Top Gear Live

The three stooges of British TV made their way back to the shores of Durban this year to bring us more burning rubber, outrageous stunts and of course the lots of sexy cars! Top Gear Live now in its second year running was held in the Moses Mabhida Stadium in what Mr Clarkson says is the best stadium....in the world and who's to argue with him? The precinct around the stadium was also used for exhibits by the various motor manufacturers as well as other car related product companies and the street track was rebuilt to provide the spectators with high speed thrills.

Having attended last years show, I wasn't sure what to expect this year and obviously was the same for many who attended last years show. After receiving much praise for the event before, the organizers had their work cut out for them to come up with new ideas for the show. This years special guest was former F1 champion, Mika Hakkinen who partook in many of the street racing, which included a tuck tuck race against radio personality Sasha Martinengo. Like last year the main draw card to the street track was undoubtedly the F1 car, hearing the high pitched shriek of that V8 engine as it went around the streets of Durban just sent shivers down ones spine. This year Red Bull F1 brought down their championship winning RB8 2012 car, along with their test driver Anthony Felix da Costa to entertain the masses.

The exhibition area was nothing to write home about as most of it was the same from last year apart from one or two tents. The ones that grabbed most of the attention was the Lamborghini and Bentley display in the Imperial Collection marquee as well as the IBV Supercar Club tent which had machines from the Daytona Group on display. For me though the Jaguar and AMG tents were the ones I enjoyed the most, firstly anyone could gain entry, sit in the cars on display and with the case of Mercedes Benz, hear what the cars engines sound like as their revved all that was on display. The crowd attraction was the newly launched A45 AMG, a complete redesign to the A-Class of old which has transformed itself into a sporty hatch back to compete with the likes of BMWs 1 Series and Audi's A3. The price for the Merc A Class is a bit steep but so far sales figures are saying otherwise. 

On to the show itself, having blown the crowds away last year it was always going to be a tough act to follow. The corny jokes filled the show but if you're a fan of the series you would know that its one of the main aspects that set this show apart from other car documentary programs and being them they pulled off some crazy things as well. Firstly Jeremy apparently motorized their stage from the set, fitted it with a V8 engine and was able to do donuts with it! The Top Gear precision driving team stole the show once again with their breath taking skills but a surprise and highlight for me was seeing the Stig drive in with the Red Bull Racing F1 car and go balls to the wall spinning that car round and round, engulfing the area in smoke for the burning rubber.

Of course the madness didnt end there, apart from the insane bicycle stunt ride and the drifters with the flame throwers, there was the usual sporting contest that was to be played. This time it was car football but rather motorbike polo. Typically it was England vs South Africa and to please the home crowd, the rainbow nation won. The show ended off with Sasha Martinengo making another appearance, this time by bungee jumping in a car off a crane! I did see the stunt performed before at the Top Gear Live event in Kyalami but it was fun seeing it again.

Overall the show was enjoyable but I have been hearing mixed reviews from many that did visit it over the weekend. They have one more year left on their contract so here's hoping they really make a big change to next years event as the fans are counting on them!

Monday Choon: Tiesto & Dyro - Paradise

After just featuring him a few weeks ago with his track "Take Me" featuring Kyler England, Tiesto is back onto the list with his new track featuring fellow Dutch DJ Dyro. The song Paradise is featured on his Club Life Volume 3 Stockholm album and has been featured on his radio show quite often. The video was made up of snippets from his set at UMF15 so its one awesome video!

Castle Super Fan Experience

On Saturday I was fortunate to be invited to the Castle Super Fan Experience at Growth Point Kings Park. It was a day that was very special for SA Rugby as it was the first time that a single venue hosted two international games on the same day. Durban crowds were in for a treat as the first game was between Scotland and Samoa which was followed by South Africa vs Italy.

The Castle Super Fan Experience provided us with the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes. When we watch the game at home, we often take for granted what actually needs to be done in order for us to receive the game to our screens. The tour kicked off early on Saturday morning at Berea Rovers Pub, where there was a brief meet and greet with the sponsors and other winners thereafter we were handed some pretty cool merchandise from Castle.

After grabbing a refreshment we made our way to the stadium where we were greeted by Supersport commentator, Matthew Pearce. Being a familiar voice on TV, Pearce is the lead English rugby commentator for Supersport. He gave us a run down on what to expect on the tour as well as warned us that we were entering an active stadium environment so to be wary of our surroundings. 

I've been Kings Park many times to cheer on the Sharks and Springboks being allowed to enter via the pitch gave me goosebumps. Having that view of the stadium as you walk in, seeing the immaculate turf in touching distance and very aptly the singers were practising the South African national anthem, it made the moment very surreal. As we walked towards the players tunnel, many familiar faces were spotted including that of former Sharks and Bok flyhalf Butch James. 

Making our way down the players tunnel was another special moment, thinking about how many legends of the game made their way down that very passage to lead teams in victory and defeat, there was a lot of history there. We then made our way up to the media lounge where Matthew then showed us the commentary booth that he shared with his co-commentator former Bok, Bob Skinstad. I was surprised at how small the booth was, the two of them barely fit inside! From there we learnt about how they prepare for each game, how they keep in contact with the director as well as some trade secrets about the game. 

There was a Q and A session that followed with Matthew and Bobby, where we were allowed to quiz them on their experiences as well as special moments in games that they've commentated or in Bobby's case, played in. 

Supersport then allowed us to take a walk through their HD truck which was brought form Joburg for the game. Impressive is an understated when describing the R104 million Mobile studio, it has more screens than mission control in NASA! The director has 26 cameras to view and has to decide which ones to broadcast and what angles to show all the time. I can hardly concentrate on two, so seeing the task that he has to undertake is just mind blowing and with millions of viewers the margin for error is very small. 

Like I said at the beginning, we almost take it for granted when we watch live sports on the TV but after learning what goes on behind the scenes and the preparations, planning and skill required to pull off a smooth broadcast, one has to take your hat off to the guys that do it week after week. 

Photography by Al Nicholl and myself.

Monday Choon: W&W - Lift off

If you follow me on twitter you would already know my love for what Willem and Wardt do. The boys from Netherlands bring such a different energy to EDM, something so different to the usual uplifting beats that we're normally used to. Its pretty evident that many love it as well, their tours have been sell outs and they're by far one of the biggest artists on Armada's list now. Lift off was released in Feb and was their opening track for all their sets in ASOT600, the reception they received in Mexico says it all.

Bucket Babe: Simone de Kock

Its been a tough few weeks for us South Africans, the economic down turn, more strikes and most recently a poo flinging incident down in the Cape, I don't know about you but I think its time to focus on some positivity that from our country. Like this weeks proudly South African Bucket Babe, she hails from the Cape and has only been modelling for the past 2 years! Cant believe this beauty hasn't been scouted before then but as they say, better late than never and she's definitely entered the scene with a bang, by shooting to the top and already landed two covers!

Simone de Kock

Bio

"From Cape Town,a Full-Time Model and owner of events no promotions company. I've been modelling for 2 years now and I'm signed with Full Circle Models, up until June last year I was only modelling part-time but in June I won the Sports Illustrated New Model Search 2012 and was Augusts cover Girl. I also had a spread in the August and November Swimsuit issue. I then entered Miss South Africa and was lucky to place in the Final Top 5. Since then I've also played a role in the short film Mystify which was the only South African Short Film to make it into the Cannes Film Festival. FHM named me to their lists of 30 Women Who Will Dominate 2013 and 35 Women We Want To See In Sports Illustrated’s 2013 Swimsuit Issue. I am also currently FHM South Africa's current cover girl and feature :)

Beneath all of the above is a normal girl, down to earth girl feeling blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love.I appreciate everyone's support, as they are the ones making me work hard to achieve my ultimate goals... I appreciate the haters too, they make me work EVEN harder. I love relaxing by the fire place, under blankets watching movies or series with family and loved ones, however, I also love a good night out with all my friends, having a good dance to shake off the weeks hard work :) I love being an inspiration to others, and would love to be a motivational speaker to the youth, I also love doing shoots out of my comfort zone to test my ability and show others I can be diverse"

Links

Twitter: @Simmydk

Facebook: Simone de Kock

Q&A

1. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to see yourself in?

• I would love to be in either a Ferrari or Lamborghini ... I love cars , I'm just not great at naming them ;)

2. What sandwich are you most likely to make for me? and will it be toasted or plain?

• ooh, I have the most amazing toastie I make, secret ingredients though so unfortunately I can't tell you, but lets just say its a smaller more crunchier version of a Pizza ;)

3. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• I love all types of music, I enjoy commercial music when partying out and a touch of drum&bass/dubstep ... But my iPods filled with every type of genre, from pop to rock, latest to old school :)

4. Dream cover shoot?

• two of my dream covers I've been lucky to have (Sports Illustrated&FHM) however I would love to have an American/European Cover in Sports Illustrated and FHM, I would even love a Cosmopolitan Cover!! :)

5. If given a choice, full time model or full time executive, what would you choose?

• that's difficult... I love Modelling and Acting, it's my passion, so being able to do what I love every single day would be magical, however, I'm also VERY independent and have a big business mind with many ideas and goals, so I would love to continue in my Events Industry, hopefully planning HUGE events for many well known brands/celebrities :)

6. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what is your topping/ sprinkle of choice?

• who doesn't love popcorn? I LOVE salt... As in LOVE salt... Addicted...so I would say probably butter salt(with extra salt) and sometimes Salt and Vinegar(with extra salt ;) haha

7. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?

• my hands completely sown onto someone specials hand :)

8. Growing up you must have had someone you aspired to be, so who is your role model?

• I've had so many different role models, regarding acting - obviously Charlize Theron, regarding Business - Richard Branson and regarding super models - the list is endless but I LOVE seeing South African models like Candice Swanepoel represent our country on such a huge scale ie Victoria Secret Model

9. Obviously being a female you would love fashion, favourite label/ designer?

• I do love fashion, but don't have a special label or designer I love wearing, I just dress according to my style :)

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• hmm, either Ibiza(Spain), Anywhere in Brazil or New York... That's just naming a few, I'd love to try out every single Country haha :)

Red Bull X-Fighters: Pretoria

A couple of months ago my friend Kaptein Kai from Cape Town was down in Durbs and in true Durban fashion I took him out for a bunny chow. Whilst enjoyed the best fusion of curry and bread on offer, he mentioned to me that Red Bull X-Fighters has been confirmed for South Africa and we should go. Now being an Indian, majority of us are not into the "extreme sports", hell the most extreme thing you'd catch an Indian guy doing is wheel spins after he beat someone at the drags. Now I have been to a few Red Bull events in the past and to say they were pretty rad is an understatement, so I decided to dig up more info on this one.

Red Bull X-Fighters is a freestyle motocross stunt competition where competitors from all over the world face off in an area,, bullring or a venue that is similar. The venues chosen are ones that bring the crowd as close to the action as possible as there is some interaction with them, when they like what they see, they can wave a white flag. The first competition took place in 2001, Valencia, Spain at the bull fighting arena and the competition has made its way around the globe since then, travelling to countries such as Mexico, England, Brazil, USA, Poland, Australia and now they're coming to Pretoria! Now I know I said many Indians aren't into this type of sport, well I meant us local South African ones because the biggest recorded crowd at an X-Fighters event was 230,000 ....in Sri Lanka. Then again, one of the most used transport in the subcontinent is the motorbike, so it makes sense.

Coming back to the Pretoria leg, the event will be held on Saturday the 7th of September at the Union Buildings! They couldn't have chose a better venue if you ask me, just imagine the bikers free styling through the air with that landmark in the back, its going to be epic! It will be the last stop of the 2013 tour and tickets are on sale from Computicket now! So don't miss out on this amazing event!

Monday Choon: Tom Swoon and Amba Shepherd - Not too late

20 year old Polish DJ sensation Tom Swoon's latest track features the familiar voice of Amba Shepherd. While her last collaboration with Hardwell, Apollo is still lingering on the charts this one seems to be heading up that way as well.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé

Germans and the Italians, both great at what they do but what if their talents were combined? Italian's are always one for their flair, finesse and beauty whilst the German's are known for their engineering, precision and attention to detail. The BMW Gran Lusso Coupe is a fine example of the collaboration between the two nations, with the design house of Pininfarina from Italy tasked to design the concept but proudly bears the badge of the Bavarian Motor Works. It will be showcased at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2013, which is held on the shores of lake Como, Italy, at the Grand Hotel. The annual event which is organized by BMW is perhaps the most significant one that celebrates the mystique of historic cars but also that of inspiring concepts. So its of no surprise why BMW chose to unveil the car here.

Italdesign Nazca C2

It is not the first time BMW seeked Italian inspiration in their design, one of my earliest memories was the Nazca C2 which was designed by Italdesign. A sleek long bodied race car with a futuristic design powered by a mammoth V12 engine, made popular by the game Need For Speed 2, Special Edition. At that time BMW were not famous for such elaborate concepts but there is was, something that could match what was coming out of the stables in Maranello or Bologna. It is still quite a work of art, which is one of the trademarks of Pininfarina, providing a timeless end product.

BMW 8 Series

Coming back to the Gran Lusso Coupe, although long gone and forcefully forgotten by many, the car does irk ones memory to the design lines of Chris Bangle. I for one was a fan of the former designer, his bold designs did change the face of BMW but it was that which formed the bench mark of much of the models we see today. The car shares its bold and large statue to that of the Seven Series but in a Coupe form, which leaves one wondering, could this be the 8 series revival? 

Like many concepts of the past, it will be put out to the jury and even if not put into production it just shows what a fine marriage can be achieved. The pictures below is enough to prove that and if your eye is sharp, you will also spot former Bucket Babe Dominque Lamon who featured in the official photo shoot for the car. Nice one Dom!!!

  

Monday Choon: Tiesto ft. Kyler England - Take Me

The King of EDM is back! He's previous releases have been good but his latest offering featuring vocals from Kyler England harks back to his previous material, the song is pretty epic and has been featured on his Club Life episode 318, 319 and 320! My favourite choon at the moment as well!