Autosport International Show 2014 - Plenty of cars, plenty of colour

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

The motorsport season officially began for many budding fans of the sport this weekend. Some of the finest and colourful models were on display to the public for the 2014 Autosport International Show.

The annual exhibition, once again in Birmingham’s vast and spacious LG Arena or in the NEC as it might be better known saw some of last season’s cars pitted together with new designs for 2014 and echoes of a great past. As ever I made the trip on Saturday, 11 January for the 11^th successive year. Leaving Birmingham, I couldn’t say I had been shortchanged in going.

The Live Action Arena produced the usual blend of thrills and spills. Hosted by Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft and Pollyanna Woodward from Channel 5 programme The Gadget Show, the content was diverse from stunt driving to BRISCA racing and a display by the six contenders nominated for the prestigious McLaren Autosport Young Driver award. After a slow burning beginning with a fair amount of talking from the hosts, the action hotted up in the second part of the programme with the Freestyle Motocross at the end of the performance a definite highlight. Even if you left feeling a bit disappointed with the general content, everyone who had tickets for the arena would have to admit it was worth the value to see these experts in action.

One of the main selling points of the 2014 show was a grand exhibition of cars to celebrate the life and career of British racing driver John Surtees. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of his 1964 Grand Prix championship triumph with Ferrari and the great man was in attendance all weekend to reminisce about the past and share his thoughts on the current breed of driver. Among the exhibits of a man who is still the only individual to win major world championships on two and four wheels were his F1 winning car from 1964 which won races in Italy and on Germany’s daunting Nurburgring circuit and the 1970 Team Surtees TS7 which made its debut on home soil at Brands Hatch in that year. I was surprised with how good the quality of this part of the exhibition was and it was a fitting mark to a man who I think is sadly often overlooked for his achievements in British and world motorsport.

As ever, the Autosport Stage in association with KX Momentum Energy Drink was a place for the stars to be interviewed with some lucky fans winning tickets to the 2014 British Grand Prix for testing and challenging questions. It was short of mega superstars from Formula One although respected commentator Martin Brundle was a frequent visitor to the stage throughout the weekend. New Sauber driver Adrian Sutil was there too but only for the Sunday of the exhibition and Max Chilton was the other Grand Prix driver in attendance. After a 100 per cent finishing record in his maiden season in the elite, Chilton was confirmed this weekend as a Marussia driver once again for 2014. The show must carry on but there was also a small box for guests to come and leave messages of support for Michael Schumacher following his recent skiing accident which has left him fighting for his life. It was a nice gesture but I was personally disappointed there were no cards or paper left out for guests to fill out and post in the box. It was a good thing I brought pen and paper to the event. If you didn’t and wanted to leave a message for Schumacher, I’d imagine you’d be leaving a little bit annoyed.

The F1 Racing Grid was the last chance to see cars in their V8 guise

The F1 Racing Grid returned for another year and was a real highlight of this year’s proceedings. It was the last time that visitors will get to see the F1 cars in the previous regulations of the V8 era (Lotus Renault car pictured above). 2014 brings a new raft of technical changes including the return of turbocharged power and a switch to V6 units. There was easier access to the cars throughout apart of course from when top guests arrived to be interviewed. Sky commentator Brundle admitted in one of his many exchanges this weekend that “all bets are off for the 2014 season.”

It is fair to say that Pirelli attracted some difficult publicity in 2013, most notably when the Italian manufacturer’s tyres kept blowing up during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone last June. Question the tyre construction if you want but don’t question the staff who work hard for them and the options open to fans for their stand. The racing simulator and driver reactions game were both back – both priced but at prices that wouldn’t leave anyone out of the market. I tried the driver reactions twice during the day and got a high score of 37 and an average in six 30-second stints of 33. I was pretty happy with that and it does get the adrenaline going. Those who don’t fancy a lengthy jog should try this. I must also credit Pirelli for the neat presentation of their display.

There was a lovely collection of cars from the likes of Caterham, Porsche, Ford and Subaru and the Asian manufacturer was also highly prevalent at the Wales Rally GB display. Celebrating its 70^th anniversary in 2014, three classic Impreza models were on show in Birmingham, including the late Colin McRae’s winning car from 1997 and the machinery that took Richard Burns to his WRC title four years later (pictured below). This was during a golden period for rallying which might have a brighter future following this weekend’s announcement that it has been added to the portfolio of events in 2014 to be live on BT Sport. It was another polished display but I for one would have liked to have seen two or three more manufacturers represented on this stand.

Richard Burns' 2001 WRC world championship car was a highlight

Lastly the pick of the exhibition this year was the Dunlop BTCC section. It looked superb, slick and stunning and you were able to get close to the drivers too. A whole host of the BTCC class were there which included a couple of mass signing sessions during the weekend. Those in attendance included defending champion Andrew Jordan, 2012 title winner Gordon Shedden, seasoned campaigners Matt Neal and Jason Plato and the popular Rob Austin. I was lucky enough to get autographs from many of the drivers and had a brief conversation with Neal, telling him I liked the look of the new Honda Civic that he and Shedden will be driving in the upcoming campaign. It was great to see the camaraderie between the drivers and I’m a huge fan of the championship. With F1 becoming more sanitised (especially when you think of the double points decider gimmick in Abu Dhabi), I will even go as far as saying the Touring Cars is my favourite motorsport and the championship I’m looking forward to the most in 2014.

So there you have it, another year and another exhibition at the NEC comes to an end. Autosport International continues to drive the crowds through every year and will be back next year hoping for another special exhibition. Having been to 11 of these now, I would happily admit that I have been to years where I enjoyed it more (2008 and 2012) being standouts but it was an improvement on last year and well worth going.

What will happen in the motorsport season in 2014? Well like Martin Brundle, all bets are off and I won’t be making any predictions. I’m sure though the sport in general will create many more headlines and talking points over the course of this calendar year.

Categories: Autosport International Show, Birmingham, BTCC, Caterham, David Croft, John Surtees, Motorsport, NEC, Pirelli, Subaru

Autosport International Show 2013 – Stars and cars make up for lack of general content

By Simon Wright

The NEC in Birmingham hosted the annual motorsport exhibition, Autosport International from 10 – 13 January 2013. 

I went on Saturday, 12 January, the 10^th successive year I have been to the event that often is seen as the official start of the motorsport season.

Last year’s exhibition was the best in the proud history of the show.  12 months on, it was going to be difficult to beat this. 

Ultimately there were many cars for the public to see, and some top motorsport stars, but the lack of general content was noticeable to see.

Stewart leads the star guests

Leading the star guests at Autosport in 2013 was three-time world Formula One champion Sir Jackie Stewart.

The SF1 from 1997 was in attendance - beginning the team now known today as Red Bull

Stewart gave several interviews throughout the weekend, and was also around to promote his own collection of great racing cars.  Features included his three F1 world championship winning machines from 1969, 1971 and 1973, as well as the SF1 – Stewart Grand Prix’s first car in Formula One in 1997, which metamorphosed into Jaguar and lastly, the hugely successful Red Bull venture.

Scotland’s Paul di Resta also made an appearance for the second successive year.  Di Resta had a tough second season in F1 last year, but is ready to improve on his results with Force India, and seemed in good spirits.  He was the only Grand Prix driver to turn up in 2013.

Jake Humphrey was a big attraction, as he prepares for a new career

Outgoing BBC F1 anchor Jake Humphrey was also around, sharing F1 Racing Grid interview duties with Sky Sports F1 HD commentator David Croft.  Humphrey admitted that he found the 2012 season frustrating to watch, especially as the Beeb don’t have the live central contract anymore, and was surprised to hear that Lee McKenzie was overlooked for the presenter gig in 2013.  Jake’s replacement will be the unattractive Suzi Perry – who used to front MotoGP for the channel, but not since 2009.

Johnny Herbert and Anthony Davidson were also guests of honour, representing Sky as it continues to go from strength and strength.  There were also appearances from World Touring Car champion Rob Huff, DTM racer Andy Prialux, reigning BTCC champion Gordon Shedden and TV presenter Steve Rider.

Racing Grid lives upto expectations
The F1 Racing Grid, which has been a real letdown in recent years was a major plus point this year.  There were lengthy and amusing Q&A sessions between the presenters and the hundreds of fans who flocked to the NEC.  Croft, Herbert and Davidson played a version of the Sky Sports F1 Buzz Game, and Croft even spotted my nodding when I agreed with Davidson’s viewpoint that Nico Hulkenberg would have been a better fit at McLaren, rather than Sergio Perez. 

Testing the reactions with Pirelli was an enthralling experience

Grand Prix tyre supplier Pirelli was back, and allowed fans to test their instant and lightning reactions with the ‘Reactor Game.’  Each person taking part would donate £2 to Great Ormond Street Hospital, and had 30 seconds to see how many times they could press a variety of buttons that flashed up on the stand.  I did this three times, and got a high score of 33 – which was an excellent effort.  I have to say, I got very competitive and felt the high adrenaline buzz from taking part.

There were some flashy road cars from the likes of McLaren and Porsche at the show, along with plenty of go-kart and touring car models, plus a lovely tribute to former World Rally champion Richard Burns.

The tribute of cars to the late Richard Burns was the main highlight

Burns display was main highlight
Burns won the WRC title for Subaru in 2001, but sadly lost his fight against cancer in 2005, after being forced to retire from the sport due to ill health.  Some of Richard’s famous cars were in attendance, including his British Rally entries, the Subaru he drove to the title in 2001, and the Peugeot 206 with which he was leading the 2003 title race until his health declined. 

It was a popular part of this year’s exhibition and is a sad reminder of rallying’s fall from grace.  Both Burns and Colin McRae are no longer with us – the last two World Rally British champions – whilst Sebastian Loeb’s decision to walkaway might end his domination over the past decade, but means there is a severe lack of quality in the 2013 championship.

The Live Action Arena didn’t disappoint either.  Louise Goodman and some bald guy (his name is not familiar!) were the hosts for the usual thrills and spills.  Stunt driver Terry Grant put on another tremendous show with his own tribute to James Bond.  The McLaren Autosport nominees were in attendance, and there was a good luck message from the Road2Recovery rally team, who were involved in a tragic accident on the Dakar Rally last week. 

'Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing!' - Classic Kimi

Not enough choice
Unlike last year though, it seemed like the amount of space had been condensed and there wasn’t as much to see.  There was a lack of book and DVD stalls, so if you wanted to take something away as a souvenir, clothing was your best bet.  I think I made the right decision to buy a black Kimi Raikkonen top, with his famous radio message from Abu Dhabi last year painted in the gold Lotus colours.  ‘Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing’ really does get the message across.

Many manufacturers were missing too.  The powerhouses from Japan, France and Germany were conspicuous by their absence.  Although Britain is in the midst of some freezing temperatures and snow at the moment, it would have been nice from a fan’s perspective to see more choice.  

The economic recession is probably the main factor though.  Many businesses are struggling after Christmas, and notable names like DUKE video were missing this year – suggesting they couldn’t afford to make it to Birmingham in 2013.

All in all – 2013 was a good and entertaining exhibition, but it struggled to match the success of 2012.  That probably won’t stop me though from making the annual pilgrimage again to Autosport International in 2014.  

Categories: Autosport International Show, BBC, Birmingham, David Croft, Formula One, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Jaguar, Jake Humphrey, January, NEC, Paul di Resta, Pirelli, Scotland, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sky Sports F1

2012 - A year in review - Me

We are approaching the end of another year.  What are the first words you all think about 2012? 

Mine are quite simple.  I would describe my 2012 as life-changing, emotional and character-building. 

I have had to adapt to a year full of change.  I don’t think I’ve said as many goodbyes as I have had this year.  Some were for the best, others as it was natural progression and some it was really sad.

There have been testing times but I ended the year with a degree and more life experience.  So here is how 2012 turned out for me in my opinion. 

A difficult start

2012 began difficult for me.  I had been ill over Christmas and started January on antibiotics for the second time in three years.

I don't think Valentino Rossi needs to be worried about my motorcycling skills!

I visited the Autosport International Show in January for the annual motorsport exhibition, and I must say it was one of the best years for the show.  I will be back in 2013 to experience the atmosphere and the buzz at the LG Arena in Birmingham for the 10^th consecutive year.

As winter turned towards spring, the end was getting ever closer in regards to my time at the University of Northampton.

I had some mixed results at the start of third year, and getting the degree classification on my journalism course I wanted was touch and go.

Then I worked harder than ever before.  I spent day after day in the edit suites filming, editing and interviewing people for my TV project.

This project challenged me as did my final dissertation and at times, I let the pressure get to me.

In February, I even considered whether I was chasing the right path in my future career.  A lecture talk from former NME editor Neil Spencer left me with plenty to think about.

He gave a real negative persona to the media industry and I wasn’t sure if I was prepared for long slog in the world of journalism. 

Eventually, I decided to stick with journalism and it proved to be the right decision.

Some satisfying results and goodbye to Clarks

As I was approaching the end of my life in education, another chapter was closing and that was in my part-time retail work at Clarks Shoes.

I was working at the Northampton branch, since making a permanent move to the area in September 2010.

However, I couldn’t stay there after the end of June because I was leaving Northampton after my course, so I was hoping to get a transfer back to Milton Keynes.

Unfortunately they didn’t have the hours I required and in May, I had to hand in my notice and get prepared to leave.

The job was never the most exciting but it kept the money ticking over, especially at Uni and I met some amazing people in six and a half years, in two completely different environments.

My last shift was on 9 June 2012.  It was a sad goodbye but I was excited to finally leave the retail market. 

As my time with Clarks reached its conclusion – my results at University improved and I started finding my best form in March, which was the UK summer this year!

I completed my major individual project, a 10 minute TV documentary into modern technology and how it has changed our everyday lives.

You can see the video below:

I also took part in the Current Affairs Show, a 30 minute radio programme which was recorded by me and two of my fellow coursemates, Lauren Bowen and Miles Aitkenhead.

Surprisingly, I found this module to be quite exciting to do.  I did my own telephone interview without any hassle and when we put the show together in April, we were excited and the results came back very well too.

I can honestly say that it was the best group I ever worked with.  The three of us had one goal and that was to get it done and get it done with some quality and style.  The Current Affairs show can be listened to here.

It also opened a new door into a radio career…more on that later.

The end of University and a brilliant final couple of nights

My dissertation was an interesting challenge to complete

Wednesday, 16 May 2012 and it was all over.  The final project was handed in just before lunchtime – I had officially finished as a journalism student at the University of Northampton.

I didn’t want to leave to be honest; I knew it was great to finish but sad to finish at the same time.

I had done all I could to get the results I desired and now, I just had to wait and hope.

In the meantime, it was time to party and that night, the majority of the journalism group went out into town to the NB’s Sports Bar and the Fever nightclub.

While Fever was a real letdown, I had so much fun in NB's.  Apart from one night out in early February at the preferred nightclub destination of Balestra in Northampton – I had focused on my degree and now, it was time to enjoy myself.

Farida and me in NB's on the final journalism party night. As a course, we did it!

I had such a laugh that night.  There were plenty of drinks, some crazy dancing (apparently I’m quite the dancer….) and I did a few things that were slightly out of character but the night was memorable.

We hadn’t gone out as a massive group since my own birthday the previous October and it was great to socialise with my coursemates. 

A lot of us had many differences with our personalities, and I’m not the easiest person to get on with at times, or the most interesting individual to meet but we knew how to party.

We did it and we finished in the best fashion possible!

Lights out! The Silverstone Grad Ball lived upto expectations

10 days after the NB’s madness, it was destination Silverstone for the 2012 Grad Ball.  What a lovely night that was too.  I even dressed up smarted and booted for the event and I’m not the smartest person ever when it comes to these occasions.

Professor Green rocked the stage after Rizzle Kicks pulled out, one of them was ‘ill.’  It was great to be at the home of the British Grand Prix and to be in the lovely Wing pits complex for the night.

It was another special night and well worth the price for going.

Friendships and graduation

What I have learnt this year more than anything, is about the value of friendship and where the line needs to be drawn.

I had to deal with people talking about me online (not directly mentioned but aimed around me) in both April and June.

That was not nice and led to me taking disappearing acts from Twitter and Facebook.  I changed my Twitter username from @HappyDude88 to @Siwri88 in February for professional reasons and I’m still trying to find the right balance with social media.

I think I’ve found it with both Twitter and LinkedIn (joined in January).  My use of Facebook has still caused me more trouble than what it is worth - it is now the poor cousin relation to both Twitter and LinkedIn.

BBM also caused me problems in the summer.  It might be free but sometimes, you can come across as an entirely different individual.  I will look forward to ditching the BlackBerry in September 2013.

Then there were the goodbyes to some of my closest pals from University, pretty much for the last time.  I have some regrets and at times, my honesty cost me more than what was expected.

With Tamika on graduation day: One of the sweetest and kindest individuals I've ever met

Luckily I didn’t need the tissues at any stage, but it still feel strange to not see some that were around me almost day in, day out for the last three years.

After Uni, I’ve distanced from some for the right reasons, while some just drifted away.  However, I would say I stay in touch closely with at least four coursemates from Uni and occasionally speak to around 10 others.

So this leads me into the big graduation day in July.  The event was held at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton. 

The certificate confirming my degree.  No-one can take this away!

I was so nervous in the build-up, hoping I didn’t look like a clown in the gown, or make sure my name was pronounced correctly. 

Luckily on the day, it all went to plan.  Although some of my behaviour could have been better on the day, it was a nice feeling to have my final degree classification of a 2:1 down on a certificate.  I worked massively hard for that!

So it was goodbye to my coursemates, the lecturers and to Northampton, both the University and my accommodation.  It was time for the next chapter.

A new chapter and moving on

I do miss my sole independence although I have settled back into everyday life with my beloved family in Milton Keynes.

I made a final visit back to Northampton in October, just before my 24^th birthday to collect all of my work. 

It felt like I finally found closure, as I did miss not being a student anymore.  I still do but that’s life – you have to move on.

Amidst all the celebrations of summer events like the Diamond Jubilee and Euro 2012, there was also the small matter of the London Olympics.

It inspired a generation and it inspired me too.  What a spectacular 17 days of competition and there were so many highlights.

The golden postboxes in Milton Keynes.  Nice one Greg!

I was delighted when local lad from Bletchley Greg Rutherford won the Men’s Long Jump, as that meant we had two golden post-boxes painted by Royal Mail in his honour of winning gold.

The women’s football excited me, as did Andy Murray’s gold medal in the tennis at Wimbledon, the feats of Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah and of course, Usain Bolt’s three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay.

Although I didn’t have the privilege of being at the Olympic Stadium, either as a spectator or working in media, I did go to BT London Live twice, once at Hyde Park and once at Victoria Park in August. 

Great day experiencing Olympic atmosphere

Both were lovely sunny days and were great occasions to sample and experience the atmosphere. 

And so a new chapter has begun.  Unfortunately, a paid freelancing contract collapsed recently with Total Football Magazine, meaning I had to leave after six months of hard graft, but I have begun a career in radio, hosting the F1 Zone on Bee Vocal which will be back in February and I am dedicated to new and future challenges.

2012 has thrown up plenty of challenges.  I had to say plenty of goodbyes and make some difficult decisions.  The year could have gone a bit smoother and it has been tough but would I have swapped any of it – not a lot of it anyway.

I do hope 2013 is a little bit less dramatic and a bit quieter though!

Merry Christmas everyone and have a Happy New Year!

By Simon Wright

Categories: 2012, Autosport International Show, Birmingham, Christmas, Clarks, Emotion, Journalism, Nightclub, Professor Green, Silverstone, Student, The Current Affairs Show, TV, Twitter, University of Northampton