Clackett Run And Brands Hatch 2015

[Bob Heritage]

It seems according to the mag that the National Day next year is to be held around July 10 at Paddock Wood Kent, which is just down the road from our annual Brands Hatch event which will probably be on the same weekend (possibly Goodwood Revival as well). Now if we give up the Brands event the likes of TVR are ready to pounce on our patch and we stand a chance of loosing it. I did mention to Steve Kiefer who is the regional area co-ordinator the possible clash of dates about six months ago when I first heard about the National coming to Kent. Kent area have never supported the Brands day apart from about 3 regulars and we get a turnout of about 40 cars on the day from around many areas. There is another Classic race meeting at Brands over the late May Bank Holiday which I could try to switch bookings with, but that means that a planned trip to the SPA Classic and our support to SEL area for Crystal Palace show would be in jeopardy.
What I need now is some feedback from those that normally attend Brands (not the armchair writers) what the general feeling is regarding the booking.

TIA
Bob

[Stagdad]

Be good to nail down the ND date to be certain that there is a clash. I could do either brands days but also would really like to do the Spa thing. I think someone mentioned that if it's the earlier one it might co inside with school holidays and so some may be going away with kids. So to sum up I've not been much help really

[SEL Area]

Bob,

Subject to the date being confirmed this also has the potential to clash with the Bromley Pageant 2015 (probably the second largest gathering of Stags other than a ND and also not really supported by Kent area) this needs to be looked at by the committee and discussed sooner rather than later as it may cause a lot of problems. As always you can rely on our support from SEL Area.

Ian.

[Andrew S]

National Next year is on the 11/12th July

[stagmuffin]

Bob im all for keeping brands as is and not losing it , this is agreat event and not one i would wish to jeopordise I'm also gonna do spa.bottom line is I would like to keep as is but will flex.

Steve

[KOY 23]

National Next year is on the 11/12th July

Hi Andrew.

Is there a reason why it is a month earlier than usual date? I know that the earlier date causes problem with those who have family at school.

[Andrew S]

Hi John, no idea, but that's what Kent presented / proposed to the committee. It's not school holidays, so that means for me, it doesn't get in the way of holidays ��

[Bob Heritage]

Some good points raised here so far. I had not thought of Bromley Ian. The diary dates for Brands will not be made until after Christmas, that is why we cannot start the booking until about April. We have had this discussion before about ND timing and it was felt that numbers would always be down if held outside the school holidays because those with families could not attend from a distance and still get back for school on Monday morning. It was recognised that August would always have the highest attendance.

[Arbman Al]

Apart from the fabulous ND at Fontwell Park, I've not really got much out of a National day personally.
I would rather do Brands Hatch and Spa.

Al.

[Guest]

I second what Al says

This year I couldn't make Brands and missed it a lot - can't let those TVR boys take our place!!!

[staggering]

I second what Al says

This year I couldn't make Brands and missed it a lot - can't let those TVR boys take our place!!!

+1 for Als and Ians responses from me as well Bob - Brands is always a great day out and not often does one get to drive round such a great circuit - I'll fit in with whatever date Brands ends up with and suits you, thanks

Cheers
Ian

[MB]

I have found the number of cars and classes racing at the July event at Brands to be a bit of a disappointment over the last couple of years. This year there weren't any formula 1 cars and only 1 classic car race. There seemed to be lots of various single seat formula ford type of races which unless you are a real enthusiast can get a bit tedious. The 70's cars raced (which the Hart Stag used to run in) on the Saturday so we didn't see them. They even said on the commentary that some cars had pulled out as they wanted to save them for other events! With Goodwood and the Sliverstone events at a similar time of year this is understandable.

I haven't attended the May bank holiday event myself but it would be interesting to find out the number of classes and entrants for that as a comparison. I have tried to find attendance figures for Brands Hatch events to compare the 2 dates without success and don't know if Bob's contact can supply this.

I suspect the highlight for most of us would be the parade lap of the track but if Bob can still arrange this for May and its in front of a bigger crowd wouldn't it be better? Maybe there's more chance the weather will be better for the July event but this is England so no guarantee.

Either date, I'd still attend though as its the highlight of the Stag calendar for me. Thanks Bob for continuing to arrange it.