You can learn a lot about a person from a little word association. For example, if you say “machine” and the subject replies “head,” chances are they’re a Deep Purple fan. If you say “wife” and get a reply of “chainsaw,” or if you say “barnyard” and get the response of “lubricant,” then you know you have trouble. Along those lines, we’re not quite sure what to make of Mathew Foster, the winner in a recent MINI contest that had entrants define the ultimate test drive in six words.
Mr. Foster’s six words? Stewardess, salt flats, paratroopers, sushi, Falconer. If anyone can explain what the outdated term for a flight attendant, a high-speed testing ground, airborne soldiers, Japanese cuisine and an obscure Swedish power metal band have to do with the new MINI Coupe, we’re all ears. Odd though his terms may be, they do make for an interesting video, reminiscent of college roommates who ingested large quantities of magical mushrooms. Except in the video, the carpet never marched up the wall to eat the light.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
