[Closed] 2009 Faves...vol. #3

Rusty, that's a great collection, I particularly like the Cosmo and the Aa bikes.

Have to admit to investing in them all, as well as Max and his dog!

Liked the Cosmo so much, I bought one this year..........

(the Aa diecast, that is) and the I have to agree with Paul about the Aa bikes. They look fantastic, especially the spokes on the wire wheels. Let's not forget the Lancia Stratos, it's amazing record in International Rallying now long overshadowed by the Audi Onslaught! Perfect pix, as usual, Rusty ! Thanx!

Gene, Sandro Munari knocked me over when he ran into me in his Lancia Stratos - it hurt.

How very fortunate that you weren't more seriously injured..........

I have never attended a world class rally as a spectator, but I've seen PLENTY of film, video and still photography of these events. For years, I've been positively FLABBERGASTED at how close observers used to stand to the the race course at these events. For my money, these drivers are the best in the world. Some go faster, few go further, but NONE have better car control skills. Going like clappers in all kinds of conditions, day and night, rain, snow and ice, on pavement and off for days on end is absolutely mind boggling to me!

Ditto!

Fine photography, Rusty. Those bikes, above all, look absolutely real.

Gene and Marlowe, crowd control is much better nowadays and I agree with you both, they are the unsung elite of all motorsport. Grinding one of my favourite axes, Jim Clark was probably the only F1 driver, who taught the rally drivers of his era how to do it.

He drove in the 1966 RAC Rally, here in the UK, against the top rally drivers of the day. Until he finally crashed his Lotus Cortina on the 45th stage, he was seldom out of the top 10; he was fastest on 3 stages, second fastest on 7, third on 4 and fourth on 5. How about that for stats?!!

Jim Clark? Your info on him doesn't surprise me at all.

I'm constantly reading statements from drivers who lament on his extraordinary skills. His racing prowess and legend continues to grow. I wonder if any legitimate argument can be made that he wasn't the greatest driver of all time?

Regarding rally spectators, when I watch on TV it seems the crowds are still in very dangerous positions on the courses. If I ever get a chance to see one, I'd make sure I'd be on the inside of a corner with little chance of meeting an errant rally car up close, personal, and at speed!

Love that orange bike :))