Spotlight: Jim Schubert

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

Most people don't know my wife and I had the opportunity to ride on an ocean racing hydrofoil catamaran while living in Hawaii. We were invited as guests of Masserati, the vessel's sponsor. It was exhilarating flying over the waves at nearly 60 mph suspended on an elastic net.

What is your favorite hobby?

My hobbies include constructing miniature racing cars but as I've gotten older I've taken to maintaining the vehicles I own.

What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

There are many delicacies to enjoy, but I think I could live on chocolate chip cookies.

What’s one item you can’t live without?

I cannot image a life without my wife Elaine.

Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

My first European car was a 2 liter Alfa Romeo spider. I did all the maintenance except for working on the gearbox. I've owned many other cool and more powerful cars but the 15 years I owned the Alfa probably were the most rewarding for a car guy.

When did you join the car club, and why?

I joined the car club in 2020 shortly after retiring in Sedona. I was looking for other similarly interested folks to hang out with.

What car are you most fond of and why?

Currently I'm most fond of the Lamborghini Galardo Valentino Balboni edition because I've met Mr. Balboni on multiple occasions. This model was the first rear drive Lamborghini built to the honored test drivers specifications to be more "lively" on the road.

What do you like most about the car club, what do you like the least?

I'm happy to contribute to the club through the Tire Tracks magazine and hopefully spread my love for and interest in cars, especially sports cars. I was once the President of the Central Ohio Alfa Romeo Owners Club and we hosted a national convention. The experience taught me that car lovers are of all ilks but can find commonality in that love of cars in spite of the diversity of backgrounds and experiences. It's unfortunate when members forget our differences are what make the group stronger.

What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

When I was a child and my father was stationed in the armed forces, my mother got a speeding ticket driving us home from the military base in our VW Bus. We must have had the wind at our backs!