Welcome Connoisseur.

This week is a short one as I have been up at the Gumball 3000 start in Edinburgh.

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Gumball Week

Having participated in a few road rallies myself, the exhilaration I experienced on Saturday in Edinburgh was tainted with a twinge of envy. Supercars have this unique ability to unite people, as thousands lined the streets. It could be attributed to their rarity and the thrill of seeing them up close, or perhaps it's a celebration of their extraordinary design. Some might even see these vehicles as the embodiment of the pursuit of beauty, speed, and engineering perfection.

In the '80s, my childhood was marked by attending car shows with my dad and his friends, where anything surpassing 200MPH was unheard of and 'engineering excellence' was synonymous with just keeping the car operational for a road trip. Today, the world's supercars effortlessly traverse continents at nearly 200mph, only requiring a pitstop for refueling.

The Gumball 3000, now 24 years into its journey, has captivated me for the better part of its existence, emerging from the inner-circle to wider recognition among car enthusiasts. One of my initial iTunes movie purchases was Gumball3000 Coast to Coast, 13 years ago. Then fortuitously, I had the opportunity to contribute to a project for a Gumball sponsor a few years later. Gumball has maintained a significant role in the realm of car culture and for me personally.

Connoisseur, is a manifestation of interactions, moments, and passions, some predating Gumball, but it was the latter that served as an inflection point, guiding me towards writing about cars for a ‘Baller’ or enthusiast.

This year, I had the luck to delve behind the scenes with the rally that commenced in Edinburgh. Despite it being a privilege, it also instigated feelings of envy. There's an incomparable energy in congregating with fellow enthusiasts, sharing your favourite subject. It's akin to the collective anticipation of football fans awaiting the same spectacle, albeit I'm not one for that sport.

Witnessing thousands of spectators eagerly anticipating the arrival of this roving automotive festival is a sight to cherish. People eagerly awaiting on every corner and street or bridge for the resounding roar of a V8 or the high-pitched wail of a V12. It ignites a childlike wonder within you.

Having undertaken two rallies across Europe, I can attest there's nothing quite like it. The stunning landscapes are a significant allure, and even though it's a vacation, there's hardly any downtime. However, the camaraderie experienced is akin to a brotherhood, creating lasting bonds. These relationships, some might argue 'forged' under the pressures of long drives, are among the enduring legacies of such events. In a world often marred by divisions, the unity these events foster is worth celebrating.

So although it was wonderful to reunite with my road trip companions at the start of Gumball, I couldn't help but yearn to join them.

Remember to follow @gumball3000 on instagram all this week.

The Rabbit Hole

Vector W8

The Vector W8 is a notable icon of the automotive world. Launched in 1989 by Vector Aeromotive Corporation, an American automaker, the W8 embodied an ambitious vision that blended cutting-edge technology with a futuristic design. Powered by a modified 6.0-liter V8 engine borrowed from the Chevrolet, the W8 unleashed a staggering 625 horsepower, with a top speed clocked at an astonishing 218 mph. Only 22 examples were produced, further cementing its status as a rare beast.

Not just an engineering marvel, the W8 was aesthetically groundbreaking too. Its low-slung profile, angular lines, and wide stance depicted a unique blend of science fiction and pure performance. The spaceship-like cockpit featured electronic digital instrumentation, presenting an unparalleled futuristic allure. It was an automobile ahead of its time, introducing the era of supercars to the world.

The Vector W8's production ceased in 1993. While its existence was short-lived, the impact it left on the automotive world is profound. Despite various tribulations and the company's eventual demise, the W8's audacious vision and pioneering technical specifications make it an enduring icon. Today, it stands as a symbol of American audacity and innovation in the supercar realm, embodying the limitless possibilities when unbridled creativity meets relentless technical determination.

Check out the video below for the story of one particular Vector it’s fascinating.

The Rabbit Hole

Aston Martin Bulldog

The restored Aston Martin Bulldog did it! 205MPH

It does look as though they are making a documentary about this so I am looking forward to that release, for now we will have to watch the BBC.

The Rabbit Hole

Formula One

Ok, for one weekend we will give F1 a week off and talk about the fact that Ferrari won at Le Mans, with an exF1 driver.

Ferrari AF Corse celebrated a historic victory at the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking Ferrari's return to the pinnacle of endurance racing after a half-century hiatus. This win, Ferrari's tenth, was their first since 1965 and saw Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado take their first overall triumph, adding to their LMGTE Pro win of 2019. This also marked exF1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi's maiden Le Mans podium in his second participation.

The thrilling race, commemorating its 100th anniversary, enthralled vast crowds with riveting class battles and an unpredictable outcome until the last lap. The #51 Ferrari 499P Hypercar overcame stiff competition from the #8 Toyota GR010-Hybrid and others, in a race marred by two heavy showers and several accidents.

Despite the tenacious challenge by Brendon Hartley, the #8 car suffered a setback when Ryō Hirakawa crashed into the barrier at Arnage, leading to an irreparable three-minute gap. Meanwhile, the Cadillacs displayed solid performance, claiming the third and fourth spots. The pole-positioned #50 Ferrari 499P and the Glickenhaus 007s teams also put up a commendable show, finishing fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively.

Next Race - Canada - 16th Jun - 18th Jun

16th Jun Practice 1 - 18:00 18:30 (UK Time)

16th Jun Practice 2 - 21:45 22:00 (UK Time)

17th Jun Practice 3 - 17:15 17:30 (UK Time)

17th Jun Qualifying - 20:00 21:00 (UK Time)

18th Jun Grand Prix - 17:30 19:00 (UK Time)

Other News, Links and Stuff

Worth a watch.

Whats-The-Fuss

Other dates for your diary:

Atlantic Road Trip - 30 June– 09 July

Silverstone Grand Prix - 7– 9 July 

Goodwood Festival of Speed - 13 – 16 July

Goodwood Revival - 8 –10 Sept

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