QUOTE (scheivlak @ Jul 22 2009, 21:44) 
It was pretty cold too!
But the race was quite fantastic IMHO.
But the race was quite fantastic IMHO.
Yes it was
Full Version: Notable features at circuits past and present
Yes it was
QUOTE (Barry Boor @ Jul 22 2009, 23:23)
To cheer up Alan, from his post #37:
Thanks for those photos, Barry. How much more evocative than the structure which has replaced the station. Brilliant - and not a racing car in sight to spoil the view. What year were they taken?
1962, Alan, my first visit to Monaco - must have been during the school summer holiday so late July or August; July, I think.
That's my Mum standing by the palm trees.
I stood for a while on Dan Gurney's grid slot as we walked around the circuit. We begun our walk at the Station Hairpin, having come along from Menton on the train.
47 years later, I feel so sad at the changes that have taken place in Monaco since those wonderful days. Progress? Progress, my a**e!
That's my Mum standing by the palm trees.
I stood for a while on Dan Gurney's grid slot as we walked around the circuit. We begun our walk at the Station Hairpin, having come along from Menton on the train.
47 years later, I feel so sad at the changes that have taken place in Monaco since those wonderful days. Progress? Progress, my a**e!
QUOTE (Barry Boor @ Jul 23 2009, 08:31)
1962, Alan, my first visit to Monaco - must have been during the school summer holiday so late July or August; July, I think.
That's my Mum standing by the palm trees.
I stood for a while on Dan Gurney's grid slot as we walked around the circuit. We begun our walk at the Station Hairpin, having come along from Menton on the train.
47 years later, I feel so sad at the changes that have taken place in Monaco since those wonderful days. Progress? Progress, my a**e!
Great shots Barry! That's my Mum standing by the palm trees.
I stood for a while on Dan Gurney's grid slot as we walked around the circuit. We begun our walk at the Station Hairpin, having come along from Menton on the train.
47 years later, I feel so sad at the changes that have taken place in Monaco since those wonderful days. Progress? Progress, my a**e!
I share your and Alan's sadness at the lack of palm trees and old station, but before we go ringing the Samaritans let's be pleased that a lot of Monaco landmarks are still there. I can't imagine that they are in a hurry to take a bulldozer to the Casino just yet.
Back on topic, leaving aside corners, the wall that separates/joins the two bits of tarmac either side of the Station Hairpin is a great landmark n'est ce pas?
Seen here recently, it accentuates the wonderful 180 degree hairpin and swoop downwards to the sea. Pity about the monstrosity in the background (and the foreground) and the loss of the three lovely palm trees. Another Monaco landmark not quite visible here - the terraced ballustrades on the outside of the entrance to the hairpin.
Rob
The wheat field on the outside of Riches at Snetterton, perhaps? 
Can we count the two foot six inch or so wall at Silverstone's old Becketts?? I know it's at a corner but not THE corner. So many shots spring to mind of cars pointing towards it as they drift around the corner. 
Has anyone mentioned the Zandvoort grandstand?
Do the fries and mayo at Spa count?
Rob
Has anyone mentioned the Zandvoort grandstand?
Do the fries and mayo at Spa count?
Rob
The three palm trees at the Station Hairpin intrigue me. They weren't there prewar, then they suddenly appeared - full grown . Since then the height has varied over the years: including getting shorter on occasions. I suspect that occasionally one has died or been hit by a camion and replaced by another mature tree.
QUOTE (D-Type @ Jul 23 2009, 14:00)
The three palm trees at the Station Hairpin intrigue me. They weren't there prewar, then they suddenly appeared - full grown . Since then the height has varied over the years: including getting shorter on occasions. I suspect that occasionally one has died or been hit by a camion and replaced by another mature tree.
They have interested me too. As you say, they weren't there in the early days.
The Dunlop Bridge at Donington 
PAR
PAR
QUOTE (Kingsleyrob @ Jul 23 2009, 04:52)
Rob
Question from a Hoosier. What do those yellow zig-zag lines in the road mean?
QUOTE (Phil Rainford @ Jul 23 2009, 15:44)
The Dunlop Bridge at Donington
PAR
PAR
Love the old banking/bridge before the Ascari chicane at Monza
Paid a visit for the World Superbike meeting in May....
Had a climb up and run back down...so steep!
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/paulmphotos/...CITDzNCLzozpLw#
Sorry haven't woked out how to post piccys yet
QUOTE (stevewf1 @ Jul 23 2009, 14:58)
Question from a Hoosier. What do those yellow zig-zag lines in the road mean?
They are "no parking" markers on the approaches to the pedestrian crossing (white bars) - if cars are parked ar the kerb on the approach to a pedestrian crossing, it prevents pedestrians from seeing oncoming traffic.
When it comes to remembered circuit features Jack Brabham told me of the Gnoo Blas circuit at Orange, which at one point was flanked by what in those less PC times was termed a lunatic asylum. Now this I am confident will trigger Ray Bell telling us that it was no such thing, but that's the way Blackie recalled it... "passing the loony bin..."
DCN
DCN
I haven't been to Snetterton for a while - is that traditional red telephone kiosk still by the fence in the spectator enclosure near the startline?
I think that was even immortalised in a Touring Car simulation for the Sony Playstation.
I think that was even immortalised in a Touring Car simulation for the Sony Playstation.
QUOTE (cpbell @ Jul 23 2009, 11:10)
They are "no parking" markers on the approaches to the pedestrian crossing (white bars) - if cars are parked ar the kerb on the approach to a pedestrian crossing, it prevents pedestrians from seeing oncoming traffic.
Thank You.
QUOTE (2F-001 @ Jul 23 2009, 17:09)
I haven't been to Snetterton for a while - is that traditional red telephone kiosk still by the fence in the spectator enclosure near the startline?
I think that was even immortalised in a Touring Car simulation for the Sony Playstation.
I think that was even immortalised in a Touring Car simulation for the Sony Playstation.
Despite the fact that I live no more than 20 miles or so from Snett, it's been years since I last went. My dad has been to Vintage Motorcycle events there recently, but he's not sure. He doubts it, though, as that side of the track has been modified by Motorsport Vision a lot of recent.
QUOTE (stevewf1 @ Jul 23 2009, 17:13)
Thank You.
No problem. Here in the UK, they are used outside schools for the same reason.
re: the phone box:
Thanks - I guessed that had probably gone. The first time I went to Snetterton, which was pretty late on compared to other circuits - it was one I missed out somehow - I'm pretty sure it was still working because, unless I dreamt this, I recall 'phoning my father from it just for the novelty value! That might have been early nineties but could have been earlier. When I've been since then I've not ventured outside the track and don't remember even looking for it...
It's hard to imagine it taking enough cash to cover the cost of emptying it and I don't think it was a card phone.
Sorry - this is terribly arcane... :-)
Thanks - I guessed that had probably gone. The first time I went to Snetterton, which was pretty late on compared to other circuits - it was one I missed out somehow - I'm pretty sure it was still working because, unless I dreamt this, I recall 'phoning my father from it just for the novelty value! That might have been early nineties but could have been earlier. When I've been since then I've not ventured outside the track and don't remember even looking for it...
It's hard to imagine it taking enough cash to cover the cost of emptying it and I don't think it was a card phone.
Sorry - this is terribly arcane... :-)
How about the oft-cited "tallest tree" (the one to aim for) on the climb from Steilestreckenkehre to the Karussell on the Nordschleife?
Does that count?
Does that count?
QUOTE (2F-001 @ Jul 23 2009, 17:29)
How about the oft-cited "tallest tree" (the one to aim for) on the climb from Steilestreckenkehre to the Karussell on the Nordschleife?
Does that count?
Does that count?
Ah yes, on Sir JYS's 1973 track guide
"You seee the high firtreeeeee - you aim the car at that firtreeee..."
The wall on the outside edge of the track near Burnenville, upon which the car (Bonnier's, was it?) ended up precariously perched - and subsequently featured in Frankenheimer's 'Grand Prix' - is still there; as is the house beyond it.
QUOTE (2F-001 @ Jul 23 2009, 18:05)
The wall on the outside edge of the track near Burnenville, upon which the car (Bonnier's, was it?) ended up precariously perched - and subsequently featured in Frankenheimer's 'Grand Prix' - is still there; as is the house beyond it.
Of course! I'd forgotten that! What about the wrought iron gate at the Cafe Nolis?
QUOTE (stevewf1 @ Jul 23 2009, 14:58)
Question from a Hoosier. What do those yellow zig-zag lines in the road mean?
I think that they signify a bus stop. i.e. no parking next to a bus stop. What is more interesting is: what is that yellow and white vehicle in the foreground, and what is the "golf cart" behind it?
QUOTE (Tony Kingston @ Jul 26 2009, 19:40)
I think that they signify a bus stop. i.e. no parking next to a bus stop. What is more interesting is: what is that yellow and white vehicle in the foreground, and what is the "golf cart" behind it?
In the UK we have white zig zag lines either side of a pedestrian crossing which means no parking and well policed.
As to the vehicles - probably the quickest way around Monaco when there's no racing
QUOTE (alansart @ Jul 26 2009, 19:45)
In the UK we have white zig zag lines either side of a pedestrian crossing which means no parking and well policed.
As to the vehicles - probably the quickest way around Monaco when there's no racing
As to the vehicles - probably the quickest way around Monaco when there's no racing
Look at the "zigzags" on the right, that is, travelling away from the photographer. The "zigzags" are about ten metres after the pedestrian crossing. In fact, just next to the bus stop.
QUOTE (Tony Kingston @ Jul 26 2009, 20:05)
Look at the "zigzags" on the right, that is, travelling away from the photographer. The "zigzags" are about ten metres after the pedestrian crossing. In fact, just next to the bus stop.
That's true - oh well, I'm wrong as usual!
QUOTE (Doug Nye @ Jul 24 2009, 01:21)
When it comes to remembered circuit features Jack Brabham told me of the Gnoo Blas circuit at Orange, which at one point was flanked by what in those less PC times was termed a lunatic asylum. Now this I am confident will trigger Ray Bell telling us that it was no such thing, but that's the way Blackie recalled it... "passing the loony bin..."
DCN
DCN
Nup Black is 100% correct Doug. Modern day Bloomfield Hospital was in those halcyon days known as Orange Mental Hospital.
Fantastic circuit Gnoo Blas, absolutely fantastic.
QUOTE (Kingsleyrob @ Jul 22 2009, 09:07)
I enjoyed reading this revived thread (old ones are the best, maybe!) and was surprised it was a) so short, and b) not illustrated with a few more photos.
As I don't need much encouragement to post a photo or two and some relevant ones are already on my Imageshack, here are a few. A lot of my favourite landmarks have already been mentioned, but what about the Engelbert advert at the exit of La Source, and the white half tyres at Mexico?
The underbanking bridge at Monza from a more unusual angle:
The iconic palm trees at Monaco, as well as the surrounding high rises, by day:
And by night:
The pink buildings adjacent to the quay under "the Rock", seen here with an assortment of TNFers:
The other Melling Road crossing at Aintree, Anchor Crossing:
Some of the other horse racing ephemera at Aintree - the temporary pits and old grandstands were marvellous - this is just a poor reminder:
Don't forget the ubiqitous Canalside Concrete wall at Aintree...a unique landmark!
The unmistakeable pits at Rheims:
One of the unmistakeable grandstands too:
And the unmistakeable timing pavilion, together with surrounding countryside:
Rob
As I don't need much encouragement to post a photo or two and some relevant ones are already on my Imageshack, here are a few. A lot of my favourite landmarks have already been mentioned, but what about the Engelbert advert at the exit of La Source, and the white half tyres at Mexico?
The underbanking bridge at Monza from a more unusual angle:
The iconic palm trees at Monaco, as well as the surrounding high rises, by day:
And by night:
The pink buildings adjacent to the quay under "the Rock", seen here with an assortment of TNFers:
The other Melling Road crossing at Aintree, Anchor Crossing:
Some of the other horse racing ephemera at Aintree - the temporary pits and old grandstands were marvellous - this is just a poor reminder:
Don't forget the ubiqitous Canalside Concrete wall at Aintree...a unique landmark!
The unmistakeable pits at Rheims:
One of the unmistakeable grandstands too:
And the unmistakeable timing pavilion, together with surrounding countryside:
Rob
QUOTE (Rob G @ Jul 22 2009, 00:58)
I'll add Virginia International Raceway and its big oak tree sitting right at the apex of the turn that bears its name.
Oh yeah, I never got that corner right, most important one too as it leads to the longest straight. Damn you, Oak!
Don't forget the ubiqitous Canalside Concrete wall at Aintree...a unique landmark!
Quite right Mike, and certainly not forgotten!
Rob
Quite right Mike, and certainly not forgotten!
Rob
The advertising hoardings adjacent to the track at Stavelot on the old Spa
Didn't there used to be a tree (!) in one of the Lesmo gravel traps at Monza years ago?
And what about the Spitfire at Donington park? When I watched the MotoGP the other week I couldn't see it on the telly.
The sausages and beer were good at Hockenheim in the '80's.
And the one with more track-side features than many - the 37.25 TT course on the Isle of Man! Over the years I've sat across from the famous hand-written score-boards, in the entrance to a wild-life park, in a wood, a pub garden/car park, on a mountain, in a museum car park, next to some tram-lines, in a town square...
And what about the Spitfire at Donington park? When I watched the MotoGP the other week I couldn't see it on the telly.
The sausages and beer were good at Hockenheim in the '80's.
And the one with more track-side features than many - the 37.25 TT course on the Isle of Man! Over the years I've sat across from the famous hand-written score-boards, in the entrance to a wild-life park, in a wood, a pub garden/car park, on a mountain, in a museum car park, next to some tram-lines, in a town square...
QUOTE (lil'chris @ Aug 3 2009, 13:24)
The advertising hoardings adjacent to the track at Stavelot on the old Spa
And the commentary box next to them that was hit by Trevor Taylor (and by Sarti!).
The big tree in the infield just before Mallory's esses - I think it went after Ollie Bridewell's crash
I believe the Spitfire at Donington got so vandalised it had to go, despite being fenced off.
Paul M
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.