Look no further news fiends.
Wondering about Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Mad Max, the Hamster, Vern Schuppan, the Cooper family, Michael McMichael, Ned Whiskey or China?
Let’s start by talking about speeches – speeches that “lifted hearts in dark times, gave hope, inspired brave feats and changed the course of history”. Speeches like, The Philippic that old Greek codger, Demosthenes, gave in 322BC to start the Athenian equivalent of the capitol riots in Washington, which were started by another old codger. And what about We Shall Fight On The Beaches by that other old codger, Winston Churchill?
But 20 readers and one friend but no family, I was privileged to be present for the greatest speech of them all last Wednesday night. No. Sadly it wasn’t at Adelaide’s version of the ancient Agora of Athens, The Kensi, but at the infinitely more sedate South Australian Sporting Car Club.
The venue was immaterial. Although the event was held in the very beautiful Cabaret Room in Mawson House, which was built in 1909 in Queen Anne style but with crenulations above the bay windows and more above main entrance porch. Let me tell you there were a lot more crenulations sitting in the Cabaret Room than above the bay windows.
On stage, as a backdrop to this unique feat of oratory, was Ricky Monserrat’s (why didn’t my parents give me a name like that) 2023 blue Corvette. Many of us crenulations simply swooned when we spied the 400KW, 0 to 100km/hin 2.9 seconds, rapid blue with black interior, vision of wonderfulness.
Rickie is, of course, the proud owner of Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service. How good is Blackwood Dyno? Let me tell you I often drive both my Porker and SS ute the 2800km there and back from Sydney just to get Rickie under the hood.
Of course, you’ve guessed it. The Demosthenes of Dulwich, the Churchill of Colonel Light, the Sultan of Stepney, the official nude portrait painter to the Royal Familiy (except two) was the Baron of Beemer himself, Michael McMichael (so good they named him twice). There was no topic the man many mistake for my father, didn’t cover.
Naturally he explained string theory, ekpyrotic universe theory and the time he was tortured by the pygmy love queen.
Now, while many of the more mature members seemed to be concentrating by closing their eyes and slumping over empty glasses of a fine 1990s red (preceded by a few hundred bottles of Coopers Sparkling) at least two of us were riveted (meaning we had our eyes open) as Mick took us through every minute of his life from when he was seven.
Talking of Coopers, sixth-generation family member Iain is returning from Carlsberg in Copenhagen to Coopers in Regency Park (18 minutes’ drive from the Kensi). Not sure if Iain is into cars but given there’s nothing else to do there, I’m sure he soon will be.
Talking of old codgers, Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani (we call him Al on the Riveria) had his old 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Beach Car up for sale at MonacoCarAuction on Thursday.
Part of MCA’s first ever sale, and an all Feezer sale at that, the V12 Beach Car was commissioned by Al, who at that stage, was the Emir of Quatar. Al was sick and tired of trying to unsuccessfully pick up attractive persons while roaming around St Tropez in a Mini Moke. He commissioned the master coachbuilder Giovanni Michelotti from Turin to build him a summer cruiser. Unfortunately, Al ran out of the readies before the car was ready. Only 6000km and a very nice eight track on board this would have been perfect for those balmy nights cruising around the Lorne Hotel looking for a bit of a dance and a bit of romance.
Australian racing legend and Adelaide resident Vern Schuppan (who won or came first of the losers) in everything from F1, to Indy, to Le Mans, to Bathurst, has some cars in the news.
The London Concours’ expert committee of judges this week picked an ultra-rare Schuppan 962CR P1 as the “Best in Show”. RM Sotheby’s Le Mans sale has Vern’s 1985 works Rothmans Porsche factory team 962 used for the 1985 and 1986 Le Mans, up for $16m.
While you’re throwing a few million at a Porker, Mad Max is being accused of living in Monaco to avoid tax. Can’t be true. Anyway, clog newspaper de Volkskrant, wrote: “Monaco is de thuishaven van honderden topsporters, onder wie Max Verstappen. Ze betalen 0 procent inkomstenbelasting. Toch, zeggen ze in koor, is het fiscale klimaat is niet de voornaamste reden voor hun keuze.” And I agree.
The Volkskrant said Max’s total tax benefit should be $300m, if he continues to live in Monaco until the expiry of his contract in 2028. Max’s manager said fake news.
Talking of Max, he won a race in Spain last weekend where there was actually overtaking. The Hamster came second and Ferdy came nowhere.
The F1 has confirmed there will be a race in China next year. Won’t be anywhere near as good as the 2005 V8 Supercars Round in Shanghai. Todd Kelly was the winner and my wallet and waistline were the losers.
Keeping on Supercars, in the Ned Whisky series in Tassie, Will Brown was the winner and Shane Van Gisbergen came fourth but he doesn’t care because he’s making his NASCAR debut in Chicago next month.
Our favourite current racer is in for a treat. Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants have just been named the official food and beverage partner of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend. And tickets to the Paddock Club for the two days of the race are just $4.5k.
“Enjoy the beautifully decorated Paddock Club, a two-level elevated deck with sweeping views overlooking the start/finish line and thrilling pit road. Indulge in airconditioned comfort, impeccable food and beverage service, and access to premium bathrooms.” Well premium bathrooms and SVG, you’ve sold me.
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