Spotted this '48 Dodge in the backlanes near Mimico station. The oldies keep turning up.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Good old days in Toronto
Took the Brompton bicycle to the Greek Texan on Lakeshore for lunch with the Mrs - first signs of fitness returning with the spring. Took this picture of a Toronto streetcar. Toronto is one of the sensible cities that, like Hong Kong, didn't rip out its tram system.
Spotted this '48 Dodge in the backlanes near Mimico station. The oldies keep turning up.
Spotted this '48 Dodge in the backlanes near Mimico station. The oldies keep turning up.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Hong Kong revs up for Le Mans
A Hong Kong team is poised to make history by flying the bauhinia flag at the world’s greatest sports car race – the Le Mans 24 Hours.
It will be the first time ever that a car owned and sponsored by SAR companies and piloted by Hong Kong drivers has gone wheel to wheel with the world’s best in the famous endurance classic.
The ambitious HK$12 million project is being spearheaded by Hong Kong driver and reigning Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia champion Matthew Marsh.
“It’s all systems go – we have an agreement for the car, we have secured the bulk of the sponsorship and we are in the process of finalising the three-man driving team,” Marsh told the South China Morning Post.
“We intend to prove that Hong Kong can compete on the world stage. It is an enormous challenge, but we have the drive, the ambition and the talent to succeed.”
Marsh’s team, Noble Group-GruppeM Racing, will be driving a Porsche GT3 RSR with a distinctive yellow, white and red livery that features a large bauhinia on the roof.
Marsh expects to announce his two co-drivers within the next few weeks. Those in the frame include Hong Kong racing legend Charles Kwan Siu-cheung, current Formula BMW Asia champion Marchy Lee Ying-kin, Hong Kong-based Porsche driver Darryl O’Young, Chinese racing sensation Tung Ho-pin and Macau driver Andre Couto, who finished second last year in the Japan GT Championship.
Marsh is hopeful former Porsche champion Kwan will put off retirement plans to be involved in the most exciting project in the history of Hong Kong motorsport.
The duo teamed up successfully in a Ferrari for last November’s FIA GT season-ending race at Zhuhai and Marsh is anxious to renew the partnership. “Charles would bring invaluable driving ability and experience to the team,” he said. “I’m hoping the Le Mans campaign will stoke his competitive fires to such a degree that he can’t resist joining us!”
The road to Le Mans will begin with four races this year in the Le Mans Endurance Series in Europe – each event is 1,000km and lasts about six hours – followed by a trip to the 12 Hours of Sebring race in Florida next March. Good results in those five outings will be enough to secure an invitation to the Le Mans 24 Hours in June 2006.
The project has been made possible by the support and enthusiasm of two Hong Kong companies – Noble Group and the William E Connor Group – and the Chinese-owned GruppeM Racing team.
Noble Group, a global commodities firm, has been heavily involved in motorsport since 2001, when it joined forces with the GR Asia team at the Macau Grand Prix. Most famously, the Noble Group-GR Asia Honda touring car driven by Simon Harrison challenged BMW for victory in the Guia race of 2003.
“We are delighted to be a part of the Le Mans project which will make history for Hong Kong and Chinese motorsport," said Noble Group CEO Richard Elman. "It's a logical extension of our continuing involvement at Macau. We look forward to flying the flag for Hong Kong at Le Mans and showing the world that Hong Kong-style initiative, innovation and entrepreneurship can compete with the very best.”
GR Asia owner and Hong Kong shipbroker Tim Huxley, who was instrumental in bringing Marsh’s team together, added: “This is more than just a race, it's a massive adventure which we hope all Hong Kong's sports car enthusiasts will get behind.
“Our priority has been to been to put together the most competitive and professional package possible, and we believe we have achieved that. Over the course of this year, the team will gain the experience and credibility to do the job at Le Mans next June.”
The William E Connor Group, one of the world's largest privately held
trading firms dealing in consumer goods and commodities, is the team patron.
CEO William E “Chip” Connor, in addition to being an avid racer of vintage cars and a participant in this year’s Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia series, was team principal in Barron Connor Racing, which last year fielded two Ferrari 575GTCs in the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Le Mans Endurance Series, finishing second in the GTS class. Connor brings to the team support, experience and the Porsche GT3 RSR which the team will use.
The car will be prepared and run by UK-based GruppeM Racing – one of only two teams worldwide to carry Porsche “factory supported” status and winners of last year’s British GT Championship.
"We are honoured to be so closely involved in this project – it will be good to make a little bit of history," said GruppeM Racing owner Kenny Chen, a Taiwanese-born property developer who has lived in the UK for the past 20 years.
Marsh, a 14-year Hong Kong resident, has endurance racing credentials. He helped drive a BMW Z3 M to finish top of its class, and fifth place overall, in Australia’s Bathurst 24 Hours in 2002 and was part of a three-man team that piloted a BMW M3 to second in its class at Germany’s famous Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2000.
"Le Mans is the ultimate test for a sports car driver," said the 36-year-old Briton. “It will be a dream come true for me personally but, more importantly, it will be a team effort. This project will put Hong Kong motorsport in the global spotlight.”
It will be the first time ever that a car owned and sponsored by SAR companies and piloted by Hong Kong drivers has gone wheel to wheel with the world’s best in the famous endurance classic.
The ambitious HK$12 million project is being spearheaded by Hong Kong driver and reigning Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia champion Matthew Marsh.
“It’s all systems go – we have an agreement for the car, we have secured the bulk of the sponsorship and we are in the process of finalising the three-man driving team,” Marsh told the South China Morning Post.
“We intend to prove that Hong Kong can compete on the world stage. It is an enormous challenge, but we have the drive, the ambition and the talent to succeed.”
Marsh’s team, Noble Group-GruppeM Racing, will be driving a Porsche GT3 RSR with a distinctive yellow, white and red livery that features a large bauhinia on the roof.
Marsh expects to announce his two co-drivers within the next few weeks. Those in the frame include Hong Kong racing legend Charles Kwan Siu-cheung, current Formula BMW Asia champion Marchy Lee Ying-kin, Hong Kong-based Porsche driver Darryl O’Young, Chinese racing sensation Tung Ho-pin and Macau driver Andre Couto, who finished second last year in the Japan GT Championship.
Marsh is hopeful former Porsche champion Kwan will put off retirement plans to be involved in the most exciting project in the history of Hong Kong motorsport.
The duo teamed up successfully in a Ferrari for last November’s FIA GT season-ending race at Zhuhai and Marsh is anxious to renew the partnership. “Charles would bring invaluable driving ability and experience to the team,” he said. “I’m hoping the Le Mans campaign will stoke his competitive fires to such a degree that he can’t resist joining us!”
The road to Le Mans will begin with four races this year in the Le Mans Endurance Series in Europe – each event is 1,000km and lasts about six hours – followed by a trip to the 12 Hours of Sebring race in Florida next March. Good results in those five outings will be enough to secure an invitation to the Le Mans 24 Hours in June 2006.
The project has been made possible by the support and enthusiasm of two Hong Kong companies – Noble Group and the William E Connor Group – and the Chinese-owned GruppeM Racing team.
Noble Group, a global commodities firm, has been heavily involved in motorsport since 2001, when it joined forces with the GR Asia team at the Macau Grand Prix. Most famously, the Noble Group-GR Asia Honda touring car driven by Simon Harrison challenged BMW for victory in the Guia race of 2003.
“We are delighted to be a part of the Le Mans project which will make history for Hong Kong and Chinese motorsport," said Noble Group CEO Richard Elman. "It's a logical extension of our continuing involvement at Macau. We look forward to flying the flag for Hong Kong at Le Mans and showing the world that Hong Kong-style initiative, innovation and entrepreneurship can compete with the very best.”
GR Asia owner and Hong Kong shipbroker Tim Huxley, who was instrumental in bringing Marsh’s team together, added: “This is more than just a race, it's a massive adventure which we hope all Hong Kong's sports car enthusiasts will get behind.
“Our priority has been to been to put together the most competitive and professional package possible, and we believe we have achieved that. Over the course of this year, the team will gain the experience and credibility to do the job at Le Mans next June.”
The William E Connor Group, one of the world's largest privately held
trading firms dealing in consumer goods and commodities, is the team patron.
CEO William E “Chip” Connor, in addition to being an avid racer of vintage cars and a participant in this year’s Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup Asia series, was team principal in Barron Connor Racing, which last year fielded two Ferrari 575GTCs in the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Le Mans Endurance Series, finishing second in the GTS class. Connor brings to the team support, experience and the Porsche GT3 RSR which the team will use.
The car will be prepared and run by UK-based GruppeM Racing – one of only two teams worldwide to carry Porsche “factory supported” status and winners of last year’s British GT Championship.
"We are honoured to be so closely involved in this project – it will be good to make a little bit of history," said GruppeM Racing owner Kenny Chen, a Taiwanese-born property developer who has lived in the UK for the past 20 years.
Marsh, a 14-year Hong Kong resident, has endurance racing credentials. He helped drive a BMW Z3 M to finish top of its class, and fifth place overall, in Australia’s Bathurst 24 Hours in 2002 and was part of a three-man team that piloted a BMW M3 to second in its class at Germany’s famous Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2000.
"Le Mans is the ultimate test for a sports car driver," said the 36-year-old Briton. “It will be a dream come true for me personally but, more importantly, it will be a team effort. This project will put Hong Kong motorsport in the global spotlight.”
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Favourable Forex
The British £ is motoring up against the Canadian $. Not far south of $2.40 to the £. So if you are thinking of having a holiday here in the frozen north now is the time.
Today we are expecting a high of 27 degrees Centigrade here in TO, that is a real 80 degrees in Fahrenheit - which I still operate in.
I guess most folk in the UK don't think of Canada as a holiday destination but they are missing a bargain. Hint: If you are looking for a fun destination without a hideously long flight try the Maritime Provinces flying into Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Today we are expecting a high of 27 degrees Centigrade here in TO, that is a real 80 degrees in Fahrenheit - which I still operate in.
I guess most folk in the UK don't think of Canada as a holiday destination but they are missing a bargain. Hint: If you are looking for a fun destination without a hideously long flight try the Maritime Provinces flying into Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Etobicoke days
To Bloor Street on the Brompton bicycle. Handed in a book at Brentwood Library, all duly barcoded these days. The bike always attracts attention - one guy advised me not to pick up any hitchhikers and another biker-type with ponytail said "That's the bike for me" - I was glad he didn't mean it literally. Stop off at Tim Horton's for a coffee, $1.20, that's 50p for Limey readers - peruse the National Post, cost zero. Then to Hy & Zel's on Islington Avenue - 4 litres of milk for $4.29, 1 dozen XL eggs 2.09 - wondering how that compares with the UK? Thank goodness there is no metric dozen as they would have ruined that by now. Back home through the side streets before the heat of the day in time to greet Tony the Postman.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
More trash talk
Pictures reach me of the Mount Dennis Residents Association ravine clean-up on 9 April. This is Chaplain Clive on the left joining me in bringing the rubbish back to base.
More flowers
What is it about spring that makes folk rush outside and start photographing the flowers? Here is a pic from Andy Thomas.
Katmandu days
More from Steve Taylor in Nepal:
Arrived safely after 13 hours of flying only to find that one of my bags had been sent somewhere else....hey ho!! I did get it back some 1/2 a day later but very worrying all the same as it had all my mountain kit in.
Settled down quickly, especially as my friends had already done the donkey work and so all I had to do was turn up.
Met up with our mountain guides today very friendly and looking forward to the climb....but that is not until the 28th. Fly out to Lukla tomorrow to start the long haul up to Chukhung, very exciting.
Spent today wandering around Thamel and Katmandu experiencing some of the wonderful temples, food and local sites also. Had the fortune (or mis-fortune perhaps) of seeing a cremation ceremony (a very public spectacle over here) and enjoyed the
thought that I have trod in the steps of Mr Michael Palin.
Also meet Alan Hinkes in one of the climbing shops - he is Britain's top climber who is just about to start his latest venture - his 14th 8000m peak which, if successful,
will make him the first British climber to conquer all 14 8000+m peaks in the world...a privilege indeed.
Not too sure when I will be able to chat again but will do so when I can.
There is not mobile phone service out here due to the local Maoists taking the service out in Feb and there remains a turf war to see who controls what - so no service which means that I have less contact than I imagined.
Never mind...the comfort of my bed calls as I have an early start tomorrow.
So 'til the next time.
Best regards,
Steve
Arrived safely after 13 hours of flying only to find that one of my bags had been sent somewhere else....hey ho!! I did get it back some 1/2 a day later but very worrying all the same as it had all my mountain kit in.
Settled down quickly, especially as my friends had already done the donkey work and so all I had to do was turn up.
Met up with our mountain guides today very friendly and looking forward to the climb....but that is not until the 28th. Fly out to Lukla tomorrow to start the long haul up to Chukhung, very exciting.
Spent today wandering around Thamel and Katmandu experiencing some of the wonderful temples, food and local sites also. Had the fortune (or mis-fortune perhaps) of seeing a cremation ceremony (a very public spectacle over here) and enjoyed the
thought that I have trod in the steps of Mr Michael Palin.
Also meet Alan Hinkes in one of the climbing shops - he is Britain's top climber who is just about to start his latest venture - his 14th 8000m peak which, if successful,
will make him the first British climber to conquer all 14 8000+m peaks in the world...a privilege indeed.
Not too sure when I will be able to chat again but will do so when I can.
There is not mobile phone service out here due to the local Maoists taking the service out in Feb and there remains a turf war to see who controls what - so no service which means that I have less contact than I imagined.
Never mind...the comfort of my bed calls as I have an early start tomorrow.
So 'til the next time.
Best regards,
Steve
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Take to the mountainside
I've just been IMing with my good buddy Steve Taylor in Nepal who is going climbing in the Himalayas. Here is an edited version:
Steve Taylor says:
Hi Rupert...are you free to chat?
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
how u?
Steve Taylor says:
I am over here in Nepal, Katmandu just starting my 4 weeks off
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
amazing
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
do u have laptop?
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
inet cafe
Steve Taylor says:
should be ...I will be trekking upto base camp then later on meetup with some experienced guides to take us up to 6200m - Island Peak
Steve Taylor says:
No laptop using the hotels icafe
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
can u copy me in on any msgs
Steve Taylor says:
Long day on arrived a few hours ago...leaving C'Field yesterday
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
good stuff
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
I will blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
if OK?
Steve Taylor says:
I have set up a mail group so when I send anything you will be included...although when I leave here on thursday there probably won't be much chance but I will do my best
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
great
Steve Taylor says:
blog?? sorry please excuse my ignorance
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
hope u hav a great tour
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
blog = http://punchbuggy.blogspot.com/
Steve Taylor says:
OK..I remember now. Thanks
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
now have pics
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
on blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
when u back in UK?
Steve Taylor says:
I have both cameras but no means of getting the pics onto the PC so will have to wait until I get home.
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
I'll be in UK shortly after
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
u shld have some amazing pics
Steve Taylor says:
hope so...if you drop me a mail with the dates I will see if we can get together
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
take good care of yourself
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
and keep safe
Steve Taylor says:
Thanks Rupert...maybe talk again another day.
Steve Taylor says:
TTFN
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
u can comment on my blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
bibi + good luck
Steve Taylor says:
Hi Rupert...are you free to chat?
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
how u?
Steve Taylor says:
I am over here in Nepal, Katmandu just starting my 4 weeks off
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
amazing
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
do u have laptop?
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
inet cafe
Steve Taylor says:
should be ...I will be trekking upto base camp then later on meetup with some experienced guides to take us up to 6200m - Island Peak
Steve Taylor says:
No laptop using the hotels icafe
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
can u copy me in on any msgs
Steve Taylor says:
Long day on arrived a few hours ago...leaving C'Field yesterday
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
good stuff
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
I will blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
if OK?
Steve Taylor says:
I have set up a mail group so when I send anything you will be included...although when I leave here on thursday there probably won't be much chance but I will do my best
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
great
Steve Taylor says:
blog?? sorry please excuse my ignorance
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
hope u hav a great tour
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
blog = http://punchbuggy.blogspot.com/
Steve Taylor says:
OK..I remember now. Thanks
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
now have pics
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
on blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
when u back in UK?
Steve Taylor says:
I have both cameras but no means of getting the pics onto the PC so will have to wait until I get home.
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
I'll be in UK shortly after
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
u shld have some amazing pics
Steve Taylor says:
hope so...if you drop me a mail with the dates I will see if we can get together
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
take good care of yourself
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
and keep safe
Steve Taylor says:
Thanks Rupert...maybe talk again another day.
Steve Taylor says:
TTFN
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
u can comment on my blog
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
k
Rupert Lloyd Thomas says:
bibi + good luck
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Spring has sprung
Rode the Brompton bicycle to Dimpflmeier's bakery outlet - first short trip of the year in warm still sunshine. Spotted this 1941 Plymouth (I think) for sale on the way - definitely a fixer-upper.
Saturday, April 2, 2005
smart for the chopper
The Guardian has a story of trouble at smart, a division of DaimlerChrysler. How they have managed to lose so much money while charging premium prices for the product is beyond me.
The ForTwo city car has been slow to appear here in Canada and they have left the USA to the grey importers. The launching of what is a five-year-old vehicle here in Canada has been hampered by rumours of dealers being out-of-stock. It is odd that the car, which is made for these high-fuel-cost times, should be foundering financially.
The ForTwo city car has been slow to appear here in Canada and they have left the USA to the grey importers. The launching of what is a five-year-old vehicle here in Canada has been hampered by rumours of dealers being out-of-stock. It is odd that the car, which is made for these high-fuel-cost times, should be foundering financially.
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