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Topic ClosedCastle Combe 2nd April 2018

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Norrie View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 7:36pm
Neil, thank you for your offer. I would like to apologise for going off subject, however I really felt I should give Howard the facts. The Sex aspect I am sure he can find more suitable forums to discuss.

I have done one and one only Club track day, it was years ago and not a good experience, I had an E92 335D, some guys in a race car, I use the term loosely, kept driving up my backside, it was clear they had more HP than me and were no doubt better and more experienced drivers. In the end I had enough and just pulled in and gave up, was not a good experience, so as far as the club is concerned I have not bothered since. I have viewed some only to find it is not a total club event but other cars from non members were there, I am sure it was the case when I went?
In contrast I have a lovely, non intimidating track morning with the SRC, weather permitting. I also like the Goodwood, 10 car max 20 minute sessions, this is just what suits me, it is not a reflection on others experience of track days.
In terms of your offer to be a passenger, no thanks, I don't think I would want to be a passenger with anyone, I am reluctant to take a taxi, so I will pass on that, novice I might be, but in my own hands I am 100% confident, if useless?
I can go down and do the ring, and drive as fast as I want, incompetent but in my own fate or that of others who might crash into me.

Your commitment, enthuastic approach, dedication and desire are not in question, but you are far better trying to persuade others and not me this is a good idea. No doubt your fellow Board members will all be on track?       

Edited by Norrie - 31 Mar 2018 at 8:21pm
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 10:25pm
Norman

Its a shame you dont see all the great benefits to the club with the trackdays and racing - as it encourages new and existing members to use their cars safely and develop their skills in a safe environment - it also offers an attraction to other people to come and watch and take part

We are an open club and want to attract people of all ages and experience - we are not an elitist club and by welcoming non members they then can see a benefit in joining as they will pay a day rate if they are not a member - so whether they drive a BMW or not they are still members and welcome to attend 

You have suggested in the past that we didnt do trackdays local to you - hence why I thought the Combe day would be a good one for you

The Novice sessions would also be ideal as no race cars - no car that are quicker than you trying to encourage you to indicate so they can go past - as our days are overtake by invitation  - you will also have one to one tuition - its ideal for you to improve your skills and go quicker and gain greater car control and enjoy your car - and certainly be safer at the ring as I dont suggest going there as a novice as the locals are very quick.

You can book the trackdays on line - cheers Neil
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Norrie View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 11:44pm
Neil

The benefits are there for those who decide it is for them, it is not for me, I don't wish to comply or be instructed. I am happy to take my chance and risk as indeed we all do every time we go on the road.

I am sure many who do it your way are very happy and long may they enjoy it, I don't wish to be judged, compared, instructed or part of any team or gathering in respect of this. What I do and where I go to do it helps me have control over the situation and if I don't like it I can leave or simply do anything that suits me.

You have at least 4000 members to chose from, therefore I am uncertain why you feel the need to "sell it to me" or try to appeal to me to be part of it. Mate it simply is not that attractive.

Please concentrate your efforts on those you wish to mentor and encourage, I am sure they will be grateful.

My original posts were to try and understand what the BMW Car Club racing was about and associated costs, not because I objected or wished to participate, but in case anyone asked me. I found out the costs, they are published on the 750 website, so no secret.

In either case, be it a trackday or the actual racing participation members need the funds to do it, this will apply to the minority as opposed to the majority, it is an economic fact.

I am uncertain why you personally just don't have your own business which promotes this activity as a profitable and commercial venture, you are not compelled to answer. If I put that much effort into something, which you, without doubt do, I would want a better reward than being a good chap.

Please enjoy what you do, please keep doing it if it makes you happy and others and thanks for your offer which I am compelled to decline.

I would also like to say that any questions I have been ask concerning the racing have come from the Board or the Chairman, I have answered them in my voluntary capacity as the Company Secretary. That role requires diligent scrutiny of documents and agreements, the response given I hope is a professional and unbiased one based on an ethical approach. My job is to respond to requests and pass it to the Board, ultimately events, expenditure and policy is decided by them.   

Castle Combe is in Wiltshire, I am close to Gatwick Airport, I suspect Brands Hatch and Goodwood are very much closer to me, no matter.    

Edited by Norrie - 01 Apr 2018 at 12:04am
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 12:01am
Norman

I guess thats the difference in that I joined a club to enjoy meeting new people with a common interest and therefore I enjoy giving my time to help those people and the club without thinking about a financial reward - seeing other people enjoy the benefits the club then offers is reward enough for me.

I must have confused your interest and many questions about the racing and being a member at Silverstone that this was something you might enjoy - it appears you are not a fan of motorsport or the club organising events like this - the response to the trackdays and the racing has been incredible from all parts of the club - so we can look forward to many members enjoying it and attracting many new people to the club.

It appears we wont be expecting to see you then at one of the clubs trackdays or races - but we cant please everyone - but the club offers many different aspects whether its concours, classic runs, trackdays we want to offer some variety - I enjoy racing and seeing others enjoying it and give my time to help others - I am sure you are not implying I would have an ulterior motive are you!!
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Norrie View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 12:25am
Neil

We clearly have different interests and skills, I volunteer my time at the club doing the task no one else wanted and with respect some cannot do, that is the Co Secretary, that I hope helps other members. But if anyone objects I would be happy to stand down, it takes a lot of time and often when the club is struggling they drop paperwork on me at the last minute.

I shall no doubt be at Silverstone when the Club racing is on there and will be happy to watch from the SRC, which I can come and go from anytime. Indeed I probably attend more race events than most as a Silverstone season ticket holder. Why I go, what I do and how long I stay, who I talk to and what I see I am in total control of, there are no expectations of members in the SRC, which is why I like it, easy and non contentious. I have made many friends there from all walks of life and many are very knowledgeable about all the racing, indeed some are ex racers or members of the BRDC.

I don't think you have an ulterior motive, I think you just love it, love it so much you are blind to those who are indifferent.

I admit to a short attention span, so to spend a whole day at something I would have to be really enthused. It is for this reason I seek out new activities some with the Club and some without, more now without due to repetition. You really don't need to please me, I will pay my membership trackday or no trackday, racing or no racing.

My real interest is ALPINA because it is so different and there are less of them, unfortunately the Club does not cater for this minority group very much. I have used my contacts to persuade Sytner to come to the Classic and I shall visit them at Goodwood. There is a ACE Café ALPINA meet which is not Club organised. There is also an ALPINA trackday in September I think in Germany, that might be worth a look.

The club appeals to many for different reasons, so please don't take it personally I just like to make my own choices that suit me at a time and place when I feel like it. Hope that explains it to you?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 6:31am
Norman - it’s takes all sorts to make a world and you can’t get on with all of them - but we can try - I want to give something back to a sport and the club I want to be part of - it is what you put into it - maybe you should consider organising some Alpina meets like the Ace one - it’s a shame many of the Alpina’s may miss the Brands Hatch races with the Aston Martin Club and the Guiness World Record on the 23rd June as every BMW owner is welcome - we have some Alpina’s already expressing interest.

I hope you enjoy the many varied events the clubs volunteers put on so you and others members can enjoy - I only ask that you are positive and constructive as it can be demotivating to some when others see the glass half empty - let’s help makes these events a success and encourage the doers in the club assist the talkers to become doers then make it a club others want to join and help move it forward 👍🏻
E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 6:38am
The weather forecast is improving for those attending this regional club event - there will be directors among the members and regional chairmen plus representatives from BMWCCI so if you questions about the club or your car this might be a good opportunity- also enjoy the racing in friendly company - hope to see you there
E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers
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Norrie View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 8:49am
Neil, when you ask me a question it is incumbent upon me to give my honest answer. I have attended many activities in the Club and travelled to many different regions for those, strangely I don't recall seeing you at many? However, as you mention many clash and my calendar is pretty full. Tomorrow, weather permitting I will be at Goodwood with other Wessex members, the next weekend I shall be entering concours at Sherborne, the following week I am with the SE region at Ripley and then on to Cobham for a joint meet with the Surrey BMW owners group, the next weekend at Silverstone for the VSCC Formula vintage and the following weekend for the Ferrari challenge, so that's April taken up, not bad for a half full glass is it?
I was also at the NEC last weekend for two days and attended the awards dinner as I like to show my support for the Club and the efforts of those who were involved.
Unfortunately, Gaydon I believe clashes with the BTCC at Rockingham which is a competition I follow and try to attend around the Country.
You really must not make assumptions that because I like to analyse events and know every detail that is a negative, it is what I do in my normal travel and business life. I really hate surprises, I just don't like to trust others to take control of anything I do, that is why I don't wish to join in with the activities you organise, hope you understand now.

Edited by Norrie - 01 Apr 2018 at 9:03am
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 9:25am
This is why I was suggesting you might want to organise an event for the benefit of the club and share your experience just think how popular it might be and justify your effort

An Alpina event possibly and then invite others to join so you can show off the club in a good light - then others can support you

E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 9:43am
Neil, I work very closely with Simon Alcorn where ALPINA is involved, firstly I would never organise anything without him being involved. Not only is he the ALPINA register Chairman, he is infinitely more knowledgeable than me about this marque and always will be. Secondly, with respect you have no idea about the amount of effort that has been already put in this year to get Sytner ALPINA to commit to Silverstone. This involves talking to ALPINA in Buchloe with who we have a strong relationship outside the Club.
If you look at critical data from the club records you will also find that there are very few members who are ALPINA owners, it is a narrow interest group. However, for those reading to put it into perspective ALPINA only make globally around 1800 cars per year. I think in 2017 only 60 or so new ALPINA were sold in the UK. Therefore, numbers are all relative to attendance at anything. Simon has built up a relationship with many owners and the reason they attend events is largely down to the efforts of Him and his partner Tracey, something which in my view has been overlooked over the years and he deserves enormous credit for his efforts. In the last 2 years the Classic clashed with Car Fest which he also gives 10 days of his time and money to so the Club has representation.
In 2015 he managed to get in excess of 60 ALPINA cars to the Classic, we are aiming to get as many as possible this year. The challenge therefore is not for us. but for those running the club to reach out to those non (ALPINA) members whilst they are there and encourage them to join? I have got one or two, but I can't oversell to discerning owners.

I don't think the Club is in a poor light as far as ALPINA owners go, I have not heard any negatives specifically, most people seem to only want to do ALPINA activities, but get your team to ask them, we can bring the horse to water we can't make it drink.    

Edited by Norrie - 01 Apr 2018 at 9:46am
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 9:57am
Neil

That really is probably enough for everyone? I wish you a good day and every success with your venture and hope that those who attend have a great time and are encouraged to participate where circumstances allow. Sadly, the BBC weather forecast does not look as optimistic, but they are not always right.

I am sure the those involved will thank you for your dedication and efforts, I hope so.   
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2018 at 10:14am
A bit off topic, but I have to agree with Norrie about the superb work that Simon Alcorn has done for the club over the last 25 or perhaps more years. I remember when he started a pub meet at Malory Park in the late 90's that I used to attend once a month as North East Regional Chair (when I could drive the M1 to London from Leeds in less than 2 hours in my 635). Believe it or not Mallory Park used to be in the North East Region at the time. That was the start of the Alpina Register I think, and he has continued with this work ever since. Perhaps someone at Board level might consider Simon for an award at the next awards dinner, if he is not already on the list?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2018 at 10:22am
I would certainly second the motion that Simon & Tracey be giving a club award, for all their hard work over the years making sure that Alpina have the recognition they deserve.

Without the efforts of Simon and Tracey, I think the  Alpina brand would sink without trace within the BMW Car Club. 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2018 at 11:19am
Update on the race day - it was a HUGE success and everyone enjoyed the day as competitors supporters and club members all very happy with the outcome - even had thanks from the Clerk Of the Course and organisers - lots of photos and information will be available on the club website and on Facebook


Big thanks to all who helped achieve this - it was fantastic to see so many new faces at a club event and to present the trophies and Easter eggs to the drivers next to the club trailer with so many supporters there - also awesome to see the club put on a display of cars - the rain didnt put people off instead it added to the spectacle

Awesome, Mega, Incredible, fantastic are the words floating round on the day and today so its definately something we can build on

Cheers everyone Thumbs Up 

If you missed it please come to one of the next races and witness the positive atmosphere around the paddock - a great promotion for the club and it felt like a natural extension to our hugely successful trackdays 


Edited by dteagles - 03 Apr 2018 at 11:43am
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2018 at 11:32am
The above link does not appear to work? I am pleased you had a good day and also have seen some images from happy attendees. Good job the club still has the trailer, I heard it was going to be sold? Hopefully replaced with something else?

It is always a good feeling when effort is appreciated, however it is sometimes those who have the least exposure that go without the kudos.

Hopefully we will see you supporting the concours at Sherborne next weekend, not as exciting but still interests some club members?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2018 at 12:36pm
The biggest thanks we owe for the success of this event are to the new members who joined to take part and were attracted by the clubs proposals and also those who came to support and represent the club - I wish I could name them all as there were so many in the end and we had  other family members offering help at the next round - this what a club event should be like - as I said an extension to the trackday spirit - and great fun - as I said a huge success and enjoyed by all - we even attracted new members 

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2018 at 12:43pm
Yes, well done! I know there were some hurdles, but that was the challenge! We look forward to reading about it, seeing the pictures, welcome to new members and hopefully they will embrace some of the many other activities offered?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2018 at 12:53pm
Thats the beauty of a club where we offer many different activities then there are opportunities to enjoy interesting things and try new events - I feel the obstacles may have even made it more enjoyable to see it be a success to overcome issues or concerns and prove the doubters wrong ;-)
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Apr 2018 at 8:14am
This was the first BMW Car Club race this century


Given the conditions all the drivers were incredible - and thanks to supporters who braved the rain all with smiles on their faces all day - absolutely incredible
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2018 at 9:15am
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