2011 Ford F350 King Ranch ($59,999)
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Ford/F-350/KITCHENER/Ontario/5_13942185_ON20070704162918322/

Nothing says “I love guns and Texas” like this truck; it is just massive going bumper to bumper at over 21-feet! Over the years the Ford designers have taken what looks like a very tough truck and given it an autism look to the front fascia, but who cares? You’re buying this mammoth beast to tow your pretty race car and this truck will do it with ease. The only downside is that Ford offers a stiff ride, sure that’s great when you have to turn and want to limit body roll but on a long haul this truck can provide driver fatigue. Inside this truck is loaded to the nines; leather wraps everything, in dash GPS navigation, Bluetooth, panoramic sunroof and leg space for the rear seat that makes a Lincoln Towncar seem compact. All of this luxury doesn’t come cheap, this is a used truck and it has a sticker of $59,999…. and that’s used ML63 prices!

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 ($59,999)
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Chevrolet/Silverado%203500%20Pickup/GUELPH/Ontario/5_13567398_ON20090408110449726/

This truck has seen a few mods like a zombie killing brush guard and FOX suspension that allows for the beefier tires. Chevy’s have always been number 2 to the Ford’s, but the new generation of Silverado has a great mean look to it. This truck is a little different than the Ford, it is only a crew cab meaning the rear doors are not full size. This makes the truck a little shorter than the Ford so I’m sure it would make driving around town a breeze… I would just ask Sic Ryde as he has one! The inside is basically a mix of pickup truck meet Escalade. It is nice, but you can tell that GM just made a standard pickup truck sport more leather. The seats are very comfortable and all in all the cabin is a nice place to be. This is a great truck for towing your race car and with a slightly softer suspension, you will get to the track with lots of energy to spare.

So this week we have a classic Ford vs. Chevy showdown, so which $60,000 truck would you buy to haul your race car?

Words: Patrick Logan
Photos: AutoTrader.ca

McLaren Automotive, manufacturer of the award winning MP4-12C high-performance sports car, continued its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of McLaren Jeddah. The event was hosted by Al Ghassan Motors President and CEO, Sheikh Ghassan A H Al Sulaiman, and McLaren Automotive’s Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, Mark Harrison.

The McLaren showroom, part of Al Ghassan Motors new retail complex in the sophisticated residential and shopping district of Tahliah Street, is a fitting venue for the British brand, which has now launched four of its six Middle East showrooms.

McLaren’s growing presence in the Middle East was also marked by the release of a stunning short film shot entitled “McLaren 12C finds ‘The Perfect Line’ at Yas Marina Circuit” The video is now available to view and embed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF6fHZncjYc.

Commenting on the launch, Harrison said: “McLaren has firmly established its presence in Saudi Arabia today with the opening of McLaren Jeddah; the new showroom provides our customers and fans with an impressive facility where they may see our debut model the 12C, and soak up some of the McLaren brand values. In particular, our attention to detail and focus on performance and exceptional customer service.”

Visitors will be able to see the first ‘pure’ McLaren production road car, the MP4-12C. The debut model will be joined within a year by the second of McLaren’s planned model line-up, with a full range of McLaren sports cars in place within three or four years.

The 12C draws upon the company’s longstanding Formula 1 experience and features a number of unique and innovative features that help make it the world’s fastest and most efficient high performance sports car in its segment: the world’s only one-piece, moulded carbon chassis; a lightweight, highly efficient 592bhp V8 twin turbo engine; and an innovative ‘Proactive Chassis Control’ suspension system that allows drivers to switch between ultimate track performance and optimum road comfort.

Alongside the 12C in McLaren Jeddah’s new showroom is the iconic McLaren Formula 1 car, MP4/13.  Dominating the 1998 season, the car went on to win nine Grands Prix and produced a first World Drivers’ Championship for Formula 1 legend Mika Hakkinen along with the World Constructors Championship and 12 pole positions for the team.

Sheikh Ghassan A H Al Sulaiman commented: “We are proud to welcome McLaren Automotive as a partner in the Al Ghassan stable of automotive brands. As an innovative and forward thinking brand with a rich racing heritage, McLaren also values customer service, and, I believe, will offer an exciting new choice in this market for our discerning customers in Saudi Arabia.”

Al Ghassan Motors is one of an initial 35 retailers appointed worldwide by McLaren Automotive to sell its range of high-performance, premium sports cars, starting with the ground-breaking MP4-12C. As a specialist in luxury automotive cars, Al Ghassan Motors brings a wealth of experience and an extensive knowledge of the Saudi Arabia market to McLaren.

The Middle East is a key market for McLaren Automotive. In addition to the three showrooms already open in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (Al Habtoor Motors), and Kuwait (Ali Alghanim & Sons), the company’s full regional network will include retailers in Doha (Al Wajba Establishment) and Manama (Al Ghassan Motors). There is also a service centre in Beirut (Saad & Trad Sal).

Date of Birth: November 26, 1989
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 124lbs
Measurements: 34D-24-35

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Turn-ons: Manly men
Turn-offs: Bad pick up lines
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialMeganRetzlaff

The Interview

AMF: Where are you from? Where are you currently living?
- I’m from Minneapolis and still live here, just live north of the city.

AMF: How long have you been modeling for?
- I’ve been modeling since I was 18 years old.

AMF: How did you start modeling?
- I used to compete in pageants and met some people to help get me started in the industry.

AMF: What would you say separates you from other models?
- I’m determined and will do whatever it takes to reach my goals. Some people give up, but I won’t stop until I’m at the top.

AMF: What are some of your best achievements thus far?
- Something recent that I’m proud of is being the new face of Jaide Clothing for 2012. Jaide is an amazing clothing line from Canada and I’m super excited to represent them this year.

AMF: What do you like or dislike about modeling?
- I like being versatile and playing different characters. It’s never boring. I haven’t really came across anything that I dislike… yet!

AMF: What is your best modeling secret?
- Have confidence in yourself. It will help you land modeling jobs.

AMF: What is the best modeling project that you’ve done?
- My favorite modeling project to date was getting featured on the COED magazine website and being named Miss COED February!

AMF: What is the strangest modeling project that you’ve done?
- Can’t say I’ve had any.

AMF: What would you say is your best physical feature?
- My favorite feature changes a lot; today I really love my eyes.

AMF: What do you like to do outside of modeling?
- I love spending time with my family as much as I can.

AMF: What is your dream car and why?
- I love too many cars to name them all, but I really love the new 2012 Dodge Charger!

AMF: What do you like about the industry / scene and why?
- I love meeting and networking with different people.

AMF: What do you dislike about the industry / scene and why?
- I can’t think of anything…

AMF: What is the most memorable modeling experience and why?
- All of them actually!

AMF: Having success as a model (like anything) comes with a price, what was yours?
- None.

AMF: What advice would you give out to aspiring models?
- Shoot for the stars and never give up.

AMF: Shout outs or last words?
- I would love if everyone would come check out this contest and place a vote for me to be MAXIM’s Gamer Girl. I really enjoy playing video games when I’m not busy with modeling, family, or hanging out at car events.www.maximgamergirl.com/MeganRetzlaff Thank you!

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With Ducati Caffès already opened in Rome, Shanghai and Bangkok, Dubai now presents the perfect premium location for the latest opening, where the world of Ducati will combine with Italian gastronomy to deliver the same “Made in Italy” style that characterises the world-famous motorcycle manufacturer.

“We are very excited to expand the Ducati Caffè concept into the UAE with the AD Group and delighted that the first location is Dubai,” said Lucio Attinà, Apparel & Brand Development Director at Ducati Motor Holding. “This city is vibrant and sophisticated and the perfect environment for a premium brand like Ducati. We are proud to be here as ambassadors of “Made in Italy” excellence, and very happy to launch this new adventure with such an accomplished partner.”

Passion, excellence and Italian tradition are the values that contribute highly to Ducati’s worldwide success, a simple, winning recipe now applied to a series of activities that further distinguish the sophisticated brand.

Capturing the raw passion that drives the Ducati community and applying it to an elegant and exciting lifestyle capable of uniting people from all backgrounds is the power behind the Ducati Caffè concept, and its world-wide appeal grants it an instant passport for international success.

“We are very excited about establishing the Ducati Caffè in Dubai, I am a huge fan of the brand myself and feel confident that it will be positively received here,” said Abdul Aziz Al Dawihi, President of AD Group. “Ducati Caffè is designed for people who want to live every moment to the fullest and who enjoy a lifestyle which encompasses culture, work and leisure. It is an ideal destination for everyone from Ducati and sports (motorsports) fans as well as food and coffee loving individuals. Dubai Mall is just the beginning; we are planning to open several Ducati Caffès in the region within the next two years, within the major shopping destinations of Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Beirut, Riyadh and Jeddah.”

Combining coffee and fine foods with Ducati clothing and merchandise, the stylish venue will create a unique blend of sophisticated dining and authentic Italian performance, powered by the passionate new Ducati / AD Group partnership. With these important ingredients for success, the Ducati Caffè in Dubai is sure to host a calendar of events that reflect Italian tradition at its best.

The new two-floor location covers 410 square metres and is decorated with “Ducati Art” paintings and LCD monitors that constantly deliver the Ducati lifestyle image. With a wall-mounted Ducati Superbike adding that extra special touch, diners are never far from Ducati’s rich heritage of beautiful, hand-built motorcycles.

Former World Champion and official Ducati Team rider, Nicky Hayden, made a special guest appearance at the opening before moving on to his next Grand Prix: “This part of the world is important for the Ducati Team, considering that Qatar hosts the season-opening race and the championship’s only night race, and it’s a pleasure to get to visit in a more relaxed setting. I’m really impressed by the Ducati Caffè concept, and I think the one here in Dubai is a great example of the potential. Thanks to everyone who showed up for the opening, and of course thank you to Mr. Al Dawihi for the invitation, and good luck to AD Group for the other Ducati Caffès they have planned.”

Italian style is also underlined in its culinary excellence and the Ducati Caffè will serve the finest Italian foods to provide a revelation of tastes. Famous cheeses, balsamic vinegars, olive oils and many other specialities are skilfully prepared to represent Italy’s regional traditions and national creativity and taste, elements of an Italian lifestyle that Ducati now proudly share internationally.

Delicacies can be enjoyed daily “à la carte” or sampled in the dedicated “enogastronomia”, gourmet food area, and purchased from the shop situated in the Caffè, where also the latest apparel line and Ducati gifts provide an ideal way of taking home a little of the Ducati spirit.

The Ducati Caffè concept was realised with the associations of a number of prestigious companies and, together with those prominently supporting the “Made in Italy” tradition, now help to bring a little piece of Italy to Ducati’s international table.

The weekend’s qualifying session saw a strong start from the #1 12C GT3, driven by Fred Makowiecki (FRA) and Stef Dusseldorp (NLD). The duo dominated the race throughout and crossed the line more than 20 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. This result secured an all-McLaren 12C GT3 front row lock out, and another impressive performance from both driver pairings again saw Makowiecki and Dusseldorp lead from lights to flag, while the #2 12C GT3 driven by McLaren GT driver Alvaro Parente (PRT) and Grégoire Demoustier (FRA) battled hard and claimed fourth place. All the action from the FIA GT1 World race in Spain may be watched again at: http://youtu.be/cz2sGeJLZ34

McLaren GT Project Director Andrew Kirkaldy said: ”I am delighted for Hexis Racing and its drivers following their spectacular team performance in Spain. I am equally pleased for the team at McLaren GT who have been dedicated  to supporting all of our clients in the debut competitive season  of the new 12C GT3. This is a fantastic result for all involved, and it is great to see our combined efforts have helped one of our customer teams to the top step of the podium.

We have worked hard on the development of the 12C GT3 in the lead up to, and throughout the start of, the 2012 season, and it is important that we maintain our dedication to ensuring every one of our customer teams realises the potential of their new race cars. With the first victory for the 12C GT3 now secured, our engineers will focus their efforts on comprehensively supporting all of our customer teams and ensuring the 12C GT3 is equally rewarding for all of our clients.”

Fellow McLaren GT customer team Lapidus Racing also showed strong performance with the debut of the 12C GT3 in the International GT Open at the Nürburgring in Germany. The orange and white-liveried 12C GT3, driven by team owner Klaas Hummel and McLaren GT development driver Adam Christodoulou, showed consistent pace throughout the weekend’s two races, and the team claimed a double-fourth place finish.

McLaren GT official team kit now available to order through the McLaren Shop

New for the 2012 season is the launch of the new McLaren GT Collection – a stylish range of clothing and accessories finished in black with subtle grey and striking McLaren Orange detailing, as worn and used by the McLaren GT racing team. The range comprises durable and versatile leisurewear including polo shirts and waterproof jackets, as well as other accessories to appeal to all motorsport fans. Prices for the McLaren GT Collection start at £19.95, and the full range is available to order online through the official McLaren Shop – www.mclarenshop.com.

For a Ferrari enthusiast and great musician like Eric Clapton a one-off car just had to be produced. Designed by the Centro Stile Ferrari in collaboration with Pininfarina and the engineers from Maranello, the SP12 EC was created as homage to Clapton’s career and his long lasting experience as a Ferrari owner.

The world-famous guitar player has been attached to one particular Ferrari model: the 512 BB, of which he has owned three over the years. So his desire was to drive a car inspired by this model, with influences from the multi-award winning 458 Italia. Exclusively in the latest issue of the Ferrari Official Magazine Eric Clapton talks about his passion and how the idea of a one-off car was born.

Meticulous attention in terms of style and technology was paid to the proportions and architecture of the SP12 EC – which is part of Ferrari’s One-Off Programme – making this exceptional car even more significant. Just like music is created, applying the right notes in the right places to build a musical score, so was the creative process behind the SP12 EC.

It is no doubt that the “Stance” movement has taken hold of the tuner industry in the past few years and growing quicker than anyone could ever expect. Our friends at Stretch & Poke! are specialists at covering this trend, especially in the Canadian scene. Last year, AMF provided some coverage of their United We Stance event which had a great turn of of slammed cars with wicked looking wheel / rubber setups. This year marks their inaugural event properly titled as the Fitted Showcase held at the same spot as last year’s event in Downsview Park – a former  Canadian Air Force base.

The term “Stretch and Poke” refers to the way in which thin tires are stretched onto wide rims as well as an aggressive offset making the rims look like they’re poking out from the car. This black Accord Coupe is the perfect example of what this growing trend is about. Sure it may not be the safest approach during high speed maneuvering and forget about having tires that last past a season, but there is no doubt it makes any car look mean.

This 1970s 250C Coupe caught everyone’s attention with its air ride suspension. According to the owner and his crew, the car was finished in the wee hours prior to the show. It’s awesome to see these classics come back with a modern twist, looking forward to seeing the finish project in a few months.

With the growing popularity of Honda’s S2000 once again, it is no wonder there were plenty the show. This blue S2000 from the Level One crew looked fiercing with its SPOON S-Tai front bumper, Volk Racing TE37SL and its low stance – damn it looks good!

This E30 BMW looks damn near perfect and without a single scuff on it! Who doesn’t have a soft spot for quite possibly the best generation 3-series of all time?

Punch-Buggy-No-Punch-Backs! It is rare to see these 60s VW Beetles on the road, especially in North America. This two tone beauty had to of been restored as it looked clean as a whistle. Parked next to it was another vintage Beetle done in a rat-rod pro-rust style, check the gallery to see more.

The variety of cars present was immense from slammed Civics with reflective engine bays to track-beasts to crazy aggressive offset VIP cars.

This old school Subaru Legacy GT looks awesome with its matte black paint and perfect wheel fitment. Who would have ever thought that old school Subarus could look this good?

No show would be complete without some rotary love from Mazda, like this clean JDM-looking RX-7.

VIP love in the best way, the Lexus LS / Toyota Celsior aka King Pin of the VIP cars.

This Acura CSX was converted to its JDM cousin with its RR-style front bumper and rocking a mint-green colour accent scheme on the wheels, emblem and windshield banner.

If you’re a Honda fiend, prepare to have your hear melt with this beauty.  The most bling’d out engine at the show found in a Honda Civic hatch sporting an Acura 1.6EL front-end conversion. Gotta love the mutli-metallic tons from the exhaust headers and valve cover.

The Honda Ruckus in the S&P booth is something knew to the Canadian scene, but huge elsewhere – especially in sunny California.

VW Golfs in all the variations one could ever ask for, from mild to wild.

The 9th generation Civic surely doesn’t have the following of its previous siblings, but this mildly modified one is a nice addition to the scene.

The debut of ShinzoWerks’ GS complete in matte vinyl wrap and concave wheels. This car looks amazing with its dark tone accents and blacked out grill. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a spotlight on this beast.

The S&P awards looked classy complete with laser etching. There were two categories for the Best Of which included one for those equipped with air ride and the other for static. Congratulations to the winners and to all those who came out for the strong showing of nearly 500 vehicles! It was great to see familiar faces and new ones in the scene, especially with the stanced trend gaining momentum. What will this season bring in way of this movement? That remains to be seen, but it is surely catching the attention of every gear head – be it Euro, JDM or Domestic.

A big shout out to the Stretch & Poke! crew for organizing this event and letting AMF be a part of stance history with you! We look forward to many more in the days to come.

For more information, visit our friends Stretch & Poke!

Words & Photos: Giancarlo Pawelec

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Check out the TOPP Drift Day Event Coverage

For more information, please visit TOPP Drift Day

Words: Giancarlo Pawelec
Video: Ben Fry

Last week, we covered the Ertefa meet – a first for AMF – and now that the weather is more than ideal, an even larger showing was expected. From the moment it hit 9pm, cars began lining up to make the turn into the parking lot at Dave & Buster’s. Thankfully, the Ertefa crew had organized spotters around the lot to guide everyone in and prevent any issues from happening. The turn out was exceptional with an estimated 400+ cars and an even larger variety ranging from the typical JDM-flavour and modern domestics, to some classics and a handful of muscle cars. This week, AMF in partnership with Ertefa was to present a “Best in Show” award to the best car present as chosen by select representatives. The winner would receive an AMF prize pack consisting of some signature goodies (t-shirt, posters, and decals) as well as a complete detailing kit courtesy of Shining Monkey.

This electric blue Acura CSX caught the attention of many with its JDM-Honda conversion, carbon fiber hood, perfect stance and a pair of RECARO race buckets up front.

One of the cleanest Honda S2000s at the meet by far, sporting all white and Honda racing red accents like the JDM badge and tow hook.

Two Integras side by side rarely seen together – one with a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) front-end conversion, the other with the United States Domestic Market (USDM) original front-end. Both have strong points in the looks department and truthfully, every Honda fan would be torn to make the decision or would they? Post your thoughts below.

A rare sight at most car meets nowadays (unless it is classic-muscle car specific), a Camaro SS. This beast must be packing some serious power with those drag slicks on the back.

Quite possibly the rarest car during the meet (believe it or not) is this 1964 Chrysler New Yorker. Sure it may not have the power of a GT-R or the refinement of a Gallardo, but it is truly built with passion in every sense. The attention to detail during the 60s in the automotive world was impressive. This New Yorker might not be the most reliable or safe vehicle at present day, but the fact that it has existed 50-years and can still command attention when parked is worth noting. Kudos to the owner for bringing out this gem, a truly unique piece and great addition to the car meet!

Ever since the Fiat 500 became available for sale in North America, people have been scooping them up. There are plenty that can be seen on the roadways today, but how many of them have been modified? Red angel eyes, red fog lights, lowered, rims and tires – yes please! It’s good to see these out at meets and modified, for once.

This Mazda RX-7 got everyone’s attention and endless pics taken throughout the meet. Boasting some rotary goodness, aggressive stance and rare JDM aero parts, it is no wonder it quickly became a runner in the “Best of Show” competition at Ertefa.

This EVO looked wicked with its neon coloured wheels, tinted headlights, carbon fiber hood and visible intercooler with YOLO on it! For those that don’t know what YOLO means, it is an acronym for You Only Live Once. If YOLO is true, then this EVO is a great ride to have for your final voyage!

The beautiful Lamborghini Gallardo from Factory Tire was parked and catching glances. Love it or hate it (because of the wheel choice), it is unique and in true Lambo fashion – bad ass.

Like a scene out of Fast & The Furious (circa 2001), a few Scions were parked together rocking their audio and light setup. The tC (on the left) looked great with its matte orange paint while the xB (on the right) had more speakers than one could imagine. Thankfully, they were respectful of the Ertefa rules in keeping volume levels reasonable and not causing a ruckus as they normally would pacing that much wattage.

Fellow AMF motorcycle friends cruised up from the Leslie & Lakeshore meet (a bike meet that happens each and every Thursday evening) to show their support. A total of 16 motorcycles showed up together with an assortment of choices for any two-wheeled fan to drool over. Honda CBR, Suzuki GSX-R, Kawasaki ZX-R, Yamaha R and all others together at one time – truly an epic moment. Pick your poison or just drool a little longer!

This gorgeous Suzuki GSX-R1000 was spotted rocking an AMF rainbow chrome decal and looking truly illest! This bike alone puts a whole new meaning to, “Black and Yellow” LOL!

The winner of the AMF prize pack during the Ertefa meet was Josh Jeong with his incredibly clean and very JDM FD3S RX-7. Congratulations to him for showing his support and coming out!

Once again the Ertefa meet went without a hitch, even with the 400+ vehicle turnout. Spectators got together for some great times with familiar faces, an incredible assortment of vehicles, and police were friendly during the clean up at the end. Be sure to check out next week’s meet at the same, same location in Vaughn and be sure to spot the AMF crew if you want your vehicle to be entered into the “Best in Show” competition.

For those looking to come out, the details are below:
Date: Thursday (each week)
Time: 9pm – 12am
Location: Dave & Buster’s Restaurant
Address: 120 Interchange Way, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada L4K 5C3

Words & Photos: Giancarlo Pawelec

For more information, please visit Ertefa
Find them on Facebook at Ertefa

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In addition to the watch’s many references to the sprinter, it features an interesting hallmark: the strap is made from exactly the same leather as the shoes he wore when he broke the world records in Beijing in 2008.

Usain “Lightning” Bolt, the world’s fastest man, now has a Swiss watch named in honour of him and featuring his image. Hublot, for whom he is an ambassador, has developed this special model in close consultation with the champion, to mark this monumental year in sport. A truly multifaceted symbol.

“It’s perfectly natural to be associated with the fastest man, not just on the planet, but the fastest since the Big Bang” declared Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot.

Usain Bolt, who turns 25 this year, recently opened his season in style by completing his first individual 100 metres in just 9.82 seconds at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, as he prepares to defend three titles in London this summer: the 100, 200 and 4X100 metres. “It’s a good start, I would say. It’s certainly better than last season (upon his return – ed.). I feel better than last year, so I’m definitely happy with myself”, said Bolt, who began his 2011 season with a time of 9.91 seconds at a meeting in Rome on the 26th May.

He wanted his watch to be a fusion of the symbols representing everything he holds dear. Starting with his silhouette, THAT pose – his unique signature – stylised and immediately recognisable in an anthracite grey transfer on a black background at 9 o’clock in the centre of the movement’s permanent small seconds counter. Another symbol… the choice to appear at the centre of the permanent chronograph, embodying time which constantly passes, never stopping… The chronograph movement features a central 60-second hand and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock (which could serve him well in his crucial preparation routine during the final countdown prior to each race). A 12-hour chronograph counter sits at 6 o’clock, and is decorated with a touch of green in a nod to the colours on the flag of Bolt’s beloved home: Jamaica. Indispensable. A date window at 4.30 completes the design. The 48 mm-diameter watch, in micro-blasted ceramic, is predominantly black, with gold – Bolt’s own colour and that of his lucky fetish shoes – very much in evidence, adding a further symbolic touch. The flange features a 2N gold powder coating and the strap is made from exactly the same gold-coloured synthetic leather as his shoes. This is stitched onto black rubber – a Hublot signature – to guarantee comfort, strength and flexibility.

Hublot wishes Usain Bolt the best of luck! We hope his watch will become a most trusted companion during the exciting season ahead. As Bolt declared following his first successful performance of the season: “The best is yet to come!”