MJDrive: Race to Formula 1

Back on track

2009-07-14T20:17:00.005-05:00

Hi Gang,

Been ages since a post, update, or anything from my end, so I hope you all are doing very well.

It has been an exciting year in mostorsport thus far and last weekend was a personal highlight for my year! After spending a ton of time instructing, riding next to people helping them with their driving, on Saturday it was time to kick them out of and take the wheel myself to get back to work.

The race was at the track that I started my driving career at, North Texas Karters, in Denton, Texas. The opposition was some of the very top drivers in American kart racing including three time US Rotax team member Jordan Musser, recent IKF Grand Nationals winners Nick Lucido and Mike Jones, along with Skusa Supernationals winner Chris Jennings amongst other strong contenders and a big field.

My ride was my Arrow shifter kart which I will be using in my next project and it is propelled by a 40 bhp Honda CR125 engine. Six-speed sequential gearbox means it goes and in a hurry. Moreso it is really loud by karting standards and when the shifter karts launch everyone stops what they are doing to come watch the race. Pretty cool to do a kart race with thousands? hundreds of people looking on!

The racing went very well and irregardless of a lack of testing and sorting out the chassis I was able to finish in 4th. While 4th isn't the result I was looking for I was really pleased with the pace. Had a few breaks in traffic gone differently then it could have been a much better result.

The project that has been keeping me so busy is set in shifter kart program which I have more or less been burried in for the past few months. I never knew how much went into launching such a project but the final pieces are coming together (I believe) and you are welcome to check out the first draft here:

www.superkartchallenge.com

Hope you all enjoy and look forward to speaking soon.

Best wishes

Michael

California

2009-02-19T12:30:00.003-06:00

Hi there!

Tomorrow morning bright and early I am going to be boarding a plane bound for the sunny left coast of America specifically to Buttonwillow raceway. This weekend I am going to be working with the North American Road Racing Association as a race instructor helping the owners in the 'pro' group get the most out of their automobiles. From what I know about NARRA is that it is a tiered track day company where novice drivers can get involved in performance driving. From the entry level it progresses up to a medium group, then an advanced - time attack style group who is entered into a fastest man competition. This concept seems to be popular in England and apparently generates a lot of excitment in this organization as well.

I am especially looking forward to the weekend since a number of my old colleagues are going to be there. My friend Josh Gilbert who went with me as my 'crief chief' on my last trip to California to be on a reality racing TV show which never took place. Additionally I will get to work with my friend Ruth and Kevin who run the organization who have enjoyed their own very interesting career in motorsport. Their speciality is safety and are a wealth of information which they have acrued from around the globe visiting different racing circuits and participating in the different events.

Hope you are all doing well, wishing you the best!

Cheers

Michael

Now on for something completely different

2009-02-11T09:34:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends,

It has been ages! My appologies, especially to those of you in England who are probably wondering if I am still alive or not!

Things have wrapped up at the kart track in Houston. We made a lot of significant improvements in their factility, operations and program, now time to move on.

There is a lot taking place in American motorsport at the moment with the new season kicking off along with significant changes to the landscape of the international motorsport scene. The Grand Am championship started its season in Daytona a few weeks ago, and this week (15 February) will be the most prestigious stock car race in America, the Daytona 500. Internationally Formula 1 has gotten a swift kick upside the regulatory head and all of the teams are scrambeling like made right now to build new cars with the intent of lowering cost and improving the 'show.' The changes are certainly dramatic, we will see how it goes, and how the grid shakes out! I am very excited to see Formula Two unveiled in England this year as the newest feeder series to Formula 1. A brilliant series philosophy which brings costs down to a more reasonable level.

Now I am based in Dallas and have a few things up my sleeve for the 2009 year. I still have no idea when I will be able to get back to England but hopefully I will find out soon!

Hope all of you who occasionally check this are doing well. Would love to hear what you've been up to.

Kindest regards

Michael

Not sure how I ended up here!!

2008-10-11T23:47:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

The past few weeks at the Houston MSR have been a bit of a blur. To be honest it has been fantastic, lots of driving (in karts) and the chance to create a racing program to my hearts desire. I have been entrusted with the strategic planning on the MSR Houston karting program for 2009 and beyond. It is a brand new kart circuit so there are not a lot of people set in their ways which gives me a good freedom to change things for the better of racing.

While I have been busy working on the karting project, there have been a lot of cool things happening around me. Last week I traveled to Texas World Speedway which is located in College Station, Texas (for you Brit's reading this, College Station is about as Texas as you can get). I had the change to meet an interesting gentleman who is the global director of a firm which is involved in international business. He also drives a fantastic Porsche GT3 RS which he took me for a tour of the TWS circuit before it promptly broke on the second lap... Only a $1,500 dollar pressure plate in the clutch. The fourth one he's done in the past year!

This week MSR Houston has been hoping. On Wednesday AJ Foyt's Indy car racing team arrived on the scene for a sponsor appreciate day and a test with their new driver, Vietor Miera. There were rumors Vietor might be going to Penske, but as it turns out Foyt was able to grab him. It was great fun to watch the VP's from their sponsor company ABC Supply company (a home building supply firm) having a go in a 700 horse power indy car. I am pretty sure none of them got out of first gear!

On Thursday and Friday the course stayed hot with the arrival of Chip Ganassi's team. After the recent sacking of Dan Wheldon the team is doing some testing with their new driver Dario Franchetti a refuge from the Andretti Green racing team and failed (I suppose) convert to NASCAR world. Franchetti did probably 150 miles over the two days in the car doing short 3-5 lap test intervals.

This evening (Saturday) was absolutely wild!! One of the members of the kart track decided it would be well cool to set up a booth at the local fair. I haven't been to a local fair before, and quite frankly I haven't been to anything like it before! There was the widest assortment of people I have ever seen at one place at one time, however the majority of them leaned towards the cowboy side of things. During the fair they had a concert (country music) and there was a no B.S. rodeo taking place where I got to see a few riders go the whole 8 seconds and one unlucky chap who shunted with the ground after being pitched off his bull. Doesn't look like a good result as I saw a helicopter leaving the premesis.

I hope this message finds you doing very well. The slow trickle of news has been on account of staying so busy on this karting project! It might not be necessarily getting me any closer to Formula 1, but I feel like it is really going to help the program out at MSR and I hope to see it doing a lot of good for them in the future.

Wishing you the best

Michael

Setting up in Houston

2008-10-01T12:51:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

On at invitation from the circuit director, I have returned to MSR Houston to continue the work I was doing with their racing program before my travels to and from England.

I drove down to Houston last night and had dinner with my friend, motorsport artist Kevin Paige (www.kevinpaigeart.com). We weren't sure where to go for dinner but stopped at a place called Willie G's Seafood and Steakhouse. We certainly weren't dressed for the occasion but looked cool nonetheless in our racing inspired attire. Most people were wearing button up shirts and ties. On receiving the menu we realized we hadn't budgeted appropriately for the evening either! We managed to make a few thrify selections and ended up having a great meal!

Since I have been in Houston I have found a few reminiants of Hurricane Ike which blew threw here not much more than a few weeks ago. Many places appear that they were not even touched by the storm.

I borrowed a super cool 'tour bus' style motor home and I will be literally living at the track! I am going to be applying for a proper work visa so I can get back to England soon. In the meantime, I think this is a fantastic place to be!

Wishing you the best

Michael

MJDrive: New World Record - Back to Back Cross Atlantic flight - Also: British Government holds down American F1 contingency

2008-09-20T01:01:00.011-05:00

Dear Friends,

As many of you know earlier this week I boarded a flight to take me back to England and get back to the effort of getting to Formula 1. Little did I know in this process I would set a new world record: fastest consecutive cross-atlantic flights.

My flight left from Dallas / Fort Worth International airport on Wednesday afternoon at 530 p.m. By my calculations 8 hours later I had crossed the Atlantic Ocean and arrived over British soil and by 9 1/2 hours I had landed at Heathrow airport in London. Once on ground in the brand new, 'ultra modern' terminal five. We painstakingly slowly disembarker our plane and loaded onto a bus which took our flight to immigration/boarder crossing to get our passports stamped. Well, that was the plan atleast.

When I arrived at the immigration this lady who was on a mission to prove something took a look at my passport and immediately launched into 21 questions. Who are you? Why are you here?? What are you planning on doing??? After explaining my name was Michael, I am here on our countries mutually agreed upon tourist visa which allows us to visit the other country for up to six months, and I intend on watching some premiere league football, looking at castles, and enjoying some british weather, the lady decided she wasn't satisfied. She took me out of line and into an office where she repeated the same questions and asking why I was returning again to the country after so recently being here. These questions carried on for half an hour or so before she told me she thought I was lying and that I was in the country to work. (clealy my broad shoulders sold her on the construction worker type).

After a complete tear down and inspection of my bags this increasingly charming lady (not), repeated for the third time the same set of questions trying to get me to tell her I had came to the country for working. By this time four hours had passed and it was nearly noon. My friend Bradley Philpott who had came to the airport to pick me up was, I am sure, getting particularly pissed, especially after turning up at the airport at 8 a.m. to pick me up. With a further no explination the lady left only to return a couple of hours later to announce she had came to the conclusion that I had came to the country to work and I had been booked for a return flight to the United States on the next possible flight.

With no course to refute this decision I was stuck and my only option was to get on the flight back to the states. Thirteen hours of flying later I arrived back at Dallas / Forth Worth airport clenching the new world record for fastest consecutive cross atlantic flights. Now, while I am most pleased to receive an award for being the fastest at anything, you can be assured I am not one bit happy with this situation, and to say that is in fact a massive understatement.

After I got home I slept for about 13 hours. After waking up I spent most of the day thinking about the massive flow of east europeans who are currently overwhelming the british social benefits system and how damn awful fish and chips are. Now that I have spent sufficient time hating that immigration cow, I am going to start focusing my energies back where they belong on getting back to the top of motorsport.

Michael

How are things going?

2008-09-12T10:11:00.003-05:00

Dear friends and family,

Just wanted to make a quick update to say hello and let everyone know what I have been up to. While I have been away from England I feel like a few of the projects I have been working on - with teams and sponsors have been unattended a bit. However since I left England I have remained fully emersed in motorsport, on account of Al Mitchell, the manager of MSR Houston (www.msrhouston.com) who was kind enough to extend an invitation to me to help out around his circuit while I was in the states.

Since I have been down here I have been helping them get their karting operation up and running. They recently built an incredible eight-tenths of a mile kart circuit and they are looking forward to getting a full rental and competition race program up and running. I have been helping get those things up and running and in the process have gotten to do a bit of driving myself!

MSR Houston is absolutely fantastic and a blast to be around. I can only begin to tell you about the facilities they have set up for the members of the track. My favorite thing on site, which I have not done yet, but agree fully to in principle and plan to try out soon is a shotgun shooting range. My friends in England will not believe it, since guns are prohibited (without a special license). However here in Texas we have lots of guns and naturally a clay targets range at the racing track is a fundamental piece of the puzzle. There is also a work out facility which I have been spending some time in while I haven't been working.

Additionally there is a lake on site for fishing. I must say, I don't think having a lake is that special, because PalmerSport has a lake as well. As you might remember PalmerSport has a special tradition of throwing lucky birthday people into the lake. In the lake they have here in Houston there is a real, live, honest-to-god Aligator. I was able to take a few pictures of it and I will have to upload them to prove it to all of you soon. I thing getting a birthday treat of being thrown in the pond would be less than optimal.

As many of you might have heard the weather is getting a bit dodgy around here. The last I heard there was a level 3, (read: 120 mile per hour wind) hurricane called Ike bearing down on my present local. I haven't ever been in a hurricane before and in fact never in any major disaster for that matter. A lot of people around the coast of Houston have evacuated along with many others throughout the city. Since we are not in an evacuation area we are going to hold up as the hurricane passes. I'm not sure if I will get a chance, but I will try to take a picture to show you what it looks like. We were considering opening up some of the garages (two doors at booth end of building) putting a race car on scales and doing some aerodynamic wind tunnel testing. Sounds a whole heck of a lot cheaper than buying our own wind tunnel!

Hope all of you are doing well. I am enjoying things down here (bar hurricane) and am looking to getting back to Europe soon!

Warmest regards

Michael

Stateside

2008-08-26T14:29:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This week I have made a temporary return stateside, back to Texas.

The reason I have returned is on account of my British visa which expired this week. I am applying for a new visa which will be a long term visa. At this moment I am not excactly sure how long it is going to take for my new long term visa I have applied for, but once it comes through, I will be able to go back to England on a long term basis.

In the mean time I have a few projects in the works which I will be able to announce in short accord!

I arrived back in Texas on Tuesday and I have been 'indulging' in a few of my favorite things from Texas first of which was hot weather, mexican food, and a bit of karting. This past weekend I went to MSR Houston, a new racing circuit in Houston, Texas and drove with the owner of the track on his brand new karting circuit. Unfortunantely I didn't get any photos or videos of the track, but it is a fantastic circuit! The track is .7 tenths of a mile, featuring a variety of low, medium, high speed corners and the ultra American NASCAR turn. The 180' turn is at the end of a straight and features four levels of banking, MEGA!

Hope this message finds you doing well, I am happy to be back in Texas to see my family, but am looking forward to getting back to England as soon as possible and getting back on with my program.

Wishing you the best.

Michael

Inside Honda F1

2008-08-21T18:59:00.004-05:00

It’s hard to explain what the inside of a Formula 1 team’s headquarters looks like, but I will do my very best. In all fairness a Formula 1 team headquarters isn’t exactly a race shop, its not exactly a NASA workshop either, perhaps a cross of these two things with a high tech medical lab thrown in for flavor is the best way to describe an F1 teams headquarter.

Last week I had the chance to not only visit one of these facilities, but also to go inside the heart of the engineering section and see what goes on behind the closed doors at a Formula 1 teams racing facilities. The team I had the chance to visit was Honda Formula 1 team which is based near Silverstone in the United Kingdom Midlands. When approaching the facility from the motorway you won’t realize you are approaching it, and unless you know where to look it would be quite easy to pass by. That is of course, unless you know what you are looking for, then the industrial estate, transformed racing stratofortress is impossible to miss.

The purpose for my visit was to return a misplaced intercom system which had went missing a few weeks earlier at PalmerSport. One of the Honda’s F1 engineers had came to our facility and had been doing a driver evaluation for an F3 driver they are considering for their development program. As one of the ‘new’ instructors on the beat, I was asked if I could drive halfway across England and return the misplaced intercom (a half hour drive).

I was more than happy to make the trip and take the opportunity to see inside the Honda workshop. When I arrived on the scene I parked outside the perimeter of the facility and was instructed by the security officer to “head in, cross the bridge (you have a bridge at your raceshop?), past the lake, and go into building on your right.”

As I headed down the road with intercom in hand I had a chance to see some of the various buildings on site. There must have been six or seven large buildings, one appeared to have a Formula 1 car hanging from the ceiling, a nice bit of decorate kit I think.

Once I walked into the primary Honda engineering building I was greeted by a secretary who had a lanyard with my name already printed on it. I was met by the engineer who offered to show me around the facility. As we walked inside the medical laboratory feel became evident, everything was painfully clean, I felt as if I should clean my shoes! At this point the photography stopped for obvious reasons.

The first thing we came to was a primary engineering room. There were probably fifty members of the Honda team in the open office. The room was comprised of work stations where computer monitors faced outwards from the center creating a very ‘open’ work environment. We didn’t go into the room but I could see cad schematics lining the screens which were facing the hallway. As we rounded a corner we headed downstairs to a bay containing the teams test cars, the engineer explained to me they used the 2007 race models.

Beyond the test team bays there were two autoclaves in an open shop area, machines used for baking and putting a vacuum on carbon fiber components. The first autoclave was massive, perhaps 8 feet in height by ten feet long which could house an entire Formula 1 cars chassis. The second was smaller for aero components, suspension pieces, and other miscellaneous pieces. In the room beyond the area housing the autoclaves was a machine which cut the carbon fiber fabric before it went into the autoclaves.

The engineer then brought me to a room which housed the teams SEVEN CNC machines. The CNC machines can cut a chunk of metal, either aluminum, steel, titanium, or something even more exotic into almost any imaginable shape. These shapes are used as hubs, gearbox components, and other parts around the racing car. Between the CNC machine and the carbon fiber capacity the Honda team has the ability to engineer and create a completely new working part in less than three weeks.

At this point the engineer had to excuse himself and brought me back to the reception area. The tour through the Honda formula 1 facility was fantastic, although it was only a short tour it was really cool to see first hand the technology and resources which go towards engineering, building, and preparing a working modern formula 1 car!

unfortunate turn of events

2008-08-16T11:48:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

On account of a problem with the insurance provider for the car, we have been forced to withdraw the entry.

I think a few of you were planning on coming out tomorrow, of course you are still welcome to head out for the meeting, but I will not be racing.

Shame! I was really looking forward to driving the Cooper!!

Hope you are having a better weekend than mine!

Michael

On the cover for Team USA

2008-08-15T10:45:00.003-05:00

Hey Gang!

Just wanted to send you a quick note and pass on something that recently caught my eye. It is a re-print of the article from motorsport.com, but it was picked up on the opening page of the A1GP Team USA website. You have probably already read the article, but I was really happy to see my name on the opening page of the teams site!! Hopefully it will something to look forward to more of in the future!

You can see the article and check out the A1GP Team USA site at: www.a1teamusatv.com/

It is Friday so I think most of you will be very pleased that it is the weekend! I am getting ready for the Formula Junior race at Mallory Park on Sunday. From what I understand there are going to be 22 cars in the field with a number of different makes, models, and constructors being represented. I am not fully clued in as to the performance of these different models, so I am just preparing to push the car as rapidly as it will go!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend, check back on Monday and I will have some photos up from the race meeting.

All the best

Michael

My first British Motor Car Race

2008-08-13T08:13:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends and family,

This weekend I will be doing my first motor car race in the United Kingdom. If the year were 1961 I would literally be on the clasp of Formula 1, the car I will be running is from the category called Formula Junior and was the final step for many drivers on their way to Formula 1. In fact, with a few minor modifications, the car I am driving could easily be prepared to Formula 1 spec, of well, 1961.

The particular machine I will be driving is owned by a gentleman named Peter Jackson and is one of three cars that were originally raced by the Cooper Works team during 1961. If anyone asks you the specifics of the machine it is a 1961 Cooper Mk2 Formula Junior T56. The engine for the car is a Ford Cosworth which puts out approximately 110 brake horse power. If you see a picture of the car by modern terms it is very ‘retro’ and looks like one of the truly fantastic machines that were seen in the famous movie Grand Prix.

Since I was young I have always been fascinated with this type of racing cars, knowing it was a design from the days of old I never thought I would have the chance to drive one. When Mr. Jackson offered me the drive, I was elated to accept the opportunity. At the end of the day I don’t expect McLaren F1 to ring me up on account of the spectacular performance I will be putting in, but an opportunity to drive something like this is simply too good to pass up.
The circuit I will be racing at is Mallory Park, an infamous circuit in the United Kingdom. While the circuit is short in length, just around one mile, it has both the longest and tightest corners in the country. From an overhead map you will see there are only five corners on the circuit, however Gerards the corner at the end of the main straight goes on for about two days and three weeks, and I am told it actually has more than one apex! On the opposite end of the course is a corner where the cars must brake down to about 30 miles per hour.

The race will be taking place on Sunday the 17th of August. For the race meeting I will have a single twenty minute warm up/reconnaissance/practice/ testing/ qualify session followed by a 12 lap race. Mr Jackson, who I met with last weekend to help in preparing the car, is clearly becoming a bit ‘nerved’ to entrusting someone else with his pride and joy. He has reassured me (about 350 times) that it won’t be necessary for me to push the car to the limits as I would do in a modern car. He would prefer me to enjoy the opportunity to drive the machine, which I intend to do, while driving the ever living b’jesus out of it. (just kidding Peter!)

In all fairness to Peter I am going to really enjoy the opportunity and not push beyond what I feel is 100% completely safe. I will try to mount an onboard camera on the machine as well, so you can ride along with me.

Although its not a Formula 3 car, but I can assure you I am completely excited about this opportunity. Mr. Jackson is a fantastic guy for entrusting me with his baby, so I will be first and foremost focused on bringing it home in one piece, but if the car were to get a bit sideways, there will certainly be a big smile on my face!

Hope you are having a great week, I’m counting down the days until Sunday!

Cheers

Michael

Adriano's Radical Race

2008-08-12T09:22:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

Last week I had the pleasure of being the guests of one of my good friends from PalmerSport Adriano Medeiros, who is known around the office as Gringo during his Radical race meeting. There was nothing ‘radical’ about the race, however the manufacture of the car he drives is called ‘radical’ so it has thus claimed the title of this post.
Adriano and I got to know each other quite quickly when I came to PalmerSport because we share a common background. Adriano and I are both Americans, mind you, he comes from a different part of America, a bit further south, called Brazil, but none the less we are both ‘Americans.’ Along with coming from America we both share similar motorsport aspirations, while mine is Formula 1, Adriano is most keen to become a professional racing driver, which he has recently taken a major step towards through his association with PalmerSport and being in the United Kingdom.

For Adriano his break came when he met a gentleman named Charles Loughran whose lifelong dream has been to race. While Charles did not set off at a young age with the fire and ambition it takes to go racing, Charles did set off in the commercial world with the same passion and has became a successful entrepreneur with a number of products and brands. On account of this success it has permitted him to indulge himself in funding a racing car as well as enlisting the services of Adriano as his co-driver (the radical championship is an endurance series where two drivers pilot the cars), who also has the ability to instruct him and help bring him up to speed.
For this particular race meeting I arrived at Adriano’s house bright and early (before 7AM!!!) where his wife Ana had prepared breakfast for us. After breakfast we jumped in Adriano’s road car and headed off towards Donington Park the location of the Radical Cup Race Meeting and the 2010 British round of the Formula 1 World Championship (which should be an interesting affair). Donington Park seems like a fantastic circuit to drive, however quite short, just under 1 minute to complete. However from what I sat, if Silverstone isn’t up to scratch for Bernie Ecclestone’s expectations, Donington Park and the one lane country road leading into it, are going to need some serious development before the circus that is Formula 1 and the hundreds of thousands of rabid British motorsport fans descend upon it.
Once we arrived at the paddock we were greeted by Charles and the team they have employed to run their Radical racing car. The radical is sports racer modeled after a Le Mans prototype, and powered by a 1500cc race prepped Suzuki Hyabusa engine. Although the car does have a second seat in the cockpit the chassis is not too far removed from a single-seater, with the engine fitted behind the driver. Their particular car is primarily blue and adorned with their sponsors logos: Bauer, Alpine Star, and Airflow. Sitting stationary in the paddock the car looks rapid.
For the days competition there would be two race events, both an hour in length and would feature a compulsory pit stop and driver change at mid-distance. For the first race Adriano would start on the pit wall and Charles would take the driving responsibilities for the initial stint. It was Charles first time to start the race so nerves were certainly on the rev limiter, the least of which were Charles’, who knew a good start would be key if he wanted to return the car to the ‘hired gun’ in any sort of position to mount an attack on the leaders. For the best viewing point on the circuit I went to a corner known as ‘the old hairpin.’ From my vantage point the cars came blasting downhill through Crane curve (a flat right, then left hand section, which sends the cars hurdling towards the old hairpin in top gear), then hard on the brakes to slow the car before the old hairpin. As the race got under way Charles was behind the wheel for the first stint. It was easy to tell, even from the side of the circuit he was working very hard in the car, maximum effort! Although his times were slightly off the pace, it wasn’t on an account of lack of trying, a few drivers were getting around him, but they certainly had to work hard to take the position. At around 25 minutes into the race Charles was hovering just outside the top ten before he darted into the pits and handed the Radical and driving duties over for Adriano.
The first time Adriano came through crane curve it was clear the driver change had been made. While Charles himself had been working very hard in the car, the scream of the engine, pulling more RPM’s and a higher corner speed let me know Adriano was making the car work hard for him. Over the next few laps the engine pitch increased progressively lap after lap as Adriano pushed the car closer to the limit. The blue Radical’s course for the race had changed and forward was the new buzz word. While he was well back in the field at the driver change Adriano began carving his way towards the front, by the time the checkered flag came out, the blue radical had moved up into the top ten and was showing promise for race two.

After the race I went to speak with Adriano and Charles, and to listen in on a de-briefing session between the two. Adriano had noticed a few places where they could improve their speed on the track and make some improvements for the final race.

The next race would be similar in distance, one hour, but for this one Adriano would start behind the wheel. As the cars rolled out onto track I was excited to see what Adriano could do from the get go, although qualifying had not been good, starting outside the top 10, he would have the leaders directly ahead of him. When the lights went out Adriano had a good start, but not a great one He was boxed out as they made the run into the first curve, a fast right hander. The cars that he had initially passed were able to get back under him putting him back where he started. My vantage point for this race was very different, from a VIP suite overlooking the chicane coming into the main straight. Although not as critical for the overall lap time as was the crucial old hairpin, this is where a great deal of overtaking would take place as drivers out braked and lunged to the inside of their opponents.

As the race got started Adriano held position for the first few laps as his car got acclimated with the conditions. Soon however he started building up a speed that could only be matched by a few drivers on the circuit. Moving up the field, Adriano had the pace, however the passes did not come easily as he found himself getting caught in battles with a number of drivers who were reluctant to give up their positions to the charging Brazilian. On one occasion he made a pass into the chicane just before me, only to out brake himself the following lap and re-allow the driver through! Regardless of this, Adriano was turning good lap times and moving forward with a certain determination.
He only had twenty five minutes and his starting position had not been brilliant but when Adriano came into the pits for the driver change the official timing and scoring monitor read “P1. Adriano Medeiros.”

This however would be the best news for the race as the bad news immediately began to set in. The drivers change went smooth, Charles climbing behind the wheel, however when he went to re-fire the car (it must be shut off for the drivers change) the response was an uninspiring ‘click.’ For some mechanical reason that I simply cannot be bothered to write about the car’s starter engine failed to ignite the flame of the 1500cc engine and the car sat motionless unable to bring itself back to life. Immediately, Adriano who had just finished his stint at the wheel was behind the car pushing it in an attempt to re-fire the machine. Over the next :45 seconds in relations to the cars on track the car sat near motionless as they pushed it forward, then painstakingly pulled it back, and then re-pushed it until it finally fired. Those :45 second I am sure took hours in Adriano’s mind, the longest of the weekend without question, perhaps the longest ever. The damage had been done and on the account of a simple problem with the starter engine the race and Adriano’s efforts were cast into oblivion.

By the end of the weekend the final race results put a major damper on the excitement created by the driver in the first stint of the race. Charles carried on, gaining valuable track time necessary to his development as a driver. However for me there was something special about the weekend, a quiet victory, as I was satisfied to see a driver from America with ambition and grit getting his chance. Although it took him a little while, it proves to me in the motorsport world of ‘hard cuts soft’ where money is apparently more valuable than talent, a guy from America with a head on his shoulder can make it.

I intend on writing soon about my chance to get getting behind the wheel of a racing car myself, I think I will do it tomorrow.

Hope you are having a fantastic week.

Best regards from a sunny UK.

Michael

In the news: motorsport.com

2008-08-05T11:01:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Believe it or not I have managed to make it in the world-wide motorsport media! Well, sort of! After meeting with A1GP Team USA owner Rick Weidinger at Brands Hatch I wrote an article which was picked up by motorsport.com about the team and the A1GP series.

If you would like to check out the article you can view it at: http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=302345

For the next day or so it will also be available on the sites homepage at www.motorsport.com

Hope you are all doing very well! You won't believe what I have been able to see today!

Warmest regards

Michael (from a very very wet UK!)

Fortec Motorsport

2008-08-02T15:33:00.006-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

A couple of weeks ago I was able to meet with a few teams from the two championships I have been exploring and determining the viability of me participating in; Formula Renault and Formula Ford. Both of these series offer very valuable learning platforms which would serve as a fantastic place for me to move towards Formula 1.

The first team I visited is one of the top junior formula car teams in Europe Fortec Motorsport. The team is truly outstanding in both performance and size. In total there are 18 drivers for the team competing in five different championships.

When I arrived on the Fortec motorsport premises, which is located in an industrial estate in the British mid-lands, I found not one but two warehouses which house the team and all of the necessary equipment to run these cars. Between the two buildings a fleet of immaculate white transporters which haul the cars to the track were parked, impressive stuff.

After heading in to the front office I was met by the team director and owner Richard Dutton. Richard has been involved in the motorsport scene since for a number of years. I can't recall specifically how many at this moment, but close to as my lifetime, with the exception of a few years he 'escaped' to do real estate. Eddie Jordan personally asked him to return to run a driver he was bringing up through the ranks in the 90's.

One of Dutton's recent accomplishments, aside from championships in nearly every class his team enters, is that he is responsible for bringing along Formula 1's newest winner, Heikki Kovelainen through the junior series ranks. He told me he had been impressed with Kovelainen and his perseveirence even though he didn't have any money for racing, even relating one story where he raced at the karting world finals in Japan and sent his chassis with another teams van and had to carry his engine as carry on luggage his flight.

During my meeting with Dutton he showed me around their facilities and introduced me to the Formula Renault team manager. We had a chance to speak about the details of the program and there are certainly some details! Dutton was quite pleased with my previous racing experience and expressed an interest in running me in a car for the winter championship a set of two rounds which he uses to evaluate drivers for the 2009 championship. In order to run the two race winter championship and do a few days of testing I will need to come up with around 42,000 United States Dollars. While the word motorsport has this funny word 'sport' in it, what it really means is motor business. I am going to be hard on the case of finding the sponsors to help me secure this seat for the winter championship as well as the entire 2009 championship!

Today I am going to be doing some private instructing with a journalist by the name Will Powell and perhaps even the famous photographer Stuart Price from the magazine Autocar, the worlds older automotive publication. Wish you all the best for a great week, i'm going to be busy!!!!

Cheers

Michael

World Touring Car Championship

2008-07-28T09:01:00.006-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This weekend I was back at one of my favorite circuits in the world Brands Hatch for the British round of the World Touring Car Championship. Along with the WTCC, many of my colleagues from Palmer Sport were on display in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship. On top of all this racing action, BMW was kind enough to bring one of their 2006 Formula 1 machines for a demonstration lap that was driven by their touring car pilot Andy Priaulx.

Please enjoy the weekend from view through my photographs and the video of the F1 car taking paddock hill bend and druids. (turn the volume to maximum for most realistic effect)

Cheers

Michael

v10 Formula 1 engine through Paddock Hill bend! On the cars first (and only) flying lap he was about .5 seconds per lap quicker than the A1GP cars fastest time.

This guy on the right speaking with Jonathan Palmer is actually the stig from Top Gear.

This is one of my colleagues from PalmerSport, he is a South African guy named Armand. He is the master mechanic on our fleet of Clio Cup Racers which is possibly the toughest job in the entire outfit!!

This Seat EuroCup car has one of the coolest paint schemes I have seen!

William Zollo decided his FPA race was getting boring so he parked the car by us and joined us for a coke!

Talking to Teams

2008-07-25T16:01:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

The last few weeks have been very busy, and I have fallen behind in my writing. However do not thing for one second it is because I have slowed down, in fact, I can assure you it is just the opposite! I have been so busy I haven't had much time to transcribe what is going on.

For the last few weeks I have been meeting with teams from a couple of different racing categories which I want to get involved with. However because I feel each of the teams deserves their own mention, over the next few days I will go into detail about their operations and the key people responsible for making them such potent competitors.

For now I will briefly mention the categories which I am investingating for the 2009 championship season.

The first series is the British Formula Ford championship. This is a single-seater category which possibly carries an incredible heritage for launching the careers of many famous racing drivers over the past thirty plus years. The cars are relatively simple as well as relatively ugly. They use a steel tube frame chassis, a ford manufactured racing engine, slick racing tyres, and are known for NOT having any wings to generate downforce. In the world of single-seater racing this is a bit unusual but teaches drivers valuable lessons for setting up the racing car to maximize mechanical grip (as opposed to aerodynamic grip, which comes from the use of wings and other aerodynamic devices). Over the course of the years this championship has been a part of the careers of nearly all world-class racing drivers and while not as compulsary as kart racing, was still choosen by the likes of the Senna's and Schumachers of the world.

The second category I am researching is the British Formula Renault Championship. These cars are modeled in appearance after a modern Formula 1 car, simply staged down with less power and less technology. Over the past ten years this series has emerged as one of the most competitve proving grounds for drivers on the way to Formula 1. Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, and Lewis Hamilton all did battle in Formula Renault only years before getting the call to go to Formula 1. When I raced in New Zealand in the Toyota Racing Series I actually drove the same chassis which is used in Formula Renault, however it simply utilized a Toyota powerplant. These cars are very fast and because they do use wings are notorious for taking to 'get up to speed' as a driver must get used to the downforce which is created in high speed corners allowing the driver to carry higher than would seem natural speeds through the corners.

Each of the teams I spoke with are championship contending teams and their drivers are all in a fighting position to win the championship. As I mentioned earlier, each of them deserves their own mention and I will write at more length about them over the next few days. However team teams I met with for Formula Ford are Jamun and Joe Tandy Racing, Fortec in the Formula Renault, and Carlin Motorsport who operates a number of different teams in everything from F3 to the World Series by Renault.

Although at the end of the day it is the driver who makes or breaks a race, the team is equally important in creating a platform for the driver to win on. Without the best team you are simply fighting for second place (or worse!). This is ever apparent in Formula 1 were teams like Ferrari and McLaren dominate but it can also be noticed in every other category down to kart racing.

I hope you are all enjoying a fantastic week and are looking forward to a fun weekend. I will heading to Brands Hatch on Sunday for the World Touring Car Championship where they will be doing a Formula 1 demonstration lap around the circuit.

All the best

Michael

Dinner with the wizard

2008-07-20T16:57:00.003-05:00

Dear friends and family,

A few nights ago I met up again for dinner with racing coach extraordinare Rob Wilson. Rob has been staying very busy working with drivers from around the world none the least of which are with Formula 1 drivers from McLaren and Williams.

When speaking with Rob it is truly phenomenal his depth of knowledge and understand of the art and science of racing driver. I cannot say just the art or just the science of racing driver becuase he looks at racing driver in such a way that both are very much involved. Aside from his racing Rob is also a musician and one cannot help but make the comparison to the way he describes racing driving, because many times it relates to the tempo and harmony one would think of when describing music.

During our conversation Rob gave me a number of ideas to continue going forward and finding ways to get in racing seats. He also shared with me a number of ideas and philosophies on driving. It is simply phenomenal the level at which he breaks down the most simple acts in driving. When speaking with Rob he explains complex properties of a racing car in a simple way which makes you almost think you realized it on your own. In the end I believe my conversation with him is worth atleast .3 tenths of a second!

My next mission is to get on the track and start putting into practice some of the lessons he suggested!

Hope you are all doing well, I am looking forward to the week and hopefully by the end of the week will be closer to finding a sponsor!

Best regards

Michael

Getting into Formula 1

2008-07-15T09:05:00.008-05:00

If you have ever been to a grand prix you will understand when I say it is near impossible to get into the paddock. I say near impossible because there are always the footballers (soccer players for the American's reading this), super models, and movie stars who find a way to get into the paddock. For the rest of us, there is simply no way to get in. The paddock, is maintained at the highest level of security. It would probably be easier to get into Fort Knox.

When you arrive on the scene you will notice there is an 8 foot tall fence lining the entire paddock. To the dismay of GP2 driver Bruno Senna, it was easier for a dog to find its way onto the circuit in the path of his car, than it would have been to get into the paddock. There are only a few entry portal's into the paddock and those are guarded by a team of no fewer than five gate officials and two police officers. Unlike other entry points a human does not read your credentials to make sure you can get in, on the contrary it is a mechanised system derived from the Starship enterprise which scans the barcode on your credentials. The wrong credentials and a red light comes on along with a buzzing sound to alert the security officials you need to be escorted somewhere. The proper credentials means a green light comes on and the turnsty unlocks allowing one human being to pass through.

Around this military style gate system are hordes of onlookers milling around to see if perhaps their hero Lewis Hamilton will come through or perhaps a glimpse of the FIA's very own villian Presidente Max Mosely. The only people who get in or out of the F1 paddock are those who are meant to be going in or out of the F1 paddock.

Around the entire fence lining the paddock is is a chain link fence which has guards standing at the critical intervals. Occasionally onlookers will peer through the fence and try to see what lies within the confines of the F1 statofortress. For those willing to peer over the fence they are met with glimmering colours of F1 teams in an incredible array of team and sponsor hospitality areas.

While the entire weekend at the Silverstone Grand Prix was truly a fantastic one, the only thing left for me to do was to get into the paddock (aside from of course racing an F1 car). I had no idea how I was going in and when I tried my British Racing Drivers Club pass the red light signalled I would not to be proceeding. A heck of a system which won't even permit the 'owners' of the ground the paddock is built on entrance!

After a chat with the security officer who then arrived on the scene it was made well clear the access gates were not my way in. Not to be detered I continued my single-minded mission to get in to F1. The process took quite some time but I recognized a weakness in the system. There was a way in and I was going to make use of it. Although I certainly will not reveal the weakness in the system otherwise it might be fixed by next years race! It has been an age old battle since the inception of motor racing cars between organizers and racers of who can get the better of the rules and this particular day would be mine.

As I climbed down from the fence the world of Formula 1 unfolded before me. The F1 paddock emerged as a 'whose who' of business and sport united in to one by the most amazing extravegence of money I have ever witnessed in my life. Apparently from an unseen crevass in the earth the McLaren, Ferrari, and other team's hospitality suites rose up (which most likely by happen chance were excactly the width of three or four lorries parked next to each other) and then grew to three levels in heigth. The construction of each building was different but the materials ranged from mirrored glass to space aged plastics as well as a number of composites of unobtanium (a technical term used to describe materials which can only be created in a workshop on the planet Uranus).

Inside the paddock were all the faces you are used to seeing on TV, but simply assume don't exist in real life. David Coulthard and Kazuki Nakajima were hanging about while Ferrari Star Felipe Massa was hidden deeper in the confines of the Ferrari hospitality area, certainly a complex I would not dare push my luck on any further. Outside in the main walkway Speed TV commentator Peter Windsor was in the middle of a broadcast. Once the tape had gone off I stopped by to have a quick chat and introduce myself. Shortly thereafter one of the green and greener clad Honda team members stopped by to have an intimate chat where by the look on Peter's face I am sure the ingredients of McDonald's secret sauce was revealed or perhaps an explination for Ruben's podium finish.

After a few more minutes of checking about I had to devise my exit, because just as the entrances are monitored the exits are monitored as well. I found a hardly guarded bridge which passed over the front straight as my escape points. With only a few guards manning the exit I waited until their attention was diverted and I made a hard line for the exit. By the time they looked up and saw me passing through the "I'm not messing around" look on my face quelled any questions I am quite sure!

So many people have told me it is impossible to get into Formula 1. I say, it might be not be easy, it certainly might not be a smooth path, but it is possible.

Wishing you all the best!

Michael

Inside Formula 1: British Grand Prix

2008-07-14T08:24:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

On Sunday morning I woke up bright and early, even before my alarm went off at 530AM, to get an early start towards Silverstone to see my first ever grand prix in person. Since I was a child I have been fascinated with Formula 1 and to now see my first grand prix in person I simply could not wait.

As I arrived at Silverstone at around 630 the traffic was already building up. With my trusty British Racing Driver's Club pass in hand I headed towards the infield. With plenty of time on my hand before the Formula 1 cars hit the track I started mozying around to see what was going on around the circuit.

The helicopter terminal was in full swing and I was told that there were over 900 helicopter take off's and landing on race day.

Near the paddock a few interesting cars were parked up apparently with special access none the least of which was a Bugatti Veyron, the 1,001 Horse Power road car capable of over 200 miles per hour. The ultra fast Mercedes safety car paled in comparison.

Around 9AM some of the support races started to kick off along with an onslaught of rain which didn't slow down until after the final race had concluded. With rain tyres fitted the Formula BMW, Porsche Super Cup, and GP2 cars headed to the track. While I was certainly keen to watch the GP2 race the rain dampened by interest in the other support races. As the morning carried on the British racing fans began turning up in full force despite the poor conditions. By noon Silverstone was bursting at the gills with avid racing fans, many of which were sporting the bright red the British McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team and their national hero Lewis Hamilton.

Just after lunch time the steady drone of support race engines was shoved to the side as the crack of the first Formula 1 engines came to life. As the cars were sent out on their reconassiance lap I headed for what I was told was the best viewing spot in all of Silverstone. The section of the course I staked out as my own was just between the fast right hand Stowe curve where the cars would then blast through vale and then into the left, right chicane and then right bend of Club.

While I could not see the start from my position when the cars got to my parts of the track the feeling which came from the cars and the fans on their feet was absolutely sensational. You must keep in mind I have been at the race track literally my entire life and to feel this kind of buzz at the racing track (while not in a car) was something truly phenomenal!

As the race got under weigh the rain only got heavier which would certainly make things tricky for the drivers. From last season since the regulation changes mandated the removal of the cars traction control systems. Too much, or too fast application of the throttle and the cars would be facing backwards faster than the drivers could say "I hate the rain." The first driver to fall victim to the appauling conditions from my vantage point was Adrian Sutil whose Force India car came unstuck as he attempted to overtake another driver. His car eventually came to rest only a few meters from my position and I had a chance to watch (and laugh) as the poor corner marshals dragged, pulled, and shoved his multi-million dollar car out of the gravel. No sooner had this happened than the car naturally caught on fire which had to be extinguished with fire bottles.

As the race progressed a clear leader emerged in the form of local hero Lewis Hamilton and his silver and red McLaren Mercedes. All the other's potential winners had fallen to some sort of mishap including Ferrari's Felipe Massa who started spinning around 1pm and didn't seem to stop until around 2.30pm. Honda's token Brazilian, Rubens Barrichello, however was making the drive of his life as he took his Honda to the front and managed to maintain a podium position to the end of the race. As the race wound down Hamilton's lead increased to over a minute, an unhead of advantage in today's world of Formula 1. With five laps to go the jumbo tron's covering the race began to broadcast "It is an offence to invade the circuit." Clearly the organizers thought a Britain's win at Silverstone would bring the fans excitement to a climax that the circuit barriers simply would not be able to handle. They were right! As Hamilton crossed the finish line the fans around the circuit went hysterical. Some headed towards the fence, others ran towards the start/finish line to see the post race celebration.

After the race I got into my own mischief, but I am going to have to write about that another time. The past week has been a whirwind, I have visited with a number of Formula Ford, Formnula Renault, and F3 teams, been at PalmerSport, and I have moved. As soon as I have a chance I will get a few more posts up.

I hope you are all doing well and since yesterday is my brothers birthday I just want to wish him a special happy birthday from England!

Michael

British Grand Prix Weekend: Saturday

2008-07-07T04:54:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

The grandest event of the year in British motorsport is the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The event takes place at Silverstone GP circuit and tickets are the most coveted of all the England sporting events. Along with being the biggest event in British sports it was also the first time I would see in person Formula 1 cars in full speed.

With only a few days before the British Grand Prix weekend I had no idea how I was going to get in. It wasn't a matter that I hadn't wanted to get it earlier, the simple matter is that tickets are rediculously expensive to buy tickets and beyond my means (the 'cheap' seats for qualifying were 89 British pounds which translated to roughly $180 USD race seats went up from there and the sky was the limit). As is in most things I knew there had to be another alternative to getting in!

As the week approached I had no idea what to do to get in, just that I must get in! I began asking around PalmerSport and I wasn't sure if I would have any luck. However as it turns out one of my colleagues knows a member of the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC), the group who owns Silverstone. As a member of the BRDC everyone is allocated passes for guests but my friend's friend was not going to be using them. A few phone calls later and I had a proper BRDC credential good enough to get me to the infield. It's good to know people who have friends!

My British Grand Prix weekend started on Saturday morning when I headed to the track around 9AM. Qualifying wasn't until one O'Clock so I assumed that would be early enough to find parking, get myself to the infield, and find a good place to watch the action from. As is the case in any proper sporting event, the ammount of traffic was incredible and it took me an hour and a half to make the ten mile journey from my place in Northampton! However once I started to approach the circuit I could hear the Formula 1 cars on the track for their morning practice session. If you have never heard a modern formula 1 car engine, it simply cannot be compared with anything else that is not a formula 1 engine. The noise is a violently loud, effecient, scream which comes from the 2.4 litre v8 engines which turn upwards of 19,000 RPM. It was easy to discern what was on the track, even five miles away. Eventually, I arrived on site where I found my parking and made my way to the gates.

As I headed towards the infield I was relieved to find out my credentials were the 'real deal' and I could get to the infield without any questions while many others in the same line were being turned away. As I went in I began to see the immediate difference between Formula 1 and every single other form of motorsport which have events at Silverstone. Looking to the infield at which I had been to on many different occasions before I have never seen so much activities. In fact, the infield is a huge place, and it is rarely filled, or even near capacity. There is usually fields of free space. During Formula 1 weekend every remaining bit of space seemed to be put to effecient occupied from the various paddocks, to motorhome park, VIP hospitality areas and even a helicopter airport with four acting terminals to welcome guests! My initial plan to find a nice patch of grass to sit on and watch the cars from was starting to fill with water as I realized there weren't so many spots of grass left!

Some of the other cars that would be racing over the weekend were on track. Along with Formula 1 the GP2 series and Porsche Super Cup series would fill the remaining time slots on the track. GP2 is a series I want to compete in because it is considered the premiere feeder series for Formula 1. From the current Formula 1 grid there are three drivers who came from GP2 currently participating, so obviously that is where I want to be!

After watching some of the other cars race I gave my boss from PalmerSport a call because he would be around later during the day. When I finally caught him on the phone he was just arriving at the circuit with one of his racing friends who participates in the Formula Palmer Audi championship. As it turns out my boss and his friend were going to the VIP area and they just happened to have a spare ticket! Being at the right place at the right time is certainly worth something! I met up with them and my outlook on life changed from sitting on a nice patch of grass as formula 1 cars go by to sipping champagne and eating roast duck as formula 1 cars go by. I don't know what would be much better than that? Aside from of course driving a formula 1 car by as some other bloke eats roast duck and sips champagne. Given my circumstance, what fantastic luck!!!!

Soon after lunch the Formula 1 cars fired up again for the first round of qualifying. From my vantage point the cars came flying by through the first corner Copse which is a flat out right hand corner. They then pass immediately in front of me (from left to right) then they took the next section of corners which are some of the most fantastically named corners in motorsport: Maggotts and Beckets. I am not sure how they came up with those names, but the resulting corners were incredible. Maggotts and Beckets are a set of left, right, left, right curves which the F1 cars take absolutely flat. Apparently in anything else the drivers must lift, however in this one the change of direction was incredible. My boss looked over at me and asked "are you sure you want to do this?" The power and speed of the cars was truly on display here and during qualifying there is no point during the weekend when the cars would go faster.

By the end of qualifying Heikki Kovalienen of McLaren Mercedes had taken the pole position along with the shock of the day Australian Red Bull driver Mark Webber taking the second position. Kimi Raiikonen for Ferrari had taken third and the home town hero (and past PalmerSport employee) Lewis Hamilton had taken fourth in his McLaren.

By the end of the day I was completely amazed by the performance and excitement surrounding Formula 1. The cars were simply remarkable from the straight line speed, to the cornering ability, none the least of which was the noise! It is simply the most superb noise I have ever heard an engine make, by far. I am very grateful for my boss friend inviting me in to the VIP area, a real treat!

After Saturday I headed home completely excited for the race day. Pursuing Formula 1 is the right decision.

Best regards

Michael

Off to Silverstone

2008-07-05T02:24:00.001-05:00

I am on my way to Silverstone for Formula 1 qualifying along with the GP2 race and Porsche Super Cup. Who would believe, it's raining in England!

I hope to return with some great stories and excellent photographs of racers sloshing around in the wet!

All the best

Michael

You never know who will turn up at Palmer Sport

2008-07-02T16:52:00.005-05:00

Good day Everyone!

Today was an interesting day at PalmerSport! The program started as normal, nothing special to report, and I was assigned to instruct on the Caterham circuit. For me the Caterham circuit is a highly enjoyable, but very involved position. If you have never seen/driver a Caterham I will tell you they are hugely fun to drive. The car is built after a Lotus 7 with the engine way in the front and the driver/passenger being the only thing to put any weight on the rear tyres. Because of this weight balance the cars are constantly in a state of 'slideways' and it is very easy to control a four wheel drift with the cars. SUPER!

This being said, when many of our guests get behind the wheel it is a job and a half to keep them on the track! Sometimes their ability to fire the cars off the track exceeds our instructors talent to keeping them on the track! It is a classic Caterham move for the rear end of the cars to overtake the front end in a plume of smoke through the high speed corners.

Between the chaos on the Caterhman circuit I found myself out of the car in between sessions further explaining to one of my drivers how not to launch the car off the course. Occasionally my boss will drive by in his bright yellow Seat (a spanish manufactured sedan, not too different in appearance to a honda civic). He will often drive around on inspections of the different events to make sure everything is running smoothly and everyone is on task. On this particular day I had seen him by twice already which is normal, but when he came by the third time I was a bit suprised to see him so many times in the morning.

As the Seat drove by I looked up and noticed someone was riding in the passenger seat. I wasn't sure at first who it was but they looked familiar. On second look as the car came by I realized Honda/Super Aguri Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato was in the passenger seat looking out on our organized chaos.

Takuma Sato is a national hero in Japan as he is one of the few Japanese drivers to rise to the level of Formula 1 in motorsport. It is also suggested that the Super Aguri F1 team was created and supported by Honda simply to keep him in an F1 racing seat when he was sacked from the Honda works team.

Although Sato has a flair for running into the back of people on starts and firing his Honda powered machine off the circuit last year he became a hero to me. During the 2007 season he was driving for Super Aguri F1 a small operation which was running the Honda 2006 cars (which happened to be very fast). However, because the operation was so small and new no one expected them to do anything aside from field a car for Sato to keep riots from breaking out in Japan. However in Canada he put the follow pass on Championship leader Fernando Alonso for 6th place. It was a mega pass and I was hugely impressed that the Japanese driver could pass a McLaren!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwaicYzTlOE&NR=1

Now since he isn't driving in F1 and I saw him riding around at PalmerSport job security immeditely came to mind. However when I spoke with my boss later I found out that he is just going to be doing a special instructing session for some of his investors later in the year.

On a side note after work I went and played Football (known as Soccer in America) and scored 4 goals in the game! My colleagues were a bit shocked because it was my first time to play football, perhaps the 12 yeas of soccer I played might have benefited me a bit!

Hope you are all doing well, the British F1 grand prix is coming up this weekend and I am looking forward to bringing you all the buzz from the pit lane!

Cheers

Michael

How good do you want to be?

2008-06-29T15:27:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

One thing I've noticed over the past few years, whether that is sport, in the classroom, or on the job is that there is an expectation for mediocrity in the world.

Some things quickly come to my mind as I recall my days in different places in the world. Some of my teammates in various sport would take short cuts when we were on training runs. At University I remember classmates frowning if I asked a question when it got too close to the time to leave. Over and over again at different jobs I have witnessed some people happy to do a job that is just good enough to get by. I have never understood this, why are people driven to the middle of the road, to being mediocre, and not pushing themselves to seeing what life can really hold?

Last week I spent some time planning specifically where I want to be over the next five years and how I am going to get there. I want to be in Formula 1 in five years and not just in Formula 1, I intend on being the 2013 Formula 1 driving world champion.

I told a few people about this last week and I got a few responses "are you serious?" or "You think you can actually make it to Formula 1?" All of a sudden my team mates taking short cuts came back into my mind, the people that would rather get by than get the most out of life. If I don't go to Formula 1 who is going to?

Well perhaps it is ambitious. Perhaps it is completely unlikely, but Yes, I do think I can make it to Formula 1 and I intend on doing it.

So my next question is for you. Where on the road do you want to be in five years? Are you one of those people who accepts the middle? From the incredible encouragement I receive from so many of you, I would imagine you are of a different breed. You know the world is a tough place but great things can happen when great people put there mind to it.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Your friend

Michael

On the Job: 2009 Championship Campaign

2008-06-25T07:56:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This week I have started planning for the 2009 Championship. I have been kindly granted a few days off work so I can focus on the planning stages of my racing plans. I have been working recently with the incredibly talented Megan Wood of Game Plan on a marketing piece which explains the commercial benefits of a motorsport program with MJDrive.

Although everyone is quick to talk about the talent level of this driver or the commitment level of that driver, before you can even get on the track it takes a massive amount of captial. Just for next years Formula Ford campaign I am told to expect it to cost around 100k British Pounds to be with a top team. A step up from there to British F3 is around 500k British Pounds. If you are reading this in America just double that figure to get the US Dollar equivalent.

To me this is one of the saddest things about the sport. I even recall Fernando Alonso mentioning a few years ago there are more talented drivers in karting than Formula 1, its just a matter of having the money and getting the breaks. Well, I don't have either, but I think money would be a stupid thing to let stop me.

I am incredibly grateful for Megan's help on the proposal. It is in a .pdf form and I cannot figure out how to load it here, but if you are keen to see it send me an email and I will pass it on.

Hope you are doing well, would love to hear how things are going on your side of the world.

Cheers

Michael

In the news: AUTOCAR

2008-06-23T02:30:00.002-05:00

SPECIAL NOTE: ALL THE PHOTOS IN THIS ARTICLE WERE TAKEN BY HIS LORDSHIP STUART PRICE.

Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago I was at the newstand where I picked up the Autocar magazine. Autocar is a major british publication, and the worlds oldest car magazine. My friend Colin Goodwin writes for the magazine and he did an article about his day 'trying out' to be a Palmer Sport instructor.

Attached is the article if you would like to read it. There are a few parts I found quite interesting, especially the one highlighting the past instructors who have moved up the motorsport ladder.

Hope you are doing well and looking forward to a brilliant week. This week I have a few days away from Palmer Sport and I am going to be working on putting together my racing program for next year. I will post with details as they develop.

Cheers

Michael

(to see the article close up, click on the page you want to read)

V.V.V.I.P.

2008-06-19T06:03:00.005-05:00

Dear friends and family,

During a normal week I get to work with a fantastic variety of racing drivers at Palmer Sport. Some of them have never sat in a racing car before, others are avid enthusiasts, while a few of them have raced Le Mans, European touring cars, and frankly could most likely offer me valuable advice! The variety in itself is certainly enough to keep me on my toes!

Last Friday I had a complete change of pace when I was asked if I could give karting lessons to a young student. As my background in racing is based on thirteen years of kart racing and I have a bit of experience coaching young people I was happy to oblige.

When the young driver arrived his father accompanied him. Aboard Dr. Palmers personal helicopter they landed moments after our normal day came to a finish. After landing the six year old was fitted in an appropriate childs jump suit, helmet, gloves, the whole deal and we headed out to the track. Our kart mechanic had prepared a special cadet kart for the boy to drive that he would fit in and allow him to reach the pedals.

I spent the first bit of time making sure he understood the basics, gas pedal, brakes, safely climbing in and out of the kart. You must understand the complexity of such a task, it is very tough to explain to a six year old how to 'stop' a kart, when all he just wants to go on the track and drive around in his new rompus suit! After practicing using the brakes a few times in the pits he headed out onto the track. Once on the track he followed behind one of my colleages in another kart and they did a lead follow session for a few laps so he could start getting a feel for a safe speed on the track. He did quite well and after a few more slow sessions he was able to take the lead and run a few laps without a guide.

After the lessons I had been asked to chauffeur the two of them back to their home in Oxford. For the ride home I had the pleasure of getting to know his father for what turned into a very interesting conversation. The boys father is a gentleman by the name of Adam Parr who has recently gotten involved in the motorsport industry and is the CEO of Williams Formula 1 racing.

At the end of the hour and a half drive he invited me in to his home for a drink where our conversation continued and I had a chance to meet his family. During the ride, Mr. Parr's boss Frank Williams called and Adam told him a bit about this kid that had just moved to England from Texas and sold his soul to race Formula 1 cars.

Meeting Mr. Parr was an incredible experience, aside from the fact more than anything in the world i'd like to work for him. He was a great guy, warm personality, and was happy to talk with me about his team, program, and operation. I learned a lot in a brief conversation and as I headed off he invited me along with the others who had helped with the day to come for a tour of their factory and watch their next test at Silverstone.

MEGA!

Wishing you all the best.

Michael

Porsche Saturday

2008-06-16T15:44:00.005-05:00

In the Palmer Sport fleet of vehicles there are something like 50 vehicles which the guests and racing students drive in the pursuit of speed. Naturally some of those vehicles will have problems and engines, gearboxes, and differentials must be replaced. As is the proceedure when these things are replaced it is important to properly 'run them in.' This is a process of gradually building up speed as the mechanical components fit themselves together.

This past Saturday I spent helping the mechanic's at Palmer Sport running in a Porsche which had a new engine fitted. I brought along an onboard video and captured a few laps from the process. If you click on the video you can come onboard and see what I was up to this weekend!

Cheers

Michael

Paris

2008-06-15T17:25:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

Last week after my birthday, once I had drying off from being thrown in the pond, for my birthday my mom took me on a weekend trip to Paris. It was the first time I had been to France and I really enjoyed it. Paris is a fascinating city with incredible personality. Below are a few of the photos from the sites.

Hope you are well and looking forward to a great week!

Cheers

Michael

Lewis' Lunch

2008-06-10T16:18:00.003-05:00

As many of you know and as some of you will know now, it was only a few years ago that Formula 1 mega star Lewis Hamilton was employed at Palmer Sport. The same company I have the fortune to be a part of now.

As you can understand there is a very strong support for Lewis around the company since he was and still is friends with many of the members of the company. Naturally when working around an environment like Palmer Sport a guy like Lewis fit in very well from what I understand. He is a good guy to be around, works hard, and can be trusted on the race track (although apparently not as much in pit lane!!!!).

A few weeks ago I heard a story about Lewis which made me laugh and I thought you would enjoy reading about, that took place over one of Lewis' lunch breaks.

On this particular day Lewis was instructing on the karting event. During this event the guests do 10 minute session on the kart track where all of their times are recorded by a computer data system. There are three different instructors who work the event, so Lewis had a chance to slip away to use the gentleman's room.

On Lewis' return one of his colleagues was looking dumbfounded at the computer. "Lewis' take a look at this, one of the students did a 28.8 lap time!" Not only did the computer in fact show a 28.8 lap time, which quite frankly is off-the-charts fast, but it showed a few similar lap times from the same driver.

Lewis couldn't believe the time was so quick, especially considering his quickest time was a 29.2 almost half a second slower. Lewis decided the kart must be in especially tip top condition today and the weather conditions had aligned perfectly to create such a phenomenal lap time. Furthemore, the fact he was a McLaren-Mercedes sponsored racing driver and multi-time karting champion he should be able to soundly beat the time of any student.

Off Lewis set in the same kart the computer recorded the lap time. Lewis being incredibly talented got on to a blistering pace. He was at a 29.3 only a tenth off his personal all time best and he kept going and going until finally he had gotten down to a 29.2 matching his personal best, however still .4 tenths tardy of the other drivers time. He came in to check the computer time but his colleagues were heading out on their lunch break.

Lewis said he would stay behind and he wanted to beat the drivers time. According the other instructors let him be and left for their lunch break. An hour or so later the instructors turned back up and Lewis was still on track pounding around, lap after lap after lap. Lewis had managed to take another .1 second off his all time best lap but still was no where near the 28.8 second mark set by one of the guests as reported by the computer.

As Lewis pulled off the track the instructors were laughing their heads off. With the greatest sympathy they invited Lewis to come into the computer room and see with the magic of modern day computing technology which allows you to select, edit, an create immaginary lap times. The 28.8 was complete fictional and Lewis was one hungry driving instructor having missed lunch!

In the end Lewis is still a good friend of Palmer Sport and I am told is trying to get a few free minutes to come visit. Apparently his life is a bit 'mental' in his own words and he simply does not have any free time away from sponsor, team, and media commitments.

This week has been going really good for me. Yesterday I had a chance to run in one of the Cateram's which was good for about 3 hours of full out driving in the afternoon. The little cars are phenomenal, but very sensitive to the throttle. Even the slightest ammount of over acceleration out of a coner and the back end steps right out. The balance becomes then getting the car to turn into the corner while carrying maximum speed.

Today however my good fortune took an exciting turn back on the race track. This time with a paint and brush! A Thursday inspection from Dr. Palmer means that everything must be perfect including the curbing, so I was busy re-painting the red/white paint on the curbs I was busy destroying the day before!

Wish you the best!

Michael

Birthday Best

2008-06-06T14:07:00.007-05:00

For many people, a birthday is a time for celebration. Friends and family gather gather around, parties ensue and it typically a wonderful time is had by all.

For me, my most recent birthday was none of these things. In the place of ballons and cakes was terror and paranoia.

In my most recent post, I mentioned the birthday tradition at Palmer Sport. Whoever the lucky birthday person is gets systematically rounded up, thrown in a vehicle, and dragged (sometimes kicking and screaming) to the local pond and pitched in. One day prior to my birthday an anonymous source from American filled in the Palmer Sport directors on my birthday and the secret was out of the bag.

Naturally I wasn't too keen to be throw in a pond, especially by a bunch of Brits. When I arrived at work, on my birthday, I realized I might have just gotten lucky. I had been scheduled for the best possible position. My job for the day was instructor at the Caterham pursuit course. I was stationed in what is effectionatly known as the 'jungle hut,' a two story fort which our guests stay in between their sessions on the off-road 4x4 course and the Caterham pursuit. While the jungle hut is an appropriate name given to the fortification near the woods, I thought the 'Alamo' would be an even more appropriate name. Knowing what would be coming for me I brought my Texas flag, a water gun, and a bucket full of water ballons. Perhaps it would be enough to deter any 'would be' attackers and I could make it through the day without getting soaked.

The first part of the day was going smashingly. There were a few minor attacks by the chief instructor and others, but the water gun had been enough to send them packing. However it seemed like more of the water bombs were getting thrown at me by my other colleagues than I was throwing at them!

By lunch time I was seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Rather than eating in the cateen, the area for instructors to eat lunch, I chose instead to go off-site and eat get a bite in the local town. Along with me I brought one of my colleagues, Brad Dude. I knew going to the canteen would result in certain dunking as I would be exposed to all of the instructors on their lunch break. It was in fact this 'good idea' that would be the begining of the end.

After eating in town, Brad Dude, suggested we stop at one of the suites and get a drink. What seemed like a great idea at the time started to smell a bit fishy when one of my other colleagues was waiting outside that very suite, this tipped me off and inside I could see the odd head sticking out from around the corner. It turned out, I had a double-agent as my lunch companion and it was an innovative trap to get me out of a car, into the suite. I immediately ditched the idea of the drink and I took off for the safety of the Alamo's defense systems.

Unfortunantely for me, the half dozen instructors who were waiting for me in the suite had sworn an oath as suicide bombers who would not be detered with their own soaking. Sure enough the alamo was under siege by fanatical, water bucket wielding Palmer Sport instructors. Although they took their shots, the end result was six buckets full of water getting dumped all over me.

Not five minutes later, the guests arrived and I was soaked head to toe. Sure enough I carried on in my most professional manner possible. An hour later (and mostly dried) I had a quick break where I could make my way back to my car and get a spare set of clothes I had brought for just this occasion.

There was one more group of guests I was to instruct and I was sure I would be able to make it without getting thrown in the pond. They had 'gotten me' but I had stayed out of the water. Things were going great with the last group and I was satified with the compromise of getting the bucket's rather than getting thrown in. As the final runs were taking place, things took a terrible turn for the worse. On the horizon driving towards the alamo was a fleet of Palmer Sport Jaguar XKR's, Seat's, Pathfinders, and Caterhams.

I realized things had not came to an end and in fact the battle was just begining. The armada of vehicles pulled in front of the Alamo and I was busy re-loading my water cannon. With fantastic range and accuracy most of the instructors getting out were within range and were hesitant to get any closer. Clearly these were not as convinced as the lunch time fantatics.

To the cheers of a group of Palmer Sport guests, I gave up my superior position and I bolted through the crowd of instructors, water bombs and water guns blazing a path. I immediately jumped into one of the Jaguar's which had arrived on the scene and gave myself an immediate crash course on operating the gearbox and paddle shifters. The escape path was clear and I knew I couldn't be stopped at this point as the V8 roared to life.

The race was on, however it wouldn't last long as I got stuck on a one-way run off road. I bailed from my escape vehicle and took off into the field relying on my years of athletic training for escape. I looked over my shoulder and there were two red clad instructors who had boxed me in, on the one way road. After what must have been a quarter mile into the field they were loosing ground and I was planning my next move. Suddenly out of no where a black Pathfinder came bearing down on me through the field, splashing through ankle deep water in far less effort than I was expending to travel the same distance. As it closed, I could see the huge smile of one Stuart Saggers from the drivers window. After another quarter mile of attempting to outsprint the Pathfinder I saw it stop and Stuart Saggers took to a foot race. Now thoroughly tired from outrunning the first one's he was able to out sprint me and finally grabbed me wrestling me to the ground. It wasn't a few moments later three more red-clad holligans had me by the arms and legs and were carrying me towards the pond.

The inevitable was under weigh and a few minutes later I was trying to figure out which way was up, and how deep could this pond possibly be? After a good laugh from everyone present I climbed onto the pier and had to make the half mile track back to the office. Someone gave me a tip on a shower on premises. I walked straight in, clothes and all, and rinsed off the pond water. Thinking the fun was had by all I headed back towards my car and off to the pub to join a few of my friends.

Halfway back to my car I noticed a Palmer Sport mini-van circulating the parking lot.

Within the fourteen seater bus was atleast eight red-clad individuals. Although I didn't want to accept what it was initially, when the bus pulled a 180' and headed towards me, the mini-bus's mission became clear. Immediately I bolted, relying on my ability to seriously 'leg it.' The mini-bus side door opened and a swarm of red came pouring out. I was heading in towards the mechanics work shop, a place I was sure I could slip through and out to the car park on the other side and freedom. However the slick floor of the workshop did not provide good grip for changing of directions and once again, I was covered up by red. I was dragged into the mini-bus, which was on a one way trip to the pond....

Sure enough once again, I was taken back to the pond, and thrown in.

Thankfully this would be my last time into the pond on this particular afternoon. The 16" fish I am pretty sure were tired of me and I even felt a few bites on my fingers. Soaked from head to toe I made my way to the pub and joined everyone for a proper birthday party.

In the end it was a fun birthday. I did get buckets of water dumped on me, thrown into a pond... twice.

I hope you are all doing well, I have dried up, and I expect the emotional scarring will heal soon.

Wettest regards

Michael

A Big "Thank You" to somebody...

2008-06-03T13:24:00.003-05:00

This week I had some incredible things to share with you on the mjdrive online diary. Last weekend I took my first trip to Paris where I captured some great images I was looking forward to posting, furthermore I have uncovered some really cool (and funny) stories about the past racers/instructors at Palmer Sport that I wanted to share as well.

However... Somebody had to go and spoil it for everybody. I am not sure excactly who it is, but SOMEONE found out that Palmer Sport has a special 'birthday' tradition. The lucky birthday boy or girl is routinely rounded up and thrown into the onsite pond which was a part of the old rally course.

While I was well aware of this tradition I thought things were going along swimmingly and I might even be able to sneak under the radar without anyone finding out Wednesday is my birthday. SOMEONE apparently decided they should let Palmer Sport know and sent an anonymous email directly to Dr. Jonathan Palmer's office to let him know that tomorrow, 4 June, is my birthday. Immediately the Palmer Sport machine went into action and by the end of the day today my birthday announcement was on the whiteboard in the chief instructors office.

So, without the slightest hint of sarcasm, THANK YOU VERY MUCH and HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Depending on the results of tomorrow's dunkings and whether ot not this certain person comes forward, you now may or may not get to hear the great stories I found out about Lewis Hamilton, photos of Paris, and all the latest happenings in the world of motorsport!

Hope you have a great day tomorrow!

Michael

The Begining of the End of Proper British Motor Racing Establishment

2008-05-27T09:33:00.004-05:00

Great News!

Believe it or not the Motor Sport Assocition United Kingdom has issued me with a competition license! Not simply a racing license but an International 'C' grade license, authorized through the FIA, the primary governing body of motorsport.

To hold this level of racing license is most excellent, because it gives me permission to compete in a number of high level races. Not only can I run the Britsh Formula Ford or F3 events I would also be eligible to compete at the 24 Hour of Le Mans race were a seat to become available!

I hope everything is going well for you this week. I am working very hard on a number of projects. The first of which is a marketing/sponsorship piece with a friend Megan Wood. We have a first draft finished and we are looking towards putting the finishing touches on it in the next week. I will be at Palmer Sport again this week and at the end of the week I have a special guest traveling over from America to visit me, my mom!

Cheers

Michael

Quote of the day:

"Either full gas or full brake, anything in between is bullshit."

- Anthony Sassine

Kickin' it at Carroll's

2008-05-26T03:41:00.004-05:00

In Texas motorsport there isn't anyone more famous, or who has made a more significant impact on international motorsport than Carroll Shelby. From the very begining of his motorsport career Carroll has close ties to the United Kingdom. Even today his influence can still be seen as the two stripes which he made famous on the Shelby Cobra's livery are still seen racing around tracks.

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to hang out with Carroll's daughter Simone who I had met earlier this year along with Carroll and his wife at the Barrett Jackson Car Auction. Simone showed me around a town called Henley where we had lunch and had a chance to catch up with what her family are Carroll are up to. Simone told me about a road rally that she had participated in earlier this year where she beat Patric Dempsy in a race between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. After lunch Simone was also kind enough to show me around the Shelby estate, a 7 bedroom mansion, which looked to this simple Texan as something out of the movies! Walking around the home which was full of personal items was like walking through a museum of motorsports golden years.

(some of the things around the estate, notice the rocking horses' name)
Afterwards we met a few of her friends Kate and Mark who both have interesting backgrounds. Kate is a high powered executive at a company called Manpower and Mark is involved with automotive development for Land Rover. Before signing on developing components for Land Rover hespent a few years working for the Williams Formula 1 team! The evening was made up of some intersting conversations and we had a great time.

The past week has been very busy, I feel like everyday I have been going hard and not getting to bed until 11.30-midnight and then back up again at 6 to get back to Palmer!! I hope you are doing well and I will do my best to get caught up on a few posts this week!

Cheers

Michael

Old School Video!

2008-05-16T03:47:00.003-05:00

If I may, please let me share with you a video that was shot by my friend Bob Coonrod while I was living in Texas. The video shows footage captured of me at a test with the O'Brien Racing Formula Mazda team. The test went very well and I was offered a paid drive for the team. Regretably the backing didn't materialize so the car sat in the work shop for the season.

The car was fantastic and it was a good outfit. It's too bad things didn't come together because I know we had the right people in the right places to make a statement in the series.

Let me know what you think of the video and look at that ragged hair cut!!

Cheers

MJ

First British Race Seat

2008-05-15T00:01:00.004-05:00

During the Brands Hatch A1GP weekend I had a chance to catch up with my friend Peter Jackson. I met Peter a few weeks prior at the Cadwell Park vintage car race meeting. That weekend, after we met at a lunch table he had been kind enough to show me around the paddock and introduce me to the participants in the series.

During this weekend Peter was hosting a 'Retro Racers' exhibit for the A1GP fans, showcasing his clubs vintage racing machines. I stopped by to say hello and see how things were getting on. The classic cars were certainly catching some well deserved attention as the majority of race fans stopped by to look over the cars. Although Peter's job was officially to explain the different machines to the fans, his job was quickly deterioriating to that of a baby sitter as miniature British racing fans climbed all over priceless cars.

During our chat Peter asked me if I thought I could fit into his machine. I climbed into the Cooper and found it to be a natural fit. For years I have appreciated the engineering and design of the early year rear engine single-seaters. To my astonishment Peter asked me if I fit alright if I would be willing to drive the car for him in an upcoming race in July at Cadwell Park. The opportunity to pilot such a car is an incredibly rare opportunity and I took him up immediately on the offer.

For the photo I decided to use a symbol I had just learned about. In Britain two fingers held up is known as a 'V' for victory, certainly what I plan on doing when I drive Peter's Cooper at Cadwell!

On the other hand, during a recent history lesson I learned that if you turn the hand around it becomes a less than friendly gesture. During midevil warfare when the French captured a English archer they would 'remove' the two fingers the archer used for drawing back their bow string. When going into battle the English archers would hold up their two fingers to let the french know they still had them, and the capacity to fire arrows in their direction. Seemlessly this translated into the modern giving someone the bird. I had to be very careful I kept my hand the right direction for the photo op!

The race Peter offered for me to pilot his machine is in July and will be held in Cadwell Park. I can't wait! My first race seat in British Motorsport!!!

Your friend at speed.

Michael

The best day of my life?

2008-05-13T00:01:00.002-05:00

I have enjoyed some really great moments in my life. I remember vividly the first time I drove my dads kart at Wizzard Kart track in Carrolton, Texas, graduated from highschool (and University, believe it!!), and raced for the United States karting team. I recently had a day which could have been the most enjoyable, ever.

For the last few weeks I have been at Palmer Sport instructing. As with any company I have started at what is considered the bottom of the preverbial totem pole. As many of you know I feel hugely fortunate just to be at Palmer Sport so I am happy just to be there, let alone getting a job reserved for the most senior instructors.

A few days ago, there was a fluke in the allignment of the stars and the directors schedule said I was the only driver available who could help the mechanics to 'run in' a new car which just came off the assembly line. (50+ hour process of being hand built by mechanics piece by piece)

The process of running in a car is important to break in an engine, gearbox, and differential before the car is driven to maximum speed. There is a strict program which involves turning laps with the engines RPM at a predetermined ceiling, then gradually building up speed. It would be my duty and responsbility to help them with this to drive hours upon hours around the Bedford Autodrome's 'West Circuit.'

Although I do have a fair ammount of time in single-seaters I have only been had opportunities to drive them under pressure and on the clock. It has forced me to push unnaturally hard and always feeling quite on the edge without knowing precisely where that edge was. Where as F1 drivers usually log in between 1,500-3,000 miles before their first race, the first time I wason track was often to qualify. This day gave me the chance to build up speed, confidence, and comfort in the car.

At the end of the day I had completed around 100 laps of the West Circuit. While still going relatively slowly (93 mph) down the straight away's, I was carrying good speed through the corners and getting used to the handling of the Formula Jaguar and the grip the F3 tyres were delivering.

There is nothing more in the world I enjoy more than driving single seater race cars. Although it was a day which ultimately came down to being at the right place at the right time this day served as a reminder to why I moved halfway across the world leaving behind friends and family for an uncertain destiny.

Thank you to our photographer Lee Marshall for capturing the images. If you would like to see more of his work he is available via http://www.lee-marshall.co.uk/

From cloud 9

Michael

The Sights and Sounds of A1GP

2008-05-11T09:51:00.006-05:00

From the moment the A1GP cars went on to the track last weekend it was obvious the 'main show' had taken center stage. The most distinct feature of the cars being their 550 horse power v8 Zytek racing engines, which create a brilliant sound. It isn't the hollow noise that many American manufactured v8 engines produce, instead an effecient wail that eminates from the 3.4 litre powerplant. The 'rifle crack' backfire that follows a drivers downchange of the gears is startling if you are not prepared.

Inside the A1GP paddock at Brands Hatch the only way to describe the atmosphere is global. With 22 nations represented in the series known as the 'Olympics of Motorsport' there were drivers, crews, and team representatives from the farthest reaches of the world. While there are many traditional motorsport nations entering cars such as Great Britain, Germany, Italy, United States, and Brazil there are many other nations represented who have not been linked to a racing in the past such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Lebanon, and Malaysia. It is certainly interesting to see these nations expanding their international profile through motorsport.

This global atmosphere was further accentuated by the pagenatry that one expects in a F1 grid however with the multi-cultural atmosphere this is taken to another level with Brazilian samba dancers, Chinese dragon's, and Roman soldiers adding to the color.

Beyond the shiny pagentry, on the track, some very serious competition was taking place. The A1GP series travels around the world to ten different countries for race meetings where a sprint and final race take place for team to earn championship points. While the traditional motorsport calendar takes place in the summer months, A1GP races during the winter and was finishing their final round at Brands Hatch. A number of competitors from A1GP have gone on to race Formula 1 including Timo Glock of the Toyota F1 team as well as Nelson Pique Jr. who now drives for Renault F1. The race winner on this particular day turned out to be India's Narain Karthikeyan a former Williams F1 test driver.

During my time in the paddock I had a chance to meet with Tim Tuttle the public relations director for Team USA. Aside from his responsibilities with the United States team he is also a journalist for Sports Illustrated covering a number of different racing series from Le Mans to NASCAR and could possibly have more 'racing stories' than anyone I know.

During my time meeting with Mr. Tuttle he seemed intrigued by my story along with my past experience in karts where I raced against and beat one of their teams previous drivers. Whether or not he was impressed i'm not sure, but he did pull the owner of the team aside, introduced us, and we spoke for about thirty minutes.

The team owner is a gentleman by the name of Rick Weidinger who has a racing background with the Indy Racing League where he was involved with Kelly Racing. Furthermore he is an extremely succesful businesman from the technology sector. It was very interesting to speak with him and learn about his strategy and approach to racing and how that has been influenced by his business career. He pointed at continuity within the team, especially the crew, which he believed caused the improvement in performance and earned their first win at the Shanghai Circuit earlier this year.

At the end of our conversation Mr. Weidinger provided me with his contact details, so you can rest assure I will be staying in touch with him! I was very happy to learn about the approach he takes with his team. To drive for A1GP Team USA would be a dream.

I Hope you are doing well. I am staying very busy and will write again as soon as I have a free moment!

Cheers

Michael

The Sites of the A1GP Paddock

2008-05-06T16:41:00.003-05:00

Emerson Fittipaldi: Formula 1 World Champion and owner of A1GP Team Brasil

Rick Weidinger IT super guru and A1GP Team USA owner.

A bit of A1GP pageantry. I caught this roman soldier chowing down on a snickers bar.

Although I am from Texas, I haven't gone as far as this guy! He was on his way to the track for his race! I think he said he was from Brighton, England...

More of A1GP's cultural flair.

A Visit to Brands

2008-05-05T05:45:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

This weekend I visited what is arguably one of the greatest racing circuits in the world and without much argument the finest course in Great Britain, Brands Hatch.

The Brands Hatch circuit is located in Kent, east of London an hour or so depending on where you start from. Like many of the circuits in England I found it has a unique and interesting heritage since the time it was created in the 1920's. Originally the land the circuit is now located on was owned by the Brands farm and used as a military training base. At some point the farmers used their machinery to cut out a circuit which was used by cyclists to ride through the country side. The first actual race was held in 1928 using a 4 mile course and featured cyclist and runners. Since this time it evolved into a motor racing circuit and made the Formula 1 World Calendar from 1964 to 1986.

Many of the greatest Formula 1 racing drivers competing on the circuit. I was able to find this absolutely intriguing video of World Champion driver Jackie Stewart explaining the course as he completed a lap:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QfnPipg03c

The reason for my visit this weekend was to watch many of my colleagues from Palmer Sport race who are competing in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship along with the headline race the A1GP World Cup of Motorsports. The weekend was absolutely fantastic and I feel like I was able to see and feel the true spirit and passion the British have for motorsports.

Today I am cracking away today on some sponsorship opportunities and will close for now, but when I have a few minutes tomorrow I will put up a more detailed post on the races, the people and some of the fantastic happenings of the weekend.

Hope you are doing well and are looking forward to the week!

Michael

Super Training at Palmer Sport

2008-05-01T07:41:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

Last week I got on with the job at Palmer Sport. Although I am not officially working, I have reached an agreement with the directors where as they are allowing me to continue 'training' until my work permit goes through.

'Training' at Palmer Sport has been fantastic however they have kept me working like a trojan. I arrive around 745AM and don't typically leave until around 8PM. Although the day usually ends a bit earlier there are often times things going on afterwork such as tests with the Palmer Audi Championship cars or various track days which I do my best to get involved with. Last week during the a track day I got to see some wanker lob* a Pagani Zonda into a field! Luckily there was no damage done aside from that to the drivers ego, reputation, and I'm sure he has no friends now.

*The term 'lob' is new to me but I really like this one. If it needs any clarification 'lobbing a car' is when a driver misses a corner, brake point, or generally runs out of talent and 'lobs' the car into the field. NICE!

I have been really happy with the opportunity to be a part of Palmer Sport. The organization is absolutely top flight, with really good people, and it is very satisfying to see the excitement of the guests who come through the doors and get to experience the driving.

This weekend I will be traveling to Brands Hatch for the final round of the A1GP racing series. I have arranged a meeting with the United States team and am looking forward to meeting the team. Also the Formula Palmer Audi championship will be racing in support of the A1GP so I am looking forward to seeing many of my colleagues going for it.

Hope you are all doing very well.

Michael

MJDrive on the News Stands

2008-04-29T13:37:00.006-05:00

Since I started racing I have been involved with karts. It is something I have been incredibly passionate about and is the foundation of all of my racing success which has propelled me into the career path I am now on. I recently had the chance to share the benefit of kart racing to the membership of the Sports Car Club of American through the May issue of their publication Sports Car.

The article illustrates the benefits to road racers of spending time in a kart. The article also talks about autocross racing a kart, which allows participants to race against the clock on temporary courses in shifter karts.

I hope you enjoy the article. To see a larger version please click on the particular image.

This articles is re-published with the permission of the Sports Car Club of America Sports Car Magazine, which is a Haymarket Publication.

You Meet the Most Interesting People

2008-04-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

I love driving racecars. There is a feeling of taking a corner at the absolute limit of the tyres, engine, and track which is simply undescribable. It is a feeling where all of the senses are alive and nothing else can create this same feeling.

Along with my passion for driving, another thing I love about motorsport is the incredible people it brings together. Motorsport has allowed me to meet leaders of government, business, and sport. Sometimes the sport bridges gaps to some of the most interesting people I might have never met otherwise.

I recently received a message from one of my friends who is in California who bumped into someone through motorsport that he would have never expected.

A MESSAGE FROM JOEL BEWLEY OF BEWLEY DESIGN LAB

It has been ages since Steve Mcqueen crested San Francisco's greeting card hills, clearing all four tires from the pavement. As the car bottoms out the ninth hubcab, of the sixteen lost, bounces into the front yard of neighborhood surrounding the hills where the filming of the infamous pursuit tookplace.

Today the tire marks from Mcqueen's green mustang are long gone but motorsport and speed is still alive on the hills. Instead of a fastback mustang the pace is set by a large cable car racing the streets conducted by a gentleman named Frank. As I picked up the ride midway up 'nob hill' Frank was quick to notice my Sparco gear bag. I soon discovered Frank wasn't your typical American smitten with Nascar or Football. Frank is a true road racing fan and very aware of the difficulty of breaking into formula one.

I enjoyed the conversation but before I knew it Frank slid the cable car to a halt at my destination. So next time you are in San Francisco and looking for a chat on motorsport, look for the cable conductor who grabs the cable fast and brakes late, he will get you to your destination quicker than the rest.

So Michael, Frank the cable car driver sends his support and wishes you success on your journey to f1.

Joel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIwtPwXrTVU

An Incredible Response

2008-04-24T16:07:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

After my last post I have received some of the most incredible and enthusiastic responses from around the world.

There is without any question having the guidance, even if it is just for a few minutes, from someone like Rob Wilson is fantastic. However I feel like he is going to be someone who is a guide to show me the road and isn't necessarily going to 'do the work,' for me.

It is however, the incredible enthusaism I have received is something which I must appreciate because it gives me strength of spirit and motivation to work hard and push everyday. As Mr. Wilson put it so bluntly the road ahead is brutal, but with so many people urging me on, it gives me nothing but excitement and enthusaism when I wake up in the morning. For all of you that have written me, thank you.

This week has been very busy doing work for my sponsor ABD USA and today I turned up for my first day at Palmer. I arrived at 745 this morning after a 45 minute drive! Twelve hours later I left the track. It was a great day, but I am absolutely whipped! This weekend I will write more but for now I am going to sleep because I will be at it again tomorrow!

Wishing you a fantastic Friday and a great weekend.

Your friend

Michael

Champions Consultant

2008-04-22T05:20:00.011-05:00

Out of the 9,000 or so registered racing drivers from New Zealand he figures he's somewhere around 9,000 when it comes to talent. He is the first to crack a joke at his own expense and carries himself in a light hearted way. Very upfront and quick to poke fun at himself, I have found this type of person to be one to look out for.

These individuals always seem to fall into one of two categories. They are either A) truly awful and being ranked 9,000th in New Zealand Motorsport would be a gross overvaluation of their ability, or B) They are supremely on top of their game, with a level of confidence, and aptitude where frankly it just doesn't matter what you think.

After sitting at the dinner table with this man for only a few minutes I had formed my conclusion as to which rung he stands on. There was no sense of bragging, or trying to impress with his years in the business but he put it quite simply, "I have been racing in Europe for longer than you have been alive. The reason McLaren, Renault, and Honda call me is because I have been in the trenches with the team directors and they know I have the road dirt to help their team reach their potential."

As dinner carries on I learn that not only does he work with these teams, but he is firstly responsible for developing many past and present grand prix drivers, the ones considered to be the most naturally gifted drivers in the world. Pupils names like Kovalainen and Raikkonen pop up nonchalantly during the meal.

Although I was quite keen to learn more about him, Mr. Rob Wilson was quite astute on keeping the conversation based around where I have been, where I am now, and where I intend on going. It was in fact for thirty minutes he scrutinized my CV, quizzing me line by line on each matter of accomplishment. I could tell he was feeling me out to decide the nature of the individual sitting with him.

While he was quite critical during the entire process the thing which changed his tone was when we were talking about the SCCA racing I did and how I came about the drives. When he found out that I had gotten the rides on merit and my family hadn't paid for the rides or that my father had not arranged them through a colleague or business friend he started to take a real interest.

After drawing his conclusion, Mr. Wilson's tone and demeanor shifted to that of a close advisor, the kind of person you want to learn forward and listen to every word they have to say. The first point he made is that this business is absolutely brutal. In the end to reach Formula 1 it is about talent but at the beginning it is about supreme commitment and money, without both you will get passed by. He said if my case were different, say my father was the King of Bahrain or a former world champion, it would be no problem for him to arrange a seat for me with a Formula Ford or F3 team, work with me everyday and get me to a level which would qualify me for a tryout with a Formula 1 team. However moving beyond that point to attaining my career goal on winning the Formula 1 driving world championship would require absolute commitment and focused natural ability which money cannot buy.

Given my position he said it would be much tougher. He said most American's fail on this road, because the life is too hard and it is easier to return home. He applauded the fact I had attained a position with Dr. Jonathan Palmer's, Palmer Sport racing school and said that it is a fantastic place for me. Furthermore he said I should ALWAYS be at race circuits meeting people, and actively helping them to reach their own racing goals whether that be through driver coaching, marketing work, journalism or simply pushing a broom. In the end he said the idea is to impress the right person who has the ability to support my development and be a patron on my road to F1.

At the end of dinner along with some brutally honest advice, I feel was the best sign so far in my thirteen year racing career. The driving coach for the current world champion and consultant to nearly half of the Formula 1 team grid had found that the two hours he spent having dinner with me were not been a waste of his time and suggested we meet again in a few weeks to see how things are going.

To me this is a unbelievable sign because for someone with his experience and connections to see a reason to continue speaking with me and mentoring me tells me that given enough work, dedication, commitment and the right break, this Texan might in the end have a real crack at F1.
Now it's time for me to get to work.

Michael

A Perfect Fit

2008-04-20T04:07:00.013-05:00

Dear friends, family and racing fans,

This past weekend, on the advice of my new mentor (who I promise to write about tomorrow), I turned up at the FIA GT championship race at Silverstone to see who I might meet and continue to immerse myself in the European motorsport scene. So with no official responsibilities, I set off to see what I could learn. On account of my relationship with Ferrarichat.com I felt I should take a bit of time from the day to keep an eye on the red machines and see how they go.

While there were Ferrari's entered into every major class from the headline GT series through the GT3 category, there was in fact one class which was ALL Ferrari's, the European Ferrari Challenge.

In their own literature the Ferrari Challenge is a self-confessed place for 'gentleman' racers. These drivers are the ones who have no aspirations to compete in Le Mans or Formula 1 but want to enjoy some of the worlds finest circuits in some, lets be honest, ridiculously expensive and incredible machinery. That hardware is in fact none other than the Ferrari F430 Challenge cars which has brakes that are bigger than the wheels on my road car, utulize an ultra effecient paddle shifting system which my grandmother could master, and exudes a noise which is one of the finest in modern day motorsport.

To house all of the competitors' cars and keep the F430's dry while the mechanics are working the series has set up a football field length tent which housed Ferrari's as far as you can see. As I walked over to the Ferrari Challenge complex, I recognized the racing series sponsor right away, the Black and Decker Company. All of the cars in the entire series were adorned with their logo on the top part of the windshields. As an educated 'strategic marketer' I was a bit surprised by this in all fairness, I would have expected to see an investment firm, bank, or yacht manufacture.

The Ferrari challenge is mostly non-professional racing drivers and as a result, the racing fans pay more attention to the cars and the famous marquee moreso than the actual racing. So the question naturally arose, how does Black and Decker fit with a bunch of gentleman racers?

Now at first I had to think about it, Black and Decker produces some of the world finest power, garden, automotive, and home tools. Their products are sold through hardware retail chains to the masses around the world. What could sponsoring a bunch of rich guys driving around in their Ferrari's mean to the brand?

After the first Ferrari Challenge race went off, which was an interesting affair, I had a second chance to walk back through the Ferrari Super Dome. It was at that point I realized exactly why, it is a brilliant strategy for Black and Decker to be involved with the series.

While on the track the racing might not be particularly professional and the drivers times might be a bit off the ultimate performance, there was no question that the mind-bending carnage these "gentleman" churned out was real, and it was going to take some "real" tools to get these cars back into action (along with a minor miracle in some instances).

My eyes were amazed as I witnessed spanner men using their Black and Decker tools to smash, bend, and re-straighten every conceivable angle of what seemed to be about half of the cars that were in the first race. For my own sake I have seen a Ferrari parts price list and I wasn't sure if I should laugh, or cry, about the cost of repairing and replacing such bits. The mechanics were clearly feeling good about 'job security' at this particular moment! The Black and Decker tools were being put through the ringer of the 'worst possible scenario' and by the time to push off for the second race all but the most disasterous cases were making their way back to the track.

In the end it appears Black and Decker found themselves a great way to showcase their tools. I would certainly talk to them about backing me, but unless they were to create a special tool for polishing trophies, I don't know if I could showcase their tools as well as the ferrari challenge!

I hope you are all doing very well and thank you to those of you who wrote me over the weekend with your fantastic support and encouragement.

Sincerely,

Michael

Good Luck Francisco!!

2008-04-19T05:02:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,

On a completely, unrelated to motorsport side note, I just wanted to write and wish my friend, training partner, and marketing professor from UNT Francisco Guzman the best of luck, stamina, and fortitude. Tomorrow he will be participating in one of the most famous non-motorsport races in America, the Boston Marathon.

Francisco has really helped push me forward in my personal training. A month before I moved to the UK he entered me in my first running race a 5k through Dallas. Although I have always felt I am in excellent condition, he ran along side me the whole race pushing me to the limits of exhaustion. In the end the results were good, we finished the final mile in 6:30 seconds, but it also showed me the room I have to improve which I have been working on here in the UK. The training has certainly showed benefits in the racecar.

Although Francisco has done many before, marathon's are very tough races. So if you have any spare energy on Monday think of focusing it towards him as he does the 26 mile course!

GOOD LUCK FRANCISCO!!!!

Michael

Home Away From Home: Silverstone!

2008-04-18T08:19:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I turned up at my new (extended) home. Only ten miles down the road from me is the world famous home of British Motorsport, the Silverstone Grand Prix racing circuit. Having never been I had no idea what to expect, but kept an open mind as I drove up knowing the sky was literally the limit.

For those of you who don't know much about the Silverstone Circuit it has a storied history. Its initial purpose in fact was not be a racing course at all. During the second World War Silverstone was actually an RAF airfield base. After the end of the war, the airbase trasitioned into a racing course when the three run-ways were connected with hairpin corners. Since then Silverstone has become one of the most fabled racing courses in the world and hosting the British roudn of the Formula 1 World Championship every year since 1987.

As I drove up, before I had even arrived at the circuit I was greeted by a commercial business park. Surrounding the circuit must have been a dozen different building with various businesses with what appeared to be motorsport marketing, public relations, racing organizers (including the Historic Sports Car Club I went to last week as well as the A1GP) and many, many racing outfits.

Yesterday was not a quiet day at Silverstone as racing teams from around Europe were descending on the circuit for the first round of the FIA GT Championship. Once I had passed the commercial buildings I was greated by a guard station on the pathway to the infield of the circuit. I can only imagine the greeting I would have received during Silverstone's previous life as a military airbase. After introducing myself to the guard he accepted my story that I was on my way to meet one of the teams and directed me through to the paddock.

Once passing the guard gate I immediately drove over a bridge which passed directly over the circuits many straights. As I decended to the inside of the course I began to realize the magnitutde of the circuit and headed towards the signs which said 'paddock.' After parking and pulling on a warm jacket I began to 'troll' around the paddock to inquire if any of the teams could use an extra hand during the weekend. I figured some of these crews could use an extra hand to change tyres, record data, or help wipe down the cars. In this process I had a chance to meet a few interesting people including Stewart Rodden the team principal for the Scuderia Eccose Ferrari team. The teams were busy unloading their magnificent machines which looked to be the inspiration for the Gran Tourismo video game. I could certainly see myself behind the wheel of a some of these!

After a few hours of speaking with people my luck didn't seem to be going very well. Many of the people I approached didn't even speak english! As you can imagine trying to explain to them I could help out around the pits was a tough task let alone pantomimeing pushing a broom to puzzled looks.

Although that didn't really go according to plan, I did have a bit of good, actually great news. Halfway through the day I received a phone call from the British Motorsport association to let me know the final details had gone through on my racing license. In a few days I will be the proud owner of an International racing license, so it is a step towards getting behind the wheel! This is also good news because it is tied in with my work visa so hopefully soon I can start working at the Palmer Sport racing school.

In the end I didn't have luck finding anyone who needed an extra hand, which quite honestly is amazing to me. I don't think i've ever been at the races when an extra warm body wouldn't be welcomed. I suppose these are all ultra professional outfits and have their team as they see fit.

Hope you are doing very well. Although I didn't find 'work' with any of the teams I am going to turn up at Silverstone this weekend, see who I run into, and hopefully enjoy some fantastic GT racing.

Best regards

Michael

Unthinkable

2008-04-16T11:18:00.007-05:00

Dear Friend,

After spending some time walking around the facilitiy at Cadwell Park and taking the photos you saw in my last post, there was a clear and definitive break in my day. The second and most interesting part of my day began while I sat at the Cadwell Park circuit cafe, which I am sure has a prestigious and glamorous sounding Formula 1 name, I simply cannot bring it to mind at this moment.

While I was enjoying the bagel I brought from home and the tea I purchased as to unburden myself from the guilt of using Dr. Palmers facilities, a gentleman sat down next to me as the tables began to fill up. For the first part of our meals we didn't bother one another as we focused on the job of eating, but as he finished up I asked his involvement with the days race. Those few words were the key to an incredible afternoon which the likes of which should only take place in the movies. 'My name is Peter, I own a Formula Junior racecar, however I am not contesting todays event.'

As it turns out Peter was there to enjoy the social scene and comradarie which is prevalent at vintage motor car races. The cut throat, win at all costs attitude which I am accustomed to at the race track simply was not there and Peter was keen to walk me through the paddock, introduce me to anyone who would stop to talk, and explain to me the different makes and models of the category in which he participates, Formula Junior.

To give you the shortened readers digest version, Formula Junior was established in the 50's by the Italians in order to breed and promote young Italian racing drivers. The single-seater, front engine cars were built with cost effeciency in mind. In the begining the Formula was in fact right. However as the popularity grew the British manufactures such as Lotus, Cooper, and Brabham got involved and that would be the undoing as the cars evolved from cheap simple machines into the F2 chassis of their day. The main improvement during this time was the switch from front engine to rear engine cars creating a major disparity in performance and obsoleting the earlier front engine models.

Meeting with Peter was truly a bit of luck and having learning about the race class was a delight and I am very grateful for him for so warmly welcoming me into the paddock and showing me around.

Things were as I had expected them, incredible vintage cars, sociable atmosphere, and drivers who came from every walk of life howeve were brought together through motorsport.

This was all to change however as Peter and I made our way to the assembly grid before the start of the Formula Junior race. Some lucky connections allowed us into the commentators box where we were delighted to a fantastic view of the Cadwell Park circuit and live entertainment from the course announcer.

As the cars filed onto the track I expected to see a race start, proceeded by twenty laps or so of parading around, concluded with a chequered flag. In American vintage car racing this would have been the case, however as I was to soon find out, in British vintage car racing the edict is very different: 'these cars were built to race, so we are going to race them.'

The first unexpected moment took place before the race had even started. As the twenty-two car grid filed into position, smoke began billowing out of one of the cars engine compartment. As the last cars pulled into position the smoke got thicker and it was apparent there was a problem. On schedule the red lights went out and the cars took off, the smoking powerplant had gone lame and it popped and sputtered off the line. From the sixth position he was in last place by the first corner. The rest of the cars got away, spinning tyres searching for grip in a scene from the motion picture Grand Prix.

As I mentioned before I did not expect much wheel-to-wheel action, however once the race got under way battles erupted around the course. Three laps into the race a car went off coming through the woods section. although I could not see, I am told he did four barrel roles before his car came to rest in a tyre barrier. The race carried on and one of the competitors in disbelief came barreling into the pits, dismissing himself from the race to voice his opinion the event should be stopped.

As the race carried on an all out brawl was developing at the front of the field. With three cars battling for the lead a new car took the point almost every lap. By the eigth lap they were already into lapped traffic and on more than one occasion the leaders were willing to take four tyres off the course to gain an advantage. At one point I was completely astounded. Kee in mind Cadwell Park is a very narrow course and I thought there would be no more than enough room for two cars side-by-side at any point. To my disbelief the lead group would go three wide through a corner. Well two of them would atleast as the third driver drove through the grass on the infield and somehow managed to emerge in the lead.

By this point in the race, I was in complete disbelief as these irreplaceable machines viciously reinacted what appeared to be a round from the 1962 world championship. On the tenth lap tragedy struck. As a driver crested the 'mountain' his car careened out of control, sliding off the track, coming to rest beached and pointed directly at the spectator area. For an unknown reason the throttle had stuck on the car and smoke billowed away from the tyres as they tried unsuccesfully to unbeach themselves. Within moments, even before the smoke had cleared the emergency crew had reacted and was on the scene to pull the emergency kill switch and evaluate the situation. Later it was revealed the driver had suffered a heart attack causing him to loose control of the car. Immediately the crew went to work on him, but as it turns out there efforts were in vain. The driver passed away during the trip to the hospital.

The race meeting was called to an end and there was a surreal air in the paddock after the race. Moments before the race in the assembly grid the drivers and crew were talking about a post race party. At that moment there was a complete vacuum of emotion aside from atonishment and disbelief.

Driving a racecar is one of the most incredible feelings in the world, however danger is always present on the race course. It is very sad when tragedy strikes like this and it reminds me of a famous quote.

'Everyone dies, but not everyone lives.'

In his passing one can be relieved to know he was going one hundred miles per hour doing what he truly loved.

In the end what had started as a great day at the track, getting to know many interesting people, ended in the worst way possible. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the departed.

With respect

Michael Johnson

Step into a golden era

2008-04-15T16:57:00.011-05:00

This past weekend I did not travel to a motorcycle race. This photo highlights the dramatic nature of the course which I did visit, Cadwell Park. The race meeting which I came to see was the second round of the Historic Sports Car Club meeting on the narrow Cadwell Park course which ducks and weaves its way around mountains and woods.

The Historic Sports Car Club is a racing organization which takes a big step into the 'golden era' of motorsports with racing cars from the late 1950's to late 1970's. The racers for the most part are not professional drivers, they are however people who are very passionate about motorsport and even more passionate about the special cars which they own, prepare, and race. Around the paddock you have a chance to see some incredible racing car designs which illustrate racing designers pursuit of performance and asthetics as racing technologies, analysis, and scruitinering were in their infancy. The beauty in many cases is truly burdening on the eye of the beholder.

Rather than spend any more words telling you about the cars, I would rather show them to you. These are a few of my favorite cars that I saw throughout the weekend, hopefully you will enjoy them as much as their owners do! Your friend at speed. Michael

Blast from the past

2008-04-14T09:03:00.005-05:00

***Disclaimer: Just wanted to let you know I have been very busy the last few days and I have fallen deleriously behind on my posts. If I am correct there will be a new post everyday this week. Please bear with me as I get caught up and enjoy!***

Dear Friends,

A few days ago my good friend Peter Edalere made the journey across the pond to the United Kingdom. Peter and I worked together and became mates at the Texas Driving Experience, the corvette racing school at Texas Motor Speedway.

Peter recently became a proud daddy and traveled with his wife and baby girl to visit his brother who lives in Essex (just east of London) to show off the baby. I took the train from Northampton to london and arrived with a bit of extra time before Peter and I met up. I took advantage of the time and did a bit of exploring, absolutely lost, with no 'tourist guide' in one of the most incredible cities in the world.

London, to me, is incomprehensibile. Around every corner there is something completely new, unique, different and in no way resembles what was on the last road. My day in London barely scratched the surface of what I believe is one of the most international cities in the world. Please enjoy a few of the photos from my day in the capital.

After a few hours of destination unknown site seeing, Peter arrived and we met up and went for some truly non classic british food, pizza. It was truly a delight getting to see my old friend, hopefully I will be able to meet up with some of you reading this in the UK soon!

Hope you are having a brilliant Monday and looking forward to the week.

Warmest regards

Michael

PS: The remaining posts this week will be about RACING exclusively, except of course for the ones which are not

A new place to call home: Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit

2008-04-08T09:19:00.004-05:00

Since moving to the United Kingdom my next major mission has been to find a more permanent place to call home. After taking some time to get a feel for the country, research the landscape I have found a place in the city of Northampton.

The residence I am staying at is only ten minutes from the Silverstone race circuit, the home of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix. Technically i'm not living 'at the circuit,' but I figure this is as close as I can reasonably be in short notice. Beyond the Silverstone circuit, two hours drive makes up about 70% of the Formula 1 teams headquarters. If there is anything to be said for being at the right place, I'm pretty sure i'm there.

The place I have found is a small room in a house just a few miles from the Northampton town center. While I didn't think I had a lot of stuff, a couple of bags and my racing gear, this is redefining my ability to use space effeciently. I have a single bed, night stand, and a stand out closet where I can hang up my nice(r) clothes. It might not be a lot, but I am happy to be in the right place and have a place to stay that isn't Doug's sofa!

Now that I have made fun of Doug's sofa I must quickly and sincerely thank him and his girlfriend Ina for putting me up since I attived in the UK. As things like this naturally work I had promised Douglas I would be out of there in two or three weeks. Sure enough it has been over a month, so for being so for being gracious I really appreciate it. I must also commend Ina on her excellent cooking. She fed us almost every day and it was fantastic I don't think I ate the same thing twice, Thanks Ina! (and in all fairness the sofa was pretty comfortable)

My new housemate is a nice lady from Zimbabwe named Laura. She works at a law office in Northampton and luckily for me is keen on racing so hopefully she won't go crazy hearing about motorsport 24 hours a day 7 days per week.

Thank you for all of you who have personally written me notes and comments on this site, I read everyone of them and really appreciate the support.

I hope you are having a great week.

Michael

The Flying Chicken

2008-04-06T14:37:00.002-05:00

All great ships have great names. Such classics as the USS Lollipop, the Flying Dutchman, and her royal navy's HMS Cockburn top the charts as some of the all time best. The naming of such a vessel is a timeless tradition whereby seamen bestow an appropriate title to the vessel which their lives will ultimately depend, or atleast their ability to tred water.

After much research, searching, and looking at vehicles I have purchased a road going vessle for myself. As the name of such a vehicle is of crucial importance I took a very fair and honest look at the vehicle which I have purchased. A 2001 Navy Blue Volkswagen Polo hatchback with 1.4 liter engine.

The name I have chosen is derived from the name which Volkswagen gave the car Polo. I feel one cannot help but notice how close the word Polo is to the spanish word 'pollo' which means 'chicken.' On account of the fact I intend to be blazing across England in this vehichle I have named my machine The Flying Chicken.

As soon as I have a chance I will put up a few photos of the flying chicken. As you can imagine I am very excited about this new addition to my program. I am no longer dependent on public transport and there is going to be no drama associated with getting to race tracks.

I have also been working on finding a permanent residence, so now that I have a car hopefully this will happen very soon and I can stop living out of a suitcase!!

Hope you have a great week.

Michael

Cornering Forces

2008-04-03T04:43:00.002-05:00

As a racing driver you are trained to use either 100% gas or 100% brake, coasting or anything else is simply wasting precious time. However there is a point through every corner where using 100% gas or 100% brake simply does not work.

When a racing car takes a corner when done correctly the car is at the absolute limit of adhesion to the road. All the capability of the car is being expended to turn the car. At that very point if you were to apply even the slightest amount of gas or brake the tyres would be overwhelmed and the car would spin off course.

I find myself in this situation, not on the racing track, but in my life and adjustment to a new country. For the last week I have been working on some administrative issues of transportation, work visa, and finding a place to stay. Although it is not driving, I have the anxious feeling of taking a corner at a speed which is far less than the maximum speed, while doing my best to remain patient.

I hope you are doing very well. With any luck I will have some good news to report and have exciting things to write about very soon!

Sincerely yours

Michael

Round 1: Oulton Park

2008-03-26T07:40:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends

Public transportation is fantastic. I have found in the United Kingdom and Europe you can get just about anywhere for a reasonable cost, quite quickly in many circumstances. This truism however simply falls apart when your destination is a racing track.

On Monday (which is a British holiday) I traveled to Oulton Park Raceway, one of the circuits owned by Palmer Sport for the first round of the British F3 and GT championship. This weekend marked a very exciting moment for the British racers. After months of off-season waiting they can finally take their machines to the track in full anger and see if the off-season preparation and tweaks will pay off once the starting lights go out. For me this was a chance to see the different teams in action and take a look as to which ones I might fit in with.

Because I don’t currently have the backing required to get in the driving seat , one of my goals is to get involved with a team to learn about the cars and get my hands dirty with the mechanical work. I feel like it will be a way for me to get involved with the racing scene as well as improving my ‘mechanical empathy’ as race super mechanic Robert Metcalf explained. He believes this ultimately will make me a more complete racing driver. This way once I make it on track I will be able to quickly analyze what the car is doing underneath me and when I come into the pits I can explain to my mechanics, in their language, what changes need to be made so the car can go faster.

(Drivers like Jim Hall were experts at this because they were racing driver/engineers built into one. Every lap whether racing or practice was a ‘test’ lap and his mind was constantly working towards making the car faster.)

The trip to the course was typical when compared to my other public transit journeys to racing tracks. The process is becoming pretty standard and goes as follows: get on train, make compulsory changes, ride around on train a few more hours, ride taxi and pay massive taxi fare to deliver me to the gates of the circuit. Although it might seem like a lot of work my brilliance shined through as I happily walked right past the massive queue’s of cars and into Oulton Park (in the UK they say queue, not line).

The massive lines of cars into the circuit were a notice of things to come. Once I walked inside the gates there were gianormous crowds who turned up for the race. Unlike American speedway’s where fans park outside the course, at Oulton Park the majority of fans parked inside the circuit. There were no grandstands and the fans lined the entire length of the circuit and stood on the inclines that surrounded the track. The paddock was also available for access to the fans to wander and see the cars, teams, and drivers close up.

My first stop after arriving was at Chequere’s the race track restaurant where I expected to find burgers, chips and other ‘race track food.’ As it turns out once I waited through the queue you could order all sorts of things from fruits, salads, and specials from the kitchen including some sort of vegetable meat pie lasagna thing. The dining room was packed and it was only because I was on my own that I found a table to join where I got to speak with a few British motorsport fans. The passion was absolutely evident as one gentleman told me about the times he had driven Oulton Park himself while his friend had travelled about three hours to make it to the race (keep in mind you Americans 3 hours is nearly halfway across the country).

After lunch I had a chance to walk around the paddock and see the teams close up. There were a number of different racing series at the event including Formula Ford, Volkswagen, and the Ginetta Cup on top of the headline F3 and GT championships. The fans were treated to racing all day long and as I walked the pits I could hear the Volkswagen cars screaming around the track. The paddock was very impressive and frankly there isn’t anything I would know to compare it to. The teams in general are professional and take the racing very seriously, it’s a bad idea to get in the way of a mechanic when they are in a hurry! Although the racing was professional there was a wide disparity in equipment. Some teams certainly came more from the ‘privateer’ group with a small trailer and a couple 10x10 canopies together, while many of the GT and F3 teams had full semi-trailers, catered hospitality areas, and pit carts where they could watch the race from the pit lane.

The racing I came for was exactly what I had imagined. The Formula Ford championship (which I want to race in straight away) had over twenty entries with drivers from as far as Brazil, Europe, and Australia competing. The racing on course was fierce and was exactly what I was hoping to see. Up one step on the racing ladder the British F3 series was hugely impressive. The teams looked as good, if not better than many of the Champ Car and Indy car teams I have seen and major sponsors such as Red Bull, Honda, various Investment firms, and Bahrain adorned the cars. There were almost thirty F3 cars taking the grid and English was most likely the second language for the majority of the drivers. The British racing scene is truly an international affair and competition is fierce.

Once the racing had finished around 5pm I embarked on my trip back to High Wycombe. Unprepared to pay another massive taxi fare I pulled out my handy navigation system (the kind designed for cars) and dialed in the closest public transport which was four miles away.

Unfortunately (for me) I didn’t know anyone who was leaving to hitch a ride so I laced up my shoes and started hiking. Nothing like a nice walk on a lovely British evening! According to the GPS I averaged 3 ½ miles per hour which made it just over an hour before I arrived at my public transport destination, the smallest rail station I have ever seen. The station was equipped with train tracks, a platform, and a sign which promised a train would be by in about thirty minutes. While waiting at the station, possibly the drunkest British person on earth got off the train which was headed the other way, took one look at me and decided we should be friends. With a Guiness in hand he told me the guys at the bar had been nice enough to let him keep the glass (probably so he would leave!). After asking about my accent (I have an accent?) and telling me about saying ‘How!’ to the Indian people on the train (not amused or American Indians) he kindly said he should be going before I freaked out, probably right!

Once the train finally came naturally it took another transfer to get me to the station which would set me towards High Wycombe. At this point it was around nine o’clock and I started to realize I should not have waited around for the final races. The first train ride went off without a hitch; however once I arrived at the second station I realized I was going to be in trouble. Because it was getting late the train didn’t go all the way back to High Wycombe (still 2 hours away). As a result I would have to stop halfway there. Bollocks!

It was now midnight and I was 50 miles from High Wycombe. To my dismay there was only one train leaving the station I was at and it was going to London. It wasn’t on the path to Wycombe but it stopped in Oxford which is 25 miles away. I had seen one time there was a bus that runs from Wycombe to Oxford and I crossed my fingers that it would be running at this stupid ridiculous hour. Taking a chance and a path off the railway back to Wycombe I arrived at 12.30 in Oxford and walked the mile to the bus station (thanks navigation system!). There were a few people hanging around the bus station and there was one bus leaving at 1pm. High Wycombe was on its route!!! I managed to catch the bus and ended up arriving back in High Wycombe around 2am.

Nine hours later I vowed to do a better job with my transportation management! As you have probably drawn the same conclusion traveling to and from racing courses public transport is a bad idea. Hopefully I will be able to get a car this week and you will no longer be forced to read about the beatings I am taking on my path to F1.

I hope you are doing well and having better luck on your way to and from your work!

All the best

Michael

On top of the world!

2008-03-21T13:11:00.003-05:00

Dear friends and family,

Yesterday was my second day of interviewing/training at the Bedford Autodrome with the Palmer Sport racing school. Because the day started 45 minutes earlier than the program last week I had to rent a car to get there on time. This day would present a spectacular opportunity for failure considering I would have to travel half way across the UK, on the wrong side of the road, with only an address as my guide! The only glimpse of hope on my side was a GPS navigation device which I purchased the day before. I bit the bullit and spent a couple of hundred dollars knowing that a navigation device will be a massively valuable asset in this land which is very foreign to me.

I left the appartment bright and early with the navigation on my side and a hire car which I hoped would be able to make the journey! Somehow, someway, against all odds, I made it to the autodrome hopefully unscathed. I say this, because around the UK there is an incredible number of speed cameras which capture the speed of motorists over the limit. I think I maintained a reasonable speed, but hopefully my race driving tendencies didn't push me over the limits when I passed these speed cameras! I suppose in a few weeks I will find out if my big right foot got me in trouble.

Once I arrived on scene this day was very different than the previous day. There were loads of bright red Palmer Sport jacketed instructors standing around and I stuck out like a sore thumb in my blue sweater. The day got under way and it was another fast and furious affair. I spent my time working with the same chief instructors I had worked with the day before and we more closely learned about the school. I got to do about 20 laps in the Caterham cars and really started to get a feel for the cars! The track was dry (as opposed to wet last time) but I managed to take off seven and a half seconds from my best time! There is definitely more time to be found but it will take some time to get acclimated with the Caterham machine.

Mid-way through the day they gave me a great omen when they took me to have me fitted for Palmer Sport instructor gear. The afternoon was filled up with a deeper look into the courses and a training course on instructing in the palmer sport way.

At the conclusion of the day, expectations met, they lead instructor presented me with the fantastic news tha that I could work for Palmer Sport as a racing instructor.

As you can imagine, this is an opportunity I am truly over the top about with an organization which stands above its competition, literally on a world-wide scale. In many ways the Palmer Sport group has changed the way motorsport works in a very positive way and to work with an organization like this will be phenomenal. I believe it will provide me with opportunities to grow and move towards my personal goal of racing in Formula 1.

On a side note, I found out during the day that the Palmer Sport instructors had found a link to this very blog. The link was passed around the office so there is a chance they are reading these words right now. So to the Palmer sport guys, hello, and thank you for the job!! To everyone else, hope you are doing very well and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely yours

Michael

British Super One Karting Series

2008-03-17T06:39:00.006-05:00

Racing tracks names range from the inspiring and ferocious Monza or Talladega Super Speedway to the tedious and benign. This weekend I visited a kart racing circuit whose name can only fall into that second category. While unique in the fact that gunfire rings throughout the race meeting, the name ‘Clay Pigeon Kartway,’ certainly does not create visions of horse power and speed. On the other hand, conveniently located on site is a clay pigeon target shooting range. Most testosterone fueled men will tell firearms and racing vehicles is a sound combination; what could possibly go wrong?

Clay Pigeon Kartway is in the southern part of the United Kingdom just outside a town called Yeovil the host to the first round of the British Super 1 karting series. The purpose of my trip was two fold first for the purpose of meeting Gary Chapman, the director of Protrain karting, a leading British karting team. Secondly, I personally wanted to see a British kart race myself and see what they were serving in the British kart racing water that was so potently creating Formula 1 calibre racing drivers.

After a three hour train ride and compulsory taxi I arrived on scene and began to notice differences even before arriving. First of all, the fact that I had been able to travel to a major national event (essentially) by public transportation is unthinkable in the United States. Due to the nature of British geography British competitors are only required a short journey to almost every major race, as opposed to the day long (or more) journeys it traditionally takes to reach American events.

The second major difference I noted was in the paddock area. In America each entrant usually brings their own equipment to the track in a trailer, often times behind a truck, SUV, or motor home, the British racing drivers were (A) much more likely to be with a team, under a single canopy with 3-7 other drivers and (B) those teams used utility vans – similar to the Dodge Sprinter vans that we have in America rather than big trailers and motorhomes used in the states.

The final major difference I noted was the amount of racing that was taking place. The entire facility was packed to the gills with drivers and they were broken up into only five classes. Those classes in the single day ran five races! Typically in America three is the maximum number of races one can hope for because most events run something like 15 classes. Because of these consolidated, huge classes, the competition on track was absolutely fierce. With very large fields packed into five classes everyone was scrapping for position at any given spot on the track.

There were many other differences but what it boiled down to was a very different approach to the world of kart racing. Things make more sense from a travel perspective, the teams are very organized and the competition is incredible throughout the field. It is amazing to me how people on different continents can end up with such variety when the goals are all the same.

Personally for me it was a good day (although way too cold for this Texan!!!) Even though he was very busy I had a chance to meet with the team director Mr. Chapman and will be following up with him next week to see about opportunities to be involved with his team. I would really love to participate in the European Karting Championship. If there is any way to make it happen we will see.

This next week I am looking forward to having another week of new things. Next weekend is the first round of the British Formula Ford Championship. This is the series I really want to be a part of if I had the sponsorship money to get a seat. It will be very cool to see the cars on track and see the off-track side of British motorsport as well.

On Thursday I will be back to the Bedford Autodrome for my second chance to impress and learn about the Palmer Sport racing school. Rather than a training program I will actually be going along with a group of the schools clients as they experience race car driving for themselves. I am also hunting for an automobile and hopefully will be able to find something this week. I am looking for something with some big horsepower, fantastic handling, and style that an Italian would be proud of. I have a feeling I will be settling for something reliable, cheap, and available!

Hope you are all doing very well and I would like to thank everyone who has written with encouraging words about this journal. I certainly appreciate it and will keep going forward to have good results to write about!

Thank you all and warmest regards

Michael

The Nod

2008-03-13T08:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Fantastic news!

As it turns out I did not have to wait too long for an email. Instead, the lead instructor from Palmer Sport called me personally and invited me to return for the second part of instructor training.

Next week I will report back to the Bedford Autodrome to work through a full event day with clients.

Hope you are doing fantastic this has made my day.

Michael

In the News

2008-03-13T08:11:00.001-05:00

I could not believe it when it when I opened the email from Winding Road Magazine, an online automotive publication. Journalist Stan Baldwin who I met at the Barret-Jackson car auction a few months ago wrote a story covering the progress in my career. He did a great job capturing my heritage and I am very grateful for the story! Here is a link to the article he wrote:

http://news.windingroad.com/motorsports/the-dream-of-drivng-formula-one/#more-15598

Thank you Stan!!!

Michael

The Ride Home

2008-03-13T07:56:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

The following note is a continuation of the day at the Bedford Autodrome. It picks up after the Palmer Instructors dismissed us and these words chronciles the remainder of the evening which as it turns out was an unexpected affair.

As the day wound down at the Palmer Sport racing program I was faced with the same hoops I had to overcome just eight hour earlier, transporting myself between the Bedford Autodrome and High Wycombe. Luckily this time I was surrounded by a few people who I imagined, at least one oh which, would be passing by the train station.

After checking with the Palmer Sport instructors it appeared my luck might be running out as they all seemed to be heading in the wrong directions. Before I relegated myself to calling a taxi I noticed one of the photographers was packing up his gear and getting ready to leave. I thought it would be worth a shot.

After introducing myself and explaining my plight he told me I might want to speak with the journalist who had been participating in the day’s program. As it turned out I wasn’t running out of luck, instead it was getting dumped on me. When enquiring with him, not only was he heading by the train station, he was also going to be driving back to High Wycombe along with one of the photographers

The ride home put an exclamation point on the day as I got to ride with, who I would find out, is one of the most influential journalists in the British automotive media. During the ride home I got to know Colin Goodwin, the gentleman who participated in the training program for his story for one of the top publications in the UK. It was pretty easy to tell that he is a switched on guy who is very connected with the automotive scene. The ride back changed from mere transit to an eye opening experience where Colin explained really what was going on with the racing, low sulfur diesel in America, and how I could get a running car for 250 British pounds. At this point I am really just happy to meet new people, but to meet someone with an intimate knowledge of the scene I am trying to break into is incredible!

Additionally I rode with Stuart Price an incredibly talented automotive photographer who just happens to be living a few blocks from Douglas and Ina in High Wycombe. After the ride back he was kind enough to have me by to his home where we had some ‘traditional’ British cuisine, Indian curry. Stuart is a very cool guy, because he and I share many similar personality traits. Just like me with racing, Stuart knew he wanted to pursue his passion for cars and photography. In turn he attended a University for the arts where he single mindedly pushed towards his dream and as a result became a truly phenomenal photographer. He became employed by Autocar as a staff photographer and is now living his dream. I hope he won’t be too mad if I post one of his magnificent images.

By the time I ended back at the apartment I had well decided it had been my best day so far in the United Kingdom.

Hope you are doing great, because after a day like this, I certainly am!

Michael

Over the Top

2008-03-11T08:07:00.014-05:00

Growing up in Texas and being involved in motorsport for many years I have seen a lot. Cool cars, infamous characters, and up close looks of top professional racing teams. Where I come from, things are big, and it generally takes a lot to impress me.

Yesterday, I was not impressed. I was completely blown away. One month ago I sent my CV to the Palmer Sport racing school (www.palmersport.com/), and a few weeks ago I was extended an invitation to their facilities for an 'instructor training day.' Or atleast so I was told.

My day started at 5am because I had to get to the train station by 5.52 am to make the train to London and then transfer to the Train to Bedford, near the Bedford Autodrome, the home of the Palmer Sport racing school. After making the necessary train switches I arrived in Bedford at 8.08, caught a cab, and made it to the Bedford Autodrome right on time.

(break in story) Before continuing on I must admit what I was thinking at the particular moment before I walked into the Palmer Sport offices. I have worked at three 'top' racing schools in the United States, I have worked with some seriously professional people and managed to stand out as one of the top instructors. This should be a piece of cake. The only problem in my reasoning at this point is that it was wrong. I had massively miscalculated the magnitude of the Palmer Sport racing school and frankly had no idea what I was walking into. (Continue story)

After navigating through layers of offices I was shown to the 'Wilson Suite' a medium sized meeting room where five other applicants were already sitting. At the front of the room there were a number of instructors, immacuately dressed, in Palmer Sport racing school kit's (kit is the British term for work outfit). To the back of the room there were a number of individuals with video cameras and photojournalist still cameras.

The day started with introductions around the room of instructor applicants. Although I had not recognize any of the applicants they all looked the part. They were racing drivers with years of European road racing experience. A champion of the Formula BMW program, a Danish/Nordick kart racing champion, and a Karting WORLD champion were in attendance. After driver introductions the instructors at the front of the room introduced themselves and mentioned their racing experience. Le Mans, European GT, Formula 3, and Formula Palmer champions would be showing us the ropes.

At this point I was seriously impressed with my company. Once introductions had concluded the day formally began with a background and history of the Palmer Sport racing school. Their goal was simple, to be the best racing school in the world and provide and provide clients with an experience they cannot receive anywhere else in the world.

At some point during all of this history the karting world champion became a bit bored and put his head down on the desk. I didn't think much of it at the time, but apparently the instructor took notice. After the adminstrative presentations we broke up to participate in different Palmer Sport exercies.

I drew the lucky straw (or I might have been the odd man out) and I was sent with Nik a European Ferrari GT driver for the site tour in a big Renault Van. Nik showed me the premises of the Bedford Autodrome, an ex- Royal Air Force bomber base. Included in the facility were two hangars used for race car preparation, the main office, as many as seven different suites for clients, a 'top secret' hanger where only high ranking officials in the company could visit, and count them FIVE different racing circuits. The different tracks ranged from .8 miles to 1.8 miles and could be connected to create a 4+ mile super racing course. During the tour of the racing course a Jaguar sports racer was on the track 'breaking in an engine,' when he passed us he was probably doing close to 100 mph.

After the site tour we returned back to the main office area where the other drivers were eating lunch. I joined them and started to learn a bit about their programs. After a few minutes one of the instructors came into the lunch room and asked to have a word with the karting world champion. That was the last I would see of the world champion. During lunch the camera crews had returned and as it turned out they were following one applicant in particular. As it turns out it was a faux applicant, rather a journalist by the name of Colin Goodwin. He is writing a story for Autocar magazine about the incredible difficulty of becoming an instructor at the Palmer Sport Racing School.

After lunch we returned back to the meeting room where it was announced to us that the world champion would not be with us for the rest of the day, tomorrow, or the forseeable future because he showed that he really didn't want to be an instructor for Palmer.

I was starting to realize that today was much less an 'instructor training day' as it was an 'instructor elimination day.' We weren't here to learn about their school, we were here for them to decide if they want us to be a part of their organization.

During the afternoon the fun and games officially concluded and things started to get very serious. Again the applicants were broken up and we went to a sampling of the different events the driving school offeres. Although essentially we were being given a chance to learn, there were very strict expectations set up for every event. If we could not meet those expectations we would be dismissed from the program and not applicable to instruct for the school. During this period we did an off-road trial in a Defender jeep, a car control course, and a lapping session on the west circuit in a Cataran where we had ten laps to get within two second of the most senior instructor at the school who admited to having 'hundreds of laps' around the track.

These events by themselves were not difficult, it was however the expectations they set for us that raised the difficulty level from 'fun day at the track' to 'qualify or go home.' For me personally the difficulty was further raised by the fact that the vehicles were all 'right hand drive' with the gear shifter in the center of the car so I would have to use my left hand to shift!

Somehow I managed to, as far as I could tell, pass all of the examinations. I was able to get right at the permisible mark from the senior instructors lap time and given the fact it was pouring with standing puddles on the track I hoped they would take it. I certainly gave it everything I had and given the circumstances I thought it was a darn good lap!

At the end of the day they let us go home and told us they will be in touch with us in the next few days. This was certainly a great challenge and while I think I impressed, I am going to be closely checking my email over the next few days!!

I hope you are all doing well.

Warmest regards

Michael

"Somedays you are the pigeon..."

2008-03-08T06:24:00.009-06:00

My second week in the United Kingdom has been a roller coaster. Although very productive in the form of administrative efforts - banks, cell phone, and interenet access, these things are all boring and the bantering about them will stop at this moment!

After last week’s meeting with Sam Roach of the British Formula Ford Championship I was provided with an incredible list of contacts of teams and manufactures who are involved with the series. At the very top of that list to pay a visit to is Van Diemen a race car manufacture who has been involved with British Formula Ford for many years. Furthermore I have a personal history with the marquee as I have driven two cars which they manufactured in the Formula Continental class in the SCCA. Additionally when I tried out for O’Brien Racing I drove one of their incredibly fast Pro Formula Mazda cars. For the opportunity to meet the director of the company, as you must imagine, I was certainly very excited.

Friday morning I woke up bright and early to start the three and a half hour rail journey to Norwich, the home of Van Diemen. Norwich is located in the eastern part of the United Kingdom. Overall their headquarters is about 140 miles away from High Wycombe, additionally it is separated by four transfers when traveling by rail.

The first trial of this journey was swallowing the ticket price which faced me at the rail station. Up to this point I understood rail travel to be a cost effective mode of transportation. Clearly this is not the case when traveling to Norwich! £35 British pounds later ($70 bucks!) I was the proud owner of a one way pass (known as a single) to see this new and lovely part of the country.

After boarding a standing room only train to London, where I would then transfer two ‘tube’ lines, and board a train to Cambridge my cell phone received a call from the director of Van Diemen. Unfortunately, a major client from Indian was in town and had unexpectedly added a day to their visit and would force our meeting to be postponed. Sure enough I missed the call and by the time I received the message I was almost to Norwich.

Once I received the news the damage had already been done and I would be forced to purchase the return segment to my trip back to High Wycombe. Next week I will most likely be making the same trip, good thing, because I now know how to buy a cheaper ticket!

Once I arrived in Norwich, the station was in a town called Thetford. In order to make the best of my day I spent a few hours exploring the town to see what it would have to offer in case it turns out to be my future residence. Thetford is an remarkable, little village. By foot there are many things to explore such as an old priory build by monks in the 1100’s, a riverwalk which runs through the town and a number of other hidden treasures. From first impressions it is a quaint, but romantic little village and I imagine I would get on just fine there.

PHOTOS FROM AROUND THETFORD

St. Peter's Church built in 1300's rebuilt in 1789
A statue of Thomas Paine

A riverwalk through town with wildlife that is not shy to walk up and try to talk you out of some bread!

Although it was an unfortunate turn of events, I was happy to have some time to explore my potential future residence. The meeting will be rescheduled for next week, so hopefully I will have good news to report soon. Furthermore, on Monday I will be traveling to the Beford Autodrome to do an instructor tryout at their racing school. The school looks awesome with lots of great cars.

I hope you are all doing very well and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Cheers

Michael

British Formula Ford Championship Director

2008-03-02T07:23:00.006-06:00

Dear friends,

Today I met with Sam Roach the managing director of Racingline, the organization which manages the British Formula Ford Championship (as well I must add for the series current success and resurgence in popularity). Mr. Roach's operation is based in Milton Keynes and is very impressive organization. Aside from managing the Formula Ford championship they manage another race series along with other motorsports related marketing programs.

After riding around the British rail system for a few hours I arrived in Milton Keynes the home of Racingline. Mr. Roach was kind enough to pick me up from the station in his VW Jetta and we blasted off down the road towards his office. As we were heading down the road he explained Milton Keynes is one of the few cities in the UK which is actually based on a grid system. We flew from round about to round about, separated by what to Mr. Roach was, I am sure, medium lengthed straight aways. Mr. Roach who is a racing driver in his own right said the left front tyre on his jetta always demanded more service than the rest. I am sure that had nothing to do with the abuse it received under hard braking and the G forces he put it through in Milton Keynes round about systems.

Once we arrived at the Racingline headquarters I received the official tour of the facility which seemed to quickly pass the business offices, lounge, coffee bar, and headed directly to the racing shop where there were a number of cool racing inspired (and proper racing machines) on display. Although I would say without question the highlight of their collection was the Ford Rally car, my attention was also caugh by a VW van which Mr. Roach tells me competes in a road racing series where cars of many makes and models compete against one another and are balanced out by weight.
The Ford Team RS Rally Car
A Racing mini van!
One of the VW Racecars on display for the Saloon classes.

After Mr. Roach and I sat down in the Racingline conference room I was very happy to learn about the approach which Ford United Kingdom as well as Racingline take to the series. We were also able to discuss a number of opportunities which I will have within the series as well as with some of the teams that compete in the series. At the conclussion of the meeting I felt like I had made a fantastic new contact and confirmed that moving to the UK to participate in this series is the right decision.

Next week looks to also have a number of exciting meetings coming up as I will be following up with some of the teams Mr. Roach suggested I contact as well as with Van Diemen one of the top British racing car manufactures who I actually have a history with.

I hope you all are doing well and I appreciate the notes you have been sending me.

Michael

Jaguar F1 ex-patriot

2008-02-28T11:02:00.002-06:00

You know the type of person you are about to meet when they step out of a black BMW M3, further accentuated by the fact it was equipped with a racing spoiler. However an even more distinct bell goes off when that BMW M3 was manufactured for the specific purpose of meeting racing organizers homologation requirements to allow a car to compete in the European touring car series.

So was the case today when I met Mr. James Thomas, an ex-patriot from the Jaguar Formula 1 racing team. During his time with Jaguar Mr. Thomas traversed the globe meeting with and aiding journalist on behalf of Jaguars Formula 1 effort. This brought out a number of intriguing stories including the time he hired a fleet of 125cc shifter karts to go together with a Jaguar road car media test day. For anyone who knows about the raw speed of a shifter kart (read: ability to seriously hurt and maim unqualified drivers) will understand why James expected it was the last day of his employment with Jaguar. Apparently shifter karts (with journalists attached) left the tracks at speeds ranging from 3 miles per hour to 103 miles per hour and chaos ensued.
After riding a train from High Wycombe we sat down at the Rose & Crown an upscale British pub in the city of Warwick. Opposed to all the warnings I had received, the British food at the Rose & Crown was fantastic. We ate a vegetable soup as well as what looked to me a fantastic fish ball pie. The proper menu name was ‘fish cake,’ and it was good.

My conversation with Mr. Thomas was very interesting and moved around from his time at Jaguar Formula 1 to the times he worked with Reeves Callaway of the Callaway car company (the gentleman who introduced us). Although he has been out of the racing scene for a few years, he is still very connected and provided me with guidance on the European racing scene as well as a number of contacts in the sporting media.

Perhaps the most intriguing points he made during our meeting had to do with the magnitude of my goal. He made mention of the dedication of Ayrton Senna and Rubens Barrichello who shared an apartment near Silverstone to save money. More importantly than anything he was very supportive of my direction and aspiration. Coming from someone who has been to F1 and survived to tell the story this is a major boost in confidence.

After lunch Mr. Thomas dropped me off at the train station with a page long ‘to-do’ list which I got started on straight away during the hour long train ride back to High Wycombe. More than having a new friend an ally in the UK, I feel like I have found a real mentor who has the expertise and contacts to help me on my journey.

Tomorrow I will be meeting with the directors of the British Formula Ford Championship and as you can imagine I am certainly excited to hear what they have to say.
I hope you all are doing very well and I wish you the best.

Sincerely

Michael

The views in High Wycombe

2008-02-28T10:52:00.007-06:00

Doug and his girlfriend Ina
The appartment on top of the hill. Great to look from, not so great to go up.
The view of the valley on my walk to town.
The cathedral in High Wycombe, still actively used.
A stream thats runs along side the town of High Wycombe.

Move to High Wycombe

2008-02-27T11:11:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone

On Sunday afternoon, after a great nights rest in London, I transfered via train to High Wycombe to my more permanent (but still temporary) living accomodations. When I arrived at the High Wycombe train station my old friend Douglas Robertson from UNT greeted me. Douglas is South African, however he holds a British passport, and after graduating in August he moved to the UK. He is currently working for a company here in the UK called Red Prairie, which does consulting work with a number of major international corporations. Douglas and I first met when I was playing with the UNT soccer club. Doug wasn't on the team, but made enough of an impression with the coach, that he asked Douglas to train with our team everyday! We became friends at that point and also ended up in a marketing together called new product development studying under Dr. Guzman.

The city of High Wycombe (pronounced High Wickum or Wickem) is 29 miles north west of London and is a major change from the London cityskape. Doug lives here with his girlfriend Ina in a two story appartment where I am happily residing. It is a great place!

The city of High Wycombe is everything I would expect from an old village in the UK. There is a bit of a mountain and we seem to live on the top of it. Downtown is approximately one mile down the mountaint, turn right, and another mile. Downtown High Wycombe is made up of shops of all variety, restaurants, and history buildings. There is an old church, which apparently is still used, as there was organ music blasting from the walls when I passed this morning. There is a busy vibe to the city and people are always walking around town.

I have typically been coming to town to work at one of the restaurants which provides internet access so I can send everyone messages!

Well hope you are doing well. I will send some photos tommorow.

Cheers

Michael

Smooth landing in the UK

2008-02-23T23:49:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning after a week of final preparations, packing, and good-bye's I left Texas and took up British Airways on their flight to the UK. After a routine 8 hour and 45 minute flight I arrived to a smooth landing in a foggy UK.

on a side note: After landing the pilot annouced that our landing had been handled 100% by autopilot! I would have never know if he did not mention it. Amazing what technology can do.

After arriving in England, all of you would have loved to see me moving my 135+ pounds of luggage through London. It was a neat system with two bags piggy backed on one another and worked great for rolling around on long flat terrain. The problem came when I had to make changes on metro system (known as the tube). You would have laughed seeing me hauling all of it up and down these stairs! (I would have laughed also had it been someone else)

After arriving at my new friends Pieter and Fernanda's house I had a chance to drop my gear and get cleaned up. For my first day in the UK I spent the day site seeing and doing the 'tourist' thing. Although I am not for the tourist thing, it helped me get a feel for the city, and I must admit it was cool to see the London Bridge, Big Bend, and Parliament building.

Tommorow I will be transfering out of London to High Wycombe, a city northwest of london, where I will be staying with one of my friends from University until I find my own place.

Wish you all the best.

Michael

New lid design

2008-02-23T16:18:00.005-06:00

My close friend and MJDrive official art supplier Joel Bewley of Bewley Design Labs recently created a new lid paint scheme for my helmet. We wanted to do something that captured the 'red, white and blue' without being red, white, and blue in peoples faces.

What Joel came up with is absolutely awesome. It astonished me and is in no way, shape, or form what I expected.

I haven't decided if it is over the top or not, but it is without a doubt one of the 'freshest' paint schemes I have ever seen.

Thanks Joel!

Michael

MJDrive 2008 Season Launch Party

2008-02-23T16:07:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends and Family,

With one week before my official departure for the United Kingdom a number of my closest racing supporters and family gathered for a bon voyage party. It was a fantastic event with many great people who have helped me along in my career and I couldn't have been more happy with the result. I was so happy to get to see many of my friends one last time before I head out!

A special thank you for all of you that attended. Here are a few images from the launch:

Michael

Launch Party Photographs

2008-02-23T15:36:00.007-06:00

One way ticket to the top

2008-02-10T17:27:00.000-06:00

Dear friends,

I am now the proud owner of a one-way ticket to the United Kingdom, the mecca, of international motorsports. Although this is not the start of my journey it represents a major step in my life, and hopefully my status of employment to one day stating: "formula 1 racing driver."

A lot of people think I might be crazy, a kid from Texas, trying to make it to formula 1, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. All I know is that someone out there is going to drive in Formula 1, and i'm out to make that person, me.

Well I have a ticket in hand and this is official. I have less than two weeks to finish my preparations for the biggest move of my life, and launch my campaign to be the next formula 1 star.

Wish the competition luck!

Michael