The Steering Column
Left Hand Drive from our President

Pitchers and catchers showing up for spring training. It looks like we are getting close to a new driving season. I started out the year with a drive on New Year’s Day. I did leave the top up but the weather was too good for January to pass up a chance to get Maggie’s juices flowing. I think of it as maintenance. It’s one of the few things I can do in the maintenance department.

The short drive got me thinking about the upcoming driving events. Susan and I are working with Tim and Jamie Schafer on the Dan Herman Memorial Secrets of Jo Daviess Tour. We did some preliminary work last fall and it will be a great tour. A little of the old and a little of the new will be included in this year’s tour. The social part of the weekend will begin on Friday night, June 9th, with dinner and the actual tour will begin on Saturday morning for the traditional start at the Country Inn and Suites in Stockton. More information can be found in the Driveline. The tours and rallies are a great way to enjoy your car and camaraderie of fellow club members.

In John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech he said “Ask not what your car club can do for you, ask what you can I do for your car club” or something like that. What you can do for your car club is plan a tour or rally. The planning can be a lot of fun. The more we participate the more we enjoy. Think about what type of driving event you like and get it scheduled. Reinout is always eager to fill up the driving events calendar.

~~ Ray Hansen & Maggie     (AKA Little Red)

	The Steering Column
	Right Hand Drive   from our Vice-President

Well here I am. My first Right Hand Drive. I was thinking what a fun trip it’s been. I bought my MGB back in May of 2014. The drive home from Milwaukee was exciting. Brake lights and turn signals that didn’t work reliably. Steering, that at highway speeds was unnerving. I got home safely. Thank you God! But, I knew I had lots to fix before I taught my son to drive stick shift.

This was the event that led me to the Chicagoland MG Club. It was while researching repair info that I stumbled upon the gem of “Tech Tips” articles on the CMGC web site. This was a goldmine for me. The wiring diagram helped me quickly identify the source of the tail and brake light issue. The Front suspension rebuild articles gave me confidence to tackle that project. I had to meet this club.

So I went to my first rally. The Spring Chicken Run is where I first met these great folks that loved their cars. I was sold. I learned about the club meetings and events. Here I am not even three years later the newly elected vice-president.

I really have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into this time. But, I look forward to working with you, the club members, for our mutual fun and benefit. I think the future is so bright I gotta wear shades!

Safety Fast

~~~ Jim Compton