I was lucky enough to visit AutoSports annual Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham on Saturday the 14th of January 2012. It's a show which I have visited a few times and i always find it extremely interesting, but extremely tiring.
I have been to the show 5 times previous to this trip, its seen some of the highlights of my 17 year life so far. I have been lucky enough to not only meet David Coulthard and Jason Plato, i also got their autographs in 2004. In 2008 and 2010 I met my favourite (not that I am biased) F1 driver Jenson Button.
Click "read more" to hear my full experiences, as well as my review of the 2012 show.
I have been privileged to of visited the Show a number of times, since 2004 apart from a short hiatus in 2011 due to school work. Some of my highlights will always be meeting David Coulthard, he said to me "have a good day kiddo" and meeting Jenson Button twice. On both these meetings I managed to get his autograph, and the first time in 2008 i even got to ask him a question. I asked him "what is your favourite track to race on" and even had my face appearing on the big screen. I now have a signed Honda cap along with my signed Brawn cap hanging on my wall, pride of place.
This year i decided to listen instead of fighting to the front to get an autograph. I heard Jake Humphrey call Ben Edwards, new BBC F1 commentator, the "best commentator in motor sport - unkindly brushing off the equally good Martin Brundle. I also heard Paul Di Resta say it was a "shame" Sutil did not get a drive, but Hulkenberg will give the team "spark". I also loved Jake and DC's banter and Jake's jokes were mostly funny, or though the odd cheesy one was used.
I love not only looking at all the classic F1 cars, but also all types of Motor sport which is going under the radar. I always try and have a look at all the stores, trying to learn about car parts and the industry. The turn out was really good, i love seeing all the F1 and Motor sport fans when i feel so isolated where i live. In the Suffolk countryside it is almost like F1 is non existent but this makes me realise the domination of the sport.
Me and my father cued for a good 10 minutes to get into the Senna tribute, but what an array of cars on display. The red and white Malboro Mclaren's of 1993 and 1989 looked stunning and it really contrasts to the F1 cars of today, they were so simplistic back then. It was an amazing feeling being so close to cars driven by the legend that was Senna.
The live action arena show was as impressive as ever. Presented with sharp tongued Jason Plato and ITV sport presenter Louise Goodman the spectacle was dramatic. The motor bike stunts were breathtaking but i am always disappointed with the lack of F1 cars. The visuals had really stepped up a few notches since the last time i went.
The F1 Racing stage had an array of cars, all in 2011 livery but not really 2011 cars, and it was nice to be able to touch the cars. I also enjoyed the interviews, Jake and DC's made me chuckle. I was annoyed to see that many of the cars were not 2011 spec, most obvious were the Williams, Renault/Lotus and Mercedes ones, but the 2010 and 2011 spec ones were amazing to look at up close.
I was planning to meet up with more twitter friends, but the timings and locations were bad. I did however meet the lovely Beth Andrews (@MissBethAndrews) and saw Dan Wells (@danwellsracing). I am sure there are going to be plenty of opportunities to meet more of you.
Hope you enjoyed my brief review. I would definitely recommend it as a trip for Motorsport fans, but i will warn you it hurts your feet.
Here are some more pictures, comment below on your thoughts of the show.
I have been to the show 5 times previous to this trip, its seen some of the highlights of my 17 year life so far. I have been lucky enough to not only meet David Coulthard and Jason Plato, i also got their autographs in 2004. In 2008 and 2010 I met my favourite (not that I am biased) F1 driver Jenson Button.
Click "read more" to hear my full experiences, as well as my review of the 2012 show.
I have been privileged to of visited the Show a number of times, since 2004 apart from a short hiatus in 2011 due to school work. Some of my highlights will always be meeting David Coulthard, he said to me "have a good day kiddo" and meeting Jenson Button twice. On both these meetings I managed to get his autograph, and the first time in 2008 i even got to ask him a question. I asked him "what is your favourite track to race on" and even had my face appearing on the big screen. I now have a signed Honda cap along with my signed Brawn cap hanging on my wall, pride of place.
This year i decided to listen instead of fighting to the front to get an autograph. I heard Jake Humphrey call Ben Edwards, new BBC F1 commentator, the "best commentator in motor sport - unkindly brushing off the equally good Martin Brundle. I also heard Paul Di Resta say it was a "shame" Sutil did not get a drive, but Hulkenberg will give the team "spark". I also loved Jake and DC's banter and Jake's jokes were mostly funny, or though the odd cheesy one was used.
I love not only looking at all the classic F1 cars, but also all types of Motor sport which is going under the radar. I always try and have a look at all the stores, trying to learn about car parts and the industry. The turn out was really good, i love seeing all the F1 and Motor sport fans when i feel so isolated where i live. In the Suffolk countryside it is almost like F1 is non existent but this makes me realise the domination of the sport.
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| Jake and DC's comedy road show |
The live action arena show was as impressive as ever. Presented with sharp tongued Jason Plato and ITV sport presenter Louise Goodman the spectacle was dramatic. The motor bike stunts were breathtaking but i am always disappointed with the lack of F1 cars. The visuals had really stepped up a few notches since the last time i went.
 |
| Me infront of Senna's 1989 Mclaren |
I was planning to meet up with more twitter friends, but the timings and locations were bad. I did however meet the lovely Beth Andrews (@MissBethAndrews) and saw Dan Wells (@danwellsracing). I am sure there are going to be plenty of opportunities to meet more of you.
Hope you enjoyed my brief review. I would definitely recommend it as a trip for Motorsport fans, but i will warn you it hurts your feet.
Here are some more pictures, comment below on your thoughts of the show.
2 comments:
Great review, i was disappointed like you, in the F1 car display, hardly any 2011 F1 cars, there. But overall, had a great time, my 1st time being there too.
My legs and feet are killing me so much lol. But hey, we motorsport fans are dedicated :)
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