Well anther Sprite Year has passed and provided a range of challenges once again for the Sprite Club Committee. The plan for 2021 was not to put the Club or its members at risk with the effects of the COVID pandemic still present in the community.

The calendar at the start of the year had some type of event scheduled for each weekend, a good program considering the past 12 COVID months. These events went off without any issues and the Club had good representation at all of these.

As the various development and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic changed, so did the Sprite Club and the events. The QR code continued to be used and the meetings soon included the use of masks for inside events, something that continued for most of the year.

With borders being locked down the previously rescheduled 2020 National Challenge became the 2021 event, which was then postponed once again as interstate travel became a thing of the past.

Though for SA the lockdown did not occur, and life seemed to continue as “semi-normal” as it has been. Events continued to be run, peopled attended as required and followed the appropriate requirements.

The motorsport calendar continued with good Sprite representation at all events, both at Mallala and The Bend. Even the Peter Hall 6-Hour had excellent local and Victorian Sprite Club member making up nearly a quarter of the entrants.

Socially, other than a few hiccups due to various weather and COVID issues, all events were well attended, with the Mid-Week Meanders and Classic Sport Car Cruises popular with the members. The Ice Cream Run and the Sunday Run to The Elephant Door at Sellicks Hill was a success. The Annual Dinner was well represented with 50 members attending, great to see so many members together at one time enjoying the social camaraderie.

The General Meetings provided an opportunity for a monthly chat and also to welcome several new members over the year. With overseas travel on hold there was once again a number of “new” Sprites and Midgets on the market, with prices increasing over the past few months. A number of these cars and their owners have now joined the Sprite Club and we welcome them to the Club.

I would like to thank the Sprite Club Committee for their help and assistance over the past year. With this support the Club has continued its business and provided the members with a number of events, Club Registration and a chance to enjoy their vehicles with like-minded people. I also thank the members for their support of the various events that the Committee has conducted and organised this year.

In closing 2022 marks the 50th year of the Sprite Club of SA and look forward to the Club celebrating its Silver Jubilee. Some events have been planned and these will be revealed in due course.

Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce President and the Committee – Sprite Club of South Australia