Sunday

FORMULA ONE IN AUSTRALIA

A one-two punch by Jensen Button and Rubens barrichello for the brand new BRAWN GP team. Breathing new life into both drivers. Ross Brawn, who had been with Honda, purchased the team from Honda when they bailed out last year and as of today has a new partner, Richard Branson of Vigin Group. I have been surprised that with his money he didn't get into the game before. Powered by Mercedes now instead of Honda.

Jarno Trulli from Toyota came in third. Lucky to be here since Toyota wanted to pull out of racing too at the end of last year, but Panasonic saved the day at least for this year. He drove a great race since the team wasn't allowed to qualify and they started from the back of the field.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Formula One this year. They almost didn't have enough cars to field a race, world monetary crisis affecting sponsors, new rules for engines, tires and body changes. Another year, another circus.

Friday

ENGLAND ON THE 29TH

Auction One
by Nuvolari Europe
Whatley Manor Hotel
Wiltshire, England

+44 (0) 1253 723670

Thursday

ENGLAND ON THE 26TH

Barons Auction
Sandown Park
Esher, Surrey
United Kingdom

www.barons-auctions.com

+44 (0) 8454 30 60 60

Friday

ENGLAND ON THE 23RD

1973 JAGUAR

1980 MGB GT


Barons Auctions
Sandown Park Exhibition Complex
Esher, Surry
United Kingdom

www.barons-auctions.com

+44 (0) 23 8066 8413

1987 PORSCHE

1999 ALFA

TEXAS ON THE 21ST

1937 FORD STREETROD

1934 FORD HOTROD


Leake Car Company/Kruse International Auctions
The Alamodrome
San Antonio, Texas

1-800-722-9942

www.leakecar.com

1933 FORD CUSTOM

1949 MERCURY CUSTOM

MISSOURI ON THE 20TH

1966 CORVETTE

1957 THUNDERBIRD


Mecum Auctions
Kemper Arena, American Royal Center
1800 Genessee Road
Kansas City, Missouri

www.mecum.com

1-815-668-8888

1955 PLYMOUTH

1835 FORD

NEVADA ON THE 20TH

1975 KARMANN-GHIA


Spring Collector Car Auction
Kruse International Auctions
South Pointe Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

www.kruse.com

1-800-968-4444

1964 MGB

Thursday

ARKANSAS ON THE 20TH



Arkansas Classic Car Auction
Santiago Auctions
John Q. Hammon's Convention Center
Rogers, Arkansas

www.santiagosc.com

1-800-994-1816

Tuesday

ALSO MISSED

Also missed while I was traveling was the motorcycle auction in Daytona Beach during BIKE WEEK:

March 5th





And this one on March 7th in DeLand, Florida at the Edmunds Center on the University grounds:

1985 YAMAHA

1973 TRIUMPH

1952 VINCENT

1937 RUDGE

FIRST THURSDAY ART SALE

While I was gone "Sports Car Market" magazine had their FIRST THURSDAY ART SALE. I like to show it before it is up for sale because it is only on the market for 24 hours. Couldn't be helped, but here is what you missed.

An original by Michael Mate, 32"x20" - $4,500

Limited edition by Nicholas Watts, 40"x30" - $850

Sunday

CYPRUS RALLY 2009

I got back from my trip to Mongolia and China just in time for the Cyprus Rally. First one we have had in three years due to being punished for some infractions back in 2006. We have had others such as the Mid-East Rally and Antique Auto Rally, but everyone misses the big one.

First place, Sebastien Loeb, a record breaking four time winner here in Cyprus and 50th overall win. He looks fresh as a daisy at the end of it all.



Second place, Mikko Hervonen, driving for Ford (Abu Dhabi) looks tired after a hotly contested run.


Third place, Petter Solberg, always popular in Cyprus did a fantastic job with a privately sponsered 3 year old Citroen.

Fouth place, Dani Sordo, who graced these pages in 2006 stuffing his car into the round-about near my house. Driving for Citroen.