Events Clash May 2018

JK240

Club Member
Hi All,

I'm writing this post as I'd like to gauge feedback on the events that are all clashing in early May next year.

As most people know, I usually arrange the Samuri Gathering at Donington Historic over the early May Bank Holiday weekend and get some good attendances generally, however this coming year it's been pointed out that the event will clash with both Japfest at Silverstone and also a round of the CSCC over the same weekend again at Silverstone.

So I am tempted give Donny a miss for a year, it is quite a lot of work if the event is going to get diluted attendances due to the other events, particularly when I get the same complaints every year about the poor access roads and the 2 for 1 ticket pricing which despite repeated feedback to the organisers seems to fall on deaf ears.

Now that MSV have taken over the circuit I am sure that there will be some improvements to the shocking access roads and the whole site generally but perhaps not in time for the event in May. Although this is bound to have an impact on cost for future events as the Historic festival has been a particularly good value for money event since its launch.

Alternatives could be to combine the Samuri Gathering with these other two events, however I am comfortable organising the event at Donington, know the format and how everything goes, in particular with regards to costs for both attendees and myself and am not sure I'd want to have to start all over again at a new location. Of course if anyone else wants to take up the mantle I am more than happy to help where I can.

So before I commit to a stand at Donington I'd like to hear your opinions and ideas to ensure we get the best turn out at the best venue, many thanks.

JK
 

SeanDezart

Well-Known Forum User
I doubt I'll be there so perhaps my input is marginal but from one with no small experience here goes :

I would stage the Samuri event at Silverstone, bite the bullet, go see the organisers and explain that you're moving your event to Silverstone, get them on your side and so when you do email and phone, they have a face to link to even if you are ugly in sunglasses.

A 'new venue may well revive the event, get some fresh blood to attend and should you (presumably) return* to Donnington the year after, the new blood follows.

*Having said that, sometimes events in life lead us down different, un thought of lanes and perhaps the Samuri event could become mobile, piggy-backing on other National events with a return every third year to Donnington....?

I'll shut up now.
 

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Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
I like Donington (and the racing) however with the clash numbers could be down.

At Silverstone we would have classic racing (including a 240Z hopefully - like we have had at Donington), a Japanese following with Japfest and some track action for member's I assume. So people like Johnny, Matt and Terry may bring their cars along too. Status may turn-up aswell, I've seen him at Japfest.

Also if we decide to go with the Silverstone Classic for the 50th we would have knowledge of the venue.
 

STEVE BURNS

Club Member
Donnington for me as its a three day event together with the nighttime socialising that is getting better each year and I have not really likes Japfest since it moved from Castle Combe and they started having drifting there
 

status

Well-Known Forum User
I get a nose bleed if I go past Silverstone Rob but I’ve got a handkerchief now so I should be ok Also was planning on doing a stopover at the Donington meet so burnsie could buy me lots of beer,that is still the plan but it depends on music commitments as it’s hard being a rock god when I’m in demand,also got a trip to Jordan,birthday present for June,she doesn’t know yet also hoping to have another engine in by then,I’ll have to get me **** in gear as it soon comes round,next thing we know it will be Xmas
 

JK240

Club Member
I like this event bud good event donighton

Are the classic z register combinding again

Yes they have been invited, Chris.

I doubt I'll be there so perhaps my input is marginal

I'll shut up now.

You are right it is, but I suspect that's unlikely...;)

From the little feedback here so far and the much greater feedback from Facebook and email it seems that Donington is by far the preferred venue and the regular attendees still all plan to be there, so it seems dilution may not be an issue so much after all. I don't plan on doing anything until after Christmas, so I'll continue to monitor feedback from all sources, however it looks likely that I will go ahead as previous years.

Change, young Burns - a bit of variety before we get too set in our ways....:D

Oh Quelle Surprise, you never can shut up can you...:rolleyes:
 

Mambofever

Club Member
I agree with Sean, Rob.

Depending on where you are planning to hold the 50th anniversary meet is where we should be looking at.

I'm sure the organisers will be more accommodating to a club that has past presence. Rather than one asking for a favour of combining multiple clubs for their anniversaries.

I have enjoyed the Donnington meets. JK has done an excellent job organising them.
 

STEVE BURNS

Club Member
I agree with Sean, Rob.

Depending on where you are planning to hold the 50th anniversary meet is where we should be looking at.

I'm sure the organisers will be more accommodating to a club that has past presence. Rather than one asking for a favour of combining multiple clubs for their anniversaries.
Big difference it is a different organiser to the Silverstone Classic so it may well be better to try and support that event and not just drop a regular event that has been so successful over the last 5 years
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
I told myself on principle I would not attend Donington again if the access roads were not improved as it is a monumental **** take out of classic car owners and cheapskate profit taking by the organisers ahead of any concern for the punters that make the event.
 

Mr Ex Jnr

Club Member
Donny should go a head been good event av done 4 out of the 5 and there big z gatherings

If those wanna do japfest on the Sunday remember it only a one day event u could do both events !!!

Also those that are going japfest is there gunna be a stand as no one will be together if your wanting to show so anyone up for organising a stand

Also anyone up for organising a stand for japfest at Donny me and Richard and Kevin iron Matt and Steve and Peter did this last year am up for it again

There only 3 major z events that are on the calender

Donny historic

Tatton park

Oulton park gold cup

We need get out there more events we could have a stand at Silverstone classic either ask John if he could double the stand or combined there u get a feel for Silverstone then
 

Farmer42

Club Member
If Donington is the preferred place to hold the Samuri gathering then why not hold it at Japfest2 at Donington in June. Better weather for starters :rolleyes: and kills 2 birds with one stone. People can still go to the Historic festival or Japfest 1 in May if they want without missing the gathering.

I am with Chris though. The access road is pants!!!:(
 

STEVE BURNS

Club Member
to me the big difference is that the historic is a 3 day meet and Japfest 2 is only a 1 day meet and the longer event seems a lot better to me as a club gathering
 

JK240

Club Member
If Donington is the preferred place to hold the Samuri gathering then why not hold it at Japfest2 at Donington in June. Better weather for starters :rolleyes: and kills 2 birds with one stone. People can still go to the Historic festival or Japfest 1 in May if they want without missing the gathering.

I am with Chris though. The access road is pants!!!:(

The main reason the event is a Donington at all is because of the Historic Festival that runs alongside it. I was never really that into static car shows and thought it gave attendees something to do as well as stand around and talk cars, which proved to be a good decision.

And I'm not into the max power/drift car modified modern japfest type of stuff either, so whilst I can see your reasoning, I wouldn't be organising that.

And although I agree with Chris's principle, I can't do anything other than hope they are already improving the site in readiness for the new season...:unsure:
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
to me the big difference is that the historic is a 3 day meet and Japfest 2 is only a 1 day meet and the longer event seems a lot better to me as a club gathering

You just want an excuse to get away from Mrs.B for a couple of nights and enjoy a few beers with the lads :lol:
 
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