69 replies to this topic

[sabrejet]

Anyone going/gone?

 

I thought I'd give it a go this year, having been left a bit unimpressed last year. My takeaways:

 

1. Too many "Sorry sir - invite only" stands.

2. Don't advertise cars as 'attending' when they are placed in a glass box and entry is only by invite (Alfa 33 Stradale).

3. It may be the case that drift cars are "always popular" (according to commentary, presumably by some unknown metric) but folks I spoke to were equally bored watching yet another cloud of tyre smoke while they waited for something interesting to go by, usually partially obscured by tyre smoke.

4. There used to be nice displays over by the cricket pitch (land speed record cars one year being a notable example): what happened to them?

5. A Volkswagen Polo is not suitable material for the Cartier Style et Luxe, much as I am fond of them; neither is a Fiat X1/9.

6. Dedicating a whole paddock to F1 cars (Cathedral/Red Bull) made it seem like there weren't enough interesting vehicles to go round.

7. While I like seeing old favourites each year, having too many of them makes it feel like a number of other invites were not replied to.

8. There is a depressing reliance in commentary on "This car has ten million horsepower" instead of, "This car was driven in the 1932 Targa Florio by Nuvolari".

 

And again, there was too much pushing and shoving, too much inconsiderate behaviour and - sad to say - just not really much of interest to look at. I had Friday tickets and roving grandstand but decided to give today a miss, having looked on the programme to see what I might be missing. Nothing much for me as it turned out.

 

I think this was my seventeenth FoS and I suspect it will be my last. Since I take a lot of photos, I can at least look back through those and check that my perception of this year is correct. Having done so, I don't think I'll be changing my mind. It's really a shame because FoS used to be an annual highlight but it seems to have become the Festival of Barry Boys.

Edited by sabrejet, 12 July 2024 - 12:16.

[Vitesse2]

I dipped in to the YT stream yesterday morning before the cricket. Unimpressed, TBH. Drifting? Meh. Frankly, I'm not bothered about seeing the latest 'supercar' Bugatti Veyron lookalike which costs several squillion pounds trundle up the hill either. Nor in listening to Rowan Atkinson droning on about hydrogen-powered cars. Watching Gus Atkinson bowl at Lord's was infinitely preferable.

 

I'll watch a few bits of the stream over the weekend, as there are a few items of personal interest, but gone are the days when I had it running all day ...

[bradbury west]

As an aside, if anyone has the chance to take any engine bay/underbonnet shots of the SEFAC  1930s racer I would be most grateful to see them. Regrettably certain ongoing mobility/immobility issues make the FoS a non visit again, much as I enjoyed the multiple previous ones I attended.

My liking for unusual cars and the nuts and bolts bits is, I believe, well known here.

Many thanks

Roger Lund

[sabrejet]

SEFAC: I tried posting some from my Flickr account but I get a message saying that the file image extension is not allowed. So in case the below links don't work, try adding an 's' to the "http" part.

 

I'll try here:

 

 

 

 

Full-sized images here: https://www.flickr.c.../155969318@N06/

Edited by sabrejet, 12 July 2024 - 12:14.

[ensign14]

I would hazard a guess that those most interested in drifting are least interested in the SEFAC.  It's meant to be a broad church meeting.

 

The main issue I have is the same issue that exists every year, only is getting worse - people who phone-tograph an interesting car, and, instead of then stepping away, remaining by it to upload or text or share.  Which usually takes a geological age.

[68targa]

I have probably been to my last FoS .  I attended the first, in 1996 and many more up to 2019 when I started to find it rather oppressive having to fight through hordes of humanity.  I realise that the event has had to move on from what I enjoy and now caters for a much wider audience.

I'm thankful that I have seen it at it's best and have some great memories.

 

 

4. There used to be nice displays over by the cricket pitch (land speed record cars one year being a notable example): what happened to them?

Here they are !

 

From 2013 and IMO one of the very best FoS displays. 

 

 

[john aston]

I'm glad I have yet to become  blase about the FoS . I've never been but the free stream is bloody great. 

[Doug Nye]

Missing this year's due to Covid, but if I'm fit next year call me first and I'll happily introduce you to it, John...

 

DCN

[sabrejet]

I'm sure it's true that one's perspective of an event is coloured by the side of the fence on which one stands.

[FastReader]

I dipped in to the YT stream yesterday morning before the cricket. Unimpressed, TBH. Drifting? Meh. Frankly, I'm not bothered about seeing the latest 'supercar' Bugatti Veyron lookalike which costs several squillion pounds trundle up the hill either. Nor in listening to Rowan Atkinson droning on about hydrogen-powered cars. Watching Gus Atkinson bowl at Lord's was infinitely preferable.

 

I'll watch a few bits of the stream over the weekend, as there are a few items of personal interest, but gone are the days when I had it running all day ...

Hey! I was at Lords today to see Gus Atkinson take 3 more wickets for an astonishing 12 wicket haul across the match and also, perhaps more importantly, to see Jimmy Anderson take his 704th and final test wicket. We might have only had an hour's play but the place was packed to the rafters creating a fantastic atmosphere to celebrate the end of a remarkable test career. A great day out. And on Sunday I shall be at Goodwood for the FoS so I'll report back on Monday on how the two events compare.

Edited by FastReader, 12 July 2024 - 20:07.

[Mark A]

I'm there tomorrow (Saturday), 1st time I've been for a few years, having attended, and taken part in, one of the early events.

 

Used to go on a Friday quite regularly for a few years, stopped as kids grew up and I didn't enjoy how busy it had become but looking forward to seeing how it has changed, popping in to see some current and ex colleagues on a few stands, but will be going into the paddock with the classics for a look before it gets too busy.

[GreenMachine]

FoS was one of the two highlights of my big 'retirement trip' in 2007 (the other being the LM24hr), for both the cars there, and the 'atmosphere', where mutual respect between entrants/participants and spectators allowed great access.

 

 

maybe things have changed ... 

[LittleChris]

Spent yesterday in the Isle of Man for the Southern 100.  Green Machine you need to visit. Genuine people rather than most of the thieving ponce's in the 4 wheeled world these days

[bradbury west]

Sabrejet, very many thanks for posting these shots, and on Flicker in such a large file size option too. I am most obliged, just the job. I always find it remarkable, and wonderful in many ways, that there are fine people who take on the restoration and  recommissioning of machinery like this, rather akin to the 747 pilot who took on the  remarkable Guidobaldi, which I took to when I saw it at the museum at Mougins, outside Nice, nigh on 20 years ago.

Again, many thanks

Roger Lund

 

SEFAC: I tried posting some from my Flickr account but I get a message saying that the file image extension is not allowed. So in case the below links don't work, try adding an 's' to the "http" part.

 

I'll try here:

 

 

 

 

Full-sized images here: https://www.flickr.c.../155969318@N06/

[Paul Taylor]

Does the FoS still allow you to "access" cars and drivers in the same way it did last time I went (2006)?

 

Actually I booked flights to the UK for early September to see the Revival. Only to see the tickets were £100+ per day for half a dozen races without any other perks unless you pay or you are a member. I was going to take my grandfather for what would probably be our last visit but we elected to make some sandwiches at home and watch on YouTube instead.

[DogEarred]

Anyone going/gone?
 
I thought I'd give it a go this year, having been left a bit unimpressed last year. My takeaways:
 
1. Too many "Sorry sir - invite only" stands.
2. Don't advertise cars as 'attending' when they are placed in a glass box and entry is only by invite (Alfa 33 Stradale).
3. It may be the case that drift cars are "always popular" (according to commentary, presumably by some unknown metric) but folks I spoke to were equally bored watching yet another cloud of tyre smoke while they waited for something interesting to go by, usually partially obscured by tyre smoke.
4. There used to be nice displays over by the cricket pitch (land speed record cars one year being a notable example): what happened to them?
5. A Volkswagen Polo is not suitable material for the Cartier Style et Luxe, much as I am fond of them; neither is a Fiat X1/9.
6. Dedicating a whole paddock to F1 cars (Cathedral/Red Bull) made it seem like there weren't enough interesting vehicles to go round.
7. While I like seeing old favourites each year, having too many of them makes it feel like a number of other invites were not replied to.
8. There is a depressing reliance in commentary on "This car has ten million horsepower" instead of, "This car was driven in the 1932 Targa Florio by Nuvolari".
 
And again, there was too much pushing and shoving, too much inconsiderate behaviour and - sad to say - just not really much of interest to look at. I had Friday tickets and roving grandstand but decided to give today a miss, having looked on the programme to see what I might be missing. Nothing much for me as it turned out.
 
I think this was my seventeenth FoS and I suspect it will be my last. Since I take a lot of photos, I can at least look back through those and check that my perception of this year is correct. Having done so, I don't think I'll be changing my mind. It's really a shame because FoS used to be an annual highlight but it seems to have become the Festival of Barry Boys.

Came to the same conclusions, only several years ago…

[FLB]

[MarshalMike]

Having marshalled at every one of the Festivals, it seems that someone has forgotten what festival means "a special day or period with it's own food, activities and celebration" - but I guess the Goodwood "Big sponsors and corporate junket days" doesn't quite roll off the tongue so it's becoming a showroom of ultra expensive cars that chances are you'll never see one on the road.

 

The average paying spectator wants to see drivers having fun, such as Jean Ragnotti doing 360's as he goes up the track but see one drift car, you've soon 'em all (IMHO) and the behaviour at crossing points is becoming onerous, rude, impatient and aggressive - my team shouldn't have to put up with this when a few simple changes would help, but after suggesting these for the last 8 years, I'm now M'eh.

 

If I sound disillusioned, it's because I am, and 2 of my regular team have indicated that this will also be their last.

[Bob Riebe]

The average paying spectator wants to see drivers having fun, such as Jean Ragnotti doing 360's as he goes up the track but see one drift car, you've soon 'em all (IMHO)

From the day I first saw it existed, Drifting  looked to me like a fools-folly.

I grew up in the years when Pro-Stock drag racing was at it absolute peak, and gents would jack up the rear of their cars and put on tires wider than the wheel wells and even back then I thougnt stupidity has just rewards as some screwed up their cars totally.

 

To me Drifting is the same moronic brain waves  only to a greater extreme.

Edited by Bob Riebe, 13 July 2024 - 20:24.

[Mark A]

A couple of comments from my visit today, some interesting stands from some of the OEM’s, the JLR one was huge and a bit clinical, some of the companies showing cars I’ve never heard of, and I’ve spent almost 30 years working for car manufacturers.

There was less historic’s than I’d hoped, although it was nice to see some, the Mercedes and Ferrari transporters for one, I was over in the Supercar paddock a couple of times and it was mobbed, more so than other areas, perhaps says a lot about current visitors, some of whom seemed to be rushing round the performance parking taking pictures of the cars there, or videoing when an owner rev’s his engine for no apparent reason.

The bit that annoyed and worried me for the future of the event was the bloke in the Cartier area, I’ll ignore the fact there was a VW Polo in there, but there were some lovely early Bugatti’s, and previously mentioned bloke, walking round with a pint in his hand was trying the doors of the Bugatti’s

 

I think the Rally stage is the area that still evokes the memories of early events, quieter, less corporate and cars owner by regular enthusiasts, although it was a bit more modern than I remembered in the past.

Edited by Mark A, 13 July 2024 - 21:19.

[john aston]

OEM belongs in the newspeak thread. Could be worse though, I'd have cancelled  you if you'd referred to my most hated word of the year - BRAND . Marque, manufacturer, company , firm are all fine , as was OEM when applied only to the provenance of  spare parts. Brand is ok for washing powders but little else . 

Edited by john aston, 14 July 2024 - 05:56.

[Mark A]

OEM belongs in the newspeak thread. Could be worse though, I'd have cancelled  you if you'd referred to my most hated word of the year - BRAND . Marque, manufacturer, company , firm are all fine , as was OEM when applied only to the provenance of  spare parts. Brand is ok for washing powders but little else . 

Well, having worked for OEM’s for 28 years of my 30 in the car industry, and the remaining 2 years at a Tier 1 supplier, these terms are used across the industry so I’m sticking with my definition.

[Stephen W]

I started watching the Friday yawnfest but too many hypercars, soopercars and ugly cars coupled with some yobbos drifting meant I gave up. I spent yesterday at a proper hillclimb (Barbon Manor) where two motor clubs are doing their very best to keep an historic venue going. Today I'll be watching another proper hillclimb on the Live Feed from Prescott where a Midland Championship round is taking place. I have always wanted to visit Goodwood House but Friday's offering really was sub-par. I'll stick to proper hillclimbs where I am guranteed some real battles, class records and don't have to put up with ill-informed commentators.

[john aston]

Well, having worked for OEM’s for 28 years of my 30 in the car industry, and the remaining 2 years at a Tier 1 supplier, these terms are used across the industry so I’m sticking with my definition.

Sure- but hardly anyone outside the industry used the term until recently. 

[Lee Nicolle]

From the day I first saw it existed, Drifting  looked to me like a fools-folly.

I grew up in the years when Pro-Stock drag racing was at it absolute peak, and gents would jack up the rear of their cars and put on tires wider than the wheel wells and even back then I thougnt stupidity has just rewards as some screwed up their cars totally.

 

To me Drifting is the same moronic brain waves  only to a greater extreme.

Competition drifting is a skill,, not for me as my brain only wants a car hooked up on bitumen.

Jacked up cars?? 2 foot long spring shackles. What could go wrong!!

[Lee Nicolle]

Waiting for the shootout,, 11 05 I may go to bed. Yawn fests with MGs and now drummers, multitudes of wanker cars etc etc is just not interesting. Shadows etc are interesting.

[sabrejet]

I started watching the Friday yawnfest but too many hypercars, soopercars and ugly cars coupled with some yobbos drifting meant I gave up. I spent yesterday at a proper hillclimb (Barbon Manor) where two motor clubs are doing their very best to keep an historic venue going. Today I'll be watching another proper hillclimb on the Live Feed from Prescott where a Midland Championship round is taking place. I have always wanted to visit Goodwood House but Friday's offering really was sub-par. I'll stick to proper hillclimbs where I am guranteed some real battles, class records and don't have to put up with ill-informed commentators.

 

I would like to concur with everything you said. I'd usually be at Prescott so I'm rueing my decision to give it a miss this time. Oh and there's WEC on later, so my faith will be restored.

[MarshalMike]

I started watching the Friday yawnfest but too many hypercars, soopercars and ugly cars coupled with some yobbos drifting meant I gave up. I spent yesterday at a proper hillclimb (Barbon Manor) where two motor clubs are doing their very best to keep an historic venue going. Today I'll be watching another proper hillclimb on the Live Feed from Prescott where a Midland Championship round is taking place. I have always wanted to visit Goodwood House but Friday's offering really was sub-par. I'll stick to proper hillclimbs where I am guranteed some real battles, class records and don't have to put up with ill-informed commentators.

My local hill is Gurston Down.

[sabrejet]

My local hill is Gurston Down.

 

It's a toss-up for me between Gurston and Prescott. To paraphrase Billy Bragg, "Yet here I am, blessed by geography".       

[Sterzo]

The Festival of Speed has been hugely successful and has generated plenty of good stories, given its distinguished visitors. Being less than distinguished, and not a "Festival" kind of person, this scruffy old man prefers lower-key events such as the one at Brands yesterday. This picture, taken on my phone from a table on the roof of a (closed) gristleburger van, shows the first two of twenty-seven F3 screamers in an actual race. Brabham and Tecno.

 

[davidbuckden]

OEM belongs in the newspeak thread. Could be worse though, I'd have cancelled  you if you'd referred to my most hated word of the year - BRAND . Marque, manufacturer, company , firm are all fine , as was OEM when applied only to the provenance of  spare parts. Brand is ok for washing powders but little else . 

I find it horribly smug.  First encountered it in widespread use while doing work for Audi, 2003-2009.  All the sharp suited kids at Milton Keynes loved referring to 'the brand,' implying that the cars themselves were just side-issues. And I say, 'smug,' because these people seemed to believe that in establishing/building 'the brand' they were doing something far more important than the engineers/designers who actually create new products.  Ironically, at that time, they were all on a tremendous high because sales were going so well in the UK, but I'd say that this was almost totally down to the quality/attractiveness of the products to the car-buying public. But I suppose this is just a progression of the unfortunate trend whereby cars are today advertised with key features such as how many touch screens they boast, positioning of drinks holders or integrated Sat Nav - 0-60 mph? who cares about that!

[lyntonh]

I find it horribly smug.  First encountered it in widespread use while doing work for Audi, 2003-2009.  All the sharp suited kids at Milton Keynes loved referring to 'the brand,' implying that the cars themselves were just side-issues. And I say, 'smug,' because these people seemed to believe that in establishing/building 'the brand' they were doing something far more important than the engineers/designers who actually create new products.  Ironically, at that time, they were all on a tremendous high because sales were going so well in the UK, but I'd say that this was almost totally down to the quality/attractiveness of the products to the car-buying public. But I suppose this is just a progression of the unfortunate trend whereby cars are today advertised with key features such as how many touch screens they boast, positioning of drinks holders or integrated Sat Nav - 0-60 mph? who cares about that!

The art of advertising is to suggest by omission that the basics of the product are so reliable that the customer 

can trust the manufacturer to have created perfection.

The only things that need promotion are those little extra touches that complete the heavenly experience of ownership.

[davidbuckden]

The Festival of Speed has been hugely successful and has generated plenty of good stories, given its distinguished visitors. Being less than distinguished, and not a "Festival" kind of person, this scruffy old man prefers lower-key events such as the one at Brands yesterday. This picture, taken on my phone from a table on the roof of a (closed) gristleburger van, shows the first two of twenty-seven F3 screamers in an actual race. Brabham and Tecno.

 

I agree, and Brands was extra-enjoyable on Saturday as it was so sparsely attended!  I realised at the Members Meeting earlier this year that I've really gone off Goodwood because it's so crowded and facilities are not that good. Maybe it's me age? 

 

I'm also a sucker for Tecnos and Roland Fischer's 169 was an absolute knockout. Even my two year old grandson could see this is a special car.

 

And that badge . . .

[Vitesse2]

OEM belongs in the newspeak thread. Could be worse though, I'd have cancelled  you if you'd referred to my most hated word of the year - BRAND . Marque, manufacturer, company , firm are all fine , as was OEM when applied only to the provenance of  spare parts. Brand is ok for washing powders but little else . 

John Arlidge's article for yesterday's Sunday Times manages to turn the MG 'marque' into a 'brand' and also shows how the FoS has changed, describing it as 'Britain’s unofficial national car show'. His Grace is of course to be congratulated on the undoubted commercial success of both the Festival and the Revival, which has become one of the places to be seen by those who wish to be seen, but I do wonder if he hasn't thrown the baby out with the bathwater with the exclusivity of the Members' Meetings. The right crowd? No crowding? Hmmm ...

[Gregor Marshall]

Great quality filming, whilst not a fan of all the cars, your video is fantastic 

As someone who works in the car industry, has competed (once) at the FoS, has attended numerous times supporting and more to the point is a huge historic car and motorsport fan, I do think the FoS has gone well off-piste.
Personally I think the Thursday and even the Friday should be used for modern new cars and I think the Moving Motor Show was a fantastic idea, when the traditional type of car shows stopped.
The rest of the weekend though should be to demonstrate cars that no longer race or at least don't race regularly, whether it be due to value, age, rarity, etc and if they happen to be bloody quick, than great. I don't want to see a race car that I can watch on track at a motorsport event, but if there is something that has been in a museum or has come from abroad that I cannot see, then great, perfect.
Having cars built just for the FoS and then not ever allowing actual hillclimb cars (no matter what age they are) is just plain silly and drift cars are definitely not my cup of tea.

As an aside and potentially biased, was there a Vauxhall Firenza Droop Snoot on the Cartier lawn or even going up the hill this year? The 50 year anniversary since the proper launch and whilst not succesful sales-wise, a great looking car, a design project that helped Vauxhall and also Wayne Cherry to go on and be head of GM design and influence numerous cars for many years. I'm sure there were probably much more exciting cars on the lawn instead...

Edited by Gregor Marshall, 15 July 2024 - 16:25.

[sabrejet]

If anything, Members' Meeting is the jewel in the crown now: you don't have to put up with the crowding, drift cars, hypercars and all that garbage. You also don't have to go in fancy dress.

[sabrejet]

Having cars built just for the FoS and then not ever allowing actual hillclimb cars (no matter what age they are) is just plain silly and drift cars are definitely not my cup of tea.

 

Well there's a thing: having suggested this many moons ago, I was startled to be told that somehow proper hill climb drivers wouldn't be able to cope with the stress of having to perform in public. This despite the awkward fact that a genuine hill climber holds second-fastest time at FoS. And the fact that many unknown drivers have stuffed all sorts of cars at Molecomb over the years. Yet somehow they are more qualified to run up the hill than drivers who do it on tracks half as wide, and twice as fast every other weekend!

 

But it's not our train set. Instead we're told that nothing has changed and that all is rosy. I do hate being gaslighted.

[john aston]

If anything, Members' Meeting is the jewel in the crown now: you don't have to put up with the crowding, drift cars, hypercars and all that garbage. You also don't have to go in fancy dress.

Quite - and unless you arrive late and/or stay in the paddock or near the chicane it is absolutely not crowded . From the exit of Madgwick to  St Mary's I'm often 25 yards from the nearest spectator ,and , gratifyingly, none are dressed as Wing Commanders or Rosie the Riveter. The odd pantalon rouge perhaps . 

[ensign14]

Some snaps:

 

 

^ SEFAC!!!  One bucket item ticked.  I am still amazed that someone thought in 1935 that the way to go in GP racing was to adopt 1925 tech.  In the flesh it's even more obviously hopeless

 

 

^ very reclined seats in the Michelotti-bodied Felber mod of a 365

 

 

^ you don't often see a Lambo in Gulf colours

 

 

^ Gerry Judah again not disappointing - apart from the VR-infused one in 2021 (which smacked a bit of Covid restrictions) they are never less than breathtaking

 

 

^ a Shadow of their former selves

 

 

^ I found myself surprisingly emotional at this one; maybe because it kind of hit me how much of an underdog story this was - company making those funny little bikes somehow secures a GP win with a chap who had never won one before

 

 

^ from the SEFAC method of thinking - the Leyat Helice

 

 

^ was a bit busy

[Vitesse2]

If anything, Members' Meeting is the jewel in the crown now: you don't have to put up with the crowding, drift cars, hypercars and all that garbage. You also don't have to go in fancy dress.

I suspect I'm not alone in not wanting/not being able to justify the £85 (minimum) membership fee for the GRRC though. As far as I can see, the minimum ticket price - admission only? - was £86 this year. And if you're not a GRRC member then you can't (legally) buy a ticket. So £170 before you even factor in the cost of getting there and back, catering, accommodation ...

 

The original BARC, while it was supposedly an exclusive members' club, did at least allow the hoi polloi in to its meetings - although admittedly they didn't enjoy the more luxurious facilities afforded in the Clubhouse. And while you don't need to go in 'fancy dress', there is a dress code.

[kayemod]

The original BARC, while it was supposedly an exclusive members' club, did at least allow the hoi polloi in to its meetings - although admittedly they didn't enjoy the more luxurious facilities afforded in the Clubhouse. And while you don't need to go in 'fancy dress', there is a dress code.

If I may make a small correction, hoi polloi translates as 'the common people', if you put 'the' in front of it, you're saying "the the".

 

Pardon my ancient Greek.

[sabrejet]

If I may make a small correction, hoi polloi translates as 'the common people', if you put 'the' in front of it, you're saying "the the".

 

Pardon my ancient Greek.

 

We need a new thread for extraneous words or contractions. I'd like to suggest "MOT" (MoT) to indicate an annual vehicle test certificate.

[ensign14]

If I may make a small correction, hoi polloi translates as 'the common people', if you put 'the' in front of it, you're saying "the the".

 

Pardon my ancient Greek.

Well, more "the many" and reference to common people is metonymic, but if you're saying "attract the hoi polloi", then really you should be using the accusative, so it would be to attract tous pollous.

[john aston]

My wife has an MA in  Classics , so welcome to my world ...

[ensign14]

^{so do i}

[68targa]

Blimey, Goodwood Festival of Speed to Ancient Greek,  I didn't see that coming !  

[BRG]

I love that TNF can even be pedantic about correct usage in Ancient Greek!  

[FastReader]

From the day I first saw it existed, Drifting  looked to me like a fools-folly.

I grew up in the years when Pro-Stock drag racing was at it absolute peak, and gents would jack up the rear of their cars and put on tires wider than the wheel wells and even back then I thougnt stupidity has just rewards as some screwed up their cars totally.

 

To me Drifting is the same moronic brain waves  only to a greater extreme.

I agree with this and everything else on this thread about the stupidity of drifting.

 

If anything, Members' Meeting is the jewel in the crown now: you don't have to put up with the crowding, drift cars, hypercars and all that garbage. You also don't have to go in fancy dress.

Sorry to have to point this out, but sadly they actually had drifting at MM79:

 

[sabrejet]

I agree with this and everything else on this thread about the stupidity of drifting.

 

Sorry to have to point this out, but sadly they actually had drifting at MM79:

 

This was the year we had a fantastic display of Porsche 956s and 962s: I imagine we were deeply indulged in those while this nonsense was going on. I have absolutely no recollection of it, and my thoughts on MM are intact.

[F1matt]

I don't understand why anyone would pay to attend a drifting event when you can attend a supermarket carpark any evening of the week and watch it for free.