Automotive Catch-up with TurboNerdz
I initially took a break from writing because of my exams, but I had also forgotten that writing has been my coping mechanism during exams. A fun fact is that I started this blog on the 31st of August 2023, just about a month to my first MB;BS exam. Since then it has served as a temporary escape, before burying my head back in the books. It's been over a month since I wrote, so I decided to escape the matrix with what I have coined 'Automotive Catch-up with TurboNerdz.' So what exactly has been happening in the automotive world at home in Nigeria and abroad? Let's dive in...
Lewis Hamilton Lost his Podium Streak at Silverstone
For those who know me well, they know that while the World debates on Ronaldo VS Messi, my one and only G.O.A.T remains Sir Lewis Hamilton, the seven time Formula 1 World Champion. Not to sing too much of his praises, I'll go straight to the point. So, Silverstone is a race track at Towcester, UK and it is currently the only formula 1 race track in the UK. Now, Hamilton is not exactly from the UK, but he is British, which makes Silverstone his 'home' turf. I had to bring up that connection so that you can understand how important a win at Silverstone is for Hamilton. It's like Liverpool losing at Anfield Stadium, o wrong naw!
Prior to this loss at Silverstone, Hamilton had previously made podium or in simple terms, been at least 3rd position (P3) for 12 consecutive years. In snapchat streak numbers, that is like quenching the fire after 4,380 days (I know people who would literally kill me for ending such a streak, lol). Even during his treacherous last days at Mercedes, Hamilton still made podium and now this season with Ferrari, the so called prancing horse, he lost at Silverstone.
You needed to feel the pain in my chest last weekend seeing all the twitter trolls from Reb Bull fans who were more than glad to see Hamilton lose. I honestly thought Hamilton joining Ferrari would secure him an eight world championship, but with the way things are going... All I can say is that the God of Adeboye will fight all of Hamilton's battles. I believe that just like the story of the moth and butterfly, bad times beget great ones. This F1 season is basically gone, but next season we go again. I will never stop rooting for my G.O.A.T.
Burna Boy's Mclaren Senna
This is already stale gist, but I will still drop my two cents. I wanted to make a video on this, but there was already too much talk of it on the internet which made me refrain. Anyhoo, Burna Boy hands down has the maddest car collection currently in Nigeria (argue with your screen). We are talking Lambo's, Ferrari's, Maybach's, Rolls Royce's and now a hypercar.
P.S. - Make no mistake referring to the Mclaren Senna as a sport car or supercar, that is unequivocally a hypercar. So please do not undermine such mechanical prowess.
To the best of my knowledge, the only other car that comes close to Burna Boy's Mclaren Senna when it comes to pricing, power and exclusivity in West Africa is the Bugatti Chiron owned by some rich dude in Ghana. The Senna comes with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 789 horespower. One might say that 789 horsepower is not much, but lest you forget that this vehicle weighs under 1,200kg as it is made mostly from carbon fibre. Bottom line is that this vehicle weighs less than 'yo mama' and pulls its weight with a 0-60mph of 2.8 seconds and a blistering top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h).
Unfortunately, with all of these amazing numbers, the Senna has no proper test ground here in Nigeria and that is my problem with Burna Boys purchase. I believe Burna Boy has properties abroad, so there is absolutely nothing wrong with leaving it over there, even if it is in storage unit. When he travels out, he can then take his baby to the track and put the pedal to the floor. But no, ODG being himself wants to pepper everybody and ships the poor car to suffer in Nigeria. The car looks so off on the streets of Lagos passing through water and pot holes. The description of the McLaren Senna on google goes thus; 'a track-focused, road-legal hypercar', this is to show you that this car belongs nowhere close to Nigerian shoreline.
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If it was shipped to even Abuja, I would have been happy, because there are more than enough good roads to unleash all 789 of those horses. Baba decided to take it to Lagos with its crowded and flooded bad roads. If the Senna could express itself, it would be begging to return back to it's previous owner. But as Rema said, 'dem no dey advice bread winner'; I can't even afford a toy Senna at this point, so who am I to advice Oluwa Burna. Nonetheless, the Maclaren Senna is an amazing buy and I hope Burna Boy gets to enjoy his baby to the fullest (not in Nigeria).
The Floods in Asaba VS Mercedes Benz Owners
Not many know this, but I was born in Asaba, the capital of Delta State and basically lived there all my life. So seeing videos of my beloved home flooded is quite saddening. To put salt on the injury, twitter people are trolling Asaba Benz owners about the amount of money they would need to spend on repairs for things like steering racks after the raining season and it is absolutely hilarious. Raining season in Asaba has always been like this as far back as I can remember. The drainage system is not the best, but one thing that makes it worse is the dumping of refuse into the gutters, especially at Midwifery market area along Okpanam road. I think the government should enforce strict sanctions for defaulters who dump refuse as they are the major cause of flooding in Asaba.
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I remember on a particular day when I was driving home after a heavy down pour, I saw the state of the road and I immediately turned back. I just went to chill at a friends place long enough for the flood to subside before finally driving home. On this note if you know you drive an expensive car, specifically Mercedes Benz models, just park the car at home for now because car parts in general, especially that thing they refer to as the steering rack is quite expensive. Swallow your pride and board a 'kekenapep' or plead with your friends that own Toyota/Lexus vehicles to come pick you up. Once again, they don't advice bread winners, so do as you like.
Increasing Rate of Accidents
Lately, you come on Instagram or Twitter and you must see at least one video of a ghastly accident. It's really sad that young drivers no longer value their lives and those of the public. How do you watch the F1 movie and on the way home, you think you are Brad Pitt. I watch videos of these 'traffic swimmers' and I shake my head. Why would you be making such dangerous manoeuvre's in a country where you know people don't obey traffic rules and the roads are in terrible condition.
There's really no justification for over speeding and rough driving. If you are reading this, please just drive safe. Even if you don't like yourself, do it for the mother driving home to be reunited with her three kids; don't make them motherless because you were having dumb fun. If y'all are so interested in being fast and furious, let us all contribute towards a Formula 1 standard race track in Nigeria. This way, we can all go about setting lap times far away from pedestrians. Burna Boy would also get to enjoy his Mclaren Senna, so its a win for all.
Overall, I have noticed that the automotive culture in Nigeria is on the rise and it is beautiful to see. Almost every weekend in Abuja and Lagos, there is an automobile event being hosted. Biker gangs are also taking over the streets of Nigeria and I love it. I honestly can't wait to use my 12 months House Job salary to purchase my first power bike, lol. Our generation will definitely take motorsports to the next level in Nigeria, its just a matter of time. I think that will be all for automotive catch up with Turbonerdz and thank you for your time. I will now disappear again, but until next time, always remember to Turbo that Engine!
P.S - 08140266662 is the number to call if you are in the market for any cars! Peace out ✌🏾
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