A certain distance exists between enemies, one that is full of many negative forces, such as animosity, defensiveness, and perhaps even jealousy. However, between certain rivals, there is also a positive energy: respect.
Given how Ferrari and Maserati fought against each other for the money of socialites and playboys around the middle of the 20th century, you might think when Maserati fell on hard financial times in subsequent decades that Ferrari would’ve done nothing to cushion its Italian competitor’s landing and let it shatter from the impact. It didn’t. Instead, Ferrari bought Maserati. It must’ve seen something in the manufacturer, something worth its respect – and investment.
From that came the Maserati Spyder, such as the one Richard Hammond reviews in the following clip. To him, the Ferrari version of a Maserati is quite an enjoyable car, from its “stunning” bodywork to its exhaust note to its fast-acting 6-speed automated manual gearbox to the ample torque from its 4.2-liter V8. Apparently, back in the early 2000s, Maserati had the “Top Gear” presenter’s respect, too.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
