Well I’m finally back on planet earth after one of the best weekends I can remember in a long time. In fact, I’m still not sure it really happened and have to pinch myself from time to time. The whole thing was just an amazing experience, but at the end of the day, what made it so special for me was all the fine people I met and who’s generosity, helpfulness and sense of goodwill was humbling. No doubt there’s folks who’s names I can’t even remember, so if I’ve missed anyone or anything out, sorry, it’s not intentional. So, in no particular order:
Matt thanks for, well, just everything really. No need to say any more, I know a kindred spirit when I meet one. It was great to meet Dave H and Haslegs too. I was pleased to discover Dave that you are not the fat, elderly man with a huge ginger-beard that I remember meeting at the Poo bar last year (such was my state of sobriety at that point). In your honour guys, I watched a few episodes of League of Gents last night. How many times did we shout out “Get it right Brian!” and “We didn’t burn him”? People must have thought we were idiots, which of course we are.
Fax, we must have spent ages shooting the sh*t about autosports, if only I could remember some of it. Oh, and people, in real life Fax is a genuinely lovely and funny bloke, not the curmugeonly old grumper he sometimes comes across as on the forum.
Pidge, thanks for the hospitality and for creating our base camp. My regards to all the guys like Les etc too. Mate, your breakfasts are a thing of legend. A warmer and more welcoming man I have yet to meet and look forward to seeing you again. Hope Chris24 paid you for wrecking your tent!
GAB and Bro, thanks for the string, tent stakes and being great neighbours.
Canada Phil, I have only one thing to say: “Helicoil”! It was a pleasure to spend some quality time with you at last. Where the hell do you get that enthusiasm from first thing in the morning?
Turn 10 guys, I’m not going to mention any names cos I’d be here all day! So to all of you, you folk are quality individuals. Thanks so much for your total generosity in terms of fine dining and cold beverages. I know the Americans like to do things bigger and better, but I think I’ve just about seen everything now I’ve seen a four-stroke weedwhacker-powered marguerite machine! And who the hell decided to try deep frying those turkeys? Pure genius! Anyway, it was a pleasure to meet you and look forward to providing some reciprocal hospitality to any of you who get over to Le Mans.
John Evans, always a pleasure. Oh and thanks for the tent, hope it’s dried out now. You saved me and Rick from having to share with JPC and Steve, something I think we will be forever grateful for. Larry the Mississippi Sausage Maestro, send us that recipe and happy hunting!
The UK contingent, Smokie, JP, Stevie B, Little Ricky Cutler, thanks guys. I couldn’t have hoped for better companions. Drinking, laughing, farting, karting, golfing (And hey people, yours truly scored a memorable hole in one on the 13th. They’d never seen anything like it at the Congo River Mini Golf Course.) Anyway, nuff said, thanks guys.
Just mention a couple of slight downsides. To the MoFo who stole my fanny pack and wallet, hope you choke. To the weirdo Preacherman and Billy Bob with the double-ended dildo, better luck next time, you were scary people.
Finally, to all at Aston Martin Racing, ultimately you made our race.
Yup, I’m still pinching myself…..
