Another Public Thank You to Mike S. (XSSSIVE)

Some of you might recall my first public thank you message to Mike S. (XSSSIVE here on FerrariChat). Last year, on April 17th, 2010, I wrote a message here on FerrariChat thanking Mike for giving me my dream and letting me drive his Ferrari F430. I had just turned 18 and had gone through a very tough break-up; Mike saw my distress and let me take his F430 for a short spin. That was a dream come true for me; my first time driving a Ferrari!!! Today, I went over to his house for a photoshoot with his new Ferrari California (replaced the F430), his Maserati Granturismo S, and his brand new Audi S4. There was a minor misunderstanding so we couldn't do the photoshoot since the Audi was M.I.A. He asked if I wanted to go for a spin in the California to pick up his wife's Escalade which was getting a new clear-bra installed. Even though I have ridden in the California before, I couldn't pass up the offer. So I rode shotgun and drove his wife's Escalade home. When we got back to his house, he asked, "You wanna go for another spin?" I smiled and said, "SURE!" I walk over to the passenger side and he says, "You wanna dive it?" I was speechless...again. I quietly said, "sure!" and got in. I adjusted the seat and steering wheel and pressed the start button; the car roared to life. We had the top down since it was a beautiful day here in Reno. We started off in automatic mode so I could get comfortable with the car. I was very impressed with the sensitivity of the steering and brakes. It felt very similar to the F430. I thought that since the California was a front engine car vs. the mid-engine layout of the F430, that the F430 would feel more nimble and agile; I was wrong. The California felt every way as quick and nimble as the F430. After a few miles, we switched into manual mode. I pulled up to a stoplight and I was the first person in our lane. He told me to "go for it" when the light turned green. I didn't hesitate on that offer. I stabbed the gas and quickly went through the first four gears; watching as the shift lines ran across the carbon fiber steering wheel. I had a couple nice accelerations during the drive; it was pure bliss.

So Mike, thank you for, again, making a dream a reality. It takes a lot of trust and faith to trust an 18 year old with such cars...ANY car for that matter. Cheers Mike.

-G.B.

Edit: Here is a photo of the car from our last photoshoot.
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