The Steering Column
Left Hand Drive from our President

The summer of 2021 started out with the anticipation of rides scheduled and rides taken. In May and June we went on a few rallies scooting around Lake County circling hidden lakes, cruising seldom traveled roads and even a visit to a state park on the shores of Lake Michigan.

In early July we traveled to Blackhawk Farms Raceway where I jumped at the opportunity to try my hand at flying around the racetrack. The Walter Mitty in me envisioned myself overtaking the reigning champ and bringing home the trophy.

Then on the morning of July 7th I had the misfortune of waking up with a detached retina. Well, I panicked. Not knowing anyone who has experienced such a traumatic episode, I feared the worst. Like Chicken Little, my sky had fallen. I didn’t realize that it could be corrected with surgery and patience. It turns out, a detached retina is not that uncommon, and in most cases with proper intervention it can be corrected. In my situation there was no real pain, just some mild discomfort. So after five weeks of taking it easy, I am as good as new. Or in my case, less than new, showing some wear, but still good for a few more miles.

So I was back on the road in time to enjoy a wonderful evening at the Westmont Cruise Night hosted by Bill Kalafut and his wife Jean. There was a great turn out with a variety of British cars joining us and enjoying some tasty BRQ from Uncle Bub’s.

Three days later and it was the Tally-Ho Rally, once again organized by Carl Vogel and Laurel Fredericks. And once again, a good time was had by all. We especially like this rally because of the relaxed pace driving though the Barrington countryside on mostly shaded roads lined with some beautiful properties.
Now we are looking forward to the British Car Festival on the 13th of September, followed by a garage tour on September 19th at Jeff Powell’s garage. If you haven’t seen Jeff’s garage, you are in for a treat. He has some amazing collectables.

October brings about a return of the Wine, Cheese & Beer Tour planned by Russ & Amy Mehaffey. The tour is abbreviated this year but I’m sure it will still be a thrill. And don’t forget the Halloween Rally on October 24th this year.

So there you have it, the summer of 2021. Some ups, some downs, and then some ups again. I tell you, life is good for this blacktop jockey.

Stay safe my friends

~~ Phil Wydra

	The Steering Column
	Right Hand Drive   from our Vice-President

Gas Cap

I was driving my LE to the gym early one morning and I needed to stop for gas. I removed the gas cap and placed it on the back end of the car… (or so I thought). I then proceeded to drive the car to several places and later that afternoon, I asked myself…hmm… did I remember to put the gas cap back on?

Later that day I was anxious to leave work, not only to go to the member’s meeting, but to see if the cap was actually where it should be… on the car. I walked out to the parking lot and noticed that the cap was missing. I panicked when I saw that the gas cap was gone! I looked at the back of the car, underneath the seats, and in the boot. I also searched the streets looking for the cap. I could not find the gas cap anywhere. That night at the member’s meeting, I explained what had happened, and I asked some members about where or how to get a replacement gas cap. I received some great advice from a few of the members about what I could do to get a new or used gas cap. One member suggested that I return to the gas station and ask if someone had turned in a gas cap. Another member suggested that I plug the hole with a rag to ensure that no gas will get in or out when driving home that evening. I also contacted a few members about how to find the correct gas cap for my model car. I was told that it will be difficult to find a cap that will fit properly for this model car.

The next morning, I immediately started researching for a gas cap. I needed to find a cap ASAP because the next day wasWestmont Day and I did not want to miss out on this event. Long story short: I found a gas cap. In fact, found several gas caps because we have awesome members in our community. I did put one of the caps on and it was loose until I realized if I push it in and turn it simultaneously, the cap will fit tightly. I have also learned through our awesome members that some gas caps are vented, and some are not, and it just depends on the year of the car. I have also learned to check all caps such as oil and carburetor, as well as many other parts of the car, just by touching them to ensure that they are tightly secured. At that time, I didn't know that loose caps can affects a cars performance, but I do now. In the future, I will be sure to check all caps to ensure that they are not loose on my car… and other aspects in my life.


A message to all...no more loose caps!  LOL

~~ Melissa Gonzales