After a year of complaining that I get no e-mails, I've had an e-mail of complaint! So, firstly, a tongue-in cheek apology to all of those I offended with my excellent critique of the MG Montego Turbo - apparently I was a little harsh… I'm not sure how that could be possible, Max. Anyway, I stand by my assertion that an 80's FWD could be the ideal steed for a foray into the SW Driver's Championship. Could someone prove me right, please?
This month's Notes include details of the California Cup Autotest at Silverstone. I really like autotests, but my GT is not really suited - lowered suspension, negative camber and wide tyres add up to murder on the biceps. The event is non-damaging if you are sensible, but one of the entrants in the 2004 tests managed to get his car (a boat-tailed L-Type if I recall correctly) up on two wheels and fall out! The really skilful drivers make their Midgets (the weapon of choice) dance around the cones. Why not give it a go yourself this year? There's not much else to do at Silverstone on Saturday morning and, who knows, you might have some really good fun.
Well, the 'season' has started but I am thus far bereft of event reports due to copy deadlines being a month ahead of the publication date. I am always pleased to receive event reports and photographs to include in the Notes - please send by e-mail or give me a call to get my postal address.
May is an action-packed month of social events and competitive motorsport, starting with the Wessex Sprint at RAF Colerne on 2nd May. It will be too late to enter by the time you read this, but please contact Bruce Morgan on 01275 790855 if you want to marshal. As I said last month, spectators are not admitted to marshalling is your only option if you want to watch the action. The Wye Valley Social Run is on Sunday 22nd May. I've not got any details yet, but the run is usually an all-day affair through beautiful countryside with plenty of refreshment opportunities. A group from the right side of the Severn usually meet up at Aust services to join up with the foreigners at the 'official' start. If you want more information, telephone Terry Davies on 01989 562366.
Our first event in June is the Bath Gymkhana on Sunday 5th organised by Peter Jones. I believe that the successful 'afternoon format' trialled last year was considered enough of a success to make it a permanent arrangement. Please contact Peter on 01225 837545 for an entry form. Again following on from a successful trial last year, the Charity Gymkhana and Flying Day on Sunday 26th promises to be a feast of fun if you like old cars (providing that they are MGs) and classic aircraft. I'll give you with more details next month, but please call Tony Blake on 0117 979 0108 if you cannot wait until then.
Into July and things really pick up. I've had another e-mail - this time from Alan Grassam with details of the Dorset Social Run on Sunday 10th. The run starts from Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth and finishes at Portland Bill Lighthouse for cream teas. Entry forms and further details are available from Alan on 01935 863673, by e-mail at agsquarecrackers@ukf.net or from the SW website. We've the Pucklechurch Gymkhana on Sunday 17th and the California Cup Autotest at Silverstone on Saturday 22nd. The California Cup is billed as the club's "premier" autotest, attracting entries from around the country. Sadly, SW entries are a bit thin on the ground - does anyone want to join me in entering an MGB team this year?
Finally, don't forget to visit the website for real-time updates on events. You can also enter the 'surfer of the month' competition - the monthly winners are entered into a draw at the Annual Dinner for the chance to win a holiday in the Caribbean courtesy of our webmaster, John Thomas. Just click on the link!
Neil Lock
neil@port-z.fsnet.co.uk
01275 817915 (before 9pm please)
SW Centre website: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccsw