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marknsx
01-09-2015, 11:23 AM
Im 55 and was brought (dragged) up at boarding school in Debyshire. Rugby, cricket, long runs and sledging became my life.
However a seed was sown by our mad science teacher. A Yorkshire man, i think. He was rally car mad. From his dull science lessons he would now and then inject his passion for rallysport. No doubt to keep us awake and help him deal with the monotony of teaching orphans. As and when he had the films he would darken the room and on an old projector run films of world rally championship stages. I fell in love with audi quatros, lancia betas, ford escorts etc. Tony Pond became a familiar. The down side to this science teacher was his odd and angry outbursts! When he lost his temper he would jump on the desk of the young offender and shout abuse. Much spittle and bad breath was sprayed.This volley of hateful verbiage, aimed at the poor unfortunate, invariably started with "you sweaty pig" and ended with his jumping from the desk and carrying on as though nothing had happened. Still we did get to watch the rally stages and from that a petrol head was born.
Subsequent interest in motor sport came from my fathers' interest in visiting car racing days at Donnington, Thruxton and Castle Coombe. We would enjoy days out together "betting" on each race by choosing a car number from the programme. No careful study of form permitted. In particular I remember Renault 5 racing as well as the ongoing formula 2000 championships. My uncle Nick used to commentate at Brands Hatch and Silverstone over the PA. I remember many an occasion sitting next to him in the commentary position in the tower during races. Access to the paddock was the highlight of any meet. His son went on to work for Porsche and his daughter for BMW.
So here I am an NSX newbie. The sort of which is another story for later. Anyway, I can't wait to take possession on my return from France. Its the only time I remember looking forward to the end of a holiday! I plan road trips in Europe to celebrate. So if anyone fancies a trip or two do let me know.