GTi International 03

Though I don't own a watercooled VW, I nevertheless keep an open mind as to the on-going watercooled vs. aircooled which-is-better debate. Mindful of this I gladly travelled to this year's GTi International, held at a new location for this year, Bentwaters Parks, Woodbridge, Suffolk, north-east of Ipswich.

The annual event for all type and models of water-cooled veedubs offered many facilities, tailored for sped and sprint trials (being a disused airforce base), plenty of level strip to burn rubber!

With a sensible admission price, VW Driver magazine -organised events will always command an excellent loyalty base, clearly reflected in record crowds.

The pros and cons of water vs air within the Volkswagen fraternity will rumble on; doubtless one thing clearly evident... the passion and enthusiasm displayed in all facets by owners and followers in, and out, of Woodbridge - the A12 proved to be a useful racetrack to and from the event - and I thought the boy-racers were only interested in tin-Fords...ho, hum.

I have no stats or specs to relay, as I attended more as an interested party rather than dedicated follower; that's why I warmly welcome the thoughts and opinions of water-cooled-owning fans and friends, Graham and Elaine Watson....

WWhy, thank you Derek, what a fine introduction(!).

Before we offer our views and opinions on GTi International, may I introduce - Graham, Elaine and Rebecca Watson. Between us we own a 1994 Golf, a 2002 Polo and, while still 4 years away from driving age, Rebecca has a large number of VWs of all types. We don't really subscribe to the water / air schism, we enjoy all things Volkswagen, it's like being part of a very large extended family. As well as GTi International, this year we have enjoyed Volkswagen, VW Expo and we're looking forward to Peppercorn in a weeks time.

Enough of the intro, here's what we feel about GTi International.

For the past 16 years a certain weekend in May has claimed the attentions of the water-cooled performance VW (for that read Volkswagen Group) owner. For us this is our 8th International and, as Del pointed out this year marked a new venue. And what a fine venue - once an USAF base, its claims to fame include being an emergency landing strip for the Space Shuttle, a starring role in the film The Fourth Protocol and being a testing ground in C4Ís motoring programme Driven Two 2-mile runways and enough open space to rival Texas make it an ideal location for the attendees to strut their stuff. Our journey involved a 100-mile drive from our home in Tunbridge Wells, with about 95 miles on either motorway or dual carriageway, a smooth and trouble-free trip only slightly spoiled by not being able to find Bentwaters Parks at the first attempt. I blame the Suffolk highway planners and their roundabout fetish, all of which look alike. Still, we weren't alone in our confusion and after joining a succession of meandering GTi convoys, we eventually found one which led right to the gates.

After The location, the ingredients to make a thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating weekend (to make the most of it we stayed Saturday night in an Ipswich hotel) are:

• Timed -mile sprint, two cars at a time with a print-out of your time and terminal speed. This proved extremely popular judging by the number cars proudly displaying their sprayed-on number on the rear screen through the weekend, and on the journey home
• Tyre-testing, courtesy of Yokohama, where drivers take their car on a slalom course, first with their own tyres then a Yokohama set. (These part-worn Yokohamas are available to purchase at a charity auction on the Sunday afternoon)
• Concours d'elegance
• Show N Shine
• Many Club displays
• A wide range of traders; VW Dealers reducing their parts inventory at knock-down prices, well-known independent suppliers, ICE, the performance tuners and race-preparers, dismantlers and more
• Not just car parts, other traders provided clothing , phone covers (yes, really) and memorabilia
• A wide choice of food and drink providers with a dedicated eating area complete with tables and benches
• Clean loos

Gliving credence to the International moniker, many fellow enthusiasts from Europe and Ireland attended as exhibitors, traders and just visiting. Acres of parked vehicles were testament to GTi International appeal, and the vehicles exhibited in the Concours, Show N Shine and club stands were of the highest standards.

Everything about GTi International reflected the thought and organisation that went into its planning. There was even an ATM on site to supply cash for that final must have accessory. The weekend was crowned by good weather which further contributed to the navel good factor. So, we left with a good assortment of spares, some styling parts, clothing and souvenirs and were looking forward to next year's GTi International... I wonder what the residents of Woodbridge made of the VW Invasion 2003î?

Del Griffin, Graham Watson, Elaine Watson, Rebecca Watson