too, from someone who has been there before.
If anyone is grabbing an early meal before the karting, I'd be up for that too.
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I might not be able to take part in the karting as I am nursing a kidney stone and thanks to the typically useless nhs it's likely that still nothing will have been done about it by then. I will more than likely still come along though.
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I'm really sorry to hear that, Slugger. Hope the NHS sorts itself out and gives you the treatment you deserve soon.
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Thanks Ali, me too. This has been going on since August now :(
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I dunno Sluggs, what we gonna do with you eh? :DntKnw: :D
Scotty, I won't be going to the autosport show itself, so I'll be able to meet up before hand for some food. I'll try and find out what places there are to eat near the karting venue. Perhaps a couple of the others would like to meet beforehand too?
Neil.P
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I'm not very well acquainted with Birmingham's eateries, since I've only been to that city twice. The first time was for Autosport 2007 and I never got further in than the NEC. The other time was for the Library and Information Show the same year, and all I know from that is that the bus service is extremely confusing...
It's worth saying that the bar will be open after the karting, if that helps any.
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As for tips on the show itself:
- If travelling by car, budget £8 for parking. It's yucky but essential.
- Also if travelling by car, get there early. Some of the parking is over half a mile from the venue, and Autosport is one of the most popular events the NEC holds.
- Take everything out of the car that you want for the show before entering. It's a long way to that car...
- If travelling by train, buy tickets at least a week in advance and leave plenty of time at Birmingham New Street for transferring between platforms. It's got 16 of the horrors...
- Do not use buses in Birmingham. They are a false economy.
- The opening is at 9am; you'll kick yourself if you're late. If you're early, you may see me with my dad having a pre-event snack (assuming the trains don't mess up).
- It's not actually necessary to get in that giant queue; it'll disperse within 90 seconds of the gates opening and then you'll be able to relaxedly
- Get a map, either by printing out the enormous one on the website (or at least there was one there before I went in 2007) or by getting a Gold/Paddock Pass ticket and using the tiny map in the booklet. Note that the booklet is on a lanyard.
- Get a Gold/Paddock Pass ticket anyway, because that will allow you into the driver signature sessions and grant you access to the standing area for any live show (not just the one you booked for). Plus it's only £5 more expensive.
- Give the Platinum Pass a miss unless you're made of money and need to socialise with people in a similar state of construction.
- Bring your own packed lunch, drinks and snacks. They do not frown on food being brought in from outside and the food in the venue is pricey. There is a reasonably clear bit of wall on the wall opposite the entrance in the venue. Alternatively, plan to go to the 12:30pm live action arena event and eat your lunch in a seat watching fast cars whizzing around.
- Backpacks are an excellent investment, especially for those bringing their own sustenance.
- Do not expect discount merchandise. There is very little of it.
- Go to the academic areas first; not because you actually want to study anything, but so that you can get enough bags to carry home all the leaflets you are likely to pick up.
- Alternatively, bring your own (strong) bags from home, and then when you enter the venue, turn left and keep going until you walk into the F1 Racing stand (which is typically at the far left of the show). This will help you get your bearings on the place.
- The driver signing area is close to the F1 Racing stand.
- Despite all preparations, prepare to get lost at least once. I still can't remember off the top of my head how to get to the Live Action Arena (there are at least two routes, one of which is reserved for Platinum Pass holders, possibly due to that being the route to the canapés).
- There was a kart track you could practise on the year I went. You may consider it worth the queuing to get a couple of laps practise on it prior to the competition if you are not very confident and don't mind standing in line for ages.
- The main featured display (which I think is the David Coulthard Museum this year) is often found at the opposite side of the show to the F1 Racing stand. Get a strong pair of legs, or bring some sort of support with you.
- If travelling by train to the karting, leave before 5pm and preferably at 4:30pm. You'll need time to walk to the train station.
- If you visit the National section, bring earplugs. It's almost as noisy as the Live Action Arena.
- Some of the activities change every year. I did a blog entry on the 2007 (http://formula1home.com/forum/weblog_entry.php?e=42) event if you want a detailed sample of what the event is like.
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No car, no worries there.
Thanks for the train tip - I probably would have just waited until I got there - I'll get the tickets shortly.
I won't be at the AIS for Saturday - I get in too late, but I'm going straight downtown, so I won't be late for the racing.
I have a "Paddock" pass, but it's not the platinum (doesn't say gold either, though). They mention the lanyard, so I guess it's the right one. If not, can I upgrade it at the door do you think?
Good tip on the snacks - and I'm booked for the 12:30 show, so I know where I'll be having lunch :D
I'll print out your descriptions for the rest and take it with me to the show.
I hope I won't need the practice, so I'll skip the long wait for a go-kart ride >:D
Thanks so much Ali - it should be great fun. It'll be great to meet up with you all.
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I dunno Sluggs, what we gonna do with you eh? :DntKnw: :D
Scotty, I won't be going to the autosport show itself, so I'll be able to meet up before hand for some food. I'll try and find out what places there are to eat near the karting venue. Perhaps a couple of the others would like to meet beforehand too?
Neil.P
I know mate i'm falling apart. I'll be able to meet up before hand.
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Good one sluggs :good:
Neil.P
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I hope that you take some pix of yourselves there and post them for us Colonials to see! :good:
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I have a "Paddock" pass, but it's not the platinum (doesn't say gold either, though) {ScottyD - 4 comments ago}
Gold and Paddock are interchangeable (the term they use changes depending on the year). That's good, because I think that's the best-value ticket for the event.
You're very welcome about the advice.
It wouldn't surprise if there were pictures, and I believe Sidepodcast are going to live comment the event (the karting, that is, not Autosport as a whole) - more details closer to the time.
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Ali, I've talked someone else in to doing the karting. Are there still spaces?
Neil.P
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Aw Neil, that's really too bad. I was looking forward to
beating meeting you.
Seriously, it will be too bad if you miss it. Maybe the trial will be a short one and you can still make it.
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I think I may have worded that a bit wrong Scotty, I'm still coming plus I've got another person who wants to come now. Sorry about that.
Neil.P
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No sorry, that's super. Can't wait to meet you :good:
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Cheers Scotty, I think a couple of us are meeting up before the karting for food if you are interested?
Neil.P
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Ali, I've talked someone else in to doing the karting. Are there still spaces?
Neil.P
He/she could take my place couldn't he/she?
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Sluggs, I suppose he could take your place, perhaps Ali might pop in and see this thread if she ain't too busy with business projects and the like :D
Neil.P
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I'm here!
There are still spaces left, so Neil's friend is very welcome to join in the fun :)
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You definitely not going to do the karting Sluggs? You still going to be in Birminham though?
Neil.P
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I'm not going to drive but will come and watch and take some pics. Will also still meet up beforehand.
How many are meeting up before the karting and what time shall we meet?
Shall I see about a table or shall we just turn up somewhere?
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OK mate, Perhaps it will be best if we give you the money seeing as you are not driving and you have already paid half.
Not sure about times etc yet. As you know, I'm not the most organised person in the world :D
Neil.P
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I am up for meeting before - but don't know where. I get in around 10am or something like that and then need to get to the hotel, but early to late afternoon I'm game. Never been to Birmingham before, so I'd prefer to follow whatever you decide.
How about one of you Brits decide and then PM's the rest of us when and where to meet (preferably not too far from Teamworks). I'm staying by the Bullring.
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Not on much at this moment, I'll explain when I see you guys, but I'll be there. I'm in Canada at the moment, but coming back on the 8th to Switzerland and then on to Birmingham on Saturday morning.
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I'll arrange where to meet just need to decide what time.
How does 3-3.30 sound? I'll have to check if places are doing any food at that time though because i'll need to eat something :)
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Sounds good - 3:30pm works for me.
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I'm really sorry I cannot attend this event with you guys. :(
Ali, you've done a grand job of organising this and please keep me informed as to how the days goes. If all is successful then perhaps we could look at making this a regular annual feature and I could look at medals/prizes for the participants.
I trust somebody's taking a camera?
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sidepodcast.com are covering the event so there may even be live video. There will certainly be some video on their site the following day if they can't do live. There will at the very least be some kind of comments being posted there from the event. I know of several people who are taking cameras so there should be plenty of coverage.
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Are you driving up Neil or getting the train?
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sidepodcast.com are covering the event so there may even be live video.
Will they have David Hobbs & the Speed crew, or Murray & his lot from the Beeb? ;)
With such a stellar array of driving talent, I'd expect no less!
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sidepodcast.com are covering the event so there may even be live video. There will certainly be some video on their site the following day if they can't do live. There will at the very least be some kind of comments being posted there from the event. I know of several people who are taking cameras so there should be plenty of coverage.
What time is the kart race so the rest of us
may be able to catch it?
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sidepodcast.com are covering the event so there may even be live video. There will certainly be some video on their site the following day if they can't do live. There will at the very least be some kind of comments being posted there from the event. I know of several people who are taking cameras so there should be plenty of coverage.
What time is the kart race so the rest of us
may be able to catch it?
The karting takes place 6.30 - 9.30pm at 202 Fazeley Street,
Birmingham B5 5SE
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I suggest this place for meeting up -
The Green Room (http://www.greenroomcafebar.co.uk), Arcadian Centre, Hurst St, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 4TD
It's just round the corner from New Street Station so should be easy for everyone to find. It is about 1 mile away from the karting though.
What do you guys think?
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The karting takes place 6.30 - 9.30pm at 202 Fazeley Street,
Birmingham B5 5SE
That'll be 1:30 to 4:30 pm our time, Dare.
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The karting takes place 6.30 - 9.30pm at 202 Fazeley Street,
Birmingham B5 5SE
That'll be 1:30 to 4:30 pm our time, Dare.
Thanks Cos but since being a member here I
think in 3 time zones.ours,London,and Gladstone
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Sluggs, I'll be driving up to Leicester on the Friday, stay with the Stu. Then we'll come across from there. Meeting place looks good, I'll see you there.
Neil.P
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Ok mate
So thats 3.30pm at
The Green Room
Arcadian Centre
Hurst St
Birmingham
B5 4TD
for those meeting up beforehand.
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Will they have David Hobbs & the Speed crew, or Murray & his lot from the Beeb?
No they will have Christine and anyone else who is prepared to speak into a mic probably.
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Don't worry, Christine is good enough that she deserves to be called up for commentary duty for a professional broadcaster.
Also, it may be worth tuning into Sidepodcast a bit earlier, since they often open commentary threads some time prior to the events they comment on. There will be other people there who haven't been able to do the Autosport/karting thing this year.
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It looks like live video of the karting won't be possible. There will be comments posted and pictures at http://drop.io/sidepodcast
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I was really hoping i would beable to meet up with you guys for this weekend but im comitted to my grans 80th.With my luck i would meet up with you guys and my gran would die on me.I havnt carted since i was 19 but i came second to a top driver. next year its on!
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next year its on!
I think we should all put a note in our diary for next year - GPWizard Karting Extravaganza!!
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Ok mate
So thats 3.30pm at
The Green Room
Arcadian Centre
Hurst St
Birmingham
B5 4TD
for those meeting up beforehand.
I'll be there - are we going to share cabs or car-pool over to the karting afterward?
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Scotty, I might be getting the train from Leicester to Birmingham so we'll jump in a taxi to the karting I suppose. See you tomorrow :good:
Neil.P
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You lazy gits, I was intending to walk lol
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Taxi it is
:lazy:
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lol :tease:
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lol :tease:
It's 10:38 here{3:38 London time}I hope everyone
met okay and all's having a good time.
No team orders in the kart race
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I think everyone had a good time. I'll let the others announce the result. Pictures coming soon.
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Hmm I took 390 photos. I'll post some here and a link to an album once i've copied them over and sorted the wheat from the chaff.
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who won?
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who won? {dare - previous post}
It wasn't me!
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I'd also like to thank all of you for coming. It was great to see everyone and race with them.
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http://ajtaylor.smugmug.com/gallery/7062837_RGKfF/1/452496149_7sNVE#452497687_EvJtP (http://ajtaylor.smugmug.com/gallery/7062837_RGKfF/1/452496149_7sNVE#452497687_EvJtP)
A few photos courtesy of Andy Taylor to be going on with.
There was some discussion last night about a repeat at the Festival of Speed but I think we can wait a little while yet before that needs to be organised. It was a great night and the only disappointment was the number of people who said they would go and didn't turn up.
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You can see my photos here http://flickr.com/photos/wdaviesuk/ (http://flickr.com/photos/wdaviesuk/)
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Wow - thanks for getting those up so quick, Slugger. Some great shots. And thanks for the post-race beers Neil. Again, great to meet all you guys.
See you next year!
:yahoo: :yahoo:
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Dad had the idea that I should next organise a meet-up at Silverstone for the Grand Prix - not to kart (I don't know any kart tracks in the near vicinity) but to have drinks and perhaps a barbecue with friends. And to give a toast to Silverstone.
As for karting meetings, there will be more. The question is when, where and how. While several people questioned the track width at Teamworks, I think the organisation and karts are plenty good enough that a repeat next year would be possible. It also happens to be the closest kart circuit to the NEC apart from the £10-per-few-laps set-up at Autosport itself, and relatively cheap. That said, other tracks on other occasions are also possible. Even abroad, if it's in conjunction with something else (though probably not this year as I'm not Bill Gates right now).
By the way, ScottyD not only won the GP Wizard GP, but also won the F1 Bloggers and Friends competition outright. There are quite a few Sidepodcasters who are very pleased that Neil P, his friend and ScottyD turned up, as it would have been a pretty thin grid otherwise.
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Sidepodcast have now done the summary of the race (http://www.sidepodcast.com/2009/01/11/episode-90-anything-can-happen-in-the-next-half-hour/).
If you want to see the results without listening to the podcast, please scroll down:
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1st ScottyD (GPWizard) Also pole and fastest lap
2nd Neil P (GPWizard)
3rd Steven Roy (GPWizard/Sidepodcast)
4th "me" (Sidepodcast)
5th Andy Taylor (Sidepodcast)
6th Neil P's friend (honourary GPWizard)
7th Alianora La Canta (GPWizard/Sidepodcast)
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No problem Scott. If you want any higher res ones emailing over just shout.
More karting meets would be great Ali. Hopefully next time i'll be fit to race (and show you all how it's done :P joking)
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Dad and I were discussing this, and it was definitely when rather than if.
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For those who were at the event you will notice that the male half of sidepodcast is refered to as MrC throughout the podcast. Like the Wiz he likes to be anonymous. He appears on their video shows as a disembodied voice. When he had to appear in the online sidepodcast party he wore a panda suit.
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Listened to the sidepodcast telecast amd
enjoyed hearing the members speak.Was
a little surprised Neil didn't have any comments
or sing a song for us
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I think that is the usual sidepodcast problem. They record a load of material and then a lot of good stuff gets cut in the edit to make the show a sensible length. Most Sunday nights they record their video show with an audince posting comments, helping out when they forget things, hassling them when they make mistakes and phoning in to make comments. The live shows regularly run over two hours partly due to technical issues but the edit is anything from 30-60 minutes.
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I would have had a little singalong dare, unfortunately I couldn't remember how the Canadian National Anthem went. :D
Neil.P
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God Save The Queen would have been alright Neil. We warm up to that one too. :P
Sorry for all the hullabaloo about me including the real name of 'the guy with the 40ft rear end' from SPC. I didn't realize he and half the people over there were so sensitive to that sort of thing. Maybe he's got some skeletons in his closet and is hiding from someone.
By the way everyone...my name isn't really ScottyD - just Scott :P :P
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I couldn't remember how the Canadian National Anthem went.
I guess Bernie can't, either.
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The thing was that I was so used to Mr C's anonymity that I forgot that not everyone else was - or that he'd be using an alias trackside. Silly me...
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Hypocrites anyhow - they (SPC) never asked if they could publish or broadcast our full names (she could have just gone with first names), and now they whine about having someone's first name published, ever so briefly. Na, I've heard enough about that I think.
>:D >:D >:D
When my daughter saw the trophy this morning, she thought there was something missing. So she made a couple of alterations. Anyone think I have a grid girl in the making? :crazy: :crazy:
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Hypocrites anyhow - they (SPC) never asked if they could publish or broadcast our full names (she could have just gone with first names), and now they whine about having someone's first name published, ever so briefly. Na, I've heard enough about that I think.
>:D >:D >:D
Good point
When my daughter saw the trophy this morning, she thought there was something missing. So she made a couple of alterations. Anyone think I have a grid girl in the making? :crazy: :crazy:
Lol good mods
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When my daughter saw the trophy this morning, she thought there was something missing. So she made a couple of alterations. {ScottyD - previous comment}
:DD I think you may be right!
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I listened to the sidepod telecast and
really enjoyed hearing Scotty,Steven,
Ali,and Stuart interviews.Just wished
Neil would have snuck in there.
I hate ti hurt Mr big's ego but I looked
thru Slug's pictures and I have no
rememberance of his name or picture.
Sorry mr big whoever you are :tease:
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I don't think "me" will be offended. The reason why he doesn't like having his name all over the internet is to make sure people don't remember his real name or picture...
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Just wished
Neil would have snuck in there.
On the flip side, Christine never bothered to go over and ask him anything even though he clearly dominated their favourites and finished up just a hair behind me.
I think if it happens next year, we should really set up teams representing their websites (yes, Steven would have to choose). Although after they were solidly whipped this year, they may not show up next year. :good:
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I must also apologize to Neil's friend Stuart (Stewart?) who I suggested had a bit too much 'baggage or balast' onboard. He is not the least bit overweight, however he is a big boy (2m+ I'd guess) and probably weighed as much as 'Mr Big', 'Mr. C', 'me', or 'Kevin Brown' - whatever his name is (is he secretly your Prime Minister's son - perhaps that's why he's trying to hide his identity?). :DntKnw:
I was just trying to have a bit of fun. Sorry Stuart. :P
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Hiya Scotty, I haven't heard Stuart say any negative comments about the karting or anybody that was involved in it. So I think you are safe for now :D
Can't wait for the next time.
Neil.P
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Neil, send me an email so I have yours too. I tried tp PM you, but it wouldn't find your name for some reason. Maybe I can pop over for Goodwood or a track day this summer.
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I think if it happens next year, we should really set up teams representing their websites (yes, Steven would have to choose). Although after they were solidly whipped this year, they may not show up next year.
The only way anything like this is going to work and grow is with everyone pulling together and not by creating division. I have no intention of aligning myself with any single website. I regularly comment on a range of sites and that will always be the case. I know some people like to see themselves as being on one side or other but that is not how I see it. I would like to pull in more people form more sites for any future event. We had interest expressed on at least two other sites this time but it did not materialise in the end.
The only way to make these events work in future is for those who took part and enjoyed it letting the others know what they missed not by trying to create division and animosity amongst the few who turned up. If someone wants to be anonymous why not let him be anonymous? What possible difference does it make to anyone else?
I would love to think that the next time we have a similar event we will have twice as many participants and then double it again for the one after that. If however people set about creating division and splitting into us and them out of a group of 7 what hope is there of ever having another event.
I enjoyed the event as it was and I know everyone who attended felt the same. I also know of a few people who couldn't attend or didn't attend who feel like they missed out. The best thing that can happen is that we have more of these events and that they are better attended that gives people a better chance to get to know one another and in the end that will strengthen every site involved because people will want to visit the various sites to see what the people they have met are saying and to srgue their case. That is what I believe we all want.
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Um Steven - racing is about teams and competition and bragging rights (yeah, yeah, comradare and all that stuff too). Makes it more fun when you are pulling for a team as opposed to just yourself. We could have two or three car teams with 6-7 people from each site. More sites would make more teams equalling more fun. I only mentioned you because you have such an apparent interest in both of the sites that showed up. Not trying to be divisive, I was just teasing you. I absolutely want it to happen next year.
I will be back to defend barring financial strife, and I think there maybe some that want my title...including you. :tease:
If someone wants to be anonymous, why not TELL us (there were only 7 of us don't forget and 3 already knew his desire to be), and give us the option of also remaining so?
I think the event was fantastic aside from the poor turnout. I would like it to expand into an all afternoon/evening event with multiple heats and a ton of people. However next year it should be full pre-payment, no getting out of it unless personal family crisis (which didn't stop me). If there are no-shows, there are more laps for the rest of us. As for Christine and co., they should be welcomed back absolutely, but maybe they come a wee bit earlier and meet and talk to everyone instead of just chatting with their old friends (she could even ask us to bring mini-bio's or something that she could read from). She said it herself, she wished she had more information to talk about. Maybe she could have said Hi to Neil...he was on the podium after all.
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I have already suggested to Alianora that there should be no deposits the next time. It should only be full payment with a clear cut off date several weeks in advance so everyone knows what is happening.
The reason no-one mentioned the anonymity is that it is just accepted fact on sidepodcast and it never crossed my mind to mention it. Again it is something Alianora and I have discussed and both of us are so used to it we never thought to mention it. We should have done.
I can see the advantage to the team event but I think it is important to build it and pull everyone together first especially as a lot of the people likely to be involved don't know each other. I agree that the more people we can gt involved the better because it gives people off track time to get to know each other.
I can imagine some interesting mini bios. That might just work.
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ScottyD, hopefully there will be more people next year, so that there's time for Christine to go and interview everyone who wants to be interviewed. I have a plan for preserving anonymity next year (now that I've seen the venue I think it would be possible to allow everyone except myself to be anonymous if they so choose). This will include the important step of me* telling people who would rather not have their real names all over the internet...
The teams thing would probably work best on an informal basis rather than by billing it as "Us v Them". I'm sure Sidepodcast kept a mental tally of who of their sites came where just like we did**. Also, people who are not affiliated with either Sidepodcast and GPWizard can come without feeling as if they're missing out on anything. I would like there to be lots of people from lots of different sites represented when the event reaches its full strength. I wouldn't want to remove the team element completely because it helps cohesiveness among those in each team. As far as I'm concerned, next everyone is pulling for every site in which they have an interest, whether it's as a site owner, moderator, commenter, reader and/or friend ;)
Stuart's friend probably weighed less than I did despite being taller, but I think you were being polite in not mentioning it ;) Also, if he was over 2 metres, I'm glad the organisers didn't notice, since the official height limit is 6 foot 3 (which is just under 2 meters).
After consultation with my organisation expert (Dad), there is definitely going to be another karting event at Teamworks on the Saturday evening of next Autosport show (unless people feel strongly that it should be on Friday evening of that show instead). Other karting events at other venues are under consideration, but it could be a while before they come to fruition (as in, possibly not this year unless I spot something really good and I can get enough people interested in going - for instance because it coincides with another event; the possibility of arranging a Donington Park "preview visit" combined with karting somewhere nearby appeals to me, but I'll have to play it by ear).
Mini-bios sound like a great idea (and if the anonymous ones end up faking ones, potentially very entertaining).
The reason this event isn't all afternoon is because it would clash with too much of Autosport. But making it all evening would be a great plan - there is supposed to be an option to have the bar open and I will be happy to exercise it in future years. Pre/post-race meals are also an option, and if I can help co-ordinate their occurrence, I'd be happy to do so. Though given what happened this year, I think you are good at it already :)
Future events will be full-payment with the deadline 6 weeks prior to the event - I've learned that particular organisational lesson now. The deadline is six weeks because I have to pay the balance to Teamworks a month before the race.
* - that's myself me, not "me" me (unless he wishes to reinforce the message in his own case).
** - For the record, I'm like Steven - I consider myself part of both sites' membership. By doing "site teams" only informally, we can have our performances counted towards both (and, if other sites we comment upon join in, we'd count for theirs as well).