May 2011 MAGAZINE - MG Car Club Newcastle

May 2011ClubtorqueOfficial Publication ofmG CAR CLUB NEWCASTLEFounded 1955 - MGs and MOTORSPORTClub address:PO Box 632, HAMILTON NSW 2303Website address:www.mgcarclub.com.auClubrooms:Northcott Park, Cobby Street, ShortlandMonthly Meetings2nd Friday of month 7.30pmcnr Italia Rd & Pacific Hwy, Balickera(12km north of Raymond Terrace)Membership enquiries:Judith Rae20 Barraba St, Whitebridge NSW 2290phone 4944 7356Other enquiriesContact the Secretary at the club addressor phone 4963 5380CONTENTSREPORTSPresident............................. 6Secretary............................. 9Social News....................... 10Register News.................... 12Editorial............................. 14Membership Secretary........ 16Land Panel ........................ 20Publicity............................. 22Speed Panel...................... 23Captain’s Corner................ 24Autotest Panel.................... 25National Meeting ................ 26Vice-President.................... 31INFORMATIONComing Events..................... 2Committee ........................... 4Young Driver Course ............ 8Xmas in July ...................... 28Classified Ads.................... 34Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed within Clubtorque are those of the individual ororganisation and not necessarily those of the Editor or MG Car Club Newcastle Inc.United KingdomAffiliated withwww.cams.com.au/go/nswPage 1

CLUBTORQUEComing Events - May 2011Sun 1Sun 1Sun 1Sat 7Sun 8State Rallysprint – AwabaCSCA Supersprint – Jaguar Club – Eastern CreekMGCC Hunter Region Eurofest at Lambton ParkEvan Green Memorial Touring Assembly – AHRG – UpperHunter - postponed until 17th September 2011NSW State Supersprint Round 3 - MX5 Club – Wakefield ParkMon 9 Magazine Assembly – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland, 7pm MWed 11 Speed Panel Meeting – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland, 8pmMFri 13 Clubnight – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland, 8pm MSun 15 State Hillclimb Round 4 – TSCC – TamworthWed 18Sat 21Committee Meeting – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland,7:30pmNatter Night – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland 6:30pm, seepage 10M21-22 CAMS CARnivalSun 22Register Run - lunch at Hunter Wetlands, Shortland and Segwaymotorkhana, meet Clubrooms 9am, see page 12Sun 22 State Khanacross Round 3 – MGCC Newcastle – RingwoodSun 22 NSW State Supersprint Round 4 – ARDC – Eastern CreekRM CC KCNSat 28Page 2Young Driver Development Course – MGCC Newcastle –Ringwood - see page 8Sun 29 Motorkhana (dirt) – MGCC Newcastle – Ringwood, 10amM MK CCN

May 2011Coming Events - June 2011Sun 5State Motorkhana Round 3 - WAC - Awaba, 10amMon 6 Magazine Assembly – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland, 7pm MWed 8Speed Panel Meeting – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland,8pmMFri 10 Clubnight – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland, 8pm MSun 12Wed 15Sat 18Sat 18Sun 19State Hillclimb Round 5 – GSCC – GraftonCommittee Meeting – Clubrooms, Cobby St, Shortland,7:30pmMotorkhana (tar) – MGCC Hunter RegionNatter Night – venue to be advisedMultiClub Rallysprint - WAC – Awaba, 4pmMSun 19NSW State Supersprint Round 5 - Mini CC – Wakefield Park25-26 Night Owl Rally – AHRG – Geoff Thomas TRSat 25CSCA Supersprint – AHOC - Wakefield ParkSun 26 Hillclimb - MGCC Newcastle - Ringwood M CC TSSun 26State Khanacross Round 4 - WAC - Awaba, 10amLEGENDM - Club Member CC - Club Championship R - Register pointscoreN - NAMS TS - Tar Speed Series MK - MotorkhanaKC - Khanacross TC – Tri-Challenge IC - NAMS Inter Club ChallengeTR - Touring road eventPlease contact the respectiv e Panel Chairman or M ichael Snow to confirm that anev ent is still being conducted. Also check the w ebsite as late cancellations do happen.Page 3

CLUBTORQUETHE COMMITTEENo phone calls after 9.00pm. Thank youPRESIDENTJohn Collins (Rose)4961 1600 work & fax4925 2867 home0412 260 343 mobilejcdt@iprimus.com.auVICE PRESIDENTBryn Baverstock (Helen)4965 7137 home0404 031 137 mobilebhbav@optusnet.com.auSECRE TARYAndy Peters (Shirley)4963 5380 Club4963 4397 home0418 476 808 mobilea.s.peters@internode.on.netMEMBERSHIP SECRE TARYJudith Rae (Doug)4944 7356 home & fax0413 333 105 mobilehooraedj@bigpond.comTREASURERDarval Thomas (Sue)0412 495 132 mobiledarvalt@thomfahey.com.auCLUB CAPTAINScott McGarry0425 318 967 mobileuww362@gmail.comSPEED EVENT CO-ORDINATORRick Vincent (Lynne)4945 5114 home0418 494 663 mobilerick.v@bearingdynamics.com.auPage 4MOTORKHANA CO-ORDINATORDavid Atkins (Chris)4956 6200 home0403 091 139 mobiledatkins49@optusnet.com.auREGISTER CAP TAINDavid Walker (Lesley)4958 4941 home0417 675 075 mobiledavid.walker@fived.com.auREGISTER SECRETARYDoug Rae (Judith)4944 7356 home & fax0434 141 501 mobilehooraedj@bigpond.comSOCIAL SECRETARYRose Cogger Collins (John)4925 2867 home0413 222 828 mobile4961 1600 faxrosecogger@hotmail.comEVENT CO-ORDINATORMichael Snow0432 772 044 mobilemichaelsnow4@bigpond.comEDITORMike Cole0403 022 351 mobileeditor@mgcarclub.com.auPUBLICITYPeter Robinson (Noelene)4933 8167 home4933 8355 work0411 487 640 mobilemap@pacific.net.au

THE COMMITTEEMay 2011No phone calls after 9.00pm. Thank youRALLY CO-ORDINATORMartin Reeves (Louise)4951 94240419 165 671 mobilemreeves@energy.com.auLAND PANELAlan Bates (Gina)4981 8027 home0412 280 093 mobilea.r.bates@bigpond.comEQUIPMENT MAINTENANCEPaul Bower (Joy)4933 2346 homepbandjoy@bigpond.comCOMMITTEE No 1Ryan Bates4981 8027 homea.r.bates@bigpond.comCOMMITTEE No 2Sue Thomas (Darval)0412 808 777 mobilesusant@thomfahey.com.auOTHER APPOINTMENTSNA TMEET CO-ORDINATORFran Hodgson (Darren)4946 99890414 449 252 mobiledfhodgson@bigpond.comWEB SITE MANAGERMichael Gigli0412 664 918mgccwebmaster@optusnet.com.auCSCA DELEGATEJohn Finch4957 31230434 405 782 mobilejcfinch@bigpond.net.auCAMS DELEGATEDoug Rae (Judith)4944 7356 home & fax0434 141 501 mobilehooraedj@bigpond.comNAMS DELEGATESGreg Hunter 4959 2716 homeMichael Snow 0432 772 044WES TLAKES AUTO CLUBCONTACTDarren Green 4945 4372TRI-CHALLENGE CONTACTSMatt Halpin TSCC (02) 6765 4454Chris Seams KSCC (02) 6562 7536Peter Robinson MGCCN 4933 8167MG INTERCLUBSteve Jones MGCCHR 4952 3486David Walker MGCCN 4958 4941The latest version of the Club Calendar (release 5) and the NAMS pointscoresare on the MG Car Club Newcastle website www.mgcarclub.com.au . If anyonedoes not have access to the Club website please request a printed copy fromMichael Snow 0432 772 044 (mobile).Page 5

CLUBTORQUEPRESIDENT’S REPORTThe National Meeting of MG Car Clubs has been run and won, as they say, andyou will find lots of reports on the event through this magazine. I’m certain thatsome of the things each of us mentions will be repeated by others.Besides the outstanding effort put in by MG owning members, I would like tomention the huge effort put in by non MG owners. Truly, this event would havehad no chance of happening without their input.Two of the events and the social side of things was organised by such peopleand I feel that it is appropriate to detail there efforts.1. Russ Baldwin organised the Touring Assembly. This is a big task as itinvolves many surveys of the course, writing instructions and consumesa lot of time. He also had the assistance of John Porter who took photographsfor results and for trophies.2. Ken Short organised a similar event, which was non competitive andlikewise had the same amount of preparation as the Touring Assembly.3. Bryn Baverstock and David Atkins organised the Motorkhana, with Kenneth’sassistance to refurbish the timing equipment.4. Joy Bower and Chris Tynan with help organised the social gatheringsand entertainment.5. Michael Snow set up the complete event management and scoring systemfrom a fresh start as the old one was too difficult to update and hada few problems.6. Alan Bates did what I thought could not be achieved. He managed toget the hillclimb resurfaced and then put in place the required finishingtouches to make the venue operational. This was a remarkable effortand special thanks must go to him and his team.7. Scott McGarry helped with the Concours set up, and then went to Ringwoodand helped me with the setting up of bollards, witches hats andsafety tape in the paddock area.8. Kerry Woollard was giving clerical assistance throughout the event.9. Jim Gardner and Paul Bower were scrutineers.10. Peter Robinson helped with sponsorship, the practice on Friday and afterwardshelped mark out car parking arrangements in the paddockarea. He was the Steward for the Hillclimb and his wife Noelene put thetimes up on the scoreboard.11. Steve Hobbins, Howard McLean (he may have a MG parked somewherein his garage), Laurie Movigliatti and Phil Bright all helped with the runningof the Hillclimb.Page 6

May 201112. James Pearson put in a huge effort (just as well he is married to someonelike Courtney) for the creative design of the regalia and the advertisingmaterial, the purchasing and marketing of it all. Also with the help ofhis farther, Bill, took photos for trophies13. Darryl and Jason Gregory were always on hand from setting up the Motorkhanaground on Thursday, Friday’s Ringwood practice and markingout the paddock, right through to the setting up of Tuesday Breakfast andthen the removal of barriers at the motorkhana venue - moving equipment,assistance and transportation.14. Most of all, the remaining non MG owners who assisted who are notlisted, as it would surely fill the whole magazine. I thank and salute you.Then I must mention the canteen ladies who fed everybody at the Hillclimb onFriday and Sunday. From the effort, they paid for the first prize in the NationalMeeting Raffle, which was a flat screen TV with a built in DVD player, plus all theusual features. Marta Redhead, with a little assistance, sold $1203 worth of ticketsand a cheque will be presented to the CanTeen organisation to help childrenwith cancer.So now I must get back to work on the updating our constitution to the standardrequired by the government.Then we will have the organisation and running of our regular major events viz.the State Hillclimb Championships at Ringwood Park and King Edward Park -never a dull moment.Remember, support the supporters who support your sport.John Collins.Page 7

CLUBTORQUEYoung Driver Development CourseConducted at Ringwood ParkIntroduction car control courseIt is necessary to obtain a Young Driver Development Course (YDDC) Information Sheet fromGreg Hunter (phone 0412 493 711 or 4959 2716) or Gregor Dickinson.It is essential you read and understand the information before you attend a YDDC Training Day.The course is designed for junior drivers from 12 to 18 years of age.Pupils under 18 years of age will require a parent or guardian to sign entry forms to give permission.A scrutineering (safety) check will be carried out on all vehicles before the start. Vehicles must befitted with seat belts in good condition.Entry for junior members of MGCC Newcastle is free.Entry for junior members of other car clubs is $11.Minimum requirement is a CAMS L1 Come & try licence ($25).All training days are SaturdaysAll paperwork and safety checksto be completed by 10:30am,tuition from 11amDates for 201128th May15th July6th August3rd September26th NovemberPage 8

May 2011SECRETARY’S REPORT Andy PetersOur clubrooms are looking great with alot of hard work from many membersand the monthly magazine from otherMG Car Clubs will continue to be displayedfor all members to have a readand gather interesting information.The National Meeting is about to beginas I write this – it is always great tocatch up with friends from other clubsand learn how they manage to gettheir car to shine a little more, or theextra tips on how to go faster or how tomiss the witches hat in motorkhana……..it will be a fun weekend.King Edward Park Hillclimb will soonbe on the agenda and as usual we willbe requiring lots of help for this eventto happen and be successful.There will be a change to trophy collectionat Ringwood Park. The notificationcard you receive with the resultswill have a 12 month expiry date fromdate of issue. You need to presentthese cards at the secretary’s office tocollect your glass trophiesDrive safely and look forward to seeingyou at our next event.AndyPage 9

CLUBTORQUESOCIAL NEWS by Rose CoggerWell, an interesting night was held atthe last club night when Peter Robinsongave a talk on his experiences atBathurst at the Vodafone test day, withCraig Lowndes and his V8 Supercarand Jensen Button with his FormulaOne McLaren. Overheads and videoaction were included in this and it wasgood that his views on the event couldbe shared with club members.A Rocker Cover competition will beheld every 3 months at clubnights sothat the enthusiasts can compete andimprove their vehiclesThe June Clubnight on Friday 10 thJune 2011 will have a guest speakerfrom the charity organisation Can-Teen, to let us know the good workthese people do to make the lives ofteenage cancer sufferers a littlebrighter. A cheque for $1203 will bepresented to the CanTeen organisation,the proceeds being raised by theraffle at the MG National Meeting.The May Natter night will be held onSaturday 21 st May 2011 at the CobbyStreet Clubrooms, so bring along yourhot favourite winter food, soups, casseroles,etc. and some desserts toshare.The clubrooms have been repainted,with new vanities in the toilets, and venetianblinds and the wall posters havebeen updated and rearranged. Comealong and enjoy the ambience andnatter. There should be a lot of thisfollowing the MG National Meetingheld in Newcastle over Easter.Rose Cogger-CollinsSocial SecretaryALL YOUR MG PARTS & SERVICE NEEDSIN ONE EASY TO FIND LOCATIONRing Stuart or Sally RatcliffMG Car Club Life Member26 COWPER ST. GRANVILLEFax: (02) 9637 0199Delivery Australia WidePH: (02) 9682 6655Page 10MG CENTRE OF SYDNEY

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CLUBTORQUEREGISTER NEWS by David WalkerWith the National Meeting now over, lifecan get back to what we call normal.MGCC Hunter Region held Euro Dayon Sunday 1 st May and although thisreport is due in before that happens,and it’s currently raining, with rain alsoforecast for Sunday, it is always a greatday. So fingers crossed for the sun toshine.This month’s Register Run on Sunday22 nd May will be to the Hunter Wetlandsat Shortland for lunch at Nourish Cafébooked for 12.00pm. Entry Fee is$10.00, however with groups of 10 ormore that comes down to $6.00ea. Butwe have a carrot to dangle before allyou boy and girl racers - Segways. Forthe uninitiated, these are two wheeledcontraptions controlled by body movement.Thought and action are one.Stand on a Segway and it remains stationaryand upright, shift your weightforward, backward, left or right andLean Steer technology immediatelysends you gliding in the precise directionyou want to go at exactly the speedyou want to move. Normally costing$65.00 each person, we have organiseda price of $20ea person. EastCoast Xperiences will set up a courseto negotiate with flags, etc. (reminiscentof a motorkhana). All participants mustwatch a DVD and have time with aqualified trainer.This is an experience not to be missed,but bookings are essential. Please seeme at the Clubnight on 13 th May oremail me at lwa04958@bigpond.net.auas soon as possible.We will leave the club rooms at 9.00amon 22 nd May.The Register Run for June may be toStockton but arrangements are yet tobe finalised.Don’t forget our Xmas in July weekendon 30/31 st July to the Carriageway viaDungog. It’s been on the backburnerwhile the Nat Meet fever was in fullswing, but we have to make final arrangementsshortly, so please let meknow your intentions as soon as possible.‘’B’ seeing you,DAVIDPage 12

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CLUBTORQUEEDITORIAL by Mike ColeThis month has a full complement ofreports, both from the regulars and theirregulars. Some wrote their reportsbefore the MG National Meeting, whileothers have overcome car overdose totickle the keyboard.The National Meeting photographs inthis issue were taken by James Pearson,Bill Pearson and John Porter andused for trophies and projected at thepresentation night.Due to James’ work in cataloguingthese photographs, I could order photographsto match the reports.Every National Meeting there is aMagazine Competition for attendingclubs. This year the judge was Bill Revill,a Triumph owning member of ourclub. In his report, Bill stressed the importanceof photographs, both of carsand people. So expect to see more inthe future and please submit one ortwo photos each month.The winner of the competition this yearwas Queensland, so have a look attheir magazine in the clubrooms.MikeClubtorque is published monthly(except January) on the Tuesday beforethe Clubnight (which usually fallson the second Friday of the month).The deadline for articles is the last Fridayof the prior month, or two weeksprior to the Clubnight date.The deadline for the June magazine isFriday 27th May 2011.Page 14

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CLUBTORQUELAND PANEL by Alan BatesTHURSDAY WORKING BEESare held at Ringwood Park by Dad’sArmy on most Thursdays.You are welcome to come & help.Please bring gloves and a hat butring first to check if we are there.Contact: Alan Bates 0412 280 093or Doug Rae 0434 141 501Fellow Slaves.Well it has finally happened. The trackwas re-surfaced on the 25th March andthe first use on the 3rd April was prettymuch a success. However it must betold the honour of the first off must begiven to none other than our ???????.In his defence he did say the track wasvery slippery!By all accounts the surface is morethan acceptable and the drop offs atsome areas of the track have beenfixed. Drainage is on going.Apart from the re-surfacing, Dad’s Armyhas been busy with the paint brushes.You may notice the ripple strips havebeen re-painted, the bins and other areasaround the track have been freshenedup as well.The work on clearing the boundary lineis still ongoing.Another load of pipes has arrived atRingwood for when we run out of thingsto do! We can aim Doug at the motorkhanaarea and hopefully improve thedrainage.The gravel trap at turn two, on the waydown the hill has been refurbished witha fresh load of gravel from next door.Page 20The same people who supplied theconcrete for work on the track edges.This last month has seen an increase inthe ranks of Dad’s Army. At this ratewe will have to look for a bigger area tosit for our crib time. Also I must thankour new club member Steve Hammondfor the collection and delivery of thedrainage pipes that were arranged byDavid Atkins. Without Steve and histruck the pipes would not have beenavailable.Remember, without the support of theclub and the effort and support of thevolunteers who turn up for the workingdays, very little would be achieved. Ifyou can spare the time on Thursdaysplease let either myself or Doug Raeknow so we can acquire some moreseats for the crib table.The working bee at Ringwood on theSixteenth was well attended, eventhough the weather was less than ordinary.I believe the same can be saidfor those who attended Cobby St.Many thanks to those who ventured outon the day.Cheers,Alan

What a monthMay 2011Firstly the clubrooms. Tiled the ladies toilet with Scott McGarry’s help, fitted anew vanity basin supplied by Grant Cook and replaced the plumbing with LyallClark’s help. Also tiled splashback to vanity as well as fitting fly screens to thewindows.Onto the mens toilet. Three sections of walls were replaced, new vanity fittedwith plumbing being renewed, new flyscreens will be fitted and two walls will berelined.In the meantime Dad’s Army spent three days preparing the courses for ourState Khanacross round. The tracks were prepared after consultation betweenBryn and myself, with Eric Chandler preparing tracks 1 and 2 and with AlanBates developing track 3, which turned out quite good. With the late notificationof access to IRH’s property our efforts were mainly concentrated on our property.Access to IRH’s property will be determined by their ongoing development, notas some people assume a 2 year contract.All our efforts need to be aimed at developing our own property and not wasted.Also included were preparations for a hillclimb the week before such as repairingedges of the track, mowing the grass and cleaning the toilets.For the MG National Meeting, 36 new flag bases were made as well as two buffersfor KEP.Doug Rae, Member Land PanelPage 21

CLUBTORQUEPUBLICITY by Peter RobinsonCongratulations to all Club Members who helped with the National Meeting before,during and after the Easter Events.I know that the Hillclimb certainly ran well and on time all day with over 90 competitors.That is an achievement!The Club was very fortunate that so many “non-MG-ers” stepped up to help sothat all events ran smoothly.I had the opportunity to observe a couple of our MGF competitors from the top ofthe hill and in particular, the two quickest – Bryn Baverstock and Lyall Clarke. I’mglad they are not in my class! Smooth and fast – good to watch.We now have a long break at Ringwood for hillclimbs at least. The next one isnot until the end of June, when the busy end of the year starts.Peter Robinson, Publicity OfficerRick VincentPage 22

Hi Guys,May 2011SPEED PANEL Rick VincentWell another successful MG NationalMeeting. On behalf of all the memberswe must congratulate the organizingcommittee for their excellent work onarranging such a huge event, manythanks to you all.Of course the Hillclimb was one majorevent held in pristine conditions again.Many thanks to the Land Panel withtheir preparations of the new track andsurrounds. All visitors were very impressed.The event was held on Sunday the 24 thApril with a field of 85 entrants. Thefollowing were the outright winners,although everyone who attended werewinners on the day.1 st Place – Steve Jones - HunterClub – Modified Midget – 32.842 nd Place – Gavin McHugh –Victoria– Modified Midget – 33.133 rd Place – Darren Hodgson – MGNewcastle – Modified F - 33.66Lyall Clarke and Bryn Baverstock werehaving their own private duel with Bryngetting his nose in front driving a stockstandard borrowed MGF.Fortunately there were no major incidentsother than Marea Semken wantingto drive over a spare tyre, and JohnBoyce from Queensland damaging hisconcours car up against the tyre wall,all in the name of motor sport, and havinglots of fun.A few changes are coming up with futureRingwood events, including thatcompetitors will receive via their emailaddress pre entry forms and SuppRegs prior to the event. This is to tryand encourage more pre entries. Allcompetitors who have pre entered willuse the right hand door of the EventSecretary hut, to receive priority registrationwithout delays.We encourage all competitors to registertheir car number and provide theirown magnetic door numbers. Pleasedon’t rely on the club providing thesenumbers, as they may not be available.Please contact myself should you requireto register your number 1 to 999.Our website will show shortly a newpage, indicating the basic requirementsthat a new member should have prior toany event. The new section will be titledNew Competitor Event Requirements.The award cards that are issued to successfulcompetitors at Ringwood eventswill shortly have a use by date printedon the cards, so we do encourage allthose competitors to present their trophycards at the next Ringwood event.I have issued 28 letters to memberswho have shown an interest in becominga club official to run CAMS events.I am grateful to those members and askthey contact me as soon as the basicCAMS course has been completed.All the best to those members competingat Eastern Creek this Sunday 1stMay. It should be a great day. I hopemy son Aaron is competitive again (inDad’s car?).Keep your tyres hot.RegardsRickPage 23

CLUBTORQUECAPTAIN’S CORNER Scott McGarryApologies to all for not publishing a columnor any pointscores in last month’smagazine, but I have a good excuse, asI was busy working and holidaying inCalifornia. So when you see me nextask me about San Diego AutomotiveMuseum, Peterson Automotive Museumand The Mullin Automotive Museum.And ask me about seeing twoBugatti Veyrons in the same day! Ohand ask me about my trip to LagunaSeca and the offer of a free lap in aMazda 3 that I couldn’t take up. Ohwell, maybe next time.I have been doing some serious catchingup on the scoring and, as a result,have some points tables to present.The results from the recently held NationalMeeting didn’t make it to me beforethe magazine deadline, but thescores are up to date as of 20 April. Asalways, if there are any questions orconcerns, please contact me.Until next month,Keep your eyes on the prize,Scott McGarryM ick Neilson M emorial Trophy for ClubChampionName Points PositionBill Pearson 59 1Andrew Wallin 36 2Lyall Clarke 28 3Greg Dickinson 28 3Glenn Parsonage 28 3M ichael Wallin 28 3Tom Clemens 26 7Alexander Elphinstone 26 7Graham Orr 26 7Peter Robinson 26 7Page 24Paul Daley M emorial Trophy for Club JuniorChampionName Points PositionDylan Grant 76 1Beau Grant 50 2Keith Hammond 40 3Camryn Edw ards 24 4Andrew Chandler 13 5Reece Hammond 12 6Tegan M eek 11 7Tyson Agllias 10 8Jake Bromley Hall 10 8Joseph Eketone 10 8Ladies ChampionshipName Points PositionElizabeth Robinson 25 1Kimberley Atkins 13 2Trudy Jacobs 12 3M area Semken 11 4Susan (D) Thomas 7 5M ick Neilson Club M ember of the YearName Points PositionM ichael Snow 64 1John Collins 59 2Dav id Walker 58 3Andrew Peters 52 4Alan Bates 47 5Bryn Bav erstock 40 6Judith Rae 40 6Douglas Rae 37 8Paul Bow er 36 9Dav id Atkins 33 10

May 2011AUTOTEST PANEL NEWSFirstly, I must clarify the following, which was a part of a quote that I included inmy April report which said:-“Good news is that IRH have granted MGCCN permission to use the dirt trackson their land for the next 2 years”.The facts surrounding IRH permission to use the Khanacross tracks on theirproperty are:-1) By application on an event by event basis.2) Is very conditional on us meeting the requirements spelled out in theDeed of Access document we have signed up to (in other words doingthe right thing at all times).3) Only applies until the land is otherwise required by IRH. There wasnever any timescale put in the Deed of Access. I know most peoplehope that IRH will have approval and be very well advanced, if not completed,with their proposed development, two years from now.Our next event is another round of the NSW Khanacross Series. We have appliedfor permission to once again use some of the sections of track on IRH land,hopefully this will be granted.Please note:- the date for this event has been changed from the date shown inlast month’s magazine. The event is now on Sunday 22 nd May.Hopefully the weather will do the right thing and the tracks will be able to be preparedproperly over the next few weeks.The next Motorkhana is on the following Sunday (29 th ) again at Ringwood. Wewill be using the same areas as we did for the last motorkhana, but hopefully withmuch of the work associated with the hillclimb resurfacing and preparations forthe MG National meeting out of the way, there will be some time available to putinto the Motorkhana Grounds.The MG National Meeting Motorkhana held at the Ausgrid Stadium Carpark ranvery well with 96 starters attempting the 3 tests (with significantly varying degreesof success!). Thanks to Kenneth Atkins’ efforts in refreshing our old timinggear and with the concentration of the timing officials on the day, there were nomistimes. The venue was pretty close to perfect for such a large event. I thankeveryone who played a part in the set up and running of the event, well done all.We could probably have access to the venue more often, however the requirementto have plastic barriers along the full length of the cycle way which runsalong the side of the venue, makes it financially unviable for club events. I believethe cost was something around $700 or slightly more, and that was with uspicking them up and returning them.So on that note, we are still searching for that elusive Tar motorkhana venue thatmust be out there somewhere.Dave Atkins, Autotest Panel Chairman 2011Page 25

CLUBTORQUEJason Gregoryat Awaba2011 MG NATIONAL MEETINGNEWCASTLE RESULTSPERPETUAL TROPHY RESULTS:John Wratten Memorial TrophyNuffield Oceania Trophy1 st QUEENSLAND 715.04 points 1 st NEWCASTLE 16.80 pts2 nd NEWCASTLE 412.00 points 2 nd QUEENSLAND 15.67 pts3rd VICTORIA 359.97 points 3 rd HUNTER 15.00 ptsJoan Richmond TrophyCecil Kimber Centennial TrophyFran Hodgson – MG ZSRay Sheather – MG ZRHard Luck TrophyPhotographic CompetitionAndrew and Jenna Fraser Best Creative Digitally Enhanced - Peter FinlayPage 26continued next page

M G National M eetingNew castle ResultsConcoursHillclimbMay 2011M otorkhanaTouringAssemblyJeff New ey – M G TC 4th 2 nd 3rdBruce Fraser – M GA Roadster 4th 2 nd 1stPaul Fraser – M GA Roadster 3rd 2ndPhil Readhead – M GA Coupe 1st 2nd 2ndM arta Readhead – M GA Coupe2ndJeff New ey – M GB M k 1 3rd 1st 2ndPeter Polglase – M GB M k 12ndDav id Walker – MGB M k 1 6 th 1st 1stM ick Barclay – M GB Mk 21stJohn Pearson – M GB M k23rdAndy Peters – M GB BL 2nd 1st 1stAngela M urphy – M GB GT BL 5th 3rd 4thCraig M urphy – M GB GT BL 1st 1stM ichael Fraser – MGB GT 4th 2nd 1stRachel Fraser – M GB GT 3rd 3rdDale Pow ell – M G M idget5thAlan Beatty - M GY2ndM al Dav ies – MG M agnette2ndM alcolm Bailey – M G Magnette4thDale Pow ell – M G FWD 2 nd 1st 2ndPeter Finlay – Specials pre M GA (TC) 2nd 2 nd 3rdDarren Hodgson – Specials (M GF) 5th 2 nd 2ndGraeme Semken – Super Specials M GF4thM area Semken – Super Specials M GF5thLyall Clarke – M GF 3rd 2 nd 1stKen Mcleod – M GF4thJohn Collins – M GF 5th 3 rd 2ndPaul Bow er – M GF =7th 4th 5thDarv al Thomas – M GF 6th 5 th 6thRick Vincent – M GF6 thSusan Thomas – M GF 7th 9thBryn Bav erstock – M GF =7th 1stFran Hodgson – Saloons (M G ZS) 1st 1st 2ndDav id Walker – Saloons (MG ZT)4thJohn Fraser – Saloons (M G ZS) 5th 2nd 1stNaomi Fraser – Saloons (M G ZS) 5th 4thRay Sheather – M G ZR 2nd 1st 1stFran Hodgson – M G ZR3rdDoug Rae – M G ZR 4th =3rd 3rdLouise Reev es – M G ZR 5th 5th 4thM artin Reeves – M G ZR 1st 6thPage 27

CLUBTORQUEPage 28“Words of Wisdom” – Concours 2011from Fran Hodgson, Concours DirectorFor weeks it had been forecast to rain on Easter Saturday, then gradually as theday drew closer the forecasts grew a little brighter – thank heavens for slow movingsystems. The day was magic with bright sunshine and light breezes.The Foreshore has never looked better than with the gathering of 150 shiny MGsdisplayed across 31 classes. This meant that I needed 90 judges so most of thecompetitors were kept busy. I didn’t get a chance to look at any of the cars andhad to get someone else to line up my own car as I was busy directing traffic. Ihad lots of help from willing club members who must have thought I was usingthem more as chicanes! – “go to the man in the fluoro vest three rows down andturn left and find the next official half way down that row!”. Except for Marta Redheadwho seemed to hear “Marta, get back to your row!”. Marta tells me it’s becausepeople kept asking her to assist them but it always seemed to happen justwhen I was sending a car her way! Kerry Woollard, Ken McLeod, Scott McGarry,Tom Heard, Sue and Darval Thomas, Dale Powell, Bryn Baverstock, Mark Jarman,Marta and Phil Redhead were all out on the park. Darren and Lyall hammeredin all the class signs. My son Luke was a great help to me by handing outthe judging sheets to all cars when they arrived, even the ice cream van – I suspectthat may have been his favourite on the park.My instructions to judges were simple, don’t be too critical of a car when theowner is standing close by, no tied scores and make sure the car you thinkshould win gets the most points. One group came back with a tie – I sent themback to choose between the two cars. Two groups came back with scores thatdidn’t reflect the order in which they ranked the cars and lots of people need helpadding up! Some might say this means the judging sheet was too complicated.They could be right.In the end the owners of cars who won were very happy and some of the ownersof cars that didn’t win were very sad. That is the joy and sorrow of Concoursing –it is a subjective business. Even the learned texts differ in their opinions aboutoriginality aspects. Three different judges might look at the same set of cars andcome up with a different result – but I am confident that all the judging groups appliedthemselves with due diligence and respect for the cars and for that I amvery thankful.The Outright trophies all went to NSW Club members: Ron Taylor with his TA forthe Pre MGA group; Margaret Norman with her MGB for the Post TF – 1980group and Eric and Dawn Hayes with their MGF in the Modern category. Dawncried at the Presentation Night – she’d had a very bad day, had been feeling unwelland even though her F beat my ZS out of Outright, her joy made me cry aswell. (It’s ok, I can console myself with Joan Richmond for another year). Havingthe Nat Meet in Newcastle pulled a few cars out of retirement – Mick Barclay had

May 2011a last hoorah and won his class with his MGB Mk2 and now tells me he is readyto consider selling it. Peter Polglase picked up 2 nd with his MGB Mk1 in class Kand Jeff Newey had the last laugh when his racing MGB came 3 rd in class J.The local news came and filmed and after 5 minutes of interview to pick from -aired my great words of wisdom when asked what I like about MGs – “they lookcool and go fast!”Fran HodgsonLyall ClarkePage 29

CLUBTORQUEPage 302011 MG NATIONAL MEETINGWell, we have successfully conducted one of the biggest events in our Club’scalendar, the staging over the Easter period of the Newcastle MG National Meeting.From my perspective as Chairman of the Organising Committee, I can only saywith much pride that the 2011 National Meeting was a successful event.Although the numbers were below our expectations, this led to a more intimateevent and visitors commented on the friendliness of those who attended.Our thanks for the success of this Event must be attributed to many people, particularlythe Organising Committee, and many other Club Members who gave oftheir time over the weekend to assist in its smooth running.We first met in August 2009, and many hours have been spent by all OrganisingCommittee Members and others since that time, not only at some twenty fivescheduled committee meetings, but during their day to day activities.With around 150 MGs on display at the Concours, some 85 competitors at theRingwood Hillclimb (who each had six runs), over 100 starters at the Motorkhanacompeting in three events with two runs at each at the Ausgrid Stadium carpark,and the running of a Touring Assembly with 40 starters and a social drive toHunter Valley Gardens (the Kimber Run), it certainly was quite a big undertaking.Elsewhere in the Magazine you will find reports and photos of these events.My thanks go to all those who put up their hand to help make all these eventshappen in a professional manner.The Social Nights and Presentation Night held at Club Panthers, Newcastle, alsorequired many hours work and I thank those involved in the staging of eachnight. Those who entered the Rocker Cover Racing (40 of them) also providedgreat entertainment at the Noggin and Natter Night.I am sure that those of you who attended each of these functions had enjoyableevenings.From a competition point of view, our Members are to be congratulated on theirindividual results. A list of these results is shown in the Magazine. A fine effort!One of the most pleasing results for the Club was the 1 st Place in the NuffieldOceania Trophy and 2 nd Place in the John Wratten Memorial Trophy. Well doneto all our competitors!Once again, I would like to say how proud I am of all who helped – it certainlymade my job as Chairman a most rewarding and enjoyably experience.Lyall Clarke – Chairman of the 2011 MG Natmeet Committee

Vice-President’s ReportMay 2011G'dayWell what a great weekend the National Meeting turned out to be. Theweather god smiled on us all, the venues were terrific and the people both participatingand working were so happy we could have called it the Friendly NationalMeeting!The bit I was involved in was the Motorkhana at the Knights ground carpark.It went off very well with no major hassles and my thanks to the many helpersboth before, after and on the day. Far to many to mention all of you by name butif you were there you have my and the clubs heartfelt thanks for a brilliant job.I could not believe our luck when I headed to the event at 6.30 that morning.It rained from Warners Bay and stopped just before the stadium. It stayed dry allday until the last car had finished then it rained on us as we packed up. Sure itcould have waited another twenty minutes, but what timing! Then it went andrained when we went on Wednesday to return the barriers, so the weather godgot his own back!One bit of trivia. Some of you may have seen Peter Finlay dressed in what Ithought was period clothing for his cars era but turns out he used to fly TigerMoths from that same spot when it used to be an aerodrome. So he dragged hisgear out of the cupboard for old times sake. Maybe he had better give anotherclub night talk on Tiger Moths!Our thanks to Hunter Venues who run the stadium complex without whosehelp we would not have had an event.Cheers BrynPage 31

CLUBTORQUEXmas in July 2011With all the Fun of organising our National Meeting we can’t forgetthe other highlight of our Social Calendar………XMAS IN JULY………this year to be held at the Carriageway, Crooks Park on ClarenceTown Road, Dungog on 30/31 st July.Crooks Park is an original Hunter Valley property over 180 years old on 215acres of beautiful Williams River country, 7 km from the historic town of Dungog,with unique accommodation. The accommodation is in various cottages on theproperty, all within walking distance. The negotiated rates quoted below includea 6 course meal at Rattlers Restaurant (a refurbished red rattler train carriage), abed for Saturday night and a cooked breakfast on Sunday morning.Restored Red Rattler Train Carriages at $252 per coupleThere are 4 carriages with screened verandahs to take in the scenery, privatebathroom facilities, kitchenette, and fully air conditioned.Humpy Bong Cottage at $232 per coupleA self contained cottage with 2 bedrooms, your own private garden and largecountry kitchen to gather for a chat.Spa Suite at $272 per coupleThere are 2 Spa Suites, with spacious luxury accommodation for two adults, yourown private balcony, large spa bath, kitchenette, air conditioning and fire place.Make the Xmas in July weekend your own private love nest.Homestead at $262 per coupleThe beautiful historic homestead has 5 double bedrooms, a billiard room, countrykitchen and more. Three of the bedrooms are already booked by enterprisingcouples who had a look at the property after they learnt we might be consideringhaving our Xmas in July there, so there are two bedrooms left. We will have predinner drinks there on Saturday evening.With only 13 rooms available, we expect this year’s Xmas in July to book quickly.A deposit of $100.00 per couple is required. We have a few ideas for interestingplaces to see in the area on Saturday and Sunday, which we will firm up in thecoming weeks. Contact Lesley or David Walker for bookings and deposits, emailat LWA04958@bigpond.net.au or phone 4958 4941.Page 32

May 2011MG CANAM TOUR 2012, 1st June 2012 for 90 days.Join us on this "once in a lifetime" tour to the USA and Canada. Your MG will beshipped to Los Angeles, and we will commence a roughly anti-clockwise trip,keeping mainly to scenic roads. We will be visiting Los Vegas, Grand Canyon,Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Nashville, Washington, Philadelphia,New York, Boston, Peggy's Cove, Quebec, Ottawa, Montreal, Niagara, Detroit,Dayton, Indianapolis, Chicago, South Dakota area, Denver, Yellowstone, Calgary,Banff, Kamloops, Whistler, Vancouver/Vancouver island, Seattle, SanFrancisco, and back to Los Angeles.We will be keeping off major highways wherever possible, and have also selected15 scenic roads that have made the list of the top 50 in the USA.From 11th to 15th July in Dayton, Ohio, we will be attending the GT-37, which isthe annual MGA event run by North American MGA Register, with upwards of200 MGAs plus other models in attendance.There is a possibility of a group from the UK joining us in New York, and they willcontinue with us to the finish.Please note that this is not a profit making tour. I just do this for the enjoyment oftaking our MGs a little bit further! The route planning is done by a professionalcompany in the UK. They issue route books and organise all accommodation.We are on our own after that!Enquiries please to Gary Lock at lock@winshop.com.au Ph. 0435 901150CAPE TO CAIRO AND BEYOND IN 2012 IN AN MGA OR MGBComing hot on the heals of the successful MG China to MG Britain trip along theSilk Road in 2010 (www.goldcoastmgcarclub.com.au), we are now consideringdriving our MGAs and MGBs from the MG dealer in Cape Town to the birth townof our MGs - Abingdon in the UK - in 2012.The broad plan is for us to meet in Cape Town mid August 2012 and take approximately14 weeks to drive through Namibia (Fish River Canyon), Botswana(Chobi Game Reserve), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls and Kariba Dam), Zambia(Shiwa Ng’ andu), Tanzania (Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro), Kenya (Classic CarShow, Out of Africa experience and Masai Mara Game Reserve), Ethiopia, Sudan,Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain, France and Abingdon in theUK.Sounds a long way – it is – but will be a load of fun and adventure, guaranteed!Hopefully the political situation in North Africa will have resolved itself by late2012; otherwise we will consider interesting alternative routes.The intention is to keep to sealed roads wherever possible, to make this a comfortableand scenic trip for up to 8 MGs from all corners of the world; talking tolocals, eating their food and sleeping in their hotels. A reserve list will be kept incase someone withdraws before we head off into the wilds of Africa.If you would like to consider joining us, please contact me by email and I will provideas much information as I can for you to make an informed decision.Remember: A Road not travelled is an Avenue not explored…Dave Godwin at murphgod@hotmail.com, +61 412 029 277 (see photo page 36).Page 33

CLUBTORQUECLASSIFIED ADSFOR SALE 1977 MGB GTRubber bumper, British Racing Green(originally orange), personally imported1994, VIN GHD5422995G, overdrive,twin SUs, electronic ignition, chromewire wheels, a lot of items in the frontend replaced including brakes, balljoints, shock absorbers, etc., heavyduty clutch, new fuel pump, gear reductionstarter, electric fan, oil cooler,interior needs a tidy up but is all there,has had a previous front end repair, novisible rust but inspections welcomed,looks good and drives well, variousspares to go with the car including setof wheels, rear bumper, starter, etc,etc., on full rego with plates BGT 077,$11,000 obo, more pictures availableon request, email me.James Pearson (not the owner, sellingon behalf of a friend), 0414 466 068,email: rx7racing@exemail.com.auFOR SALE MG TCTC 7346/XPAG 8142, December 1949,full NSW Registration to July 2011 HN681 (plate not included), subject of athree year professional “ground up”restoration with no expense spared(accounts total over $120K), in concourscondition and requires only thefitment of original steering box andstandard exhaust to be a potential concourswinner, TC box with Tomkins kitand standard manifold are included,Sequoia Cream with green upholsteryand grill slats, come see this delightfulcar at North Rocks NSW and discussyour offer, to see photographs of thisrestoration please go towww.planeimages.smugmug.comPeter Finlay 02 9872 2923,0417 279 277, emailpeterfinlay07@optusnet.com.auTo place an adv ertisement, please mail or email to the Editor.Please notify when adv ertisement is no longer required.Page 34

CLASSIFIED ADSMay 2011FOR SALE 1971 MGB GT MkIIProfessionally maintained and in verygood condition, engine enhancementsinclude dual throat Weber carburettor,high lift cam and oversize valves, completebody and interior detailing includedwith sale, receipts available forthe following work that has been completedin the last 1000km: fully reconditionedhead ULP compatible, rearsprings reset, new bushes and shockabsorbers, new water pump and radiator,brakes redone (wheel cylinders,lines, pads and shoes), both seatswabs renewed, ACJ 01R, $14,750.Barry Milton 4957 1900FOR SALE MG MIDGET1970 on Historic Plates, 1275cc motor,5 speed Corolla gear box, wire wheels,hood, tonneau cover reasonable, veryoriginal, $7000.Doug Rae 4944 7356 or 0434 141 501FOR SALE4 x Bridgestone RE55S 195/60 x 14suitable for motorkhana – free.Phone Greg Redman 0409 032 493FOR SALEMag wheels: 2 new Performance Superlite15x7 4 stud 110mm PCD $80each, 2 14x6 mags suit TR7 $80 each.Tyres: 4 new Kumho 205/50R15 $50each, 2 new Kumho 195/50R15 $50each, 1 used Dunlop 155SR13 $20, 1used Kumho 165R13 $20.Dick Edwards 6553 6354FOR SALERebound straps - we have undertakenour own research and development inthis area with the aim of producingstraps to the correct length, reinforcedwith canvas rather than fibreglass andfitted with spacer tubes in the ends.Owners of vehicles should take carewhen raising the rear of the vehicle andplacing the full rear axle load on straps.Heritage MG Parts, 02 9609 3988WANTEDJack for MGB.Pat Goulding 4945 2086Page 35

CLUBTORQUEAdvertisers IndexBBT Jap Parts............................................... inside front coverBrad’s Custom Trim...............................................................9D & D Body Repairs ............................................................14George Price Towing...........................................................16Lumley Special Vehicles......................................................17Maitland Auto Parts.............................................................13MG Centre of Sydney..........................................................10Osborn Jensen ...................................................................15Shannons...........................................................................11Sportsparts............................................................ back coverWickham Spares........................................... inside front coverPage 36