Your wife/husband/partner's attitude to TNF/motor sport.
#1
Posted 25 January 2004 - 17:49
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.
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#2
Posted 25 January 2004 - 18:42
#3
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
Posted 25 January 2004 - 18:57
#5
Posted 25 January 2004 - 19:05
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
Posted 25 January 2004 - 19:24
#7
Posted 25 January 2004 - 19:33
#8
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
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
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
Posted 25 January 2004 - 20:38
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
Posted 25 January 2004 - 21:39
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
Posted 25 January 2004 - 21:50
She's the one who caused the current DCN/Lord Ravenscroft of Heswall lookalike scandal ;)
#14
Posted 25 January 2004 - 22:31
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
Posted 25 January 2004 - 23:11
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
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 00:31
My wife?.... You lot ain't getting that one just yet.
Jp
#18
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
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 04:26
#21
Posted 26 January 2004 - 05:26
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 05:54
Yet I can't imagine life without her.
#23
Posted 26 January 2004 - 07:20
She does care about shopping, which I don't...unless I am in a bookshop...
#24
Posted 26 January 2004 - 08:31
#25
Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:02
Originally posted by Ray Bell
... allowing me to watch on TV...
You're kidding - right?
#26
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
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:22
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:29
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
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 10:11
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 11:02
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 11:41
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
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 12:50
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
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 14:34
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 14:36
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 14:58
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 15:15
But i keep convincing myself there must have been something else! :
#41
Posted 26 January 2004 - 18:02
But she has her own forums, about politics, cinema and music so at least I can do what
I like behind my computer.
#42
Posted 26 January 2004 - 20:51
I recently confessed to spending £200 on Jenks' "Sports Car Racing" and escaped unscathed!
John
#43
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 22:22
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
Posted 26 January 2004 - 23:09
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
Posted 27 January 2004 - 00:39
#47
Posted 27 January 2004 - 01:58
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
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
Posted 28 January 2004 - 02:28
#50
Posted 28 January 2004 - 21:00
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.