A Public Thank You to Mike S. (XSSSIVE)

I would like to make a public thank you to Mike S (XSSSIVE here on f-chat) for his generosity today. Mike and I have been friends for a couple years now. We met on this forum and he took me for a ride in his Ferrari F430 a couple years ago as well as his Lamborghini Gallardo (ex) soon after. I have been doing various photoshoots with his cars over the past couple months and we talk frequently. Today, April 17, 2010, I went over to his house to do a photoshoot with his new Maserati Granturismo S and his Ferrari F430. Being only 18, I am going through the natural troubles of adolesence. I'm going through a particularly hard time right now and Mike had known that. When I finished the photoshoot and put all my gear away, Mike said, "Thanks, G.B.! I appreciate it. Do you have to be home right now or do you have a couple minutes?" "I have time," I said in reply. He then said, "Well...you want to drive the Ferrari? It'll be a short drive but at least it'll get your mind off of things." My body went numb after that question. It was the first time in my life I've literally been speechless. I quietly replied, "sure!" Still not believing what I had heard, he moved the F430 out toward the street and told me to get in and get the seat adjusted. He walked me through the steps on shifting with the F1 transmission, etc. We started out in auto mode just so I could get comfortable, but within a half a block or so, I switched to manual mode. Nervous as hell, I was VERY careful. I was constantly checking the speedo to make sure I was going the speedlimit, if not UNDER the speed limit, and checking my mirrors for passing cars, etc. Within the first mile or so, I got more comfortable and relaxed with the car and really started to enjoy the experience. He let me open it up just a little and from those couple of seconds, I could tell how much power this vehicle had. It was a short drive, about 5-6 miles or so, but I don't care; I drove a Ferrari. Driving a Ferrari has always been the number one thing on my "bucket list," and I was sure I was going to have the chance to do it SOMETIME in life, but I never thought that chance would come at such a young age, 18. I realize that very few people will ever get the chance to drive a Ferrari, let alone drive one when they're 18. It takes a lot of guts and trust to let someone, especially a teenager, drive your Ferrari and I would like to publicly thank Mike for having that type of personality. It was a life-long dream that was achieved today and it was all thanks to him. Thanks Mike, it was an experience that I will never forget.

Here is a video of the cars and drive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUSB9e3yEHY

-G.B.

 

Thanks guys! The feeling of excitement hasn't left me yet and I don't think it will for quite some time.

Thanks,
-G.B.

 

It was a special moment indeed.

-G.B.

 

THERE YA GO RMX!!! I'd take them up on those offers!!

-G.B.

 

+1. It's actually my new facebook status.

-G.B.

 

You, sir, are too kind! I'm in the Pacific Northwest every summer. Don't be suprised if I actually take you up on that offer! Thank you SO MUCH!

-G.B.