Value for Money

Sir

As a longtime VSCC competitor and spectator, I treated myself this year to a seat at Copse for the British Grand Prix on 15th July. I wanted to hear, smell, and see Grand Prix racing machines of today, for real. I saw an exciting sprint of some 78 minutes. Cost: £75. The rest of the days’ ‘entertainment’ was of little interest.

On 28th July, I went to Silverstone, to the Historic Festival. I have never seen such a selection of motor cars. And, there was high standard racing all day. Plus the Vanwall, the W125 Mercedes, and, oh yes, the Auto Union!! Tears in the eyes, lump in the throat all day!! Cost: £5.00!!

Then, on 4th August, I went along to the VSCC Prescott practice, spending a lovely day with friends in the paddock, and in the warm sunshine, watching the usual fascinating variety of vintage machinery. Cost: NIL!!!

Value for money? Well, Mr Ecclestone, my seat for the Grand Prix in 1991 will cost £85, and I expect that the race will be even shorter! So, I am afraid, that you and your expensive prima donnas have priced me out. It’s back to dear old Muddly Walker and the silver screen. After the race, my wife and I will go out for dinner, and I shall still have half the price of my seat left in my pocket.

Thank you for reminding me where value for money really lies. It’s back to proper Grand Prix cars and real people racing.

Michael Hawley,

Henley in Arden, Warwickshire.