As a first timer to the event maybe me views are a bit different.
First off, a big hand to everyone involved in the event prior to, during and after. We were only on the salt for 2 days but now understand the shear size of the event and appreciate how much hard work must go in to get this up and running.
Prior to the event I couldn't have hoped for anything better. The membership was sorted so when we arrived at the salt Lynda knew I had to pick the pin it up from the BMI trailer so we got on the salt with no issues. First impressions though, loads of cones at the staging area. Any sort of directions to where we could park would be good. The last thing I wanted to do was park somewhere I shouldn't and cause any grief. We couldn't work out what all the cones were for so didn't stop here (typical nervous Brits).
We drove through the pits on our 2nd day and it now seems like we shouldn't have been able to without a crew sticker. Is there parking by the pits? Maybe on the outside about halfway down? Again, any signs would have been good, or maybe we missed then? During our drive we found Stainless' pit area but they weren't about, then luckily found them in impound. I also managed to find Slim but only due to the trailer. Some other folk I was looking for but didn't find and this is my next point.
Is there any way that the SCTA or BNI could have a rough idea of where people are pitted or have contact details? I asked at both trailers and was told there was no way I could get in touch with any of them. Even just a rough idea based on a grid system of rows and blocks so spectators have an idea of where people are.
The announcers seem to be getting a bit of stick. Personally I find having an announcer of any sort is better than nothing. At an event like this which is so big it will always be hard to be completely accurate. However, I enjoyed the coverage as it certainly added to the experience. With so much going on across all 4 courses it was good to hear what was happening on the courses we couldn't see.
Thats about it from a spectating point of view. Maybe just a bit more signage to tell us where we can and cannot go, and a bit of direction as to where people are pitted. A few final points. Firstly, thanks must go to the tech people for making sure all vehicles are so safe to take part, I guess you guys are not the most welcome people who maybe at times have a thankless task but it ensures the safety of everyone. To the emergency support, we witnessed a few spins and slides and they all were on the ball right away. Finally to everyone who took part as we really loved our time over there and will hopefully be back soon.