MIRA Event

[GulfMediaMan]

Just thought that I would ask you guys your opinions before I sign up for a big project!

I have been asked to partner with another organiser to put on a new event next July.

The concept is to take the best of what is done at Goodwood, add in a live action show of the TopGear Live type, plus static displays by classic car clubs, other owner clubs (ie: Alfas), and new cars by dealers and manufacturers and run it over two days Sat/Sun 17 & 18 July.

But the jewel in this crown is that the event is planned to be held at MIRA, which is of course normally closed to the public. The organiser has negotiated to use the complete site! The concept is in the early stages but includes rides on the High Speed Bowl, instruction sessions on the Wet Handling Area (aka skid pan!), drives on the off-road proving ground and the handling course. MIRA will also open up facilities including the Crash Lab and at least one of their three wind tunnels as an open day.

As for the event itself, there will be fun driving events to take part in (like autotest) and a stunt driver school operating all day to teach handbrake turns, J turns, two wheel driving etc.

Now then, do you guys think that this is worth taking on or is it just another car show that you won't be interested in?

And if you do think that it would be worth doing, is there anything that you would like included that hasn't been mentioned.

Given that the British International Motor Show moved to London & died and the Goodwood events

[wayne-dear]

Sounds like an excellent idea to me
(then again i have no control over anything)

[tess]

that sounds awesum...went to MIRA in may so my daughter could drive an audi r8....fab place to drive around....i will definetely go as its my birthday that weekend....

[Techmonkey]

Originally Posted by wscwunda

Sounds like an excellent idea to me
(then again i have no control over anything)

What not even your bladder Wayne?

yep sounds like a cunning plan!!!

I would love to look around MIRA, be great to see what goes on and how they do things.
If as you say, this is a big project, maybe worth seeing if this could be a national AO meet. Means there could be loads of us all turn up to provide interest for your show

It sounds far more interesting than the usual static car shows.

[GulfMediaMan]

Thanks for your feedback.
With 52 views but only 5 posts it looks to be 10 to 1 against.
However, those that have posted all seem positive.

[Techmonkey]

Why not ask to make it a sticky across the whole forum and then see how many hits you get

[Scudetto]

Originally Posted by GulfMediaMan

Just thought that I would ask you guys your opinions before I sign up for a big project!

I have been asked to partner with another organiser to put on a new event next July.

The concept is to take the best of what is done at Goodwood, add in a live action show of the TopGear Live type, plus static displays by classic car clubs, other owner clubs (ie: Alfas), and new cars by dealers and manufacturers and run it over two days Sat/Sun 17 & 18 July.

But the jewel in this crown is that the event is planned to be held at MIRA, which is of course normally closed to the public. The organiser has negotiated to use the complete site! The concept is in the early stages but includes rides on the High Speed Bowl, instruction sessions on the Wet Handling Area (aka skid pan!), drives on the off-road proving ground and the handling course. MIRA will also open up facilities including the Crash Lab and at least one of their three wind tunnels as an open day.

As for the event itself, there will be fun driving events to take part in (like autotest) and a stunt driver school operating all day to teach handbrake turns, J turns, two wheel driving etc.

Now then, do you guys think that this is worth taking on or is it just another car show that you won't be interested in?

And if you do think that it would be worth doing, is there anything that you would like included that hasn't been mentioned.

Given that the British International Motor Show moved to London & died and the Goodwood events

i think it's a great idea mate...but it probably needs a very clear theme. Goodwood is a celebration of speed and racing success; motorshows are about the now and future; therefore, the public knows what to expect (and, critically, whether it will appeal to them), and the event's exhibitors will ensure that their stands/displays are consistent with the whole theme (and, again, if they think it ties into their brand/messaging/target market); i'm sure there's a good reason that Volvo doesn't sponsor the festival of speed, but sponsors golf tournaments instead . So your challenge isn't what you're offering in terms of activities (which sounds great), but determining what ties them all together to create a unified event.

My initial feel is that the theme could be (and i warn you, this is dull) something like 'the car in today's society' or 'mobility in the 21st century'; rationale for that, is you'll have new cars there for testing, but also you'll have access to MIRA's development facilities, and goodness knows how many new cars spent their development time at MIRA. MIRA is the breeding ground for new cars, 'connected' cars being developed for our changing environment, crippled economy, and more stringent global safety and emission regulations.

Good luck with the event mate - i know all too well the strains of organising events, but the most successful ones are always the ones that have a very clear focus, a focus that all of the stakeholders are aware of from day one. That's the key bit, IMHO.

[Techmonkey]

Originally Posted by Scudetto

i think it's a great idea mate...but it probably needs a very clear theme. Goodwood is a celebration of speed and racing success; motorshows are about the now and future; therefore, the public knows what to expect (and, critically, whether it will appeal to them), and the event's exhibitors will ensure that their stands/displays are consistent with the whole theme (and, again, if they think it ties into their brand/messaging/target market); i'm sure there's a good reason that Volvo doesn't sponsor the festival of speed, but sponsors golf tournaments instead . So your challenge isn't what you're offering in terms of activities (which sounds great), but determining what ties them all together to create a unified event.

My initial feel is that the theme could be (and i warn you, this is dull) something like 'the car in today's society' or 'mobility in the 21st century'; rationale for that, is you'll have new cars there for testing, but also you'll have access to MIRA's development facilities, and goodness knows how many new cars spent their development time at MIRA. MIRA is the breeding ground for new cars, 'connected' cars being developed for our changing environment, crippled economy, and more stringent global safety and emission regulations.

Good luck with the event mate - i know all too well the strains of organising events, but the most successful ones are always the ones that have a very clear focus, a focus that all of the stakeholders are aware of from day one. That's the key bit, IMHO.

I wasn't expecting that!!!!

Good on ya mate tell em how It Is.

[GulfMediaMan]

Originally Posted by Scudetto

i think it's a great idea mate...but it probably needs a very clear theme. Goodwood is a celebration of speed and racing success; motorshows are about the now and future; therefore, the public knows what to expect (and, critically, whether it will appeal to them), and the event's exhibitors will ensure that their stands/displays are consistent with the whole theme (and, again, if they think it ties into their brand/messaging/target market); i'm sure there's a good reason that Volvo doesn't sponsor the festival of speed, but sponsors golf tournaments instead . So your challenge isn't what you're offering in terms of activities (which sounds great), but determining what ties them all together to create a unified event.

My initial feel is that the theme could be (and i warn you, this is dull) something like 'the car in today's society' or 'mobility in the 21st century'; rationale for that, is you'll have new cars there for testing, but also you'll have access to MIRA's development facilities, and goodness knows how many new cars spent their development time at MIRA. MIRA is the breeding ground for new cars, 'connected' cars being developed for our changing environment, crippled economy, and more stringent global safety and emission regulations.

Good luck with the event mate - i know all too well the strains of organising events, but the most successful ones are always the ones that have a very clear focus, a focus that all of the stakeholders are aware of from day one. That's the key bit, IMHO.

Thanks for your time and input.
I understand your drift bur sometimes the numbers don't add up. The exhibitors were polled in the early planning stages of the Midlands motor Show that ran in early August and the consensus was that they did not want the add on activities, just a no nonsense static motor show where they knew that all the visitors were interested in cars (or buying them) rather than being attracted by a pop concert or an afternoon's entertainment. The result was that there were very few visitors and it didn't work.

Theming isn't a problem. Three or four are already in the pot.

The MIRA proposal is an effort to give visitors what they have asked for within what the exhibitors are prepared to support. Being at MIRA means that unlike other events at venues like Goodwood, Knockhill or Chatsworth, because there are a number of tracks the action can be going on in several different areas at the same time while facilities such as the High Speed Bowl, Wet Handling Area and Off Road Proving Ground mean that instructional sessions and passenger rides can be operated. My own research indicated that visitors want the sort of show that is put on at MPH, plus the on-track action of Goodwood as well as the static displays but also want to be able to take part or get involved and this is the only venue that can make that a reality. My concern is whether those self same people who asked for it will actually turn up!

[ALFA TUNER]

Excellent idea Ian,i think it would be a nightmare to organise it though mate.
Best of luck if you go ahead with it.

[GulfMediaMan]

Originally Posted by ALFA TUNER

Excellent idea Ian,i think it would be a nightmare to organise it though mate.
Best of luck if you go ahead with it.

Thanks Gus (and for your PM comments).
Organisation shouldn't be a problem because we have a brilliant team in place. You know some of them and they have already pulled a few rabbits out of the hat. But this is a huge project with huge expenses and while I don't have any qualms about the organisational side, my concerns are whether it is what the paying public want, because if this goes down it will break the bank!

id be up for it

sound like a fantastic day

[Scudetto]

Originally Posted by GulfMediaMan

Thanks for your time and input.
I understand your drift bur sometimes the numbers don't add up. The exhibitors were polled in the early planning stages of the Midlands motor Show that ran in early August and the consensus was that they did not want the add on activities, just a no nonsense static motor show where they knew that all the visitors were interested in cars (or buying them) rather than being attracted by a pop concert or an afternoon's entertainment. The result was that there were very few visitors and it didn't work.

Theming isn't a problem. Three or four are already in the pot.

The MIRA proposal is an effort to give visitors what they have asked for within what the exhibitors are prepared to support. Being at MIRA means that unlike other events at venues like Goodwood, Knockhill or Chatsworth, because there are a number of tracks the action can be going on in several different areas at the same time while facilities such as the High Speed Bowl, Wet Handling Area and Off Road Proving Ground mean that instructional sessions and passenger rides can be operated. My own research indicated that visitors want the sort of show that is put on at MPH, plus the on-track action of Goodwood as well as the static displays but also want to be able to take part or get involved and this is the only venue that can make that a reality. My concern is whether those self same people who asked for it will actually turn up!

Hello mate,

i can only speak from my experience of organising (far smaller) events, and attending (larger) ones. My gut feel is that the lack of a theme for the event is a problem; the danger is that it becomes an 'everything but the kitchen sink' job, with no-one knowing what to expect, from the exhibitors to the attendees. While the surprise and delight aspect remains compelling, are you sure you have enough to surprise and delight? As you're aware, it costs exhibitors a fortune to have a presence at such events in terms of cost and man hours, especially against today's backdrop of lousy car sales. Is it going to be compelling enough for them?

I'm honestly not being critical of what you have in mind (as i said, i think it's great)..but with my consumer hat on, unless it has a bold theme, or it has something to separate it from other car events, it feels like a watered down Goodwood, or a watered down motorshow, or a watered down Top Gear, when it has the capacity to have a really robust identity all of its own.

The fact that you have concerns about whether people will turn up, says a lot about how fickle the market is: theme it really well so they (and everyone else) knows precisely what to expect; that way it's easier to set and manage expectations.

[GulfMediaMan]

Originally Posted by Scudetto

Hello mate,

My gut feel is that the lack of a theme for the event is a problem; the danger is that it becomes an 'everything but the kitchen sink' job, with no-one knowing what to expect, from the exhibitors to the attendees.

I'm honestly not being critical of what you have in mind (as i said, i think it's great)..but with my consumer hat on, unless it has a bold theme, or it has something to separate it from other car events, it feels like a watered down Goodwood, or a watered down motorshow, or a watered down Top Gear, when it has the capacity to have a really robust identity all of its own.

The fact that you have concerns about whether people will turn up, says a lot about how fickle the market is: theme it really well so they (and everyone else) knows precisely what to expect; that way it's easier to set and manage expectations.

Thanks.
In basic terms I agree with you on most points.
As I said, there is no problem with theming - several are being fine tuned at the moment and there is no chance of this being a copy of anything else.
If I do partner then it will have a number of specific areas and while it is convenient (at this stage) to say 'cars at speed like at Goodwood . . . an action show like at Top Gear .. . . static car displays like at the British Motor Show . . . classics on the grass like at Capesthorne .. .etc etc, in reality the only parallels will be that there will be action on the tracks, there will be static displays and there will an action show because virtually everything will be different and nothing like the 'other' shows. This will be a new event with a completely new approach and specific identity.
Promise!

[Scudetto]

Originally Posted by GulfMediaMan

Thanks.
In basic terms I agree with you on most points.
As I said, there is no problem with theming - several are being fine tuned at the moment and there is no chance of this being a copy of anything else.
If I do partner then it will have a number of specific areas and while it is convenient (at this stage) to say 'cars at speed like at Goodwood . . . an action show like at Top Gear .. . . static car displays like at the British Motor Show . . . classics on the grass like at Capesthorne .. .etc etc, in reality the only parallels will be that there will be action on the tracks, there will be static displays and there will an action show because virtually everything will be different and nothing like the 'other' shows. This will be a new event with a completely new approach and specific identity.
Promise!

cool! sounds wicked mate, and i'm looking forward to attending - these events can give the motor industry a shot in the arm, so that's to be applauded. Good luck with all of the work that goes into the event!

cheers mate

[GulfMediaMan]

Originally Posted by Scudetto

cool! sounds wicked mate, and i'm looking forward to attending - these events can give the motor industry a shot in the arm, so that's to be applauded. Good luck with all of the work that goes into the event!

cheers mate

One last point:
Given that this should have the feel of Goodwood (because it is outdoors on grass surrounded by tracks and fast cars) yet there will be a wider variety of things going on and lots to get involved with, what's the draw for AONW guys? Would you sign up for the stunt driver school, the rides on the high speed bowl, take part in the Autotest or Sprint - or just watch?

[tess]

as its mybirthday im sure i will get funds to do the stunt school driver and anythin else on offer....i sooo cant wait i hope you can pull it off and if u need anyone in the welsh/mito section to promote event..im your girl...

[wayne-dear]

Originally Posted by GulfMediaMan

One last point:
Given that this should have the feel of Goodwood (because it is outdoors on grass surrounded by tracks and fast cars) yet there will be a wider variety of things going on and lots to get involved with, what's the draw for AONW guys? Would you sign up for the stunt driver school, the rides on the high speed bowl, take part in the Autotest or Sprint - or just watch?

Ian, personally i would 'sign up' but it depends on the cost and would rides on the HS bowl be in your own car, an exotic, very very fast, etc etc, or would it be more of just a trip round at normal speed?????
Stunt driver school sounds fun:cool
I appreciate that you may have no idea of costs as yet

[GulfMediaMan]

Originally Posted by wscwunda

Ian, personally i would 'sign up' but it depends on the cost and would rides on the HS bowl be in your own car, an exotic, very very fast, etc etc, or would it be more of just a trip round at normal speed?????
Stunt driver school sounds fun:cool
I appreciate that you may have no idea of costs as yet

There are a number of issues. Remember that MIRA was not built as a race track or for public use but for skilled professional drivers to test pre-production cars to the limit. There are no runoff areas and both legal and insurance requirements are very strict. Many track day operators have approached MIRA asking to rent the Handling Course or High Speed Bowl for track days and all have been refused. Apart from the lack of run-offs and legal issues, all drivers at MIRA have to be on the MIRA approved driver list and there are restrictions on vehicles as well which obviously precludes visitors driving, either in their own cars or others.

There are ways around this and one of them is to make use of a dispensation that allows for drivers under instruction. This dispensation allows us to run the stunt driver school. The formula we have at present is for general experience (and white knuckle) rides on the High Speed Bowl to be passenger rides for those that want them. Speeds would obviously be high (the centre lane has a hands off speed of 90mph) but we are also looking at an option for a 'High Performance Driving Course' which could then include driving on both the handling course and the High Speed Bowl. This seems to me to be a reasonable option because the MIRA tracks and the cars to be used have far higher capabilities than 99% of road drivers - whether enthusiasts or not. Doing this under instruction not only addresses all operating, insurance, and H&S restrictions but will increase the skills of the driver(s) taking part as well. This gives two options - passenger rides for those who want them and instruction for those who want to drive.

The Autotest isn't affected because it takes place on a large flat asphalt area away from the fast tracks and the Sprint will come under MSA regs.

As for cost, overall budgets are in-place already but the extras for these activities are still being negotiated. There will probably be a number of options ranging from basic entry to a comprehensive package with several activities included.

[ACAPULCO AL]

i think this could definitely be of interest to AO across the whole of the country. i've been mad busy the last week or so so haven't had time for a proper look just yet...

[GulfMediaMan]

Originally Posted by ACAPULCO AL

i think this could definitely be of interest to AO across the whole of the country. i've been mad busy the last week or so so haven't had time for a proper look just yet...

Al . . .
Don't take this national yet.
Several i's to be dotted and t's to be crossed.
I am 99% likely to go ahead and will give AO the first options on involvement if I do but please keep it local for now.
IWB

[wayne-dear]

Originally Posted by GulfMediaMan

There are a number of issues. Remember that MIRA was not built as a race track or for public use but for skilled professional drivers to test pre-production cars to the limit. There are no runoff areas and both legal and insurance requirements are very strict. Many track day operators have approached MIRA asking to rent the Handling Course or High Speed Bowl for track days and all have been refused. Apart from the lack of run-offs and legal issues, all drivers at MIRA have to be on the MIRA approved driver list and there are restrictions on vehicles as well which obviously precludes visitors driving, either in their own cars or others.

There are ways around this and one of them is to make use of a dispensation that allows for drivers under instruction. This dispensation allows us to run the stunt driver school. The formula we have at present is for general experience (and white knuckle) rides on the High Speed Bowl to be passenger rides for those that want them. Speeds would obviously be high (the centre lane has a hands off speed of 90mph) but we are also looking at an option for a 'High Performance Driving Course' which could then include driving on both the handling course and the High Speed Bowl. This seems to me to be a reasonable option because the MIRA tracks and the cars to be used have far higher capabilities than 99% of road drivers - whether enthusiasts or not. Doing this under instruction not only addresses all operating, insurance, and H&S restrictions but will increase the skills of the driver(s) taking part as well. This gives two options - passenger rides for those who want them and instruction for those who want to drive.

The Autotest isn't affected because it takes place on a large flat asphalt area away from the fast tracks and the Sprint will come under MSA regs.

As for cost, overall budgets are in-place already but the extras for these activities are still being negotiated. There will probably be a number of options ranging from basic entry to a comprehensive package with several activities included.

So long as its fast it sounds like a great idea, quite happy to go in with a 'Pro' driver

[Dave Brand]

I'm, sadly, rather dubious about this. "The best of what is done at Goodwood" - a bold claim, but does MIRA have the location & history that Goodwood has? You don't appear to be planning any competitive events, which provide Goodwood with a focus. Seems to me too much too soon - maybe a smaller beginning to establish the event in the public eye might be a better long-term bet.

In the end, I guess it all comes down to cost! You don't mention sponsorship, & I realise that such information is, at this stage, commercially sensitive, but a big-name sponsor both takes out a lot of the financial risk & adds credibility to the event.

Sorry to be so negative, but it does seem a very risky undertaking.