Prescott - Non Event 28th May 2023

[Julian Harber]

Well after getting stitched up at the first mini day the new Prescott team have shafted the mini's again - it is to be a show-n-shine type event with no competion allowed, what a wasted opportunity - this is my local `competion venue' and where I 'was' proud to be a member

[Pete]

Seems an odd move, if they couldn’t get the numbers including competing cars last time how can they hope to get the numbers without them this time!? I do regret not just hiring Shelsley and doing it myself now I must admit. The idea was a good one I still believe and should have been a winner.

[Oneball]

Seems an odd move, if they couldn’t get the numbers including competing cars last time how can they hope to get the numbers without them this time!?

I think Shelsley’s biggest event last year was one of the Supercar days which were non-competition. I’ve never been to a non-competition hillclimb event but apparently they outsell the proper events.

[Julian Harber]

The total number of competive cars is governed by th MSUK permit for that event - Prescott and Shelesley are normally oversubscribed something like 200 odd race cars - for an event with non competition the numbers can potentially be more - so mixing competition minis with non-timed runs mix would surely bring in more minis and spectators - Pete's original concept

[mk1]

That's a great shame.

Prescott drop the ball yet again.

[Pete]

Seems an odd move, if they couldn’t get the numbers including competing cars last time how can they hope to get the numbers without them this time!?

I think Shelsley’s biggest event last year was one of the Supercar days which were non-competition. I’ve never been to a non-competition hillclimb event but apparently they outsell the proper events.

Definitely get that but I think the difference between a supercar day and Classic car day is like chalk and cheese and a totally different audience. However a decent ‘Mini show’ will always attract more of the Mini crowd than any motorsport event will, it’s true and hillclimbs are definitely attracting more and more non competitive events. I do worry about the potential for one of them to have a big off in a road car though! Especially at a challenging venue but if they manage to build a new Mini show there then good luck to them.

[Oneball]

It’ll be interesting to find out how it goes though. It’s not for me and sounds like it’s not for any of you 3 either.

[hanlminiman]

Sorry everyone but I totally disagree as I think it a great opportunity for all Mini enthusiasts to experience driving a hill climb without having to buy overalls and all the safety stuff and compete. A bit like a Blyton track day really. Just sayin'.

[hanlminiman]

That's a great shame.

Prescott drop the ball yet again.

Sorry Mark - I don't think they have.

[mk1]

That's a great shame.

Prescott drop the ball yet again.

Sorry Mark - I don't think they have.

I know you are a great supporter of Prescott, but in all fairness, I don't think you can describe the way their history of handling Mini events has gone over the last few years as a roaring success.

The first year they ran a Mini event was 2 years ago, they managed to piss off a good number of people who were attending, first with remarkably over zealous application of eligibility rules, far stricter that ANYTHING I have ever experienced anywhere in the UK over 30 odd years. Then they annoy those attending on the day by allocating a large amount of time in the middle of the day to a filmed insert for Strictly Come Dancing, & that's not even mentioning the (highly amusing, but) terrible commentary.

Last years event was far from well supported after the first years carnage & now in year 3 they have decided to give up & have a show & shine in it's place.

It's hardly a brilliant record is it?

Having said that. I attend Prescott a couple of times a year with Adam competing in one or another of his Pre war Austin 7's and those events are always well organised, well attended & attendees are made to feel very welcome indeed. There is certainly a dissonance between how the two groups of enthusiasts are treated.

Prescott is a FANTASTIC venue & everyone should have it on their calendar, it's one of those must attend venues, but I do maintain that as far as a Mini Only event is concerned, they have undoubtedly, in my opinion, dropped the ball.

[snoopy64]

Not even a mini only event now.., re named British and Mini…

[Pete]

Sorry everyone but I totally disagree as I think it a great opportunity for all Mini enthusiasts to experience driving a hill climb without having to buy overalls and all the safety stuff and compete. A bit like a Blyton track day really. Just sayin'.

We’ll take that as a compliment then. And a Prescott Mini day was also my idea to start with so a double compliment!

It’s their event and their venue at the end of the day and I sincerely wish them all the best with it, whatever it is (which I can’t quite work out) but the difference at Blyton of course is that essentially there’s nothing to hit if / when it goes wrong. Non competitive events like this are becoming more popular though there’s no doubting that, yes Blyton’s a good example, KOP, etc. It might be winner, only time will tell!

[Julian Harber]

Mark's comments I think are very well balanced and sum the feelings up very well - Prescott is one of the best Hillclimb tracks for competitive cars in the UK however the strenght or weakness depends on who is running it and I have seen it run absolutely bang on and as it is now and no matter how much `spin' they put on the state of things there is an attitute issue that has caused some of the issues, not listening has been a constant.

The mini festival concept is a great opportunity as Cliff rightly says, but with a MIX of competition and non competive demo runs this would surely enhance the day, the racers to Prescott new and old would bring in extra minis, many of the demo run and show minis will I am sure like to spectate the timed runs and the racers no doubt like me would be looking at the non-race minis. Starting any new annual event is going to be a learning process to make it a `want to go to' future event you cannot rely on just having a super venue

[hanlminiman]

Seems an odd move, if they couldn’t get the numbers including competing cars last time how can they hope to get the numbers without them this time!?

I think Shelsley’s biggest event last year was one of the Supercar days which were non-competition. I’ve never been to a non-competition hillclimb event but apparently they outsell the proper events.

Yep.
Cliff

[hanlminiman]

Dear all
I must admit I am not sure where the "show & shine" at Prescott fits in. The event will be a celebration of 60 years of Mini Cooper S.
To be honest I am not sure a competitive Minis only event is appropriate.
I remember the days when the Midland Speed Championship frowned on Minis and many taking part with Minis gave up competing. Ask Dave West.
Prescott is a very picturesque venue where both competitors and spectators can enjoy the atmosphere of the surroundings. It's not all about speed and competition. I suggest many Mini owners would love to attend and drive the hill but hesitate to take part when they work out the cost of competing; licence, overalls. helmet etc plus car compliance preparation cost (Julian's point).
The day before is competive - Prescott Historique.
I'll be there and driving the hill as a tourist rather than a competitor.
Cliff
ps personal comment only.