The biggest F1 fan in the world?

[strider]

Sometimes, in an idle moment, I think it would be really cool to go to all the European Grand Prix and travel around the continent in between, rather as Denis Jenkinson did in the days when he was covering F1 for for Motor Sport.

But it's never been more than a casual thought because practical considerations get in the way.

Today, thanks to Will Buxton, I have got to hear about an F1 fan who has been to every single Grand Prix this season. You can read his story here: http://www.getjealous.com/alexjsnell

[bella]

he's also on twitter at alexjsnell and currently is part of a "where's wally" type affair with virgin racing in which those who find and approach him at the circuit can score some virgin merchandise. which shows just how excellent some of the new teams are in engaging with the public on a very on the ground level.

sounds like quite an adventure though, but i maintain he's cheating by using planes

[strider]

So would you drive to Singapore and Suzuka???

[Down F0rce]

I endured a 14 hour bus journey for the Race of Champions. This guy sounds like my kind of person.

[bella]

Originally Posted by Down F0rce

I endured a 14 hour bus journey for the Race of Champions.

that's the sort of thing you don't admit to in public

[White flag man]

Originally Posted by strider

So would you drive to Singapore and Suzuka???

You can always sail

[Down F0rce]

Originally Posted by bella

that's the sort of thing you don't admit to in public

But the "you weirdo" looks I get amuse me!

[bella]

Originally Posted by Down F0rce

But the "you weirdo" looks I get amuse me!

i worked out my motorsport driving miles tally the other week. that got me some SERIOUSLY weird looks too

and yes! you can sail to suzuka and singapore! since we have to sail to cross the channel (the eurotunnel doesn't count) in the first place, it's fair game. and anyway, most cars will fit easily in a container

[nickyf1]

You can sail from Russia to North America too for the Canadian round

[E.B]

Originally Posted by Down F0rce

I endured a 14 hour bus journey for the Race of Champions. This guy sounds like my kind of person.

Would that have been a Brands Hatch Race of Champions in 'the good old days', or the new completely different stadium scenario multi driver same car heats type Race of Champion?

[Down F0rce]

It was for the Wembley Stadium races. The original "Race of Champions" was a couple of years before my time!

[strider]

Originally Posted by bella

i worked out my motorsport driving miles tally the other week. that got me some SERIOUSLY weird looks too

As you know, you get only serious respect from me. I think it's epic.

The only thing is, seeing what this other guy has done, you missed an opportunity because you, too, could have written a blog! Maybe next year?

[bella]

i did think about it, and tried at the start of the year but in the end it's really not that interesting! after all you have to keep some stories and tales of adventure for over a pint

[Born Racer]

Top stuff.

But to fund that, I wonder if he is also one of the richer F1 fans in the world.

[Peter Mallett]

Got on a bus, got off. Got on plane, got off. Went to GP, scammed some Virgin Racing stuff. Got on Bus, got on plane went to GP. Oh, forgot, went to my dad who phoned his mate Richard Branson, who siad it'd be great if we could add a bit of spice with a "where's wally" thing so that covers the costs.

Cynical moi?

[bella]

peter, the only thing i'd say about that is that anyone, everyone uses connections and contacts to do things and go places they want to

incidentally, i know quite a few people who have visited the paddock thanks to virgin racing and their twitter feed, some of whom aren't english and have no connection with the team other than being big fans of the drivers.

[strider]

bella's right. Unless you're one of the fortunate few whose mere presence guarantees access to all areas, you pull in favours when and where you can.