We recently had what’s known as our Friday the 13th Club meal, where a bunch of ex racers and journos have a bite to eat and gossip like old women. Niall and Taz Mackenzie were there and turned up in a Suzuki Vitara type thing, which I’m guessing is part of Taylor Mackenzie’s deal with Suzuki for next year, which is a mega job for him. While they were busy chatting, I snuck out at one point and jacked the front of the car up just enough to get the front wheels off the floor, so when we were all done and had said our goodbyes I had to feign mock surprise when it wouldn’t go anywhere! Taz had a go first, then Niall told him to get out while he tried, but they had no idea what was going on for a good ten minutes or so! It was so funny, they hadn’t got a clue what was happening and a big bunch of us there had formed and were laughing away knowing exactly what was going on. They’ll know better for next year.
Speaking of knowing better, James Whitham knows me enough to not fall for my gags, but he did at the NEC. Changing tack quickly, the numbers were up and most folk I spoke to enjoyed the show. I don’t sell lids and jackets so don’t know how it went on that front, but otherwise it was a healthy attendance. The last couple of days were really busy, but apparently it also depends on when people get their salaries, which makes sense. I must say it’s a cracking year of new bikes again though. I had a wander round and was impressed at what I saw.
But back to Whitham. Well, I got some dodgy scratch cards that are all winners. All you need is one person who doesn’t know about it, which was James. So, he won £50,000 and was running around like a headless chicken. We told him they had come from the Suzuki stand so he shot over there demanding to know who sold them and who to get the money off! He had already spent it in his head, including taking us all our for dinner that night, and the whole thing lasted a good 20 minutes before he twigged! It’s actually not easy fooling people these days, I have to get really creative as everyone is on to it. Nobody ate any of my sweets this time around so next year I’m going to have to get devious, maybe go big budget!