The Sprite Club of South Australia has had an affiliation with both the Marque Sports Car Association (SA) and Mallala Motor Sport Park for many of the Club’s 50 years. Therefore the Round One Super Sprint on Sunday March 20th was an ideal time to celebrate this affiliation.

With the Sprite Club down for flagging duties on the day, Club Members Grant Stephenson, Marcus Booth, Barry and Lyndall Edson and Gordon Boyce made there way to Mallala early for their briefing and duties. Grant and Marcus went to Turn 2, Barry and Lyndall to Turn 3 and Gordon assisted the Starter throughout the very warm day. There was a slight breeze, but all stated it was certainly warm trackside.

As part of our 50th Celebrations the Committee had contacted the MSCA about having a Car Display and Parade Laps. Meeting at the Cavan Hotel were Russell and Judy Schmarr, Robin Dunk and Steve Kent. Unfortunately Miles Jackson had some late minute Sprite issues so joined later in his “modern”. They all enjoyed their run to the circuit and added their cars to the display.

On the competition side, with over 80 cars entered, the Sprite Club was well represented with the Sprites of Chris Brine and Clive Spreadbury, the Plymouth Special of Gerard Miler, the Irukandji Clubman of Pat Miller, the Lotus Elan of David Tye and the Tiger Clubman of Lee Kernick. While the heat of the day put some added issues to a number of cars, various mechanical ailments affect the Sprite Club Team.

Chris Brine had fuel and clutch issues, Clive had starter motor troubles (it ended to two pieces) and loss of power, Pat and David had various issues with their cars, while Gerard and Lee continued to circulate throughout the day.

At the Lunch time break the Sprites assembled on the Start Finish line for some photos. While the number were less than expected the overall image was great. After the photos the members were given a chance to do some parade laps behind the Safety Car, For those who had not been on the circuit it was an opportunity to see the track from the drivers seat, Marcus Booth was also able to give his son his first real ride in his Mk III Sprite!

The Flag Officials returned to their posts for the afternoon session, some headed back to Adelaide and the competitors looked and tinkered or put their broken cars on the trailer for next time.

The Sprite Club would like to thank the MSCA for allowing and assisting with the display, Start Finish photo shoot and corresponding parade laps.

We would also like to thank those who helped Flagging on the day, it was certainly hot, but your services were appreciated by the competitors and the MSCA……….Thank You!

Thanks to Robin Dunk for some of the photos for this article.