There was a time when the proud logo on the front of this magazine also carried the line ‘International’, and recent events have brought me to thinking that it wouldn’t be out of place if it still resided on the cover.

Julie and I have just got back from sunny California, in time to finish this issue, and I’d have to admit that it was quite an eye-opener. Our visit was to attend the Legend of the Motorcycle on an invite from Malcolm Barber, boss man at Bonhams auctioneers.

What got me thinking about the International tag was the reception we got while there from readers of Classic Racer, both the superstar ex-racers in attendance, and ordinary ‘man in the street’ reader alike. It got almost embarrassing, and those that know me well know how hard that is to do, when people I had admired from afar for years greeted me like a long lost friend, and told me how much they enjoyed the magazine!

But reflecting on what turned into a great week’s holiday, with a little work thrown in, (honest), on the tedious 10-hour flight home I came to the conclusion that I shouldn’t have been so shocked. Now I stress, I don’t want that to sound as big headed as it came out.

We sit here in rural Lincolnshire, me, sorting all the material that arrives from my fantastic army of contributors, designer Jen (more of her later) Mark who has been producing all the stunning covers you’ve enjoyed of late, Adam, who finds all those ads for you to spend your cash on, and Jane, who helps me track down that ‘special’ archive image, and it’s oh so easy to forget just how many people get to look at the fruits of our labours each month, and how far flung they are.

Back to designer Jen… this is her last full issue, for the time being at least, although I plan to make her get at least half the next one done, before she heads off on maternity leave. I think she’s done a stunning job on your magazine, I’m sure you will all agree.

Enjoy this issue.

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