Don't believe what you read! MG Enthusiast magazine noted that entries for the California Cup were disappointingly low prior to the event but that on-the-day entries swelled the numbers considerably. Actually, on-time entries were a bit sparse but this seemed to reflect MG Silverstone 2006 as a whole. I'll keep the report for another day as I have yet to receive the results spreadsheet from Club Office.
I found the Trader's City a bit disappointing but quite amusing. Perhaps we should have a competition to work out the price of building, say, a Midget or B from second-hand parts! By my calculations, I have thrown out several thousand pounds worth of junk - I mean used parts - with no obvious useful life left in them. I was looking at the MGB performance parts too; it's pretty amazing what you can do nowadays, but I wonder whether having an MGB that goes, stops and handles like a modern car spoils the point of having an MGB in the first place.
Watch out next month for reports on the Bath Gymkhana (can I have one please Peter?), California Cup (see above) and Pucklechurch Gymkhana. According to Tony Blake's report, the Oaksey AutoAero Day was "picnic perfection". The weather was great, the cars terrific and the aircraft better still (if that's not heresy in Safety Fast!). The display of aircraft was most impressive, even more so since they all flew in for the day. Some looked like museum pieces. It was amazing to see their pilots start the engines by hand, jump in and fly off. Everyone was really friendly too - our three year old was offered the chance to 'play' in a Tiger Moth just for showing some interest. There was a good range of cars on display too. There was a 'self-judged concours' which was actually more along the lines of a 'favourite car' competition. My favourite MG is the J2, or more specifically Mike Hawke's J2, so I was pleased to learn that Mike had won. Our three year old also had a little 'play' in the J2 but was most disappointed that he could not reach the pedals. Watch out, Mike, because if he grows up to be a car thief then I think he's heading your way on his first job! There was also a gymkhana involving blindfolds and beer glasses. Peter Jones won the raffle for a flight in a Tiger Moth - I hope it is more reliable than his cars! Many thanks to Tony Blake, his family and team for a really enjoyable day out.
It seems that I was not far out with my totally-made-up description of the Run to Shelsley Walsh on Sunday 20th August! The event is a round of various championships, including some for 'historic' cars and Shelsey specials. There's no news of start locations yet but the usual plan for the event is to meet somewhere early in the morning and travel to Shelsley in convoy (or convoys). Phil Archer is in charge, his number is 01454 633209.
'MGs on Track' are holding a Track Day at Castle Combe on 4th September. I've no contact details other than the website at www.mgs-on-track.com. The Wiscombe Hillclimb is Saturday 9th September. I'm sure anyone intending to enter will already have been in contact with Bruce Weston (number above), but I'm equally sure that Jon Pittard will still be looking for officials, marshals and other helpers. If you are able and willing to volunteer your services, please call Jon on 01275 879632. There's an MGCC race meeting at Castle Combe on 16th September. Combe is great for spectators - if you get the right spot then you can just about see the entire circuit! I'm wondering whether it would be a nice idea to travel up in convoy and perhaps secure some 'special' parking. Drop me an e-mail if you are interested.
The Patchway Autotests are scheduled for the 24th September. I say scheduled as there has been talk that the venue is now a building site. I'll find out more for the Notes next month. There's no news, either, of the MGCC SW Centre 70th Anniversary Event. I'll make some enquiries in that respect too; I just hope my enquiries are not misconstrued as me volunteering to organise something… Finally, I'll mention the Kimber PCT on 22nd October as it is the last chance in the year to use your MG competitively on a SW Centre event.
Neil
neil@port-z.fsnet.co.uk
01275 817915 (before 9pm please)
SW Centre website: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccsw