And the WINNER of the RALLYGB Tickets is........
12 November 2003, 12:43 PM
#38
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Sorry guys, had a bit of an emergency here that meant lunch never happened yesterday - not got Internet access at home, so...
Well, I'd better spill the beans huh!
Firstly I've got to say a big 'THANKS' to ScoobyNet for such a fab prize, and secondly I must also say 'THANKS' to Phil for stepping aside and letting me go... cheers mate.
I'm not used to doing write-up's so I appologize for my scatter brain approach to this. I guess if I just tell it as it happened...
Well it all started with a mad panic on Wednesday hearing that I'd won the prize. I've never won anything before, so didn't really believe that I had! Anyhow, told work "I'm off, see you Monday!" which was received with various grunts and groans and comments like "you lucky...." !
Had a couple of phone calls with Shaun that afternoon and arranged to meet him at Cardiff Rally HQ on Thursday - so me & my mate mucked out the scooby and headed for Cardiff Thursday morning.
Once arrived in Cardiff we made a 'B' line for Shaun. I was still muttering things like "I don't believe this... is it a wind up?" but once Shaun handed the passes over, plus the Subaru VIP pass I knew it was real. Shaun, you weren't kidding about those Subaru VIP passes being like golden rocking horse $hit were you!!!
I could tell Shaun was gutted that he was stuck behind a laptop for the entire rally, he was VERY reluctant to give the passes over...
So, having never been on a Rally before we thought we'd better do as much as we could so headed for SS1 at Cardiff docks which was kicking off around 7pm. The Rally pass got us into the stage & grandstand happily, but we wondered how much we could get away with, so headed for the start/finish area that is restricted - somehow we managed to blag our way in so were rubbing shoulders with the drivers etc - how cool is that! We watched all the top runners from there then gradually wondered back round the circuit stopping at each corner until the mini cooper came round (the last car). Cracking night, quite spectacular stage.
Once back to the car, after a shuttle bus back into town we headed off to SS2. We parked in the 'road' carpark - ie a long stream of traffic that has stopped and cars been abandoned! We didn't get much sleep coz of the fireworks going off ALL night! Was awoken by a huge firework (or was it an incendary device) at 5am after 30mins sleep!
Oh well, up now better walk to the stage.
Crikey - we really hadn't appreciated how much walking is involved in this... I reckon we were averaging 15miles/day - lucky I'm reasonably fit!
For sheer adreneline - friday was the best day. We walked to all mapped spectator points and then beyond. Dodging in & out of various bushes & trees along the route. Had a couple of moments where we got caught out and was on the wrong side of the road when a car was coming through - by wrong side I mean on the outside - stuff goes through your mind like - "I hope he doesn't get this corner wrong!" & "Did I leave the iron on?"
At times we were only a few feet from these missiles of speed, so exhilerating. I have taken loads of pictures (between us both around 200) which should be back today so hopefully I've got one or two I can post up here - unless they are all pictures of blurr or gravel or just the rear fin - quite difficult to take a picture of something going that fast!
The rest of Friday we followed the cars around various forest stages. We both came away with a couple of wounds from gravel being chucked at us - which I'm told is some sort of trophey?!
Friday night we headed to the Mumbles down near Swansea, got plastered in a local pub then slept in the car (again) - bucket seats really aren't all that comfortable but hey, atleast you don't fall out!
Saturday we got up early and watched the first stage up in the wilderness of mid wales - a very open expanse, the longest stage of the rally. it was very cold and windy but the rain held off thankfully so with three jumpers, raincoat, thermal hat & gloves, 2 pairs of trousers & walking boots we were set. Walked about 5km of the circuit, just the mapped spectator points.
Once the stage finished, we headed back to Swansea service area via the black mountains (blew away a cosworth on the twisty bits) to go and say "hello" to our friends at Subaru...
Subaru were great. They really looked after us. After flashing our Subaru VIP badge around alot we got into the hospitality area and were greeted by two VERY nice scantily cladd young ladies who insisted to get us drinks and food whilst we waited for the organiser to return from a meeting... maybe the next prize draw can be for there telephone numbers
Subaru gave us a tour of all the service area including the trucks, inside & out and before we knew it time had escaped us and Tommi was due in for service. Subaru let us hang around the service area whilst Tommi & Petter were being done. We made sure we were out of there way, but still in the actual service bay just wondering about. I took loads of pictures here, but again I just hope they came out coz the film I had was a bit too fast so camera was complaining on every shot.
These guys really know there stuff... and the speed the cars were stripped, jacked, repaired, modified, cleaned, new rubber and off again was outstanding. Tommi appears to be a bit of a hit with the girls... he was struggling to lose the screaming, chasing crowd - I'm sure I saw one of them throw their knickers at him!
Once the service was complete, that was the end of our day with Subaru as they shut up shop after that so the evening was spent playing at the fair then headed back to the mumbles and found a b&b - nothing quite like some horizontal sleeping after spending two nights in a bucket seat! oh, and a shower... bliss.
Sunday was spent at the last stage, we found a nice secluded spot from the wind & rain, settled in & watched the England vs Wales rugby match (England very lucky there!). As we had the TV, we watched the first section of the stage live on Channel 4 and the last 2km at the park.
So to sum it all up... what a fantastic once in a life time experience. We enjoyed every second with Subaru and are very grateful to them for allowing us the access we got. ScoobyNet, I can't thank you enough for this experience - it'll be one that won't be forgotten.
We averaged 2 hours sleep/night so trying to go back to work on Monday all bright eyed and bushey tailed just wasn't going to happen... I was there physically but asleep!
So, does that spill the beans enough ?
As I mentioned, I have taked loads of pictures which I get back today - I asked for them on CD so I should be able to post up a pick of the best tomorrow.
Cheers all.
Dave.
Well, I'd better spill the beans huh!
Firstly I've got to say a big 'THANKS' to ScoobyNet for such a fab prize, and secondly I must also say 'THANKS' to Phil for stepping aside and letting me go... cheers mate.
I'm not used to doing write-up's so I appologize for my scatter brain approach to this. I guess if I just tell it as it happened...
Well it all started with a mad panic on Wednesday hearing that I'd won the prize. I've never won anything before, so didn't really believe that I had! Anyhow, told work "I'm off, see you Monday!" which was received with various grunts and groans and comments like "you lucky...." !
Had a couple of phone calls with Shaun that afternoon and arranged to meet him at Cardiff Rally HQ on Thursday - so me & my mate mucked out the scooby and headed for Cardiff Thursday morning.
Once arrived in Cardiff we made a 'B' line for Shaun. I was still muttering things like "I don't believe this... is it a wind up?" but once Shaun handed the passes over, plus the Subaru VIP pass I knew it was real. Shaun, you weren't kidding about those Subaru VIP passes being like golden rocking horse $hit were you!!!
I could tell Shaun was gutted that he was stuck behind a laptop for the entire rally, he was VERY reluctant to give the passes over...
So, having never been on a Rally before we thought we'd better do as much as we could so headed for SS1 at Cardiff docks which was kicking off around 7pm. The Rally pass got us into the stage & grandstand happily, but we wondered how much we could get away with, so headed for the start/finish area that is restricted - somehow we managed to blag our way in so were rubbing shoulders with the drivers etc - how cool is that! We watched all the top runners from there then gradually wondered back round the circuit stopping at each corner until the mini cooper came round (the last car). Cracking night, quite spectacular stage.
Once back to the car, after a shuttle bus back into town we headed off to SS2. We parked in the 'road' carpark - ie a long stream of traffic that has stopped and cars been abandoned! We didn't get much sleep coz of the fireworks going off ALL night! Was awoken by a huge firework (or was it an incendary device) at 5am after 30mins sleep!
Oh well, up now better walk to the stage.
Crikey - we really hadn't appreciated how much walking is involved in this... I reckon we were averaging 15miles/day - lucky I'm reasonably fit!
For sheer adreneline - friday was the best day. We walked to all mapped spectator points and then beyond. Dodging in & out of various bushes & trees along the route. Had a couple of moments where we got caught out and was on the wrong side of the road when a car was coming through - by wrong side I mean on the outside - stuff goes through your mind like - "I hope he doesn't get this corner wrong!" & "Did I leave the iron on?"
At times we were only a few feet from these missiles of speed, so exhilerating. I have taken loads of pictures (between us both around 200) which should be back today so hopefully I've got one or two I can post up here - unless they are all pictures of blurr or gravel or just the rear fin - quite difficult to take a picture of something going that fast!
The rest of Friday we followed the cars around various forest stages. We both came away with a couple of wounds from gravel being chucked at us - which I'm told is some sort of trophey?!
Friday night we headed to the Mumbles down near Swansea, got plastered in a local pub then slept in the car (again) - bucket seats really aren't all that comfortable but hey, atleast you don't fall out!
Saturday we got up early and watched the first stage up in the wilderness of mid wales - a very open expanse, the longest stage of the rally. it was very cold and windy but the rain held off thankfully so with three jumpers, raincoat, thermal hat & gloves, 2 pairs of trousers & walking boots we were set. Walked about 5km of the circuit, just the mapped spectator points.
Once the stage finished, we headed back to Swansea service area via the black mountains (blew away a cosworth on the twisty bits) to go and say "hello" to our friends at Subaru...
Subaru were great. They really looked after us. After flashing our Subaru VIP badge around alot we got into the hospitality area and were greeted by two VERY nice scantily cladd young ladies who insisted to get us drinks and food whilst we waited for the organiser to return from a meeting... maybe the next prize draw can be for there telephone numbers
Subaru gave us a tour of all the service area including the trucks, inside & out and before we knew it time had escaped us and Tommi was due in for service. Subaru let us hang around the service area whilst Tommi & Petter were being done. We made sure we were out of there way, but still in the actual service bay just wondering about. I took loads of pictures here, but again I just hope they came out coz the film I had was a bit too fast so camera was complaining on every shot.
These guys really know there stuff... and the speed the cars were stripped, jacked, repaired, modified, cleaned, new rubber and off again was outstanding. Tommi appears to be a bit of a hit with the girls... he was struggling to lose the screaming, chasing crowd - I'm sure I saw one of them throw their knickers at him!
Once the service was complete, that was the end of our day with Subaru as they shut up shop after that so the evening was spent playing at the fair then headed back to the mumbles and found a b&b - nothing quite like some horizontal sleeping after spending two nights in a bucket seat! oh, and a shower... bliss.
Sunday was spent at the last stage, we found a nice secluded spot from the wind & rain, settled in & watched the England vs Wales rugby match (England very lucky there!). As we had the TV, we watched the first section of the stage live on Channel 4 and the last 2km at the park.
So to sum it all up... what a fantastic once in a life time experience. We enjoyed every second with Subaru and are very grateful to them for allowing us the access we got. ScoobyNet, I can't thank you enough for this experience - it'll be one that won't be forgotten.
We averaged 2 hours sleep/night so trying to go back to work on Monday all bright eyed and bushey tailed just wasn't going to happen... I was there physically but asleep!
So, does that spill the beans enough ?
As I mentioned, I have taked loads of pictures which I get back today - I asked for them on CD so I should be able to post up a pick of the best tomorrow.
Cheers all.
Dave.
12 November 2003, 01:22 PM
#39
Dave,
I am truly pleased that you had such an excellent time and experience. It makes these kinds of experiences so much better, when the winner really appreciates the experience that they have been apart of!
You were right about me being sat in front of a laptop.... But it gave me an insight to the central hub, of what is involved in organising an event at this level..... truly outstanding.
It goes without saying that without the help of MSA Events/Wales Rally GB and Subaru, Scoobynet would not be in a position to be able to offer such experiences. On behalf of Scoobynet, I thank you all for making such an experience possible to lucky members of this community.
Regards,
Shaun.
I am truly pleased that you had such an excellent time and experience. It makes these kinds of experiences so much better, when the winner really appreciates the experience that they have been apart of!
You were right about me being sat in front of a laptop....
But it gave me an insight to the central hub, of what is involved in organising an event at this level..... truly outstanding.It goes without saying that without the help of MSA Events/Wales Rally GB and Subaru, Scoobynet would not be in a position to be able to offer such experiences. On behalf of Scoobynet, I thank you all for making such an experience possible to lucky members of this community.
Regards,
Shaun.
12 November 2003, 05:14 PM
#45
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Not really, you need space on a (HTTP) webserver. Does your (home) ISP not provide any webspace? Or, would your company mind/allow you to use space/bandwidth on their webserver?
Failing that, many people on SN use Photobucket for this very purpose.
Failing that, many people on SN use Photobucket for this very purpose.
11 December 2003, 12:38 PM
#46
Track Day Organiser
God I am really jealous but glad you enjoyed it
Phil
A BIG PLUS FOR SCOOBYNET PLUS
WOW what happened there I read Daves report and responded but its come out first
[Edited by phil_stephens - 11/12/2003 12:49:24 PM]
Phil
A BIG PLUS FOR SCOOBYNET PLUS
WOW what happened there I read Daves report and responded but its come out first
[Edited by phil_stephens - 11/12/2003 12:49:24 PM]
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