50th Anniversary of the Collier Cup at Watkins Glen
MG Racers Lived a Dream
~ at Watkins Glen this September ~
(You were a Winner - Just by Being There!)
By Greg Prehodka - MGVR
Its roots started in 1954 when the SCCA established their
annual "Collier Brothers Memorial Trophy Race" for MGs. The momentum
for the 50th Anniversary celebration of it got rolling about a year and a half
ago, as four MG racers personally committed to making it all that it could be,
at SVRA's "Collier Cup" MG race at Watkins Glen, NY. Mark Palmer -
head of MGVR, Dick Powers - CC04 event coordinator, Greg Prehodka - MGVR
Publicity, and Bill Hollingsworth - MGVR advisor, all banded together and were
determined to make a dream come true. I'll spare you the details, but these four
enthusiasts - and their supporting cast of SO MANY others - did TONS of work and
dedicated themselves to the event. Its significance wasn't just 143 MGs racing
at Watkins Glen that weekend - it became an "MG Happening" - in so
many ways - the likes of which had never been seen before - and which may never
be seen again! Dreams came true that weekend!
Many thanks for the work everyone put in to make the 50th
Anniversary Collier Cup at Watkins Glen the huge success it was. It surpassed
all expectations and will be the standard by which other shows will be measured
in the future. It turned from a show - or an event - into a
"Happening"- just like Woodstock! I was at the 40th Collier in 94 and
the 50th Glen in 98 and figured they were the tops - but this one will be hard
to beat.
- Eugene Myszkowksi, MGA #440
For those who were there, - you were part of the magic.
The memories and lore of this event will live on for many years! The following
article will spin a tale of that incredible weekend - as the people who were
there share with you - in their own words - the spirit of the most INCREDIBLE MG
RACING WEEKEND EVER!
Hollywood couldn't have script it any better!
143 racing
MGs showed up at Watkins Glen for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the
"Collier Memorial Trophy Race" - to compete in the Sports Car Vintage
Racing Association's (SVRA) "Collier Cup" all MG races, as part of
their "Zippo Vintage Grand Prix" race weekend. This year they had to
have TWO Collier Cup races, due to the huge turnout of MGs - the largest MG race
gathering EVER in North America! And the MGs were only part of the record
breaking 524 vintage racecars which showed up to race that weekend! SVRA's respect
for MGVR played a significant role in making all this happen.
Jack Woehrle, SVRA Technical Director, told me "MGVR
is the best vintage group to work with - BY FAR! Nobody else even comes close!
In fact there really is no second place ... you are the best!" SVRA placed
a lot of trust in MGVR this year, giving us plenty of latitude on safety
equipment, driver qualifications, etc -- and we responded well.
- Mark Palmer, MGVR Editor
Add to the racing generous portions of the Watkins Glen
Downtown Vintage Car Festival on Friday afternoon, with MG the featured marque -
where thousands showed up to celebrate - the attendance of the New England MG
'T' Register, and NAMGAR members - not to mention so many MG enthusiasts coming
on their own - and you couldn't go anywhere without seeing gaggles of MGs! All
of this transpired under 3 days of perfect weather in the beautiful Finger Lakes
Region of New York State! It doesn't get any better than that!
Many MG racers made special efforts to come. George Pardee
reflects on Don Martine, who brought 3 Pre-war MG race cars from California,
along with two other drivers:
Don - you did indeed contribute by making the long haul
with your crew & MGs. It is always a thrill to see the Von Neumann TD
Special, the NB is lovely, and the 18/80, a representative of the very first MGs,
is only the second of its type I have ever seen. Bill Pollack, West Coast racer
and friend & contemporary of the incomparable Art Evans, was introduced at
the MGVR banquet, and I'm sure many of us bought his book, RED WHEELS AND WHITE
SIDEWALLS. Ed Hugus is the first driver to win a Feature Race at VIR (August 3,
1957). It was an honor to meet him, and a pleasure to find him still ready and
willing to climb into an MG race car - yours!
- George Pardee, (MGTF #166)
In the true spirit of the
event, MGVR's Bob Schoeplein
conducted a brief memorial service Thursday afternoon at the Collier brother's
stone memorial on the original road racing course. About 130 people attended it.
The stone and plaque were set in place in 1954 in memory of Sam and Miles
Collier. Sam died at this spot when his Ferrari crashed here in the 1950 Watkins
Glen races. Miles Collier died in 1954 from Polio. They were both significant
players in laying the foundation of sports car racing - and MG racing - in the
U.S.
Bob Schoeplein: When I first thought that a MGVR wreath at
the Collier Brothers Memorial Stone would be most appropriate, I had no idea how
many people would be touched by a memorial service. I could see in the faces of
all who came their respect for the pioneering work of the Colliers and their
ultimate sacrifice. I cannot fully describe the spirit of bonding that one could
sense among the assembled observers. My theme was that the Colliers were joyous
and fun-loving, and that we should take from their legacy the exhilarating joy
of racing our own cars "on the open road."
Thursday still had the remnants of Hurricane Francis, but
it didn't stop some MG racers who drove through the rain to get there.
It was the individual spirit of certain racers that top my
highlight list. The "T" racers who drove from Chicago - in their race
cars - camped along the way, endured a 7" rain storm, raced, then retraced
their steps home! They have MG spirit by the TRUCK LOAD ! The only name I know
is Jeff Powell, but he and his buddies are my HEROES!
- Joe Tierno, MGA #029
MG racers were arriving and meeting and getting to know
each other:
"We had a wonderful dinner at the Seneca Lodge on
Thursday evening with Mark Brandow and his comrades from Minneapolis. I went to
dinner not knowing any of them, and left with 6 new friends. What a great time!
- Jay Nadelson, MGA #595
Fortunately, Friday morning - and the rest of the weekend
- you were always in jeopardy of getting a sunburn - and that with more than 3
MGs gathered together -which just had to be an omen that this was meant to be!
MG racers were arriving on Thursday, and Friday, with some coming from as far
away as California, British Columbia, and England! Some just had to be there:
What a wonderful event! I arrived with my car, wife, and
two crew members in tow. We had scrambled to put a stock engine in my red # 1
MGB before leaving home as I had broken my race engine this summer. Had to pull
the backup engine from one of my street MGs. Unfortunately, I broke the engine
(spun bearing) on the third lap Friday morning. We thought we might have it
fixed by Saturday morning but after 1/2 laps I lost oil pressure again (now I
knew it was a bearing and not a stuck oil pressure relief valve).
None-the-less, putting the stock engine in the car just so
we could attend the event - ranks right up there with my best decisions this
year. I am so happy that I did not miss this event!
- Jim Austhof, Red #1 MGB
Thursday and Friday were days to get settled into the
special MG paddock at the track, get through tech inspection, and get some
practice time on the track - learning its 2.45 miles of pavement - with 11 major
turns. It's a smooth wide track which offers many lines for passing. The MG
paddock quickly filled up and the MG Vintage Racers even had their own
hospitality tent - with a photo display, videos
![](../../images/focus_event/04_wg/04_cc/Image07.jpg) playing, and handout materials.
As a special MG display, Miles Collier, Jr. sent two of the family's MGs up to
the event from their car museum in Florida. Their "Leonidis" custom
bodied MG-PA/PB - which raced at Le Mans in 1939 - and their MG-K3. Both were on
display at the MGVR hospitality tent. And as a special commemorative of the
event, MGVR had car badges made and were selling them with their regalia. Went
like hotcakes - 150 were gone by Saturday morning.
Some of the MG racers arriving had special stories of
their coming:
The highlight of the weekend for my wife, Chris, and me
was sharing a once in a lifetime experience with our MG friends. This was the
vintage racing Woodstock and we were there! I was absolutely floored when John
Wright asked me to drive his 1960 Sebring Twin Cam MGA in the 50th Collier Cup
Race. John had waited over 20 years to buy the car, then he and his wife Linda
worked like demons to get the MG ready in just a few months! John and I have
been good friends for over 25 years. That he trusted me with his MG on the
racetrack after all he had been through to bring it back to life meant so much
to me. Together we made a memory we'll take to our graves! You can't do any
better than that in this life!
- Bob Vitrikas, MGA #40
Making the weekend even better, both the
"New England
MG 'T' Register" and the "North American MGA Register" were
having their own gatherings in the Watkins Glen area this weekend, so their
members could also witness MG racing history in the making. Both were overbooked
with members wanting to attend their events! The T Register was also celebrating
their 40th anniversary.
When the dates for the 2004 MG Vintage Racers Focus Event
hit my desk in early 2002, the MaGic element took hold. 2004 would also be the
40th Anniversary of the New England MGT Register and combining our
celebration with the 50th Anniversary of the Collier Cup Race at Watkins Glen
was a no brainer! We booked all 130 rooms at the Lodge On The Green in Painted
Post. .... By July 12th this summer, the Lodge was sold out! There were more
than 300 pre-registrations for GOF Mk 77 and cruising the infield at WGI on race
weekend, there were at the least, another 100 plus members taking in this - the
most historic M.G. event in North America.
Yes, it was BIG! Yes, most venues were over-subscribed.
And yes again, the Registers 40th Anniversary - combined with the MG Vintage
Racers Focus Event and the 50th Anniversary Collier Cup Race - far exceeded the
expectations of even the most seasoned M.G. enthusiast.
- Hank Rippert, Chairman, The New England MGT
Register, Ltd.
NAMGAR would roll out a new racing award this weekend.
They established the "Bob Bucher - Sherm Decker Memorial Cup" in honor
of these two MGA racers. Sherm won the Collier Trophy in '56 and '59. Bob won it
in '57 & 58. They were best of friends, strong competitors, and very evenly
matched racers. The cup was unveiled at NAMGAR's wine and cheese party Thursday
evening. It was an emotional moment for everyone there:
By far the non-racing highlight of the weekend for me was
the NAMGAR welcoming wine and cheese reception. The fact that 148 people
attended this welcoming reception, and when Mrs. Bucher and Mrs. Decker were
introduced to help unveil the "Bob Bucher, Sherm Decker Memorial Cup"
-you could have heard a pin drop in the room. After they spoke and said how
pleased they were that NAMGAR wanted to recognize their late husbands, and how
honored Bob and Sherm would have been --- there wasn't a dry eye in the house!
It really was a moment captured in time!!
- Tim Coyne, Chairman of NAMGAR:
One of the highlights of the weekend for many came on
Friday afternoon, with a parade of the original street racing course, and the
Watkins Glen downtown festival, where MG was featured. About 150 of the vintage
race cars at the track lined up to participate. So many racers wanted to go,
they had to hold a "Lottery" to determine who would participate. Since
MG was featured, MGs led off the procession with a representative MG of each
model - in order of age - as police guided this group of race cars around the
original Watkins Glen street course, and to downtown Watkins Glen and on a
couple of parade laps before parking the cars on Main street, which had been
shut down to traffic. Those in the procession had visions of how incredible -
and DANGEROUS - the street racing in the early years must have been! What
sights! What Sounds! Seeing the original street course from the driver's seat -
even today - it makes you wonder how they use to race on those roads! It truly
impressed many:
Having been to the Glen first 48 years ago I had missed
the original circuit, but the atmosphere was present. The laps of the old
circuit, with no helmet or goggles, was a thrill - the waving spectators around
the whole track made the hair on the back of my neck stand up! I'm not sure
whether the tears in my eyes were due to the wind in my face or the nostalgia of
days gone by!
- Dr. Ron Watson, MG Midget #63
We had one lady with us from Newfoundland who got the
chance of a lifetime to share Joe Lightfoot's ride around the old circuit on
Friday - she was literally jumping for joy when she got out of that car! For any
of you who've heard of Targa Newfoundland (the new road rally around the
province of Newfoundland that began in 2002) the sight of the thousands of fans
lined along Franklin St. reminded her very much of what the Targa is like. I
also cannot imagine what it must have been like to take the Big Bend downhill
portion flat out in those cars. Yikes!!!
- Nick Pratt, MG Midget #89
As you may know, I have had some connection with the Glen,
having cavorted in the area as a youth, and recently having the privilege to
help place the old course on the "National Register of Historic
Places", so being able to participate in the incredible downtown festival
and reenactment was unforgettable. Susanne, who generally clutches the grab bar
at 0.03 G lateral, forgot any discomfort at my enthusiast touring the old course
and was thoroughly caught up in the spirit and amazed at the crowds waving all
around the old road course (she did allow that my new front sway bar added to
her feeling of security).
- Jim Warren, Tyrolite Green MGA Roadster # 298
Riding with Carl George in his MGA on the old course was
an experience! By then his clutch was slipping and the brakes could use an
assist, but little things like that did not stop him from keeping up with the
pack, and coming down that hill into the Glen is a little hard to describe
unless you have jumped off a cliff with no clue of what waits below.
- Bob Coleman, MG TD 144
A special memory of the drive of the old course was the
exhaust crud coming from a couple of supercharged cars that blackened the faces
of many of those following (especially passengers without benefit of windscreens
on their side). More than a few ended up looking like Nuvolari after the Mille
Miglia!
- Manley Ford, TD #76
Somehow we were also able to get both of our MG Midgets
into the Race Reenactment on the original street race course. Pam drover her MG
with me as a passenger, while my Best Man (from our wedding this weekend) David
Griffith, drove my mother in my MG. I guarantee you that my mother had the time
of her life! She came back with black soot and the broadest grin smeared over
her face! The event was special in so many ways and for our entire families - as
well as the two of us. Thank you, MG Vintage Racers - EVERY ONE OF YOU!
- David Littlefield, Midget # 57 & Pamela
Fontenot,
Midget #29
Main Street downtown hosted festivities most of Friday, as
the race cars were parked there for a couple of hours, and it turned into one
huge PARTY - with bands, food, speeches, celebrities, car shows, and THOUSANDS
of people taking it all in. It was a "Happening" for many:
I was lucky to make the lottery for the downtown
reenactment. While there, I re-acquainted with some familiar and not so familiar
faces. One couple, Steven Adlerx and Fay Turner, approached me saying "We
told you we would be here". I met them on a flight to the Dominican
Republic - last year - and told them about the Watkins Glen Focus Event and MGs
in general. Never saw them again until Friday. I was amazed that they indeed
would come , and yet remember me!
- John Coryea, MGA #330
The tour downtown and driving the old street course was a
tremendous experience - lots of fun. While downtown, I was approached by a man
from New Zealand, who took the original Airline Coup body off our 1934 MG-NA in
1952! He knew the owner of the car for all these years and gave me his address.
I hope to fill in the history of the car.
- Hank Giffin, MG-NA Special #431
The Downtown Festival was a definite highlight! Where else
can you find beer for $1 -right next to your race car,-a pretty blonde who wants
a ride, -and then smoke through town, twice, 5 feet from the crowd?
............ Thanks to all for the great time, great
racing! (fastest Twincam on 'legal' wheels)
- Ralph Zbarsky, MGA #153/
The MG Vintage Racers' dinner Friday evening at the
track's "Glen Club" was sold out, as around 250 MG enthusiasts
attended it. Speeches were kept short, as it was a time to share a drink with
friends, and relax for a while. Two significant awards were presented at it.
First was the "MGVR Spirit Award" - which is
usually presented to a MG racer who is selected as participating in the
"true spirit of vintage racing" - both on -and off the track. But this
year, it was presented to Walter and Louise Pietrowicz who were totally
surprised to receive this honor. They are photographers who specialize in
shooting vintage races. And for many years they have supplied the MG Vintage
Racers Newsletter with so many wonderful photos of MGs racing at speed from
various vintage racing events. They are also friends with many of the MG vintage
racers. And on their website - september8th.com - they post information about
MGVR and MG racing. True supporters of MG vintage racing.
The second award was the new "Bill Parish Memorial
Award". Bill was an early vintage racer with his MGTC in the 1980's -
having fun doing it, and making it fun for everyone else - not concerned about
winning in the least. He was a founding member of both SVRA and MGVR. He passed
away from cancer in 1998. In honor of him this annual award has been established
by "Parish-Heacock Insurance for Vintage Race Cars" to honor a MG
racer with similar passion, selected as "Having the most fun and being a
Master of Speed Deception, while racing their MG throughout the season -
unrelated to any race winning."
MGA racer Carl George of Tennessee was selected as the
inaugural winner. Carl started racing in a TD in 1982, and then took to his MGA
soon after, and he is still competing with it today - although he has never won
a race with it. His best friend, and retired MGTD racer Bob Coleman was at the
presentation:
As I am not racing anymore, my highlight of the weekend
had to be my good friend, Carl George, winning the very first MGVR Bill Parish
Speed Deception Award, presented by Parish-Heacock Insurance. Bill and I helped
Carl get started, and he drove his first vintage event at Mid-Ohio in 1982. He
drove a "stock as a stick" 1950 MG TD he acquired in Australia. The
only modifications were a set of C-clamps Bill put on the rear springs because
the shackle bushings were completely worn out. A roll bar was added, but half of
it was mounted in the wood behind the seat. After this initial outing, Carl
moved to the MGA, which he has campaigned since. MGVR's choice was an excellent
one, in my opinion.
- Bob Coleman, (MG TD #144)
And how did George feel about receiving the award:![](../../images/focus_event/04_wg/04_cc/Image17.jpg)
The highlight of my weekend - and of a 22 year vintage
racing career - was receiving the "Bill Parish Memorial Award". Bill,
Bob Coleman and I were the three founding members of Bill's "Zapata Racing
Team" which was expanded later to include other vintage racers from
Nashville, Tenn. It was very special receiving the award. I applaud Ford Heacock
for honoring Bill Parish, who was a fun loving - twinkle in his eye - MG
historian who would do anything to help a friend, vintage racer, or a stranger.
I can honestly say I have found all the MG vintage racers to be a special
"giving" breed of people.
When life is over, I think we cherish our special memories
and I believe this weekend will be one of mine.
- V. Carl George, MGA # 107
As a special Collier Cup recognition, Jack Woehrle of SVRA
presented all past Collier Cup winners with small replicas of the "Collier
Cup" trophy - which gets passed on every year. There have been 19 past
winners, and 11 of them were present at the dinner.
![](../../images/focus_event/04_wg/04_cc/Image18.jpg)
Saturday saw more practice, qualifying races, and it was a
time to check out all the track had to offer, and to watch some of the other 524
vintage race cars. This track and its grounds are HUGE! This was FUN to the
second power!
My racing highlight of the weekend would have to be having
the pole position - and then winning the Saturday Pre-War race! I won a race at
the 1960 MG only races at the Glen in my first TC, and it took 44 years for a
repeat performance!
- Frank Mount, MGTB Special, #704
Dicing with George Pardee and Jeff Renshaw, I couldn't
catch either one of them, but I was able to stay close enough that when George
got "Black flagged", we all came in, each feeling that it was us.
As I
passed George in pit lane, I heard him telling the officials, "I was using
one hand to hold the door closed, the other hand on the shifter to keep it from
popping out of gear, and was holding my position - What's your problem!!
- Rob Orander, MGTD #247
I was coming around the last turn onto the straight and my
fire extinguisher discharge in my face. It had come loose from its mount
earlier. I grabbed it as it rolled towards me and jammed it under my seat. Unbeknownst
to me, the pin had come out. I guess the handle hit something as I
came around the turn. At first I thought I was on fire. I rolled into the hot
pits and released my belts, but quickly realized what the problem was. My Best
Man also thought I was on fire. I saw him run down the hot pits, grab a fire
extinguisher off the wall, then promptly trip and fall on his face! A lot of
help he was! After a wipe down of my gauges and face shield, I was back on the
track in a white cloud of powder.
- David Littlefield, Midget #57
Race highlight for me was winning the Group T qualifying
race on Saturday and having an absolute GREAT race with Phil Roettjer's Lotus 6
in the process with Bill Hollingsworth and Steve Konsin close behind. Of course
this highlight was quickly balanced on Sunday by my spinning out at the bus-stop
chicane while dicing for the CC#1 lead with Steve, then having a little piece of
crud find its way into the fuel filter thus dashing any hopes of regaining much
ground and turning TD #76 into a sporadic rolling chicane in itself through the
last couple laps. Count my blessing though...lucky that event didn't lean out
the carbs so much as to fry something expensive.
- Manley Ford, TD #76
And on another level - as we are slowly seeing with time -
the joys of MG vintage racing are drifting down to our sons and daughters:
Clearly the most exciting part of the weekend for me was
racing with Colin, my son who was driving Jerry Storch's old MGTC. A bit damp on
Thurs - the weekend was really spectacular - and this after super weather the
previous weekend at Lime Rock. I still find the Glen a bit intimidating but
that's partly because I'm so use to driving Lime Rock. It was a once in a
lifetime event and I'm sure glad I was there!
- George Smith, TC # 69 (C. Nicholls Photo)
Besides the racers at the track, there were spectators,
vendors selling everything you could think of, car clubs present, car shows,
people camping out for the weekend, food of all types, and just a carnival
atmosphere everywhere! Many spectators came to check out the MG racers.
I was amazed at how many people came around to look (in
detail) at my MG and at the questions they asked. ... One gentleman talked to me
at length who was from Australia. ....
- Gary Fairbrother, MGB #18
John Ruth had an interesting story with his MGB #62:
The fact that the team JKR SPORT finished the MGB 2 days
before the event was a highlight, as this MGB was raced from 1966 - 1979, having
it's last race on Sept 8 1979. The MGVR race marked its return to racing 25
years after its last race almost to the day! It was also my first time racing a
MGB, having raced for about 10 years in historic competition with Mustangs. I
must say that I am hooked with the MGB. I am proud to say the MGB proved her
merit, and provided a fine showing on Saturday, especially considering that the
engine was never rebuilt and is the very same race engine used last in 1979. It
just proves that old racecars keep doing what they do best - leaking oil and
giving lots of fun to the team. I was very impressed with MGVR - and JKR SPORT
RACING is committed in supporting the MGVR group's endeavors. JKR SPORT RACING
thanks MGVR and SVRA in organizing a fun, unique historic event.
- John Ruth, MGB # 62
The paddock was buzzing with activity. And - as usual -
some MGs had problems, and help was everywhere!
One thing I always enjoy seeing and I'm sure will be
mentioned by many is how MG Vintage Racers are so ready to help each other. A
rocker arm expires and within minutes, it seems, spare whole rocker assemblies
are being offered. A coil goes bad and numerous good ones are coming out of
parts bins. A mysterious ignition problem is cured by the loan of a complete
distributor. Another racer has "spares available for loan" and makes a
point of putting them out on display so others can readily access them. I'll bet
if each of us lists all the acts of selflessness and kindness we witnessed
(often involving parts and labor from and to people who had not previously even
met) it would make a list longer than this newsletter could contain.
- Manley Ford, TD #76
Jim Holody was having clutch problems with his 1959 MGA
Twin Cam. His crew pulled the trans - replaced the disc with a used disc from
the "B" pits next to us - replaced trans only to find parts left over!
Once again they removed the trans (No easy job in an MGA Twin Cam). Second time
was a charm. Jim was ready to roll. (Time elapsed for 2 removals - 2 hours -
unbelievable!) Car ran well the rest of the weekend.
- Jim Weissenborn, MGA #392![](../../images/focus_event/04_wg/04_cc/Image23.jpg)
I am still in awe of the unbelievable help and assistance
I received to repair my MG (blown head gasket, with damage). I experienced what
MGVR is really all about - great people!
- Richard Navin, MGB #246
A special MG race car and driver arrived at the MGVR hospitality
tent Saturday. SCCA racer Kent Prather brought his 5 time national G Production
championship winning MGA for display. It wouldn't quite qualify for "vintage", but it was most
impressive! And while there, he floated around the MG paddock, and lent a hand and advice to a
number of MG racers on their MGs.
I had a GREAT weekend! Sure would have enjoyed showing off
my MGA on the track. However, meeting you all in person and having the
opportunity to help MG Racers (with their cars) was my highlight of the weekend.
- Kent Prather
To document the magnitude of the MG racers at this event,
a "Panoramic Photo" of the MG racers was taken after racing ended
Saturday. There were concerns that lining up the MGs could turn into a Chinese
Fire Drill, but the "MGVR Police", headed by Bill Hollingsworth, kept
it all well organized. They staged all the MGs in rows in the paddock as racing
was about to end. (J. Best Photo)
![](../../images/focus_event/04_wg/04_cc/Image24.jpg)
As the last race car left the track, all the MGs rolled
out onto the track and lined up for their photo shoot. It was a truly Awesome
Spectacle to see them all together! Memories captured for years to come.
Saturday evening SVRA hosted a track party for all racers
and crew - and there were LOTS of them. But for two MG racers, Saturday evening
was more than just party time -and the Collier Cup was more than just a race
event:
Our highlight of the weekend was getting married at
Watkins Glen. Pam and I were married Saturday night on the terrace of Chateau
Lafayette Renau Winery - as the sun was setting over Lake Seneca. About 20
family and friends attended, including members of our racing family in their
driving suits. The tables were set with a racing theme with checkered flags and
miniature replicas of vintage oil cans holding pecan brittle made by my lovely
bride. Each table held a bouquet of flowers in a vase that was labeled with a
racetrack at which we had raced. In keeping with the vintage racing theme, Pam
was dressed in a vintage 1951 wedding dress, while I was resplendent in a white
dinner jacket with a black and white checkered bow tie and cummerbund. We were
surprised and grateful to receive a set of wine glasses inscribed with the MG
logo from MGVR as a wedding present! We were also very grateful to MG racer
Manley Ford, who not only lent us his cabin for the wedding party to change, but
left us a bottle of champagne to get us into the mood!
- David Littlefield, Midget # 57 & Pamela
Fontenot, Midget #29
Sunday was the FEATURED RACE DAY we had all come for -
with TWO Collier Cup MG races! Since its beginning in 1985 every years there has
been "one" Collier Cup race. The largest field ever was in 1998 when
they had 72 MGs. So what do you do when 143 MGs show up to race? Obviously -
split them up and have TWO Collier Cup races! Collier Cup 1 included all Pre-War
MGs, T series MGs, and the slower MGAs. Collier Cup 2 included the faster MGAs,
plus B's, and C's and Midgets. Actually most racers felt comfortable with this
format. No MGB-V8 would be blowing the doors off some stock TC.
The morning sky sparkled bright blue, as crowds of people
showed up, while MGs received final tweaks and checks. Support people on all
levels were giving it their best this weekend:
There was great camaraderie in the MGVR paddock and for
that matter with everyone we came into contact with, no matter what they were
driving. SVRA and the Glen people did a superb job of keeping things on
schedule. None of the people in charge were on a power trip---- it was just
great. To all those that helped or raced, a big THANK YOU!
- Joe & Cheryl Lightfoot, MGB #169
I took my son to the pre-war paddock to show him the
differences between the TCs, TDs, and TFs. The owner of one of the cars we were
looking at came out of his trailer and pointed out some differences even I was
unaware of. When he saw the MGVR logo on my hat, he treated us like we were one
of his best friends and even asked what I raced and how my son liked the
weekend. Friends are great to have, but when strangers treat you like friends,
it is even better.
- Bob Spruck, MG Midget #67
This weekend was more than just drivers racing MGs. It was
also very much about family and crews - all part of the greater MG FAMILY:
I am proud of the Rowdie Racing Crew. They worked for many
hours to keep my MGA ready to go at all times. They are the real backbone of my
vintage effort. If we ever start a crew or crew chief recognition program, these
folks would be nominated in a minute.
- Dave Smith, Rowdie Racing # 49 MGA
I have owned an MGTC since 1955 - but only got involved
with vintage racing two years ago. Before Watkins Glen my wife had never been to
a race weekend and couldn't understand what I was doing. After the Glen, now she
knows! She has belonged to a lot of organizations, but says she has never met a
more friendly group of people - she was impressed at how we are competitive on
the track, but after we get back to the paddock, we all are ready to help each
other any way we can! It is much more of a special event than a competition. The
great people of vintage MG Racers have converted her - she'll be back! Thanks
for making life easier for me! (PS - I still don't tell her how much it costs!)
(C. Nicholls Photo)
- Ed Callo, MGTC #482
It was just incredible to have 11 Pre-War MGs racing in
the first Collier Cup race of the day! The oldest being Don Martine's 1929
MG-18-80 Mk1! And a whole gaggle of T series MGs! Everyone had someone to race
with! And get this - Mark Palmer - head of the MG Vintage Racers - was racing
his MGA. On Sunday morning, Dean Butler offered Mark a drive in his 1934 MG K-3
for the Collier Cup 1 race - and Mark couldn't accept fast enough, before Dean
might change his mind. Imagine being asked if you'd like to race a historic 1934
MG K-3 factory racer! Just think of the famous race drivers who's butts have
occupied that seat - and at famous venues! Pre-selector gearbox, mechanical
brakes, racing history - (and worth a small fortune). Mark stepped up to the
challenge, and did very well in it. But it did take him a few days after the
event to get off cloud 9.
The crowds anxiously waited in the stands, and on the hill
sides as these MGs did their pace lap Denver Cornett, who raced in the very
first Watkins Glen Grand Prix in 1948 in his MGTC, was the honorary pace car for
the race, in his same MG. It was an emotional lap:
One of my favorite moments was the pace lap of CC#1. What
one among us - as we cruised up the back straight - did not take just a moment
from our usual mental pre-race check-list, to look for and aft to as much of the
field as we could take in? That glorious sun gleaming off all those classically
chiseled grill shells, bonnets and headlamps - shapes that captured many of our
hearts and imaginations when we were but children and ultimately shaped our
lives and guided us to be there together - that band of brethren together with
all those great little cars making a symphony of sounds and sights and smells on
such a truly historic and memorable day. What a scene! What a privilege to be
part of it!
- Manley Ford, MGTD # 76
They came around -got the green flag -and raced into history!
George Padre (MGTF #661) took note of Mark's drive in the K-3:
My racing highlight was Mark Palmer's drive in Dean
Butler's K-3 MG in the Collier Cup 1 race. I have long admired Mark's ability
behind the wheel of his MGA, but to move into a fast Pre-War car with Wilson
pre-selector, straight axle, and mechanical brakes - having ZERO previous seat
time - then slicing through the field as he did! Mastery far beyond the amateur
racer. (G.Sundusky Photo)
Winning for drivers came in many different forms. The
experiences and rewards for everyone varied considerably:
My MG actually ran for most of the weekend. Trust me -
this was an accomplishment.
- John Meyers, MGA #151
I started 14th in CC1 and finished 19th. My clutch started
slipping BADLY on the last lap - and for 2 laps before that I could see Lou
Marchant(#186) in my mirrors. Try as I might, I could not hold her off, and on
the short straight after the boot, she passed me with the BIGGEST GRIN on her
face. Afterwards, she gave me a BIG HUG!
- Tom Baumgardner, MGA #254
(To: Mark Palmer),
Nice of you not to count my loop-de-doo at the bus-stop on
lap 2 of CC #1 as far as "incidents". I concur with your observations.
Throughout the weekend I noticed that slower MG cars did a great job of
maintaining their line, watching their mirrors, and pointing faster traffic by
when it was safe and appropriate to do so. And faster cars when approaching
slower cars that you weren't 100% sure of seemed to pause in unison until it was
clear when the timing and place was right to proceed by. Let me add my
congratulations everyone who contributed to what - by any measure - has to be
the best event ever!
- Manley Ford, MGTD # 76
My highlight was seeing the Checkered Flag at the end of
each race. We all hope and pray that happens - but sometimes the race car just
doesn't cooperate. Ha!
I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU ALL DID IT!!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
- Jack Cassingham, MG Midget #60
Just FINISHING CC1 was my racing highlight! What a way to
go! After "Retiring" from vintage racing in 1998, at the 50th Glen
event, I decided that the attraction for the 50th Collier was too great to
ignore. Thanks to all who tolerated my somewhat less than practice lines through
corners.
- Jack Archibald, MGTC #505
OK - CC1 over, take a break for lunch, and then Collier
Cup 2 - also billed as the "New York Governor's Cup Race". But as a
special feature - especially for the spectators lining the track - , ALL of the
racing MGs would go out on the first "Pace Lap" of the CC2 race, as
everyone witnessed the full breath and depth of this gathering! It was TRULY
AWSOME to watch all of them take that first lap - and the CC1 MGs were allowed
to take a passenger along - a thrill for many!
My highlight was giving a ride to a gal who has always
wanted to ride in a race car around the track. She was grinning from ear to ear
and was so enthusiastic! She was tearful when she was telling her husband and
said she couldn't wait to tell her grandchildren.
- Rob Orander, MGTD #247
The CC1 MGs pitted at the end of the first pace lap and
the CC2 MGs went around again, and then got the green flag. Some of these
CC2 MGs were truly FAST!. We're talking 140-150mph on the straights, with the
MGB-V8's! But others were excited just to make it to the checkered flag!
I was gridded one-half to two-thirds back for Collier 2
race. We back markers have developed a keen sixth sense of when the green flag
is dropped when we can't see the flag. So I put my foot into it, turning for
turn 11, and the straight. Then I hit my brakes!! Ahead of me for the full
straight was nose to tail - wall to wall -, MG racers - a blanket of MGs from my
turn 11 to where my vision dropped off at turn 1. That's a start that I will
never see again!
- Bob Schoeplein, MGA #76
The whole weekend was one big grin maker, but if I had to
choose one moment, it would be the start of the Collier Cup 2 race. I usually
get pounded on race starts, but this time it all went my way. I started in 20th
position, when the green flag dropped almost everyone moved to the right and
left me 6 feet of pavement on the left side of the track, for my five and a half
foot wide car to go down. By the time I got to corner one I must have been in
9th place. Of course the really fast guys put me in my place in short order but
I think I must have still been in 12th place on lap 4 when my engine suddenly
went sour and had to retire with one lap to go.
- Joe Lightfoot, MGB #169
Having never driven WG at speed, I was apprehensive about
my inexperience, the higher speed of WG, the higher speed of the SVRA cars and
the possibility that I might screw up someone else's day/weekend ..... And then
- the Collier Cup! What an amazing collection of MGs, plus the opportunity to
actually pass a few cars on track! I'm beginning to feel a bit like the Woody
Allen character Zelig, what with an image of my humble MGA appearing now in two
glossy vintage magazines, I'm sure I'll be seen again as I was a mere 15-20 feet
from being lapped as the winner of CC2 crossed the line.
- Jim Warren, MGA #298
Personally, it was an incredible time, although my MGB was
reluctant to join the fray - wouldn't start on Thursday after Tech, running on 3
cylinders on Friday - it ran well enough on Saturday to let me have one of the
two best car-to-car races I've had since I began vintage racing in 1999. Then on
Sunday for the Collier Cup, it was up to it's Thursday no-start tricks. So, we
jury-rigged a hot wire controlled from the cockpit that let me start the car
when needed. But, the tach was inoperative. So, I shifted based on sound,
seat-of-pants & track location. The result was my best time of the weekend
by 0.426 second & a finish equal to last year's in overall percentile. Not
bad for a daily driver that's one year & 7,000 miles older & got me
through another New England snow-filled winter.
- Norm Sippel, MGB # 477
Due to the blown head gasket in my MG, I had no qualifying
times and started at the back end of the grid. Moving up to finish mid-field was
a blast! The racing was clean and safe, yet everyone was trying their best -
perfect MGVR Attitude!
- Richard Navin, MGB #246
![](../../images/focus_event/04_wg/04_cc/Image34.jpg) My racing highlight was taking John's Wright's Sebring MGA
onto the track after a 40 year hiatus from competition. Running as a team with
Bob Watkin in the 1962 Sebring MGA and threading our way through traffic at
speed was absolutely MAGIC!. I still get goose bumps thinking about it.
- Bob Vitrikas, MGA #40
In the CC2 race, I just beat the MGB-GT V8 to the finish
line to keep from being lapped, so I could have one final lap to catch Stan
Heath's MGA, Ralph Zbarsky's MGA Twin Cam, and Alan Costich's MGB/GT!
- V. Carl George, MGA #107
Checker flag drops, as MGs take a final cool down lap,
with grins - ear to ear! MG racing history had been made today, with incredible
joy - and great vintage racing! MG racing behavior was exemplary:
TO: All MG Racers,
I want to offer a huge THANK-YOU to the MG drivers at the
Glen this year! You did a fabulous job! As far as I know, we had no
incidents in either of the Collier Cup races. With the huge fields on the track,
I think everyone did a great job! There were almost no complaints about any
MG drivers, and just one single-car solo incident in practice that I know
of. And personally, I saw a lot of good, courteous driving on the track by
fellow MG racers.
I know I lectured you guys a fair amount this year, and
Carl Jensen of SVRA leaned pretty hard on you in the driver's meeting, so I just
wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU for a job well done! SVRA was
thrilled with our excellent conduct, and they would be delighted to have us back
at any of their events in the future.
- Mark Palmer, Editor, MGVR Newsletter
MGs were parked, as all gathered in Victory Lane for the
MG awards ceremonies. As an introduction to the awards, Mark Palmer, head of
MGVR, reflected on just why they were here today:
"I'd like to start with some real brief comments
about the Collier Brothers - because that's why we're here today. And it's all
because two very young men had tremendous enthusiasm, the best sportsmanship,
and a great sense of humor back in the 1930's, and kept road racing alive in
this country. They planted the seed that blossomed here at Watkins Glen in 1948
with the start of racing here. By 1954 Sam and Miles were gone. But in their
short lives, they accomplished so much for the MG marque and sports car racing
in America - that's really what it's about today. We're here for the 50th
anniversary of the first Collier Trophy - the first Collier Brothers Memorial MG
race."
First overall in an MGB-V8 was Les Gonda, receiving the
"Cornett Trophy" from Denver Cornett himself! Les had a few words as
Denver presented him the trophy:
"I'd like to say to my wife Casey - thanks - she
never asked me how much this sport cost! There are three things I'd like to say.
I think people come racing - probably - at least for three reasons - there are
three reasons I do. First is the people. I've met some of the nicest - greatest
people I've ever met in my life - racing. Second, its about the cars - along
with the history of the cars. Third, it's the actual racing - which I also
enjoy. Thank you very much.
- Les Gonda, MGB-GT V8, # 02
Steve Konsin in a 1950 Lester MG won the "T
Trophy".
"It was a wonderful weekend. One which I planned for
all year and almost did not make at the last minute, so I feel particularly
grateful The cars were unbelievable and the racing just perfect.
Having my son Stephen there for my two podium finishes was
very special. The Lester was very strong all weekend. I thought I lost the motor
in the qualifying race Saturday when the fuel line separated just as the green
flag dropped... but no damage done .. but I understand Paul Fitzgerald just
about put an impression of the front of his TD in the back of my Lester...Thanks
Paul for avoiding that one!"
- Steve Konsin, Lester MG # 284
Henry Moore racing an MGA received the new NAMGAR
sponsored "Bob Bucher - Sherm Decker Memorial Cup" as the first MGA in
the Collier Cup race. It was presented by Tim Coyne, Chairman of NAMGAR, with
the help of Joan Decker and Kay Bucher - their surviving wives.
"As Chairman of NAMGAR I want to thank the MG Vintage
Racers for a great weekend of racing - as far as we're concerned, you're all
winners! NAMGAR is extremely honored to play a small part in keeping the MG
spirit alive and well. These ladies were here with their husbands during the
most wonderful romantic era of early road racing, and I'm honored to have them
join us on the podium. Bob Bucher and Sherm Decker are synonymous with MGs, MGAs,
Watkins Glen, and the Collier Cup. NAMGAR is pleased to recognize their
contributions to our sport by awarding the "Bob Bucher - Sherm Decker
Memorial Cup" to the highest placing MGA in the Collier Brothers Memorial
Cup Race. The winner of this annual award for 2004 is Henry Moore.
- Tim Coyne, Chairman of NAMGAR
Joan Decker later reflected:
I felt honored and privileged to have been a part of such
an event. I know that Bob and Sherm would be so proud and pleased and shocked
that so much was made of that Collier Cup race with them. I remember it as if it
were yesterday. I am very pleased to think you wanted it remembered. The trophy
is very elegant, and the winner should be very proud to be the MGA winner of it
in the Collier MG race.....
And From Kay Bucher:
I certainly was very proud to take part in all the
beautiful ceremonies, it was just wonderful. My two grandsons were very
impressed, as was my family. They were excited to see their Grandpa and father
honored. ... Thanks again for a beautiful weekend, we all enjoyed it and I saw
people I hadn't seen since Bob passed away.
It also was a highlight for Tim
Coyne, as he later told Joan:
I have attended the Vintage Grand Prix weekend at Watkins
Glen for about the last 15 years and this year was the absolute best!. Meeting
you and Kay and your families and seeing how pleased you were that Bob and Sherm
were being recognized, then having both of you ladies in the Winners Circle to
make the presentation after the Collier Cup Race, was my highlight of the
weekend.
I couldn't help but overhear a gentleman talking to you in
the Winners Circle about meeting Sherm at Morris Garage when he was just a
teenager and how the time spent with Sherm is still engraved in his mind like it
was yesterday. This says a lot about your late husband and I am so pleased that
NAMGAR could play a small role in keeping those days alive. I only wish I too
could have met Sherm and Bob...they must have been quite the guys.
Martin Walford (from England) won the New England's MG T
Register's trophy for the first Pre-War MG in the race, driving Dean Butler's
1934 MG-KN special. Coming from England for this event, he was most impressed:
From my prospective there are not enough superlatives in
the dictionary to describe this event. Through the generosity of Dean Butler I
have had the opportunity to meet some great people and race some wonderful cars.
I am lucky, Dean allowed me to drive his MGs which were more than competitive in
their class and which therefore flattered the driver. However, two visits to
Victory Lane were beyond my wildest dreams and rate along side my podium place
at Monaco in 2002. I also need to thank the New England MG'T' Register for the
1st Pre-war MG trophy. Finally, thanks to all the event Marshalls and
scrutineers, without whom none of us would be racing.
- Martin Walford, Worcestershire, England
So far, these were all "racing awards". But the
featured winners were awarded the "Collier Cup" - and there were two
this year. They were chosen by a vote of the MG racers themselves. They voted
for a fellow racer who best embodies the "Spirit of MG vintage
racing". The winner for CC1 was Bill Hollingsworth, with his TC. But Bill
almost wasn't there to receive the Collier Cup!
After the start of CC #2 race, I loaded up and figured I
could be ready to leave by the trophy presentations. I got there toward the
end.... I had forgot to vote, but I ... almost did not come to the awards. I
never figured it would be me ...
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH! I am very touched and very
overwhelmed for the group's generosity. It never would have occurred to me that
I'd be considered. To a certain extent I think that I can remain invisible...and
just race my TC and work behind the scenes.....
The event was a great success, incident free for our
group. And for those who missed it, Manley put on a great show on the second lap
of trying to pass Konsin's Lester MG going into the bus stop, with Konsin out
braking him, and his spinning. Very pleased to get second overall in CC1.
- Bill Hollingsworth, TC #818
The winner for CC2 was MGA racer Dick Powers. What a way
to be honored by your fellow racers!
There were so many thoughts and emotions running through
me as I was presented with the Collier Cup. I thought back to the first Collier
Cup race I ran - the 40th Anniversary in 1994 and to all the help Joe Tierno
gave me to get into vintage racing and that race. I thought about all the great
racing I've had with this wonderful MGVR gang and the many friends I've made.
Honestly I just couldn't believe I was selected as a winner of the Collier Cup.
I also thought of my parents - how they encouraged my
interest in sports cars and racing. My dad took me to my first race at the Glen
in 1951. We watched the race from just before the railroad tracks and I still
remember T series MG's flying over those tracks! That's where it all began - and
now having my name on the Collier Cup is truly a blessing in my MG life and a
dream come true! (R. Harrington Photo)
- Dick Powers, MGA #222
As the Sun Set on the Dream of Watkins Glen:
The dream had come true! But dreams do end. Racers said
farewells to each other, packed up and headed home:
At 6:30pm on Sunday when I finally left the track, there
was a police officer directing traffic at the track gate because the volume was
so heavy. Normally, there are no fans in the grandstands for the last race of
the day (5:30pm). This year, their numbers exceeded peak times of most previous
years!
- Joe Tierno, MGA #029
I left when only one or two trailers were in the paddock.
All looked as if nothing had happened for the last 5 days. A cool breeze in the
air, sun setting in the west and a calm feeling everywhere. As my friends drove
off, towing my car back to Rochester, I turned the key on the Blazer and found
it too had a calm feeling everywhere. I sprinted from the MGVR tent to the far
end of the paddock to find Don Funke, a past Collier Cup winner and old friend,
just getting ready to go. If it wasn't for Don, I'd still be there.
PS: I had dinner with Kent Prather and his wife at Seneca
Lodge before leaving Watkins Glen. A really nice person and found out he was
doing a lot of free "MG Tuning" for some of our vintage racers during
this beyond belief MGVR Weekend.
- Dick Powers, MGA 222
Echoes of the Spirit of the Collier Cup 2004:
It was hard to believe it was over! Such an incredible
weekend of MGs, racing, parties, history, fun, and camaraderie. The memories
will live for years to come. For those who were there - it's still hard to
believe it really happened. For those who weren't - you can't believe what you
missed! Some of the following comments on the event reflect the spirit of it:
It was an absolutely fantastic weekend and NAMGAR has
received numerous emails from our members thanking us for hosting an
unforgettable Regional GT. It really makes you feel good when something like
this - that has taken so much energy and planning - was so appreciated. By all
accounts it was a very successful weekend.
- Tim Coyne, Chairman, NAMGAR
Hello there from wet old England.
I was sad not to be at the Collier Cup meeting, but have
followed the various reports with interest, which made me even less pleased not
to have been there. Congratulations to the team who put it on, and to those who
took part, it was obviously a Great event, and a credit to all.
Best wishes,
- Mike Allison, Honorary President, MGCC Triple-M Register
I just had to send a message of congratulation and support
for the FANTASTIC entry at Watkins Glen. A really super effort of which everyone
should feel very proud. It's probably correct to say that an entry of this
caliber and extent has never-ever occurred outside the UK before and I have to
say that we would proud to have the entry at any of our meetings. So a really
"well done" to all the people involved in the organization - we know
it does not just happen!!!
Good Luck and very Best Wishes. I wish to heck I could
have been with you all.
- Ron Gammons, Vice President MG Car Club (England)
Greg's beautifully written article about the Collier Cup
could not better capture in writing the spirit of a fantastic weekend at Watkins
Glen. But no article - no matter how well written - could ever capture the
emotions of being there in person. We are still talking about it here in the UK.
We only hope we can come back for another such weekend in the future.
- E. Dean Butler, MGs: K-3, KN Special, and NA
And from this side of the
pond:
In 1988, the Collier Cup was about to be booted off the
SVRA schedule because less than 10 cars took the green flag. Had someone told me
that in 2004 there would be 143 paid entries, I would have taken their beer
away! Congratulations to all who spent massive amounts of time to make this a
success. I hope that many of the newer participants will be inspired to
volunteer in the future.
- Joe Tierno, MGA #029
I was truly blessed this weekend - ...I got to ride
shotgun in the Collier Museum's MG-K3 to the down festival ....I was able to
drive their famous "Leonidis" MG from the paddock to the photo shoot
.. I got to race Dean Butler's MG-K3 in the Collier Cup - undoubtedly the racing
highlight of my entire Life!
- Mark Palmer, MGA #185
Following the Collier Cup, has been like watching my child
grow up and mature. The SVRA "Collier Cup for Vintage MGs" was born in
1985, sustained by Miles C. Collier - and had the support of MGVR. Just eight MG
racers participated in that first race, and I was fortunate to be one of them.
Even though fields for it in the next several years ranged between 8 to 16 MGs,
SVRA graciously kept it on their schedule, but there were concerns that they
might drop it. With the enthuiasm of MGA racer Joe Tierno, and the support of
MGVR, the 40th anniversary celebration of the Collier Trophy, with the Collier
Cup race, was a significant success in 1994, with 60 MGs reporting to the grid.
The Collier Cup was growing up! That really got the momentum going! Then another
record breaking filed of 72 MGs in 1998 for the Glen's 50th anniversary of
racing! And now to have 143 MGs competing this year has very strongly
established, and honored the Collier Cup for MGs, as a unique success story in
vintage racing. It has brought much joy, and many friendships to me over the
years, and may it continue for many years to come, especially as my daughter
Rachel is crewing for me now, and soon hopes to find herself racing ol'53. I
sincerely thank all of you who have supported it in so many way over the years!
- Greg Prehodka, MGTD #53
My most poignant moment was seeing the crowds surrounding
the cars on Franklin Street. I actually started to get choked up. I participate
in Vintage racing for my own enjoyment, but here were thousands of people who
cared enough about our sport to come - many from long distances - and give up
their weekend to watch us play. The experience was humbling. It's not about us -
it's about the cars.
- Stan Edwards, MGA #641
This event was not just a race. It really was far more -
and precious few race meetings I attend can say this. The MGVR group really is special!
Another thought that crosses my mind is that far too many
historic "racers" think they need high dollar, fancy name cars to have
fun. The MG Vintage Racers clearly have MORE fun than most of the guys with the
big bucks cars. And, we do this for fun - don't we? I have participated in
historic race meetings with a lot of high buck cars - Masers, Bugs, etc. - but I
have never enjoyed such a good time as with the MG Vintage Racers. And I am sure
it would have been the same had I been driving an old T-series, A or B MG
- Dean Butler, MGs: K-3, KN Special, and NA
My sister who lives on Long Island was able to come and
see me race for the 1st time. She had a great time at the track, in town, and at
the dinner. ... She enjoyed it so much she is planning on going to a race school
in the spring!
In MGVR everyone shares information and experience - and
takes joy at other people's successes. Everyone enjoys the people, the cars, the
atmosphere and few have an attitude. No one cares what you do in your regular
life - only who you are as a person at the track. A rare experience in my life!
- Scott Fohrman, MGB #53
Post Script:
Well, here it is Friday evening, and I'm on the second
load of laundry. Not
bad for a 5,400 mile round trip (from British Columbia)!
An outstanding event - got to meet a lot of you MGVR and MGA-TC guys that I know
through our e-mail groups. Amazingly enough, my twincam MGA ran strong all
weekend, (even put the boots to some MGBs), requiring only the addition of about
1 pint of oil and 15 gallons of race gas!
- Ralph Zbarsky, MGA-TC, 153
"Best time I ever had! - Please don't tell my wife!"
- Anonymous
"The Past Racing Into The Future"
MG Vintage Racers
Note: (All Photos without credits are © "MGVR Photos")
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