Street Track Failures: Episode 4 - Battersea Park

[@zeredwhirlpool7455]

Even though it was narrow and hard to pass, I really liked this track when it was in use. It had a unique look to it with the trees and was challenging for the drivers.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I did like certain aspects of this track. The unique aesthetics being one of those aspects. However, it just didn't work in my view as a race track. I feel like it would make an awesome "Special Stage" for a rally event.

[@Jimlaad43]

I marshalled at both of these events and it was good fun. The circuit was quite interesting when we walked around it, but the narrowness was a late compromise that wasn't intended. The barriers were supposed to be placed on the pavements at the side, using the brick curbs at the edge of the roads as the edge of the track. However, as the park was technically a "Listed" building, this couldn't be done, and the barriers had to be placed on the road, backing onto those curbs. This narrowed the track everywhere by about 1m, making the problem bad. The braking point for the Turn 8 hairpin was so curved and bumpy, the practice and qualifying sessions in the first year was just a constant stream of cars spinning and hitting that wall too. I'm glad London seems to have a permanent home with ExCel now though. The track seems to work for these cars (despite some truly abysmal bumps in the outside section) and the removal of the double hairpins seems to be a good thing as they were definitely too tight, but the inside-outside uniqueness of it is truly work keeping.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

To hear from someone who marshalled at the event is a first for me and also really amazing to hear from. I think the track would've been much better had curbs have been installed over the pathways. Would've definitely created better chances for overtakes with the extra width that would've been provided. The new track in the ExCel, whilst not flawless in my opinion, is definitely much better than Battersea and I agree in that it seems to work better for these current Formula E cars.

[@kcza47]

So rare to have new, quality content recommended. Glad this was, keep up the great work.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I'm glad that the video was recommended given the current size of this channel. Thanks for the praise though, that's very kind of you to say so. I will definitely do my best at keeping the quality of the content to at least the same level as this. Although, I want to aim higher still. More videos will certainly be on the way.

[@alc-d4163]

I was fortunate enough to attend the second race of the Formula E weekend at Battersea Park in 2016. Although the track layout left very little to be desired, the level of access was amazing. Several of the drivers were dotted all over the park in between practice sessions, but also recall casually bumping into Emerson Fittipaldi of all people!

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

What an experience that would've been. "What did you do today?" "Oh nothing much, just met Emerson Fittipaldi." I hope you enjoyed the experience though and the racing on that weekend, it's great to hear from someone who was actually at the event.

[@gigadonis8684]

I also recall Lucas Di Grassi casually bumping into Sebastien Buemi that weekend too. Sorry just had to make a joke outta that one

[@dominicbarden4436]

I liked this track, it was one of my favourites in the series' early years despite it being so narrow (though Putrajaya, Buenos Aires and Punta del Este were my top three). The second race of the 2016 double header will forever be one of the stangest races I've ever watched, thanks to how it managed to decide the title! FE does race/has raced on some really good tracks over the years. Of the current tracks my favourite is probably Rome (both versions), then maybe Riyadh, which might be a controversial opinion, and the London ExCel circuit. Some of the circuits I've liked which are sadly no longer on the calendar are Paris, both Santiago circuits, Montreal and Bern. It's a shame that calendar stability doesn't seem to be in FE's vocabulary with the number of changes schedules go through even during the season!

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

This track was definitely quirky and unique in certain aspects. I think the series could do with sticking to a calendar that has a decent amount of longevity to some of the locations. Although, at the same time I think they should have one or two different tracks/city's on the schedule every year. It's nice to add a new event, in my eyes. The element of not knowing what sort of track it would be, would be a good challenge for the teams and drivers alike.

[@nicolesgaming8917]

While I liked the Battersea Park circuit from the "hidden amongst the trees" standpoint (and the fact that it was the ONLY circuit other than Mexico City that had named corners), and I prefer the ExCeL circuit from a racing aspect, I was rooting for a reprise of the old Birmingham Superprix.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

It would be brilliant to see the Birmingham SuperPrix return. There were rumours back in 2018 (I think I got the year correct) that it could make a return with Formula E, alas not.

[@farhanatashiga3721]

​​@@tydyeracinggaming4742 well they probably don't fancy going into old drab industrial Birmingham lol

[@orionparish9858]

I remember watching this race weekend (because there was literally nothing else on quite frankly), and I only remember it well because of what happened to two drivers and what they did to each other.

[@chazmyster]

In many ways i prefer battersea park to excel. The width wasn't ideal but made it feel faster than most formula e tracks. Nailing the chicanes was fascinating to watch. Excel indoor-outdoor is cool but layout is very stop and go in first and last sectors.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I can see why you'd prefer Battersea to the ExCel. Both are very unique race tracks for sure.

[@rafleggy2fast486]

I couldn't help but notice the MIDI you picked for this video. So catchy! Also, excellent vid, I'm binge watching the whole series and so far this is the best-looking circuit, good to see some proper green around the track instead of the dreadful brown and grey of the others.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

Glad you enjoyed the video, and the music! I can't remember what tune it was. It's in the KZbin Audio Library though.

[@neblolthecarnerd]

I remember I went to the first event (second day) they ever did at this track when I was in primary school. I thought it was really cool that they were racing around a park on what would usually be pedestrian paths that I could walk on (and run around pretending to be a racing driver like any kid like me would do). It was really cool seeing and hearing the cars blast past at whatever chicane I was sat at, especially considering the right nature of the track. The event even gave out earbuds tuned into radio stations that provided race commentary and news throughout the day. The inside of the park was full of fairground stalls and car related stuff as well as the usual meet the drivers area. I look back upon this track with fond memories. I never really knew of the controversy around turn 1 and the racing issues with this track until now so it's definitely been interesting to see the races from a more normal perspective (it definitely looks different to the usual track and quite cool still). I do think FE should try the park idea again somewhere else since it provides corners other than the usual 90° corners however it will definitely be difficult with free park situations like the ones experienced at Battersea.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

It's always cool to hear from people who were at the event and what their experience was like at said event. It definitely looked picturesque that's for sure.

[@tdyerwestfield]

They were so desperate to have a race in London, that they'd literally put it anywhere, even if it was on a footpath through a park. The new one is just as bizarre, using service roads leading to and inside of an exhibition centre (a.k.a. a big indoor hall).

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I don't mind the new London track. It's definitely unique.

[@rushwind2615]

Really enjoying this series! Would be great to see something on one of the numerous no longer used Formula E street circuits - Putrajaya, Punta del Este, Buenos Aires, Moscow, Paris, Hong Kong, Montreal, Zurich - I’d imagine there must be an interesting story about one of them!

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

There will definitely be episodes on at least some of these tracks. Maybe not all of them, but we'll see. Glad your enjoying the series. All going well, the next episode should be out on Christmas Eve.

[@penguincamp]

The series is already improving quite quickly! Impressive video!

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and also think that these videos are getting better in quality.

[@PeatCowman]

I attended the first year, it wasn't a good spectator experience. I also came to be sympathetic to the Action Group as the park is an oasis in the middle of a massive city. Race weekend aside, the disruption during construction/tear down was considerable for the local residents and park users. I think covid showed how important these municipal green spaces are.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

It's cool to hear from someone who was actually at the event. I wish you had a better spectator experience than you did but I still hope you enjoyed the event in some capacity. I don't think the location was the right one in London honestly. Whilst I've not been there, it does look brilliant. I can see why people who used the space to have walks etc, got upset by it.

[@PeatCowman]

@@tydyeracinggaming4742 oh yeah, it was great to have gone. We actually snuck into a VIP area somehow which had a decent view of the chicane at the end of the lap, other

[@PeatCowman]

Other than that, the general admission viewing was....limited. Fun to have been, not been to the excel venue, but might to see Gen3

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

@@PeatCowman It did look like a track with not the best viewing for spectators. I think the new venue has been a great addition to the calendar.

[@SirHRDking]

was a shame it didn't work out for this track. i always liked going to the event and the way the track was. dunno what they meant about the park being closed because in 2015, the same week they was building the track, i got into the park and got to walk most of the circuit except from the main straight and it was brilliant

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

Ah ok. Maybe I guess they referenced that just certain parts of the park would be closed. Or that the park may be closed in it's entirety at different times of the day perhaps. It's cool to hear from someone who was at the event itself. Always interesting to hear the perspective of people who went to the event, to hear what it was like being a spectator for these events.

[@Revtiva]

The slim and tight characteristics of Battersea Park put Monaco into shame.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

It's certainly on the tighter end of the spectrum.

[@bensingleton3923]

This is very obscure I know but the fact at 0:43 isn't strictly true with Speedway and Stock Car racing being held at Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium on Plough Lane from the late 60's onwards. Sadly that all came to an end in 2017.

[@aident0642]

That Barrier over the bump. Just how did no one know about said bump.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I can only imagine that when they went on the track walk, they didn't think that the bump would be quite as violent to the cars as it was.

[@berserkfuryyy6798]

That documentary part gave me a good laugh lol thanks bro

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I'm glad you liked that part, it was me attempting to be funny 🤣.

[@bjarulez]

I was there on the Sunday year so the bump had gone the Saturday year 2, it was a good circuit but the overtakes were nowhere to be seen, it was quite close at times but not the most exciting racing I have been to

[@adamwilliams9732]

Good video, may want to have a look at the Bakyu City Challenge. And possibly the other tracks that City Challenge did (like Bucharest)

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I really like the track suggestions you've mentioned. When pondering whether this could work for a series or not, I planned a number of street tracks I could do, with both those tracks being included. Mainly, because those are long forgotten tracks with interesting histories.

[@rhodrage]

I remember hearing about locals complain about the noise

[@MalloryMinerva]

I love the London E-Prix at Excel, however Battersea Park remains the butt end of jokes among Formula E fans.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

Battersea Park was certainly a cool location/environment for the race to be held. Perhaps not the best layout for racing though.

[@maartenvgool]

was surprised to see you only have 269 subs, damn good stuff

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

That's very kind of you to say and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I plan on keeping going. I hope to add more real life racing content on top of the more clip based style videos I'm doing at the moment for next year.

[@Peterd1900]

If you want with horrendous bumps. What about San Jose street track used by champcar in 05 and 06. Which on the main straight went over a railway line A level crossing on a racetrack

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

That track will definitely be featuring in this series. It's the most requested track I've had so far.

[@UncleBuckRodgers]

Man, that would have made about the coolest kart track ever!!! Did they hold any karting events on it through the weekend?

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I don't believe karts ever raced around that track. It would certainly be a cool kart track though I agree.

[@GeriatricFan1963]

In the first season there was an "FE in schools" event put on by the charity Greenpower, where school children raced electric cars that they had built themselves in the weeks leading up the race from kit car components. Since the drivers were about 10-15, and engineers rather than professional drivers, their speed was restricted to about 15 MPH or so.

[@UncleBuckRodgers]

@@GeriatricFan1963 That's awesome! I'm talking more about competitive FIA sanctioned karting though. The same karting all the drivers come from

[@GeriatricFan1963]

@@UncleBuckRodgers Yeah, I don't think that would ever happen. As TyDye said in the video, the local residents were not happy about the 3 weeks of disruption. Another thing was that there was no consultation from the local council. I actually did an interview with some of the key members of Battersea Park Action Group where they reflected on what happened a few years later, which was really interesting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ7Qq6l_hrd4e68

[@ciaranreed91]

Sorry to be ‘that’ person but motor racing took place in London after Crystal Palace at the Wimbledon stock car track until some point in the 2010s.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

True. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of more conventional racing. However, you're definitely not wrong.

[@charleshollinshead]

This was a very good video!

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

[@xnotasweatx]

These early FE cars really look like the Campari T1 I just noticed

[@mikulitsi1819]

Wasn't this the track where Di Grassi and Buemi had a incident in the finale?

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I have put links in the description to those races in case you want to find out.

[@xxoptic__nutxx6877]

I know he said no spoilers but this is the track where the top 2 took each other out in a massive crash on the final lap right?

[@haryosoo]

1:06 did Boris just make some puns?

[@orsomethingorno]

I slightly disagree with some of the themes in this series. To me, there is too much "narrow=bad" and "wide=good", along with a sense of judging circuits too much by the ease of overtaking. Not that this things don't matter, but many great street circuits compromise these things for location, for close barriers and a sense of speed in a confined space. Battersea Park didn't quite work and was ultimately too narrow. but it was unique and charming. By contrast, although acknowledging its failure, you claimed that the RFK Stadium track was a good layout. It wasn't. It was an overengineered circuit through a carpark. "Purpose built street circuits" like this -- i.e. street tracks that are designed on a blank piece of paper, barely bound by an existing road network (allowing for some deviations), have always failed. Although they can have corners that look "more organic" as there are more opportunities to insert varied geometry, these circuits fail because they do not interface in an interesting way with the urban fabric, and ultimately fail both by comparison to "regular street circuits", and to permanent circuits.

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

I can definitely see where your coming from and you (or anyone who watches these) certainly aren't obliged to agree with me, it's ultimately my opinion with the odd facts thrown in (and hopefully comedy). I do understand if you don't think Washington was a good track. It wasn't faultless, I just think as street circuits go, it was a really well designed one.

[@jeffreypostma6832]

Most FE tracks really suck, especially the older ones. They have learned some lessons, but they often are littered with dodgy chicanes and just way too twisty and tight, turning races into a bumper car competition. Ironically one of the best races in FE was the race in Monaco, which suited the cars really well, but is a snorefest in F1. As for successful tracks, the Rome track is quite nice. You could also the first track of the Berlin e-prix, which was ran in the center of the city and had quite a nice layout, except for the dodgy chicane...

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

Berlin's city track is an often forgotten one I feel because of Formula E's history with the airport track in the same country.

[@Gangsta_Playz]

1:02 Boris who? He’s one of the most forgotten British politicians like Princess Diana

[@litreocola6447]

Ngl I wish somehow it was at the battersea power station like dirt 2 lol

[@tydyeracinggaming4742]

Now that would be an interesting Formula E track. Highly impractical and unrealistic, but it would be quite the watch.

[@DnD1319]

what song are you using for this

[@jameschen8673]

Skaife designed the race track? That says it all about what's wrong with it. He is much too overinflated full stop, just like his massive ego.

[@brandonlehman7440]

formula e is a joke of a series anyways