On Sunday May 23rd, President Dave Peterson and Editor Bill Reece have teamed up for this year’s Spring Chicken Tour set up. And while we're enjoying the Lake Geneva area from the cockpit of our MG's, Bill and his wife Jan are firing up the grill for the chicken lunch afterwards. Please make sure that you let them know you're coming so they can plan accordingly and also note that this is a BYOB event.
In the last Directions I mentioned dash plaques and trophies. We've found a source for very nice dash plaques and if all goes as planned, also trophies are on their way. You want to see them? I think you know the answer right? The only way is to drive your MG to one of the events.
At the May club meeting we will spend a little bit of time to explain the concept of our rallies in preparation for the Land's End Trail, the first rally of the year. It is also one of the oldest driving events in our club going back more than 20 years.
And even more impressive, the very first Land's End Trial was held in England in 1908, for motor cycles only and going from London to Land's End and back to London, In 1914 so-called Light Cars were also admitted and in 1920, when cars entered it became a one-way only. In 1925, Cecil Kimber, the founder of MG built a special car for the event. FC7900 was its license plate but the car is better known as “Old Number One”. And guess what, Cecil Kimber won the event and established MG as the well respected sports car it has been ever since. Our Land's End Trial has nothing to do with the challenges of these early race events. They have been family oriented and low key gimmick rallies. Fun for every one and we'll tell you all about it in May.

Please always check for last minute changes on our website at www.chicagolandmgclub.com or go to www.facebook.com and type Chicagoland MG Club in the search box. And no matter how much you drive an MG, please remember .....

“The more you drive, the more you smile” -- Reinout Vogt

Civil Unrest! -
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looked at me and said, “Well, I have to be careful these days not to be TOOOOOO much like my big brother!” What could I say?

That was almost 10 years ago and I must say that old Geoff has the car running and looking very fine! He has grown with that (as have I) and in many ways it has made him a better person – certainly has added a dimension to his life. Geoff has had a lot challenges and he has met them all. And through them all, he has kept that silly but beautiful Triumph. I know the pride and joy he gets from that chunk of old British steel has been a comfort and a focus for continuous improvement. For both car and person!!Good job Geoff!

-- Ralph (and Geoff) Arata

Swap Meet Recap

"The 14th annual All British Car Swap Meet & Autojumble was held February 28 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. The weather was good - cold but clear - and the turnout was also quite good. Over 100 vendor spots were open to over 750 shoppers; vendors and shoppers alike came from a multi-state area to take advantage of this unique event. Vendor offerings included used parts, refurbished parts, regalia items, professional services (such as powder coating), and other unique items such as reproduction period race track posters.
Also on site were recruiting booths from most Chicago area British car clubs and also two national level clubs. This year, a deliberate effort to bring in other European marque enthusiasts resulted in participation by the local Fiat owner's club as well as by the local British motorcycle owner's club; some vendors also brought European motorcycle and car parts. The high participation from both vendors and shoppers brought additional revenue, but the effort to include other European car and motorcycle groups increased marketing costs to the point where the amounts just about cancelled each other out.
The club also did very well in the used part market. Dave Evans manned a booth for the club and did a great job moving some of our part collection. We were able to keep recycling some used parts to many new homes.
All in all, though, the event made a good positive contribution to the club's financial resources. Thanks to all club members who lent a hand with the Saturday night set up activities, ticket taking on Sunday, and Sunday afternoon cleanup."
-- Jim Evans