Already pre-sales are saying the event might have as many as 30,000 fans and the excitement in the industry is huge. We talked to GP promoter Steve Dixon and ask him what he expects from this event.

MXlarge: Steve, what would be the dream scenario for this race?

Dixon: A dream event would be that it rains a few days before the Grand Prix, which will make the circuit really nice and makes our job easier. We have a good group of people who have pre-booked and those people who pre-book have saved 10% on the ticket price. We are still selling pre-booked ticket and for anyone who wants to be sure of being involved in this event then get in now and save some money.

MXLarge: Obviously it’s going to be a lot of fun and as I remember from the last British GP held at Matterley the atmosphere was amazing. What changes have been made to make it easier to get in and out of the event if it’s a big crowd?

Dixon: If they all enjoy themselves, then I will be happy. We have a really good structure now and the roads and council have been really strict in what we can and can’t do. It’s going to be a great event and I can’t wait.

MXlarge: The British Grand Prix is a special event, but we need a facility that sticks around, is Matterley Basin that facility?

Dixon: I think it is. In 2004 it was fantastic at the Isle of Wight, and Matterley in 2006 was a really enjoyable event. I mean British fans don’t want to go to Road Racing facilities; they want to be out in the nature at a natural terrain circuit.

MXlarge: There is no better sound than thousands of British spectators cheering on their hero’s is there?

Dixon: The British public are known for being loud and I know when Billy Mackenzie got into the lead many years ago the crowd just went wild, it puts goose bumps on the back of your neck. Now with Tommy (Searle) and Max (Anstie) doing well, and with Brad Anderson coming in and also Billy Mackenzie, it’s going to be a really big event for Great Britain. We want to have a nice VIP area and a lot of corporate people will be coming.

MXlarge: How many spectators can we expect?

Dixon: Judging by the current Grand Prix’s we are prepared for 25,000 people, which is a lot of people if you look at it as 15,000 on the Saturday and then 6,000 on the Friday, then that is a pretty good crowd.

MXlarge: Matterley is pretty old school isn’t it?

Dixon: Yes it is. I was there a week or so ago and they were preparing for the Leukemia event that was held there last weekend. A lot of guys there are old school and have been to events like the British Grand Prix at Farleigh Castle and Foxhills. They had never ridden on a circuit like Matterley Basin, and they are allowed to ride on the track and they can’t believe what they are riding on. For them the Motocross of Nations in 2006 was the best event they ever attended and these are guys who have been going to races for decades.  

MXlarge: Seems like security is something that is needed at all sporting events now. How much security do you have to make sure it’s a fun weekend for everyone, including families?

Dixon: We have a good management team and we are looking for a positive race. I have spoken to many people who have asked about security and we have completely reorganized, we have three new car parks, nearer the circuit, they are natural ground car parks with all the cars facing downhill, so if it rains getting out won’t be a problem, the parking is also closer to the circuit and further away from the road. Now when the spectators leave we can be better organized to get them on their way.

MXlarge: What about entertainment for the evenings?

Dixon: We are also placing the trade and amusement park area so people at the trade area and amusement area can still watch the racing. We want to make sure that everything is together. We don’t want people having to walk miles to each area. The entertainment we have bars and we had to go light on the music this time. We will still have entertainment and obviously the bars will be a lot of fun at night. We have to build up the relationship with the police and council. They are very excited about the event and want it to work and they want it to run well.

MXlarge: What about camping?

Dixon: The camping area is on the other side of the hill from where it was in 2006 and a lot closer to the paddock and in a much better spot. We also have family camping which will be away from the partiers, so it’s really a nice event for everyone.