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.
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
