Photo: © D. Paul Graham, “Mugello Farmhouse”, Tuscan Apennine Mountain range, 2023

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Magnifico Mugello …..

Buongiorno dal Mugello! What a week this has been. With all the places I’ve been in the world, this was my first time in Italy. An incredible racetrack, the capstone of another year of working with an incredibly talented team led by Arnold Poundstone, and my BTB with me. It doesn’t get any better. But wait, there’s more. There was the romance of staying in a 500-year-old converted farmhouse in the Mugello mountain foothills. Spirited drives through twisty backroads and charming towns to and from the track each day in a Spanish Cupra. Multiple meals at a restaurant called Zocchi that opened in 1783 and has been run by the family ever since. Luigi’s hospitality there was off the charts. He kept us in a gastronomic pain-zone by the end of each meal with outrageous Tuscan food and wine. I could go on, but you have a new week to get at. This morning’s short M5T brings you some quotes of overheard conversations around the track at Mugello.

1. Always be learning

“This week has been a rain seminar”. ~ Lance Cawley reflecting on the deluge of rain on track during the first 3 days. Challenge car #176, FxxK car #85. Winner Race 1 at Mugello; 3^rd place overall in his class for the 2023 Ferrari Challenge NA race series.

2. Be excited

“As soon as I walked onto pit lane, my heart started racing. I love this.” A certain BTB as she walked onto the Mugello track for the first time.

3. Make the best of every situation

“I don’t have a left mirror and have been hit from behind. Twice. Other than that, I’m doing great” ~ Michael Porter, Challenge car #222. Michael’s first season racing and his first Ferrari World Finals at Finali Mondiali.

4. Celebrate your uniqueness

“No car manufacturer in the world celebrates itself like Ferrari.” ~ Adrian Lindsey, Speedbourne Racing Services, Crew Chief. The buzz and excitement of all things Ferrari was palpable all week.

5. Embrace the experience

“What a fareekin’ awesome experience.” ~ A certain unnamed mustachioed photographer that may have used a much stronger invective to describe the week in Mugello.

Here’s to a week of embracing all that life has to offer you this week, wherever you are in the world.

© 2023 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved

For over 11 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T.

You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com