Jim Ten Cate wrote:
I'd like to write more (about the MG Summer Party) but I was just
a casual observer and, frankly, completely overwhelmed :-) Met
George there. Perhaps he can fill in more?
OK. The perception from an entrant's viewpoint was similar to Jim's.
The University Motors staff does a great job of organizing the entire
weekend ... well, after 17 years of it, they SHOULD be good at it!
We (3 MGA's and an Original Owner 1966 MGB) drove about 500
sunny miles from Rochester, NY on Thursday, arriving in time for a
quick shower and dinner. The Hilton's parking lot filled up with MG's
Friday as we cleaned cars and browsed the flea market offerings. Many others
toured the University Motors shop and auto "museum" belonging
to local collector Wes Myrick. He must own 100 cars!
Saturday AM we caravanned to the car show, as impressive as Jim has described.
My 1956 MGA was one of about thirty 1500's, with large
numbers of other MGA's and larger numbers of MGB's and Midgets.
Original Owner Cars were featured this year, and there were 57 of
them, if I recall. They ranged from MGA's to 1980 Limited Edition
MGB's. Add the MG-T's, MGC's, sedans, modified cars and the total
number was close to 600. The flea market was bigger than ever (this
was my 6th party). I finally connected with fellow SOL Jim TenCate but
apparently missed several others despite my SOL windshield sign and
new SOL t-shirt.
There was time for a dip in the pool or nap or shower or libation
between the show and evening awards banquet at another local park.
Class awards went down to sixth place and there were over 40 classes
so a lot of time was spent after dinner presenting awards. We heard
a few words from Ron Gammons, current and past Chairman of the
MG Car Club in England. Back at the Hilton parking lot some more tire
kicking went on until the wee hours.
Sunday we caravanned to nearby Gratten Raceway for vintage sportscar
races. Gratten is a twisty 2-mile track with several very good vantage
points and some of the competition was specacular. Joe Tierno - one
of our local racers - was entered in his MGA so we congregated at his
pit area. In his first race he broke one pushrod and bent another.
Without any spare pushrods, we appealed to other MG owners over
the PA system and there were several responses. There was time to
swap in the donor pushrods before Joe's next race and all worked well,
with the donor car being restored to service again before the day was
over. Some new friends were made that day!
The Monday return trip was spoiled by three hours of Michigan rain
before we reached the Canada border. No trouble from there.
The MG Summer Party is mecca for MG owners and enthusiasts. MG
Guru John Twist and his wife Caroline are fine hosts for a relaxed
weekend of MG fun. Look for me there again next year!
George Haynes
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