One For Everyone To Debate [Archive]

ChildsPlayDG

04 November 2003, 12:30

Before anyone starts reading this I’ll warn you first it’s a big one.

Having been browsing through the forum for the last few days a few thoughts have sprung to mind, some I already had and others have been prompted from the discussions read. Most centres on the spectator issues and this post is not to be seen as a moan regarding any particular aspect of the rally but a general overview.

Lets start with the stages, a lot of discussion has been generated about the ‘good ole days’ when the rally (in its various guises) was run over numerous stages, with the Sunday reserved for ‘spectator days’ i.e. Silverstone, Mallory Park etc. The stages were longer (Pundershaw 36miles) further apart and were accessible to a greater number of people without having to travel any great distance. Was this better though, I think probably not? I do agree that using stages over and over spoils the event somewhat but it also gives people better chance to view them and lets face it the stage will be torn up a bit more on the second run, giving more chance of ‘mishaps’. Yes, the rally is now stuck in a small corner of south Wales and people have to travel to it (myself included) but the people who live in the area don’t. When the rally was up in Cumbria, people from Cumbria thought it was great and others didn’t, its swings and roundabouts. I honestly think people should stop complaining about where it is situated and think themselves lucky that we still have one.

Right, onto prices. Now this is something I do agree with and feel strongly about, I do think that the rally is somewhat overpriced compared to what it used to be, I understand some of the reasons for doing it but think it could have been done in a better way. Although, when you compare it to the price of the Grand Prix, it is good value for money. Lets face it though, this country has always been good at ripping us off. I’ve read with interest people saying that they can go and watch the rallies abroad and have a holiday at the same time for a little more than it costs for the weekend at Rally GB but that’s always the case, its cheaper to go over to Europe, stay a few nights and get into a grand prix than it is to go to our countries own. The big question is though who is to blame ? It’s certainly not the marshals, the drivers and to an extent the FIA or MSA, no I think it lies with the spectators and organisers. I’m sure that remark may cause a few to respond but feel it has an edge of truth. Why? Well, one main reason that the current ticketing policy and prices where brought in was down to the fiasco at Sweet Lamb a few years back, 6 mile tailback to get into the stage, evens the rally cars couldn’t get to it, outcome; one cancelled stage and a traffic nightmare. What happens the next year? Price goes from £7 per car to £15 per person, reason – to restrict the number of people on the stages, not for safety (although I’m sure the organisers would disagree) but for the smooth running of the rally. Now if the spectators had realise the consequences of their actions they may have stayed away postponing this price hike (it was bound to happen anyway). The organisers now decide on spectator areas, forests need clearing by the forestry commission who need paying, oops, up goes the price a bit more (they still have their own profit margins as well you know). Surely though if the aim was to restrict access then still go down the ticketing route but keep the prices at an affordable price, some would say another reason was a certain ‘rogue’ element that had started to creep in, those that weren’t really interested in the rally but saw it as an excuse for a mass piss up and laugh for the weekend with the lads. Raising the prices gets rid of these and means more ‘true’ rally fans go instead, which would you prefer ?

Now the big one, spectator areas. Although I have been going for the past years or so, I stopped when the price shot up, purely because of cost (I’ve missed the past 2 years) but this time I decided I was going again and saved up to afford it. I was really looking to it, then find out your not ‘allowed’ to wander the stage like you could and your not ‘allowed’ to find your own viewing area, you have to stand in specially selected viewing areas, or pens. Selected by who ? Not by me and probably not by the vast majority of you that are going, and selected for what ? Some people like hairpin corners, not me, I prefer nice fast sections with small twisty corners (they catch people out far more), obviously different people like different things but the organisers herd us all together and tell us to stand where your told. Talk about a big brother state. Ok so its done for safety, good, but when was the last time someone was hit by a rally car at rally GB (spectators, not marshals) ? I agree that you shouldn’t be allowed to walk ON the stage (never have agreed with that) but you should be able to find your own spot without being told to move on (unless being a prat in somewhere you REALLY shouldn’t be). Perhaps we could have some input from the Marshalls on the board, just how much leeway are you prepared to give if someone wanders out of the pens and into the forest, if there in a safe place are they ok or will you still try and herd them back to the relative safety of the pens ? Also the drivers, I seem to recall that most drivers would pray that if they make a cock up there’d be spectators around to help them back on track and for a true rally fan there is no better feeling than helping a stricken car/driver to get going again. With no spectators around the stages though, it seems that if you f*ck up then tough luck (oh unless there happens to be a marshal nearby). Imagine a seen like this:
Interviewer: What happened ?
Driver: I went of the road and landed on a rock.
Int: Was it bad enough to stop you ?
Driver: Not normally but there was no one to help me back onto the stage.
Whatever happened to the old tickets with the disclaimer on the back, Motorsport can be dangerous, you are there at your own risk kind of thing. Unfortunately I think Health and Safety have taken over in this country but that’s down to the sue everyone attitude that has now been drilled into us all.

The thing is though it will stay this way unless no one turns up but that’s not going to happen is it, and if it did we’d probably loose the rally completely. The organisers think it works better that way but judging by the general consensus of opinion on the forum the real fans don’t, myself included I hate the idea but as this will be the first year back at the rally, with the new guidelines in place I’m holding judgement until after the event.

Well, guess your all really bored now after reading that so I’ll sit back and wait now. I’ll be easy to spot at the rally by the way, I’ll be the one with all the knives in my back. This post is not meant to have a go at anyone or anything in particular but is just my thoughts on the forthcoming event, may we all enjoy.

PS I Still aint got no bleeding programme.