Lotus Motorsport and Driving Academy closed

[j2 lot]

I was astounded to hear that these facilities have been closed , Driving Academy last day was today
Presumably a cost cutting exercise although I thought both were profit making? A sad day as I thought that was one of the more innovative aspects of Lotus and why they maintained the edge in ride and handling.
I can't help but think it's a decision that will be regretted further down the line.

[Shug]

I'm stunned to hear it. Not sure Motorsport is the same as Lotus Engineering, who were the ones you're thinking of as the chassis development consultants to other manufacturers, but it may be under the same banner. If so, like you, I'm stunned as it was always reputedly the bit that actually made cash (before JM Gales came in and actually turned the road car production division into a profitable business for the first time in a long time).

[Victor Meldrew]

If you want to turn a company into a profitable company then you stop doing what doesn't make you money. I wonder what volume of customers actually went through the academy? In the hundreds? Unlikely to be in the thousands.

I suspect it would be a case of honour the bookings she already have but accept no more and wind it down naturally. The cars used will probably be stripped down and used as development hacks or re trimmed and sold as special editions. Sure they did that with some fancy Evoras they were sitting in a field for months.. That would claw back some of the costs.


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[SAJ]

That's a real shame, I had plans to do the driving academy next year after having to cancel it last year when I was made redundant from work.

But if it isn't making money then they should close it until they can afford to run it at a profit.

[mwmackenzie]

That's a real shame, I had plans to do the driving academy next year after having to cancel it last year when I was made redundant from work.

But if it isn't making money then they should close it until they can afford to run it at a profit.

I've done it Saj and can hand on heart say you'll be better off spending a couple of days with Walshy!

[tut]

The sale of their land and facilities also comes into it.

Rumour is it could be sold off to AM.

tu

[j2 lot]

From what I've read John it was coverings its own costs so not necessarily cost cutting.
There appears to be an issue with noise complaints from neighbours that might be behind the closure of the track, although I don't remember there being much around so I suspect it's more likely to be a Landowner wanting to cut the noise so his land is more saleable.
Possibly just rumours & speculation of course, but maybe supported by the apparent running of Academy courses in France

[SAJ]

That's a real shame, I had plans to do the driving academy next year after having to cancel it last year when I was made redundant from work.

But if it isn't making money then they should close it until they can afford to run it at a profit.

I've done it Saj and can hand on heart say you'll be better off spending a couple of days with Walshy!

Thanks Mark, I've plans to do the Walshy Blighton Park track stuff next year and if I can I'll try to do the airfield day next year too.

[mwmackenzie]

That's a real shame, I had plans to do the driving academy next year after having to cancel it last year when I was made redundant from work.

But if it isn't making money then they should close it until they can afford to run it at a profit.

I've done it Saj and can hand on heart say you'll be better off spending a couple of days with Walshy!

Thanks Mark, I've plans to do the Walshy Blighton Park track stuff next year and if I can I'll try to do the airfield day next year too.

Do the airfield first! learn how to drive and control the car before learning fastest way round a track

[Victor Meldrew]

I've done it Saj and can hand on heart say you'll be better off spending a couple of days with Walshy!

Thanks Mark, I've plans to do the Walshy Blighton Park track stuff next year and if I can I'll try to do the airfield day next year too.

Do the airfield first! learn how to drive and control the car before learning fastest way round a track

Second that 100%. You will never improve until you can put yourself in a safe environment where the car is beyond the edge of control. After your first visit to Walshy you will come away feeling shell shocked at how inadequate a driver you are. That isn't meant to be an insult. It is the simple truth that he can get so much more out of you than you ever thought possible.




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[j2 lot]

An update from Lotus:
https://www.thelotusforums.com/latest-n ... otorsport/

Just a shame that they didn't pre-empt the reaction closure would generate and come out with a 'good news' release before now

[Stu160]

We were at Grand Sambuc a few years ago on Frolic, stunning location, and a nice wee track, a bit like Knockhill, but sunny.
can't see how it will be busy, as it was deep in the south of France.

A slightly more encouraging way of putting the news across , than "its been closed"

Stu

[Stu160]

I

I've done it Saj and can hand on heart say you'll be better off spending a couple of days with Walshy! [/quote]

Thanks Mark, I've plans to do the Walshy Blighton Park track stuff next year and if I can I'll try to do the airfield day next year too.[/quote]

Do the airfield first! learn how to drive and control the car before learning fastest way round a track [/quote]

Second that 100%. You will never improve until you can put yourself in a safe environment where the car is beyond the edge of control. After your first visit to Walshy you will come away feeling shell shocked at how inadequate a driver you are. That isn't meant to be an insult. It is the simple truth that he can get so much more out of you than you ever thought possible.


Totally agree John, I went back and done a day when I had the vx, before a trip to the ring and Spa I think.....I had forgotten how to drive, couldn't do the corner exercise without spinning. Ended up with the one finger method, and built it up from there. The best upgrade you can ever do to your car.

Stu



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[ScottJ-PS]

so shut down LDA at their HQ and move it to France, soon post Brexit, Brilliant! Who does their marketing? Kermit the Frog, has to be a muppet anyway .

[j2 lot]

If you were cynical you might say having a French CEO may be of influence.
I wonder if manufacturing abroad follows.....