2014 - Ferrari Racing Days - Silverstone GP Circuit

Two years after achieving the world record of 964 Ferraris (yes I know it's the code for the 90's 911) on track at once, we return to Silverstone to support the European Trofeo and Shell 458 Challenge series' and the clienti programme of FXX, 599XX and F1 cars.

The Pirelli Ferrari Open has been invited again, but unfortunately the Classics remain excluded by the factory.  Such a shame as they do put on a great show and would definitely add a further dimension to the weekend.

Listening to the engines of the older F1 cars in contrast to my trip to the British GP in July really brings home what has been lost from the sport since the introduction of the turbos.  The scream is immense as the cars fly past.

The FXX and 599XX are similarly spectacular and it was a great privilege to watch from the pit lane.

Open Race

So onto the Open Race and specifically the gaggle of 355s.  After qualifying it is clear that Nigel's modifications for the Intermarque series have now bedded-in and starting to deliver the benefits.  Unless Nigel has a problem we will be in his wake.  Thankfully, the remaining cars are very close, so we should have a good battle.

Race 1

Tim and I are nose to tail behind the 360 of Gavin Shirley, which we know is difficult to get off the line, so there is a chance we both go backwards at the start.   As expected the 360s are slow off the line, but a spin in the first corner shuffles the pack and I get ahead of Tim and pull a large gap.  I maintain the gap for the race, with Nigel well ahead fighting with the 360s on SLICKS.  Unbelievable !!!.  2nd in class is a great result and ahead of Tim. 1 nil for the weekend to Tris.

Race 1 footage

Race 2

Tim and I start nose to tail again, but this time on the outside of the track.  Unfortunately the 360 of Gavin Shirley hasn't made the grid and both Nigel and Lee get a good run on the inside of turn 1.  Thankfully a decision to follow Lee gives me the chance to go around the outside of Tim at Village and pull a gap.

Race 2 footage

I keep with Lee and Nigel for a few laps, but gradually lose ground.  Tim makes good use of the faster cars as they lap us and is back on my tail by lap 9 and it is clear that he has more time in the car than I can match, so it's all eyes on the mirrors as I keep him behind.  Thankfully I retain 3rd and ahead of Tim for the second time in the weekend. Result !

2013 - Lamborghini 50th Tour - The trip home

Ouch...........

That was one hell of a day at the factory. My head is definitely struggling a little but thankfully I've got a relaxing day planned. I'll have a late start, pop into the town to buy a big suitcase for all my junk and get a taxi direct to the airport, avoiding any delays in collecting the car from the factory. David will set-off at 10:30 to the factory and then straight to Loro Ciufenna for the Christening of Jonty Bowers daughter Amanda and join up with Mark Cavoto for the Lamborghini Family event just south of Florence.

We have a leasurely breakfast, chatting with Squires, Metcalf and the Wests; generally apologising for any embarrassment the Lambo London gang may have made the night before.

Mr Squires looking fully refreshed from the night before

I wave David off with a small gift for Cov to make up for the fact he missed the party.  I'm sure we could have blagged him into the factory if he had come straight up from Pisa when he landed.

Anniversary Wallet on it's way to Cavoto

Wandering around the city centre, there are no shops open, and definitely no where to buy bags.  Kristina and Alex West pass me in a taxi as they set-off to the airport.  I decide to pop into the train station (surely they will sell bags) before I head to the airport myself. 

There is no joy at the station so I jump into a taxi and text Alex to find me a shop at the airport.  There are two potentials. The Ferrari store and the Ducati store.  Surely they will sell bags, if a little expensive.  

Arriving at the airport I discover that neither stores sell bags so head direct to BA check-in for some advice.  Thankfully there is an answer.  A bag wrapping service is right next to the check-in desk and the attendant is happy to wrap my paper bag and suit carriers 

Wrap those bags

Once wrapped I return to the BA desk, just as the check-in girl departs for the boarding gate.  Be quick she says with a smile, my colleague will check you in.

Excellent, we are looking good, and I'm ready for the flight to Newcastle via LHR, or am I?

Unfortunately the pleasant agent has been replaced with the devil in drag.  'You're late' she barks. I know, but all good now.  'You have only requested one checked in bag, and have two'.. Hmm, this is sounding like a challenge.

I must now go and pay for an extra bag from somewhere upstairs.  Oh yes, and I must be quick.  Thanks

After a bit of running, I find the right desk and as it has a queue; I ask the 'closed' window if she could help me as I'm late. Unfortunately that is far too much like good service to be considered so I must await my turn......

NO!!!!

Finally I get the receipt, plus a duplicate copy to hand into the check-in desk.  Joy.  I run back.

'You're late' I'm told again.  'No $h1t Sherlock'  I manage to hold back from shouting.  'Now I need the credit card you used to book the flight'  Arghhhhhhhh.  I throw 5 cards onto the desk.  Fingers crossed it's one of those then.  Thankfully it's the first she tries.

'You must now run to secuiruty' I'm informed.  'Why' I think, so you get the satisfaction of me missing by a whisker like a kid running for the bus.  'will you help me get through security?' I ask.  'No, you must go, quick, quick'.  

'your late'  I wonder why pet

Those who know me, will recognise that my only response to such a demand after the delay she has given me is to slowly and very precisely place each credit card back into my wallet one at a time before neatly folding my receipt for the additional bag into the envelope holding all of the paperwork required for my flight.

'go go' she shouts, 'you are going to miss your flight'.  'And why will that be?' I ask as I walk slowly away from the desk. Sod it, if I've missed it, I've missed it.  I'll just get the next flight.

Once through security, after the usual frisk, when all I'm wearing is a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, I finally get to the gate.  As luck would have it, Paul Young is waiting and the flight has been held for me.  Friendly check-in lady knew I was coming and kept it open.  I'll be home by 6pm tonight.  Still I decide to Instagram my disappointment with the check-in from BA.  I'm sure Karma will sort her out.

Hold that plane Mr Young 

Landing in Heathrow Terminal 5, I'm in no rush. I have 3 hours before the connecting flight.  I'm fully refreshed and ready for a relaxing drink in the bar.  Amazingly everything works in my favour.  I've met up with Rudy Hackett a professional basketball player who coaches in Italy.  We are fast tracked through immigration and security like true VIPs (I wonder if they ready my tweet?) 

Rudy Hackett

Wondering around the duty free I'm invited into the VIP area of Mapin & Webb  for drinks and snacks whilst trying on some of their 'exclusive' watch collection.  How does a 150k Zenith Christophe Columb 360 Tourbillon suit you sir?  Very Impressive, or the Ulysses Nardin Moonstruck, Jeager Le Coultre Chronograph or Bvlgari Octo?  I think I prefer the Jaeger. Finishing off with an invite to a Basel launch party in London next week it's all made for a very pleasant couple of hours before I jump on the flight to London.  Thanks guys.

Zenith Christophe Columb 360 Tourbillon

Ulysses Nardin Moonstruck

Jeager Le Coultre Chronograph

Jeager Le Coultre Chronograph

Bvlgari Octo