from the North American Amateur Drivers Association

Editor’s Note: Joe Faraldo, the president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association, is accompanying USA representative Kelly Walker as he competes in the prestigious World Cup of Amateur Racing which is being contested at three different racetracks in New Zealand. Faraldo is writing some reports from the trip. The latest is printed below.

Lush green vegetation, volcanic formed islands and protruding mountains mark a utopian place in French Polynesia called the island of Moorea. Some 8-1/2 air hours from Los Angeles is some of the most gorgeous country populated by some of the friendliest people on earth.

Land in Papeete, ferry to Moorea. Some hotels offer over water bungalows jutting out onto a protective green coral reef that surrounds this little paradise. Through the glass floor of the bungalow are freshly hatched fish in schools that darken the water in large clusters. Fish of all varieties display all the colors of the NFL teams combined and then some.

People not bogged down with mundane daily tasks discover how easy it can be to enjoy the simple treasures of an uncomplicated life forced upon them at birth in an island paradise. A paradise dotted with names on its smallish map, like Painapo, Maharepa, Paopao, Haapitii and Papetoia to name most. Travel up the highest peak Belvedere and capture the breathtaking vista of both Opunohu and Cooks Bays engulfed in beauty by that endless coral reef protecting the island and its inhabitants. Check out the peak called Magic Mountain, filmed for only 30 seconds in the movie South Pacific, but for that scene filmed entirely in Hawaii.

Yet most of the 11 nations sending reps, including the USA, will simply fly by this island paradise en route to the World Championship of Amateur Racing, including our own Mitchell “Kelly” Walker.

Most of the ten European participants who will join our USA rep and the New Zealand favorite Steve Phillips in the competition for world bragging rights will travel some 36 hours to the Kiwi cities of Auckland and Christchurch, all in search of the gold ring.

In 2008, it was an affable Kiwi named Gavin Cook who drew quietly and confidently near the leading American David Siegal and the talented Ted Wang of Denmark to thread his way along the Meadowlands pylons, cold as a cucumber, to take home the title. One would hope that the American will enjoy reciprocal treatment from our English speaking friends on their home soil.

Organizing a World Cup in NZ is no small task. Horsemen there do not wish to put horses in behind the “mobile” as WC rules require. Horsemen in New Zealand do race from standing starts as well as behind the gate and the “mobile” start requirement in a World Cup makes filling fields more difficult.

Gavin Cook, who is organizing not only the event has also had to labor long and hard before this time to get the amateur movement in NZ accepted, recognized and “put on the tote.” The latter is an economic concern of no small import, as this land of approximately 4 million inhabitants has a healthy population of “punters.” Yet Gavin has accomplished much from building recognition from the grass roots up and accepted much responsibility in hosting a World Cup event. He is the type of quiet and energetic man that suits the tasks well. He is not getting days for lack of effort in any venture. Somehow, someway we all believe that the box will be as full as the enthusiasm of the participants. Each of whom has promised, predicted, hoped and secretly prayed for the victory to be brought home on their return.

For our man “Kelly” the passion for victory burns the brightest, as no American has ever won the event. We all wish him well and suggest that if victorious he make his next stop at a little known French Polynesian Island called Moorea. He will have deserved it.