Yeah we have ’em too. Don’t believe me? Ask the people who flooded to the end of the grandstand to be opposite the podium after the end of the SuperPrix yesterday, even against the threats of stupid ushers and security guards! They roped off the first one third of the grandstand (opposite the podium) and the other end as well, limiting the crowd to the middle, which is something that I can understand. They didn’t anticipate big crowds and its better to put those who came in a smaller place to make the crowd look bigger to the TV audience and of course for security’s sake.
The center of the grandstand is as far as I am concerned the best position to view the race: you have an unhindered view of all the pits, you can see cars coming from the Last Turn and then see them off to a good part of Turn One. And thankfully as they have a giant-screen atop the pits building immediately facing the centre grandstand, you don’t miss much of the race. I still prefer Turn One however!
But when the race finished, people were frustrated that they couldn’t go to the end, opposite the podium and greet the winners. We had to contend ourselves with just watching them on the screen, when the last race was done however, everyone one drifted as far as the cordoning off ropes and no one would cross. You could see the frustration on their faces, they WANTED to see the winners and greet them. I didn’t stop, I just told Arif to follow and barged in! The security guys and the ushers of course stood in our way, they wanted us to “go back go back”. I explained to a young chap that it is necessary to let people through, the race is finished, the winners are going to come out on the podium and the prizes are going to be distributed. People need to be part of that so that they can bring the event to a conclusion in their own minds, sort of having ownership of the moment, the crowning glory of fans sitting for two whole days for this very moment.
Nope, he wouldn’t have it. We have to go back. These are the rules said he, backed up by a few more of his colleagues. People all around us were waiting for the outcome, the drivers are about to appear on the podium as we can see movement happening there and I had to pull rank with this guy to leave us alone.
He left us alone after that because I think he realised what I was saying made sense: the race finished, people were waiting for this moment for 2 days, they needed to be part of the ceremony in order for the experience to last.
My advice to the BIC for the next race, talk to your security people and ushers and tell them to relax. Petrol-heads should be left alone to enjoy the crowning moment of the race. I was disappointed that we couldn’t give more encouragement to the Bahraini drivers who won in other races (MeCAR and Minis), we did do our part however that when they came on the screen Arif and I clapped and hooted, that of course encouraged the others around us to it was nice to hear appreciation for these young drivers.
On our shopping list for next time:
1. more powerful binoculars
2. air horn
3. powerful zoom for the video and stills cameras and a tripod!
Once again Arif and I enjoyed our weekend. More than anything else I think it was another perfect bonding opportunity. So we thank the BIC for that chance.
Comments
The Bahrain Tiffossi
You also need one of those radios so you can listen to the driver talk to his pit crew. My husband has one he takes to the NASCAR races and he LOVES it!!
The Bahrain Tiffossi
You can spend a lot of money and get a Uniden SC230 this one can be programmed to show the drivers name when he is talking. But Radio shack (www.radioshack.com) has a less expensive model, the Pro-99. You just have to make sure the radio scanner has the frequencies that you need. (they also pick up police and fire frequencies)
Oh you need to find out if you can purchase pit pass and winner circle tickets as well
I just figured out how to login since you changed the format.. DOH!!
[Modified by: Cindy (aries37) on December 12, 2004 04:46 PM]
The Bahrain Tiffossi
Did you guys spot Jermaine Jackson? I heard he was also their…..bayb2c
Tom Ford in Bahrain?
Did Germaine Jackson move to Bahrain in the end? The only famous person I’ve heard of who’s moved to Bahrain from outside is singer Rashid Al Majid. Is there anyone else? I heard something about Tom Ford in his Gucci days, can anyone confirm this?
Re: The Bahrain Tiffossi
Does anyone know if Bahrain and the US have an extradition treaty?? I gotta wonder if Jermaine Jackson was in Bahrain is he scouting locations for his alleged pervert brother to run too?? The legal woes for Mike are getting worse by the day.
Re: Tom Ford in Bahrain?
Gucci was bought by Bahrain based investment firm Investcorp in 1994. Ford at that time was promoted to excutive creative director (or something like that) of Gucci and he and his partner moved off to Italy.(Milan I think)
Last I heard Ford was in California doing the “Hollywood” thing.
Re: The Bahrain Tiffossi
Man that is an EXCELLENT idea! Can you give me make and model please?!
Re: The Bahrain Tiffossi
Keiron Dyer’s got a pad in Dubai? That’s almost guaranteed to burst the property bubble. As for David James – Dubai’s 30something mums beware.
The Bahrain Tiffossi
Are we talking about Beckman or Beckham?
Jasra Jedi
The Bahrain Tiffossi
Beckham. Yes he did buy a beach house there. He and a couple of other British footballers actually. Namely Manchester United’s the Neville brothers. I know this because I’m a “MAD” ManU fan.
Ali
The Bahrain Tiffossi
Right. A little correction… Becks neighbours will include other players like Michael Owen, Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Kieron Dyer and David James. (This according to Forbes.com)
Re: The Bahrain Tiffossi
Who’s Beckman? They’re talking about Mr. Spouty Spice Girl.
Re: Tom Ford in Bahrain?
I heard Beckman bought a place in “The Palm Project”
Re(1): Tom Ford in Bahrain?
isn’t that in dubai? many celebs & sports stars are grabbing those beachfront dubai estates…..
Re(2): Tom Ford in Bahrain?
yep “The Palms” is in Dubai. 200,000 pounds and up are the prices. I have no idea if Beckman bought a home there or not.
The Bahrain Tiffossi
Hi friends..
I am looking for a Uniden radio scanners in Bahrain. For that matter any Digital radio scanners. If some one know where to buy it..Pl. let me know the address/shop. Appreciate ur help. U can write to my email ID pagr@yahoo.com. Thanks! have a nice time..!! Andy