The 2014 Driving Season of the MG Clubs of Chicago now has formally ended. The Cruise to the Rock and the awards presentation at our Holiday Party are behind us. I am not much of a person who looks back and I am already thinking of the next season, the 2015 Driving Events of the MG Clubs of Chicago. Maybe, reviewing the year 2014 with your family, with a drink in your hands by the Christmas tree, you have some ideas about the past year. What worked well and should be preserved, what you didn’t like so much and we can adapt, and maybe even some new things that you would like to see as part of our 2015 Driving Events. I am always open for you suggestions.

There will be some changes next year that we are already aware of, two in regards to our multi-day tours. First, as you already know, Dan Herman wasn’t able to lead the 2014 Jo Daviess Tour because of unexpected health problems. Dan is making great progress with his recovery, but he has indicated that the traditional June date for his Jo Daviess Tour may be a little too early. We are looking at alternatives and welcome any ideas that you may have. And second, after 10 Wine, Cheese, and Beer tours, John and Ann Schroeder indicated that it is time to pass the baton along. Russ and Amy Mehaffey and Ralph and Sue Arata have picked up organization for next year.

This year was a little light on Saturday garage tours. Phil and Sandy Wydra did a new version with commercial garages that worked very well. There must be many more similar places and I am looking for someone to explore the more Western and Southern areas of our membership region for a 2015 tour.

After a hiatus of a few years we almost had the Lucas Memorial Night Rally back on the calendar. Rich Meservey and Sundy Mead had it all worked out, but Rich also experienced a health problem and had to cancel. But hopefully, 2015 will see the return of the Prince of Darkness.

The Land’s End Rally, the last couple of years under the direction of Russ and Amy Mehaffey, will be organized by Dino and Lisa Perez with Gary and Tedi Maves, hopefully with their grandson Nathan.

Although not a change but certainly worth mentioning - Bill Kalafut and Jean Heasley, first-time organizers, indicated that they would bring back the Westmont Cruise Night.

As you can see, there are several plans in the making and quite some new organizers to make the 2015 Driving Events successful. Please do me a favor and think about two things for 2015 in the upcoming season of reflection and celebration. Think of a plan to attend more Driving Events than you did in 2014. One more, two more, 50% more … the answer is in your hands. And, think of an event that you would like to see, or could help organize. The 2015 calendar is still wide open and we can handle a couple more Driving Events easily.

As always, you can reach me at reinoutvogt@gmail.com and 847 342 9804. I love to hear from you!





"The more you drive, the more you smile".
-- Reinout Vogt