Slightly off/tangential to topic but it's a "quiet" time of the motor sport year. So, what does her indoors (or the equivalent) think of your passion with TNF and all things motor sport?.
Does she worry when you disappear for a couple of hours to "chat on the net". Does she accompany you to foggy Silverstone in April and help you build beer bottle pyramids outside your hiking tent at Le Mans. Or is is just Goodwood and the champagne tent ? Does she recognise Doug on TV ?
Fascinated to hear your views.
Your wife/husband/partner's attitude to TNF/motor sport.
Started by
bill moffat
, Jan 25 2004 17:49
71 replies to this topic
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#2
Tim Murray
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 18:42
Her usual assumption (re TNF) is that I must be looking at pornography. She has come to the occasional motoring event (but only in good weather). She got quite interested in the Enzo Ferrari TV programme, but only when I told her that Richard Williams used to present The Old Grey Whistle Test. :
#3
RTH
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 18:56
Originally posted by Tim Murray
She got quite interested in the Enzo Ferrari TV programme, but only when I told her that Richard Williams used to present The Old Grey Whistle Test. :
Is that true ? I only remember "Whispering" Bob Harris.
#4
Frank de Jong
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 18:57
My wife does not really care as long as I enjoy myself. She's not the slightest bit interested in motorsport (or in soccer, for that matter - I once took her to Ajax but that's about it).
#5
Jack-the-Lad
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 19:05
Hi, Bill. Great question.
My wife knew I was a car guy before we married....Sebring, Daytona, Road Atlanta, Zolder, the old 'Ring, Laguna Seca, Riverside, Watkins Glen. She loves motorsport almost as much as I do. On every holiday we must do at least one "car thing."
Goodwood.....ah, Goodwood. This September will be our third Revival. Yes, she insists on the Members Enclosure. But that's a small sacrifice (I secretly love it myself). We rent a cottage at Duncton Mill near Petworth. I am in heaven. I only wish I had access to a suitable car while there.
We met some fellow TNFers at Ferret's booth last year and it was great fun.
I hope we'll see you there this year. By the way, we thought the Duke of Cumberland was great (once we found it!). Thanks for the tip.
Jack
(Direct quote from wife re: my motorsport obsession: "What I don't enjoy, I tolerate." Now, who could ask for more than that?)
My wife knew I was a car guy before we married....Sebring, Daytona, Road Atlanta, Zolder, the old 'Ring, Laguna Seca, Riverside, Watkins Glen. She loves motorsport almost as much as I do. On every holiday we must do at least one "car thing."
Goodwood.....ah, Goodwood. This September will be our third Revival. Yes, she insists on the Members Enclosure. But that's a small sacrifice (I secretly love it myself). We rent a cottage at Duncton Mill near Petworth. I am in heaven. I only wish I had access to a suitable car while there.
We met some fellow TNFers at Ferret's booth last year and it was great fun.
I hope we'll see you there this year. By the way, we thought the Duke of Cumberland was great (once we found it!). Thanks for the tip.
Jack
(Direct quote from wife re: my motorsport obsession: "What I don't enjoy, I tolerate." Now, who could ask for more than that?)
#6
dretceterini
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 19:24
My wife has cross-stitch, quilting, knitting and some other things. I have motorsports..
#7
Lemans
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 19:33
I proposed to my wife just prior to the start of the 1996 montreal F-1 race. As the engines roared to life, she accepted. 
As a bonus, she picked the entire order of the 1st 6 to cross the finish line in order. She watches races with me and has accompanied me to Montreal and Lime Rock. Her favorite driver has been Damon Hill and Fisacala (sp). I feel lucky she is interested in motor racing. 
As a bonus, she picked the entire order of the 1st 6 to cross the finish line in order. She watches races with me and has accompanied me to Montreal and Lime Rock. Her favorite driver has been Damon Hill and Fisacala (sp). I feel lucky she is interested in motor racing.
#8
Tim Murray
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 20:10
He was indeed the usual presenter. But on his days off Richard (and maybe others?) stood in. I have video footage . . .Originally posted by RTH
Is that true ? I only remember "Whispering" Bob Harris.
Later presenters (after Whispering Bob moved on) included David Hepworth and Mark Ellen.
#9
JohnS
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 20:20
Originally posted by Tim Murray
He was indeed the usual presenter. But on his days off Richard (and maybe others?) stood in. I have video footage . . .
Later presenters (after Whispering Bob moved on) included David Hepworth and Mark Ellen.
I think he was also editor of Melody Maker, and at one point was the Guardian's film critic.
And I own an excellent book he wrote about Miles Davis.
John
#10
Udo K.
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 20:22
Originally posted by Frank de Jong
My wife does not really care as long as I enjoy myself. She's not the slightest bit interested in motorsport (or in soccer, for that matter - I once took her to Ajax but that's about it).
dito - although she went with me to Le Mans in 1999. Liked the flair BESIDE the trackside.
"quite nice - but a little bit boring..."
#11
David Lawson
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 20:38
My wife when a ten year old was a spectator at motor cycle race meetings at Brands Hatch in the mid fifties travelling there in the sidecar of her cousins motorbike. Before we met she was a regular TV motor racing viewer and an occassional spectator at Grand Prix.
Together in the last 14 years we have been to inumerable meetings at most of the British circuits from the most modest of clubbies through to F1 in all weathers and often enduring the usual personal discomfort that genuine enthusiasts have to contend with.
My wife also puts up with the endless model-making projects that take over the kitchen and dining room, the endless calls placing mail order for the latest books, slot cars and other memorabilia and the dreaded ebay auctions that occupy my time.
She has the knack of finding little gems for me when out shopping such as recently bringing home a second hand copy of the Jacques Deschenaux Jo Siffert book for the tidy sum of £5.
What more can I ask for from this saint of a wife! The only time we fall out is when I curse Michael Schumacher's latest dubious track manoeuvre on TV and she blindly defends his every action.
David
Together in the last 14 years we have been to inumerable meetings at most of the British circuits from the most modest of clubbies through to F1 in all weathers and often enduring the usual personal discomfort that genuine enthusiasts have to contend with.
My wife also puts up with the endless model-making projects that take over the kitchen and dining room, the endless calls placing mail order for the latest books, slot cars and other memorabilia and the dreaded ebay auctions that occupy my time.
She has the knack of finding little gems for me when out shopping such as recently bringing home a second hand copy of the Jacques Deschenaux Jo Siffert book for the tidy sum of £5.
What more can I ask for from this saint of a wife! The only time we fall out is when I curse Michael Schumacher's latest dubious track manoeuvre on TV and she blindly defends his every action.
David
#12
petefenelon
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 21:39
T'other half grew up around cars and racing - her dad was a sales manager for Vauxhall in the 70s - and spent a fair amount of her formative years being frozen out on the rally stages. (She also had a Barbie doll given to her by James Hunt during his Vauxhall promotional life!) After the usual teenage girl's interest in matters equestrian she started taking an interest in the sport again, helping out at Croft rallycross events and so on. Developed an unhealthy obsession with Stefan Johansson in the mid-80s.;)
She's still a serious enthusiast - particular interests in the BTCC, sports car racing, and anything a certain Swede has been invovled with ;) - and over the last couple of years we've been to Le Mans, Miami, and the usual selection of British circuits. This year's plans probably include Le Mans, the Spa 1000km, and an assortment of British meetings...
Emma is therefore highly tolerant of my general obsession with motorsport, although the bulk of my library does occasionally cause raised eyebrows ;P
She's still a serious enthusiast - particular interests in the BTCC, sports car racing, and anything a certain Swede has been invovled with ;) - and over the last couple of years we've been to Le Mans, Miami, and the usual selection of British circuits. This year's plans probably include Le Mans, the Spa 1000km, and an assortment of British meetings...
Emma is therefore highly tolerant of my general obsession with motorsport, although the bulk of my library does occasionally cause raised eyebrows ;P
#13
petefenelon
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 21:50
> Does she recognise Doug on TV ?
She's the one who caused the current DCN/Lord Ravenscroft of Heswall lookalike scandal ;)
She's the one who caused the current DCN/Lord Ravenscroft of Heswall lookalike scandal ;)
#14
Ray Bell
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 22:31
First wife went along fine... used to sit in the car and watch at Warwick Farm while I waved flags nearby... went to race meetings all over the country with me.
Current one... well, not nice at all. Would never go to a race, at best is grudging about allowing me to watch on TV, not even the fact that I make money from writing about it justifies - in her mind - me spending any time at all thinking, reading or talking about the sport.
Current one... well, not nice at all. Would never go to a race, at best is grudging about allowing me to watch on TV, not even the fact that I make money from writing about it justifies - in her mind - me spending any time at all thinking, reading or talking about the sport.
#15
UAtkins
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 23:11
OK, to weigh in on the other side of the fence. I am extremely lucky, I have been married for 28 years to a fellow petrol-head. We lost sight of racing from about 1980 until I got sucked into TNF and he doesn't get quite as involved as I do but he tolerates my growing car library, (and the cost thereof) and doesn't whine too badly when I go off to England to Goodwood without him while he works and makes enough money that I can afford to do that! That is true sainthood 
.
Earl actually knows more than I do about cars mechanically (a heavy-duty diesel mechanic for 35 years) and his knowledge of U.S. classics is outstanding. The only Grand Prix we have been to (and actually my only one in my life) was the U.S. Grand Prix in 1975 or 76 at Riverside (can't remember which one).
Earl retires in 2005; this will be followed by extensive travel to England to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Revival, British Grand Prix; also plan to fit in Le Mans (my sister lives in Brittany)...not necessarily in that order. This will be payback for all those trips without him. Somehow we have to manage a trip to Watkins Glen and the U.S. Grand Prix....it will be a VERY busy year!
I am now starting to think about cars...this is very dangerous...I unfortunately have inherited my Dad's taste in cars. Obviously I can't afford the ones he had, but I am thinking that a Shelby Cobra replica (from Shelby only) would be a nice retirement project after the traveling. I just bought Earl a 100th Anniversary Harley V-Rod and, since we the first thing we will be building when we move to our retirement property is a 40 x 60 shop I think we will have to add a few car/bike restoration projects to keep him busy.
As I said, I am pretty lucky...now if I could sort out a job that would pay me to do all of this stuff...
Ursula
.Earl actually knows more than I do about cars mechanically (a heavy-duty diesel mechanic for 35 years) and his knowledge of U.S. classics is outstanding. The only Grand Prix we have been to (and actually my only one in my life) was the U.S. Grand Prix in 1975 or 76 at Riverside (can't remember which one).
Earl retires in 2005; this will be followed by extensive travel to England to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Revival, British Grand Prix; also plan to fit in Le Mans (my sister lives in Brittany)...not necessarily in that order. This will be payback for all those trips without him. Somehow we have to manage a trip to Watkins Glen and the U.S. Grand Prix....it will be a VERY busy year!
I am now starting to think about cars...this is very dangerous...I unfortunately have inherited my Dad's taste in cars. Obviously I can't afford the ones he had, but I am thinking that a Shelby Cobra replica (from Shelby only) would be a nice retirement project after the traveling. I just bought Earl a 100th Anniversary Harley V-Rod and, since we the first thing we will be building when we move to our retirement property is a 40 x 60 shop I think we will have to add a few car/bike restoration projects to keep him busy.
As I said, I am pretty lucky...now if I could sort out a job that would pay me to do all of this stuff...
Ursula
#16
Roger Clark
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Posted 25 January 2004 - 23:36
Richard Williams was presenter of the first series of OGWT, and was replaced by bob Harris for the second.Originally posted by Tim Murray
He was indeed the usual presenter. But on his days off Richard (and maybe others?) stood in. I have video footage . . .
Later presenters (after Whispering Bob moved on) included David Hepworth and Mark Ellen.
I always enjoyed his writing while he was with Melody Maker. He was notorious for his reveiw of john Lennon's electronic album Two Virgins. The review was virtually incomprehensible and would have kept Private Eye's Pseud's corner column going for several months. Unfortunately the copy he had been sent was a test pressing and consisteed of a single electronic note held for about 20 minutes. This wasn't typical though.
#17
jonpollak
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 00:31
I think Richard Williams (or Amanda's dad) should of be the commentator for this years Celeb 2 Seater Races.
My wife?.... You lot ain't getting that one just yet.
Jp
My wife?.... You lot ain't getting that one just yet.
Jp
#18
Ray Bell
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 00:33
Originally posted by jonpollak
.....She hates me AND Motor Racing and everything else I say/do/intimate etc.....
We're in the same canoe, it seems...
#19
Andrew Fellowes
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 02:49
Originally posted by Ray Bell
We're in the same canoe, it seems...
…and then tell her your going to drive a historic car again after a 10 year lay off.
Antarctica came to the Queensland Gold Coast. Frosty? Even my mother-in-law felt sorry for me,
The next day she was as happy as Larry. Her vision of justice is simple, whatever gets spent on cars, the same sum is spent on the house.
What new gearbox? Na na, you got it wrong luv, that’s the same one.
What is it they say? Don’t get mad, get smart. Now how do I get her to believe that I’ve cloned the car?
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#20
john medley
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 04:26
I'm one of the really fortunate ones. Julie is much younger than me and until we met 8 years ago had never raced a car or seen a race. She soon changed that, and after 2 years as battery girl and 1 year doing Historic Regularity events and hillclimbs, she thought she might try a race or two.In her first ( for pre 1960 cars, in my Nota Formula Junior), she qualified 5th, was 10th after the first corner, fought her way back to 5th by lap 2, passed the under 1100cc lap record holder lap 3, repeatedly broke his class lap record each lap, nailed 4th place man under brakes into the last corner, so was beaten across the line only by bigger Holden-engined cars. She's been a bit hard to keep out of the car since then.
#21
antonvrs
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 05:26
Marilyn and I were at a memorial service today for the late husband of a friend of hers- held at a lovely sort of hiking park in the Santa Monica Mountains. He and his now widow had been great outdoors types so it was a suitable setting. I overheard her telling some friends that if I tip over before she does she'll have to throw a party where all my friends can park their old cars on the lawn and stand around eating, drinking, telling car stories and kicking tires.
Sounds good to me......
She came along and participated for many years when I was tech inspector for our historic racing group(VARA) and many times has towed the race car home when I couldn't stay awake any longer.
She and another friend's wife did a Formula Ford school at Riverside Raceway some years ago. Said she couldn't do that any more- "it's waaay too much fun"
I'm a lucky guy.
Anton
Sounds good to me......
She came along and participated for many years when I was tech inspector for our historic racing group(VARA) and many times has towed the race car home when I couldn't stay awake any longer.
She and another friend's wife did a Formula Ford school at Riverside Raceway some years ago. Said she couldn't do that any more- "it's waaay too much fun"
I'm a lucky guy.
Anton
#22
Dennis David
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 05:54
Mine just goes zoom, zoom, zoom and walks away... 
She tells me that my hobbies are mine but hers are the whole families. 
She'll get bored after 5 minutes in a hobby shop but thinks nothing of talking to someone about compost for an hour.
Yet I can't imagine life without her.
She tells me that my hobbies are mine but hers are the whole families. She'll get bored after 5 minutes in a hobby shop but thinks nothing of talking to someone about compost for an hour.Yet I can't imagine life without her.
#23
Rainer Nyberg
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 07:20
She don't care much about motorsports, well ok, she does not care at all...
She does care about shopping, which I don't...unless I am in a bookshop...
She does care about shopping, which I don't...unless I am in a bookshop...
#24
Darren Galpin
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 08:31
I met my wife due to motorsport. Because of my web-page I got to know someone in Sao Paulo, so went over to watch the GP, and came back via Rio de Janiero and met my wife to be....... She quite likes old cars (didn't mind Goodwood or Brooklands at all), but is not really interested in modern F1 at all (she did like F1 racing in the mid-1980s though). I do most of my TNF'ing at work, but spend an awful lot of time at home working on motorsport, which attracts abuse when things are going wrong due to the amount of time I spend, but is otherwise tolerated as it means I am usually at home and not in the pub!
#25
Vicuna
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:02
Originally posted by Ray Bell
... allowing me to watch on TV...
You're kidding - right?
#26
bill moffat
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:07
Originally posted by Ray Bell
First wife went along fine... used to sit in the car and watch at Warwick Farm while I waved flags nearby... went to race meetings all over the country with me.
Current one... well, not nice at all. Would never go to a race, at best is grudging about allowing me to watch on TV, not even the fact that I make money from writing about it justifies - in her mind - me spending any time at all thinking, reading or talking about the sport.
Ray, has she the knowledge to a) switch on the computer and b) access this Web site.
If the answer to these questions are both in the affirmative (and I speak from bruised experience) could I respectfully suggest:
1) confiscate all the steak knives and heavier frying pans from the kitchen.
2) before each journey check for puddles of brake fluid under your car.
3) send your pet rabbit to a friend for an extended holiday.
4) If tonight's meal smells the least bit odd give a test portion to the dog before eating any yourself.
Hope these tips help, if you do not post on TNF this week will p.m. to ensure that you are OK.
#27
275 GTB-4
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:15
My wife encourages me to do Motorsport at every opportunity!!.....something about getting me away and out of the house!!! Hmmmmmm, is she trying to tell me something?????
It was marvellous when the V8 Taxis used to come to Canberra and my whole family got the chance to see me in action ("action" is in the eye of the beholder!!) and they all enjoyed the spectacle (the race spectacle, that is).
#28
Bruce Moxon
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:22
My bride of nine years is quite supportive. Frightened the whole room last night when my name was read out as a trophy winner at a motorkhana (you had to be there). Has come to the races with me, officiated at rallies, brings lovely lunches to motorkhanas (they are eating sausage sandwiches while I sit down to chicken and avocado rolls and brewed coffee).
Drove the service car when I was rallying, has driven home when I've been falling asleep (as above). Hates my Mazda because it's too low to the ground but just yesterday told me I could buy and restore a Renault 12. "Old cars like that can't cost too much can they?" Bwahahaha. She's never heard of a Renault 12 Gordini, has she??!! And I don't have to sell my beloved Mazda.
She just complains sometimes at the space taken up by the model collection (I'll admit, 400 cars, even in miniature, takes up lots of space).
And the eight year old daughter is half keen too. I love my life.
Bruce Moxon
Drove the service car when I was rallying, has driven home when I've been falling asleep (as above). Hates my Mazda because it's too low to the ground but just yesterday told me I could buy and restore a Renault 12. "Old cars like that can't cost too much can they?" Bwahahaha. She's never heard of a Renault 12 Gordini, has she??!! And I don't have to sell my beloved Mazda.
She just complains sometimes at the space taken up by the model collection (I'll admit, 400 cars, even in miniature, takes up lots of space).
And the eight year old daughter is half keen too. I love my life.
Bruce Moxon
#29
Joe Fan
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:29
My wife is a casual race fan, who will watch some races on TV with me on occasion. However, she doesn't like Formula One due to the driver aids and separation between the have and have-nots. She likes NASCAR due to its close-racing and contact and she is not big on open wheel racing in general. However, she loves watching World of Outlaw sprint cars because she thinks they are "cute" and she loves watching the cars doing power slides in the turns.
As far as TNF, she thinks I spend too much time on here, but she understands that this is a form of "entertainment" I enjoy. She is not big on Internet surfing, forums, etc. and is more of a television person, which I am not. I hardly ever watch television accept for sports, news or an occasional movie. My wife also understands that I have developed some very good friendships on the forum and that this is a mechanism for me to chat about motorsports, which very few people we know are really interested in.
This also reminds me of one of Don's posts about The-Woman-who-shall-be-Obeyed, giving him that look that wives give you have spent a hundred dollars on motorbooks. Don, I get those looks occasionally too on some motorbook purchases, so I have to watch myself. However, I learned the trick is, wait for them to be discounted any percentage and explain to them that the book(s) were on sale. This is how my wife justifies the same money spent on shopping sprees--"I got a real deal, they had a good sale."
As far as TNF, she thinks I spend too much time on here, but she understands that this is a form of "entertainment" I enjoy. She is not big on Internet surfing, forums, etc. and is more of a television person, which I am not. I hardly ever watch television accept for sports, news or an occasional movie. My wife also understands that I have developed some very good friendships on the forum and that this is a mechanism for me to chat about motorsports, which very few people we know are really interested in.
This also reminds me of one of Don's posts about The-Woman-who-shall-be-Obeyed, giving him that look that wives give you have spent a hundred dollars on motorbooks. Don, I get those looks occasionally too on some motorbook purchases, so I have to watch myself.
However, I learned the trick is, wait for them to be discounted any percentage and explain to them that the book(s) were on sale. This is how my wife justifies the same money spent on shopping sprees--"I got a real deal, they had a good sale."
#30
eldougo
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:51
My wife and daughter had NO choice it's always been motor racing for me. Today off we went to the" Motorfest"in Sydney part of the Australia Day celebrations it was GREAT to see all
makes and models of old road and race cars .She used to watch me race in historics ,but i can't get he along to see me Kart racing Nooooo way, only my daughter will come (some times) to help the old man.
In regards to TNF it got me in the **** one day..... I had just got to work one day when i got a phone call from her saying is there a problem with our marriage because she had found a web
site Dateing Service !!! It turned out Lauren(my daughter) had down loaded a webpage with this service attached ? she went right off. However my daughter told her what had happened and all was OK.
That afternoon lauren made up a poster on the computer ( Doug's Dating Service ) which is still pinned to wall for all to see.
______________________________________________________
True story---- would a TNFer lie to his wife.!!!
#31
Racer.Demon
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 10:11
She doesn't mind. And she doesn't care. I think that sums it up perfectly.
Seriously, she is pretty much agreed with it. She has some interest in cars, much less interest in racing cars, and would never go along to a race meeting with me, because she'd be bored, and sick too because of her hearing problem, which doesn't tolerate any loud noises in the vicinity.
And I'm a pretty sensible race fan, unlike the rest of you...
;)
Seriously, she is pretty much agreed with it. She has some interest in cars, much less interest in racing cars, and would never go along to a race meeting with me, because she'd be bored, and sick too because of her hearing problem, which doesn't tolerate any loud noises in the vicinity.
And I'm a pretty sensible race fan, unlike the rest of you...
;)
#32
Gary Davies
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 11:02
Utterly bewildered that anyone can be remotely engaged by any form of sport (and she's an Aussie!) and thinks computers are appalling devices ... so go figure.
However, and this is just marvellous, she adores summer runs in the MGB with the roof down and a picnic in the boot.
So I'm a happy Pom!
However, and this is just marvellous, she adores summer runs in the MGB with the roof down and a picnic in the boot.
So I'm a happy Pom!
#33
bkalb
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 11:41
My wife (and two daughters) tolerate my motor sport mania, but that's about it. When I used to watch the races in our bedroom, they would occasionally walk in, make some disparaging sound like "Vroom, Vroom," and leave again until the race was over.
My wife did know about my love of the sport when we were first dating. In 1968, before our marriage, when Martin Luther King was killed, I was a young reporter in Washington, D.C., and was spending night after night covering the riots the followed, and sleeping during the day. One day in the middle of it all, she woke me up--I was sleeping at her house, which was out of the riot area--she held up the front page of the New York Times, and said, with real sympathy in her voice, "I'm sorry to tell you this, but Jim Clark has been killed." As if I didn't feel bad enough already.
Barry Kalb
My wife did know about my love of the sport when we were first dating. In 1968, before our marriage, when Martin Luther King was killed, I was a young reporter in Washington, D.C., and was spending night after night covering the riots the followed, and sleeping during the day. One day in the middle of it all, she woke me up--I was sleeping at her house, which was out of the riot area--she held up the front page of the New York Times, and said, with real sympathy in her voice, "I'm sorry to tell you this, but Jim Clark has been killed." As if I didn't feel bad enough already.
Barry Kalb
#34
Tim Murray
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 11:41
Thanks, Roger - I didn't realise he predated Bob.Originally posted by Roger Clark
Richard Williams was presenter of the first series of OGWT, and was replaced by bob Harris for the second.
#35
Stefan Ornerdal
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Posted 26 January 2004 - 12:50
It's tolerated, nothing more.
She will never forgive that I spent a whole day of our holidays in Barcelona, running up and down the Montjuic Park, looking for evidence of a motor race many years ago...
I am also very much involved in our local speedway team. Fortunately, she is a speedwayfan, otherwise I am pretty sure she had packed my bags several years ago.
Stefan
She will never forgive that I spent a whole day of our holidays in Barcelona, running up and down the Montjuic Park, looking for evidence of a motor race many years ago...
I am also very much involved in our local speedway team. Fortunately, she is a speedwayfan, otherwise I am pretty sure she had packed my bags several years ago.
Stefan
#36
Ray Bell
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- 80,228 posts
- Joined: December 99
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 12:57
Originally posted by Vicuna
You're kidding - right?
That's leaving out most of the story...
It gets much worse than that... and bill moffat... she won't turn on the computer, or if she does she will certainly not look at Atlas. Hates anything to do with me with a passion... except that it all gives her something she really enjoys.
Complaining about what I'm doing, saying or thinking...
Though there is one exception. On an odd occasion she won't complain too much for the first ten minutes or so of me looking over some old racing circuit. More than ten minutes and it's "Can we get out of here please?" In terse tones of course...
#37
jph
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- 370 posts
- Joined: January 03
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 14:34
SWMBO knew nothing at all about racing when I met her, yet now happily comes with me to Goodwood, Donington VSCC meeting ("I like it there, I can sit in the car and still see the racing") etc and even tolerates ridiculous amounts of money being spent on books and models. Draws the line at competing while the children are still at school, so the racer stays mothballed.
But as for TNF - not sure what the reaction would be: cover story is still "I've got to do some work in the study".
But as for TNF - not sure what the reaction would be: cover story is still "I've got to do some work in the study".
#38
bobbo
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- 841 posts
- Joined: March 01
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 14:36
Actually, my former spouse LOVED motor racing - as long as it was NASCAR. EVERY weekend there was a NASCAR race on TV, THAT is what we watched. Nothing like Indy/CART, IMSA, F1, whatever, just NASCAR . . . One reason she is my FORMER spouse . . .
Now, my current partner of 10 years shows no interest in motorsports at all, except to let me know what's on TV that I might like, brought me a book (Used copy of Doug's BRM Vol. 1) to me earlier this month when I was in the hospital, etc. Not interested? Maybe not, but she encourages me to indulge, especially now that I can't smole my pipes and she says I need some sort of hobby besides driving her crazy.
Gotta love a gal like that! Bless her!
Little does she know that when I am back to work, I will be purchasing an older (mid-60's) motorcycle to restore!
Bobbo
Now, my current partner of 10 years shows no interest in motorsports at all, except to let me know what's on TV that I might like, brought me a book (Used copy of Doug's BRM Vol. 1) to me earlier this month when I was in the hospital, etc. Not interested? Maybe not, but she encourages me to indulge, especially now that I can't smole my pipes and she says I need some sort of hobby besides driving her crazy.
Gotta love a gal like that! Bless her!
Little does she know that when I am back to work, I will be purchasing an older (mid-60's) motorcycle to restore!
Bobbo
#39
bill moffat
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- 1,411 posts
- Joined: October 02
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 14:58
Wonderful to see all these replies that seem to vary from experiences of unqualified support down to..well...to Ray's story. Having set this thing rolling I had better contribute.
Le Mans 1996. My partner (now wife) knew little of motor sport. The closest she had been to a circuit was driving past the gates of Lydden on her way to deliver yet another baby in the middle of the night. So Le Mans seemed a good induction.
The usual Friday morning early ferry. A Moffat monologue on the way south, Karen is regaled with stories of the Bentleys, of Levegh's heroic/foolhardy solo drive, of 1955, the GT40s etc etc. Until she fell asleep.
Leisurely lunch at Le Neuborg. Tent safely pitched in the Maison Blanche camp site by 6pm, a few celebratory French lagers to follow. Then it was over the fence and an impromptu pits walkabout. In the gathering dusk the Joest pit was flood-lit. We wandered over and joined just a handful of others. The old TWR reject (Porsche no.7) sat there surrounded by activity. Reinhold knew that this race could be won in the pits so it was practice time. Time and time again the car was pushed silently into its pit box. The air jack hissed and the car jumped to attention. Air jacks clattered and the mechanics performed their wheel changing/refuelling routine. Meantime we had Messrs. Wurz, Reuter and Jones rehearsing their changeover routines. Driver out, seat mould out, new seat mould in, new driver in, the vacated driver then diving in to secure the belts and radio connection. At one stage Davy Jones, in haste, kicked the cockpit surround. A mechanic in broken English cracked "leave the mirrors behind next time Davy". So it went on for at least an hour. I turned to Karen. She was transfixed by the whole experience. I knew then that she would gladly share my hobby........
Le Mans 1996. My partner (now wife) knew little of motor sport. The closest she had been to a circuit was driving past the gates of Lydden on her way to deliver yet another baby in the middle of the night. So Le Mans seemed a good induction.
The usual Friday morning early ferry. A Moffat monologue on the way south, Karen is regaled with stories of the Bentleys, of Levegh's heroic/foolhardy solo drive, of 1955, the GT40s etc etc. Until she fell asleep.
Leisurely lunch at Le Neuborg. Tent safely pitched in the Maison Blanche camp site by 6pm, a few celebratory French lagers to follow. Then it was over the fence and an impromptu pits walkabout. In the gathering dusk the Joest pit was flood-lit. We wandered over and joined just a handful of others. The old TWR reject (Porsche no.7) sat there surrounded by activity. Reinhold knew that this race could be won in the pits so it was practice time. Time and time again the car was pushed silently into its pit box. The air jack hissed and the car jumped to attention. Air jacks clattered and the mechanics performed their wheel changing/refuelling routine. Meantime we had Messrs. Wurz, Reuter and Jones rehearsing their changeover routines. Driver out, seat mould out, new seat mould in, new driver in, the vacated driver then diving in to secure the belts and radio connection. At one stage Davy Jones, in haste, kicked the cockpit surround. A mechanic in broken English cracked "leave the mirrors behind next time Davy". So it went on for at least an hour. I turned to Karen. She was transfixed by the whole experience. I knew then that she would gladly share my hobby........
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#40
denthierry
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- 1,494 posts
- Joined: January 04
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 15:15
Cool question. Answer is less... Divorce.
But i keep convincing myself there must have been something else! :
But i keep convincing myself there must have been something else! :
#41
marat
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- 311 posts
- Joined: February 03
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 18:02
My wife hates all my books, mags and videos on racing cars.
But she has her own forums, about politics, cinema and music so at least I can do what
I like behind my computer.
But she has her own forums, about politics, cinema and music so at least I can do what
I like behind my computer.
#42
JohnS
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- 295 posts
- Joined: June 02
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 20:51
She's very understanding, despite having no interest whatsoever. We've been to the Canadian GP, Brands Hatch and Goodwood together.
I recently confessed to spending £200 on Jenks' "Sports Car Racing" and escaped unscathed!
John
I recently confessed to spending £200 on Jenks' "Sports Car Racing" and escaped unscathed!
John
#43
petefenelon
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- 4,815 posts
- Joined: August 02
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 21:45
Originally posted by JohnS
She's very understanding, despite having no interest whatsoever. We've been to the Canadian GP, Brands Hatch and Goodwood together.
I recently confessed to spending £200 on Jenks' "Sports Car Racing" and escaped unscathed!
John
Cor, I got it for about £80 last year! You were had, mate ;)
Gorgeous book though.;)
#44
smithy
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- 2,459 posts
- Joined: March 03
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 22:22
My motorsport obsession is tolerated but with a grudge. Unfortunately the Australian F1 GP is always the weekend of my wife's birthday so that always causes stress - I had to give away free tickets AND accomodation one year because of the scene it created. 
However, in general my TV watching is tolerated usually because it's late Sunday night and she is fast asleep and blisfully unaware. I have to book TV time in advance for Australian/Asian F1 and MotoGP that are in the local timezone. I TNF at work so she is not exposed to this inner sanctum.
For the startup sound on our computer I have the sound of the beautiful Matra as it starts up and pulls away. The Windows close sound is the roar of the BRM V16 as it passes by. One day as the computer was starting she turned to me, pointed at her forehead and said: "Every time I switch this bloody thing on or off I have YOU right HERE!!!!"
She had a big smile on her face so I guess it's OK........
However, in general my TV watching is tolerated usually because it's late Sunday night and she is fast asleep and blisfully unaware. I have to book TV time in advance for Australian/Asian F1 and MotoGP that are in the local timezone. I TNF at work so she is not exposed to this inner sanctum.
For the startup sound on our computer I have the sound of the beautiful Matra as it starts up and pulls away. The Windows close sound is the roar of the BRM V16 as it passes by. One day as the computer was starting she turned to me, pointed at her forehead and said: "Every time I switch this bloody thing on or off I have YOU right HERE!!!!"
She had a big smile on her face so I guess it's OK........
#45
Frank S
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- 2,162 posts
- Joined: September 02
Member
Posted 26 January 2004 - 23:09
From our first date, a fast trip from Tijuana to Ensenada in a BN-1 Healey of barely sufficient substance to warrant the name, she knew I was irrational in the automotive region. For forty-some-odd years she's been supportive of all the nonsense and expense, without understanding the least bit of the particulars. No idea that having lunch with Roger Ward and Ed Iskendarian was something to treasure. Purely delighted to meet Steve McQueen and Dick Smothers. We live in different dimensions, and intersect only where we coincide. No telling what it'll look like if we get far enough back to see it whole.
She does have a 100-MPH Certificate from one of Riverside Raceway's Booster Club events, so she has one bit of experience many will never enjoy.
She didn't even curse (that I know of) when our daughter followed the same path, motorsporting her way through the years 16-25. Then daughter hooked up with another, similarly-afflicted person, with whom she has been married for fifteen years and as many cars, plus one daughter now Yamaha-ing across the desert and up a cloudy draw.
Our place is crowded with major and minor projects at all stages of completion, tons of books, and uncataloged materials of all kinds. She shows her irritation by putting random things away, pretty much indiscriminately, and forgetting where. I use their disappearance as an excuse to contemplate which other project to attack next. Results in a kind of slow-motion half-a-step forward, 48% of a step back rate of progress.
My cup runneth over.
Frank S
She does have a 100-MPH Certificate from one of Riverside Raceway's Booster Club events, so she has one bit of experience many will never enjoy.
She didn't even curse (that I know of) when our daughter followed the same path, motorsporting her way through the years 16-25. Then daughter hooked up with another, similarly-afflicted person, with whom she has been married for fifteen years and as many cars, plus one daughter now Yamaha-ing across the desert and up a cloudy draw.
Our place is crowded with major and minor projects at all stages of completion, tons of books, and uncataloged materials of all kinds. She shows her irritation by putting random things away, pretty much indiscriminately, and forgetting where. I use their disappearance as an excuse to contemplate which other project to attack next. Results in a kind of slow-motion half-a-step forward, 48% of a step back rate of progress.
My cup runneth over.
Frank S
#46
Manfred Cubenoggin
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- 976 posts
- Joined: October 02
Member
Posted 27 January 2004 - 00:39
Consentual indifference, I'd say. Let's me watch just about all the racing I like but doesn't really see what all the fuss is about. What a doll.
#47
dpardyrx7
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- 416 posts
- Joined: April 02
Member
Posted 27 January 2004 - 01:58
You may have heard this story before but here it goes...
My re-introduction to Formulas One was while on a business/pleasure trip in the South of France in 1987 with my wife. (Being a Canadian I had never really recovered from 1982). We happened to be in the Monaco area during the Monaco GP and ventured over to watch Saturday qualifying. I was suprised to find my wife very knowledgeable about F1.
Years later now living in the USA my wife has supported my passion of F1 by:
- accompanying me to Montreal and Indianapolis each year
- allowing me to indulge my car habit in purchasing a "classic" Ferrari
- allowing me to re-do the garage
- F1 christmas presents every year
- accompanying me on Ferrari events (Car club stuff)
- hosting loud obnoxious guests every March for the F1 season kick off
And who says there isn't true love .....
I've even let her take the Ferrari out for a spin.
My re-introduction to Formulas One was while on a business/pleasure trip in the South of France in 1987 with my wife. (Being a Canadian I had never really recovered from 1982). We happened to be in the Monaco area during the Monaco GP and ventured over to watch Saturday qualifying. I was suprised to find my wife very knowledgeable about F1.
Years later now living in the USA my wife has supported my passion of F1 by:
- accompanying me to Montreal and Indianapolis each year
- allowing me to indulge my car habit in purchasing a "classic" Ferrari
- allowing me to re-do the garage
- F1 christmas presents every year
- accompanying me on Ferrari events (Car club stuff)
- hosting loud obnoxious guests every March for the F1 season kick off
And who says there isn't true love .....
I've even let her take the Ferrari out for a spin.
#48
275 GTB-4
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- 8,274 posts
- Joined: February 03
Member
Posted 27 January 2004 - 11:10
Originally posted by bill moffat
Le Mans 1996. My partner (now wife) knew little of motor sport. The closest she had been to a circuit was driving past the gates of Lydden on her way to deliver yet another baby in the middle of the night. So Le Mans seemed a good induction.........
on her way to deliver yet another baby in the middle of the night. So Le Mars seemed a good induction......... so when did she get interested in Mothersport??
#49
David Hyland
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- 289 posts
- Joined: December 02
Member
Posted 28 January 2004 - 02:28
My wife is more of a "petrol-head" than me and even posts (occasionally) on TNF. 'Nuff said! Read her intro message here
#50
rdrcr
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- 2,727 posts
- Joined: June 01
Member
Posted 28 January 2004 - 21:00
This thread is both funny and sad... I would think that some would have communicated their passions prior to getting hitched... women should know, that men never change. Though I will concede that racing has broken up more marriages than saved them.
Jacque has no problem with my addictions, she has hers as well. She's more of a participant than a spectator. She's been to some races, but until I put her in a seat, she wasn't too thrilled with the spectrum of motorsports. She has a bit more appreciation now.
We both have other commonalities like alpine skiing that we share on a regular basis. She is an excellent water skier, way better than I'll ever be. I love the fact that she can motor down the slopes really well.
Jacque has no problem with my addictions, she has hers as well. She's more of a participant than a spectator. She's been to some races, but until I put her in a seat, she wasn't too thrilled with the spectrum of motorsports. She has a bit more appreciation now.
We both have other commonalities like alpine skiing that we share on a regular basis. She is an excellent water skier, way better than I'll ever be. I love the fact that she can motor down the slopes really well.
