EDITOR’S LETTER
JEFF VOTH
“If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you’re no longer a racing driver.” – Ayrton Senna
I HAVE BEEN A FAN of Formula 1 racing from the time I can remember setting up my first Hot Wheels tracks and driving my classic Redlines in the living room until my mother
memories are watching the Gretzky/Messier Edmonton Oilers of the 80’s and the Jordan/Pippin Chicago Bulls of the 90’s. Witnessing firsthand the best in their sport succeed at the highest level is not something I take for granted. So where do my feelings of indifference come from in the modern era of F1? I think
said enough. In her defense, she'd rarely tell me to quit, but would pick up a car and shoot it down the track with the best of us. She also made great sandwiches, but I digress. The names were and still are as classic as those first Hot Wheels; Clark, Andretti, Hunt, Lauda were just some from that golden era. Gilles Villeneuve was a favourite for years and he passed too soon, but it wasn’t until the era of Senna, Prost and Mansell that my excitement went to the next level. There was an artistry and passion for racing that commanded my attention every time Ayrton took to the track. You were watching mastery in motion and I couldn’t get enough. Prost was incredible as well, though more calculating and so less entrancing. Mansell was a like bull in the ring and he could compete with the best. But Senna, well he was the show and in my mind, has yet to be replaced. The 2023 F1 season wrapped recently and while it was interesting to see Max Verstappen completely dominate the field for almost all twenty three races, it is hard for me to say it kindled my passion for the sport. I felt as though something was missing. Now, don’t get me wrong, dynasties have been an important part of sports since the beginning of time and probably will be for as long as we compete to see who is the best. In fact, some of my fondest
the lack of real competition is what has caused me to pause and reflect. The Oilers always had to find a way to get past the Calgary Flames, Jordan had to beat Magic, Bird, Sir Charles and the Detroit Pistons. But without the right equipment, not even Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso can muster a challenge to Red Bull #1. Sport needs competition and without it, it is much less exciting to watch. Hopefully Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, McLaren and Aston Martin will continue to improve in 2024 and you can bet I will be watching. Once again, our writers have been busy travelling the globe to drive or ride the new and classic vehicles we all dream of. In this issue, Dan Heyman takes one last look at the mighty Hemi engine as it makes a final bow before roaring off into the sunset. F1 takes a seat as we spend time with former drivers Jochen Mass and Pedro de la Rosa in two unique stories. Mark Hacking takes us on a Genesis EV adventure in Scotland and contributor Matthew Keith offers his holiday buying advice for tech and we are pleased to welcome Longines as the official sponsor of our Time Zone section. So, kick back, pour yourself a cup of Vicarious Black Creek Coffee and enjoy the holidays with us!
“There was an artistry and passion for racing that commanded my attention every time Ayrton took to the track. You were watching mastery in
motion and I couldn’t get enough.”
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