Signature Events of the CMGC
Abingdon '04:
The MG Weekend

The Abingdon Natter ‘n’ Noggin - Friday evening, September 24, 2004
The patio of the Best Western Prairie Inn becomes the central MG meeting place. The Chicagoland MG Club hospitality suite serves snacks, beverages, and Old Speckled Hen, the official beer of the MG Summer Party, together with light appetizers. Sponsors and vendors present handout materials at the 'Sponsor Desk'. Tables with umbrellas (for the sun, of course) are available on the spacious patio. There is plenty of opportunity for some tire kicking and bench-racing when you may admire the Abingdon Sterling cars.

The Abingdon Commons Car Show - Saturday morning, September 25, 2004
It is the unique environment of this Popular Vote Car Show, which makes it one of our Signature Events. The main parkway in the center of the City of Abingdon is reserved for our MG’s. This park-setting invites you to stroll around at your leisure, compare cars in a wide variety of classes, and cast your vote for the best examples of each type. During the Abingdon Commons Car Show, we also feature the Abingdon Sterling.

The Abingdon Sterling - Saturday morning, September 25, 2004
Not a contest, not a concourse, not a judged car show.
This is a unique award for the Best of the Best MG’s. Expert judges will score the participating MG’s for originality and quality. Only MG’s meeting the highest criteria are awarded the Abingdon Sterling to certify that the Abingdon Sterling judges found the car to be an exceptional example of the marque, in an exceptional condition, and exceptionally original. An MG with an Abingdon Sterling will forever be qualified among the best available and will command respect, admiration, and confidence. The Abingdon Sterling is a most prestigious award, and is already considered a valuable asset to the Best MG’s in North America. Several MG’s that qualified in previous years will be featured on the lawn of the hotel patio at the Friday Natter ‘n’ Noggin.

The Famous Abingdon Gymkhana - Saturday afternoon, September 25, 2004
This may be replaced by a planned group tour to the Bishop Hill historical site for their harvest days celebration.
There is probably only one city that will close its 8 lanes wide by two blocks long downtown area to host a driving test for MG’s. Yes, Abingdon closes Main Street on Saturday afternoon for the Famous Abingdon Gymkhana. Cones mark the course to be followed by you, the sole driver of your MG against the clock. No other MG’s on the course, no other traffic on the street. Just you and a stopwatch. Although these events are generally known as autocross, or solo racing, our Abingdon Gymkhana emphasizes driving skill over speed, safety over handling, learning over experience, and enjoyment over competition. There are several classes to even out MG types and a special Rookie Award is presented to the best result by a first time participant. Since Safety Fast is our motto, all MGs will be inspected for safety and performance related enhancements. Several timed runs follow the reconnaissance walks, tours and practice. Instructors are available for the first few runs to help familiarization with the course. When the competition is finished, there are courtesy tours. Take friends, kids, or the people and children from Abingdon, to share the fun of driving an MG and show appreciation for their support.