Friday, December 17, 2010

Ferrari and Dr. Evil Have Become Neighbors

I suppose it was only a matter of time before Ferrari's true nature was revealed; and what better way to announce your evil intentions to the world than by opening a secret lair in an abandoned volcano.  Technically I suppose you wouldn't announce a "secret" lair.  And Technically it's not in an "actual" volcano, but that's really just nit-picking the details.

Ferrari has opened a new shop called the "Ferrari Pit Stop."  It's the next in a line of retail shops that the racing legend has opened around the world, but this one is a bit different.  Instead of selling everyday items at twice the price which have the black and yellow prancing horse emblazoned on the side, this store focuses on racing paraphernalia and equipment. 



The entire store is decked out to look just like the mechanic's bay for the F1 team.  Even the furniture looks like the traveling cases used to haul all of the equipment from race to race.  But included in the merchandise is genuine equipment for racing.  Whether you're a fan and want a souvenir, or a driver looking for serious some equipment, you can find it.

The shop is located in Nola at the foot of mount Vesuvius.  The building is knows as the Vulcano Buono; it is essentially just a large shopping center designed to resemble the real volcano that's just up the road.  So if you have plans to visit Italy, make sure you set aside some time to stop by and check it out.  If you go, keep an eye our for a Luca di Montezemolo "mini me" lurking in the shadows and Fernando walking around with a laser strapped to his head.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tom Walkinshaw Drives Off Into the Sunset

For those unfamiliar with Tom Walkinshaw, he was one of those figures in motor sports that seems to pop up in numerous places doing a multitude of important things.  In 1969 he took the Formula Ford championship.  In 1984, the European Touring Car Championship.  But Formula 1 fans know him best as the engineering director for Benetton during their heyday. 

Tom helped to set the stage for Michael Schumacher's first wins in F1 in 1994.  It was one of those magical times in F1 where you have just the right chemistry between the engineers, mechanics and drivers that can make a team great, and Tom was a big part of that.

He passed away this weekend after a long fight with lung cancer.  Do yourself a favor and read a bit about the great career of this seasoned veteran.  Somewhere, Steve Matchett wipes a tear from his eye.