stratosI‘ll always (hopefully) have the memory of the first time I ever saw a Stratos. I can’t recall how old I was, probably around ten, standing in a forest in Yorkshire, waiting, waiting, getting a bit bored ( I was at the “are we there yet?” stage).

I heard it before I saw it, echoing through the trees, crisp, sharp exhaust bark, driver sending the revs soaring skywards through the gears, then it seemed to be moving away again as it grew quieter. Then a few seconds later, much louder, it bursts into view, rear snaking as it [click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

Red Bull Airrace for HANS?

April 22, 2010 Flying

My pal Andy McKenna and I had been talking about how competitive Red Bull Air Race is this year and how aggressive the flying is these days. A couple of years ago, you could turn up with pretty much any Unlimited Aerobatic machine and expect to be in the hunt, but not any more. We [...]

Read the full article →

The S Word…

April 21, 2010 Flying

Sorry, but I can’t pass by a Tweet, magazine, bookstore or DVD without stopping if it has the word “Spitfire” written on it… So when I caught this DVD release being dicussed on Twitter, I had to take a look. It’s an Australian production by indy film maker Simon Van Der Spoel and documents the [...]

Read the full article →

This Is Going To Be Expensive…

April 21, 2010 Driving

Not sure who’s idea this was, but they quite possibly don’t understand the competitive nature of racing drivers, regardless of their age… The press release from Volkswagen reads:

Five legendary names from the world of motorsport will line-up on the grid at Hockenheim this weekend (23-24 April), as the famous German track plays host to the [...]

Read the full article →

Large Humble Pie Time

February 4, 2010 Driving
Thumbnail image for Large Humble Pie Time

OK, so it’s humble pie time.
n fact, not just a slice, better just pass me the whole thing over…
I’d be the first to admit, my opinion of Land Rover’s products left a lot to be desired. In my long experience in the motor trade, I’d had nothing but trouble with them and everyone I knew [...]

Read the full article →

Schuey’s Back?

December 22, 2009 Motorsport

So Schuey’s back. And not before time too, in my view. I always felt there was a bit of a vibe about his departure which meant that he didn’t leave 100% willingly. But when the Dream Team of Brawn, Todt and Byrne was coming apart at Ferrai and the fast new kid from Finland was [...]

Read the full article →

Our Electric Future? Scared?

December 22, 2009 Driving
Thumbnail image for Our Electric Future? Scared?

I’ve seen the future and it’s electric. But don’t be scared, it’ll be fun….
How do I know? Because I’ve recently spent the several days in Newcastle working with a UK organisation called Cenex, driving some electric Smart cars and helping others try them out too. Sounds like a recipe for insomnia? You might think so, [...]

Read the full article →

Red Bull Air Race – The Real F1 for me

August 6, 2009 Flying

I know that there are many interesting things happening in Formula One right now and indeed, with the return of Schuey, I might just tune myself back in. However, there are lots of other things happening out there and this is one of my favourites.

Read the full article →

The Eagle Speedster. Words Failed Me.

July 30, 2009 Driving

Phil James on my Facebook page alerted me to it. One look and I simply wrote “Wow!” in reply. I’ve been around cars all my working life and it’s been many moons since a car design made the hairs on my arms stand up, but this is the one.
Phil saw it being showcased at the [...]

Read the full article →

End Of The Line For The High Street DVD Rentals?

July 23, 2009 Gadgets
Thumbnail image for End Of The Line For The High Street DVD Rentals?

Is this the end of the line for the high street DVD rental stores? Blinkbox has launched a website allowing you to watch free TV programmes onlineand also to stream or download the very latest blockbuster movie tiles for a fee. On their home page right now, they’re offering stuff like

Read the full article →