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Post by indycals on Jun 13, 2024 16:30:26 GMT -5
We had a wonderful trip to Spain!!! While the purpose of the trip was to see my favorite band Rammstein, I couldn't pass on the opportunity to meet with two of our esteemed forum members Juanjo Mas and el Sapito aka James B aka Jaume B Cabanes. Juanjo and his wife were gracious enough to pick us up at the airport and take us out to dinner at Los Caracoles (www.loscaracoles.es) - a somewhat hidden gem that a tourist would likely not stumble on, in a 190 year old building. We shared Tapas before our entrees and had a wonderful time.  The next day we took a 3 hour train ride south to Valencia to visit James B, whom I've known at least 22 years, but never had a chance to meet. He took us around Valencia and even to his personal workshop where I got to see many of the projects he has in the works and got to see the artistry of his father who was a renowned cartoonist and even gave me a sample of his incredible work.  Thank both of you very much Juanjo and James, for your gracious hospitality - we had a most wonderful time with both of you and hopefully we can meet again someday - perhaps at Indy! |
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Post by indycals on Jun 14, 2024 1:50:20 GMT -5
BTW, the concert was held at Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc - sight of the Spanish Grand Prix from 1969-75. We ended up walking pretty much the entire front stretch to get to the venue.
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Post by elsapito on Jun 14, 2024 2:31:01 GMT -5
What can I say, I am really honored with your visit, mate. It was a great day and a pleasure to show you my hometown. Although you forum members already know, I can just confirm Michael and his wife are marvelous people. Oh yes I wish some day we repeat the meeting, Indy would be a great idea. Oh yes, the Estadi Olimpic is placed on the top of the Montjuich hill-urban circuit at Barcelona. Yes the layout still exists and you can see it on a current air view...  And yes as Michael says it touches the stadium location (see right bottom, not the round thing but the small stadium bit, probably where Rammstein had their stage on) A bit of history, Olimipic Estadi was built in the twenties-thirties, completely refurbished (virtually built again) for 1992 Olympic Games. It still gave some service. At the football (ahem soccer) World Cup 1982 it hosted the rehearsals for the opening festival. I know because I was one of those white dressed boys.  |
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jj66
Podium Finisher
Posts: 363
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Post by jj66 on Jun 14, 2024 10:47:18 GMT -5
We were also very pleased to meet Michael and Michele.
About the circuit, on the start and finish line, in front of the stadium, the cars were flying on the abrupt change of grade. You can see it in this video starting at minute 1:45
Unfortunately, F1 racing ended there in 1975 after Ralf Stommelen's fatal crash in which a firefighter, two photo-journalists and a spectator died. Stommelen's car lost its rear wing before the change of grade and flew for more than 100 m before falling behind the safety barriers.
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Post by mneedforspeed on Jun 14, 2024 16:47:44 GMT -5
Juanjo, I visited the track in 1971, when I remember there was the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal on the bay.
A little correction : Wasn't a Fatal crash for Rolf Stommelen, who was killed at Riverside in 1983.
on your video, a performance that was unnoticed was american fellow Georges Follmer on the Shadow, his first and only F1 season. A beginner on this demanding track, I think he did a stunning performance.
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Post by mneedforspeed on Jun 14, 2024 16:53:25 GMT -5
Juanjo, I visited the track in 1971, when I remember there was the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal on the bay. A little correction : Wasn't a Fatal crash for Rolf Stommelen, who was killed at Riverside in 1983. A performance that was unnoticed was american fellow Georges Follmer on the Shadow, his first and only F1 season. A beginner on this demanding track, I think he did a stunning performance. He did always better than his team mate Jackie Oliver, who had five F1 seasons behind him. |
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Post by indydog on Jun 14, 2024 17:04:54 GMT -5
Looks like you had a great time Michael. It's great to be able to put a face with the names.
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Post by kyledehart5 on Jun 15, 2024 19:01:46 GMT -5
How cool is that!! Always love seeing stuff like this.
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Post by indycals on Jun 15, 2024 20:33:57 GMT -5
Oh yes, the Estadi Olimpic is placed on the top of the Montjuich hill-urban circuit at Barcelona. Yes the layout still exists and you can see it on a current air view... You can see Olympic stadium at the very bottom right, partially cut off. We probably walked nearly half a lap getting up there. |
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