They really are a nice bunch, the Volkswagen WRC team that is. And
despite the fact that we would rather see a certain Citroen and its crew on the
top step of the podium, the German team does have a soul and a certain
lighthearted personality.
For instance, this weekend in Portugal, Jost Capito, Volkswagen
Motorsport Director, made a rather special presentation to a rather special gentleman, Martin Holmes.
Author of countless news reports, magazine articles and books on rallying for
over 50 years and currently the Rallies Editor of Motorsport Monday, Martin
Holmes celebrated his 75th birthday in Portugal.
Originally
a rally co-driver throughout the 1960s, 70s and into the 80s for the likes of Shekhar
Mehta, Chris Sclater, John Haugland, Andy Dawson and Billy Coleman, and one of my
own heroes Timo Makinen, plus many others, he used that knowledge and contacts
to become one of the world's leading writers on the subject of rallying.
Even if you don't recognise the face, you'll know the name, and it was really
nice of Jost Capito to record this landmark with a unique gift. Not for Martin
a lump of cake, but a hand-made gift featuring three Polo R WRC model cars
mounted on carbon fibre and signed by the drivers and co-drivers. Nice one
Jost.
For once Martin was speechless, well nearly: "If I get something
this lovely for my 75th birthday, I'll happily continue for another 25 years,"
he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment