Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms John Sheally II

John had some wise philosophies. Aside from being a stellar racer and concours preparer, he was an excellent mechanic. He worked on many Morgans aside from his own, cherry-picking the subjects. When it came to advice, he would voice his opinion, invariably right, from his deep experience and industry contacts. However, when the questioner decided to take another route instead, he had learned not to be bothered, regardless of the often sad consequences.

I came to understand that. One learns relatively little from success..while mistakes teach an immense amount. JHS had a system he used in practice laps. He would push his new steed of the moment far past its limits in the practice runs, looking scary and wild to spectators. He explained that was the only way he could quickly determine the limits of the car. He then invariably proceeded to win the race. That is a system I never followed. (wryly) But it is a testament to how much confidence he had in his ability to get out of trouble.

There are so many actions of racers that often go unseen, even to a world eager to pay anything for them. John could pick them out where others could not. JHS2 and I attended the Montreal Grand Prix together once. Both Schumacher brothers were racing, against each other. We were seated at a hairpin turn. See if you can see the gesture made at high speed! Picture by John.

Sheally was a lot of fun. And yes, I imagine the constant presence and exchanges with the celebrati is sadly missed by many. I stay in touch.