Lamborghini's legendary and recently retired chief test driver Valentino Balboni was in town recently for a quick visit. Did a short interview (read it in Jan '10 issue's News section) with the impossibly friendly Italian, took some stylo pictures in the Lamborghini showroom 'studio' and wrapped up the Saturday morning meeting with a handshake. Which was firm, in a sports suspension sort of way; warm, like a V10 engine at rest; and fast, like a Gallardo at speed.

For the rest of that weekend, my right hand seemed to steer with unusual finesse. It even worked the indicator stalk like magic, barely brushing against it to signal and to flash all those Ferraris holding me up on the road. Yes, supercars used to be faster than my Suzuki and many a driver was quicker than me, but not after I shook hands with VB the driving demigod. Too bad the magic wore off and my driving ability returned to normal (=slow) on Monday morning. 

It's been quite a few days since that fateful Monday, maybe I should wash my hands already. 

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