A need for speed fuels Mikey’s passion for cars
Among the 54 cars he owned, he quickly developed an interest in turbo engines and has not looked back since.
Rebuilding, fine-tuning and finding what works in a motor engine is among some of the characteristics Michael Maloney possesses.
As an avid car fanatic, Mikey (as he is better known) has owned a whopping 54 cars!
How did he acquire this passion you may ask?
In an exclusive interview with the Newcastle Advertiser, Mikey revealed his interest in cars began taking root at a young age.
“Oddly enough, the 1400 Nissan Bakkie was the first car I built with my dad,” he laughed.
Among the 54 cars he owned, he quickly developed an interest in turbo engines and has not looked back since.
“It’s a whole new ball game; a different lifestyle. Turbos are easy power,” he explained. Mikey currently owns a VW Golf Turbo 2-litre V8 and a turbo Corsa Bakkie. “When I get home from work, I work on my cars until I fall asleep,” he joked.
When asked for an estimate of the money spent on rebuilding cars, he quipped that he would need to rob a bank to recoup the money spent. Mikey’s passion for cars has translated into his professional career, as he worked as a diesel mechanic, and later in the electrical industry with his dad.
He currently works on controllers for diesel tankers and is studying towards a career as a safety officer.
The recent addition to his car addiction was the purchase of another stock Golf, which he races at the monthly Oval Track meets.
“It’s my fifth race at the Oval Track and I’m enjoying it.”
One of the stickers on his Oval Track car holds a specially meaning, as he supports the Hero 777 campaign, which is a programme to raise awareness about organ and kidney disease.
“My aunt was diagnosed with a kidney disease and she receives dialysis twice a week,” he added. Mikey said he was looking forward to the Autobarn Show Off Your Ride car event on August 3, and was especially anticipating the spinning, sound and show and shine categories.
“Watch this space!” he concluded.
What spectators can expect at the show:
Drifting, spinning, IASCA Car Sound Competition, mobile dyno, RC drift cars (high powered remote control drift cars), go-karts, Meguiars SA live car restoration demo, Speed and Sound Magazine live, Speed and Sound Magazine Hot Hatch Challenge and low limbo.
There will be food stalls, children’s entertainment, live bands and DJs, exhibitors and a beer garden. Gates open at 10am and the show starts at 1pm. For more information about the event, call 076 618 5476.
Competition time:
The organisers of the show will be offering a VIP experience for one lucky couple.
They will stand a chance to win a set of his and hers Speed and Sound Magazine limited edition race shirts, two tickets to the show, a ride in any one of the drift or spinning cars of their choice, two complimentary rides in the Swift Racing Go-Karts, and free parking for their vehicle to attend the show.
The total package price is valued at R2 000. For competition details, visit www.newcastleadvertiser.co.za
Terms and conditions apply!
ALSO READ: Newcastle’s own ‘mad mechanic’ takes his vehicle rebuilding skills to the max
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