"I've decided to change," he shouted at me above the noise of the engines spluttering and gearboxes rattling as the lads at Michael McMichael Motors Pty Ltd worked to bring sick Beemers back to health again.
Naturally, despite his age, I thought the man who I am proud to introduce as my grandfather might be referring to something of major importance to all of us who know and read about him. Somewhat timidly, I asked: "Have you told your partner yet?" "Why should I tell Jen that I've decided to change the music on the eight track in our WART Beemer for the Targa Tasmania?"
Friends and readers, you need to know that one of the reasons we do so badly in our rally adventures is that the Swami of Stepney plays such crook music that I have taken to using noise-cancelling ear plugs.
Anyway, going back to normal programming, Mick said that for this year's rally he has changed. Not only has he upgraded the technology by plugging a Discman into our sound system but he has bought a large collection of his new favourite beats: Ukrainian pop music of the 1990s.
So this year's Targa Tasmania, on Monday, April 29, will see us return for the ceremonial start at the Lonnie Country Club. Look out for car 739, the subtly decorated Weekend Australian Rally Team BMW 3 series, the oldest car in the race with the oldest drivers.