The meeting was called to order at 8:05 by John Schroeder, welcoming not only all those present, but the start of the driving season. In attendance were 38 members (none new) and 1 guest - Bob Aldrich (an ’80 “B”). These members have worked on the following car projects:
-John Schroeder (floor pans in his “B”) - with the help of Wade Keane
-Barney Gaylord (wipers motor in his MGA)
-Seth Jones (suspension on his Midget, and sought advice on bleeding the clutch)
-Hugh Brady (’68 B) said that a body shell is available to anyone who would like to haul it away from United Classic Motors in Naperville (contact Paul Watts if interested)

Past Events

"Cowboy” reported Spring Tune-Up Party held at Quality Tire & Auto in Darie (2/27/05), where at least 20 members serviced their cars (without any major surprises), and a good lunch was enjoyed afterwards.

Upcoming Events

Wade Keane reminded everyone that the season’s first autocross will be at the Warrenville AMC Cantera Theatres on Sun., 4/24/05.
Wade also reminded everyone about the 4/30/05 Spring Tour, which will start on the western edge of Aurora and head to Utica, Ill. (& back).
Doug Clark said on Sat., 5/7/05, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. that any and all club members are invited to attend the Spring Open House at United Classic Motors (UCM), located at 1700 Quincy in Naperville.
-while not an event dedicated solely to CMGC members, the owner, Paul Watts is a member of our club (and an MG owner)
-UCM opened late in 2004 and services all British marques
-UCM hosted a Fall Open House, as well as a CMGC tech session last month
-since business ventures such as this serve MG owners and their cars, let’s support it to the mutual benefit of us all
    Russ Mehaffey said the Spring Chicken Rally, to be held on Sun., 5/15/05, will start near Shorewood, Ill., and proceed north along Fox River valley area roads.
John Schroeder mentioned an Elk Grove Village car show (5/15/05).
John reminded all of the 5/27-5/29 Champagne Car Festival (which has a link from the CMGC Internet site).
Members were urged to drive their cars as much as possible during British Car Week, which starts on 5/28/05, per John.
Jim Evans said that on Sat., 5/28/05, Carroll Shelby will be on site at the Volo Auto Museum - for autographs.
John said a Chicago cruise on the Outer Drive will be on Sat., 6/4/05.
John said that theAustin-Healey autocross has been rescheduled for Sun., 6/5/05 (at the Cantera Theatres in Warrenville).
Tom Josefek provided an update on the planned Lands’ End Rally, to be held on Sat., 6/11/05 (starting near Marengo, Ill.).
-since part of the instructions will be in audio format, a CD player, as well as speakers, will be needed for each car (shades of the beginning of Mission Impossible?)
-the rally will finish at Curt Bork’s house (near Kirkland, Ill.)
John said that the Club is sending three MGs to NAMGBR in July.
Jake Snyder provided an update on the BRIC race weekend (7/15-17).
-camping will be at Plymouth Rock (slots are still open)
-highlights will be visiting Elkhart Lake, being in the paddock at the race track, and seeing CMGC members & their cars (on the track!)

Members are urged to check the Club web site for further details and/or updates to any upcoming CMGC or LBC related events.

Other Business

Jim gave a treasury update.
Jim said the Club routinely receives newsletters and announcements from other car clubs (which we bring to our monthly meetings), should anyone be interested in learning about their activities.
Jim provided an update on the Club’s tools (including power).
Dave Lieb (at last, real sandals weather) stated that an addition to the library is a book on the MGA.
David L. Ransom, Jr. said that he’s working on obtaining additional regalia items, including tool bags & grille badges.
The updated Club directories will be mailed out to members who didn’t pick theirs up at the All British Swap Meet.

At 8:45 the business portion of the meeting ended and the 50/50 raffle tickets were sold - with the winners being Chris Shephard ($28) which he generously donated back (Thank you, Chris!), and “Cowboy” (Classic Motorsports t-shirt).

Program

At 9:15, John Schroeder passed around photos taken on last month’s Missouri Endurance Rally, while providing a recap of it.
Wade, in leading up to a Club-led discussion of autocrosses, mentioned that tips for this driving skill, namely, Andy’s Top Ten AutoX Driving Tips (courtesy of the Windy City Miata Club) were reprinted and available for Club members at the front tables.
-Gary Cooke, who enjoys driving in the Club autocrosses immensely, spoke with great enthusiasm about how he has learned to become a better driver on the course, vouched that MGs are great cars to drive in this fashion, and encouraged others to participate.
-“Cowboy” and Barney, who also have participated frequently over the years, added positive comments.
-Russ urged newcomers &/or novices to try it.
-Wade reviewed the basic safety rules/requirements (seat belts, helmet, wheels, safety inspection) Our thanks go to John for bringing in his pictures, and to those, especially Gary, who promoted the Club’s autocross events.

The program and meeting ended at 9:30 p.m.

Respectufully submitted,
Doug Clark