Autosport International: My day.
January 16, 2012 in Autosport International, Ayrton Senna, F1, Ferrari, FIA, Formula 1, McLaren, Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso
Over the past few days I’ve seen so many photos and heard so much about Autosport International that it was almost too much to bear, finally though Sunday arrived and it was time to go and see what all the hype was about.
As soon as I arrived at Autosport International I headed over to the F1 Racing stage to see when drivers would be on and when they would be signing. Thankfully, luck was on my side and when I got there Paul di Resta and David Coulthard were on stage and were just about to start signing.
The suspense was almost too much at one point when I thought we were going to be the unlucky people who get to the front of the queue to then be told they’ve run out of time.
I was quite nervous and unsure about what to expect, what do you say, yes they’re people after all but it feels strange. Both of them were great though, Paul wanted to draw a little fuzzy beard on David’s face on the front cover of his autobiography, I said he could but he didn’t. Me and DC then had a bit of banter as he flicked through his own book looking at the photos and said ‘This is a good book‘ and I remarked that he should read it and he then asked me to get him a signed copy. Highlight of my year, yes I know it’s only just started but it was fantastic all the same.
I then went and had a closer look at all the F1 cars they had on the F1 Racing Grid. I’ve posted more photos on my Flickr.
While wandering around the stalls, I discovered a collection of all of the McLaren race suits they’ve been wearing this year as part of a competition with Hugo Boss. They look as offensive on the eyes and vivid in real life as they do on TV. I still think the suits they wore for the British Grand Prix are the best ones.
There was a section for supercars or performance cars, I can’t remember exactly what it was called, I was too busy looking at them all. I stumbled across this bad boy, if anyone wants to know what to buy me for Christmas, one of these will do. It doesn’t need to be the top of the range one, a basic Audi R8 will do.
During the afternoon we went to our Live Action Arena show, unfortunately my camera struggled to take photos in there so I haven’t got any to show you. My mom has a couple of good ones though, so I’ll see if I can get some off her.
The show was hosted by Jason Plato and was very cheesy and scripted, that’s exactly what I expected though. It was certainly interesting though and there were plenty of different things to watch such as van banger racing, Formula Jedi and motor cross. My favourite section was definitely the motor cross, the skill they have is unreal. Props to all the performers though.
The main exhibition was the Ayrton Senna tribute which contained a few of the cars and a kart he’d driven during his career. I found the exhibition quite strange. It was relatively quiet in there and I just felt a sense of sadness really for the loss of such a great driver, even all these years later. Looking around the exhibition and reading about all of his achievements, I couldn’t help but wonder what he could have achieved had he still been alive today.
I read about this stand on Saturday and I decided I had to try to find it today, unfortunately there was a chair infront of the painting so you couldn’t see the entire thing. However, you get the idea, it looks incredible. (If you want to see better photos and photos of it being painted go to Pop Bang Colour, so much talent.)
I had a fantastic day today and I definitely plan on going back next year, unless you know the world really does end. For anyone who’s never been before, who’s a fan of any motorsport (or not), I seriously suggest you go, there’s something for everyone. They could really do with 2-day passes because I’m sure there’s so much I didn’t have chance to see.
One of the things I love about exhibitions like this is the strange things you can find. I came back with a random piece of carbon fibre and a random fitting off a Honda. I’m going to post photos tomorrow.
More photos can be seen on my Flickr.
Did you go to Autosport International? Did you have a good time? Have I missed out anything incredible? If you’ve not been are you going next year?
Loading ...