Safety Fast! Notes for March 2008

Today was a really nice day, so we went for a drive in the TC. Blue skies, sun in our eyes, warm wind on our faces, and that lovely exhaust note only an MG can make. Nothing unusual in that I hear you say, except that this is the first weekend in February, normally a period of bitter weather best suited to fireside activities. Is this the sign of a longer season of MG motoring? I hope so.

Our first sporting event of the season is the brilliant Kimber Classic Trial. Probably the best selection of MGs you will see on a trial anywhere. Lots of cars, lots of mud and lots of fun. You are invited to join us at the Sparkford Inn at Sparkford for the lunchtime halt. The car park of this old roadside Inn will be full of the cars, the crew and their friends. A great lunchtime natter.

If more speed and less mud is your scene the Wessex Sprint at Colerne airfield near Castle Combe on May 5th is the place to be .You can watch for free in return for a bit of help on the day. Talk to Bruce Morgan on 01275 790855

We do not have a naviscat rally this spring. A replacement event will however take place in the autumn. It will be a new style treasure hunt, which will be a bit easier on the map reading.

Fast forward a bit to the Silverstone weekend on June 13/15, the centre are pleased to be running the California Cup Autotests again. Look out for news of how you can get close to the action and be involved in this exciting event. The same weekend, by unfortunate coincidence, a group from the Compton Martin natter will be making the trip to the 76th Le Mans 24-hour race. Just 4 weeks later another group will be making a similar pilgrimage to the Sarthe circuit for the Le Mans Classic 24hr race. These annual trips are run on a group basis. Travel plans are flexible, the pace leisurely, hotels or camping optional, lots of food and wine compulsory and all at a reasonable cost. Well, it’s cheaper than a grand prix. It may be possible to include a few more cars, give us a call.

If you have some spare time at the computer, search the You Tube site for MG Car club trials and you will see excellent coverage of last year’s Mendip Trial. There is a wide selection of cars in action at this regular venue. The highlight is a rather impressive climb by a green 18/80 and an equally impressive show of really energetic bouncing by Victoria – Jones that is. So who made the video? We know who he is, but to you his name is just bodnet

Next month will include news from our club stand at the Bristol Classic Car Show, the winners and awards at the annual dinner and a further update on coming events.

Finally, returning to the theme of sunny days and motoring. If your MG does have a hood, do drive with it down. You know it makes sense.

Dave Coppock