I cannot believe we are in the month of September and celebrating Labor Day! Where in the world did the summer go? We have already done 20 Events and there are 5 more events to go through the end of the year!!! In a blink of the eye, we will be at our annual Holiday party, and brining in the New Year…...SLOW DOWN FATHER TIME…..PLEASE!!!!!!

I would like to follow up on what a delightful and successful Driving event the 42/52 Anniversary driving tour was that took place on July 29th. Although the final attendance was a bit smaller than the past few years, there were still 16 cars that that rallied down Lake Shore drive and enjoyed a lovely lunch by the lake at Burnham Harbor Yacht Club. Ray Costa wrote up a fabulous review in lasts months Driveline and Vintage Viewpoint with all the details.

Following up on the 3rd Miata Autocross III, which took place on August 4th, Jim Compton had another HOT day, but managed to round up two (2) other drivers, just enough cars, three (3) total, to compete. 1st place went to Dean Hickenlooper, Dave Novak placed 2nd and the organizer and host of this event, Jim Compton, humbly took 3rd place. Personally, I think Jim did not want to show up his fellow MG guys and graciously stayed back!!

Kerry Hickenlooper organized and hosted another successful Peds in the Weeds event which took place on August 5th. You can read Doug Clark’s write up in this month’s Driveline and Vintage viewpoint.

On August 16th, the annualWestmont Crusin’ night hosted by Bill Kalafut & Jean Heasley was yet another fun and somewhat challenging (for some, like me for example) walking rally. I don’t know why, but I cannot, for the life of me count my paces and go in the right direction on this walk! Bill did an awesome job on the “tulip system” and explained in detail how to follow his instructions, but I still can’t follow it and managed to get myself way off track! There were 34 members / 20 cars who participated. Those not so challenged and won the walking rally were: 1st place – Ray & Sue Hanson, 2nd place Phil & Sandy Wydra and 3rd Jim Compton & Bob Dorley. There was also prizes awarded for the People Choice award for their favorite MG car. These winners are: 1st Dean & Kerry Hickenlooper with their MGB-V8, 2nd place Gerry Geraci for his MGA and 3rd place, Bob Lee with his (MGB TD). You can read up on all the entertaining details in Sandy Wydra’s write up in this month’s issue.

The notorious Tally Ho Rally, organized and hosted by Carl Vogel was again a TRIUMPH!! This event took place on Sunday, August 19th in South Barrington. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend. Tim Schafer, my hubby, had no choice but to find a dependable, witty, sharp person (like me, of course) to take my place as navigator. There is NO WAY to go to this event driving alone. A Navigator is a MUST. Well, I really thought I was irreplaceable and Tim would just have a good time at the event with a buddy of his…..but NOOOOOO!!!! Tim Brew, my husband’s longtime friend, not only LOVED the Rally and meeting everyone in the club, that guy actually showed me up and took 2nd place in this Rally!!!! I couldn’t believe it!! Tim and I have never ever placed in this Rally though the years…and here comes a ROOKEY and then places in the most challenging rally of the season???? LOL!! I’m just kidding of course! Couldn’t be happier that they got along so well, Tim was spared the “rath of Jamie”, no arguing & no yelling, they listened well together….I may as well hang my hat up as navigator……LOL!!!

More important than that – Bob Lee and his friend took 1st Place and Phil & Sandy Wydra took 3rd!! Everyone said the event was once again a blast and enjoyed the lunch and prizes following the rally. Hopefully there will be a nice review of this event in this month’s issue.

September events are in full swing!!!! Auto cross, (Miata IV) was held on Saturday, September 1st, again at Boomers Stadium. I will have to recap on this next month to see who came out and placed in the last race of the season.

Come out to the 32nd Annual British Car Festival on Sunday, September 9th organized by the British Car Union. There are representatives from 20 different Chicagoland British car clubs. A GRAND People’s choice award will be presented for those who participate in the competition. If you did not register your MG before August 22nd ($20 fee) it will be $25.00 the day of the event. For more information, visit the website at www.britishcarunion.com.

Russ & Amy Mehaffey, will once again be hosting & organizing and the Wine Cheese and Beer Tour, September 14, 15th and 16th. They are expecting over 25 cars to participate in this legendary driving event. They have planned phenomenal routes, wonderful restaurants and enjoyable stops along the way! This is always a SPECTACULAR time!!! Can’t wait to see everyone there!!

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