One of the Guild’s most popular annual events is now resuming in its habitual April slot.
The Guild Big Day Out has witnessed members driving their own cars, in all shapes and sizes, around Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire, over many years.
Chris Adamson, who has organised this event down to every last detail so rigorously since its inception, is now adopting a supervisory role, so contact John Griffiths () for an entry form and mandatory indemnity form.
The event will be held on Wednesday 13 April, and completed forms may be returned by emailing John, or by post to John Griffiths, 18 Old Ferry Drive, Wraysbury, Berks TW19 5EW. The deadline for entries is Tuesday 29 March.
Entries will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is primarily for Guild members, and any guest drivers they wish to nominate will be placed on a reserve list to fill any places left vacant as a result of a shortfall of Guild-member drivers.
SOME IMPORTANT CHANGES:
Entry fees:
The charges for entry to the event have remained for some years at an exceptionally low level. Guild drivers have been charged £35, any guest drivers £65 and passengers £10. Compare this with £95 for a brief evening session at Brands and £395 for the full circuit at Silverstone. Sadly, and after much consideration by the Guild committee, the time has come to increase entry fees to cover raised costs, but by modest amounts. Guild drivers on this strictly no-profit event are now asked to pay £50 (a £15 increase), guest drivers £75 (a £10 increase ) and passengers £15 (a £5 rise). The entry fee includes breakfast baps and the close-of-play tea and debrief for all participating drivers and passengers,
Guild drivers’ responsibility for guest drivers and passengers:
There is a need to streamline administration at the circuit on the day, with one of the most time-consuming problems being non-signing of the mandatory safety disclaimer forms required by the circuit. Therefore, from this year Guild drivers should now ensure that they email copies of the disclaimer form attached alongside their entry forms to EACH of any guest drivers they wish to nominate and intending passengers. They should return the completed forms to you, as Guild entrant, and you are asked then to return them to . We plead for your co-operation in this, as it will greatly simplify signing-on. Only those who have supplied completed disclaimers, whether drivers or passengers, can receive wristbands allowing them on track.
Who can enter:
Castle Combe allows a maximum of 12 cars on track in any one session. In order for all participants to have adequate track time (2 x 15 mins in morning, 2 x 15 mins afternoon plus two ‘free’ sessions at end of play) the total number of drivers is limited to 60. All intending participants should note that Guild members really do have first call on these places, and that only if driving slots remain vacant can Guild members’ guest drivers be accommodated. (Past experience, however, suggests that such places are likely to be available and guest drivers and passengers will be heartily welcomed.)
Changes to cars and/or drivers:
It is inevitable that some entrants may wish to make changes/substitutions as the day itself draws near. The admin team will do their utmost to accommodate, as in the past, but we do request they be minimised. Entrants may also enter more than one car, subject to spaces being available.
Helmets:
These are mandatory on circuit. Please bring your own. The circuit may have some for hire, with disposable liners, but the number is still being clarified.
Close of play debrief:
An innovation will be to have a more formal – but brief! – closing ‘debrief’ tea in the circuit café, at which participants’ comments and criticism may be usefully aired, and ideas and proposals for improving future BDOs raised.
Final instructions:
These will be issued immediately after the close of entries. They will cover timings, noise testing (under 100dB), the mandatory safety briefing, refreshment arrangements and other relevant details.
Three cheers for Suzuki:
Once again the Guild owes thanks to Alun Parry and Suzuki GB for their generous sponsorship of the BDO and making available a selection of their cars for road test driving during the day. Details of how to utilise this most welcome opportunity will be set out in the final instructions. Please note that given the clear preference of drivers to use their own cars on-circuit, road test cars will not be available on the track.
The afternoon/evening before:
Please note that the circuit paddock will be open until no later than 6pm and motorhomes/trailers are welcome to occupy it overnight, as per a normal pre-race meeting evening. At 6pm, however, the circuit gates will be locked, no ifs or buts. Be advised that four hotels are within easy or relatively easy reach of the circuit: Travelodge (M5 services) and Premier Inn Chippenham (both modestly priced); Castle Hotel and Manor House Hotel, both in Castle Combe itself (and more credit card-melting). Previously Chris has also organised a group dinner at the Premier Inn’s Brewers Fayre and this can be continued if there is enough demand.
