Le Mans Legend, Bentley Boy: Meet Guy Smith

An MG Metro, Senna and race mode: with Le Mans just around the corner, I spoke with Guy Smith, one of the drivers who piloted the Bentley Speed 8 to its 2003 victory.

The Yorkshire based racer has enjoyed a successful career from driving go-karts as a six year old, to his latest win in the Blancpain Endurance series at Silverstone with the Bentley Continental GT3. Smith won American Le Mans in 2011 and has driven for Bentley racing since 2001.

So what does one feel in 'race mode' at the helm of the world's best job?

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An overload of emotions; nerves, stress, and exhilaration ascend, according to Guy. "When it's just you, the car and the competition element, there is nothing quite like it!" he says.

But even Le Mans winners start somewhere, and it isn't always a blisteringly fast race car as he tells me.

Share a little about your car history.

Well my first ever car was a 1 litre MG metro which was far from sporty but being my first car I loved it. I currently have a Bentley Continental GT V8 which is just amazing; it's fast, luxurious and amazingly practical. There are not many cars out there that can offer that.

Who has inspired you?

It was very inspiring to meet Senna. It was only a brief meeting on stage at the Autosport awards where he presented me with the young kartist of the year, but I still have a photo of that on my office wall!

My dad has been a huge inspiration to me in both, racing and life in general. He took me all over the world karting working as my number one mechanic. It was he who first pointed me in the direction of motor sports and gave me my first taste of it. He used to rally when I was first born so I would sit in my pram and watch him work on his car. He has also been a great mentor in other aspects of my life.

Which sub £15k car would you drive to Le Mans?

There are many great cars now for around that price so its a tough choice, but maybe an older Audi TT convertible and although they are a bit girly they are great fun.

Who was the first person to ask for your autograph?

I really can't remember!

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Of the events you've raced in, some of the toughest are 24 hours of Spa, 1000km of Nurburgring and Le Mans. Which one did you find the most challenging?

Le Mans is a lot of hard work and there is a lot of testing and build up leading up to the event and the race is mentally very tiring. However, I would have to say that Spa is probably the toughest as the weather conditions can be very mixed and there is physically no time to rest there.

Porsche are returning to Le Mans this month, 15 years after their last win. What challenges do you think they will face, particularly with Audi's dominance?

They will be fine as they have a lot of experienced people there and a huge budget. The biggest thing for them will be the pit stops and getting the race team ready.

The biggest mistake you have almost made?

Too many to mention!

What is your next big thing?

I am contracted to drive for Team Bentley in the Blancpain GT series and I have just signed to race in the US later this year in the Pirelli World Challenge for Dyson Racing Team Bentley, so all of that keeps me pretty busy.

Guy's twitter: @theguysmith

Go on, follow me too: @indianstig

Published on 05/05/2014 at Oppositelock

Pimp My Ride: Asian Style

Those who miss Xzibit’s West Coast customization exploits in the form of Pimp My Ride need look no further: A new car customisation show is cruising to British TV screens.

Series one of Kustomize Kingz is now airing on BritAsiaTV, with a uniquely northern twist.

Nav and Shizzo

The show focuses on Enkhanz work, a Bradford based company which specialises in car customisation and vehicle repairs.

Presented by recording artist Shizoo, the series will showcase the processes of matte wrapping a BMW 6 Series Coupe, crystal studding a Ferrari 360 and much more.

Filming on set

While Pimp My Ride would find a tired, usually unroadworthy car, Kustomize Kingz start with a premium car that Amir Khan would be proud to park on his driveway.

In fact, the two time boxing champion’s Range Rovers feature in the series, along with Imran Khan and various other celebrity clientele.

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverly opted for a Barugzai styling pack, 22 inch wheels and carbon fibre side blades. "I love my cars, I’ve got a Porsche Cayenne, Range rover and now my Audi R8. I like my cars to be different, so I asked Naveed to work his magic,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

The team make a plan

Naveed Khan, CEO of Enkahz and Kustomization Kingz promise to bring a clean line-up of EnKahnz exclusive car designs, attractive concepts and distinct customizing bringing individuality to every car.

“We have evolved the car show concept for a new generation,” says the show’s director Oz Dion. “The show aims to inspire young and older people to illustrate that there is something special about the correlation between success and hardwork.”

Series two is already in the works, and will bring even more customisation, luxury and lustworthy motors.

Kustomize Kingz is aired on Saturday evenings at 9pm on BritAsia TV, Sky channel 833. You can find them on twitter as @kustomizekingz.

Published on 17/04/2014 at Asian Image

Spiders and Car Insurance

So lets get this out of the way first: I'm freaking terrified of spiders. There is something about the little buggers that turn me into a little girl, I've no shame in admitting that.

Anyway, today I get into my car to find a massive cobweb on the dashboard that wasn't there yesterday. Obviously I'm unsettled by this, but I have somewhere important to be and I'm on my merry way.

As I'm driving, it then dawns upon me that this spider is still in the car somewhere. It's probably sitting behind the steering wheel waiting for the right moment to jump out and make me crash. This'll hike up my premiums next year. The insurance companies would love that.

Then I start to wonder, what if spiders and insurance companies are working together? They probably pay the nasty little buggers to do just that: cause arachnophobic young drivers to crash, thus having a reason to increase already extortionate premiums to line their pockets and hereby increase their profits. 

Think about it: when filling the claim form, what will you write for 'cause of crash?' Will you put terrifying ninja spider? Of course not, that's absurd. You'll lie and choose a conventional excuse and the insurance company will have gotten away with it. It's just what they want. 

Being the crooks that they are, I wouldn't put it past them to pull a conspiracy like that.

I bet the government is in on it too.

First Published: 30/01/2014

Location: Jalopnik OppositeLock

An Automotive Year in Five Photos

Twenty-thirteen has been an eventful year for the automotive world. We've seen birthdays: The iconic Porsche 911 hit 50, and Aston Martin has made it to 100.

Many interesting cars have been released, from the nippy Ford Fiesta ST, through the breathtaking Jaguar F Type range, right through to the next generation of hypercars. Mclaren, Ferrari and Porsche have proven that a hybrid is no longer the exclusive preserve of the eco-hatchbacks, whilst setting blisteringly fast Nurburgring lap times. 

The car industry too has seen good news; TVR is to be revived and making sports cars again to the delight of enthusiasts, whilst the likes of Jaguar, Bentley and Lamborghini have shown SUVs that would not normally be associated with their brands. It's certainly been a busy year.

Closer to home, 2013 has also been an active year for UK Wheels Events. We've tried to capture it in the following five photos.

The Preston Supercar Meet is a monthly gathering of cars. Not restricted by its namesake, everything from a tuned Mini to Ferrari 458s have been the centre of attendees' curiosity. It represents just that: a gathering of petrolheads who love cars. Some drive from as far as Cheshire or Liverpool to present what they drive and admire that of others.

The 'Fast Ford Face-off' above was taken at the December meet. 

On April 1st, the Preston Supercar Meet visited Oulton Park for the British GT season opener.The day involved a spirited drive from Preston, a few parade laps of the track, and two stints of GT racing. There were some fantastic cars on display including a Bentley Speed 8 and an Enzo.

The above photo captures the essence of the day. Fervent preparation before the car is wheeled from the tent to pits; the anticipation building as onlookers catch a glimpse of a silent racer which will soon be on the limit on track; a magical snapshot of what happens behind the scenes of each race.

The Chatsworth House gathering is the largest annual gathering of TVRs. Each year, hundreds of Blackpool Rockets gather in Derby and park together on the main grounds. It is a magnificent sight, not only for it's sheer magnitude, but the  wide spectrum of colours on display. The faint rumble of Inline Sixes and V8s make a soothing backdrop as cars continue to arrive.

This picture is a TVR Tamora arriving on the scenic grounds of Chatsworth. Some TVR owning UKWE members drove in convoy from Lancashire, making for a memorable journey.

UKWE's partner Amari Supercars holds a quarterly open day. Their customers and PSCM are invited to the showroom to view current stock. Not only does this offer the chance to view showroom content, (which is often wall to wall with Ferrari and Maseratis) the car park also gets filled with vehicles that are equally impressive.

This is a shot from the October open day. The parking area is full, demonstrated by this customer V12 Vantage in a unique shade of Amethyst red.

One of the larger car gatherings in the North West is Supercar Sunday at Mitton Hall, Whalley. Naturally, UKWE and PSCM members contribute to the turnout. Taking place during the summer months, there is always a nice balance of classic and and modern cars in attendance. Notable cars that have attended include an Ultima GTR and Porsche 904 Carrera GTS. 

This Ferrari 308 is also a PSCM attendee. This picture was taken towards the end of the event, earlier flanked by a Jaguar E Type. 

First Published: 24/12/2013

Location: ukwheelsevents.com

A Day at Griffiths Detailling

“A valet makes a car shiny, a detail makes a car perfect.”

Valeting and detailing essentially serve the same purpose; to improve the aesthetics of a vehicle by making it gleam. But there are differences in technique, cost, and more importantly, outcome.

After a valet, a car will be well tidied, usually having been through an exterior wash and interior vacuum. 

On the other hand, a detail offers more extensive methods of cleaning. Every possible area of the car is washed, including wheel arches, doorsills and the engine bay.

Bodywork is often removed to access these area. The process takes days, and is often completed with paint correction and protection, all to refine a car’s visual value.

If done correctly, a detail will not only fix any imperfections, but will also protect the exterior from road salt. After a protection detail, a Ferrari owner noted that the dirt now simply ‘falls off’ the F355 during regular cleaning.

Griffiths Detailing offer a range of detailing services. Using G Techniq and Auto Finnesse products, they can do everything from a simple car wash to a full paint correction and protection detail. 

Their detailing studio is based in Warrington, and they provide a mobile unit that can travel UK wide.

Chris Griffith established his business in 2002 after leaving the Army. From daily drivers and vans, his work has grown to include higher end vehicles. He has detailed everything from showcars to supercars, with a portfolio including Ferraris and Lamborghinis of all vintage, an Alfa Romeo RZ, and more recently, a Ford RS200.

So what drives Chris to finish cars at concours condition?

“My own cars are always immaculate, and I’m passionate about getting a car perfect. It’s become an obsession almost, it kills me to see these cars going away in less than perfect condition!”

For more information on their services, visit www.griffithsdetailing.com

Photography by Matthew Parkinson

First Published: 01/11/2013

Location: www.thesupercarkids.com

Amari Supercars in TSK Magazine

“We’re going to get another red Testarossa soon to go with the black one, so we’ll be the only dealer with two Countaches and two Testarossas.”

These are the words I heard as I squeezed between a 25th Anniversary Countach and a stunning white Murcielago roadster, surrounded by a plethora of other gleaming exotics.

The man who spoke them is Adam Kennedy, Manager of Amari Supercars.

Based near the M6 Motorway in Preston, the supercar dealership is owned by Sheikh Amari, who has been involved with the supercar business for longer than most. “I’ve had my nappies changed in a Lamborghini,” he admits.

Their showroom boasts an impressive stock of around 60 cars ranging from a ‘normal’ Porsche 911 turbo to a Carrera GT. Whereas ordinary Ferraris are sold on a regular basis, Amari have stocked cars ranging from valuable to extremely rare. The list includes a Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 356 Speedster, two Ferrari Enzos, a Maserati MC12 Corsa, Gumpert Apollo and a number of F40s. They currently hold the lowest milage example of an RHD Lamborghini Countach in the world.

As for future stock, they will be one of the first in the UK to receive the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. 

Amari do more than just sell cars. They own an approved service centre which caters to all luxury and prestige vehicles. All stock undergoes an evaluation and service before sale, including a  detail and valet. “We aim to sell a car just how it came out of the factory, only with more miles” explains Adam. Cars and services both come with a warranty.

Now that you have a gleaming supercar, why not give it a personal touch? The showroom offer a selection of private number plates- at a price. D14 BLO will set you back a cool £30,000. However, there are cheaper options for the budget conscious buyer.

Along with selling and servicing, Amari have tried their hand at customizing a supercar. Based on a Gallardo, the Invidia 540 is a unique conversion made to resemble a Gallardo STS. Upgrades include a wide-body kit made of fiberglass and carbon fiber, improved brakes and a power upgrade to 540 bhp. A convertible version is currently being built.

Finally, the Amari franchise offers a members only club. Club A keeps customers in touch with the showroom through which drives and meets are organized for members.

Sheikh Amari said: “It would be great to gather all the supercar owners throughout the North together every quarter here at Amari Supercars. They can see new cars coming in, our service and diagnostics centre, and we’ve also got a detailing team. We’re a one stop shop for supercars.”

For all your supercar needs, visit Amari’s website at www.amarisupercars.com

First Published: 04/05/13

Location: The Supercar Kids Magazine (Issue 6 p33-34)

Exploring My TVR Addiction

Every so often, I manage to convince myself that TVRs are not worth the hassle and that there are many more sensible alternatives to aspire to. But then I go to my local car meet and it all goes out of the window; seeing their curves, outrageous shapes and hearing those thunderous engines makes me want a TVR more than anything else. This recently came up in a conversation with Russell Larcombe who subsequently offered me the passenger seat in his purple Sagaris for a run to the Chatsworth House TVR gathering.

I arrived at the starting point where around 20 or so TVRs would be driving in convoy. The Tivs were rolling in one by one. You certainly hear a TVR before seeing it, and in various bright and two toned colours, they lit up the parking area like fireworks. Soon enough, we began the journey.

This was my first ride in a TVR and what’s instantly noticeable is that even the most trivial aspects of the car are a novelty. For instance, whereas almost every car in the world has ticking indicators, the Sagaris beeps. There is nothing so mundane as a door handle in a modern TVR, there are three identical unlabeled buttons on the dashboard, one of which opens the door (just pray that you don’t hit it at high speeds). The rev counter and speedometer needles turn in opposite directions. All of this was before I had even heard that guttural burble that becomes a roar above 2500 rpm.

As our group thundered towards Derbyshire, the Tivs were visible in the rear view mirror, spread out on the motorway like vibrant skittles. You really don’t need to go fast to appreciate the Sag- with it’s asymmetrical shape and sideways exhausts, it really is an event at any speed. Due to the low sitting cockpit, 70 mph feels like 100.

To compare with a Nissan GTR, both take you to immense speeds but the GTR does so in comfort. Only it’s torque and whistling turbos give you a sense of the rapidness- the Nissan surges forward in a single swift motion.

On the other hand, that glorious Speed Six howl is clearly heard in the cockpit, with every vibration felt. The bonnet shakes and rattles, almost as if the engine is trying to escape.

The two are entirely different beasts; the Nissan being a precise touch screen keyboard and the TVR a mechanical typewriter. That isn’t to say the Tiv outdated, as effortlessly rising revs followed by a smooth gear change shows it is anything but.

After a couple of hours on motorways and sublime country roads, we arrived at Chatsworth House. The Sag was parked in the top row with the others, and I spent the next few hours ogling, photographing and drooling over TVRs of all generations.

Needless to say, today was fantastic and a huge thanks to Russ for the ride which made me feel like a ten year old in a purple car. As I type this, I can still hear the Sag’s crackle and pop on the overruns ringing in my ears.

As for my Tiv addiction? Well, today for me was like throwing an opium addict into a poppy field. Immense. I know that I must have a TVR, in all of its quirky, characterful glory. I simply must. Young drivers’ insurance rates be damned, my first car will be one built in Blackpool.

Fayaz

First Published: 28/04/13

Location: Pistonheads.com, Sprint Magazine