A funny thing happed on the way to the forum. Not funny Ha Ha, but unusual. Also I wasn’t on my way to the forum, unless that’s a new tavern in the north woods, and I already have most of them covered. As I was driving along on I-39 in one of the construction zones I was passed in the other lane by about a half dozen exotic cars. Lambos, Aston Martins, Ferraris and the like, but not an MG in the bunch. All were done up with numerous stripes and decals, including a big GR Rally sticker on the sides. Quite rare to see that many exotics actually being driven on the road.

I later found out (thanks to Google) that it was part of the Gold Rush Rally, on the leg from Chicago to Minneapolis. The rally is sponsored by the Taylor Lynn Foundation, a charity that helps kids. Entry fee is $19,000 for a two person team, a little steep for frugal (should I say cheap) MG owners. Of course that includes lodging and van transportation for luggage and roadside assistance for any unscheduled maintenance. But just think of the tax write-off!

Later when I get up north I made my mandatory stop at my favorite meat market. While I’m trying to decide between cheese or apple bratwurst a couple walks in. He’s wearing a pale blue T-shirt with a Gulf logo with several vertical stripes. I comment to him that the shirt looks a retro from the days when Gulf sponsored Ford GTs and Porches at LeMans. He replied that most people wouldn’t be aware of that. Turns out he’s from Green Bay and owns a big Healey. We had a nice chat about LBCs until his wife gave us the ‘not more car talk’ bored look. And just in case you’re wondering, I got both types of brats, along with some jerky and a couple of two-inch thick steaks for the grill. Just don’t tell my cardiologist.

No new books this month, but two books that we have in our library for a while are being made into movies:
1. Rapid Response. The evolution of emergency medical responses at racing venues.
Debuts in select theaters Sept. 6, 2019.

2. The Art of Racing in the Rain. A dog’s life with a racer’s family, as told by Enzo the Dog. Voiced by Kevin Costner. Opens Aug. 9, 2019. Bring your hankie.

~~ Bill Mennell

(Continued from page 6)

Sir William was nowhere to be seen nor the captive girl. The Neutralizer picked up their trail and began to follow. Sir William had at least 10 mins head start. Arata covered the distance as fast as his keen eye sight would carry him over the trail. At 3/4 mile from the cars he stopped as the Congressmen's daughter was before him handcuffed to a tree. The soldier approach low and slow expecting gunshots at any time...nothing! He freed the girl as she told him that Sir William started back tracking to the cars. She also said he had worn a mask the whole time so it was impossible to ID him. The soldier walked the girl back to the MG trying his best to figure why Sir William left her alive? The soldiers mission was complete i.e. rescue the girl. Sir William's, well that was another story.

Back at the car(s) the Hellcat was gone and the "B" had 4 flat tires. The soldier had no choice but to pull out the SAT phone and call "The Farm" for air lift. Susan Simpson (Farm's Mission Controller) answered and a huey chopper was on its way. The Neutralizer knew that the "Doctor" would not like the bullet holes in the MG but getting the girl back to the congressman and his inability to pursue Sir William were paramount. "Another time my friend", he thought as he slapped his hand on the bonnet of his faithful British steed.

OUCH!!!! Said Susan!! It was 3AM in the morning and I had apparently flipped over in bed and smacked her right in the face. What the heck are you doing, she said. Oh Man, I thought now awake. ... I think therapy might be in order. But boy, those dreams are GREAT!

NOTE: Previous 3 Neutralizer Chapters can be found in the May, June & July Drivelines.