Club Cobra - My trip Down Under

G'Day mates. Just a quick note to thank my Aussie friends for their hospitality on the last leg of my journey Down Under. After a super trip all around New Zealand, I had a great time in sunny (mostly) Perth visiting relatives.

Then I was off to my first trip to the Melbourne Grand Prix. I was met at the airport by the dynamic duo, Rohan and Bernie, then we stopped off for some authentic Aussie food. I think they called it a "Big Mac." We all stayed at Rohan's pad, where he was the perfect host. True to reputation, Melbourne's weather was as friendly and variable as what I'm used to in San Francisco. Except that it changes even more often. But that just made qualifying the F1 cars more interesting, although a couple of racers might have had different words for it. We had some great seats outside of turn six (thanks to Rohan's corporate tickets) and the refreshments were quite good for the whole weekend.

We stopped by the infamous Victoria Cobra Car Club meeting and it was just like my club in the states: good grub, good beer and friendly blokes who drive loud cars. And some very nice cars at that. I even managed to score a few free brewskis. Thanks mates! Come out to Northern California and the first beer is on me!

The rest is kinda blury, but I remember meeting some very friendly people, eating and drinking massive quantities and walking over the place. Albert Park makes for a *big* race track. And also a lovely one. Great venue.

When I returned home I mentioned my trip to my buddy who races his Chevvy powered O.S.C.A. (204 MPH) at the dry lakes and Bonneville, and he told me he is considerin visiting Australia later this year to do his top speed thing. He isn't sure where they do this, presumably in the Red Center somewhere. He hears the surface is better than Booneville. Perhaps I'll be with him; I like it down there.

:MECOOL: Rich