It Drives Like an Alfa

John Wheeler in his #25 Alfa GTV.

I met my racing and paddock partner John Wheeler almost twenty years ago when I first started Vintage Historic racing. I was trying to figure this whole thing out and he was my coach and mentor. The most important thing he ever told me when I bemoaned my slow times was, “Don’t change the car, your next four seconds will come from between your ears”.

He was right of course, but then again, he was driving his beautiful #25 Alfa GTV, and I was racing my red Bugeye Sprite. Cute as hell, but certainly not a sexy Italian. My times got much better, but I still loved the looks and performance of his blue GTV. About ten years ago, envy got the best of me when a fellow racer was selling his GTV. Somewhat the worse for wear, but hey, it was a 1969 GTV with bad yellow paint. I was smitten.

I learned to drive all over again. Alfas are a little different. You need to steer them with the throttle. If the car understeers, don’t slow down, speed up! Turn in a little earlier and harder and get on the gas earlier. She’ll go down to the apex and pop up at track out. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m sure that’s not a particular Alfa trait, but it sure feels good in one. Enjoy the video.

(All video and photos by https://www.nvsndmedia.com/)

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