Last week, I was torqueing down the wheel nuts of my Lotus 23 in preparation
for the Nov. 21-22 Mobil Vintage Races when a a nut popped -- stripped
threads. I checked the other nuts (probably original), and found that
several had worn threads. I could not find replacements locally (I believe
these are Austin 7 wheel nuts: 3/8" with a 20 thread pitch), and made a
frantic call to England. Tony Thompson dispatched the nuts immediately, but
it was really too late. The wheel nuts arrived one day after the event.
So my trusty 1948 MG TC was pressed into service and raced for the first
time! Our rules adhere closely to FIA's Appendix K, which exempts pre-1962
cars from rollbar and harness prescriptions, so the TC passed scrutineering!
A great weekend! Very interesting battles in the lower ranks (MGA vs
Karmann Ghia vs two pesky little Mini Cooper Ss), the middle ranks (Opel GT
vs Alfa 1750 vs MGB), and the big boys (GT350 vs Corvette vs 240Z). The
240Z was the fastest car in the event -- not really a vintage car, IMO, but
qualifies under the 1971 cutoff of Appendix K. 19 cars in the circuit
races, including a freshly restored Alpine 110 from Japan, and 29 cars for
the hillclimb. This a v. good turnout, considering the tiny number of
vintage cars in the country. We started with only 5 cars in our first event
in late 1995!
Taking a cue from abroad, the first "Ancient Pilots" were inducted during
the welcome dinner into what we call the "Brave and Ancient Grand Order of
Mahoma," complete with jackets, World War II leather helmets, and goggles!
"Mahoma" comes from an old Philippine expression used when referring to
something very old -- "Older than Mahoma." Mahoma is a reference to
Mohammed, who predates Christianity (brought by the Spanish in the 16th
century) in these parts. Anything older than Mahoma must be old indeed.
Three vintage racers met the 60-year or older cutoff. Lots of mock
seriousness and really hilarious.
The weekend was a good club event. Plenty of camaraderie, fun, and just the
right amount of excitement. The Japan Classic Car Club participated, and
the Hong Kong Club sent three guys for a look-see. We hope they had a good
time.
Oh yes. The TC posted slowest time on the hillclimb (the next oldest car
was a 1957 MGA) and of course also at the sprints. But I have to say that
it was the perfect car for Subic Bay. It was so nice to drive the TC, with
the hood and windscreen down, on Subic's roads that wind up the mountains
and cruise along the seashore. Truly sports car country.
Regards to all.
Andy
Manila
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