Mattels Exclusive rights with Ferrari are coming to an end.

Well the time has finally come for the relationship with Mattel and Ferrari to come to an end. As a long time collector of Ferrari Automobilia, I am actually not surprised that it is finally ending. I have read several posts in various places online where collectors weren't really that happy with the product Mattel was releasing in the 1:18 scale world. There are companies out there that I used to have resale accounts with when I had my Automotive Collectibles business, as well as other companies that I have collected over the years that as small companies, they out out some phenomenal product.

So with the demise of this relationship, I am in hopes of Ferrari signing some deal and getting some too notch models released by these smaller, higher quality companies to to be released. I think this will get the 1:18 collector market a good boost and it will be greatly appreciated. Why a boost! Well, I actually stopped collecting for the reason that I really wasn't happy with what was being released by Mattel. I also honestly didn't have the funds to continue my collecting hobby either. So maybe, just maybe in the future I will see what comes out and is something I just can't live without. But before I make that decision, I have a more important hobby to address. The build of my Kustom 1990 Chevy S10. That's another story to come down the line when I starts. Until then, thanks for reading my little rant. 

VIDEO: V9 - Final laps - A view from the Podium at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

This is video number 9, the final video in the series from the ALMS 2012 race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

After spending about 30 minutes up on the podium, with permission, I was asked to leave due to the racers having to come up and for other reasons. I asked one of the workers on the podium, I believe it was the gentleman in charge of some sort of lighting, if I could set my camera on the table pointing at the Start/Finish line for the remainder of the race. He said it was okay and just asked what he needed to do. I asked him to just turn it off when the race was over. After it was all done, I went back up and retrieved my camera. Here is some of the footage. I wanted to just keep it down to the last few minutes so I didn't bore anyone. Thank you for watching.

VIDEO: V8 - ALMS 2012 - Race action view from the Podium

During the last 20-30 minutes of the race, I was invited up to the podium with one of the volunteers at the track. I had asked him earlier in the day if I could go up there to get some video footage and some photos. So here is some of the video footage I was able to get. I have one more video in the series of the last couple minutes of the race that will be posted on the blog as well. I have the previous 7 videos from the series on the blog as well, so please check them out when you have the time to do so. THANK YOU!

Video: ALMS 2012 - THE CORKSCREW

One of my favorite place to watch while at the track for any event. I'm sure many of whom that have been to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca would agree with me on that. Of course I had to record some action while there. Check it out! THANK YOU!

Video: ALMS Action at Turn 10 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Got home today from watching, wait, more like waiting for the tile guy to finish grouting the floor at my brother-in-laws house this morning.Was there all day yesterday, bored off and on when I wasn't watching a movie, or on his computer. Anyhow, when I got home I got some things adjusted and decided to work on this video. It is the sixth in the series. I have more coming. THANK you for visiting my blog, and for watching the video.

VIDEO: Turn 9-10 ALMS Action at MRLS

While running around the track during the race, one of my many stops was on the side of the hill between Turns 9 and 10. Always a great spot to watch from. Check out the video.

VIDEO: Shots from the bridge. ALMS 2012

Finally some action video from the 2012 ALMS event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Some are probably wondering why I'm loading videos from last years race. Well, I am just finally getting some time to get all of my archived video footage from the past 2 plus years edited. I have a lot go through. More from this event, as well as some cool cars from various car shows I've attended. With the amount I have, I could upload 500 more videos. Maybe more! Please check back for more videos. Thank you for visiting my blog, and for watching my videos.

VIDEO: ALMS 2012 - Raceday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Video footage of part of my day last year at the 2012 ALMS race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Had a great time. Didn't make it this year as I had other things planned that were not able to be changed. I hope to make it next year in 2014 for the new United SportsCar Racing event as it will be the new series to attend. Enjoy the video and check out more of my videos of the day coming soon to the blog. THANK YOU!

My Prancing Horse!

Another project that I had completed a couple months back. I was at the local Goodwill store, as I usually am when looking for automobilia items to keep, or to sell on eBay. I had come across this high up on the top shelf and I just couldn't resist. So I purchased this ceramic "Prancing Horse" with the idea of re-painting it to a nice satin black to resemble my favorite Italian marque. So I brought home, and it sat around for a little while until I got to just deciding to get it done when I happened to be off one day during the week. While it had more or less been sitting around, I had sanded the finish so that I could actually paint it. But then it sat around again. But then that day off I got a bug and finished it off. I painted quite a few coats on it with some rattle can paint. Once dry, I decided to put it in the room with the rest of my automobilia items. Well now has come the time to wrap it up and pack it away in a moving box until it gets a new life in the next home I end up moving into. Whenever it comes out again, I will update the blog as the new office decor comes into existence. Until then, enjoy the photos and I hope you enjoyed the brief story.

How it looked at time of purchase

A better shot when I got it home

After the first few coats of paint

The finished project

SKUSA 2009 - Prelude to my Callaway SC 540 Silverado Experience

So a few weeks ago a friend of mine came through town for work. However, before I can proceed I need to explain what brought me to the point of how Mike C. and I actually met and became friends. I know it's a story of the past, but it helps explain a few things.

In November 2009 I was working at the Ferrari Store in San Francisco and a co-worker came in and proceeded to tell us that a very famous Formula One driver was confirmed to be participating in the SKUSA event that weekend at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. This driver, Michael Schumacher. I immediately called my wife and told her I was going to Las Vegas. Once I told her why, it was no contest. She knew I was going. I had tried to get some things signed back in 2005 and 2006 while attending the Formula One race in Indianapolis at the famed Indy Motor Speedway. In '05 I had my Ferrari cap signed by Rubens Barrichello and Ross Brawn. In '06, I had my 1:18 Ferrari Enzo diecast car in front of Schumy and he just went right around it signing everything except for my car. I was a little bummed out about it, but such is life right. I did however get Felipe Massa and Ross Brawn, so I was happy. Keeping that story short, let us now get back to November 2009! I made a few more calls after I spoke to my wife to a couple of friends that I thought for sure would go. One wasn't able to pull it off, but my friend Mike T. from Los Angeles was ALL IN. He said he would get the room, so all I had to do was make my flight purchase and it was all set. So, on my lunch break I got that all in line and I was already feeling the excitement of meeting (at the time) my favorite driver from my favorite marque.

Friday Morning Practice

Thursday morning came and I made the usual trek that I normally did for my work commute. But this time I stayed on the train and was on my way to the Airport. The flight was easy and when I got to Las Vegas, I just needed to kill a few hours and wait for Mike T. to show. So, I had breakfast at the hotel and since I'm not a gambling man, I did a little bit of nothing for a couple hours. After all, I was there for a chance of a lifetime, not to gamble. Once Mike T. showed and we got settled in our room, we just decided to do some sight seeing for the day. After all, we were going to be at SKUSA all day on Friday. To spare those details, I'll skip to Friday.

Schumacher signing for fans.
He signed my Enzo on the
engine cover.

Friday morning Mike T. and I got up, grabbed breakfast, then got a cab ride over to the Rio Hotel and Casino. We walked through the ground floor and out the back to where the event was taking place. Once we got in, we looked at the go-karts on our way through to where the bleachers were. I met up with my co-worker who was there to be a mechanic for his friend who was to be racing that weekend. We talked for a few minutes, and then the hunt was on to find Mr. Schumacher. We ended up finding where he was to be and waited for a bit. Throughout the day, Michael walked through the paddock to the starting grid, so he was getting hit by the fans, and I did manage to get my Ferrari hat signed very quickly. Now it had 3 signatures. Then a little later I managed to get the 1:18 Enzo signed. When I put it out in front of him, he asked where to sign it, I asked where I wanted it signed, and it was done. SWEET! 2 things signed. I had 1 more item that I needed signed before the day was to end of the day. This item was the only Michael Schumacher Ferrari hat I had in my vast Ferrari collection. Eventually it got signed.

Schumy Drift

Waiting for Qualifying 1

So, this is where the meeting of Mike C. and I comes into play. Mike C. was doing the same thing I was. Trying and succeeding to get some of his collectible items signed by the man who brought Ferrari back to their racing glory. I actually met quite a few fans. It was a great day. Everyone was being rather patient, and to make it even better, Schumy was being pretty cool as well. So this is how and where I met the friend that now works for Callaway. We talked about a lot of things throu the day, and one of them included, well obviously the fact that we were all fans of Schumacher and the great marque that he had driven for, Ferrari. Then we found out that 3 of us were all members of the same forum website that caters to the marque. Pretty interesting! Considering that is also how I managed to meet Mike T.. But, before the day was to end, we were waiting around the team tent at the end of the day for him to come out and see his fans that had been there all day long. And a couple more rare moments came into play. I was joking about getting a kart tire signed that was sitting on the ground when Mike C. was all for it. So we each grabbed a tire and got them signed. Then the moment came where I just had to get a picture with Schumy. So I asked him and he obliged. So I gave my camera to Mike T.,  Mike C. to jump into the shot, and a couple clicks later we were all happy. What an awesome day. So, obviously Mike C. wanted a copy of the shot. What fan of Schumacher wouldn't want actual proof that they had actually met the man in the flesh.


Waiting for Qualifying 2

Well, since we had had an awesome day checking out the Super Kart Nationals, and having the chance of a lifetime to meet the greatest Formula One driver of our time, the day was over. Since we hadn't had much of anything to eat all day, Mike T. and I decided it was time to leave and grab something to eat. Not knowing what to eat, we invited Mike C. and his friend to hang out for dinner, and he knew of a great burger joint in the Rio Hotel. So we went there and had some good time getting to know one another. After nearly a couple of hours of chatting, the day was done. I had to get back to the hotel and grab some sleep. I had to get up pretty early to catch my flight back home. It was Saturday, The event was still happening, and I had to get back to work since I was unable to get the day off. OH WELL! Thursday was fun, Friday was awesome. It was time to get back to the norm.

Now that I have explained how Mike C and I met, stay tuned for my write up on the next time we actually got together. And yes, it will include the Callaway SC 540 Silverado.

Michael Schumacher in action

Schumy/Kart

Off to work

Michael Schumacher in action

Helmet of the 7 Time World Champion

Thanks Schumy!

SKUSA at the RIO HOTEL

Ferrari F50 GT - VIDEO #50 on the YouTube Channel

I hit post #48 here on the blog a couple day ago, and I wanted to even up the number so that I could get the mark at this current entry of #50. In order to do so, I posted a cheesy entry about me selling my Forza Magazine collection to get the field evened up.

I had also hit video upload #49 a few days back and wanted to be sure that the next one was something worthy of being #50, not only of the video uploads, but also for blog entry #50. So I looked at the video footage that I had so far and noticed the worthy candidate. THE FERRARI F50 GT! An absolutely stunning Ferrari So here is the video all finished and on my YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/speedtrap73

ENJOY!

Sold the Forza Collection off

Well I finally got the collection completed and up to issue #108 when I decided to sell the off to help pay for my college registration and books. I listed about half of them on eBay over about a 2-3 week period. I had started by listing at the highest current issue and they started to sell. I got down to #46 when finally someone offered to buy the remainder of the collection. I was offered a decent price, but out of those issue I had already sold 13 of the 100 that the buyer wanted. So, I let him know what I had left, threw him a price, and he bought them. Last week I shipped the remaining lot to the buyer in two boxes and they should be in their new home soon.

VIDEO: My Highlights of Concorso Italiano - 2011

I finally got around to getting my highlights video put together from the event. I had a great time at the event, so I wanted to share it with everyone. Thank You! Enjoy the video. Feedback appreciated.

VIDEO: Valentino Balboni at Concorso Italiano - 2011

For those of you that don't know who Valentino Balboni is, well here is a little information for you. Mr. Balboni recently retired from Lamborghini. His job - to drive every Lambo that came off the Assembly line. I want that job! Enjoy the video.

Concorso Italiano 2011: Video included

Well! How do I start? The previous evening I had gone to San Francisco to view "Senna - The Movie" at the Embarcadero Cinema. All I can say is - Phenomenal! But that's not what this blog entry is about. But I needed to start off with it anyways. Why? Well, I didn't get out of the theater until rather late as the Director, Asif Kapadia was there answering questions from the audience. I got to the parking garage and ended up waiting about 20 minutes for the attendant to let me out.

Once I was out of the garage, and on my way out of the city, I was heading back to Livermore to get a couple hours of sleep. I had to go to Livermore since I was meeting up with my friend Rob at his house around 4:45 am so we could leave around 5:00 am. I ended up sleeping in my car for 2 hours, woke up, changed my clothes, brushed my teeth and drove over to his house. The Ferrari was in the driveway and warming up. After a little bit, it was time to go. We stopped for a quick top off of the fuel, then we were on our way.

We drove down to San Jose and got off the freeway so we could meet up with a few other that wanted to caravan down to the event. We grabbed some coffee and then waited for quite a while. I'm not sure when the others started showing up, but we were there for at least an hour. Once everyone had arrived, off we went once again. We then drove to Gilroy and exited the freeway again. We were picking up 1 more person. Once that was done, back on 101 we went.

I had decided it would be easier to take the group through Salinas and head in on 68 rather than go the longer route out and around through Seaside and then back in on 68. Well, we ended up stuck in a little bit of traffic. It wasn't to bad, but not knowing how the traffic was coming in from the West, I think it was still the better choice. I always drive this way when I go to the track, so it was the choice I made.

We did manage to get to Laguna Seca Golf Ranch at a decent time, and once we were in, it was all smiles. We walked around pretty much 90% of the day. The other 10% was talking to others that were attending the event. I took quite a bit of video and not to many photos. I was being pretty picky about what I wanted to photograph. But, when I found something of interest, I was snapping away. The highlight for me was the Ferrari F50 GT that was sitting there outside the Ferrari Hospitality tent. The F50 GT was flanked with an F50 on each side. I had been wanting to see one of these for several years, and finally I had. I went back to this beast several times throughout the day to try and get better shots. But it all depended on who would stay out of the view of the camera. IT SUCKS not having a wide angle lens. But, I managed to get a lot of pics of it anyways.


It was nice to walk around this show for once and meet others that were as passionate about being here as I was. I was finally able to put faces with names of those of whom frequent certain forum sites. Maybe next time it won't be as brief as it was. The one person that I did get to spend more than a brief moment with this year was the infamous Valentino Balboni, the master of all Lamborghini drivers. Last year I managed to meet him and get my AUTOart Lamborghini Countach signed, as well as the box, and a few photographs with him. This time around I was able to get another photo taken with him, as well as getting some video of him speaking some great words. I'll be adding the video to my Youtube once I get through all the video I have. Check out what I do have so far.

More show highlights for me - The beautiful 1952 Ferrari 212/225 Barchetta that was brought in by The Petersen Museum. This was the Ferrari that Enzo had given to Ford. This car was stunning. Then there were the 250 Berlinetta Lussos. This has been one of my favorite 250 series Ferraris for years. As far as Lamborghini goes, I would have to sat that seeing the several examples of Miuras on display was a treasure. Then there was the latest Lamborghini, The Aventador. I wish I had spent more time looking this car over. But I didn't. For some reason every year I always feel rushed. It just seems like there isn't enough time in the day to really look everything over to appreciate it as much as I would like to. Oh Well! There's always next year right?

Well once that was all over, it was time to head into Carmel for a great dinner at Little Napoli. Rob and I, along with another Ferraristi, Jeff, along with his girlfriend had dinner here last year with a few others. However, this year it was just the 4 of us. We talked for a long time about various things, finished dinner, then went next door to the Wine Bar that is part of Little Napoli. We were there for quite some time, talking some more, and viewing the cars and people wandering around outside. After dinner, it was time to have Rob take me to the track and drop me off as I didn't want to go all the way back home just to be back at the track early in the morning to volunteer for another weekend. I was dropped off, and away home the friends went.

Ferrari F50GT

The Henry Ford 1952 Ferrari 212/225 Barchetta

Matte Black Lamborghini Aventador

FERRARI F430 on 580

Just a little something to share with those of us that appreciate these fine Italian cars.

I was heading over to Pleasanton to pick up my wife at work when I saw this coming up behind me. Of course, as an avid Ferraristi, I had to pull out the iPhone and get a couple shots and a short video.

Here's the video!

ROAD TRIP - WYOMING PART 6 - HEADING HOME!

Now to get this trip write up finished so I can get some other things added.

We got up somewhat early and had breakfast with the Aunt and Uncle. After about an hour or so, we finally decided it was time to head out. We said our goodbyes and then went to Grandmas to say goodbye to her. Then on the road we were.

Now that we were on the road, we had planned on stopping at Pathfinder Reservoir to see the waterfall coming over the dam. We were told that it was rather high and wanted to check it out. Uncle Bobby had given us directions to get there via a scenic route by turning on Alcove Ave./County Road 407 just to the North of Alcova Reservoir. It was a decent scenic route. We stopped at a few places along the road to take some photos. But then got to one of the places he had mentioned to stop at. We were at Fremont Canyon. This place was very nice. Very deep rock canyons with a ton of water flowing through them. I was hoping to get a decent shot from just across the bridge, but since I don’t have a wide-angle lens, I had to go up high on the side of the mountain to get a decent shot. While walking around, there were several cactus flowers, so I put my camera to use and got several shots of those. Then I got my shot from on the mountain of the bridge and the canyon. Then we were off to get to where we were supposed to go.

We finally arrived at Pathfinder Reservoir, and I took a quick look at where everyone was going to, and coming from. I immediately knew that that was not where I wanted to go. So I looked to a different direction, and that was where I knew I needed to go. I walked to where I had to climb down some rocks to get to the edge of the cliffs in order to get some shots. I put both my Canon 40D and Rebel 2000 to use. I use the Rebel to shoot black and white. I won’t know how those turn out until I take another class at the college. I tried to get as many shots as I could with my 40D of the powerful waterfall coming off the reservoir. It was phenomenal! After about 30 minutes I climbed my way back out and headed back to the car. My wife and I started heading out when I saw another area of the falls that I wanted to check out. This was the area where it comes over the dam. I walked in and got some more shots and then back to the car and off we were. The next stop was lunch in Rawlins, just off the I-80. Now it was time for the long haul to Salt Lake City.

On the way to Salt Lake City, I noticed a car hauler loaded with cars. One in particular caught my eye. Why? This one was burned out. Then I get right up to it and I started to cry. The car I noticed was a Ferrari Testarossa. Yep! Some idiot blew up the motor and nearly burned the thing to the ground. I took a couple pics with my iPhone just to show to my Ferrari enthusiast friends. The only other stop we had to take was for fuel. Then we finally arrived in Salt Lake City around 6:00 pm. We had planned on being there a lot earlier, but the side trip to the reservoir added on way more time than we thought. OH WELL! We checked in to the Bed and Breakfast we had reservations for, and then we headed out to Red Rock Brewery and Restaurant. The beer was good, but this time our dinner wasn’t as good. But, it wasn’t that bad. No complaints!

The next morning we got up and left around 8:00 am. The weather wasn’t in our favor and we were in the rain for about 2 hours or so until we got in the clear. This was about the time we got to Wendover, Nevada. On our way though, I had noticed several Hot Rods, Muscle Cars and Classic Trucks going the other direction. When I got to Wendover and was going through on the main drag, I noticed that The Rainbow Casino and Hotel parking lot. I was in heaven once again. To bad I couldn’t stay though. What I saw though, was some great rides. They have this event every year on Fathers Day Weekend. HMMM! Maybe I’ll just have to come back when I have the time to get away. After drooling for about 15 minutes, back on the road again we were. Not much else happened, other that a long drive to keep calm and enjoy the view of, well not too much! We kept going except for more fuel, and for another bite to eat. We finally got home around 7:00 pm. Our trip was now over. Time to relax from the long drive and wait for the next event to come.

FERRARI RACING DAYS CHAPTER 4 - 2011

Prancing Horse - White #2 599XX

Well, today I really don't have much to talk about as far as the event goes. I got stuck working Center Gate all day with no chance to get away except to eat lunch. However, at the end of the day I was able to get my day finished off on an extremely high note. I went and met up with the gentleman that I had met at the Infineon event and got the ultimate Ferrari F1 fans experience. He let me sit in the car! Oh man was I grinning ear to ear for the next several hours. THANKS FOR THE EXPERIENCE!

Me in the F2003-GA Rubens Barrichello Chassis

After winding down for a bit I was able to get dinner and go run around the paddock and see the Ferrari crew getting things packed up for the stuff to get shipped off back to Italy. I walked through the garges and did a favor for someone off of a website forum that had contacted me. I was asked to get a shot of each of the 599XX cars as well as the VIN plate for his records as an avid Ferraristi. When I finished I went back to a little relaxing. Then after 9:00 pm, J.Z. and I went back out to lock up the gates, garages, and Pit Suites. Of course I decided to bring my camera with me since I was unable to get any pictures during the day. Kind of bummed about that, but this made up for it. I went through and got some pictures of the 599XX's, Michael Schumacher #30 FXX and the F189, F2004, and the F2007 F1 cars. After getting all my shots, we shut off the lights, locked up all the doors, and put them all to bed for the night. It was awesome! Sitting there with no one around, looking at all the details of the 3 F1 cars, and admiring the details that went into these beauties. Absolutely Amazing!

After that is was off to finish locking the gates and then go get a shower and so I could be relaxed again for a good nights sleep. Now I'm off to get my pics downloaded. I'll add them in the next few days.

THANKS FOR READING MY FERRARI RACING DAYS EXPERIENCES!

Mick Fleetwood & Me

THE Michael Schumacher #30 Black FXX

FERRARI RACINGS DAYS CHAPTER 3 - 2011

Giallo Modena Prancing Horse

Today was another great day of Ferrari festivities. I started out my day at about 6:00 this morning. I got ready and started my work day getting the cars parked up until somewhere around 9:00. Spent some time doing my gate duties. After some time I had to go meet up with an acquaintance and get him into an area where he didn't have to park his car in the dirt. After he got situated I went back to my gate duties. I was pretty mu ch there the rest of the day after that. I did however get to spend some time on the pit lane watching the Formula One Ferrari's do their laps. Not just the pit lane, but right up against the wall at the front straight. It was an awesome experience. Now before I came over to the wall I had seen a gentleman wearing his FOG (Ferrari Owners Group) jacket, and since I know a few others from the group, I decided to introduce myself and chat for a bit. After a few minutes I decided to ask him if he wanted to get a little closer to the action. Well obviously you can't say no to that right? I brought him over to the pit wall so he could watch the F1 cars take off from pit lane. After a bit I decided to ask him if he wanted to come over to where I was on the Pit/front straight wall to see some action. Well needless to say, He was very happy. But, they were cut short due to one driver going off at one of the corners and beaching his car in the gravel. The gentleman was happy and it made me happy to know that he enjoyed it.

Me with Gianmaria Bruni AKA Gimmi Bruni

A little later I was able to go out for the photo shoot that Ferrari was doing on the Pit Row. I got a few decent shots of the cars, but they then brought out the drivers for a group shot. It was hard to get some full group shots since I don't have a wide angle lens. But I still took several shots throughout the shoot. The highlight for me was being able to have a small conversation with Gianmaria Bruni, a great Driver for Risi Competizione. He was very cool! I had seen him running around on Friday and decided I would try to talk to him. I also got to get a pic of the 2 of us. A great few minutes. Then it was back to the usual.

After coming back from my very late lunch, I went back to my gate and start the rounds over again. I had been watching one of my fellow volunteers and saw him bring a gentleman over as I had to the pit wall to get some photos of the F1 cars. The guy was happy. I then asked him if he wanted to come out to the pit/front straight wall to feel the excitement and fuel his passion. I didn't really ask him in those words, but that's how I feel when I am that close. He almost passed it up, but his wife had told him to go for it. So, once again, an excited spectator. I got him out to the wall and wee started watching and talking. Come to find out he had come down for a wedding and found out about the event and came out for the day. Then me, Mr. Nice guy tops off his whole trip. It's good when someone looks at you and tells you that they will never ever forget the experience. It was a great personal feeling to hear that from someone I had just met. I sure know if I was on his end of the coin, that someone would do the same for me and make my day.

So, to bring this day to a close, I am happy that I gave some spectators a bit more customer service than they would have ever have thought would even have happened. They're happy! I'm more happy to give that experience. Since it's late, I'm tired and need to get up early for last chapter Ferrari Racing Days. Pics to come later.

Almost Ready for the Group Shot

F2001 & F2004 on The Front Straight

FERRARI RACING DAYS CHAPTER 2 - 2011

Rubens Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA / DRIVER - Bud Moeller

Well I made it to chapter 2!

I spent so much time Thursday getting my stuff packed, my music downloaded and getting my iPhone stuff updated that I didn't get to get until after midnight. Then I had to get up around 3:15 to get ready to be picked up by my friend who is my Director at the track so we could head out from town and arrive early to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for 3 more awesome Ferrari Racing Days. We got here about 6:30 or so and I immediately got my tent set up so I didn't have to worry about it later in the day. Once everything was set up and in place, I did the usual not so fun things to get the go-kart track set up in the paddock for the spectators to be able to spend at their leisure to have some fun while here for the day.

After the kart area was done it was finally time to eat. I was starved. I ate my usual bowl of Special K before I had left home, but it just was overdue to eat again. Once my hunger was satisfied I ran around for a bit. I ran into some past acquaintances and talk to some spectators that were just having a great time. Part of the reason I love to be here. Not only am I having a great time, but I know that the fans are having a great time as well. It's actually quite satisfying. I spent most of the day at different areas relieving other volunteers. I was able to chat with one of the Formula One car owners. He was ear to ear with happiness of his most recent ride. He had mentioned at the Infineon event a few weeks ago that he had just acquired a 2003 chassis. What a sweet ride it is. Besides his car, there are 5 other F1 cars here for the weekend. OH YEAH! My weekend is going to be awesome.

During my rounds I had Gil Campbell, the track CEO came and jumped on the back of my scooter for a ride to the Stewards office to get something, and the run her back to Turn 10 gate where they had been doing pace car rides. While there, I happened to get a chance to have a brief chat with Justin Bell. A very nice gentleman. Well, after spending some more time working various areas at 3:45 it was time for me to get to The Corkscrew to see and get some shots of the F1 cars. One great thing about being a volunteer here is that I can go through the fence and get the good close shots that the media gets to shoot. In 20 minutes I shot 586 pictures from 4 areas of The Corkscrew. It was awesome seeing these Formula One beauties come through. 20 Minutes went by like it was 5. To little time! I wanted more! But not today. I'll have to rty to get away for a bit on Saturday and Sunday.

I left The Corkscrew and went back to the Garages to see the F1 owner I have come to enjoy talking to about his awesome good fun. I showed him a set of pics that were not what he had wanted to do. He ended up breaking a little late and went off track up at The Corkscrew. HE laughed it off and enjoyed the shots. While there, I happened to notice a very tall gentleman that I had seen several times throughout the day. I leaned over to another gentleman and said, "He looks familiar! Who is he?" The gentleman imediately says, "It's Mac Fleetwood!" I was rather suprised, but thought yet once again, I never know who I will ever bump into here. It was cool! I spoke to him very very briefly. No Pics! No Autographs! Just a brief few words. Maybe tomorrow I'll get to get that pic.

My night has come to an end! Time to get a shower and get this grimy dirt off of me that seems to always get on you from the wind. More to come tomorrow.

Jacky Ickx 312 PB

Gerhard Berger Ferrari F189/640

Michael Schumacher Ferrari F2001 / Driver - Anthony Noble

Michael Schumacher Ferrari F2004

To see all of the days shots of these beautiful Formula One cars,

Click here -

http://razzi.me/albums/1056-f1-at-ferrari-racing-days-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca-may-20-2011