I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that Top Gear’s ‘The Stig’ is none other than former 007 stunt driver and racing driver – Ben Collins. Nope, no idea who he is either, however I’m sure the Stig varies in shape and size over various episodes of Top Gear. I’m not talking about Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari or African and American Stig, but they look different quite often don’t you think?
I was informed a while back that some of the test drivers from a German marque brand experience centre in Surrey, took it in turns as the Stig. The first Stig that revealed himself (Perry McCarthy) was quickly banished from Top Gear in 2003 and this seems a very likely exit point for Mr Collins. Has he shot himself in the foot with this one, or is he on to bigger and better – we shall see.
I’m sure Schumacher could have the job in 2011 as his F1 come back seems to have dropped his popularity further, especially the incident with the very likeable Rubens Barrichello nearly ending up in the wall at 200 mph in Brazil.
The 2010 rally commenced in London, Pall Mall on 1st May before taking in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Boston, Quebec City and Toronto before rounding off in New York seven long days and nights later.
Entry fee of £30,000 or either the European or US leg of the rally for £12,000. Bargain
This years Gumball entry grid includes Xzibit, DJ Muggs, Bun-B, DJ Fingaz and now the hugely successful rapper Eve has also entered representing Team Puma. Rumours are that the Hoff has entered halfway too!
The mammoth task of loading 120 of the world’s rarest, beautiful and most expensive cars onto 2 cargo planes was successfully completed through the hardworking of Unifreight and all Gumball and airport crew.
As the gumballers boarded the plane in Arlanda, they began to reflect on the European leg and the whirlwind journey from London to Stockholm. Most Gumballers caught up on some much needed sleep aboard Gumball airlines, the chartered Boeing 757 while some chose to create their own music video as Xzibit donned some sheikh attire.
Having been firmly in the BMW M3 corner for a number of years, I fancy a change. What I’m after is not just performance, looks and excellent build quality, but good resale value, long service intervals, minimal known manufacturer faults and something unique about the car. Of course, I am sticking German!
So, the current line up includes: –
BMW M3 (E46 CSL)
3.2 litre straight six with around 360 bhp, fantastic handling, acceleration but not very comfortable and only available with an SMG box.
BMW M6
5 litre V10 with 507 bhp, comfortable, good looking, high quality interior but looks boring standard and have heard of issues with the vanos and again SMG box.
BMW Z4M Coupe
3.2 litre straight six with 340 bhp (same engine as E46 M3), 2 seater, real sports car feel, fantastic handling, available with a manual. No complaints really, a bit more noise would be nice as can be said from the E46 M3,
Mercedes SL55 AMG
5.4 litre V8 with 500 bhp, amazing acceleration noise (sounds like thunder!), good looks, very comfortable but Mercedes build quality which includes issues with wheel sensors, interior trim rattle, pumps and very minor parts. I could live with this for the noise alone.
Porsche 911 (930 turbo)
3.3 litre flat 6 with 330 bhp, reasonably high servicing/running costs, however they do look fantastic.
Porsche 911 (964 turbo)
3.3 or 3.6 litre engines ranging in power from 330 bhp – 380 bhp, phenominal road presence (Bad Boys film), little known faults with the car but you sit very close to the windsreen and in right hand drive, sit a little sideways.
Porsche 911 (993 C2s, C4s or turbo)
3.6 S engines with 285 bhp and the turbo with 380 bhp, last of the air cooled 911’s and prices seem very stable to on the increase. Not much interior differences to the 964 but everything feels very well made and nearly over engineered – certainly not a complaint.
Porsche 911 (996 GT3 or Turbo)
3.6 litre 380 bhp (GT3), 420 bhp (turbo), 3.6 litre engines of similar design to the 993 engines and therefore no engine issues. Not a fan of 996 interior quality or the over sized head lights but at current prices these cars offer alot for the money. The reason for not including the Carrera’s is that I hear they are prone to engine troubles.
Porsche 911 (997 C2s)
3.8 litre 380 bhp, best looking 911 in my view with very good interior quailty and finish – feels like the old air cooled days of over engineering.
There is certainly, good reasons to stick with the E46 M3 or move to the E90 as I’ve never had any problems but I do fancy a change.
The team that I suspect will receive the most press world wide leading up to the first race is Mercedes GP – http://www.mercedes-gp.com
Not only do they have Ross Brawn, they also have Michael Schumacher, albeit now 41, he is reported to be in better shape than ever for this year. He is not back just to have a seat again, Schumacher’s only concern will be the world championship! Partnered with Nico Rosberg, it is officially England vs Germany according to the papers. Have they forgotten Ferrari still exist?
The Festival of Speed is now the biggest motoring garden party in the world, attracting film stars, rock stars and royalty to the beautiful grounds of Goodwood House. You will see the latest Formula One cars and their superstar drivers, as well as the greatest legends of decades gone by.
The Festival of Speed is a fantastic place to do business, to entertain and reward your clients and customers.
There is simply nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE, new for 2010 is a bespoke experience created to ensure you get the very best out of your day. Based in the Gurney Pavilion, you will be able to entertain 30 people and enjoy all the privileges of being one of our VIP guests, including enhanced menus and wines, your own private viewing and chill out area, VIP shuttle service and wi-fi for your laptops. The Goodwood House Butler will ensure you have everything you need and a Goodwood Event Planner will co-ordinate your day including theming the pavilion and branding opportunities. You will also enjoy free transfers to the Land Rover and Porsche action arenas, a guided tour of the paddock, advertising in the programme and visits from star drivers. It doesn’t get any better.
HILL and GURNEY PAVILIONS offer a classic entertaining experience with any combination from a table for two in the restaurant, a table for 10 in a shared pavilion to your own private pavilion for
30 guests and upwards. Whatever your choice, you will enjoy a delicious three-course lunch and have magnificent views right onto the track.
LIBRARY LAWN is offered exclusively to our hospitality guests on Friday and Saturday. Entertain in a traditional marquee, or sit out on the secluded lawns away from the crowds. Library Lawn offers tables of 2 to 12 and is perfect for private or corporate entertaining.
A short walk from here takes you to your private grandstand at the Crossroads corner where you will have a great view of the cars and motorcycles on the track.
Whatever entertaining option you have chosen, all guests, valued clients, customers and friends will receive the following:
Light breakfast on arrival
Champagne reception
Three-course lunch with 1/2 a bottle of wine per person
Beer and soft drinks throughout the day
Afternoon tea
Admission tickets
Reserved car parking label
Event programme and Goodwood Radio earpiece
Prices for each entertaining experience are per person and exclusive of VAT
THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE Price available on request
HILL AND GURNEY £520 per person
LIBRARY LAWN £420 per person
BOOKING INFORMATION
For more information, to check availability or to make a booking please call our hospitality team on 01403 753178 or email events@gso.co.uk
A day at the Festival of Speed is the perfect way to entertain friends, clients and customers. The Golf & Sporting Occasions team is dedicated to helping you get the very best out of the excitement and spectacle that is so often described as the ‘greatest show on earth’.
Make it a date in your diary for the summer of 2010.
