June 24th, 2011
Part of the fun in attending lots of motor racing events is meeting lots of really nice people.
Although the week leading up to the Nurburgring 24 Hours 2011 was certainly damp there were no dampened spirits at the Travel Destinations private campsite at the circuit.
The Travel Destinations welcome tent was up early at the campsite
Early arrivals at the Travel Destinations campsite shelter from the rain
Aaron arrived in his campervan powered only by cooking oil
Keeping the German theme going at the Travel Destinations campsite
Will Belcher and the West Country Crew enjoy the Nurburgring sunshine
As the Travel Destinations private trackside campsite filled up the atmosphere grew, the sunshine came out and there was great expectation for the start of the Nurburgring 24 Hours 2011.
March 23rd, 2011
At 9am on Saturday morning we found ourselves standing just over the pit wall on the track next to the Audis and Peugeots. It is Sebring tradition that before the race (which starts at 10:30am) all the cars are lined up along the grid and the public are allowed to wander amongst them and get up real close. Mechanics and support staff are present too, so you can ask questions and take all the photos that you want.
I must warn you though, the grid walk is popular and getting from car to car can be difficult in such tightly packed crowds. However it is well worth it. If you didn’t feel part of the Sebring 12 hours before, you really do now. I am not really one to name drop, but as I walked along the pit wall taking photos, I quite literally, bumped into Dr. Ullrich, the head of Audi Motorsport. Of course I shook his hand, explained that I was from the UK and wished him the best of British Luck. He was very relaxed and enjoying the atmosphere on the Sebring circuit too, so was happy to chat about Audi’s hopes for the season. The new R18 car is being tested at Sebring after the race and will be more than ready for the next round of the ILMC at Spa apparently. Peugeot you have been warned.
Fifteen minutes before the start the grid was cleared and we took up are viewing positions for the race proper. Don’t worry I am not going to bore you with detail about what happened, when it happened and whose fault it was here. I will leave that for others to do. I can tell you though, over the course of the next 12 hours, we were able to walk to all corners of the circuit and usually the viewing is unhindered by large fences and other obstacles.
Sebring has a great reputation as a circuit for race fans and I can understand why. We must have walked every inch of the 3.7 mile circuit (there are courtesy shuttles if you don’t want to walk) and taken decent photos of every car. My favourite section has to be from turn 6 right around to turn 13. A walkway, named “Sebring Boulevard” takes you between the campers and the track all around the area known as Green Park. Not only do you get unobstructed views of the race along this stretch, but you also get to see the best that the Sebring race fans can produce in the form of campsites and self made viewing platforms around the edge. Spectators around at turn 10 were treated to a row of intricate campsites set up over the last few days, including everything from 10 feet scaffold towers, to wild west style ranch complete with fish tank and chicken coop (?). Le Mans fans, the bar has been raised this year!
March 18th, 2011
I mentioned earlier that there are plenty of similarities between Le Mans and Sebring. Well that is true. However their are just as many differences.
The atmosphere at the circuit here in Sebring is electric. There is always something going on. Perhaps the biggest difference between here and Le Mans is the access that all race fans get.
The paddock area is open to all. If you want to watch the Peugeot or Audi guys working on their cars then just pop by, park yourself outside their garage and watch. The paddock area stretches the length of the back straight and (I timed this) takes 10 minutes just to walk from one end to the next.
If you want to get up close with the drivers then you can do that to. Today all the drivers will be in the paddock for an autograph session and to meet with all race fans. However, be careful you don’t get too close! Yesterday I found myself in the toilets standing next to Allan McNish. We nodded an aknowledgement, but didn’t shake hands!
For a more informal meeting with your race heroes, we are pleased to be able to offer all our customers access to race team caterers in the paddock at next year’s race. All our customers will receive a pass to get in to the hospitality marquee adjacent to the paddock. In 15 minutes yesterday I counted 20 drivers stop by for a meal (including 2 Le Mans winners) and there were race team mechanics and staff on every table around us.
It was great to spend some time yesterday with Eve from Radio Le Mans and with Graham Goodwin from Daily Sports Car. We will be announcing some new and exciting developments with our friends very soon.
March 18th, 2011
Driving down Highway 27 from Orlando, it soon becomes clear that somehing is going on. First you see a couple of Corvettes on the road, then a few Porsches. RVs are everywhere in this part of Florida anyway at this time of year but there is a definite concentration around Sebring this week.
It is expected that 100,000 people will descend on the town of Sebring for this weekends race, and 2 of them will be from Travel Destinations. Andy and myself (Richard) are here in the USA to meet with hotels, race officials and members of the media to add to our programme for this race.
This year is the first year that we are offering travel, ticket and accommodation offers for Sebring, but we hope that we will be able to offer more and more in the year’s to come.
We arrived in Sebring on Tuesday night, but come sunrise on Wednesday it was obvious we were in a special place. We are staying at the Majestic Cove Condos which are lakeside in downtown Sebring, just 10 minutes from the track. Having breakfast on the balcony watching the sunrise, it was difficult to justify why we live in London at this time of year. It is beautiful here.
The weather is hot. At the track temperatures have been near 30 degrees centigrade. This causes problems for drivers and spectators alike as there isn’t much shade at the track. There are some trees on the infield but they have been claimed by the first race fans to arrive at the circuit when the gates first opened.
The similarities between Sebring and Le Mans are everywhere.
February 7th, 2011
Wednesday 2nd February 2011
I woke up this morning to the strange collective sound of about 30 wild turkeys! Ugly things really but can’t help feeling sorry for them – Thanksgiving soon comes round.
I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been with the weather here and everybody I meet tells me so – apparently I should be wearing gloves and a hat instead of shorts and t-shirt. It gets a bit chilly at night though. At the Ranch there is absolutely no ambient light – they are very sensitive around here to uplighting, so there is an opportunity to star gaze in the true sense of the word – I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stars. It’s a pity I don’t know my Orion from my Big Dipper!
Spanish Bay Golf Course
After a leisurely breakfast I decided to take a drive down into Carmel and a have a good nose around at the multi-million pound houses that look like they’d blow over in a small breeze, before going back to Carmel Valley Ranch for a guided tour. Although this place has a very nice golf course, they can’t compete with the courses down in pebble Beach – and at $500 a round at Pebble Beach who would want to?
So in order to make this facility more than just a golf course they offer various educational classes – cooking, bee-keeping, organic farming, guided tours as well as fitness classes and lesiure facilities. Sounds like Butlins? Believe me it’s far from it – shame I’m not staying longer.
H.
Thursday 3rd February 2011
Time to leave the Carmel Valley Ranch, it’s wildlife, tranquility (and fabulous infinity pool overlooking the links), and head to the other end of the scale – Laguna Seca Raceway. Set high up in the hills in a National Park, this track is like most race tracks when there is no event – pretty desolate – but the scenery and views up here are stunning.
Pacific Coast
I am really here in Monterey and Carmel for two reasons – the Pebble Beach Concourse and the racing events at the track such as the Moto GP and the American Le Mans Series. All good so far, so keep an eye on our website www.traveldestinations.co.uk to see whats happening.
After being driven round the track at a very ladylike pace by the lovely Jeannie, (which was a bit of a relief really as the corkscrew is a 10 storey drop!), I head back to Monterey for what I can only describe as the best steak I’ve had in along time. Can’t remeber the name of the place but will get back to you on that!
H
Saturday 6th Feb
Well my job here in Monterey and Carmel is pretty much done.
Travel Destinations are now able to get you here, book you a nice hotel, get you to the Pebble Beach Concours D’elegance and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) at Laguna Seca.
Pacific Highway
But I couldn’t leave here without fulfilling my duty completely – after all, when you call the office to book, we need to be able to tell you about the area and what you can do here, so purely for ‘educational purposes’, I took a drive down the coast from Monterey to Big Sur. For some reason I always thought Big Sur was ‘surfers paradise’ – but is in fact walkers, hikers, twitchers, nature lovers and campers paradise. Needless to say I didn’t do any of those things, however just cruising along the coast I was extremely privileged to see a pair of Californian Condors, which I am led to believe are extremely rare, whales migrating south along the coast, sea otters, seals, sea-lions and a humming bird – all in one day. Just amazing to see all of these animals in their natural habitat. For some though their natural habitat is dwindling, so I also took a trip to the Monterey Aquarium which is highly educational and a wonderful opportunity to see many creatures of the deep close up.
I am now off to San Francisco for a few days holiday. I know, I know – it sounds like I’ve been on holiday all week!
Have a nice day now y’all and come back real soon.
H
January 31st, 2011
Sunday 30th January 2011
Early morning mist and fog slowed the race to a yellow flag for a while this morning, but the sun burnt it off leaving it all to play for. Sadly Doran Racing, and our friend rookie Ross Kaiser, decided to cut their losses during the night after losing too many laps in a couple of unfortunate incidents in the chicanes, but there were still some big names hanging on in there.
The final hours at the Rolex 24 at Daytona
After a few pics in the pitlane and another Bud (light!), it was time to get to Victory Lane for the podium presentation and the chance to get you some race fan info!!
Huge congratulations to Chip Ganassi Racing, who not only took 1st but also 2nd place in the DP class, with Action Express Racing Porsche/Riley taking 3rd, and the United Autosports team featuring the experience of British drivers Mark Blundell and Martin Brundle finishing a very creditable 4th.
1st in the GT class was car number 67 with TRG Porsche GT3, 2nd was Paul Miller Racing and a really well deserved 3rd place to ….drum roll……….yes you guessed it, my favourite “Dr McDreamy” himself Dempsey Racing (in a Mazda!).
Mazda had a good result at Daytona
After all this excitement I am in grave danger of becoming disloyal to my first love – the Le Mans 24hrs race, but in the words of one of our regular Le Mans customers, that is here enjoying the sunshine, ”the Rolex 24 is a must – in addition to Le Mans”.
For those of you able to read between my cunningly disguised attempts to sound like I know what I’m talking about, you will have guessed by now that I actually know very little about the technical side of motor racing, but I am very aware that I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by, and unknowingly spoken to, some of the most successful racing drivers in their field this weekend. I have taken obscene amounts of photographs of people who may or may not be racing drivers but have a racing suit on so I thought I’d hedge my bets!
And I have to confess that I only knew who was in the lead at any one time because I asked a local!
So why exactly, you may ask, did Travel Destinations send me here?
Well, because I don’t need to know too much about the ‘techie’ stuff – I can leave that to the likes of ‘Hindy’ at Radio Le Mans and you, the real race fan. My job is to let you know about the Rolex 24 at Daytona, truly a race fans race; the electric atmosphere, the privileged experiences, the do’s, the don’ts, the sights, the sounds and the smells – and if I’m any good at my job at all I’ll see you back here for the 50th Rolex 24 anniversary in 2012.
Why not call Travel Destinations now to register your interest at being here next year? The number you need is 0844 873 0203!
H.
January 30th, 2011
Saturday 29th January 2011
What an amazing day!
I got to the track early this morning for our customers to get their hotlaps. The incredible Hurley Haywood was their hotlap driver in a very nice Porsche Panamera. Bit chunky for the track I hear you say? Apparently not!
Hurley Haywood talks with Robin Liddell
I am still amazed at the spectator access for this event – bearing in mind the teams and mechanics are about to be involved in a pretty big event in a few hours time, there are fans wandering in and out of the garages asking questions, getting in the way and the guys just take it all in their stride. Hats off to them.
After a bit of sight-seeing (did I mention Patrick Dempsey was here?) there was a mass exodus from the garage area and at 2.15pm as the cars were pushed out onto the pitlane to a big fanfare and marching band, followed by the drivers.
Juan Pablo Montoya signing Autographs at the Rolex 24 at Daytona
This is what people have been waiting for – anybody and everybody on the track, lying down on the brand new smooth 31 degree tarmac, mingling amongst the cars, chatting to the drivers, – my mate JPM (Juan Pablo Montoya for those not in the know!), the very talented and not sure quite what to make of it all, Ross Kaiser – (best of luck to Ross) and so many more familiar and very famous drivers in their own right – just there. Unbelievable – I mean, it’s not as if they have anything else to do an hour before the race.
Then at 3.30pm – the first rev. Wow! Difficult to put into words actually – just a fantastic experience.
Just loving it!
H
January 28th, 2011
Friday 28th January 2011
Well this place just gets better and better! Sorry to rub it in but the sun is still shining and hotting up!
After a bit of chasing around and getting people where they needed to be, the morning has been a huge success.
All our customers were offered the opportunity to visit the Sprint Tower suites this morning and the control tower. This is where what’s happening on the track gets transferred to the people on the ground – the heart centre of the race.
In the Daytona Paddock
So after the obligatory coffee and doughnuts and a privileged insight into the technical competitive side of this event from Mark Raffauf, the Grand Am director of competition, a trip to the roof of the sprint tower was the highlight – a bird’s eye view of the whole track – truly an amazing sight!!
View from the Sprint Tower
Back down in the garages all seems to be going well with practices – more people today and plenty more action. Don’t have a press pass so am sat in the Sprint Fanzone, with a Bud (Light, of course), pretending to look like I’m working hard!
So I managed to blag my way onto a garage tour which was led by Robin Liddell, who this year is driving for Stevenson Motorsport (car 57). It’s his 8th race at Daytona so he was well qualified to educate even the most ignorant of race goers – just like me.
Needless to say I glazed over when it started getting too ‘techie’, but we bumped into Hurley Hayward, who despite retiring from racing last year, just can’t stay away from the Daytona Speedway. He’ll be in car 59 for Brumos Racing.
My tip for one to watch – Magnus Racing, car 44.
You heard it here first.
H.
January 28th, 2011
Helen from the Travel Destinations office, has traded Welwyn Garden City for Florida just in time for the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. As the race week progresses we hope to bring you more news direct from “our lady in Daytona”:
Thursday 27th January 2011
Following tornado warnings on Tuesday, the weather here in Daytona is now thankfully more akin to what I was hoping for in Florida! Beautiful clear skies, slight breeze and warm sunshine that is forecast to remain over the weekend. That should make for great race viewing for the spectators, but pretty tough for the drivers… I’ve heard it gets pretty hot inside those cars!
Work continues in the Daytona paddock
On my food hunt for anything other than cheese, fries and shrimp, who should I find in Rossellini’s Italian Restaurant but John and Eve; aka “Mr & Mrs Radio Le Mans” – ‘of all the gin joints in all the towns’ etc etc. Both were pretty exhausted having just flown in from the UK, but it was lovely to see them as always – and the food was amazing! If you are here in Daytona and like pasta, you now know where to go.
Motorhome on the infield at Daytona
The track was pretty lively today – huge Rv’s, the size of houses, were parking up. BBQ’s are already on the go on the infield and viewing platforms being secured for the best views of the track. The paddock and garage area was the usual hive of activity as the teams prepared their cars for the weekend with tyres, race fuel and spares being whizzed around on golf buggies.
Friday will be a great build up to the race with autograph sessions etc. at the circuit. I’ll bring you more soon.
H.
November 19th, 2010
The Classic Motor Show took place at the NEC, Birmingham from the 12th – 14th November and as always the Travel Destinations team were all present on our stand next to the main entrance in Hall 4. This show is often described as the last car event of the season, and for many it is, but for us it really is the beginning of next season. Over the years the Classic Motor Show has been the show at which we launch our new tours and events brochure for the following year. The 2010 show was no exception with the launch of our 2011 Tours and Events brochure alongside the official launch of our re-designed website www.traveldestinations.co.uk, of which this blog is a part.
Travel Destinations Stand before the Classic Motor Show
Shows of this scale are always a big undertaking for companies like us, as staff, stands, audio and visual equipment and of course the new brochure are transported from the office to the NEC. Setting up on Thursday evening gives particpants a chance to wander the show without the crowds and take in a few of the exceptional car exhibits up close. A quick tip for all exhibitors here, get the number of a good local pizza delivery company, so that you can have pizza delivered while setting up! You will soon find that your exhibiting neighbours are good friends!
Friday was very busy on the Travel Destinations stand and it set the tone for the rest of the weekend. It is always good to be approached by a new customer for more information on Le Mans, the Nurburgring or Spa. Even better if they are returning customer wanting to something again with you. Friday was a day full of these people, with many car club members and motorsport fans popping by to say hello and pick up the new brochure.
MG Owners' Club at the Classic Motor Show
Of course we had lots of new things to talk about for 2011. The 24 hours of Le Mans is always the favourite, but other endurance races are now also getting a look in. The Nurburgring 24 is clearly going to be a popular event, and Spa 24 will not be far behind. We already have quite a few bookings for Florida next year, particularly for the Rolex 24 at Daytona and a few now for the American Le Mans Series opener at Sebring.
For historic motor racing fans looking for a 2011 event in the absence of the Le Mans Classic, the offers to the Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nurburgring and the new Spa Classic have shown lots of early interest. The Oltimer Grand Prix will be helping celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type in 2011 so will no doubt attract a large British audience, and the brand new Spa Classic is going to be a hit. It was great to see the race organisers spending some time on our stand on Saturday.
GT40 Enthusiasts' Club
So what is my personal recommendation for a must do in 2011?
Of course I would like to do everything, but after the success of the driving experience at the Nurburgring in 2010, then I will be first in the queue for 2011. If you like to drive your car then you will love this event. Taking your car on to the skid pan at the professional driving school for one to one tuition from a local racing driver, before experiencing the Nordschleife in the hands of driver from one of the local test centres. It is an amazing weekend, but don’t take my word for it; one of our customers has already contributed to this blog.
A crowd gathers at the Travel Destinations stand
So the Classic Motor Show was a great weekend. If you came by to see us, thank you, it was great to see you. If you missed us or couldn’t make the show, then we are returning to the NEC in January for the Autosport show (Stand 6610) so please do come along.
Travel Destinations' 2011 Tours and Events Brochure
