Focussed Events at Donington - grabbing more money

[MikeZ]

So following receiving an email from FE at Donington, they're now offering (they say because of Coronavirus - I say just a way to make more money) a spot in a garage with a max of 4 bikes/riders in there for £10.
So I asked if this was a limited number of garages or just simply as many as they fill.
They said as many as they can fill.
So unless you pay an additional £10 the chances are you won't get garage space.
As i ride to/from (no van etc) that left me with no choice but to book a space or be stuck outside with no cover all day - not impressed for a £170 track day.
Anyway that's my moan done and info for any others who go with FE.

[billinom8s]

Haven't used EE in over 10 years, they've always been money grabbers. Turning 3 groups into 4 to sell more places and then moving you about etc.

Were they charging for electric too or is that next?

[julesh]

everytime ive been to donny theres 3 or 4 garages that have been booked the rest are all empty and free to whoever wants them, pays to get there a bit early just to be sure, but shouldnt be any problem

[MikeZ]

From my previous experience (only twice) there, I would agree, but they specifically sent out separate email for this (of course blaming covid), the garages big, usually 6 to 8 bikes and kit easy, but they're limiting to 4 and I don't want to get stuck outside so felt I had no choice.
As far as I'm concerned if somebody else wants to highjack some of "my space" then I'm easy........

[menzies3032]

Only done a focused events track day once and on the day they made you pay to have a tracker on your bike that was mandatory to fit. But not so that you could see your lap times, so they could see your lap times and make sure the group was safe by you not sharking in the group and going to fast or not up to the pace and going to slow. Worst bit was you could not pay by card only by cash. I had to drive 10 miles to a cash machine to get notes out to pay. Why the bloody hell they didn’t add it to the cost of the track day in the first place then just hand them out at sign in.

Hence I only do No Limits now.

[billinom8s]

That cash would have been split between the staff on the day.

[R6 STU]

Recent fe track days have been great when run by Dale and Vanda.
I kinda like reserving a garage, don’t have that stress of having to get a space. Don’t have to queue up from 6 at the gate.
Don’t have to lug around a genny, set up a gazebo, probably spend £10 on fuel for the genny…

[MikeZ]

I don't think I'm really moaning about the £10. I think it's more the fact that they blame it on corona, and at Donington they could easily say 6 per garage. But, in my head, still make it 4 to apply the pressure to get more garage bookings.
Why didn't they state it up front at time of booking.......
I do dislike being given a price, then later (past point of no return) being told - well actually there's more - when the reason used is a bit of an excuse.
If I had been told up front, it's £179 with garage or £169 for pot luck, then I would still have paid £179 but not whined about it.