THANK YOU Mercedes-AMG!!!
05-25-2006, 03:20 PM
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
THANK YOU Mercedes-AMG!!!
AMG Friends:
Sometimes in life, having a passion has it's own rewards, above and beyond just the enjoyment of a particular automobile. Most of you know that I'm pretty passionate about Mercedes-Benz, and AMG in particular.
That's why, when the new Mercedes-AMG website launched last year and the subsequent AMG Private Lounge came into existence a few months ago, it was really exciting to have another outlet to meet fellow enthusiasts and gain a deeper insight with our preferred brand.
Then I realized there could be even more to the AMG ownership experience! Recently, Mercedes-AMG has given away passes to the NY Auto Show (with some exclusive access) and is currently giving away VIP tickets and pit passes to the USGP F1 Race in Indianapolis....just answer ONE trivia question on their website.
Long story short, about six weeks ago, they offered an opportunity to attend the Laureus World Sports Awards (sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and IWC watches) in Barcelona Spain. I signed up and sent in my essay on why I really wanted to go. Shortly thereafter, I was notified that we were going!
More on Laureus here...
www.laureus.com
My wife and I just returned from Barcelona Tuesday evening. Bottom line, we were treated like Royalty the whole time we were there, had access to DTM drivers, celebrities and top executives at Mercedes-Benz. We even got chauffered in a Maybach 57S, among several other Mercedes cars and got hot lap rides on the F1 Circuit de Catalunya in a C55 performance pack with roll cage, an SLR and a full-blown DTM race car! Plus, attended red carpet receptions and parties, the Laureus Awards ceremony as well as getting a Sneak Preview of the 2007 CL500!
I'll be posting some pics and more narration later, but if you are an AMG owner, you may just want to keep an eye on what's happening over at http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/index.php
Enhance your AMG ownership experience....it could be worth the Trip of a Lifetime! It was for us
Sometimes in life, having a passion has it's own rewards, above and beyond just the enjoyment of a particular automobile. Most of you know that I'm pretty passionate about Mercedes-Benz, and AMG in particular.
That's why, when the new Mercedes-AMG website launched last year and the subsequent AMG Private Lounge came into existence a few months ago, it was really exciting to have another outlet to meet fellow enthusiasts and gain a deeper insight with our preferred brand.
Then I realized there could be even more to the AMG ownership experience! Recently, Mercedes-AMG has given away passes to the NY Auto Show (with some exclusive access) and is currently giving away VIP tickets and pit passes to the USGP F1 Race in Indianapolis....just answer ONE trivia question on their website.
Long story short, about six weeks ago, they offered an opportunity to attend the Laureus World Sports Awards (sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and IWC watches) in Barcelona Spain. I signed up and sent in my essay on why I really wanted to go. Shortly thereafter, I was notified that we were going!
More on Laureus here...
www.laureus.com
My wife and I just returned from Barcelona Tuesday evening. Bottom line, we were treated like Royalty the whole time we were there, had access to DTM drivers, celebrities and top executives at Mercedes-Benz. We even got chauffered in a Maybach 57S, among several other Mercedes cars and got hot lap rides on the F1 Circuit de Catalunya in a C55 performance pack with roll cage, an SLR and a full-blown DTM race car! Plus, attended red carpet receptions and parties, the Laureus Awards ceremony as well as getting a Sneak Preview of the 2007 CL500!
I'll be posting some pics and more narration later, but if you are an AMG owner, you may just want to keep an eye on what's happening over at http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/index.php
Enhance your AMG ownership experience....it could be worth the Trip of a Lifetime! It was for us
Last edited by Chappy; 05-26-2006 at 12:22 PM.
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05-26-2006, 12:24 PM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Day 1:
Our flight arrived a little late (around 6pm) and the documentation we were mailed from Mercedes-AMG advised us to look for the “Laureus Desk” at the airport. We collected our bags and proceeded to the exit where there was a very nice booth staffed by several Laureus representatives as well as representatives from Mercedes-Benz.
We walked up and I hadn’t said two words in English when the nice woman said “Mr. Chappy?” I nodded and she checked us off on her list of names, numbering in the hundreds. She commented that between 300-400 guests had arrived that day and hundreds more were expected the next. She escorted us outside the secured airport area to another gentleman who guided us quickly to a line of Mercedes-Benz cars parked curbside. He raised his hand and we were met immediately by a new R-class 4-matic and driver. They scooped up our bags and we hopped in….we were off to the hotel.
The 25-minute drive went quickly as we scanned the beautiful landscape of Barcelona. Motorbikes and scooters are everywhere and these drivers take great risk slicing in and out of traffic on the heavily traveled roads. Our driver confirms with us that we are heading to the Hotel Arts, a Ritz-Carlton property. We give him the affirmative and sit back for the rest of the drive, still pinching ourselves that we’re in Spain. After all, this is my first trip to Europe!
We pull into the covered motor pool area at the Hotel Arts and the car is swamped by tall men in all-black uniforms who approach as the car comes to a halt in front of the lower lobby. The doors open and we are escorted into the hotel and guided to the registration desk. We are greeted by another Mercedes-Benz representative who is telling us about the upcoming dinner that evening. A Sneak Preview at the new 2007 CL-class. We check in and head to our room. It’s gorgeous…and has some beautiful views of both the marina and the street.
Goodie bags arrive in the room with our luggage and have all kinds of invitations, guests badges and passes to events for the weekend along with several books on Barcelona, Mercedes-Benz and Laureus. We read a little about the importance of the Laureus Foundation and what to expect in the coming days. We are excited!
We have just enough time to shower and dress for the Sneak Preview (the dress code was “Smart casual”). We returned to the lower lobby and were greeted again by another Mercedes-Benz representative. A quick check of her name list and she raised her hand signaling a beautiful black Maybach 57S to move toward us. Doormen moved smartly into position and opened the rear doors of the 612hp luxury ship. We slid into the exotic comfort of the beautifully-appointed 57S. Carbon fiber trim was everywhere. The 10-minute trip was far too short as many passers by and other motorists were trying to look into the car and see who the “precious cargo” was…..this time, it was us!
We arrive at the Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona (Barcelona Chamber of Commerce building) and step from the Maybach into a corridor and to a registration desk where we were asked if he had any camera phones or cameras with us. The invitation was clear we were not to bring these items to this presentation. We enjoyed a reception in the open atrium area and met several really nice people who were either guests of Mercedes-Benz or who worked with them in some business relationship. We even met and spent several minutes with Dr. Klaus Maier (head of Sales and Marketing Worldwide for Mercedes-Benz), who seemed impressed with this young American who could recite the original patent number for Karl Benz’s 1886 Patent Motor Wagen (37435!) We were in Mercedes-Benz heaven!
After an hour of endless Cava (Spanish Champagne) and appetizers, the 100 or so guests were seated at pre-assigned tables for dinner and presentation. We had dinner and wine and met some really great folks. Seated right next to us was Brian, the other AMG Private Lounge guest, whom we spent a lot of time with over the course of the weekend…more later on that. Also at our table was Andreas Montmann (SLR Product Manager), who ended up being the driver for my hot-lap stint the following day. We also met and enjoyed the company of another American guest (an SLR customer) from Texas, near where Brian lives. After dinner, Dr. Maier made the presentation and unwrapped the sexy new CL500, really gorgeous car! We climbed all over it and took in the new shape as we sipped wine and tried to keep ourselves away from the dessert table. Later, I was introduced to Bernd Maylander, the F1 Safety Car driver of the SLK55 AMG. He was great to talk to.
The dinner wrapped up after midnight and there were several Mercedes-Benz in the ‘que’ waiting to return us to the Arts. Brian, my wife and I traveled together, but were still excited upon returning to the hotel…we weren’t ready for bed yet. We didn’t have to search far to locate the hotel bar. It was packed at nearly 1 a.m. We decided to stick with Cava to (hopefully) avoid a hangover. We spotted several people from the dinner previously and soon Cuba Gooding, Jr. arrived followed by Boris Becker. Later, Marcus Allen and several models were milling around the small bar area. It was easy to strike up a conversation with some of these folks, given the casual atmosphere. We had an opportunity to meet and speak with gentlemen involved directly with Laureus as well as consultants to several F1 teams…an F1 fanatic’s dream! When they flicked on the lights after 3am, we had no idea the time had gone so fast. Reluctantly, we headed upstairs to our room, hoping the 8am wake-up call would be loud enough to get us up the following morning. We couldn’t miss our chance at the F1 Circuit de Catalunya……
Our flight arrived a little late (around 6pm) and the documentation we were mailed from Mercedes-AMG advised us to look for the “Laureus Desk” at the airport. We collected our bags and proceeded to the exit where there was a very nice booth staffed by several Laureus representatives as well as representatives from Mercedes-Benz.
We walked up and I hadn’t said two words in English when the nice woman said “Mr. Chappy?” I nodded and she checked us off on her list of names, numbering in the hundreds. She commented that between 300-400 guests had arrived that day and hundreds more were expected the next. She escorted us outside the secured airport area to another gentleman who guided us quickly to a line of Mercedes-Benz cars parked curbside. He raised his hand and we were met immediately by a new R-class 4-matic and driver. They scooped up our bags and we hopped in….we were off to the hotel.
The 25-minute drive went quickly as we scanned the beautiful landscape of Barcelona. Motorbikes and scooters are everywhere and these drivers take great risk slicing in and out of traffic on the heavily traveled roads. Our driver confirms with us that we are heading to the Hotel Arts, a Ritz-Carlton property. We give him the affirmative and sit back for the rest of the drive, still pinching ourselves that we’re in Spain. After all, this is my first trip to Europe!
We pull into the covered motor pool area at the Hotel Arts and the car is swamped by tall men in all-black uniforms who approach as the car comes to a halt in front of the lower lobby. The doors open and we are escorted into the hotel and guided to the registration desk. We are greeted by another Mercedes-Benz representative who is telling us about the upcoming dinner that evening. A Sneak Preview at the new 2007 CL-class. We check in and head to our room. It’s gorgeous…and has some beautiful views of both the marina and the street.
Goodie bags arrive in the room with our luggage and have all kinds of invitations, guests badges and passes to events for the weekend along with several books on Barcelona, Mercedes-Benz and Laureus. We read a little about the importance of the Laureus Foundation and what to expect in the coming days. We are excited!
We have just enough time to shower and dress for the Sneak Preview (the dress code was “Smart casual”). We returned to the lower lobby and were greeted again by another Mercedes-Benz representative. A quick check of her name list and she raised her hand signaling a beautiful black Maybach 57S to move toward us. Doormen moved smartly into position and opened the rear doors of the 612hp luxury ship. We slid into the exotic comfort of the beautifully-appointed 57S. Carbon fiber trim was everywhere. The 10-minute trip was far too short as many passers by and other motorists were trying to look into the car and see who the “precious cargo” was…..this time, it was us!
We arrive at the Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona (Barcelona Chamber of Commerce building) and step from the Maybach into a corridor and to a registration desk where we were asked if he had any camera phones or cameras with us. The invitation was clear we were not to bring these items to this presentation. We enjoyed a reception in the open atrium area and met several really nice people who were either guests of Mercedes-Benz or who worked with them in some business relationship. We even met and spent several minutes with Dr. Klaus Maier (head of Sales and Marketing Worldwide for Mercedes-Benz), who seemed impressed with this young American who could recite the original patent number for Karl Benz’s 1886 Patent Motor Wagen (37435!) We were in Mercedes-Benz heaven!
After an hour of endless Cava (Spanish Champagne) and appetizers, the 100 or so guests were seated at pre-assigned tables for dinner and presentation. We had dinner and wine and met some really great folks. Seated right next to us was Brian, the other AMG Private Lounge guest, whom we spent a lot of time with over the course of the weekend…more later on that. Also at our table was Andreas Montmann (SLR Product Manager), who ended up being the driver for my hot-lap stint the following day. We also met and enjoyed the company of another American guest (an SLR customer) from Texas, near where Brian lives. After dinner, Dr. Maier made the presentation and unwrapped the sexy new CL500, really gorgeous car! We climbed all over it and took in the new shape as we sipped wine and tried to keep ourselves away from the dessert table. Later, I was introduced to Bernd Maylander, the F1 Safety Car driver of the SLK55 AMG. He was great to talk to.
The dinner wrapped up after midnight and there were several Mercedes-Benz in the ‘que’ waiting to return us to the Arts. Brian, my wife and I traveled together, but were still excited upon returning to the hotel…we weren’t ready for bed yet. We didn’t have to search far to locate the hotel bar. It was packed at nearly 1 a.m. We decided to stick with Cava to (hopefully) avoid a hangover. We spotted several people from the dinner previously and soon Cuba Gooding, Jr. arrived followed by Boris Becker. Later, Marcus Allen and several models were milling around the small bar area. It was easy to strike up a conversation with some of these folks, given the casual atmosphere. We had an opportunity to meet and speak with gentlemen involved directly with Laureus as well as consultants to several F1 teams…an F1 fanatic’s dream! When they flicked on the lights after 3am, we had no idea the time had gone so fast. Reluctantly, we headed upstairs to our room, hoping the 8am wake-up call would be loud enough to get us up the following morning. We couldn’t miss our chance at the F1 Circuit de Catalunya……
05-29-2006, 03:00 PM
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by F_Porsche
That sounds really awesome!! Could drive anything yourself on the
track?
track?
05-29-2006, 05:19 PM
#21
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Canada
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C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
Congratulations on the AMG experience!!! It really would be a dream come true given what you've described so far!!
Did Pedro de La Rossa drive you around the track?? I think he's one of Team McLaren Mercedes' F1 test drivers!!
Did Pedro de La Rossa drive you around the track?? I think he's one of Team McLaren Mercedes' F1 test drivers!!
05-29-2006, 08:18 PM
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by PC Valkyrie
Congratulations on the AMG experience!!! It really would be a dream come true given what you've described so far!!
Did Pedro de La Rossa drive you around the track?? I think he's one of Team McLaren Mercedes' F1 test drivers!!
Did Pedro de La Rossa drive you around the track?? I think he's one of Team McLaren Mercedes' F1 test drivers!!
05-30-2006, 11:26 AM
#23
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Day 2 (Circuit de Catalunya):
Since we hadn’t gone to bed until nearly 3:30am that morning, the 8am wake up call came awful early. However, feeling groggy did not dampen our enthusiasm for what we knew was ahead of us….a day at the track! We made our way downstairs to the lower lobby where Mercedes-Benz representatives were waiting to transport us to the track. The track was not far, perhaps 30 minutes, and the beautiful drive gave us a few moments to reflect on the previous evening and the really great people we had met. Brain, whom we had met the evening before, rode with us to the track and we had a chance to get to know him better. Another AMG enthusiast, Brian tracks his SLK55 and has motorcycle racing experience as well.
We arrived at the Circuit de Catalunya where (just a week before) they held the F1 Spanish Grand Prix. Spain’s own hero and reigning F1 Champion, Fernando Alonso, had won the race the previous weekend and we were wondering if we would see him this weekend as he was also nominated for the 2006 Laureus Sportsman of the Year. Track security waives our car through and we enter the parking area of the track. There are new AMG models parked in front (ML63, R63, E63 Estate, CLK63 cabrio and G55). In addition, the 6.8-liter AMG race car first successfully campaigned by AMG was on display. Nearby, a Mercedes 600 Pullman Landaulet was standing proud.
Upon entering the reception area, I was floored at all the activities Mercedes-AMG had arranged for the day. The attention to detail was superb! First, we checked in and then moved into another inside/display area where there was a Maybach, CLK-DTM cabrio, SLR and several other cars including the E-class that was to be auctioned on E-bay to benefit the Laureus foundation. Thirsty? There were separate areas set up for press and guests to sit and have lunch or get something to drink. Inside, I met some AMG representatives whom I felt took care of us completely. The question was….which car should I take my first ride in? There was no line for the C55 “taxi”, so I moved over and selected a helmet for the drive. I immediately noticed the roll cage installed in this beast and clumsily climbed into the passenger seat. Another AMG guy helped buckle me into the racing seat, closed the door and off we went! The car was very predictable around the track and I encouraged my “taxi” driver to push hard. He gladly accommodated! After the ride, I noticed the gold-colored calipers and knew that car had been used appropriately…
Next up, I wandered over to the area where they were preparing folks for drives in the SLR. There were several reporters around and some cars were available, but I was waiting for my hot laps with the SLR Product Manager, Andreas Montmann. I donned a helmet and slipped into the passenger seat of the black SLR….my race driver recognized me from the night before. “Are you ready?”, he asked. “Damn straight!”, I replied. The SLR zoomed out of pit lane and onto the front straight. He braked HARD for the first turn and was on the gas again as I was getting settled into the supportive seat. That car has sooo much power at any speed. Shifts are very firm and the braking is simply amazing! We hit 160mph on the straight before the massive brakes haul us down for our second lap. I could get used to this, I think to myself. A permanent smile is impossible to wipe off my face as he expertly pilots the SLR around the track for the final lap. We head into pit lane…for safety, a very loud horn announces a car arriving in the pits, whether it be the SLR, C55 or one of the DTM “taxis”. I thank him for the truly thrilling ride, as I get out of the SLR…two men with leaf blowers are blowing air into the fronts ducts to cool down the engine.
I decide now is a good time to break for lunch, so we head over to the guest area and pick a table. The buffet selections are all tempting as I’m re-living the trips around the track. Mercedes-AMG puts on an absolutely first-class run event. Everyone there is so hospitable, making sure we have everything we need to enjoy the day. I snap a couple photos in the parking area and then return inside to sign the waivers for the DTM taxi ride. At my appointed time, I am guided over to an area where I am fitted with a Nomex AMG racing suit and shoes. A dressing room is nearby and I head into the small changing area. Pedro de la Rosa is there taking a little break. I exchange pleasantries and squeeze into my driving skins. Just as I have it zipped up, Morgan Freeman walks into the changing area, flanked by AMG reps making sure he’s got the right sized shoes. I nod and make myself scarce by heading outside and into the garage area.
The AMG folks are very accommodating when I ask if I can ride with Bernd Maylander, whom I’d met the previous evening. He recognizes me and we chat for a few moments before the press converge on the garage….Mr. Freeman is making his way into the garage area and winds up standing right next to me! After a few seconds, I look up to him (he’s very tall) and out at all the cameras. I say to him “I think these people are here for you.” He chuckles and I move slowly to the background and observe all the goings-on. Soon, he’s getting settled into the C-class DTM taxi for a ride with Bernd Maylander. Of course, I’m eating this up! My wife is over with the press, behind the ropes, snapping some photos of the whole affair. We’re reminded to put in our earplugs AMG supplied us with just before the race cars are fired up. They move from the garage area into pit lane and the press mobs the area….more celebrities will be by during the day as well. During my wait, I had a chance to get introduced to the reigning DTM Champion, Gary Paffett. He was such a nice guy…very laid back and more than willing to allow me to ask him some questions about the DTM team, HWA and Mr. Aufrecht himself. I really could not imagine the day getting any better. Then it was my turn in the taxi.
Bernd Maylander is the consummate professional. I get buckled into the car and we’re off down pit lane. BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG we are flying as he uses the sequential shift to accelerate this incredible machine….heeere iiiit comes….ON THE BRAKES for turn one. MAN this thing has the most incredible braking I’ve ever dreamed. I catch my breath and we’re already apexing the next corner. Oh my God! This thing is so fast! I settle in for the hot laps and just the absolute pleasure the experience is giving me. On the front straight, we see 165-170mph before the massive binders haul us down again to begin the next lap. I’m clapping and pumping my fists with excitement to let Bernd know that I’m truly having a great time! The ride is over all too soon and we head into the pits. I exit and thank him again for the outstanding ride. I decide to hang out in the garage area a while and watch some of the others get rides and just continue to soak in the experience.
Eventually, I make my way back to the dressing room and peel off the AMG suit. Damn! I’d love to have one of these to keep! I turn in my shoes, helmet and suit and was handed yet another goodie bag…this time it has the yet-to-be-released history of AMG book. I’m in disbelief and thank them again and again for the gift. Outside, in the parking area, is a slolam course set up where we can test drive the SLK55….but not just any SLK55! These are the special Asia Challenge-spec cars. I take a few laps and just really have a ball….the car is very responsive and handles well. We grabbed a bottle of water as we left the slolam area and headed back to the transportation area. Our car was waiting for us and the three of us headed back to the Hotel Arts.
(report of the Welcome Party that evening soon)
Since we hadn’t gone to bed until nearly 3:30am that morning, the 8am wake up call came awful early. However, feeling groggy did not dampen our enthusiasm for what we knew was ahead of us….a day at the track! We made our way downstairs to the lower lobby where Mercedes-Benz representatives were waiting to transport us to the track. The track was not far, perhaps 30 minutes, and the beautiful drive gave us a few moments to reflect on the previous evening and the really great people we had met. Brain, whom we had met the evening before, rode with us to the track and we had a chance to get to know him better. Another AMG enthusiast, Brian tracks his SLK55 and has motorcycle racing experience as well.
We arrived at the Circuit de Catalunya where (just a week before) they held the F1 Spanish Grand Prix. Spain’s own hero and reigning F1 Champion, Fernando Alonso, had won the race the previous weekend and we were wondering if we would see him this weekend as he was also nominated for the 2006 Laureus Sportsman of the Year. Track security waives our car through and we enter the parking area of the track. There are new AMG models parked in front (ML63, R63, E63 Estate, CLK63 cabrio and G55). In addition, the 6.8-liter AMG race car first successfully campaigned by AMG was on display. Nearby, a Mercedes 600 Pullman Landaulet was standing proud.
Upon entering the reception area, I was floored at all the activities Mercedes-AMG had arranged for the day. The attention to detail was superb! First, we checked in and then moved into another inside/display area where there was a Maybach, CLK-DTM cabrio, SLR and several other cars including the E-class that was to be auctioned on E-bay to benefit the Laureus foundation. Thirsty? There were separate areas set up for press and guests to sit and have lunch or get something to drink. Inside, I met some AMG representatives whom I felt took care of us completely. The question was….which car should I take my first ride in? There was no line for the C55 “taxi”, so I moved over and selected a helmet for the drive. I immediately noticed the roll cage installed in this beast and clumsily climbed into the passenger seat. Another AMG guy helped buckle me into the racing seat, closed the door and off we went! The car was very predictable around the track and I encouraged my “taxi” driver to push hard. He gladly accommodated! After the ride, I noticed the gold-colored calipers and knew that car had been used appropriately…
Next up, I wandered over to the area where they were preparing folks for drives in the SLR. There were several reporters around and some cars were available, but I was waiting for my hot laps with the SLR Product Manager, Andreas Montmann. I donned a helmet and slipped into the passenger seat of the black SLR….my race driver recognized me from the night before. “Are you ready?”, he asked. “Damn straight!”, I replied. The SLR zoomed out of pit lane and onto the front straight. He braked HARD for the first turn and was on the gas again as I was getting settled into the supportive seat. That car has sooo much power at any speed. Shifts are very firm and the braking is simply amazing! We hit 160mph on the straight before the massive brakes haul us down for our second lap. I could get used to this, I think to myself. A permanent smile is impossible to wipe off my face as he expertly pilots the SLR around the track for the final lap. We head into pit lane…for safety, a very loud horn announces a car arriving in the pits, whether it be the SLR, C55 or one of the DTM “taxis”. I thank him for the truly thrilling ride, as I get out of the SLR…two men with leaf blowers are blowing air into the fronts ducts to cool down the engine.
I decide now is a good time to break for lunch, so we head over to the guest area and pick a table. The buffet selections are all tempting as I’m re-living the trips around the track. Mercedes-AMG puts on an absolutely first-class run event. Everyone there is so hospitable, making sure we have everything we need to enjoy the day. I snap a couple photos in the parking area and then return inside to sign the waivers for the DTM taxi ride. At my appointed time, I am guided over to an area where I am fitted with a Nomex AMG racing suit and shoes. A dressing room is nearby and I head into the small changing area. Pedro de la Rosa is there taking a little break. I exchange pleasantries and squeeze into my driving skins. Just as I have it zipped up, Morgan Freeman walks into the changing area, flanked by AMG reps making sure he’s got the right sized shoes. I nod and make myself scarce by heading outside and into the garage area.
The AMG folks are very accommodating when I ask if I can ride with Bernd Maylander, whom I’d met the previous evening. He recognizes me and we chat for a few moments before the press converge on the garage….Mr. Freeman is making his way into the garage area and winds up standing right next to me! After a few seconds, I look up to him (he’s very tall) and out at all the cameras. I say to him “I think these people are here for you.” He chuckles and I move slowly to the background and observe all the goings-on. Soon, he’s getting settled into the C-class DTM taxi for a ride with Bernd Maylander. Of course, I’m eating this up! My wife is over with the press, behind the ropes, snapping some photos of the whole affair. We’re reminded to put in our earplugs AMG supplied us with just before the race cars are fired up. They move from the garage area into pit lane and the press mobs the area….more celebrities will be by during the day as well. During my wait, I had a chance to get introduced to the reigning DTM Champion, Gary Paffett. He was such a nice guy…very laid back and more than willing to allow me to ask him some questions about the DTM team, HWA and Mr. Aufrecht himself. I really could not imagine the day getting any better. Then it was my turn in the taxi.
Bernd Maylander is the consummate professional. I get buckled into the car and we’re off down pit lane. BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG we are flying as he uses the sequential shift to accelerate this incredible machine….heeere iiiit comes….ON THE BRAKES for turn one. MAN this thing has the most incredible braking I’ve ever dreamed. I catch my breath and we’re already apexing the next corner. Oh my God! This thing is so fast! I settle in for the hot laps and just the absolute pleasure the experience is giving me. On the front straight, we see 165-170mph before the massive binders haul us down again to begin the next lap. I’m clapping and pumping my fists with excitement to let Bernd know that I’m truly having a great time! The ride is over all too soon and we head into the pits. I exit and thank him again for the outstanding ride. I decide to hang out in the garage area a while and watch some of the others get rides and just continue to soak in the experience.
Eventually, I make my way back to the dressing room and peel off the AMG suit. Damn! I’d love to have one of these to keep! I turn in my shoes, helmet and suit and was handed yet another goodie bag…this time it has the yet-to-be-released history of AMG book. I’m in disbelief and thank them again and again for the gift. Outside, in the parking area, is a slolam course set up where we can test drive the SLK55….but not just any SLK55! These are the special Asia Challenge-spec cars. I take a few laps and just really have a ball….the car is very responsive and handles well. We grabbed a bottle of water as we left the slolam area and headed back to the transportation area. Our car was waiting for us and the three of us headed back to the Hotel Arts.
(report of the Welcome Party that evening soon)
Last edited by Chappy; 05-30-2006 at 04:38 PM.
05-30-2006, 01:25 PM
#24
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2005 CLK55
I am reading this at work, and getting chills.....
You are very articulate. Thank you again for writing such detailed reports.
Where is the picture of CL :-D
You are very articulate. Thank you again for writing such detailed reports.
Where is the picture of CL :-D
