Just got an email from NL and MSV stating that costs are going up (again). Palmer was already planning circuit hire charge increases (which are astronomical already) but is now apparently adding another 5% on top of whatever he was already planning. I find U.K. trackdays really hard to justify, not sure if it’s just me. It’s a lot of money to be on overcrowded circuits which aren’t always well maintained. More red flags than I have hot dinners in a month and roll of a dice weather aswell. ultimately doesn’t really effect me as I don’t do U.K. days anyway really but thought it may be of interest to some.
Just had the NL email and I’m with you mate - £200 for a day at Donington just doesn’t appeal to me. Not when there’s a high chance of rain as well. compare that to €80 - 100 for a day at Cartagena...and that’s the main reason my track bike stays in Spain. I did Oulton a couple of times last year on the road bike and I must admit I did love that track though.
For the next year or two at least, they can probably charge wtf they like as many folk will be desperate to ride after all the lockdown shit. After that the bubble may burst, and once it does, tracks will struggle to stay open. It could of course come a lot sooner, if folk just can't afford to ride at all once society opens up again, due to mass unemployment etc. Personally, I am done with track riding for the next couple of years and am selling up all my track related stuff, bike, leathers the lot. I just can't afford it anymore. I'm sure I won't be the only one.
I see what you mean. for me it doesn’t warrant the what 5-600? A day price tag once you’ve factored tyres and fuel etc. If you’re going for it you’ll do a set of tyres in a day. Not worth it to sit in the pit Lane watching the red flag fest is it. I like hobbies I can do a few times a month or atleast once a month.
£600 a day?! I track the costs because I’m sad, but over 17 days at 5 different tracks my average is about £320 a day inc using tyres, pads and fuel. Including a few expensive Doningtons and a few overnight stays at Snett or Anglesey... Last year I saw fewer red flags than the previous 2 years by a huge margin, and things were way better with online briefings etc.
Aye fella, and then for those of use who don't live within 60-90 mins of any of the tracks and don't have vans kitted for stay aways, we then have van rental and digs on top. Donny cost me well over 600 last August.
I can’t see how? a set of tyres is usually over £300? Even if you only do a rear Which you will on a 1000, that’s still £180 or whatever it is. Dave did a rear Pirelli at brands in 4 sessions ! 20-30litres of fuel. Travel etc it soon adds up. most trackdays are what £200 a day now? 200 for the day. 300 for tyres ish. Fuel. Travel etc. 5/600 is easily doable. It was a red flag fest last year man!
Can't be arsed with UK days. Crashfest Bell ends Weather Expense I used enjoy going up to Silverstone, as I can get there and back comfortably in a day. But, that's got silly money since they stopped FE and NL selling the dates.
If UK tracks are having to do this, I cant see other tracks abroad being any different. They have the same financial issues everywhere. No income at all.
Nah, and if you book in November it's 15% off so cheaper than Donny. I'd love Europe but as I want to stay a married man that won't happen for a few years yet.
If people think a 5% increase is a lot, they have some bigger shocks coming. I have clients being asked to pay 25% increases in some of the materials they use.
I think a 5% increase is fair enough TBH. It’s been a shit storm of a year and company’s need to make a margin. I have 2 days booked with Creamy at Silverstone (November Black Friday sale) and plan to do Donny, Mallory, Cadwell and Anglesey this year plus an evening or two at Brands. Hopefully the price increases will put enough off to make it enjoyable but j seriously doubt it.
