The Steering Column
Left Hand Drive from our President

On Wednesday October 27th I drove our MG out to the farm. No, this is not the same farm where as a kid my father said our dog went to be free and happy. This is a place where I store our car in a nice clean and secure location for the winter. Unlike that long lost dog, I will once again be reunited with our beloved vehicle when spring rolls around.

Sadly, I only accumulated about 900 miles on the car this season. Due to a number of scenarios that kind of popped up over the summer, I didn’t get to drive the MG as much as I would really have liked. There is always next year.

I think my favorite experience of the 2021 driving season would have to be the trip to Blackhawk Farms Raceway. Spending 20 minutes on the racetrack pretending I was Ronnie Bucknum was a thrill. After crossing the finish line and rolling to a stop on the infield grass, I even got to kiss the pretty girl. Hopefully, the club can plan a return trip next year.

All in all, it has been a relatively uneventful year when it came to the MG’s running condition. I installed a new starter in the spring and had to install a new exhaust bracket after the Blackhawk trip. Knock on wood, the car has been very reliable so far. But I know that if any mechanical or electrical issues do develop, the Chicagoland MG Club has my back.

And now on to winter. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then New Years. Before you know it we will be thinking spring and planning all kinds of wonderful driving events.

I’m already laying out my favorite T shirts and shorts.

Stay safe my friends

~~ Phil Wydra

	The Steering Column
	Right Hand Drive   from our Vice-President

What would you do for an MG?

My parents first MG was a 1952 TD. Boy was I naive, I thought the car was named after me because my initials are MG. I can laugh at this now and if anyone wants to laugh with/at me be my guest.

During my preteens I traveled with my parents in this little red car and boy was it exciting! Back then there were no rules on how you packed a kid into a car so my spot was the little cubby hole behind the gas tank. No seat belts, no harness, one large bump and I would hold on for dear life. The car was so loud that if I had fallen out my parents would not have known. Back then we traveled caravan style 20-25 cars, driving back roads, stopping for gas, repairs, lunch or souvenirs. It was a wonderful time, time well spent with my mom and dad.

My dad and I were very close, he passed away November of 2016. I get a bit emotional this time of year and memories pop up. My last car ride with my dad was to pick up food. We were in his Mini Cooper when all of a sudden he looked at me, smiled and pressed the gas peddle to the floor. Whoa! Dad was acting like speed racer and I was praying we wouldn’t get caught or worse. Little did I know this would be the last ride with dad.

I love you dad and I’m here to carry on your love of cars. My mom told me if I wanted the car I would need to keep it running. This includes learning how to fix it when it needs repair, keeping the body in good shape, getting involved with the MG club, and getting out with the MGB community to have fun. This is what I will do for an MG.

Be healthy and stay safe,

~~ Melissa Gonzales