For those who might have missed it at the bottom of yesterday’s post, Kennewell CNC have graciously donated 20 recreations of the origional Sprite Club of SA bonnet badge.
Originally created by sticking contact onto a mild steel plate and very carefully cut out to create the badge, an original was digitised and then laser etched in seconds onto 316 Stainless Steel using the latest state-of-the-art.
The badges are available for $25 each with all funds raised going to assist the club to stage the 2026 National Challenge. There are 18 left so get in quick!
They will be available at the Christmas BBQ for cash or EFT (direct debit) is fine if that’s easiest, just please clearly mark in the description its for the Heritage Badge so we can apportion the money to the Nationals account!
And if you’d like one of the newer grill badges or perhaps one of the 50th Anniversary badges, we still have some in stock.
As many of you know we are already planning for the 2026 National Challenge and we are looking for supporters who will allow us to deliver a fantastic event at an affordable price.
One way businesses can help is with donations for which we can then run advertising on our website, magazines and social media over the next two years.
Over the next few weeks we will introduce you to the businesses who are helping us deliver the National Challenge and I’d encourage everyone to get behind them if you can use their services!
Without further ado I’d like to introduce BRC (Billet Race Craft ) and Kennewell CNC located in Murray Bridge (also the venue for the 2026 National Challenge!).
Located about a 150metres from the banks of the Murray River is one of South Australia’s leading experts in CNC machining and the home of Billet Race Craft, designer and manufacturer of FIA, ANDRA and Motorsport Australia homologated Roll Cage Joiners. These roll cage joiners mean your roll bar/cage no longer needs to be permanent fixture in your car yet will meet the strictest of race-day inspection regimes!
I’ve been working with Brett and his business for nearly 4 years now and his precision machining and toolmaking abilities are first class and highly sought after.
Kennewell CNC has machining and engineering capabilities often not found outside of the CBD. Brett has recreated the original Sprite Club of South Australia grill badge, using the latest in laser engraving technology to produce (and very generously donate) 20 exact reproductions for the Club to sell as part of its National Challenge 26 program.
With only 20 reproduced these are strictly a limited edition for the car or the shed and one can be yours for only $25! Cash or Direct Debit (Click Here for bank details!). These will be available at the end of year BBQ.
Thank you Brett and the team at Kennewell CNC and thank you to all of the sponsors of the Sprite Club of South Australia.
Stay tuned for more announcements about the fabulous companies supporting us and if you’d like to join the support crew, contact the club at admin@spriteclub.com.au!
For the 2024 Sprite Club Display Day we joined with the Austin Healey Owners Club of SA at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg to provide an impressive display of over 60 vehicles.
Once again the People’s Choice Awards were awarded.
Thank you to all those who attended the Annual General Meeting and participated in the Committee Elections for 2025.
The 2025 Committee largely unchanged from 2024, with Robin, Peter and Kerry continuing in the leadership roles of President, Secretary and Treasurer. Pat continues in his role as the Competition Secretary, Miles as Librarian and Don has continued for another year as the Federation Representative; however, Don has noted that this will be the last year he does this role. Sean volunteered to continue in his role as the Clubbies Rep.
Grant and Angela have offered to continue as the Social Coordinators and I’d request that members to please get behind them and share the organisation load!
Gary Dodd has come into the Committee as the Regalia Officer and I thank Gary for offering to take this role on. The roles of Club Registrars for Conditional Registration continues as Don and Gordon. We may look to recruit another Registrar for 2025, particularly as we have additional logbooks to sign for next year!
One role we don’t formally have filled is the role of Web Master. I’ve agreed to another year as President on the proviso that someone takes on the back-end running of the website and the admin that comes with it. Gordon, myself and now Gary will upload (and create) content onto the website and the Club’s social media platforms but we do need someone to run the back end of the web and just keep it running as an administrator.
Other than that, the Treasurer noted that the club accounts require auditing. This isn’t a job specific for an accountant, simply someone independent of the Committee who has the skills to audit the books so I’m looking for a volunteer. Its quite important that we get this done.
The National Challenge Committee sits outside of the formal Club Committee and our small band will continue on with the plans for the 2026 meeting. More on that to follow, but if you’d like to talk to anyone on that committee (or volunteer to help as the organisation ramps up next year), the Nationals Committee is currently Sue, Helen, Gordon, Dean, Grant, Angela and myself.
Hope I haven’t forgotten anyone! If you’d like to learn more about the committee and perhaps take on an understudy role for any of the positions, please let us know as we’d love your help and input to run the club for 2025.
Looking forward to a great year in 2025. I’ve already had some ideas floated for runs and events, even a possible weekend away to stretch our cars legs a little further than the Adelaide Hills and surrounds which would be great.
Onwards and forwards into 2025. See you out on the road!
Don’t forget its Display Day this Sunday. Held in conjunction with the Austin Healey Owners Club of SA, it should be a great display of Sprites, Midgets, Healeys of all shapes and sizes and member’s associate cars, including hopefully a fabulous line up of Clubbies.
Remember, if you have a Sprite or a Midget and you are not a member, you are most welcome to join the day and show off your pride and joy with us. Wigley Reserve from 0930 until early afternoon (we will be setting up from at 0900 in case you are early).
Drip Trays. A note to people displaying their car – we need to leave the grass in the same state that we found it so please bring a drip tray or something to catch the odd spots of oil (such as cardboard) that might find its way free from your engine or gearbox! An MG or Midget that leaks. Perish the thought!
In all seriousness, we pay a bond to the Council to ensure we keep the grass oil free and we want to be able to come back to the Reserve so please try to remember to bring a drip catcher with you!
The Sprite Club of South Australia had a good representation of Sprites and Midgets, plus a couple of Associate Vehicles at the 2024 Bay to Birdwood. With 1500 vehicles, the Sprite Club had approx 8 entries
Here is a snapshot of the Sprites and Midgets at the Start at Barrett Reserve at West Beach. Some joined at the Civic Park at Tea Tree Gully, or along the way.
All Members and other Spridget Drivers had a great day, the weather was fine and clear, and most are looking forward to next years event.
For the Sprite Club of South Australia’s October General Meeting we had a change of meeting rooms.
Member Gary Dodd had arranged with Manger, Andy Morgan to visit and tour Richmond’s – Prestige & Classic Cars Showroom on Richmond Road, Richmond.
Members gathered for an intro to Andy who outlined the history of the company that has been in business for eight years. The facility covers the vehicle showroom, the workshop and the car storage facility.
Andy also has his new vehicle on display, 1964 Austin Cooper S. This Red and Black Roof vehicle showed the classic style of the early Mini Coopers, and Andy’s is a perfect example of these fun vehicles. Andy has had a BMC interest, previously owning a Pale Primrose MGC (which was in the showroom) and a MG Midget Mk I.
Members were given the opportunity to view the cars in the showroom. These vehicles are on consignment, so the owners have the opportunity to sell their vehicles through this showroom, and the online site.
While there were no Sprites or Midgets for sale, there were MG, Triumph, Jaguar and Austin Healey examples for sale, so the Union Jack was supported. Surrounding these vehicles were Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Dodge, Opel plus a range of European and American vehicles for sale.
President Robin Dunk gathered the Members for an “edited” General Meeting, with the usual topics discussed. One of the main items was the presentation of Perpetual Trophies that were not presented at the Annual Dinner.
The Club Person of the Year was presented to Gary Dodd for his arrangement of a number of Club Events, including the Fish and Chip Run, Sunday Morning Runs and the Night at Richmond’s. These events have been well supported so it is fitting that the Committee recognised Gary’s efforts with these event.
The new perpetual trophy The Paul Doube Memorial Trophy for Associate Vehicle of the Year was awarded to David and Carole Tye for their Lotus Elan. This vehicle has been a regular vehicle at many Club Runs as well as the Peter Hall 6-Hour Relay Sprint, so the Tye’s were deserved winner of this new award.
After the formalities the Members were given a chance to tour the Workshops, where vehicles are checked before and after sale. Here there were Lancia’s, Jaguar’s and other vehicle’s having either minor repairs or checks before heading to the Showroom, or off to the new owner.
We then has the rare opportunity to tour the storage facility where owners can store their vehicles, where batteries are kept on charge and the vehicle checked ready for the owners to use as required.
Here there were more Ferraris, Porsches and other exotic vehicles, as well as a Leyland Mini and a hot rod with lots of gold plated components. This facility is being expanded so owners can have 24 hour, 7 Day access, so they can use their vehicles when and as they need.
With a quick round to thank you’s, the members headed home with a knowledge of some of the exotic, classic and special vehicles that are for sale in Adelaide. Some were also looking at their bank balance, so they might visit at a later date and make a purchase!
Our thanks to Gary Dodd for arranging the night and for Andy Morgan for opening Richmond’s and allowing the members to view the showroom, workshop and storage facility.
Here is the link to the Richmond’s Web Site if you would like to view the cars for sale………..and make a purchase if you like!
Spring is a time when seasons change, the air is warmer, roofs come off Sprites and the Sprite Club member thinks of…………………………Bordertown!
Other that the last SA town on the road to Melbourne, birthplace of Bob Hawke, and a chance for a “pitstop” after about 3 hours drive from Adelaide, many people do not know that this town and it’s surrounds have formed many long-standing friendships and relationship between the SA and Victorian Sprite Clubs.
In 1973 after the members of the SA Sprite Club invited the Victorian Sprite club to Bordertown for a camping weekend and motorkhana. Why Bordertown, it was almost halfway between the two Capital Cities and Founder Member Mandy Stokes parents Ralph and Ruth Dodd had a property there named Lowan Park. It had shearing shed, that with a good sweep would become sleeping accommodation for many people!
The Motorkhana was held on the property, it was sandy, boggy, but they all had fun. After the motorkhana it was back to the shearing shed for a BBQ, a few drinks and some great camaraderie. After breakfast on Sunday and a morning tea with chocolate cake, the Sprite drivers heads home, vowing to come back next year.
Well this meeting of the clubs continued for the next 30 years!
And the format remained the same, though it grew as the numbers grew. This was a time of population growth with the Sprite Clubs, so many kids also went to Bordertown and had a chance to see what happened on the farm.
The drive there was usually on Friday afternoon or after work arriving to find a space in the shearing shed to set up your airbed, sleeping bag, etc. A warming fire allowed conversations to flow and friends to reacquaint themselves once again.
After breakfast on Saturday morning the Sprite Driver headed to Tolmer Speedway in Bordertown, where the pit area or surrounding grounds were used for the motorkhana. Depending upon the season this area could be dry, dusty, grassy, damp, wet or muddy, making it interesting for the drivers.
Many people had their first motorsport event at Bordertown, buying a CAMS Basic Licence for $5.00 and $5.00 entry, it was cheap, fun motorsport. Some took it seriously, some had fun and many of the female members had a drive, often showing the guys how to get around the flags quickly.
After the event, the Sprite driver would either stop at the pub for a drink, the caravan park for a shower, or head back to the farm. Here a warming fire was burning and a BBQ feast was being cooked by all concerned. Salads, etc added to the feast, and no-one went hungry!
Then it became the serious part of the night, the announcement of the trophies. Fastest outright for male and female, and winning teams for both Sprite and Associate vehicles. Some years it would go one side of the border, the following year it might return, but the Vic’s were hard to beat. There was also one of the courses that the fastest time won a choice of one of Ruth Dodd’s oil paintings, often depicting the local area.
In the morning there may have been a few sore heads, but after breakfast the hayride was feature for young and old. With a number of vehicles, motorbikes, etc the visitors to the property were given a guided tour of the farm by Mandy’s Dad Ralph. He would go out of his way to show the city-slickers what life on the farm was like and what had happened from last year.
There were dams with protective swans, various crops to explain, wildlife to show, and an eagles next that provided a chance for the ambitious to try and get a rock into the nest. There were also the occasional cow pat fight (the Turd World Wars) that never ended well.
Once back at the shearing shed, all would grab their coffee cup and head to the homestead for a morning tea that covered many tables. There were biscuits, scones, and many other assortments, but Ruth Dodd’s chocolate cake was the prize, often with up to three large cakes baked to feed the group. After morning tea, farewells were said, and the Sprite drivers headed home, waiting till next year to come back.
During the early 1990’s Ralph and Ruth moved off the property into Bordertown, though the farm remained in the family (and still does)
The Bordertown caravan park became the meeting and sleeping place for the next chapter. BBQ was held at the speedway, with their club members catering and operating the bar – with generous serves for the price.
Without the hayride, the morning became a chance to continue to talk and still have the enjoyable morning tea – with chocolate cake!
Looking for suitable accommodation in the district lead to Pendleton Farm, a farm stay venue, with dormitory rooms, fixed tents, a large meeting /dining area and kitchen that they would cater breakfast, lunch and dinner. This became the venue for the Bordertown Weekend for the next 12 years.
As the motorkhana competitor numbers dropped the weekend became more social, with drives around the district to visit points of interest, wineries, etc becoming the trend. The next generation of kids stayed at the farm and saw sheep, cows and other animals up close.
The social chats, and friendships continued to grow and form at this venue and in recognition of this, and the generosity of Ralph and Ruth to help form this friendship between the two Sprite Clubs, a Plaque was cast to recognise the importance of this. Prior to his death Ralph had devoted many hours to a wildlife park on the edge of the town, so in conjunction with the local council a seat was made and located at the rest stop alongside the wildlife park and the plaque was attached to this.
This venue became the meeting point where the SA and Victorians said there farewells after the Bordertown Weekends. It also is where many Sprite members will now stop and sit for a minute or two on their journeys between Melbourne and Adélaïde and reflect ion the importance of this town, and how it became the catalyst of the forming of many lifelong friendships that are still strong between the members of the Sprite Club of SA and the Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club of Victoria.
Thanks to John Clarke for the early images of Bordertown.
Monday 14 Oct 24 – General Meeting at Richmonds Showrooms. Meeting starts at 7.30pm. An abridged club meeting will be followed by Andy Morgan of Richmonds giving us a tour and insights into Richmonds. This promises to be a fabulous evening!
Sunday 20 October
Bay to Birdwood. The annual South Australian classic car spectacular run to Birdwood is on again. If you missed out and but would like to do the run, let me know as I spare entry.
MSCA Round 5 (The Bend East Circuit). Flaggies wanted! This could be the last MSCA SuperSprint at the Bend for a while. If you are not doing the Bay to Birdwood you might like to see The Bend from a very up close and personal view! If you can help please contact Pat Miller or the MSCA Secretary.
Sunday 3 November – 2024 Annual Display Day. This year the Sprite Club is formally combining with the Austin Healey Owners Club of SA for our annual display day at Wigley Reserve. Get your Sprite or Midget or Associate Car out, dust it off, and bring it down to Glenelg for our day to show off to the public! We managed about 60 cars last year, so lets hit that target and more! A coffee van will be onsite, as will classic car books and club merchandise on sale!
Those of you who read the Burble would have noticed details on the next two runs. For those who might have missed it, run details are as follows:
Sunday 6 October – Picnic Run to Collingrove
Join us at the start or meet up along the way. Racing starts from 1000.
Starting Point: Verdun pub (Stanley Bridge Tavern), 0850 for a 0900 departure via:
thru Balhannah (passing the oval at approx. 0905)
thru Woodside (main street approx. 0915)
Continuing on to Birdwood, stopping opposite the petrol station at 0925-0930
Wait/regroup 5-10 minutes
Depart for Birdwood for Collingrove 0935, arrive at 1000
Entry fee is $15. Pay online (>ClickHere<) before you go or at the gate.
There promises to be some amazing cars going up the hill this year so don’t be late! Canteen will be open but by all means pack a picnic or at least a thermos of coffee or tea is it might be a bit nippy out there!
Saturday 12 October Gary’s Inaugural Fish and Chip Run
Fullarton Centre (Sprite Club Rooms) in the Fullarton Road carpark, 1530 for a 1600 departure.
Please have a look at the menu (pictured) or view online (>click here<) and give your order to Gary, who will phone the orders through.
To help him out, he’d appreciate it if you could email your order through to him beforehand at gary@doddpc.com just to make things easier.
Pay when you pick the food up at the Seaview Fish and Chippy before heading to the Kingston House area to eat and get a photo of all of the cars … and eat the F&C of course!
Gary says that seating is a bit limited at the park so if you can, pack some chairs.
For people who might not make the start (like the President….), key route points are:
Fullarton Park, up Belair Road to Blackwood and then along Main Road before heading down the hill along Black Road.
Right into South Road and the into Seacombe Road to stop at Seaview Fish and Chips.
From there its along Brighton Road to arrive at Kingston Park.
Hope to see you there or along the way!
Any questions about either run, please contact Gary or myself!
A total of 52 Sprite Club Members attended the 52nd Annual Dinner, celebrating 52 years since the foundation of the Sprite Club of South Australia. This year we headed to Café Paparazzi for a beautiful three course meal that was subsided by the Sprite Club.
Members were greeted to tables decorated with Sprite Workshop Manual image placemats and advertisements. Soon a pre-dinner drink was ordered and the staff came to take our food order – steak, chicken or fish were the choice + entre and dessert.
While the members were eating they also were completing the Spritely Alphabet Quiz that asked Spridget questions and asked for information from the placemats that were arranged on the table.
After the main course it was time for the serious part of the night -the Award Winners for 2024. These perpetual trophies are for the various winners of the different categories. These included the following and the recipients for each trophy:
Club Person of the Year – Gary Dodd
Sprite of the Year – Peter Dineen – MG Spridget
Associate Car of the Year – David and Carole Tye – Lotus Elan
Tony Bennetto “Spirit of Sprites” Award – Pat Miller
President Award – Angela Wicks
Congratulations to all of these winners!
Not all were present, so President Robin phone dialled Gary Dodd to inform him of his award.
After a raffle with almost “every player wins a prize” and the results of the Spritely Alphabet Quiz were revealed – with two teams tied on 24 out of 26 points – surprising how many know that Donald Healey’s wife’s name is not Mrs Healey!
Thanks to Grant and Angela for finding the location with great food – no one went home hungry!
There was even an Italian Theme in the Car Park!
Thanks to those members who did bits and pieces to make the Annual Dinner a great success.
Reinhard Walker has been “surfing the ‘net” and discovered links in a Facebook page the following 3D Model of a Bugeye Sprite. This image is a great view of the correct bits that make up the Bugeye monocoque body. It also shows the rust holes that can affect the Sprites, particularly where the floor covering gets wet and creates issues with the floor.
Emma Jacobs (moderator of the MG Midget Owners Facebook group) provided a link to a 3-D model of a Bugeye bodyshell on the sketchfab.com website, as detailed below.
It is with sadness that I wish to inform the Sprite Club Members of the passing of Victorian Sprite Member Tony Young. Tony was aged 80 Years.
While Tony (and wife Nancy) were long term members of the Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club (Victoria) they had a strong association and friendship with the Sprite Club of South Australia and its members.
Tony, Nancy and family were always present at the Annual Bordertown Motorkhana between the Victorian and South Australian Sprite Clubs, with Tony’s keen and clever driving of his Mk II Sprite often putting him towards the top of the competition, winning many trophies at this event over the years.
Tony and Nancy attended a number of Sprite Club of South Australia anniversaries and special events over the years including the various milestone years, as well as the Five Ferries Run in 2014.
They also formed many friendship’s with SA Members during the National Sprite Meetings and the Pre and Post-Touring Events.
Tony also served on the AHSDC Committee in various roles including President in 1980, 1999 and 2000. He was also awarded Sprite Champion in 1998 and Life Membership in 1988.
The members of the Sprite Club of South Australia would like to pass on our condolences to Nancy, and the children Bryce, Ranald, Warrick and Penelope during this time.
Images courtesy of the Sprite Club of SA and the AHSDC websites.
Thanks to the work of David and Carole Tye, the Sprite Club of South Australia was invited to display some vehicles at the September Meeting of the Classic and Modern Section of the Sporting Car Club of South Australia.
With three vehicles chosen to be on stage, last minute changes, car problems and work commitments saw the Bugeye of Gordon Boyce and the Spridget of Peter Dineen grace the stage the SCCSA Clubrooms.
The Sporting Car Club has been busy with some background research and displayed a couple of videos showing the 75th Goodwood Revival Race that featured many Sprites and Midgets, and a great clip from Shannon’s showing the history and features of the Sprite and Midgets.
After the meeting formalities President Robin Dunk was invited to the stage to talk about the Sprite Club. Robin outlined the Club’s activities and the membership cohort, and put in a plug for the upcoming Display Day and 2026 Sprite Nationals.
Peter Dineen was next to join the stage, where he talked about the ownership of his Spridget, its previous history and the fun he has had during his ownership. He also related the story of his recent trip to the 2024 Sprite Nationals and the mechanical issues he had to endure during this road trip. He also described the fridge that he fits to the passenger space for these extended interstate travels.
Then it was an opportunity for Gordon Boyce to talk about his 1958 Bugeye. Gordon outlined the history of his 42 years of ownership, the restoration, its competition history and the events that the vehicle has attended, including 1998 Bathurst, National Meetings and other events.
There were a number of previous and current Sprite and Midget Owners in the audience, so at question time there were a number of questions about the cars, the joys of ownership and the specifics of each vehicle.
Once the meeting concluded the members were free to view the cars in detail and speak with the owners about their vehicles.
Our thanks to the Tye’s and the Sporting Car Club for the invitation to join them for their meeting, and thanks to Robin, Peter and Gordon for taking the time to bring their vehicles and talk about Spridgets.
PS: The Sprite Club has been invited back for the 4th October Meeting where a new Maserati and Alfa Romeo will be on display for viewing.
And many more events still to come on the 2024 Calendar! Full calendar can be found at the bottom of this post.
Event details:
21 August Midweek Run.
We will be attempting to re-run the June Midweek run and the weather this time looks much better. David and Carole will be the run leaders.
Originally planned as the Winter Solstice Run, the run will start at Ridge Park Carpark, Barr Smith Ave, Myrtle Bank, leaving at 1015. The route will take you through the hills to the Big Rocking Horse for a late-ish morning tea and re-group, before heading on to Emma & Ivy for lunch in Lobethal, arriving around 1230.
Total run will be approx 95km. The route map can be found here by following this link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N9Wr1ELi4Qkzh7ZK7. I will endeavour to create a trip run sheet!
RSVPs would be appreciated so I can book the cafe for lunch.
We currently have around 30 people coming along. This is always a great night so if you are interested, please let Don Cardonne know or contact me and I’ll make sure he has enough pies on order!
A night with the Sporting Car Club
Thanks to Carole and David, the Sprite Club have been invited to join the Sporting Car Club’s Classic and Modern Register for their monthly meeting and then a feature of our club! Three of our cars will be on stage with their owners talking about their car journeys. The night starts at 7.30pm (6.30 for the members putting their cars on stage), the bar will be open and tea&coffee will be available.
Dietary Needs. We want to ensure that everyone in the club can come along and enjoy the night. The staff have ensured us that they can cater for all dietary needs so please let Grant and Angela (or me) know as soon as possible!
RSVP. Members to RSVP to Grant & Angela or myself by 14 September. For the computer savvy, I’ve created a shared document here to register your attendance and any dietary requirements.>Click Here to Register< or contact us directly!
A note to members that the minutes for the June and July 2024 General Meetings are now available for viewing in the Club/Members Information section of the website.
All members are encouraged to come along, new and not-so-new! There will be raffles ($5 per 3-tickets), a car themed Trivia Quiz and the Club perpetual awards. Its a great night to renew old friendships and make new ones and we hope to see you all there.
Dietary Needs. We want to ensure that everyone in the club can come along and enjoy the night. The staff have ensured us that they can cater for all dietary needs so please let Grant and Angela (or me) know as soon as possible!
RSVP. Members to RSVP to Grant & Angela or myself by 14 September. For the computer savvy, I’ve created a shared document here to register your attendance and any dietary requirements. >Click Here to Register<
Payment. Payment is required NLT 14 September to allow the Treasurer time to pay the restaurant! You can pay by cash at the August and September club meetings or via Direct Debit into the club accounts (please annotate with your name and ‘Annual Dinner’ to help out Kerry!).
Account Name: THE SPRITE CLUB OF SA INC.
BSB: 085-005
Account Number: 20-743-2628
Please note. I’m sure that you will all have noticed that a nice night out has gone up between 30 and 50% at our favourite pubs and restaurants. The annual dinner is no different unfortunately and the costs have gone up markedly even compared to this time last year. The Club has had a good year in membership wise so we are once again able to subsidize the dinner for members. We think that $55 per head for a three course meal is pretty good value! We have; however, had to make a small concession to keep costs down so we’ve decided to do away with the complimentary glass of wine or beer on arrival. We hope that you will see this as only a small inconvenience and not an unreasonable compromise. The bar will be open tho!
I don’t think I’ve forgotten anything! And I apologise to the member who says my articles are too long – I think this one is about right!
One of our members recently had a virus or trojan infect their computer unfortunately. They have had their computer professionally cleaned and reset; however, the hackers responsible have managed to get hold of enough information to recreate more seemingly genuine emails from people it may appear that you know.
Here are the warning signs:
Title – Favour to ask
Content will include this (or something very similar):
Good Morning. Sorry to bother you. Are you available on email for a few minutes? Can’t call due to a serious throat pain caused by laryngitis (or similar ailment)
Don’t respond to the email. It is not who you think it is. Its a scam. The hacker has cloned the email address and used computer trickery to overlay that address on their own. If you do receive this, text or call the person who the message appears to be from and let them know. Or text the email to me and I’ll check the member list to see if its one of our members.
DONT forward or respond to the email.
I’ve had the club website checked and will have it checked again if the emails continue and I’ve personally re-run a virus scan on my computer to make sure it wasn’t me.
The Morris Car Club of SA, in conjunction with the Morris Register of SA have extended and open invitation to all car owners of Morris and Morris related vehicles to join their display on the Corner Blight St & Torrens Rd Ridleyton, 25 August 2024 (the day after our Pea and Pie Night!).
What’s a Morris related car you might ask? Its anything produced by what was once known as the Nuffield Corporation. In other words, Morris, Wolseley, Riley, MG, Morris Commercial, SU, Nuffield Universal (at tractor no less). The Nuffield group even designed and produced tanks and armoured cars for the British Army and licence built V12 engines, but I don’t expect to see any of these on display!
Even if you don’t own a ‘Nuffield’ car, this is always a great display with lots to look at and owners to talk to!
An interesting conundrum to consider is that all Sprites and Midgets were produced at MG’s Abingdon factory, including the CKD kits shipped to Australia for assembly. Does that make a Sprite a Nuffield car by association? I’ll leave that for you to ponder……
A pie floater. Its as South Australian as Fruchocs, Coopers and Penfold’s Grange.
When I moved from the country to Adelaide to go to uni my father told me “remember, you’re always guaranteed to get a hot meal late at night at the Pie Cart at the GPO”. That hot meal was, of course, a pie floater.
The original pie cart may now, sadly, be no more, but the tradition of the Pie Floater, in many forms and variations, lives on in pubs and pie carts throughout South Australia and, indeed Australia. Some can even be found in pubs in the UK, although, like the Kiwis and their claims on Pavlova and Phar Lap, the Brits probably claim it to be their invention!
It is, in many ways, a birth right of all South Australians to enjoy a hot pie floating on a bed of hot pea soup on a cold winters night, quite appropriate with the weather we are currently having!
I can also see look of fear and confusion on some at the idea of a Pie Floater but don’t knock it until you try it! And thanks to the efforts of Don and Elaine and now Angela and Grant, we can all sample this gastronomic delight. For some it may be your first time but for many it will be like saying hello to a long lost friend.
Where – Sprite Club clubrooms at Fullarton Park
When – 24 August, from 6.30 onwards
Cost – $10 per member
BYO Drinks and a plate of nibbles or dessert
There will be a raffle during the night ($5 for three tickets) and I’ll attempt to sort out the sound on the TV so we can have some interesting viewing running in the background!
RSVP to Don and Elaine Cardone (0411 876 067) so they can gauge the numbers for ordering please. Please also advise if you intend to bring a savoury or sweet plate so we don’t end up with too much one thing!
Visitors are most welcome, just please let me (Robin) or Don and Elaine know prior so we can cater for the right numbers!
Something a bit different from the normal car related posts but something close to my family’s heart, the Cobdogla Steam Friends Society and the Cobdogla Steam and Irrigation Museum!
Those who I’ve talked over the years to know the museum has had a couple of challenging years, not least with the rising Murray River inundating the grounds and closing the museum, now for some two years. Despite their challenges, the band of men and women who are behind the Society (average age around 75!) have continued to restore and maintain their magnificent steam powered machines, not least a 27 tonne traction engine, a genuine Steam Roller (what kid didn’t love a steam roller) and a 0-4-0 Bagnall Saddle Engine!
And now they have a new challenge, a 0-6-2 tank engine called ‘Chiverton’, built by Perry Engineering here in South Australia in 1938. Built to serve the cane fields in Far North Queensland, the loco had a relatively short working life of about 19 years, being retired in 1958 (other Perry engines worked the fields until the mid 1970s!) and served the next 17 years as the feature in a kids playground.
Since the 1970s the engine has been in the care of a NSW based enthusiast however, needs must, and the loco was put up for sale, first in 2020 and, after that fell through, most recently, this year. Advertised for $25,000, the Society has quickly raised $15,000 and have secured the locomotive but they are seeking support, financial and otherwise, to bring the loco back to SA and commence the restoration. For example, they need to raise another $15,000 to finalise the purchase and transport the loco back from Junee to Loveday, on a low loader on Conditional (historic) registration no less!
The Society knows what its doing on a technical basis. With the right support and backing, the 100s of years of engineering expertise within the Society will come to the fore and the loco will come back to life … the key though is attracting the backing to pay the bills. Maybe you might be able to help.
The museum’s President and long time friend, Damien Osborne, has created a GoFundMe page as ’round 1′ of the fund raising. $5 would be appreciated, $100 would be loved or if a business might be interested in becoming a higher profile supporter, either for the restoration of the loco or the greater museum, they’d love to talk to you!
Do you secretly like steam engines? Can you help?
I’m a member of the museum, now a (small) shareholder of the loco and now its first GoFundMe supporter. Hopefully I’m not the only one! I grew up playing on their (now operational) steam engine and the traction engines when they too were kids play things.
Top left image is the loco as it current is and bottom right as a beloved childrens play thing. The other images are sister Perry Engineering locomotives working the cane fields in the early 1950s and a restored sister operating in the Illawarra.
Sorry to all for being off-line with updates for a while. Work and family commitments, which I’m sure you can all appreciate, not to mention a round of the dreaded seasonal lurgy for good measure.
Upcoming Events:
July Midweek Run. Unfortunately I’m going to have to postpone the midweek run (again, I know!!) due to (a) more potentially inclement weather and (b) I can’t find someone to be the ‘run leader’ – I’ve had to reschedule a few things and I can’t take the day off from work sorry! The run WILL happen, not not as per the calendar. Stay tuned for updates as when we can put the midweek run on.
Pie and Peas Night (Sat 24 August). Names and numbers are requested as soon as possible please for catering. Names to me (admin@spriteclub.com.au) or Don (0411 876 067). An information post will come out soon(ish) but to let you know, its BYO drinks on the night and we’d like to know if you can bring a savoury or a sweet dish to add to the evening.
To help with the cost of catering (for the pea soup and the pies, and the hall hire), a small surcharge of $10 per head is requested, payable on the night.
There will be a raffle on the night also ($5 for three tickets).
The evening will be held at the Fullarton Centre club-rooms and is always a great night to chat and have hearty hot soup. All members are welcome and new members are encouraged to come along!
An Evening At Richmonds (14 October). Thanks to Gary Dodd and Andy Morgan (from Richmonds), the October General Meeting will be held at Richmonds Classic Cars. Starting at 1930, it will be an evening to look forward to! More details to follow!
Bay to Birdwood (20th October). Entries are now over 2/3rds sold out so if you want to participate in one of the great runs in the automotive world, get in quick!
And wait, there’s more. No, not self sharpening steak knives or DemTel record selectors, but as the weather fines up there will be a slew of club organised events from a planned car-park picnic run to Collingrove, Fish and Chip runs, Display Day (with the Austin Healey Owners Club) and of course the club Annual Dinner.
Watch out on the website and the Facebook page for more news and updates on coming events!
Just a quick reminder to all members that the next Monthly Meeting (1 July 2024 … ie, tomorrow night!) is our mid winter Wine and Cheese Night.
A more informal meeting style than normal, bring a plate or a bottle of wine (or something non-alcoholic such as sparkling water), listen to the happenings of the club whilst enjoying a tipple with a nibble and a natter!
If you are stuck for what to bring, I’ve suggested ‘odd lettered surnames’ (ie, A, C, E ….. Y) bring a savoury something and ‘even lettered surnames’ (B, D, F …. Z) bring something sweet, or just bring a contribution to the cheese and cracker theme!
We will be running a raffle on the night so bring $5 for 3 tickets!
Doors will be open from 1930 (7.30pm) with the meeting running as usual from 2000 (8pm). Coffee and tea will be available as usual!
Due to the predicted inclement weather and only a very few brave and hearty souls willing to commit to the run, this Months Midweek run has been postponed until next Month. Next midweek run will be on the Wednesday 17 of July.
All the same run details, just one month later.
Apologies to those who indicated they’d like to attend. Hopefully you can come along in July.
Any questions, please contact the run organiser (me).
As I type this the weather looks miserable for next Wednesday’s Midweek Run, sort of fitting really for a Winter Solstice run through the hills. There’s not mystery about the run; I’m no Russell and I can’t keep a straight face so the run sheet is attached.
Given the weather, Spridgets are not required, but if you are keen to drive yours, don’t let the weather stop you. I won’t be as mine hasn’t recovered from the last Midweek Run yet!
Like all Sprite Club runs, if you are not a member of the club, that’s ok. You are most welcome to join in and have lunch with us. Please let me know that’s all so I’ve got the right head count for the cars!
Departure Point: Ridge Park Carpark, Barr Smith Ave, Myrtle Bank
Departure Time: 1030
Stop 1 – The Big Rocking Horse
Route will be via Eagle on the Hill, Mount Lofty Summit Road, Ridge Road, Marble Hill Road, Corkscrew Road and Gorge Road, then on to Gumeracha for a stop and regroup.
ETA Gumeracha – 1130. Total distance – 52km
If you get separated on the run up we will wait until we all get there!
Estimated time of departure – 1200 or once we have all arrived!
Stop 2 – Emma and Ivy, Main Street, Lobethal
Route will be out via Birdwood to Mount Pleasant, then towards Tungkillo, then Mount Torrens and into Lobethal
ETA Lobethal – 1245. Distance – 44km
Lunch is proposed for Emma and Ivy’s. They have a great menu, great coffee and warm hot chocolates to boot!
I’d really appreciate an RSVP on numbers so I can book.
If you can’t make the run but would like to meet for lunch, that’s ok too! Just let us know for numbers.
This means you can open it up in Google Maps and just follow the computer voice if you don’t trust the car in front!!
I’ve picked this run as I hope some of our members who live along the way can pop out and say hello and perhaps join as at one of the Stops for a natter or for lunch!
Winter Warmer Merch. I’m putting in an order later this week for long sleeve t-shirts and hoodies. If you are interested please get your detail (and payment) in so I can order. This may be the only order for new winter warmth so get in quick. Orders close Wednesday evening. Refer to the post in Spritely News (link below). The link to the order form and pricing is contained in the linked post.
June Mid-Week Run. The keen eyed amongst you might have noticed a Mid Week run scheduled for the 19th. I have not had a chance to organise something yet which might be a great opportunity for someone who hadn’t created a run before to have a go!??! No pressure and no expectation, but if you are interested in having a crack at it, please let me know! Doesn’t have to be an all singing, all dancing, just a meeting point, a destination and the route seems to take care of itself!
July General Meeting. The July monthly meeting will be a mid-year Cheese and Wine night. I’d like to make this a ‘bring a plate of something’ to share by members when they come. The eternal question is ‘shall I bring a sweet or a savoury’ – so …. if you surname is a an ‘odd letter’ (A, C, E etc), then bring a savoury. If you have an ‘even letter’ (B,D, F etc), bring a sweet. OR, just bring something. Maybe donate a bottle of red or white wine to the night if you’d prefer. Doesn’t have to be a lot, just a small plate with all the small plates going together to make a large plate! Hopefully we will have some butter tasting to go along with it.
There will be a raffle on the night so please bring along a $5 donation to go towards the costs for the night.
You may have heard a recent rumour that the Grill Badges where here and … YOU’D BE RIGHT!
The Grill Badges have landed! Yes, like Neil Armstrong finessing Apollo 11 with its last gasp of fuel, Daryl’s persistence and patience with the supplier has paid off and the new grill badges have arrived! They will be available for collection or purchase at the next Meeting or event. Seems like a really good reason to come along to the next meeting if you ask me!
If you’d like to check if you ordered or if you want to reserve on, please click and follow the following link
Now, Winter is but a few days away and so are cold necks, chilly ears and general coldness as you venture out, top up or down! Don’t forget, the club has a range of scarves, beanies (which can be ordered with pompoms!) and a new ‘hoodie’ style winter coat.
The club has some stock of beanies (without pompoms!) and scarves and we will be taking orders for the hoodie. The only difference to the jacket as pictured is it will have the traditional logo on the front and the new ‘fun’ logo on the back (or no logo on the back if you’d prefer).
We will also do a run of long-sleeved T-Shirts.
Oh, and as its likely to rain sometime soon, we will also be doing golf style umbrellas!
As for colour – you can have it in any colour at all, so long as it’s black … or navy blue or red (we haven’t checked the logo against the other colours though!).
Sizing guides below. As a ‘wet thumb in the air’, I wear an XL Hoodie Jacket and Long Sleeve.
Sizing Chart – Hoodie Jackets (ie, with a zipper at the front). Refer line 1528
Sizing Chart – Hoodies (no zip)
Long Sleeve T-Shirt Sizing Guide
If you’d like to order a Jacket, Long sleeve T or Umbrella , please follow the link to order. Payment is required before prior for this run.
Of course, if you’d like a traditional embroidered logo onto a shirt or jacket, Corporate Image has a wide range of good quality clothing you can select from. You can call them or look up their clothing range online. A Sprite Club embroidered badge will cost you an additional $7 to $10 dollars depending on what you’d like done! Their online catalogue can be found here: https://corporateimageonline.com.au/
Daryl has been working pretty hard to develop new merchandise lines for members to buy and support the club. Stay tuned for more details on the Spring/Summer lines including the all important Stubbie Holder!
Route details – nothing challenging, just a nice run down from Adelaide to Sellicks Beach.
Depart Fullarton Centre 1015
Follow freeway up to Stirling (arrive approx 1030)
Right at the Roundabout onto Avenue Road. Feel free to wait near Steamroller Park.
Right onto Sturt Valley Road through Upper Sturt, Iron Bark, Cherry Gardens and onto Clarendon, arriving at the Bakery at approximately 1050 for a coffee stop.
Depart at 1115 via Range Road and The Range
Left onto Victor Harbor Road, then right onto Pages Flat Road, heading for Pages Flat and thence Myponga.
From Myponga its right onto Main South Road, past the Victory Hotel and right into Rogers Rd and right into Plains Rd for Elephants Door, arriving approx 1200
If its raining or your car is off the road, just come along in your everyday car!
Its a set two course menu. I need to advise the Hotel by NLT Wednesday afternoon if its going to be entrée + main or main + dessert. Left up to me it will be main + dessert but please let me know your preference and the popular vote wins!
I’ve got a cap at 30 and we have 19 signed up so far so don’t miss out!
Final route details will be posted later this week, including timing for anyone who wishes to join the run at the Clarendon Bakery.
Plan on about a 70km run to Sellicks. Not long, but long enough to blow out the cobwebs and everyday cars are more than fine (as I don’t think the Little Blue Car will be back on its wheels, unless some has a front hub puller for wire wheels hiding in their shed!)
First it was the Celica or the Corolla conversion, pioneered, I’m told, here in Australia and ultimately formed the basis of another well known conversion kit from Frontline, using a Ford T9 gearbox (from a Sierra I believe). Over in the Land of the Free, a mob called ‘Rivergate’ did the same thing with a 5 speed box from a Datto (not sure which one, probably the 120y or similar).
The issue with all of the conversions has be availability of the gearboxes; the ubiquitous Toyota T50 has found itself behind everything from a Sprite or Midget through to a Clubbie or a Cortina or even small block V8. And as the donor cars are no longer made, the supply has dwindled toa trickle or members who are hording two or three spares ‘just in case’ … you know who you are … !
In the UK Barrett Engineering (https://barrattengineering.co.uk/) has developed a new conversion kit for our cars using the 5 cog from none other than a Suzuki Sierra/Jimny. The Jimny has been around since about 1970 in one form or other and has been called various things in various countries, including the Sierra here in the 1990s/early 2000s and the Jimny so, in theory at least, there is a relatively good supply of the gearbox from wreckers or brand new. The box has several advantages too, in particular that it doesn’t need to have the 2nd cross member removed as in the case of the T50 and the T-9 conversion.
We already have club member, Geoff Glasson, who has ordered a conversion kit for his Mk1 (and I’m hoping that he might be able bring it in to a meeting soon for a ‘show and tell’ session); Peter (the Plumber) and Chris (the Car Dealer) are both interested in the kit and have recently contacted Barrett to enquire as to a ‘bulk deal’ and if they can fill a pallet (5 or 6 kits) there is a decent discount to be had. Peter has already sourced several gearboxes and is well on the way to having 5 or 6 boxes available so their plan is a bring in the kit without a gearbox.
From Peter and Chris:
The kit comes with engine backplate, billet flywheel, starter motor, tail shaft, gearshift to suit sprite/midget hole location. Price is GBP2400 on their website, we have arranged a price of GPB2000 pounds plus approximately 450 freight to Adelaide Port (not including duties). 5 kits will fit on a pallet (with a gearbox) or 6 kits without, therefore the freight price can be shared. Chris regularly drives to Melbourne for work so can delivery to there and delivery of kits to other locations can be arranged.
Even including freight from Adelaide to anywhere in Australia, this is going to be cheaper that an individual importing it themselves, particularly as the guys have chased up gearboxes.
The kit will fit any rear wheel drive A Series car – Morry Minor, Marina, Sprite, Midget, A30/35, A40 Farina.
If you are interested please, have a look at the website and then let Peter (0418 823 545) or Chris (0411 867 118) know as they keen to make this happen.
NB: Peter and Chris need to know which engine you are fitting this to as the kit comes specific to an engine type. IE, they need to know if you are putting it behind a 948, 1098 or a 1275.
NBB: A question has been asked about ratios. Please see the comparison table of the popular conversions below:
If you are coming along to tomorrows Midweek Run please be sure to let Russell and Judy know TODAY (or me if you can’t contact them) so they can book the lunch venue.
Details:
Starting Point – Hazelwood Park, 0930 for a 1000 departure
Total trip distance is 150-160km – 110 out, 50 back.
Sunday 26 May – Elephants Door and Victory Hotel
Reminder to let me know who is coming along. I’ve created a spreadsheet (click here) to you can update your details.
Final run route details are being developed – we will be meeting at the Fullarton Centre (ie, the Sprite Club clubrooms) at 0945 for a 1000 departure. There will be a morning tea stop (where you can also join us), arriving at Dean King’s Elephant Door at 1200. Lunch at the Victory has been amended to 1330. I need to understand how many are coming! The booking is currently for 20; however, they can cater for more (up to 30 in the cellar or more upstairs) so please let me know ASAP!
All members and friends of the Sprite Club of SA are welcome to join in be it in their Sprite or Midget, Clubbie or other Associate Vehicle or, if the weather is miserable, in you every day car!
Wednesday15 May – Midweek Run #1
Starting Point – Hazelwood Park, 0930 for a 1000 departure
Please let Russell and Judy, or myself, know so Russell and Judy can make the appropriate booking at the lunch venue. RSVP by 13 May please
Total trip distance is 150-160km, with the outward journey being approximately 110km via the most circuitous route possible! And … no dirt or gravel roads.
Sunday 26 May – Winery and Lunch
Depart – TBA. Run route details yet to be decided; however, a 1000 departure is planned
Destination(s):
Elephants Door Cellar Door – 1200
Victory Hotel Cellar Lunch – 1330
RSVP for the lunch is critical! A booking for 20 has been tentatively made with the venue able to seat up to 32 in the cellar if we let them know. Preferred meal format will be a $60 two-course menu (entrée & main or main & dessert) and dietary requirements can be met.
Over in Whyalla, our Club’s resident intrepid Spridget adventurer Adrian Faulks is currently installing a Frontline T9 5-speed gearbox kit and is running into issues that have left him, and Frontline, bemused and confused.
Has anyone in the club attempted this on their car? I know a lot of us have Dellow Toyota T50 conversion and some of us have the US sourced ‘Rivergate’ conversion using a Datsun/Nissan box and we even have on member about to commence using the newest conversion kit from Barrett (which uses a Suzuki box) however, I’m not sure who in the club, if anyone, is running the current Frontline kit. If you are, Adrian would love to hear from you.
Situation: The gear box is sitting further back in the tunnel that Frontline say it should; however, they also say that Adrian’s work seems to be spot on in terms of installation. They (and Adrian) are bemused as to why the gearshift is not sitting neatly in the extant opening (see below).
The only solution seems to be to cut away the rear of the gear shift opening; before he takes to the car with a grinder (or an axe) Adrian is keen to hear if others have had this issue please! If you have experienced this, please drop me a line and I’ll pass your information or details to Adrian to ponder!
For those of you who followed his most recent adventures and the failed clutch on the way back from Nationals, it wasn’t the brand new clutch at all … it was the equally brand new carbon thrust block that failed. Needless to say I’ve suggested that he talks to SpriteParts about a roller bearing release block instead!
This Sunday sees the annual running of the Peter Hall 6Hr at Mallala. The Sprite Club, with a significant amount of help from the Clubbies brigade, have a long history of participation, including helping the Victorians to a podium place….
It take many hands to make the teams work and Sean Power needs your help! Please see below:
Great news – the 10 day forecast says Sunday will be 10 to 21 degrees on the day and unlikely to have rain.Fabulous news at the moment. Still can be cold at Mallalla.
We have a home base of Sheds 100/101 where we have always located, next to the canteen. Parking just outside. The shed has power for tools, charging and kettles. You can place stuff there for the day.
As usual, I do not know exactly how many volunteers are turning up on the day. I do know that the young ones who ruled the pit wall (2-3 persons) cannot make it this year. They were invaluable and adaptable.
This year we have 2 teams. I will manage the ‘We’re in it for the Beer’ and Pat Miller is going to manage the other team ‘Red Heifer’.
Drivers, this year you do not have to go out in the warmup to set a time if you don’t want to. Just give me your time …. AND THEN STICK TO IT – winning is not about posting your PB or the fastest time, its about which team can stick to their laptimes for the whole race! Don’t give me a time that you are going to struggle to meet. Give me a time that you can peel off lap after lap after lap …. AND THEN STICK TO IT!!!!!
Each team need to just operate safely and not mess up the day by being disqualified by not having a car on track … this means we need the following resources to make it all work:
1 person in formup to keep watching for change overs and to transfer the sleeve band from incoming driver to driver in formup
2-3 persons on pit wall to provide times and signals to their driver to come in, slow down, go faster, stay out, etc.
1/2 persons located on the hill to time and send messages to pit wall re time of their car or any emergency. They also contact others in team if they see their car crashed or disabled or other general black flag situation.
A volunteer or volunteers to assist MSCA run the event. We are short all sorts of officials and someone from each team has been rostered on to give an hour to MSCA to take up a position – e.g. at pit start area.
Team Manager has to get times from Team members and rush them to the tower by 10.00am, plus try and keep an eye on things as they unfold.
Handy to have someone at the garages to keep an eye on drivers and let them know when ready to get to start up. Also helps when there are breakdowns with car in garage and not ready to go.
Note the numbers above do not really include extras to give people toilet and meal breaks. Drivers can help out but with 5 per team, they have to be available for their next set of driving, immediately if anything goes wrong as a car has to get out on track.
Last year we did not have enough walkie talkies for all of the groups involved. It was challenging. Phones can’t be easily used like walkie talkies for casual quick updates of timing & emergency issues.So please, if you are a volunteer, find, borrow or pinch a set of walkie talkies so we can communicate. I have two walkie talkies only plus spare batteries.
So this year I am proposing for my team anyway that we do not concentrate on times and timing if we do not have the resources to time and communicate easily.Drivers set a time they are not easily going to beat and focus on being smooth. We let them go, communicating only on the wall to stay out or come in or whatever.
I rove between positions and try to manage emergencies as they arise and try to do the volunteer position plus liaise with the Race Director if things happen
Main thing is to have fun and keep the cars going.
We are in it to have fun, give the drivers lots of track time and come back safely. See you next Sunday from 8.00am onwards
Last Monday night the Sprite Club held its annual Stars and Cars evening at the Sporting Car Club. Featured cars and owners were members recently returned from the 2024 Sprite and Midget National meeting in Wodonga.
The following event report is a mix of Grant’s travelogue and my own experiences. Photos are from all of from many people and I apologise in advance for not individually crediting people! Hope you enjoy!
Day 1 minus 1 week and a bit:
It’s been a busy weekend in the shed getting the Sprite ready for the challenge. Both the Sprite and I needed a stop at Mt Compass. Can you believe it 34 degrees at 9.30 . All loaded and ready to go.
Grant Stephenson and his Mk1 Sprite have been to over 20 National Challenges/Meetings since his first trip in approximately 1980 and this was the first year the Sprite has been trailered across rather than driven, and on a brand new trailer to boot! You’d think a new trailer would be trouble free, now wouldn’t you?!
My experience was the clutch failed a week or so out and, on the same stinking hot day, four of us cracked into the job and had the engine out and back in in about 8 hours, complete with brand new alternator, so I took the decision not to pack the old one as a spare. I mean, why would I take the old one when the new one is only a week old. Something else that would come back to haunt me. Mind you, every other spare I carried, from (several) sets of points and condenser to a new fuel pump were still in the same place I packed them when I got home!
Likewise, Adrian had been battling a failing clutch prior to leaving Whyalla and, with a 3500 round trip planned for them, discretion was the better part of valour and he had a local mechanic fit a new clutch. The new 5sp gearbox sitting in the back of his shed had to wait a bit longer before it gets used! You’d think problem solved wouldn’t you …. Somewhere around Mildura on the way over the new clutch started making strange noises, like a banshee screeching, every time the clutch was dipped. Nothing to see here, it’s a new clutch…..
Not to be out-done, Peter also knew he had some looming issues and ordered both a clutch Master and Slave cylinder but they didn’t arrive until the night he departed so he tossed them in, just in case. Mind you, his passenger for the entire trip, a 60l fridge, performed faultlessly and he had ice cold drinks for the entire drive!
Pete, along with the van Wageningen’s and Faulks, set off about 5 days early for the Pre Tour event and, as luck would have it, he had no clutch hydraulics by the time he got to the motel and spent the first night doing a Master and Slave cylinder change in the motel carpark. Somewhere between Adelaide and Victoria he also chipped a tooth on first gear. Luckily the beers in his car fridge were icy cold!
Day 1.
An interesting drive day one to the Challenge. David (Low) and I got breath checked by the local police at an Ouyen RBT, and yes we were all clean. An easy day driving, till I blew a tyre and destroyed a rim on the trailer.
I headed out shortly before 6am, first stop petrol and then meet up with Grant and Angela and David and Di at Tailem Bend, after which I was going to strike out on my own to visit the Flying Boat museum enroute to Wodonga.
The local petrol stations did their best to delay me, first with X-Convenience being out of 98 and 95 and then OTR having a dead pump. Eventually, with a coffee in one hand I was on my way, LED lights doing a fine job at turning the last vestiges of darkness slowly yielded to the ongoing daylight. A beautiful sunrise over the river valley awaited, as did an air temperature of ‘brisk’ 1C over the Adelaide Hills.
By sheer coincidence, I arrived at the same time as Dean with the yellow monster in tow. Discussions ensued and all present thought my plan to go it alone via Lake Boga was ever so slightly risky and so at about 8am Dean and I headed out, bound for Wodonga and adventures unknown.
Now, I’m lucky – with a 3.9 diff and a trusty Toyota T50 gearbox connecting the engine to the rear axle, The Little Blue Car comfortably sits on 105-110kph at about 3000 revs and 36mpg (about 7.5L per 100 for the metric amongst us), so its ability to devour distance isn’t really the issue, it’s the driver’s ability to be comfortable as the temperature climbed to nearly 35C by early afternoon that was the limiting factor, as was keeping bottles of water chilled!
The NSW roads were, frankly, terrible. If I were a NSW rate payer in the Riverina district I’d be justifiably concerned where my rates and taxes were being spent, again, something that a Spridget has a habit of reminding the driver!
Deniliquin was the nominated evening stop, although we considered rolling right the way through to Wodonga; however, fate, Murphy’s Law, and a large slice of luck intervened when the brand spanking new Turkish made Lucas Elektric alternator decided to stop alternating and so, with a cough, RDI-275 spluttered to a halt, approximately 10 miles shy of Denny. Dean and I looked at the engine and attempted to make sense of the symptoms when a local contractor, towing an LJ four door project car, pulled up behind and quickly diagnosed a dead battery. Mostly likely a collapsed cell we figured, given the bone jarring last 75km.
With a jump I was on my way, Dean following along behind. And 500m down the road, it died again. And this is when the kindness of country people showed through. Mr LJ Torana, Dennis Jukes of Jukes Contracting, connected up his jump start pack and said he’d pick it up from Reception of where we were staying in the morning. No names, no phone numbers, just old-fashioned values and trust that we’d do the right thing. “I know the place, I cleaned out their septic tanks only last week” he quipped. I couldn’t believe it!
Anyway, after much checking and the local NRMA guy calling Steve from the Sprite Club to attempt to fault find it over the phone, the new alternator was determined to be the culprit and Dean and I retired to the local pub for a counter meal, with the battery left on charge overnight.
All in all, an exciting Day 1!
Day 2.
Toolebuc to Wodonga no trailer issues but I’ve ordered a couple of new spares tyres and rims. Another RBT but the trailers wouldn’t fit so we got waved on. All settled in at the Blazing Stump Hotel. The Sprite is off the trailer for the Concourse tomorrow and it will be cleaned.
My fun was only just starting in Denny. Overnight we’d charged the battery and in the morning we disconnected everything that drew a power load. USB charger, digital engine/oil temperature sensors, spot lights, everything, even the thermostatic fan. This is where it gets interesting. See, in an attempt to find every usable bit of power my little 1275 produces, I removed the fan from the engine. Its worth 1-2hp so off it came. Unfortunately, that meant I now had no fan drawing air through the radiator once the electric fan was disconnected. No issues when trundling along at 110, but its something of an issue on a 30C+ day driving in a small city such as Wodonga. Hmm. Not such a great idea after all really!
Anyway, we got there. Dean had no issues at all and by 4pm I had a new alternator in the car thanks to Colin from Sprite Parts … and a reminder from Colin that only dumb people remove the fan. Yes, I think I deserved that!
Eventually both Peter (in the ‘Fridget’) and the Faulks arrived from the pre tour (still with his clutch sounding like fingers down a blackboard), the convoy of David & Di and Grant & Angela and Sue and Helen, who’d taken a slight detour from Adelaide … via Melbourne … ,as did Rob and Cheryl who drove their 370Z after attending the Pre Tour. You could accuse them of cheating, driving the 370, especially when they stepped out of the air-conditioned comfort of their reliable, dependable and luxuriously appointed sports car after I’ve just spent 10 hours in a Midget, with the roof off, worrying that the horse float ahead of me isn’t going fast enough and the car is overheating.
Or you might consider them simply smart … I’ll leave it up to the reader!
Thirteen Sprite Club of SA representatives. Let the fun begin!
Oh – at this point Peter discovered that the air-cleaner for this Weber DCOE was no longer attached to the car. Another thing to add to the list … and you try getting a Ramflo air cleaner in a country town on a Saturday.
Day 3.
7.00 am and out cleaning the Sprite, the sun was just up. Using the vacuum cleaner and the sponge, didn’t wake the neighbours up next door. Great display and so many Sprites . Then off on a 185 km observation run with some cryptic questions. Angela with her head down trying to make some sense of it all.
I have to admit, I might not have greeted the prospect of 185km though some of the best roads that Victoria has to offer with the same level of enthusiasm that others might have. However, without a navigator to help decipher the clues, I had a plan. I was going to use the IFR flight rules … I Follow Red (Sprites) … in other words, I followed the Low’s for navigation and I attempted to solve the cryptic clues. It all worked well until the car tried to overheat going up a climb behind a truck full of firewood, at which point I ditched the questions and just enjoyed the view and the drive.
And what a view and what a drive it was. The roads in the High Country are great, almost as good as the ones in the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa (!!). Stunning scenery, beautiful flowing roads, almost as if they were built with a Sprite or Midget in mind, and fabulous people when inevitably I stopped to let the car cool down (and reset the thermostatic fan temperature switch). Sprite people really are great!
However, I get ahead of myself – the Display Day. Another fabulous event with a display of 50 or 60 Sprites, Midgets and a few lovely associate cars. We all had drip trays yet, ironically, it was an MX5 that caused the most concern for the venue when it let one of its fluids go all over the concrete! The People’s Choice award went to a stunningly restored Mk2 Sprite and, as always, the display of cars brought out the locals and many many conversations about old cars and memories of youth. I put up photos of the event on social media and I had a number of comments from Sprite and Midget owners from WA, Tasmania and even from New Zealand, all of whom wished they’d know and want to know when the next one is so they can come along … there’s some food for thought!
At this point I really should talk about some of the evening events which included Rocker Cover Racing, always a crowd favourite. As with much of this event for me, this was another ‘first time’ and with a little help from friends (thank you Steve … again!) and family with parts, I managed to build the ‘Even Littler Blue Car’, as a homage to our Midget. Protests resulted as it has a Morris name badge (rather than Austin or MG!) and there was some consternation when we were seen oiling the bearings immediately before the races! At the end of the night, it was Queensland by the smallest of margins from SA, then Queensland #2, daylight, and then NSW and Victoria somewhere behind. Cheeky I know. Almost cause to hold another National Rocker Cover Race in a couple of years here in SA really…..
Day 4.
We took the bus tour and left the Sprite at the hotel. First stop Beechworth Asylum for a garden information walk, and a wonderful lunch, we were treated to the Kerrigan’s house from the Castle (note, it needs a total rebuild), then couple of other stops before on to the Beechworth Berries for ice-cream. The competition drivers headed to Wodonga TAFE campus for a day of sprinting.
Which is where I headed with my trusty 70-200mm lens attached to my DLSR. As an avid motorsport fan, I wanted to understand the motorsport elements; perhaps not actually experiencing it for myself, but to experience the atmosphere of the event. And what an event. Everyone there was having a ball, all highly complimentary of the tight circuit and the day in general. The photos don’t do it justice!
Dean left with the quickest laps, as might be expected. Oddly he didn’t fare as well in the regularity section!
Dinner that night was again lovely. The Blazing Stump Hotel we were using for our meals excelled themselves every night it has to be said. We had an opportunity to hear from author and musician Tim Hain about his photo-book of Stirling Moss in a live cross to the UK and the AHSDC raffled off one of his books, and other auction times including a lovely painting commissioned for the event, raising about $1000 for their club. Both the painting and the book made the way back to South Australia!
Day 5.
The last day of the challenge but two more drive days to go. We decided to have a look at the motorkhana. Well what a dust bowl! Brings back memories of Bordertown days . The night theme was 1920s Gatsby, so we all got to dress up . Angela got best dressed lady. Another brilliant Challenge, huge big thankyou to the organisers. So much work, so much fun.
Mitch Wells in his Mums Sprite. He’s 12! Hope he cleaned it afterwards!
Yes, the Motokhana. I’m still cleaning my lenses!
I took a sneaky detour out to the Hume Weir, site of a very early National Challenge. A very impressive piece of engineering and one that most South Australians should be thankful for yet most of us don’t know it exists, nor that it’s one of the reasons the Murray River has a constant supply of water through the year.
Peter’s car; however, returned home ingloriously on the back of a tow truck. His alternator bracket had broken, causing the alternator to snap one of the lugs off. Fortunately Rod Wells of the Bugeye Barn not only had a spare alternator but also a replacement bracket. Another SA car saved by the support of the wider Sprite and Midget community.
As for Adrian’s screaming clutch – it hadn’t gotten any better, in fact he felt it was now worse than the clutch he’d replaced. Only a trip to Melbourne (400km) and a drive to Whyalla (about 1000km) to go on their odyssey.
And the final dinner – just a wonderful way to close what was a great event. I’d taken a leaf from Grants book early in the Challenge and made sure I sat at a different table with different people every night. Everyone had an interesting story or anecdote from the weekend but one thing that was constant, was the enjoyment. Just a great four days.
Day 6.
We started the day with a farewell breakfast, I made an effort this year to talk to people that I’ve seen for many years but never spoken to it was so so good to make some new friends, two more drive days to go. No trailer troubles, but some seriously shitty roads. Good to see our mates have made it home safely.
6.30 breakfast and goodbyes, 7am and three of us are all westward bound. Once again it was about 2C as the sun broke through and began to burn off the morning fog.
Fingers crossed all the car behaves itself for the next 10 hours. And, blow me down, it did. Well, it had a small niggle – coming through one hamlet somewhere I could suddenly hear a different noise. Off to the side of the road and Dean and I are looking for the source. It’s the clamp around the exhaust, completely loose and running up and down the pipe. Its still there and its still loose. Maybe I’ll fix it in a week or so. It’s almost a lucky charm really!
As for the drive, it was largely uneventful. About 200 head of cattle ‘grazing the long paddock’ at one point and a roadtrain that decided it was turning right when Peter was about halfway down it’s length. The worse part of the drive were the moronic SUV drivers on the road between Mount Barker and Adelaide who took great delight in blocking both lanes of the freeway. Why would you want your shiny new ute passed by a pair of 50+ year old MGs…!
Home for dinner. Just over 800 km in just 9.5 hours. Not bad for a 53 year old MG! Total trip distance? 1815km, averaging 35mpg. 163L of Premium unleaded were consumed at a cost of $342.
Adrian, however was not so lucky. The clutch finally gave in in the picturesque town of Woodend and RACV took it back to their depot at Macedon. From there they were looking at options as to how to get the car back to SA to be rebuilt properly, complete with the 5-speed conversion, ready for its next big adventure. I possibly would not want to be the mechanic who installed the new clutch only a few weeks ago.
Day 7.
Final drive day home and just under 2000 km for the round trip .Just in case you were wondering , no I didn’t need to use the new spare wheels for the trailer . That was because I bought new ones. We all know what would have happened if I didn’t buy two new spares
It was great to have David & Di Low as our driving companions , I’ve known them for just over 30years but never really sat and talked to them properly. Thanks guys, loved it.
Hope my last seven days have been interesting enough to give you an insight on the challenge if you weren’t able to get there.
… I really couldn’t have put it better myself! Interestingly, the three Sprites that went across performed faultlessly. Even the often-temperamental race car. The three Midgets; however, (yes, Peter’s ‘Sprite’ was technically born a Midget) caused everyone the most grief! Two clutches, two alternators, one alloy rim and tyre, two tow trucks, one gear tooth, a master cylinder and other miscellaneous bits. Quite a record for a small group really!
As for David & Di. They took Easter to recover and then hopped into their MX5 and headed to Queensland for the MX5 nationals. You just can’t keep good people down!
And what happened to Rob and Cheryl you might ask? I believe their uber reliable Nissan made it back to South Australia with both passengers ensconced in air-conditioned leather luxury and has not stopped touring. I last heard they where on their way to Clare for a weekend in the wineries. I’m not jealous at all…!
And the enduring memories of the trip. For me it was the people. We have wonderful people in our club who genuinely care for their fellow clubmates, as did everyone who attended. If you stopped on the side of the road, so did a random other person to make sure you were ok. For Peter, it was the drive. He could have kept going and left the troubles of the world in his wheel tracks. We all have our personal memories from the experience, although Adrian’s may be a little coloured by their mechanical malaise!
Post script.
As the Club began its ‘Stars and Cars’ night on the 8th of April, the Faulk’s car was finally on its way to Adelaide, just over two weeks after its clutch gave out.
Videos
Please click the following links to see some of the video footage from the week. Sorry … mine is no where near as well put together as Wendy’s!
What next…
Some of you may have heard that the Sprite Club of SA is looking at hosting the next National Challenge, in 2026. Well, yes, we are looking at it. The Committee has given us permission to look at the feasibility of holding the event, so we are taking the next 2 months to really look at the challenges involved with hosting ‘The Challenge’. It’s not as simple as many might hope it to be, not least getting the date right as there are a few things to consider, not least the dates of the Gather Round and the Adelaide Motor Sport Festival amongst other ‘Mad March’ events here in South Australia. A single venue big enough to host all of us in ‘striking distance’ of Mallala is another consideration so some compromises may have to be struck to make this work. But the Club is giving it serious consideration.
A Festival of all things Spridget. Now, wouldn’t that be something…
Timing, they say, is everything! Stay tuned for more updates.
And if we can’t … I heard that Queensland said that they would, and I reckon a room full of people heard them say that too!
Brian Davies from the Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs is looking for a 1098cc A Series engine to suit his Morris Minor.
He is after a minimum of a short motor, i.e. block, crank & camshaft, pistons & rods but anything up to a complete closed engine would be fine. If the engine is in need of repairs he can refurbish or overhaul it if required.
If you have a suitable engine please contact: Brian Davey. Mob 0400 826 969
The keen eyed amongst you may have noticed a Breakfast Run on the calendar for Easter Monday. The plan has shifted one day to become an Easter Sunday run.
Details:
Meeting Point: Sporting Car Club at 0830 for a 0845 departure
Destination: Lobethal (Emma & Ivy Café, 47 Main St, Lobethal)
If you can’t make the Sporting Car Club but would like to have breakfast, perhaps meet at Lobethal!
If you are heading along, please let me know so the guys organising can book a big enough table.
Better late than never, please find below the (now combined) March-April 2024 edition of the Bugeye Burble.
Please note the change of date and location of the next General Meeting. It will be on the 8th of April and the Sporting Car Club from 6.30pm as part of our annual Stars and their Cars meeting. The regular meeting will be held at 7.30pm with Stars and their Cars commencing at (or just after) 8pm. All welcome, including members visiting from other Clubs keen to look at some of our cars and hear the stories of their owners!
Sorry to post about membership renewals again. This message only affects a handful of people within the club who have a vehicle on Conditional Registration and who are not currently financial.
If you have your vehicle on Conditional Registration and you have not yet renewed your membership, please do so by Friday 8 March 24 as the Club Registrars must report to Services SA on the status of financial members and Conditional Registration.
The report is technically past due and Gordon & Don have held off reporting to allow several members to finalise their membership.
The Club completely understands when members chose not to renew as we know people sell their cars on or buy into a new marque and want to immerse themselves in the enthusiasts of that brand! But we do get concerned when we know people still have their prized Classic and on Conditional Registration yet you haven’t renewed. If you are in this category and your car is laid up for some reason, please contact us so we can talk through the best option for you.
However, if your car is still being used on the road, you are currently be driving unregistered if you are not a financial member. Please contact us ASAP!
The Club does not have an option and we have to report to Services SA the status of members with cars on Conditional Registration. If you are reported it will mean you have to start from scratch and go through the whole MR334 process all over again. If there are circumstances PLEASE talk to myself or the Registrars before Friday.
Each year during February the Marque Sports Car Association of SA celebrates the winners from the previous season at it’s annual Trophy Presentation Day.
This year the event was held at the Mount Barker Oval on Sunday 25th Feb. It was also a chance to celebrate 50 years since the MSCA was formed.
The Sprite Club was one of the early member clubs, including MG, Alfa Romeo, MX-5, Triumph and Hot Bricks Modified Mini club.
There were trophies for Best Display (won by the Truimph club) and Club of the Year based on competitors and officials from the club, This year Alfa Romeo was the successful club. Trophies for Sprint Driver and Sprint Champion were awarded, as well as the overall driver in each class.
This year our own Lee Kernich was the winner in Class CC – Clubman 1600 – 2000cc in his Tiger Clubman – Congratulations Lee!
Thanks to all for making up the display of Sprite vehicles.
Also note the first Supersprint of the 2024 Calendar is this Sunday 3rd March at Mallala Motorsport Park – all are welcome.
A warm Summers night, an ice cream on offer at the end of the run and suddenly there were 22 cars arriving at the Fullarton Park Community Centre for the start!
With Bugeyes (6 in total), Sprites Mk II , Mk III and Midgets plus an Aston Martin, MGF’s, MX-5, HQ Holden and Mercedes Benz the convoy was quite a sight.
After the usual briefing the cars headed along Fullarton Road to “Ring” the City arriving at Port Road – still in some sort of convoy -having been separated by various roundabouts and traffic lights.
Once on Port Road there was a regroup and the Sprites/Midgets/Assorted vehicles headed to Port Adelaide, over the Birkenhead Bridge and off to Outer Harbour before turning southward via the coast, Largs Bay and Semaphore.
A quick deviation up Grange Road had the group arriving at the Fulham Gardens Shopping Centre and 48 Flavours Ice Cream Shop!
Soon many were devouring their favourite flavours, including Helen Stephenson’s dog Wynne, who was enjoying a tub of ice cream as well.
Most had a chance to chat and compare the flavours, as well as inspect the vehicles. Once the cones were finished, most said goodbye and headed off into the twilight.
Thanks to Tiana Boyce (assisted by Mum and Dad) for setting and typing up the Run Sheet. Another great night, so keep an eye out for the next event.
A busy couple of weeks are coming up for the Sprite Club of SA with events and runs.
This Saturday evening (24 Feb) sees the return of a favourite flavour with the Ice Cream Run, followed by the MSCA Birthday event up in Mount Barker Oval on Sunday (25 Feb, all Sprite Club members are warmly welcomed, whether you have been racing or not and bring your car!!). There will be special guest speakers talking about their experiences and memories of the MSCA series over the past 50 years! There is also a prize for the best club display so bring your car for a great picnic lunch!
The following weekend we have both the annual All British Day up in Echunga, where I know quite a few members have entered their cars for the display and Round 1 of the MSCA out at Mallala where the Sprite Club have been rostered on as Flag Marshalls for the day, both events occurring on Sunday 3 March
If you are not heading to All British Day to display or spectate, and you are able to help out at the MSCA event, please let Pat Miller know (nanmiller@adam.com.au, 0421 289 706) or contact the MSCA directly (sec@mscasa.com). Flagging is a great opportunity to get close to the action with lunch provided. Any training required will also be provided.
And it doesn’t stop there, at least not yet! There are events in March and April, including the national Sprite and Midget meet in Wodonga and McLaren Vale Classics, a ‘sports car cruise, as well as another club favourite, Stars and Their Cars, being held at the Sporting Car Club on Monday the 8th of April from 6.30 at night (note the date – the Monthly Meeting falls on Easter Monday so we have been able to move it back a week – more to come!).
Summertime, Spridgets, and a Soothing Sorbet or two!
Join us for our annual Ice Cream Run on Saturday 24th February.
Meet at the Fullarton Park Community Centre Car Park (the main one off Fullarton Road) at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm departure.
We will depart from the leafy Fullarton and travel via Ring Roads past the iconic Adelaide Parklands, Botanical Gardens and North Adelaide, where we will head to The Port!
After a wander through Port Adelaide we will continue to Outer Harbour to enjoy a sunlit Costal Drive through Largs Bay, Semaphore and Grange – ending up at the Fulham Gardens Shopping Centre at around 7.00pm.
We will enjoying the produce from 48 Flavours, where we can sample one of more of the ……………………………………………48 flavours of ice cream!
The run is approx. 30 miles (45 Kilometres) and takes about one hour.
If you cannot join the run, meet us at the destination.
For more info please contact Gordon Boyce – 0417 897 905.
Grill Badges. Just a gentle reminder to get our order in for your 2024 Grill Badge if you are keen. We have a small number members who have ordered a badge at the introductory price and the order form will close on the 22nd of Feb so Darryl can get it all rolling. Get in before the introductory price offer expires!
Individually Constructed Vehicles. Please note the vote at next Months meeting to include ICVs of less than 25 years of age for the purposes of Conditional Registration. You can vote by email (in accordance with the instructions in the email set out 12 Feb 24) or in person on the night. Please remember, you need to be a financial member to vote so …
Membership. We still have a few outstanding members (who we know still have Sprites or Midgets!) who have not renewed. If you would like to vote on the Constitution change on the 4th you need to be a financial member before hand! Also, if you have a car on Conditional Registration and you are not a financial member for 2024, you can’t drive on the road until you have (a) paid your subs and (b) had you log book stamped confirming you are a 2024 financial member!
2024 Nationals. There are still some spots available at the 2024 Nationals. If you would like to attend, please let the organisers know. You can contact me if you need their phone/email details!
Ice Cream Run. More details to follow but planning is somewhat advanced for a run on the late afternoon of the Saturday 24rd from the Club Rooms car park to a 48 Flavours somewhere in Adelaide. I suspect it might be near the organisers home! Stay tuned for more information.
Come & help celebrate the M.S.C.A 50th Birthday on Sunday 25th February 2024
The MSCA was formed in August 1973 with four clubs and today we have eighteen clubs regularly participating!
Show & Shine – Club Display
Come along with your picnic basket and display your car and talk to, and support, other competitors who have competed in the super sprint series for 2023 and in the years past.
The trophy presentation for 2023 will take place during the afternoon with past & current members talking about their experiences!
WHERE: Mount Barker Oval, Alexandrina Road, Mount Barker
WHEN: Sunday 25th February 2024
TIMES:
11am – Arrive to set up Club Display
1pm – Club Display Judging
2pm – 2023 MSCA Super Sprint Trophy Presentation with special guests and Birthday Celebrations
You don’t have to be a competitor to join in the celebrations. Bring you car and come along to hear the stories and support your club members!
Further information, please contact Sue Stephenson on 0408 858 046 or email comp@mscasa.com
Club member Ian Rawley has asked if someone heading across to Nationals at the end of March might have enough room to bring back a 1275 ‘short’ engine and a pair of springs for his Mk1 Sprite. Alex Robertson (of Queensland) has offered to bring the parts down as far as Wodonga when he comes down for the event.
He would be very grateful if someone can help him out! If you can, drop me a line and I’ll pass Ian’s details through.
Those who read the articles here may recall we asked for you thoughts on a new grill/badge bar badge for the car club earlier this year.
The overwhelming feedback was for the new full colour design (see below). This badge comes with two wing-nuts to fasten the badge directly to the grill.
We hope to have these available for purchase at $45 per badge (depending on order numbers we may be able to reduce this to $40) for Club members and friends soon; however, we need to order a minimum quantity of at least 25 badges, so, before we order, I’m looking to get as many pre-orders as possible, just so we know these are going to sell!
As an introductory offer, those who register for the initial order will get their badges at the discounted price of $35 (ie, $10 discount).
If you are interested in a badge from the first run, please follow the link >here< and register your details and the number of badges you wish to buy. I will leave the order list open until 22 Feb.
Payment can be via direct debit (preferred), cheque or cash. If you are using direct debit please put your name and what the payment is for in the payment details (Grill badge x 1 Fred Nerque) to make life easier for Kerry! If you want it posted out please include an extra $10 to cover postage (and tell Kerry that you’ve paid!!).
Direct Debit details:
Name: Sprite Club of SA
BSB: 085-005
Account # 207432628
Order to delivery is approximately 8 weeks but Daryll will try to get them quicker if we can so we can perhaps take them to Nationals.
For those who might still want the original style, please let me know as I’m talking to a local company who may be able to do a limited run for the Club.
A celebration of the life of Paul Doube will be held at 3.30pm, 3 Feb 24, at Centennial Park, 760 Goodwood Road, Pasadena.
All club members are invited to come along and celebrate the life and loves of former Sprite Club President and Clubbie tragic, the late Paul Doube. It doesn’t matter if you knew Paul well or only in passing, he touched the lives of many classic car enthusiasts.
If you can, come along in your Sprite, Midget, Clubbie or other classic and relive your memories of Paul with his friends and family. If you can’t make it, the intent is to live stream the event; follow the link here https://www.centennialpark.org/funeral-services/.
And if you are looking for an early morning run this coming Sunday, consider heading up to the ClubbiesSA traditional ‘First Sunday’ at Perfect Note Coffee Shop in Blackwood. Paul was one of the founding members of ClubbiesSA and was part of the band of Clubbies who gathered at the Perfect Note on the first Sunday of each month for a fabulous coffee before heading off for a run along one of the many roads through the Adelaide Hills. Head up, grab a brew, see who else rolls up, pick a road and head off for a run.
Perhaps this is a strange topic to be writing about on the Sprite Club of SA. Its not about an upcoming event (stay tuned for the calendar, out hopefully this weekend) or a technical missive, but its a timely reminder for us to take stock of our personal cyber security.
Recently I’ve noticed a definite ‘up-tick’ what I believe to be personal ‘data harvesting’ activity that can have no use other than for nefarious deeds. And its becoming more and more prevalent across a number of un-regulated or poorly regulated chat communities or Groups. For many of us, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the world at large. However, with the convenience and connectivity come significant risks, one of the most prevalent being personal data phishing. This silent threat poses a severe danger to users, as cybercriminals continually exploit social media platforms to harvest sensitive information for malicious purposes. In this article, I will hopefully give you some insights that I’ve learned over the past few years being involved with aspects of security and how you might consider protecting yourselves.
Why? Because about 18 months ago we were targeted with an attempt at identity theft as a result of one of the ‘high profile’ personal data spills and, even though it failed, the effort to close all the doors that were opened is considerable and time consuming.
Understanding Personal Data Phishing:
Cybercriminals often create fake profiles, impersonating trusted entities or individuals to establish a sense of trust with unsuspecting users. These profiles may mimic friends, family members, or even official organizations, making it challenging for users to discern the authenticity of the connection. How many times do you check the profile of the person in your long-standing Group who is suddenly asking you to ‘Post your ride’ for no apparent reason, yet so many people still do (or pictures of their dog etc etc!).
Phishers leverage various tactics to deceive users into divulging personal information. They may send messages, emails, or direct messages containing urgent requests, fake promotions, or seemingly innocuous links. Clicking on these links can lead users to fraudulent websites designed to capture sensitive data, such as login credentials.
This person doesn’t own a Sprite or a Midget but on the day ‘she’ joins the group, she asks for picture of peoples’ car … it may be genuine, or perhaps it not.
Third-party applications and quizzes on social media platforms can be Trojan horses for personal data phishing. Users are often enticed to grant these applications access to their profiles, unknowingly providing cybercriminals with a gateway to extract personal information.
Even seemingly innocuous information shared on social media can be exploited by cybercriminals. Details such as birthdates, locations, and workplace information can be aggregated to create a comprehensive profile, making users vulnerable to identity theft and other cybercrimes.
And to be clear, a cybercriminal might still be a pimply 15 year old kid just trying to skim some money from your account, or it could be a state-operated phishing enterprise looking to steal money and information from large corporations or Mum and Dad next door to fund their activities.
Protecting Yourself from Personal Data Phishing:
Vigilance in Accepting Friend Requests: Be cautious when accepting friend requests, especially from individuals you do not know personally. Scrutinize profile details, mutual friends, and activity to identify potential fake accounts. If in doubt, verify the identity through alternative means before accepting the request.
Verify Messages and Links: Exercise skepticism when receiving messages or emails containing urgent requests or suspicious links. Verify the sender’s identity through a separate communication channel and refrain from clicking on links unless you are certain of their legitimacy. Social media platforms often provide features to report and block suspicious accounts.
Review App Permissions: Regularly review and audit the third-party applications connected to your social media accounts. Remove access for applications that are no longer needed or are unfamiliar. Restrict the permissions granted to apps, allowing only essential access to your profile information.
Limit Public Information: Restrict the amount of personal information shared publicly on your social media profiles. Review and adjust privacy settings to control who can view your posts, friend list, and other details. The less information available to potential phishers, the lower the risk of falling victim to personal data phishing.
Educate Yourself and Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and scams circulating on social media. Being aware of potential threats enables you to recognize and avoid falling prey to malicious activities. Follow official security guidelines provided by social media platforms and cybersecurity experts.
Personal data phishing on social media is a persistent and evolving threat that requires constant vigilance. As users we need to be proactive in protecting our online identities. By understanding the methods employed by cybercriminals and implementing best practices to safeguard our personal information, we can navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence.
Social media is a powerful tool for connectivity, but it is crucial to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps against the silent threat of personal data phishing.
It is with considerable sadness that I write to inform Club members and friends of the Sprite Club of South Australia of the passing of former Club President, Paul Doube.
Following a long battle with his health, Paul passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night. He put up a great fight right to the end. Not one to let his condition slow him down, Paul travelled to Perth last year and sought the warmth of Northern Australia during our winter. Remarkably, he had just come back from a beach sojourn at Stansbury where he and the family went every year for so long. There, with family and friends he spent a last, lovely summer holiday. Just back home with Ruth, the disease took its toll and he could fight no more.
Paul and Ruth were one of the founding members of ClubbiesSA, present at the very first gathering at Kilikanoon Wines and is one of the only Clubbie owners who attended every National meeting (and, indeed, every ‘Not the Nationals’ meeting). Paul, along with Clubbie stalwarts Barry and Sean, was also instrumental in developing the long relationship that the Sprite Club has with Clubbies SA and, to the best of my knowledge, is the only non-Spridget owning President of the Club, serving three terms.
Paul didn’t let his condition slow him down. He was often seen at the wheel of his beloved Clubbie or his MGTC with the oxygen bottle attached to the roll bar (and his wheelchair on a specially made rack on the the spare wheel!). Once asked why he was so slow up over a pass on a Clubbies Run he quipped that he had to slow down to change his oxygen bottle. Such was his determination not to allow his condition to slow him down.
Associate Driver of the Year, owner of the Associate Car of the Year, as a club member Paul gave the Sprite Club and ClubbiesSA his all and we are better clubs for that. We are a better club for his association and his enthusiasm, wit, and, most of all, friendship will be sorely missed.
Our deepest condolences to Ruth and his family, and his dear friends, many of whom are members of the Sprite Club, at this time.
Details of his funeral will be announced when they are known.
My personal thanks to his dear friend Sean Power for helping me writing this article. Photo credit to Gordon Boyce or as marked.
Thongs, Pluggers, Flip Flops, Jandals, Plankies, Japanese Riding Boots or Chinese Safety Boots are all names for one of the worlds oldest forms of footwear. Worn with some minor variations across the ancient worlds of Egypt, Rome, Greece, sub-Saharan Africa, India, China, Korea, Japan and some Latin American cultures, the humble thong was designed to protect the wearers foot whilst keeping the top of the foot cool … and allowing it to burn in the summer sun. Not so cool in the centuries before SPF50+ sunscreen!
As Australian’s, of course, we found other unique uses for them, including harnessing the unique aerodynamic qualities nearest the pin throwing competition. A blend of lawn bowls, darts and bouche, Thong Throwing is as Australian on Australia Day as Two Up is to Anzac Day.
What is the best throwing style I hear you ask? Do you try for the ‘Maverick’, a flat spin style where the thong rotates through the air until the aerodynamic drag of the straps slows it down and causes it to drop like a stone like an F14 that’s flown through the jetwash and suffered a flame out? Is it the Lockett, where you line up the throw about 3′ left of the bucket and lob it with a strong backspin, drop punt style and then watch it move left to right inexorably towards the target as the friction caused by the straps cause it to gracefully curve through the air? Do you just try for the random lob and hope for the best?
What ever style you think is going to be serve you best, start practicing in time for the Sprite Club’s annual Thong Throwing Competition, held once again in the picturesque setting of the Chabrel’s front yard, overlooking the backstraight of Oakbank Racecourse!
Miles, I believe, is the current keeper of the John and Judy Bowering Memorial Trophy. At least I think he is!! I should know shouldn’t I!
Its a BYO lunch and drinks (and chairs if you have some fold outs that will fit into the Spridget!) and the Chabrels will supply dessert following the competition. Its a fabulous day to come and share a picnic lunch and meet friends new and old.
When: 26 Jan, from 1200
Where: Des and Penny Chabrel’s front yard, 2 Dorset Lane, Oakbank
Bring: Picnic Lunch and drinks, chairs if you have them
Please RSVP Des and Penny or myself so we know how many to cater dessert for.
What started out three years ago as three cars meeting for a New Year’s coffee in Norwood has grown into some 13 cars taking a morning drive up to Uraidla for coffee and breakfast. 13 cars at 9am on New Years day … and that doesn’t include the late withdrawals, one from illness and at least one from a suspected NYE hang-over! At this rate we will have the whole club turning out within a year or two! Wouldn’t that be an amazing sight heading up Greenhill Road!
The pictures fail to accurately show just what a glorious morning it was too. Hopefully a good omen for 2024.
Starting at the Sporting Car Club for the first photo of the year, the plan was simple enough. Get a group photo at the start, a straightforward run up Greenhill Road and coffee or tea at the Uraidla Republic Cafe. We had 12 cars at the start, picking up Don and Elaine on the way (Don gave the Midget a run for the first time in quite a while). If we do get any more cars we will have to park closer together at the Sporting Car Club or find a new start point as we just about filled the driveway! Quite a sight to behold really!
It was great to see club cars out that we don’t see all that often, cars that have left the club and have now returned with new owners, and just new cars and new members! And of course friends of the Sprite Club, the Shipards with their Mk3 Sprite and the Oliphant’s with their stunning 260z (although some of us were disappointed their ‘new’ 1960 Falcon XK didn’t come out for the day!).
Aside from one motorcyclist doing his/her best impression of a temporary road user it was a great run up the hill. Easy and straight forward, a good way to start the year I think! But I have to ask … with the number of fatalities recorded on South Australian roads last year you would think that vulnerable road users would be somewhat more circumspect on the first day of the year and show some patience. We were, after all, all doing the speed limit and not holding up the traffic! I’m not sure about the other drivers but I was mentally brushing up my first aid as I watched him/her weave in and out of the line of cars and the oncoming traffic … ok, rant over!
What’s coming up next I hear you ask?
The rest of January is fairly quiet until Australia Day and the club’s annual Thong Throwing competition, hosted again by the Chabrels. Its a fabulous day and a great way for new members to meet the Club over a BYO lunch and the heat of competition as the thongs fly, all whilst overlooking the picturesque Oakbank Racecourse. Stay tuned for more details on what is always a great day!
There was a bit of a ‘buzz’ around those at Uraidla about another breakfast run to somewhere with a few recommending the Rise Artisan Bakery at Nairne so again, stay tuned for run details to there soon.
Oh, and a personal note to self. Don’t attempt to follow a certain green Sprite through a twisting road. The driver (and probably car) are much better at going through curves than I am!
(photo credits – Gary Dodd, Paul Mitchell and some bloke with GoPros hanging off his car!)
On the last day of 2023 we have some 109 subscriptions on the book for a total of nearly 150 members, including 13 surviving Founder and Life members.
62 Club members have already renewed their membership subscription for 2024 and we hope to welcome back the 34 outstanding members back into the club fold soon.
Please note – if you are reading this and you are one of the 34 outstanding members AND you car is on Conditional Registration (ie, Club Rego), you wont be able to drive in 2024 until you are (a) financial and (b) your logbook has been stamped by the Club.
We completely understand that people sell their cars on or some of you may have your car registered with another club so this isn’t of concern to you, but for those of you who are still with the club and haven’t gotten to the paperwork, please don’t get caught out by the police driving what becomes an unregistered car as of 1 Jan 24!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 0431 247 746 or email me at admin@spriteclub.com.au
PS: Happy New Year to everyone and for those venturing out for the run tomorrow, see you then! I’ve talked to the Café – they are open but are not taking bookings … its first in best dressed! If they run out of room we will try across the road!
A group of us have bit a New Year’s Day ‘tradition’ of a photo outside of the Sporting Car Club and then a leisurely run up to the Urailda Republic Café for breakfast.
If you’d like to get the New Year into gear and get that first entry into your 2024 logbooks, come along and join us.
The plan is to gather at the Sporting Car Club at or after 0830 for a photo and head off at 0900. Nothing technical, just straight up Greenhill Road and keep going until we get to the Café for coffee and breakfast! Home before lunch time!
I usually book a table for 12 so let me know if you are thinking of coming along to make the booking bigger!
(And a gentle reminder … if your car is on Conditional/Historic registration with the club and you have not renewed your membership yet and/or not had your logbook stamped for 2024 by Gordon or Don, you can’t drive it in 2024 until you do.)
Merry Christmas everyone! Hope to you see you all safe and well in the New Year!
(photo credits to Terry Shipard, and image borrowed from the internet, John Gazerk from the Midget Owners Group on Facebook and some random Sprite Club member with a camera at Victoria Square!)
Some of you may recall I undertook to bring Sprouting Forth back this year as an annual magazine to look back over the highlights of the year and selected history of the Sprite Club of SA.
With the assistance of a number of members, including Reinhard Walker, Gordon Boyce, Grant Stephenson, Sean Power, Sue Stephenson and Daryl Otterwill, as well as Nick Phillips of the MG Car Club of South Australia, I offer to you some Christmas reading and the first of what I hope can become an annual edition, Sprouting Forth 2023 (‘The Relaunch Edition).
As I’m new to publishing magazines online, I’ve provided you two options to access the magazine. One direct from the Sprite Club website, the other from an external hosting service. The magazine is best read on a computer or tablet at full screen size. If you have difficulty accessing it please contact me!
The keen eyed amongst you may have noticed that the Club’s regalia list includes a Grill Badge, not something we have had for for sale a while.
At the Display Day back in November, past member Doug Gordon (who, after over 40 years, still owns his Midget!) showed Daryl and I one of the original Club grill badges and it got us thinking about new grill badge for members cars. Some calls ensued and as a result we have some options to present to members to consider for new grill badge.
As always with getting something produced, we need to meet some minimum order quantities to make them affordable (25 minimum in this case) so, whilst we’d like to have both for sale, its not a realistic option, so we are seeking feedback on the design and genuine interest to buy.
Option 1: A laser engraved reproduction of the original badge. Made from stainless steel, the badge would be approximately 70mm x 70mm square with a tab on the bottom to fasten to a badge bar or wire back to the grill. For an additional cost, the reverse side could be engraved with the current badge to give members a choice of which image to display.
Option 2: A full colour modern take on the original badge. Size will be approximately the same, also with a tab to allow it to be mounted to a badge bar or wired back onto the grill.
Estimated cost to members is approximately $35 (+/-$5)
We are keen to get your thoughts! Hopefully this link will take you to a shared spreadsheet where you can vote for your preferred design! The chosen design will (hopefully) become a key ring later on also!
Or of course you might want to talk to our wonderful Club sponsors and supporters – click on their links just to the left or right of this page for more information!
As some of you may be aware, the State Government recently announced a change to the Conditional Vehicle Registration scheme in so much as what are now known as ‘Individually Constructed Vehicles’, irrespective of their age, are now eligible to be registered under the States Conditional Registration program, the same program under which members of the Sprite Club can register their cars on what we colloquially call ‘historic registration’ for a maximum of 90 days driving per year.
There is a process that we need to follow to apply if we chose to go down this path. Its not an automatic scheme that we can offer simply because we recognise and accept Clubbies with the club and the committee is currently undertaking a review of the requirements and the process that needs to be followed if we, as a Club, decide to offer this form of membership. As a club we are not current authorised (as I understand it … I may be about to be wrong here sorry!!) to offer Conditional Registration to Hot Rods or Left Hand Drive Vehicles, only ‘Historic Vehicles’, those being vehicles that are 25 or more years old. We do; however, have a strong Clubbies community with members owning vehicles both younger and older than 25 year. The Committee is reviewing this and will decide if we wish, as a club, to apply to be able to offer Conditional Registration to the ClubbiesSA members with their newer Clubman cars who are members of our club.
Please also note that if we, the Committee, believe its in the best interest of the Club, we will need to change our Constitution (again!) and any change must be voted in by the Membership with at least 2/3rds of the Members present agreeing.
So, the Committee is meeting on Monday night (11 Dec) to discuss the next steps.
Logbook Signing
So … and this is the ‘log books’ bit of the Log Books and ICVs in the title … we know that some of you are yet to have your logbook signed or replaced for 2024 and I know that you all know that if you are not a financal member before 1 Jan 2024 and your log book is not stamped as being valid for 2024, that run you had planned for New Years Day can’t go ahead.
So … as we will be holding a Committee meeting at the Clubrooms between 1915 and 2000 (Monday 11 Dec) to discuss ICVs, once the meeting has closed Don and/or Gordon will be available for a short period to sign logbooks. Please note, I can’t guarantee Kerry will be present at this meeting due to another commitment so if you are seeking to get the Logbook signed next Monday night you must have paid your 2024 subs and you need to bring proof of payment (screen shot of the bank transaction or similar). We won’t be taking cash next Monday sorry.
Please note also that we won’t be in the normal meeting room; we will be using one of the smaller board rooms so you might need to ring or hunt around.
If you can’t make it on Monday, we will be running a ‘mail in’ service. The process is as follows:
Take a copy of you logbook (photocopy) and use this to sign any drives you might undertake whilst you log book is ‘in the mail’. All travel must be recorded into the log book on its return. This process will only cover up up to 31 Dec 2023.
Send your logbook, plus a copy of your registration AND proof of 2024 membership payment, as well as a stamped, self addressed envelope for its return (the Club is not paying for your logbook to be mailed back … sorry!). Don will be clearing the mailbox regularly leading up to Christmas and will sign and return your logbook if everything is there. This way you should have it before New Years Day
If you need a new log book, please also include $5 (per new logbook required). This will take a little more time as Gordon processes all the new logbooks so we will need to get your mail across to him; however, if you act quickly to get it into the mail, you should still get your new book before New Year.
Please remember, even if we have signed your current or new book and its ‘in the mail’ on return, if you have not received it before 1 Jan 24 you can’t drive until you have it.
The postal address for the Club is Post Office Box 21, Fullarton, SA, 5063.
Please keep in mind that we are a volunteer club and we are trying to help you get your logbooks re-signed as quickly as we can so please bear with us if it takes a few more days to get your book back to you!
Just a reminder that this Monday is the final meeting of the year. Those who can make it along, we will be holding the traditional Christmas BBQ. Details of what you need to bring can be found >here<.
The evening starts at 1800 with the meeting at 2000
A quick note about the Club Magazine. I won’t be putting out a Burble this month, rather we are attempting to relaunch the Club magazine, Sprouting Forth, with what I hope can become an annual ‘Christmas’ edition (and the Burble for all the other months of the year!). With a lot of help from contributors its nearly done but I’m hoping that some of you might have some photos from years gone by that you might be able to help me with?
I’m particularly looking for photos from around 1973, 1983, 93 and 2003 – not heaps, maybe 1 or 2interesting or funny images from years gone by, with or without a few words to explain the picture or who/what it is. I’m borrowing from Sprouting Forth from years gone by with a couple articles and it would great to add to the history with a few photos from around that time. Hopefully I’ll end up with a dozen or so in total to choose from!
They don’t have to be professional scans or crisp images – in fact some ‘patina’ to the photos and some less than perfect smart phone scans can sometimes only add to the image!
If you can help out I’d be very appreciative and I’ll (try to) credit all of the suppliers of the photos! Best to send them to admin@spriteclub.com.au or spriteclubsa@gmail.com. My number is 0431 247 746 if you’d like to talk about it first!
The weather looks favourable for a pleasant summer’s evening to enjoy the Christmas Festivities with a BBQ in the Fullarton Community Centre park and the meeting to follow – hopefully I haven’t jinked the weather!
Start at 1800 (that’s 6pm for some!), followed by the final General Meeting of the year at 2000.
The Club will provide the BBQ (Miles has tested it!), meat, salads and bread. Everything else is BYO – drink, chairs, plates, cutlery, glasses etc.
Elaine and Carole have the salads under control but we’d love some help on the night to cook the meat!
This is the last official social event for the year so we’d love to see new faces and old! If its a nice evening you might even want to bring you car out!
Hope to see you all there!
(if the technology doesn’t defeat us, Grant hopes to put on some in-car ‘home movies’ from the 2023 Legend of the Lakes!)
A quick note to say the 2024 membership fee structure and the updated forms are now available under the Membership tab or follow this link
A friendly reminder for all of you with cars on Conditional Registration. If you have not renewed your membership by 1 Jan 24 you can’t drive your pride and joy out for New Years Day breakfast. You must have your subs paid and your log book stamped by either Don or Gordon BEFORE you go out on the road, not after! Both Don and Gordon will be available for log book signing at the Christmas meeting.
If necessary, we will consider a one-off log book morning/night but we’d prefer not to do this!
A short note to say thank you to the members who were able to attend the AGM last night and for 2024 Sprite Club of South Australia committee members. Your 2024 committee is:
President – Robin Dunk
Secretary – Peter Stanley
Treasurer – Kerry (we ended the year in the green!) Fisher
Club Registras – Gordon Boyce and Don Cardone
Federation Representative – Don Cardone
Motor Sport Secretary – Pat Miller
Librarian – Miles Jackson
Regalia Officer – Daryl Otterwill
Clubbies SA Rep – Sean Power
Webguru and News Editor – Robin Dunk
After a number of years on the Committee, including a period as the President and most recently at least six years as the Social Secretary/Coordinator, Michael McLaren has elected to step down from Club Committee duties. The Club is hugely indebted to Michael for his contributions and as the President I would like to thank him on behalf of all Members, past and present.
This; however, leaves us with a vacant position on the Committee for a Social coordinator and I’d like to call on all members to consider if they can spare the time to fill this role to assist the Committee to organise not only the Annual Dinner but organise or contribute to the various runs and social gatherings throughout the year that makes the Sprite Club the warm and all-inclusive club that it is. If you feel you can assist, please contact me directly to discuss. Rest assured, Michael and the whole Committee will ensure you are fully supported as you learn your way in. Please, don’t rely on me to organise the Annual Dinner as if you do we will all be a the front bar of the Goodwood Hotel for a counter meal on Trivia Night.
Just a quick reminder that Display Day is on from 0900(ish) at Wigley Reserve.
Whilst we’d prefer everyone could stay for the whole day we know that weekends are precious and we all need to juggle various commitments so if you need to leave early its not going to be a problem, just let one of us know and we will make sure you have a safe path out to the road.
Likewise, we also know there are a few competing events on tomorrow, not least Cars and Coffee at the Sporting Car Club and also Cars and Culture at Morphettville, so feel free to come down afterwards. It ok to be late – we’d just love to see you and your car if you can make it!
Remember, Associate Cars, Clubbies and invited Clubs are most welcome!
Oh, and if your car is like mine and suddenly dripping more oil than the Exxon Valdez, please bring a strip of cardboard or rags to pop under your car. The Holdfast Bay Council takes a dim view to having Wigley Reserve covered in oil!
From the archives comes the first of Reinhard Walker’s digitally recreated articles from old articles of Sprouting Forth. With the aid of digital scanning, Reinhard has been able to combine the old articles with the images he and others took at the time to really bring these fabulous memories to life.
The intent is to create a digital archive within the Members area so watch out for a new folder link in the menus in the coming days.
To attempt to control the file sizes on the web, Reinhard is experimenting with a new format called Story Maps. Rather than posting the full article here, you will find a link below that will take you to the article. It will take you away from the Sprite Club website and into the Story Maps environment.
Enjoy – this looks like it was an absolute blast of a road trip!
We would like to inform the Members of the Sprite Club of South Australia of the passing of Life Member and previous Committee Member Julie Williams.
Julie became a member of the Sprite Club during early 1980 with her Red Bugeye – SNT-113 and joined her sibling Sprite Club members, Don (deceased) and Rick.
She quickly became associated with many aspects of the Sprite Club attending General Meetings and Social Events, including hosting these social events at her Fairview Park home. Soon Julie joined the Sprite Club Committee, volunteering as Social Secretary (1981 & 1991) and she held the role as Treasurer for six years (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1992 & 1993).
Julie was awarded Life Membership of the Sprite Club of SA during the 30th Birthday celebrations in 2002.
Julie also attended many Bordertown Weekends for the Annual Motorkhana vs the Victorian Sprite Club, quite often driving her Bugeye to Bordertown after work on Friday Night. During the motorkhana Julie would drive the courses setting very competitive times, often faster than many of the male drivers! She would also feature in the Ladies Team, winning for SA and also was awarded the Sprite Club Lady Driver of the Year on numerous occasions.
The other event that Julie took seriously was the Don-Doug Observation Run. This run, initially set by brother Don and fellow Club member Doug Gordon, tested your cryptic and observational skills while travelling some of the picturesque roads of the Adelaide Hills. Teaming with nephew and Sprite Club member, Dale Halling, this combination were successful in winning this event numerous times.
Julie’s Bugeye had sat idle for a number of years and is now maintained and cared for by nephew Dale who drove the Bugeye in the 2023 Bay to Birdwood last Sunday.
The members of the Sprite Club of South Australia would like to pass on their condolences to all of the William’s family at this time.
Please note that a Funeral Service is to be held in the Carr Memorial Chapel, 1 Morphett Street, Mount Barker, on Tuesday 14 November 2023, at 2-00pm.
Thanks to Reiner Walker, Robin Dunk and Gordon Boyce for the images used in this article
Despite the best efforts of the spam filters from the web-hosting company, WordPress and my own cyber security, the Sprite Club emails and website, like many sites these days, continues to get spammed and suffers attempts to hack in. Goodness knows what these hackers think they are going to find in our pages!
Cyber activity has significantly escalated in the past 12 months with the number of attempts to hack into businesses (and Clubs) more than doubling. For example, I cleared out the email spam filter at 0730 this morning and by morning tea there were half a dozen emails offering everything from website upgrades, cheap Chinese machining tools and the usual assortment of, err, medications. I’m sure you get the picture. In amongst that were unfortunately genuine emails from new members or other clubs and individuals reaching out to us so you can understand if sometimes we miss a letter or a notice to the Club.
There have also been attempts to send Committee members and general club members spam emails that appear to come from either my personal email or one of the Club emails. If it doesn’t make sense, then likely it isn’t real. If in doubt, look at the senders email address. Hackers/spammers cloak their real addresses with a fake one to make it appear real but if you look carefully you’ll see the underlying email address that isn’t one of ours. Unless you are absolutely sure of who its from, just don’t click the links in the body or the title of the email. Check the website or contact me.
As a result of the attempt to use my personal email to contact other members, I’ve changed the web settings and I’ll try to only use the ‘admin@spriteclub.com.au’ email address and will pass the details to the ‘assistant webmasters’ (Darryl and Gordon) who also need to log in or upload an article. I realise a change to the sending email will be frustrating for some as I know some of you have only just managed to de-spam the Club from your system. As always, if you are not getting emails (but are reading this online or on the BookFace site) please reach out to me on 0431 247 746 or admin@spriteclub.com.au. Don’t be shy about asking for help! Just ask!
I realise this is frustrating as, in this modern world, the emails and the website are our main, often only, forms of communications so we need to keep on top of it!
In the meantime, please keep an eye on the website for upcoming events! Hope to see you all at the Display Day in a few weeks!
Robin,
President/Webmaster, Sprite Club of South Australia
If anyone can assist with Flag Marshall duties at Mallala for the final round of 2023 on the 29th of October, please let Pat Miller know.
We are not officially on duty (that was the cancelled meet at the Bend); however, MSCA is short on flaggies and they have reached out to the Sprite Club and others from the previous meeting to see if we can help.
Goodness, we haven’t gotten to the end of 2023 and the club is talking about ABD for 2024?
Well, entries are open (>click here<) and they CLOSE on 3 November, unless sold out before. Yes, that’s only about 2 weeks away. So, if you are heading out on the Climb to the Eagle and you haven’t entered, you had better do so when you get home!
In all seriousness, they are expecting to sell out quickly. The feature marque is MG celebrating 100 years and they will be a prominent feature on the day. I am in discussions with the MGCCSA who are coordinating the MG display so we are trying to be co-located on the main field so our MGs will also be ‘part of the day’, as are several other clubs with significant numbers of MGs in their ranks
If you are keen to go don’t miss out – click the link (here again) and get your entry in.
I’m entered (and so is my dad with his Ariel motorbike, another featured brand on the day!). Hope to see you all there!
I’ve had a few comments about not receiving emails so I’m just doing a check as to who is getting their emails! I know, I know, the Webguru has lost the plot and sending out an email to see if you are getting an email …. if you are reading this on the Website or the Facebook site and you didn’t get an email from the club with this information on it, can you please email me (don’t say it…!) at admin@spriteclub.com.au or spriteclubsa@gmail.com or text me a message (0431 247 746) with your name and email address and I’ll recheck that you are in the system.
Please go into your Spam Mail history and look for emails from the club. If you need any help, please let me know and I can talk you through it.
I’d hate for people to be missing out on events like Display Day because an email has not been received.
A quick note for all those of the Morris Garages persuasion in our club!
The annual MG Car Club of South Australia ‘Kimber Run’ will be held again on Sunday the 12th of November.
If you own and MG, this is one of the largest annual MG-only runs in the world and the only run outside of the UK that has the official ‘Kimber Run’ title, celebrating the founder of MG, Cecil Kimber. This year its doubly important as this year marks 100 years of the MG brand.
The run is always held up though the hills with the route a lightly guarded secret until you sign on for the day. Suffice to say, there is always a well organised morning tea stop and, for the first 300 people to sign up for the lunch, a two course lunch at a great location at the end of the run. Think of it like one of Russell and Judy’s runs, just with 100+ MGs!
It really is a great day out and highly recommended! If you are not in an MG its still a great procession to follow along in your Sprite or other classic.
Run details can be found >here< or I’ve uploaded the entry form below.
Yes, its nearly that time! Display Day 2023. So get out you polishing cloths and start getting ready!
When – 5 November 23, from 0900
Where – Wigley Reserve, Glenelg
All members are encouraged to bring their Sprite, Midget or Associate Car(s) along for the day to show off your pride and joy and promote the Club! If you have more than one car and you can manage it, please bring more than one car down to really add to the diversity of cars and marques on the day.
Invitations to display are extended to all members of the Austin Healey Owners Club of South Australia and the Rover Car Club of South Australia, and of course the members of ClubbiesSA … we realise its the ‘First Sunday of the Month’ for you so we’ve arranged for a coffee van to be onsite for your coffee fix!
If you are reading this and you are not a member of the Sprite Club or one of the other mentioned clubs but you own a Sprite or Midget, Big Healey or a Classic Rover, you are also invited to come down and display your car! We would also love to see an Austin A40 Farina or two (they are basically a Sprite with a roof!) and MG1100s/Riley Elfs. If you are wondering, please drop us a line at admin@spriteclub.com.au or call on 0431 247 746.
Visitors from interstate Sprite and Austin Healey Clubs are of course welcome too!
Prizes will be awarded to the best Sprite/Midget and the best ‘Associate’ car on the day, and the Club’s Sprite of the Year will be awarded!
For Club members, we are still seeking some volunteers to help with setting up for the day. We are also looking for some specialised skills such as Fire Warden and additional First Aiders. If you can help please let myself, Don or Gordon know.
For those bringing their steeds on trailers there will be an area set aside for parking tow cars and trailers.
Hope to see you all there for what promises to be a great day!
Four Sprites and a Midget burbling up though the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley enroute to Collingrove on a beautiful crisp clear Spring morning on the club’s ‘Picnic Run’. What a fabulous sight and sound!
Setting out from The Gully Hotel for a straight run up through Birdwood and then on to Collingrove, of course someone (the President … err, me) was late to the starting point but luckily Don was patient and waited with new Sprite owner, Don Cameron (he hasn’t yet decided on joining a club but he and his lovely Mk3 are welcome to join our runs when ever he wishes!). Eventually we got there (only 20 minutes late … despite having no traffic on North East Road I still managed to get every red light!) and the three of us headed up to Birdwood where the Lows and Dean were waiting and then the run out to Collingrove. It really is nice when the 80kph limit ends and we can run up to 100 (or there abouts)! 5x 1275 A Series, all in good song!
Despite my car really not having a decent run in nearly five months it seemed in fine fettle for the run out with a muted rasp and a crackle and pop on the overrun coming down the hills. Most thought I was slightly crazy wearing a polo shirt and shorts (and Margy in a short sleeve linen top) on a 5 degree morning but as usual the heater was in fine form heating our feet and the escaping warmth keeping our ears and noses from freezing as we headed through the hills with the roof down and picnic hamper strapped firmly in place. A perfect way to start the month of October!
And what was it all about? The Sunday of the Labour Day long weekend sees the running of the Sporting Car Club of South Australia’s annual Barossa Vintage Collingrove Hillclimb and, thanks to the efforts of Sprite Club and Sporting Car Club Member Gary Dodd, we had pole position inside the pit paddock for the day, including a run up the course for those who desired to partake!
The Sutherlands joined us with their lovely Mk2 Midget (its still for sale … David … I know you’re reading this … caravan, Sprite, caravan, Sprite …) and, including Peter Stanley’s hill climb Sprite, we had seven Sprites and Midgets, as well as Pat and Gerard Miller with the Plymouth and the likes of Miles and others in more ‘normal’ cars. A great turn out really, consider it was the middle of the Long Weekend after all. Thank you to everyone who made the effort!
And what a fabulous day it was, with an amazing collection of historic South Australian and interstate cars and bikes taking on the twists and incline of the Collingrove climb. From cars built for the Australian GP in the 1950s (and in one case, driven by the 15 year old Great Grandson of the cars creator), to a hauntingly beautiful SS100, classic Speedway Sprint Cars and all manner and marques of cars and bikes in-between, there was something for everyone!
Thank you to the SCC-SA for the opportunity and thank you to all the owners and drivers of these fabulous cars who were only too happy to stop and talk and recount the history of their vehicles.
All in all, it really was a Grand Day Out! Hope to see you all soon on the road!
(photo credits to David Low and Margy Donaldson or as marked)
Its been a while since I’ve penned a President’s update and as we lead into a busier part of the year with runs and Display Days … and the AGM, I thought it was about time!
I have to apologise as I’ve been somewhat distracted of late, but the good news is the grass is now down at ‘Sherburn’ (yes, the house has a name on the façade, one of those things people did in the early 1900s!) but I’m not sure if its firm enough to get the Midget out from its hiding spot. I have mesh to lay over the grass like a WW2 temporary runway so perhaps it will get up to Collingrove this Sunday. Anyway, its proved to be a good backdrop for the latest Club purchase as a result of the State Government grant funding we received earlier this year – new signboards to advertise the Club at displays and other events. Not sure how they are going actually fit into a Spridget but where there is a will, there is always a way! Other equipment include a battery operated Public Address system, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. All a very welcome addition for a small club like ours!
Annual Dinner. I really have to apologise for not penning a report about the Annual Dinner as it was a fabulous evening, thanks largely to the hard work of Michael and Pat. The food, which was amazing, just kept coming and I don’t think anyone went home hungry!
Michael and Pat where somewhat surprised when they where awarded the Tony Benetto trophy for all of their hard work behind the scenes making the club the club that it is, but anyone who has attended any of the Annual Dinners or Ice-Cream Runs or Cheese and Wine nights would agree its long over due and recognition for their efforts! Congratulations!
I’ve only been involved with selecting and awarding trophies for this year and I hope that every year is as easy to select the winners as it was this year. When I asked the Committee for their thoughts and nominations the winners where unanimous! The award winners where (drumroll please….)
Club Person of the Year – Elaine Cardone!
Associate Car of the Year – it dawned on the Committee that there wasn’t an ‘Associate Car of the Year’ award which we all felt needed to be rectified. With several cars in contention for this category, one we felt was an absolute standout, that car being Paul and Ruth Doube’s MG TC. We don’t yet have the annual trophy but we were able to have the small keep-sake made up in time. Unfortunately, Paul continues to battle his health but the Club will organise an evening to take the trophy to them.
Sprite of the Year – well, about that. The winner wasn’t there so we have decided to hold that award over the Display Day. The winner does not know if her or his car has won. Hopefully it has been put back together and it makes Display Day! Come along then and find out who it is!
Congratulations to all the award winners on the night!
You should have just read my last email about Collingrove so no need to talk about that here, but there are a slew of runs and displays coming up in the next few weeks. Events include the Bay to Birdwood and the Climb to the Eagle (3 Nov) with the main event for the club being the Sprite Club Display Day at Wigley Reserve on the 5th of November! All cars, Sprite and non Sprites, are welcome as are non-Sprite Club members. We will be asking for volunteers to help run the day as we can’t do it without your help! There will be invites going out to our sister clubs in the very near future to come down and join in the day so get your polishing rags out and start polishing!
Finally, a quick note about the Annual General Meeting. More will information about nominations will come out in the next couple of days, but if you are interested to help the club as a member of the Committee please consider putting your hand up. Yes, it is the day after Display Day but we need you to put a mark into your diary to come along. All Committee positions will be available and anyone can nominate to help out as a committee member. We have a wonderful and hard working Committee who, I think, have put on some great events over the past 12 months but many have been on the Committee for quite a while and they may want a break! Have a think, talk to a current Committee Member. Its an undertaking and yes, it is a little bit of work but honestly, its enjoyable and hugely rewarding when you see an event or a run go off smoothly. We can only function as a club if we have a Committee to run it!
That’s enough rambling on from me. Don’t forget, there is no meeting this Monday due to the Long Weekend, with the next General Meeting held over until the following Monday (9 October).
An informal ‘run to Collingrove’ will take place on Sunday 1 Oct for Sprite Club members. The run will be relaxed and very informal, with the goal to be at Collingrove by 0900(ish).
Departure point will be the carpark of ‘The Gully’ hotel (near the Thirsty Camel Bottle Shop, with a 0810 departure. From there its roughly a 60km, 60 minute run up through the hills. Look for my blue Midget or red Alfa on the day … hopefully I wake up in time!
For those who are taking a different route and perhaps want to meet us along the way, we will depart the Birdwood Mill around about 0840.
Non-Sprite Club members are most welcome to tag along, particularly if you are in a Sprite or a Midget!
Just in case its needed, my number is 0431 247 746
Don’t forget, the Sporting Car Club has generously given us free entry for the event so pack your club membership card as, although Gary Dodd assures me me knows everyone and everyone’s cars, it might pay to take your member card … just in case he doesn’t really know everyone! If you are not in a Spridget on the day then please take your membership card.
There will be catering available on the day, but pack a coffee or hot water for tea just in case.
Rick Williams is looking for a rear brake adjuster for his Midget Mk 2.
He is chasing like a genuine second hand one after buying two new ‘reproduction’ ones (pictured); however, the threads bind and cannot screw in from the front. He’s seeking one to complete his brake overhaul.
As the days warm up so does the club event calendar. Be sure to mark the following up on the fridge so you don’t forget!
16 September – Club Annual Dinner at Hut n Soul. From 1830 for a 1900 start, it promises to be a great night for only $40 a head. Let us know if you are coming!
20 September – Mid Week Run. Arrive at Tilley Reserve at 0930 for a 1000 departure towards the north for another mystery adventure courtesy of Russell and Judy! All I can say we are heading north and there’s a great lunch destination arranged! Oh, and as always, pack morning tea! Total distance out and back is about 150km … about 100 out and 50 home! Contact Russell or Judy to let them know you are coming so they can book.
30 September – MSCA SuperSprint Round 4 . The action returns to The Bend (East Circuit) and the club is on flagging duty so if you can spare the day as a volunteer please let Pat know.
1 October – Club picnic run to the Vintage Collingwood Hillclimb. If racing at The Bend wasn’t enough the day before, 1 October sees the return of Sporting Car Club’s annual Vintage Collingwood Hillclimb for 2023.
A perfect opportunity to dust the Sprite and Midgets off, pack a picnic hamper and go and watch the likes of Gerard and club Secretary Peter take on the hill climb circuit!
Thanks to Gary Dodd, the Sporting Car Club have kindly offered Sprite Club Members free entry if they show their membership card and our Sprites and Midgets can be parked as part of the cars on display for the day, with, if time permits, a run up the course behind the pace car. Sounds like a great day out to me!! Entry is $15 for non club members with tickets purchased on line >here<.
And the events don’t just stop there. The Bay to Birdwood on soon (let the club know if you are participating, followed soon after by the annual Climb to the Eagle (click here for entry) and our annual Display Day at Wigley Reserve in Glenelg. Stay tuned for more information on Display Day as we will need some help to make this a great day!
The British Motor Corporation (BMC) always looked at various ways to promote and sell it vehicles. MG and Austin Healey used record breaking at Bonneville in the USA to help sell its vehicles in the ‘States.
Here is the video of the special streamlined Sprite breaking the 138 MPH speed on the salt flats.
At this end of the Spritely Year we have a number of gastronomic events on the Sprite Club Calendar – the Annual Dinner is one of these – have you booked your seat yet?
To start this culinary journey the Annual Pie ‘n’ Pea Night is the perfect entrée to enjoy.
Saturday Night on the 26th August saw over 30 Sprite Club members head to the Fullarton Park Community Centre for this tasting event,
Hosted by Don and Elaine Cardone, the evening started with a range of pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, while the aroma of warming pies and pea soup lingered from the kitchen.
Soon the announcement was made and there was a Spritely Line to the kitchen where members collected their pie topped with warming homemade pea soup. A dash of tomato sauce and/or vinegar to add to the flavour, and a hush fell over the room while the meal was devoured.
Seconds were available for those who were still hungry, but most found the meal fulfilling! And at $6.00 per pie it was an economical night.
After a short break, the range of desserts was displayed and enjoyed by all, with a coffee or tea.
To add to the night Gary Brock had provided a copy of his “Gary’s Quiz”, which was game mastered by Des Chabrel – with chocolates provided to the winners – Thanks to Gary and Des.
A raffle, with win prizes kindly donated by Phil and Mary-Anne Kies, added to the night.
While members chatted about Sprites, Midgets, Social Chats, and everything else – there was a small team in the kitchen cleaning up, washing dishes, and putting things back in order.
Our thanks to Don and Elaine for the co-ordination and organisation of this great evening. Also special thanks to a range of helpers who set up the venue, assisted with the food preparation and serving and the clean-up. And thanks to all for providing nibbles and sweets.
Are you coming along to the Sprite Club Annual Dinner?
16 September, 1830 for a 1900 start.
$40 per head for a 7 course meal, its hard value to beat!
Did I mention a drink on arrival and door prizes? And have I mentioned its only $40 a head to catch up with old friends and make new ones?
Come along and see who wins the Sprite of the Year and who is recognised as the Clubperson of the year for 2023. And who will win the inaugural ‘Associate Car of the Year’?
We have the whole restaurant to ourselves for the night and the chefs can cater for all dietary needs. RSVP myself or Michael McLaren, including any dietary requirements, so we can let the venue know how may to cater for. Direct Debit payment to the club before hand is preferred.
Tonight (26 Aug) – Pea and Pie Night at the Fullarton Centre Club Rooms. Hosted by Don and Elaine, this promises to be a night featuring a South Australian culinary icon, the Pie Floater. If you haven’t told the Cardones you are coming, it might not be too late! BYO and members to provide a share plates of savoury and sweet dishes!
4 September – General Meeting at the club rooms
16 September – Annual Dinner. If you haven’t RSVP’d myself or Michael, please do so as soon as possible so we can confirm numbers with the venue. The club is subsidising the meal cost and will be providing a complimentary drink on arrival too. At $40 per head for a lovely 5 or 6 course meal its hard value to beat and will be a great night. We can cater for nearly all dietary needs, be it gluten free, vegetarian or vegan as well as various allergies. Please don’t not come as you are worried we can’t cater for you! Come along and see who wins the ‘Clubman of the Year’ or the ‘Best Sprite’ (which might not be a Sprite!) or the Tony Bennetto award.
20 September – hard on the heels of the Annual Dinner is the next instalment of Russell and Judy’s mid week magical mystery meanders. Goodness only knows what they have cooked up for us this time, other than to say its off in a north by north west direction. Sounds like the name of a Hitchcock thriller!
1 October – Picnic Run to the Collingrove Hillclimb. A run not to be missed and more details to follow, suffice to say that the Sporting Car Club is recognising the Sprite Club on the day with free entry and our cars on display with the historic hill climb cars. Definitely one to put into your calendars!
More information on each event can be found on the website in the Spritely News or of course in the latest edition of the Burble
The Sprite Club of South Australia has been contacted by MSCA Member and MG Midget owner Steve Bowra, who is after some assistance.
Steve has purchased a 1969 MG Midget which has suffered some front end damage over the past years. This damage is to the beam that supports the steering rack and the front shocker mounts – due to indiscretions with pot holes and other fixed objects – these items have seen better days!
Steve is looking for a Sprite Club member who has a dismantled Spridget so he can take some measurements of the steering rack support, front shocker mounts and other front end brackets, so he can sort the geometry of his Midget.
Please contact Steve on 0417 829 864 or shbowra@bigpond.com if you can assist.
National Challenge Update from the AHSDC organising team.
A huge welcome back or welcome aboard and after such a long hiatus what a great event we have planned for you all.
Firstly, in this Bulletin No 2 you will notice a few changes. Due to popular demand we have extended the Challenge to four nights and moved Venues for a better package deal. All the accommodation has been upgraded and evening meals will be next door so as no transport needed and you can walk to and from.
Also the Post Rally Tour has been bought forward to a Pre Rally Tour so as not to collide with the Easter rush going home and will be based at Yackandandah.
We have endeavoured to keep prices at a minimum but still offering great value as we have always tried to do.There is some very exciting events planned for you which are by Invitation and or Appointment only and I believe you will find totally fabulous but we are going to keep them a surprise until you get here. So if you wish to attend the 2024 National Challenge in Wodonga please get on board and Register and pay your deposit.
We have now included a QR code on the Bulletin which will take you directly to our AHSDC Website for all information or details.
Please find attached Bulletin No 2 which has cost details and further information. If you could distribute amongst your Club and keep the momentum going as well.
The attached Registration Form MUST be completed along with your payment details to ensure your placement and returned to me please.
For those interested in joining the PRE Rally Tour, I have attached details and information pertaining to this and you will need to contact/liaise with John Fowler directly as per his details on the attached.
Please stay tuned for further Bulletins and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Greg Corbin.
For a bit of a change, we have a guest speaker at the next Monthly General Meeting (7 August), Mr Terry Clark.
Organised by Barry Edson, Terry has offered to come in to talk about his experiences as a motorsport photographer. For a little more information about Terry please refer to the extract from the State Library below.
I’m sure it will be an interesting chat and I highly recommend members and guests to come along and listen! As usual, tea and coffee will be available.
From the State Library of South Australia:
At age 15 Terry joined the Royal Air Force as an apprentice in the trade of airborne wireless and radar fitter. With a good camera club in the RAF and some spare time, Terry’s photographic experience blossomed. The camera club had a really good quality 2 ¼ sq inch single lens reflex camera and full facilities for developing, printing, enlarging and processing the emerging technology of colour slide film.
Terry was posted to Australia to work on guided missiles in 1959. It was many miles of travel and many photographs and 8mm movie shoots before he returned for a brief spell in 1965 to the United Kingdom. Finishing his term in the RAF he migrated back to Australia to work on Jindivik a radio controlled target aircraft. On arrival in Woomera in 1967 Terry saw the opportunity to start a photographic service for the population and the local newspaper and he established Woomera Photo Services. In more than eight years as a Woomera resident he took many thousands of photographs, which unlike his wartime efforts did come out. The range of photographic assignments was extremely varied with weddings, social functions, many sporting events, local promotional postcards, ANZAC Day and 4th July celebrations, and covering visiting entertainers and sporting personalities.
Soapbox Derby, Woomera. Photo from the Terry Clark Collection, SLSA
Terry left Woomera after nearly nine years to live and work in Adelaide as a Prudential Insurance Company Agent. As technology progressed Terry took advantage of the growth of computer-controlled multi image slide presentations and developed a business presenting slide shows at sales conferences around the world. This led to work for CAMS at Formula 1 events and fifteen years presenting slide shows at The FIA (Federation Internationale De L’Automobile) World Rally Championship in Perth. He was also fortunate to meet many international celebrities of which the highlight was having morning tea with and photographing Nelson Mandela when he was the President of South Africa.
Terry has never been a full time professional photographer but his work has taken him around the world with presentations in nine different countries as well as every state of Australia. Terry donated all the negatives of his Woomera work to the Woomera Museum and many of his prints and 8mm movies to The State Library of South Australia.
The Marque Sports Car Association of South Australia is turning 50 and its looking to find past and present competitors to help it celebrate!
If you are or have been a competitor in one of the many many MSCA(SA) events over the years, please contact Pat Miller on 0421289706 or email him at nanmiller@adam.com.au.
Our numbers have dwindled, our position now parlous.
Some have succumbed to the winter malaise and others distracted by offers of food, wine, song and free accommodation.
We stand besieged by those from the Rovers, some may be Topless and others of the Clubbie kind. And we know not what of the warriors of the MGCC or if indeed those of AHOC Clan upon the hallowed track may appear.
We need you to step forth like never before so we can stand as one, united in a single cause, bonded by a marque.
I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves able to defend our club honour and set a standard of slot car team racing that will be the stories of legend.
We need you. Your club needs you…
… to come and have a Day at the Races tomorrow at Scalex World in Ridgehaven as the Sprite Club brings back an old winter favourite – slot car racing!
As advertised, the main event is a ‘Le Mans’ style teams race but that doesn’t mean you don’t come if you don’t have a team or just want to have a day reliving the joy of slot cars.
So come one, come all and see the Sprites fly around the track!
Track will open at 0900 and practice will start at 1000. The ‘race’ will kick off at 1100 and the number of rounds will depend entirely on how many teams we get on the day. We are already down a couple of people in the ‘teams’ due to a mix of the flu (and one who decided a bed and breakfast in a vineyard was better than slot car racing – seriously?) so we have some teams who may be looking for a fourth member and we have racing room for another team or two if you can find three mates or just see who is there tomorrow and join in with the fun.
And, for those who love a good coffee, head out to the Rezz for a coffee or breakfast with the Clubbies crew at 0900 before we head across to Scalex World for 10am!
$20 per head gets you track hire, a car and a controller!
16 Jul – Le Mans Slot Car Challenge. We have a few teams on the books already but we can always use a few more!! And if you just want to have fun, come along anyway! We will be meeting at The Rezz at 9 for those who want a coffee first before heading over to Scalex World at 10. Come along for some mid-winter racing fun!
26 Aug – Pie and Peas Night. Nothing like a good pie floater to warm you up on a cold winters night. Please RSVP to Don or Elaine with numbers and if you can bring a Sweet or a Savoury
16 Sep – 51st Annual Dinner – details to follow!
20 Sep – Mid Week Mystery Meander – its a run to the North but I’m not sure if that’s going to be Cary Grant-esque North by North West adventure or more John Wayne North to Alaska. You’d better come along to find out!
1 Oct – Picnic Run to Collingrove Historic Hillclimb where our Sprites and Midgets will be on display thanks to the Sporting Car Club!
Please note also the club is on Flagging Duty on the 30th of Sep at The Bend so volunteers are requested to let Pat know. Perhaps if you are not planning on coming up to Collingrove on Sunday you might be able to help out on Saturday (or both!)?
Just a reminder to members of the Cancer Care Centre Fundraiser, tomorrow at the Capri Cinema in Goodwood.
Refer below for details. If you are at a loose end and love a good movie, this surely is worth considering but pre-booking is a must, so please follow the link below OR just click here to go straight to the TryBooking website.
As many of you will know, Paul Doube, club member and ex President of the Sprite Club ,and stalwart of the ClubbiesSA movement is having a running battle with his health at the moment. A few weeks ago, to help me piece together some of my father’s recollections of his trips to Mallala, I asked Paul if he’d mind writing down some memories from his youth, a time when you could find him happily sweeping the floors at Garrie Cooper’s workshop, just soaking in the early days of Elfin Cars. Within the hour the following came bouncing back. Enjoy!
… I did indeed ‘haunt’ the Elfin factory on Conmurra Avenue, Edwardstown when I was a kid. I had developed a bit of an interest in racing and race cars, as my older brother used to bring home magazines about cars and racing, though these were usually English magazines, such as Auto Sport. In one of the Australian magazines, was an advertisement for Elfin Sports Cars, and I realised that the workshop/factory was not far away from my home at Clarence Gardens.
Garrie Cooper’s Austin 7 Special (photo Gordon Boyce)
After school one afternoon, I hopped on my trusty treadley, and cycled down to Conmurra Avenue, where I found an unlikely looking Besserblock workshop set back a little from the street, and which was next to a firm called Cooper Motor Bodies, run by Cliff Cooper (Garrie’s father), and where Garry and Elfin Sports Cars started out. I won’t detail the history of Elfin as that is easily available elsewhere.
In any case, I saw the sliding door at the front of the workshop was slightly open, and so I peered in, trying all the while to remain out of sight of the occupants of the workshop in case I was seen to be doing something wrong. It was an amazing sight to see a couple of racing cars under construction as well as one or two being either repaired, serviced or prepared for racing, and though it was a fantastic sight, I was desperate to find a way to get inside and have a really good look.
I can’t recall for sure but this must have happened a few times over the ensuing weeks, and on a few occasions I was sure I had been sprung, but there was a big bush growing in the carpark next to the office door and workshop entrance, and I figured if anybody saw me, I could hide in the bush. I only had to do that once when a car pulled in to the carpark area (not really a carpark, just an entrance way to the premises), and as the car parked, I hid in the bush to avoid having to fess up. I have often wondered what that person must have thought, as they clearly saw me peering around the workshop door, but that I had disappeared by the time they got out of their ute.
Elfin FJ, at Mallala. Driver – Steven Cooper, son of Garrie. Photo G. Nowak, via Flickr
Not long after that incident, it was school holidays, and of course, I had again cycled down to Conmurra Avenue, probably secretly hoping I would be invited in for a tour. All of sudden the garage door slid back, and this older bloke grabbed me by the front of my jumper, making me think I was going to be in trouble and have the police called (a real fear as my father was a policeman). It turned out it was Cliff Cooper, and he had a broom in his hand, again making me think I was about to get a hiding.
His words still ring clear to me when he said “instead of looking in, you might as well make yourself useful, and come in and sweep up“!
That was my ‘in’ to Elfin Sports Cars, and from that day on, I used to go down as often as I could, and simply walk in and grab a broom, and pretend to sweep up, in reality never doing much sweeping at all, and as much as possible, hanging around close to those working on the cars or talking about what they were doing. It was probably just as well, as many of the basic layouts of chassis were simply drawn in chalk on the workshop floor, and if I had swept those chalk lines up, I’m sure I would have been given a hiding.
It was a case of almost being in a live ‘Boys Own’ comic, as while many school mates were interested in racing cars, I was actually getting inside the factory, and talking to the people who designed and built them. Garry was a quieter bloke but very interesting to listen to, while Cliff was louder and I thought at the time, a bit of an ogre, but nothing could be further from the truth. Others were John Webb, the genius alloy body builder, Dale Koennecke who looked after the engines and built engines, and a smaller Italian guy named Ernest Littera, who seemed to me to be able to do absolutely anything, as well as Cliff and Garry, A younger guy was there at the time doing his apprenticeship as a fabricator, named Gregg Mobbs, and it was Greg who owned and raced an Elfin Clubman, and later designed and built the first seven of the seventeen Kestrel Clubmans, plus others who came in to do things, such a Bruce Wendt, a PMG Technician by day, but who also wired every Elfin to leave the factory.
As an aside, there are a few later connections from that period, Bruce also wired my Kestrel Clubman and of course Greg welded up the basic chassis for my Kestrel (No 7) before I took over the build with great assistance from Tim Rees, and I later used Dale Koennecke as an expert witness in a case I was appearing as counsel in. When I had Dale in chambers to proof him as a witness, he kept saying he thought I was familiar, to which I detailed my time going to the Elfin factory as a child. On hearing that, Dale roared laughing and said “of course, the workshop rat”! Apparently that was how I was explained to people who came to the Elfin factory on a legitimate basis.
Graham Wright’s Elfin Mallala, at Mallala. Photo G. Nowak, via Flickr
I continued to do this for a couple of years, but schooling at St. Ignatius at Norwood got in the way, as I was never home early enough to get down to Conmurra Avenue, though I did drop in on a few occasions when I was on school holidays. From memory this would probably have been in about 1963, as I recall being about ten years of age at the time, and that would fit in with getting a bike for Christmas just before my tenth birthday. I recall that I probably did this for two years or perhaps slightly longer, as that would also fit with my going to St. Ignatius, so probably between 1963 and 1966. This would also fit with the cars I recall seeing, which were the Catalina/Formula Junior, Elfin Mono open wheelers, the first of the Elfin Formula vee cars, and Elfin Mallala sports car.
… I’m sure many of us would give anything to experience first hand the sights, sounds and smell of 1960s motorsport, even just for five minutes. Paul, after being caught hiding in the bushes, got to spend his holidays and weekends in his formative years being small part of Australian motorsport history. We are all glad he didn’t sweep the floors too well!
Nothing says South Australia more than a hot meat pie surrounded by peas and once again the Sprite Club is bringing this culinary delicacy back with its annual Pea n Pie night!
Known to most as a ‘Pie Floater’ I can see the quizzical look on some readers faces as you read this but don’t knock it until you actually try it! Known universally as a Pie Floater, its literally a meat pie (traditionally a Pork Pie but any quality pie is good) submerged (originally upside) down in a bowl of hot pea soup! Believed to have been created in Port Pirie in the 1890s it became a late night staple of Pie Carts across Adelaide and Australia after a long night or just a great mid winter warmer tummy.
Sadly all of the original Adelaide Pie Carts have disappeared but the tradition still carries on and, thanks to the efforts of Don and Elaine, the Sprite Club will be putting on its own take on the ubiquitous Pea and Pie combination.
Where – Fullarton Park Clubrooms
When – 26 August (time TBC)
Cost -TBC but somewhere around $10 per member
BYO Drinks and a plate of nibbles or dessert
RSVP to Don and Elaine Cardone (0411 876 067) so they can gauge the numbers for ordering please. Please also advise if you intend to bring a savoury or sweet plate so we don’t end up with too much one thing!
Visitors are most welcome, just please let us know prior so we can cater for the right numbers!
A friendly reminder that there will be a Midweek Meander this week (Wed 21st), lead by Pat Miller.
Gather at Windy Point Upper Car Park at 0930 for a 1000 departure.
Route will be a scenic roll through the Adelaide’s southern hills, via Clarendon and Kangarilla enroute to Collectable and Classics at Strathalbyn for a late morning tea and to look at the cars on display and for sale there. From there its a run up the picturesque Strath Road to Echunga for lunch at the Hagen Arms.
Pat and Nan have checked the route and despite the miserable weather it was a great drive! Lets hope for nice weather on Wednesday!
Look out for Pat’s Falcon Ute at Windy Point.
If you haven’t already, please let him know you are coming on 0421 289 706.
Earlier this year we lost one of our club stalwarts, Don Williams, to the effects of cancer and we have other club members who are or have been engaged with their own battles with this insidious disease.
This July Don’s nephew and fellow club member, Dale Halling, will be raising a non-alcoholic glass to Don and through the Dry July initiative to a better life for all people affected by cancer.
By taking part in Dry July, Dale, an many others like him, will be going alcohol-free and raising funds to help make a difficult time a little easier for cancer patients, their families and carers. If you are able he would be very appreciative if you could make a small donation to this most worthy of causes.
Your donation will help fund services such as a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment.
To donate please head to https://www.dryjuly.com/users/dale-halling. The size of the donation does not matter, its the thought that counts and every small thought contributes to the cause.
Otherwise known as … the Mid Week Run for next week is ON!
Thanks to Pat offering to run the day, the June ‘Winter Solstice‘ mid-week run is go!
Date – 21 June 23
Time – 0930 for a 1000 off
Starting Point – Windy Point Car Park (uphill car park)
Route – Pat is planning an easy run through the southern hills to Strathalbyn where we will stop for a late morning cup of tea or coffee and a wander through Ben Finnis’s Collectable and Classic Cars. Ben has asked for a $2 per person donation that will go to his Charity of the Month. BYO coffee/tea or support one of the local coffee shops!
Lunch – following Collectable and Classics tables have been reserved at the Hagen Arms in Echunga for 1230, just a quick trip up the road from Strath.
Please let Pat or Robin know if you are going so we can adjust the table numbers for the Hagen Arms (currently booked for 16).
Greetings all. Just a quick update on planned and unplanned activities that are coming up in the next couple of weeks!
17 June – Army Vehicles Open Day. Looking for something different to do this Saturday? Ever wanted to get up close to the latest in Army trucks? The Royal Australian Corps of Transport is holding an open day at Keswick Barracks from 1100 until 1400. Come and see some of the oldest and latest Army vehicles and listen to the Army Band play from 1200. Numbers are limited to 500 and bookings are essential via Eventbrite for this free event.
21 Jun – Winter Solstice Lunch Run. We’ve combined several run themes into one and created a mid-week Winter Lunch Run to celebrate the shortest day of the year (a day or so early) with a run out to Strath and Echunga but I need a ‘Run Captain’ to run the day, record attendance, marshal troops, give directions and generally keep law and order. Should be easy right? Unfortunately Russell and Judy are indisposed and most of the Committee are tied up so I’m calling on a volunteer … and an idea of numbers so I can book an appropriate venue for lunch! Please let me know at spriteclubsa@gmail.com or call/text me on 0431 247 746 if you can help out!
Run details to follow once we know we can run the run (so to speak!)
Finally ….
25 June – Breakfast Run to Murray Bridge with the MG Car Club. Departing Veale Gardens at 0900 for a run out along the ‘old road’ to Murray Bridge. Details can be found here, here and here! All welcome to tag along!
Oh – and don’t forget to get your Slot Car teams together for the event of the year at Scalex World on the 16th of July. Should be a great day and we can’t let the first winners not be the Sprite Club!
Save the date – Sunday, 16 July 2023. A day that may go down in the annuals of motor sport history as the day the Sprite Car Club (SA) Slot Car Cup burst onto the racing calendar. Yes, that’s right, its the world famous SCCSCC. I’m not sure its really world famous and to be honest, I’m not 100% sure we will have a Cup to award to the winning team, but it will be a great day of fun competition at Clive Spreadbury’s Scalex World slot car complex!
The race. The main event is a ‘Le Mans’ style race with six teams of four drivers per team. Each driver will get to race for a set time and its a simple formula … the team with the most laps at the end of the race time wins!
And the cars? You will be racing identical Austin Healey Sprites of course! No traction or aerodynamic aids, just pure hand-eye-throttle coordination to keep your car on the circuit! These are no ordinary slot cars. You wont find these in a shop as they have been custom built by Clive using the best steel chassis and motors covered by hand built bodies.
Now you can’t have a competition without having challengers so we will be issuing a challenge, laying down an electronic gauntlet if you like, to some like minded car groups in Adelaide to stir up some competition and possibly create an annual event. Who will we challenge and who will have the courage to attempt to become the inaugural winners of the SCCSCC? You will have to come along on the day to find out! And of course if you are from an interstate Sprite/Midget club and visiting Adelaide we’d love to see you on the day too!
All three tracks will be running on the day with the the main event hosted on the competition track. The other two tracks will open to those looking to practice their skill or just relive your youth and have a go at racing a slot car! Dust off your old Slot Cars (1:24th and 1:32nd scale) or hire a car on the day and relive your childhood. A warning though … its highly highly addictive!
For those teams chasing Cup glory bonus points will be awarded for each ‘marque representative’ slot car you bring along. I know one member of the Sprite Club has two in build already so best get cracking!
Cost – $20 per person which includes a car, track hire and a controller.
Practice from 1000 with racing starting at 1100 until 1300
Getting there. Every third Sunday of the month the ladies and gents of ClubbiesSA meet at the Rezz for breakfast. Sean assures me we are all welcome to join them so to really make a day of it, head to the Rezz for a coffee and from there its just a hop, step and a jump over to Scalex World!
Afterwards. If the weather is kind it’s a BBQ lunch in the park across the road afterwards so pack a BBQ picnic, otherwise we will head to a local pub!
And if you are really keen, Clive is also a Scalextric retailer so if (or when) the slot car bug(eye) bites he can satisfy your competition adrenaline rush with all the equipment you might need!
Daryl, our Regalia Officer brought to my attention what I think is a really good cause that the Sprite Car Club might want to support.
His wife (and Sprite Club member) Ruth is on the Board of the Cancer Care Centre and is seeking to raise further funds to support people living with cancer. They have partnered with the Capri Cinema (Goodwood Road, Goodwood) and together are hosting a charity screening of the new Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
When and where: Capri Cinema in Goodwood, Sunday 9 July at 2.30pm. The movie will screen from 3.30 with all monies raised going to the Cancer Care Centre.
This is an exceptionally worthy charity. Sadly 1 in 2 people are affected by cancer at some point in their lives, be it directly or as a family member. The Cancer Care Centre is there to support not only those suffering but their affected families.
To book tickets for this event, please click the link >here< and follow the prompts.
In the words of Daryl and Ruth, please bring your Spritely selves and support a very worthy cause!
Please find the Minutes of the May General Meeting below for your review.
Please note, the proposed 28 May Winery Lunch as been postponed and will be combined with a run to Pub in late June (details to follow). In its stead will be the opportunity to join in the MCGG(SA) Breakfast Run. Refer to Spritely News for more information. Please let Robin know if you are attending and he will advise the MGCC of potential numbers.
For the eagle eyed amongst us you will note a Midweek Run and a proposed Winery Run this month. I have to admit, I haven’t had a spare moment to organise them (sorry) and that’s pretty much the same for all of the Committee BUT, in their stead, we’ve been invited to join in the next MG Car Club (South Australia) Breakfast Run on Sunday the 28th of May.
Not a lunch surrounded by a vineyard (again … sorry!!), but a nice run up through One Tree Hill and back down to Carisbrooke Park for a BYO brunch picnic and a natter with like minded car enthusiasts and then off home to start the rest of the day!
General details can be found on the MGCC(SA) website (click here for the link) with the specifics for the day found here, including directions and a route map. The overview of the morning is as follows:
Sunday, 28 May, arrive Veale Gardens (South Terrace) for a 0900 departure
This month’s route is up North East Road to Golden Grove Road, thence on to One Tree Hill, prior to looping back onto Black Top Road for the run back into the city and on to Carisbrooke Park (just past the Old Spot).
Pack a thermos of hot coffee or tea and bring some morning tea and meet some like minded car enthusiasts.
Here’s hoping for a dry day – I can handle the cold as the heater in the Midget works but I’d prefer not driving in the rain as the windscreen leaks!
Words and Photo by Sean Power, borrowed from ClubbiesSAwith Sean’s permission
A sad but happy event happened the other day. Paul and Ruth Doube, stalwarts of both the Sprite Club of South Australia and ClubbieSA, asked me to drive their Kestrel Clubbie to the transport company at Wingfield so it could be sent to Perth for their son Michael to use. Paul can no longer drive it so this was the best option. I was proud to do this.
Paul and Ruth were at the first ClubbiesSA lunch meeting start up of the group in 2000 at Skillogalee Winery. Paul drove my Kestrel home that day and wanted one and then built Kestrel 117 and raced and drove it everywhere – about 115,00kms so far. It still goes well. We all had a tear once we signed off the paperwork, just check the photos. End of an era but with the car staying in the family, its the start of a new one … or maybe its just an extension of the same story as I’m sure we will see the Kestrel, with Doube at the wheel again soon!
Sunday’s 6 Hour event at Mallala was quite a day. The weather Gods did smile on us in some ways – it did not rain and although the morning was freezing, there was bright sun for the main part of the day. It was cold if you did not prepare well, and I was grateful for lots of walking around and winter woollies underneath the jeans.
What a day – 2 composite teams entered for the first time in 10 or 12 years for a team of 5 (Red Heiffer) and 4 (We’re in it for the Beer) cars respectively. Red Heiffer originally had 6 cars but we gave Rob van Wageningen in his Nissan 370Z to a Victorian Sprite Car ClubTeam to help bring them over for the event. This kind act would rebound on us later!
Red Heiffer Driver Gerard Miller had problems from the start of the day with his beautiful old Buick race car. Usually faultless, it play up from the start and ended with a cannibalised battery from Dean King’s car and another devious electrical capacitor to keep it running, but only for short times. Eventual withdrawal in the final moments of the day. The rest of Red Heiffer just kept circulating. Dean’s car would be further cannibalised to keep on of the Victorian Spridgets racing. Hopefully he can piece it all back together again!
Most of the drama was with the “Beer” team. One of Dave Tye’s Lotus was not entered, blown engine from the Historics a few weeks ago. This left a starting pool of 4 cars. Things started well, then late in the day, Pat Mullins in the Tye’s Lotus Cortina, lost 2nd gear and had to retire. The gear is yet to be found! Shortly after, the Clubbie of John Coker lost a fan belt somewhere out on the track and he had to retire. Bugger! Rod Hammond (Puma) and Davin Umlauf, Kestrel Twin Charge), were left to continue and finish off the day. Lots of laps and close calls for this small team but we made it in the end.
I wish to thank the great volunteer group from both Clubbies and Sprite clubs, their partners and their friends and some other people I had press-ganged into helping on the day. It was a huge, long, tiring day but we managed to complete the day safely. On behalf of all the drivers, I thank all those who helped make the day such a success. Our club members really stepped in and ran the teams so well, from the Hill, timing, to managing the pit wall and form-up. With two teams entered, there is a lot of work managing the day. Next year, I will buy more two way radios, as the lack of comms equipment this year really showed.
Now to Rob! The Victorian Sprite team (Team Goblin) he was given to had, with him included, 4 cars in total. Rob had replaced both discs and front brake pads of the 370Z two weeks before yesterday. A warmup up stint and then an extended drive and he was back in the pits having had a total loss of brakes. Examination revealed complete wear of pads but no serious damage to rotors. Car withdrawn.
Today, a call to Rob found that his Victorian Sprite team (Team Goblin) had come third and he had been given a trophy. He was so proud. That hurt. In all the 20 years we have entered, our teams have never won anything, in fact we have always figured down towards the bottom end of each table. Even when we had entered 4 teams many years ago, we got nowhere. We have had fun with most drivers content with having fun and not always sticking to their stated times.
In my role as the President of the Sprite Club, I announced last night a Special Meeting to discuss and ratify an update to the Club Constitution, to be held following the General Meeting, 3 Jul 23.
A draft of the update has been emailed to all surviving Founding, Life and current Financial Members of the Sprite Club of South Australia. If you have not received an email and believe you should have or are aware of a Founding or Life member who we have not emailed, please contact me in my role as the Webmaster and I’ll endeavour to get the draft out. I’d also ask you to check your ‘spam’ or ‘junk’ email folders.
Please find below the Sprite Club Bugeye Burble where you will find the latest club information.
Please note the call for volunteers to support the Clubs two teams entered into the Peter Hall Memorial Six Hour at Mallala on the 7th. Many hands make light work of the day so if you can help out, even just for a few hours, Sean and Pat would be very grateful!
I’ve put in two ‘place holder’ events listed in June. A Midweek Run on the 17th of May, and a Sunday Lunch run on the 28 May. If you have a great idea for these events please contact the Committee and we will see if we can pull one or all of these events off, otherwise we will slide the Midweek run into perhaps Jul.
I will be calling some Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale pubs for the Winter Solstice Run to make a booking this week. If you have ‘must visit pub’ please let me know and I’ll add them to the list.
Finally, please note the ‘Special Meeting’ called on 3 Jul 2023 to discuss and (hopefully) ratify an update to the Club Constitution. The amendments are necessary to bring it in line with the current Conditional Registration requirements and the opportunity is being taken to help the club survive and thrive over the next 10+ years. There will be more information emailed out to all current members later this week; however, in accordance with the Constitution the Committee needs to provide two clear months notice of a Special Meeting. That was provided last night at the monthly General meeting. We need at least 20 members present on the night to vote on any change to Constitution.
Don’t forget the Monthly General Meeting tonight at the Fullarton Community Centre! Hope to see you there. To help you while away the time between now and 8pm tonight I found this article in the MG Car Club of SA magazine. I can’t vouch for its accuracy but it made for an interesting read…
A Brief History of a Brief Competition History
The original M-Type Midget helped bring motor racing to the masses and its competition history in the hands of both factory and privateer racers is well documented with tales of daring do from Brooklands to Lands’ End Speed Trials and even Le Mans. Yet try and research the competition history of the later Midget, you largely draw a blank. Type into Google something obvious like ‘BMC Motorsport History MG Midget’ and you get pages of hits about Minis conquering Monte Carlo or Bathurst, and Healeys (big and small), MGAs, MGBs and MGCs at Le Mans, Sebring, Targa Florio and rallies everywhere, yet you almost must hire a private detective, or at least scroll to the 6th or 7th page of Google search results to discover anything about the Midget! You could easily conclude that Works backed ‘Spridget’ racing was the sole domain of the Austin Healey Sprite but dig a little deeper and a rich and colourful competition history of Midget begins to emerge.
In terms of factory backed cars, the likes of the Big Healeys, the Sprite, MGA/B/C and of course the Minis feature heavily in the results sheets of many of the ‘big’ road and rally events across Europe and America. Drivers that were, or about to become, household names often filled their seats, including the likes of Stirling and Pat Moss, Paddy Hopkirk and movie star Steve McQueen. Formula One and Le Mans starts such as Innes Ireland, Pedro Rodriquez, Graham Hill and Bruce McLaren also all raced a Sprite or Midget at different stages of their careers.
Ever mindful of the advertising and publicity that success on Sunday brought, in 1961 the (then) new Midget was thrust into the rally program with three factory backed Midgets competing in 1961 and 62, before being withdrawn from rally events (but not before one was rebadged a Sprite and continued to compete in the hands of Works and privateer drivers for several years as both a Sprite or a Midget). The symbiotic relationship between Sprites and Midgets is something that rears its head again and again in the racing career of the Midget.
As a Works backed rally car, the Midget might not have lasted all that long; however, as a road racing car, the pages of its history were only beginning to be written. Inspired by the outline of the Aston Martin DB4, Dick Jacobs (of Jacobs Racing Team fame) took a racing coupe concept to Albingdon where it came to the attention of Syd Enver and, after some modifications, it became the ‘Jacobs Midget’. The new body was more aerodynamic (a huge advantage when you consider the output of the humble A Series engine) and when completed tipped the scales some 150 kg lighter than the production car. Again, a huge advantage given the powerplant. Three coupes were produced, two of which were raced by Jacobs Racing who found class success in events such as the Nurburgring 500 and 1000 and one to a privateer racer.
Such was the success of the Jacobs team with their two humble Midgets, the cars were returned to the Albingdon where the Works team took over their running (under Dick Jacob’s guidance) for a number of events in 1965 including Sebring and the Targa Florio, with Paddy Hopkirk returning to steer the Midget at that event. All three exist to this day and, like its sibling, the ‘Sebring Sprite’ has spawned a number of replicas.
Two production Midgets then were taken racing in 1965 for the ‘World Championship of Makes’, held in Bridgehampton in the US. Lightened with some aluminium panels and mildly tuned 1293cc engines one went on to place third in class before being used by MG USA in 1966 to promote the launch of the Mk3 Midget and its ‘new’ 1275cc engine. These cars then passed into private hands to race on in events throughout the US for a number of years. One car has disappeared but one survives to this day, the only one of the five ‘works Midgets’ (not counting the Jacobs cars) believed to survive to this day (the other three being the Mk1 Midget rally cars, all of which have been lost to history).
When you talk to a Spridget aficionado about racing, the Sebring and Le Mans Sprites are never far from their lips. And nor they should be. Donald Healey’s team won or placed in their category at Sebring on a number of occasions and the Le Mans Sprite was ultimately developed into a car capable of 150mph on the Mulsane Straight for hour after gruelling hour (albeit using a highly modified MGB gearbox!). A far cry from the humble showroom car! Healey, always mindful that sales were always a must to justify the racing program, particularly in the US, a far more standard Midget would be entered in the Production categories at Sebring, although with no lesser drivers than those steering the Sprites (Graham Hill for example). The irony (ignominy perhaps?) was that these MG Midgets were all, in fact, re-badged Sprites and after the events were returned to being a Sprite and subsequently sold on! The Midget does get almost the last laugh though … the final of the Healey built ‘Works Sprites’, was completed in 1969 for the Targa Florio just as BMC withdrew its backing from Healey Racing. Sold off to a privateer it was raced extensively in the US, including Sebring, often recorded in the record books as …. a Midget!
No article about racing Midgets would be complete without a doff of the hat towards John Spritzel, the BMC tuning wizard and his entry into the somewhat controversial 1968 London to Sydney Marathon (won by Andrew Cowan in a Hillman Hunter). Not only did he help organise the event, but he entered it in an MG Midget and was holding well into the Top 10 cars until the Australian outback beat the Midget’s suspension, ending his race!
As the basis of many a race car in marque sports car events, Midgets continue to grace tracks across the country. Easy to work on and still relatively cheap, add the mandatory safety equipment even to a standard car and you have bags of competition fun and they are simple enough that any mug spanner turner can easily find 25-50% more power and handling with little effort or outlay before you really get silly!
Sue Stephenson, our great MSCA 6 Hour event organiser & Sprite Club member, has an urgent appeal for help.
One of the two Vic Sprite teams has a member who has had to pull out and they are reduced to only three cars.
CAN YOU HELP??
Is someone willing to effectively pull on the Big V, become an honorary Victorian for six hours and help get two Vic Sprite teams across the border and to the start line?
Sue has asked Sean’s Red Heiffers, as they have six cars entered, if one of them can switch sides for the day, and they will, but Sean has offered the spot to another Sprite Club member if they might like to go racing for the day. You just have to become a Victorian (for a few hours) … and that’s ok as its for a good cause!
And no, if they are well placed you can’t speed up or slow down to put them off the podium!
If you have your license (don’t quote me, but I think ‘all’ you need is a Speed Licence … Sue will quickly correct this I’m sure!!) and your car needs to be appropriately equipped for the day, then please contact Sue Stephenson (comp@mscasa.com) as soon as possible. If you’d prefer to talk to her in person and you don’t have her number, contact me (Robin) or another club member and we will pass you the number.
Hot on the heels of our own Stars and their Cars evening, the Sporting Car Club of South Australia invited us and the Austin Healey Owners Club to their Classic & Modern section evening to celebrate all things Austin Healey night, where Don’s stunning Sprite was one of the feature attractions!
Three amazing cars featured on stage, a genuine 100S with an incredibly well documented history and pedigree, a beautiful 3000 MkIII (BJ8) and, of course, Don’s 1960 MkI Sprite.
If I a dollar for each time I heard ‘I had one of these’ from people pouring over the Sprite! I genuinely think people were stunned at the lengths Don had to go to to restore the Sprite. The effort required to just restore the bonnet I think left many amazed, a story made even more interesting as he’d sourced the bonnet from another ex Sprite owner and Sporting Car Club member (Doug Gordon) who was present on the night …. I don’t think even he realised how much work had to go into just the bonnet!
For those who don’t know, to straighten the Sprite’s bonnet it was completely unstitched (unwelded), each panel was individually straightened and re-shaped, before it was all rewelded, lead wiped and repainted in Carnation Red as we all know it today!
A big thank you must go to Sprite Club member (and outgoing SCCSA Classic & Modern section president) Gary Dodd who’s brainchild it was to bring together the Sporting Car Club, the AHOC and the Sprite Club. A great night with some fabulous stories about the history of some amazing cars!
Thank you to also to Gordon for the photos from the event!
The April General meeting of the Sprite Club of South Australia sees the members head to the Sporting Car Club clubrooms for the Stars and Their Cars night. This annual event is a chance for the members to showcase their vehicles and allow us to enjoy the benefits of automobilism.
This year President Robin had chosen Non-Sprite and Midget vehicles as an opportunity to view other vehicles from members garages.
The vehicles on display this year included:
Grant Stephenson’s Ford Capri GT 3 litre V6
Don Cardone’s Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV
Phil Kies Triumph TR4A
Paul Mitchell’s Mini Jem
The meeting commenced with pizza and drinks to start the night, then some general meeting items before the opportunity for the “Stars” to talk about their “Cars”.
Gordon Boyce interviewed each member about their involvement with the Sprite Club and some details of their ownership of their cars. Each of these vehicles had been through some form of restoration from minor to major and these stories were discussed during the talks.
Here are some of the highlights:
Grant’s Capri has had a number of engine rebuilds over his 40 years of ownership, the latest providing a very sweet sounding and driving package…and no he will not sell the car!
Don and son Joe described the simple “lets just tidy up the engine bay Dad!” that ended up with a full repaint, retrim and subtle upgrades to the Alfa…another vehicle that will remain in the family for years to come!
Paul’s Mini Jem – based on a fibreglass kit from Taylors of Medindie plus Mini Cooper S running gear has transformed from a road to track use vehicle and back to road use vehicle – Paul even drove the vehicle to Mackay, QLD!
Phil’s’ TR4A also started a a few cosmetic repairs at Member Gerald Miller’s Marque Restorations and has ended up as the beautiful vehicle we see today – winning Associate People’s Choice at the 50th Anniversary Display Day in 2022.
Members were then free to mingle with the “Cars” and talk with the “Stars” about their vehicles.
The Sprite Club would like to thank Grant, Don and Joe, Phil and Paul for bringing their vehicles along and sharing them with our members.
Also like to thank Michael and Pat for organising the pizzas, drinks and the venue.
If there was a direct route from Balhannah to Hindmarsh Island, that was most definitely the route not travelled today. Rather, today we first headed east then south west along some of the some of lovely driving roads that wind their ways through the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsular regions until we reached the mystery lunch destination of the Island Café on Hindmarsh Island.
Only the weather tried to throw a spanner in the works with intermittent rain up until the morning tea stop at the Callington Oval. Perhaps it was the rain that kept the final numbers down but we still had eight cars out for some exercise. My excuse for not driving the Little Blue Car is that it can’t get out of its garage due to a rather large (and growing) mount of soil in front of the garage doors and not the rain, but the intermittent showers still didn’t stop several of the Spridgets going sans roof, with Judy and Russell keeping the faith in their Midget, as did the Schubert’s in their Bugeye!
A great run it was, along some great winding backroads, a lovely lunch and, with the sun quite finally ensconced in the sky by lunch, a fabulous vista … from inside the restaurant!
Can’t wait until Russell and Judy dream up their next run!
I saw this post on Facebook last night and thought it worthy of reposting here for those who don’t have Facebook. Her name is Steph, she lives in the UK and she has a Facebook page called @idriveaclassic which for those with social media is well worth a read.
I think her post encapsulates what Classic Car ownership is all about. It doesn’t have to be the biggest, the fastest or rarest to win your heart. Nor does a perceived lack of technical skill need to stop you from participating. They have a way of teaching you how to care for them.
I read all to often negative comments towards people who have recently bought a classic car and ask what some might consider ‘basic’ question and are then questioned if they really should own a classic car. It only takes one or two comments like that to turn a new owner away from the movement when all they need is some guidance as to where to find information and some advice on some simple techniques.
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Today I picked up my Morris Minor, Nancy. My favourite car, the reason I love classics and the car I will *never* sell.
When I was 25 I purchased this car for £500 with my first two weeks wages after uni burning a hole in my pocket
The car hadn’t been on the road since the very early 1990s and it was 2012. Quite frankly, it was a bloody reckless thing to do for somebody with zero mechanical knowledge.
She passed MOT first time with zero work and I just started driving her. She was more than a bit scruffy with drainpipe bumpers and painted in boat paint and I regularly got laughed at. However, she never let me down (well, once in France, which I still get teased about) and I loved her so much.
I said right from the get go she’d get restored and nobody believed me because I had zero mechanical knowledge and no decent capital behind me. I mean if I’m honest, I didn’t know how I’d do it but I’d got quite far on blind ignorance so far, so just thought I’d crack on.
Anyway, took her off the road in 2015 and today, after extensive work by a talented restorer, she comes home.
I’ve got a video coming but first I need to get her MOT’d! It’s booked for Tuesday
If you’re interested in seeing her, she’ll be on display at the Practical Classics Resto Show in Hall 5 this coming weekend and if you can’t make it, don’t miss the upcoming video!
Ps. Some advice: If you’re balls deep in a resto with no forward plan, if your project car is on hold due to finances or if you’re just winging it in a scruffy car until you can afford the respray, it’s all good. You WILL get there.
A beautiful autumnal evening was laid on for the first of the Sprite Club ‘Sports Car Cruises’ for 2023. A slightly smaller gathering than recent events, but a great bunch of classis cars and their owners non the less wended their way up Old Belair Road, round past the Belair National Park and then across the hills via Upper Sturt Road and then up and over Mount Lofty before a sunset run down Greenhill Road back into Adelaide.
With road lit up by the magic of Lucas lighting and the procession greeted with colours of a spectacular sunset over the Gulf, a more picture perfect backdrop could not have been asked.
Our motley crew of Sprites, Midgets, MGTC, MGBs, MGFs and other classics, including Don’s achingly beautiful Alfa Spider (a car that appears on everyone’s list of the 10 most beautiful cars), Zane’s now award winning Datsun 260Z and Frank’s amazingly original HQ Kingswood (that brought back many a memory of long trips and bench seats), we seemed to attract the attention of many a walker as we rolled through the foothills! Even Chris put in an appearance with his delightful VW Beetle which did its best to test his mechanical ability on the run! The hills were certainly alive to the sound of music, or at least the burble of a couple of Bugeyes and friends!
And only on a Sprite Car run would you find a TC needing to stop so its driver could switch over his oxygen bottles! Paul’s health may not be what it was, but his mind and ability as sharp as ever so it was lovely to have him and Ruth along with their MGTC for the run. So much so we broke a ‘club rule’ and awarded him the prize for the Best Patina for the second run in a row! Now they have matching coffee mugs so they don’t have to fight over who gets to use the trophy for their morning brew!! The TC is always so well turned out and the effort they go to to enjoy a run is worthy of more than just a coffee mug as a prize!
If you are reading this from another club and wondering if you are welcome to join us for a run, or indeed any of our events, then the answer is yes! We welcome members from other clubs with other classic cars! If you are a past member, don’t be shy and just join in too! We regularly have members from other car clubs from across Adelaide and indeed the State.
Upcoming events
Members (and friends), don’t forget the next two upcoming social events:
29 March – Russell and Judy’s Mid Week Meander “A Southern Sojourn“. Meet at the Balhannah Oval Tennis Club Carpark at 0930 for a briefing before we get under way at 1000 and saunter off in a generally southerly direction. If you’d like to join us for lunch you NEED to talk contact Russell or Judy (or me) as numbers at the lunch venue are limited; however, if you are not inclined or can’t stay for lunch, come along (just ensure you’ve got petrol for about 160km in the tank!!)
3 April – Stars and their Cars. The next monthly meeting is at the Sporting Car Club where we will celebrate the classic car journeys of four of our members and take a closer look at some of their cars! Other clubs are most welcome to join us. Its free for Sprite Club members and only $5 per head for non members.
For those fans of motor racing, the next couple of weeks are action packed also, with the Adelaide Motorsport Festival this coming weekend and the hill climb season officially kicking off on the weekend of 1/2 April at Collingrove.
Basically, there is something for everyone over the next couple of weeks!!
For all those of the hill climbing persuasion or just those curious to understand the attraction of racing up a steep and twisty track, circle the weekend of 1/2 April!
Why I hear you ask?
Well, because the Sporting Car Club is hosting its first of two ‘Come and Try’ days at the Collingrove Hill Climb track on Saturday the 1st of April (and that’s not April Fools day joke) and then the first full competition event on Sunday the 2nd with Round 1 of the Collingrove Challenge Trophy.
Paddy Hopkirk going uphill very quickly in a Midget Targa Florio 1965
I’ll admit it, I am ‘hill climb curious’ but I also have a very good understanding of my driving ability, (or lack there of) and a morbid fear of failure, but I may venture out there, even just to watch and ponder what if??!
Please find below the minutes for the March General Meeting.
Next General Meeting will be combined with our Stars and their Cars night at the Sporting Car Club of SA, 3 April, from 6.40pm. Hope to see you all there.
If you are getting my emails (some aren’t!!) you might have seen the Sprite Clubs are garnering interest around bringing back the National Challenge for 2024. If you are like me and new to the world of National Challenges or just reminiscing about events past, Gordon sent the following Flashback from 2001!
What is a National Challenge?
The National Challenge started as an interstate motorkhana between the NSW, ACT (this club closed soon after) and Victorian Sprite Clubs. This was at Wagga Wagga in April 1970. The venue was moved between Sydney and Wagga Wagga over the next few years, and in 1973 it was held during August. Some of the SA Sprite Club members ventured over for a look.
In 1974 the venue moved to Hay, as it was more central for the SA members. SA won the event outright, thanks to the driving skills of Founder Member, Joe Walker!! During 1975 Queensland had some representation and SA had 36 members present. 1976 was the final motorkhana at Hay, with discussion held towards making the weekend a “National Challenge”.
1977 saw Hume Weir race track the venue for the Sprint event, with standing and flying laps, a motorkhana on the banks of the Murray River, Ladies Teams and a winery visit on the way home. This event was held on the ANZAC Day long weekend with over 70 competitors from NSW, SA and VIC. It also marked the first wheel turn, on what is now Don Taylor’s “Super Sprite”, which took fastest time of the day in the sprints, beating John Moore (VIC) in his 327 Chevy powered panel van.
For 1978 the event moved to the longer Easter Weekend, but doubts over the Hume Weir circuit caused the event to move to Winton (VIC) for 1979. This proved popular with the inclusion of driver training, private practice and concours d’elegance, for 170 participated with 90 competing, with 9 from Queensland.
1980 was also held at Winton, and then in 1981 it moved to Oran Park near Sydney. By now the format of Good Friday – Private Practice and Driver Training at the circuit, Easter Saturday – Sprints (later becoming Super Sprints), Sunday – Concours (am) and Motorkhana (pm). During the evenings there would be many Social Activities including dinners, dances, trivia quiz’s, Sprite Olympics, theatre sports, spark plug changing competitions and the famous “Fluffy Bunnies” (see how many marshmallows you can stuff in your mouth and still say “Fluffy Bunny”).
Over the next 10 years the National Challenge moved between VIC and NSW using many race circuits. 1982 was back at Winton, 1983 Catalina Park (NSW), 1984 Winton, 1985 Oran Park, 1986 Winton, 1987 Oran Park, 1988 Winton, 1989 Oran Park, with 1990 being a highlight at Phillip Island (VIC). This was one fantastic, but quick racetrack.
Cost of running the event and having a central venue for most Clubs led to Winton hosting the National Challenge for 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994. Members wanted a change of venue, so it moved to the newly opened club track at Wakefield Park near Goulburn (NSW) for 1995. The Sprites returned to Winton for 1996, and headed north to Wakefield Park for 1997, 1998 and 1999.
The 30th National Challenge was held at Winton during 2000, with a revised format (due to track bookings) of Friday practice and sprints at Winton, Saturday motorkhana at the Driver Education Centre at Shepparton and a concours and navigation run on Sunday.
Two things were included over the past 10 years, a regularity event on the Friday for those Sprite drivers who cherished their cars more than abused them and more social events, including a theme party on Saturday Night (so you did not compete or drive home with a sore head!!), social drives to surrounding points of interest (wineries!!!), so members could make the Challenge a holiday as well.
As you will notice SA has yet to host a Challenge (although interstate members have been asking for over 20 years to have one here!!) The committee has been busy over the past 18 months fundraising, investigating accommodation and motorkhana venues and planning this event.
I think you will agree it has been well worth the wait.
12 March – MSCA SuperSprint (Round 1, including the MSCA Come and Try Day)
18 March – Sports Car Cruise. Departing Claremont Avenue (Netherby) at 1845 for a 50km evening run through the hills and back into Adelaide – all invited so bring a friend from another club along with her/his classic!
29 March – Midweek Meander #1. Meet at the Balhannah Oval Tennis Club Carpark at 0930 for a briefing before we get under way at 1000 and saunter off in a generally southerly direction on one of Russell and Judy’s magical mystery tours! Hopefully it doesn’t rain!! You’ll need petrol for at least 160km of driving!!!
1/2 April – Collingrove Hill Climb Come & Try (Sat) then Round 1 of the Collingrove Challenge Trophy (Sun)
3 April – STARS & THEIR CARS at the Sporting Car Club – not to be missed and it already comes with a twist … every good plan needs a back up right? Come along and find out what I’m talking about!!!
14 April – Sporting Car Club Healey Night. Come and listen to Don discuss his car along with some other equally delicious Big Healeys. Our quota is nearly full so if you want to come along contact Robin or Peter ASAP
23 April – McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic. The Sprite Car Club is being hosted for the lunch at Bec Hardy Wines this year, along with our friends at the Sporting Car Club of South Australia, so I’m sure our Spridgets will be in good company this year!! Entry details here
7 May – Peter Hall Memorial 6 Hour Regularity Relay
7 May – British Classics Tour (McLaren Vale to Victor Habour). Entry details here
I don’t think the last two Sprite Club of SA outings could have been more different. A warm barmy night, perfect for ice-cream and a summer evening cruise, followed by the overcast, wind and rains of All British Day!
Ice Cream Run
A perfect night for sampling the offerings from one of the newest ice creameries in town greeted the club. After a short interlude to reflect on the passing of Don and the passing out of Michael’s near cryptic clues for the route, it was ‘wagons ho’ for a scenic tour of the inner southern suburbs and the mandatory evening run through the city (although it was foiled by the road closures for the Fringe Festival).
One of us got a bit confused and had a bit of a detour on the way to the event but despite this, we had approximately 15 cars of all descriptions, including Gordon and his daughter Tiana who took the majority of the images of the run (thank you Tiana!).
With traffic lights and the road closures we were bound to have the group split up along the way yet we all managed to arrive safe and sound back in Unley to sample the offerings of 48 Flavours (some sooner than others – some people will do anything to be first in line for ice cream!).
I figure I’m one flavour down and only 47 left to sample now…! Just don’t tell Margy!
A huge thank you to all who organised the run with a special mention to Michael McLaren for pulling this together.
All British Day
The weather could not have been more different to the Ice Cream Run. Chance of light rains said the BoM. Phooey. Starting with a heavy-ish sprinkle of rain at 0800 as the cars came out of their sheds (and at least one un-named member considering pushing it back into the shed right then and there … two hours of washing and polishing the car too mind you!), the sun briefly came out in Echunga and, for an even briefer moment, it started to feel quite warm, until it didn’t. At times it bucketed down, followed by all to brief interludes of sunshine and then the wind would pick up as the next front moved through with yet another burst of rain.
Unlike Chris who said ‘rain, what rain?’ as he drove home in his Bugeye sans roof, most of us put up the top and tested out the weather sealing on the way home. For those interested, it rained just as heavily inside my Midget as it did outside so I’m not sure why I bothered to put the roof up at all!
With a few late withdraws, the Sprite Club had 14 cars on display in the club area and at least one member displaying his Sprite with another club as well as a few other Sprites and Midgets scattered through out, including Steve Kent’s mum and dad with their Sprite. Dean’s race car attracted a wealth of attention throughout the day (and decided it needed a jump start in the pouring rain), as did Clive’s Bugeye which is also currently for sale.
We also had a visit from a new member, Kelly Bannon (from Greenock) who came down with her partner Mark to finalise the paperwork for her BRG MkIII Sprite. From the lengthy discussions he was having with Dean and Chris, Kelly’s lovely Sprite might be on an upgrade path very soon if she doesn’t keep an eye on it! It was also fabulous to see Adrian and his partner up from Whyalla and Rick Williams and his son Sam out with Don’s car which now in their care.
Despite the forecast, a mouth watering display of cars congregated in Echunga, from the ubiquitous Morris Minor and the humble Austin A30, through Rileys, Jensens, Triumphs, Land Rovers and Aston Martins, not to mention more Jaguars that you could count! Nearly every British marque was on display, including an equally delectable range of motor bikes.
All in all a great day despite the rain, with lots of interest around our cars and we may end up with two more members which is never a bad thing!
The Sprite Club was well represented in the logistics of the day, with Chris, Michael, Gordon and Don all helping with the traffic control on the day and Darryl for bringing up all of the display gear. Thank you all for your efforts. For a small club we certainly hold our own on days like this.
Also, thank you to Gordon, Tiana and Gary Dodd for their photos! I’m always happy to receive photographic contributions!
Yes, its back on and this time with a twist (and not like you did last summer either)!
The launch pad for the first Sports Car Cruise of 2023 is a little different, starting off in Netherby, alongside the Waite Arboretum (northern side of the road).
Date: Saturday, 18th of March
When: 1815 for an 1845 departure
Location: Claremont Avenue (click the link for a map of where to head and look for Pat’s ute on arrival!)
Pat has planned a route just short of 50km and a scenic early autumn run, taking in Belair, Mount Lofty and back down Greenhill Road, before finishing in the K Mart carpark for a short presentation.
Expected run time of about an hour and there will be a stop/re-group and photo opportunity at the start of Mount Lofty Road. Departure has been timed so the run down Greenhill Road should be just after sunset to avoid the sun glare.
Route maps will be provided prior to departure and Pat recommends bringing a navigator!
Invite a friend with a Sports Car or Classic Car and lets make a night of it! If you classic isn’t on the road, bring your daily and just join in with the evening!
Everyone is reminded that they are responsible for their car’s roadworthiness – a timely reminder as some may be heading home in the fading light or the dark so be kind to your Lucas electrics!
With sadness I would like to inform the Members of the Sprite Club of South Australia of the passing of previous member and past President Don Williams.
Don joined the Sprite Club of South Australia during the mid 1970’s with his MG Midget. Don enjoyed all aspects of the Club from the Social side to the various competition events at Mallala and Collingrove Hillclimb.
Don then purchased an early 1958 Bugeye Sprite, which he used for a number of years, then restored for use at Collingrove hill climb. This vehicle is still in the Sprite Club under the ownership of Jim Schubert. Don’s wife Christine was also a Sprite owner with a nice BRG MkIII Sprite.
Don and fellow Technical Studies Teacher and MG Midget owner Doug Gordon schemed and planned the famous Don-Doug Observation Runs. These events used many cryptic and complicated clues for drivers and navigators to find various items, answers and route to get to the finish point. Questions like “What’s the number on a Dobie Dico?” and “How many CC’s and hoops at the Community Centre?” kept many couples driving in circles looking for the answers.
Don held many Sprite Club Committee positions including President during 1978, 1981, and 1983, Secretary, Editor, and Competition Secretary.
While Don and Christine were active members, so were Don’s brother Rick and Life Member Sister Julie. All were Sprite owners at various stages. Julie’s Bugeye is still in the Sprite Club being cared for by nephew Dale Halling.
Don purchased a 1966 MG Midget during the 2016 and enjoyed the vehicle on various club runs and displays. The MG Midget was a feature car at the 2019 Stars and Their Cars meeting.
The members of the Sprite Club of South Australia would like to pass on their condolences to Christine, daughter Sally, and the William’s family.
Just a short reminder of upcoming Sprite Club events and club runs.
This Saturday (18 Feb) – Sprite Club Ice Cream Run.
Who doesn’t like ice cream!
Depart Fullarton Community Centre at 1800 sharp!
5 March – All British Day.
We won’t be doing an official club run to the display but feel free to organise small groups and arrive in style. For those just visiting, we are on Oval 1 towards the centre, near the Shannon’s Tent, the Jensen. Morris Register and Austin 7 Clubs. Fingers crossed for great weather!
18th March – Sports Car Cruise. Details to be promulgated!
29th March – Mid Week Meander #1.
Yes, Russell and Judy are back and they will be messing with our minds and sense of direction as they take us on another mystery mid week run!
All I can say (in fact, all I know) is we will be meeting at Balhannah Oval Tennis Club Carpark at 0930 for a briefing before we get under way at 1000 and saunter off in a generally southerly direction. As always, its a BYO morning tea in a lovely locale, followed by a lunch at a location that is every bit equal to the SA Company Store.
What else do I know about the run … not much, other than, as always it will twice the distance out as it is back, all the roads are sealed (he promises!!) and we won’t be going over seas. If you can figure it out from there, you are doing better than me!
RSVPs are a must as there is limited capacity for lunch. Is that a hint?? Not sure!
3rd April – Stars and Their Cars
14th April – Sporting Car Club Healey Night. RSVP essential due limited numbers and $5 per head (payment to the Sprite Club please).
With the year kicking off on the 1st Jan with a breaky run to Uraidla, the social runs have continued on apace with the annual Thong Throwing contest on Australia Day and this morning, another breakfast run out to Uraidla, this time from Blackwood (to say hello to our ClubbieSA friends but alas, no Clubbies … except the chap heading down Goodies Road whist we were on the way up!).
Annual Throwing on the Thong
20+ members and family gathered in the Chabrel’s front garden overlooking the picturesque Oakbank Racecourse for the annual contest against the aerodynamic vagaries of the humble Australian thong (that’s a flip-flop to any non-Australian readers). Getting into the spirit 6 club members came along in their Spridgets although it was noted by many that the newly anointed President drove up in an Alfa and he was late (he promptly blamed his beautiful partner but she would have none of that!)
After the first round it was clear people had been out in the backyard practicing, with two contestants immediately putting their thongs in the hallowed bucket, however, after repeated rounds to split the contestants to find a winner, all contestants once again tested the sneaky wind conditions (5-10 knots, blowing off the racecourse for those keen statisticians) with a variety of styles on display to lob the ceremonial thong, resplendent in the Australian Flag, into the prize winning bucket. After this second round 4 clear experts emerged, with several lobbing both thongs in for good measure, with Miles eventually putting on a masterful display with a double header to take the converted John and Judy Bowering Memorial Trophy for the year. For Miles this was especially humbling as he revealed in his acceptance speech that on his first Sprite Club outing he had a mechanical issue and John Bowering came to his aide and he was off and running again.
Thanks must be given to Des and Penny again for a lovely afternoon and amazing dessert. Penny took great delight in showing off the photos of her airborne adventure and I will be forever jealous!
First Sunday Breakfast Run
This month the breakfast run was from the Perfect Note in Blackwood, a short blast through the hills and onto Uraidla again for breakfast. Why Urailda – well, if you’ve had one of their breakfasts or coffee you’ll know why!
What a great morning for a blast through the hills with no less than eight Spridgets along for the run as well as beautifully original HQ Kingswood and Datsun 1600 to round out the run. Even Jez was there and we have a photo to prove it!
Sadly, the Clubbies were not to be seen; however, we took a photo at the Perfect Note to prove we really were there!
Next Month’s 1st Sunday run coincides with All British Day. It has been suggested it might be a great idea to meet and drive out there enmasse – any takers to organise??
For the early risers, there is an informal run planned this Sunday morning (5th Feb) across to the Uraidla Bakery.
Meet at the Perfect Note Cafe (168/170 Main Road, Blackwood), grab a coffee and say hello to the guys and girls of ClubbiesSA, before heading off around 0830 across to Uraidla, via Upper Sturt Road, Stirling and Carey Gully to Uraidla, arriving at approx 0900.
Stay and have coffee and a fabulous breakfast or just grab a great coffee and head off to start you Sunday. I’ll probably doing later as we have a market stall to run (if you need dog couture, you know who to ask!).
Bring your Spridget or another car and enjoy a short run through the hills. Hope to see you there!
With a few 36oC+ already behind us and quite a few surely yet to come, some tips on maintaining your cool and an Ice Cream run might really hit the spot!
Its Summer, its hot, the flies are thick and there’s that constant faint hit of sausages cooking on a BBQ where ever you do. It can mean only one thing …. its the annual Australia Day Picnic and Thong Throwing Competition.
Where? Its back at its rightful home at the Chabrel’s, 2 Dorset Lane, Oakbank
When? Thursday, 26th of Jan, from 1200 onwards
What do I bring? Chairs, a picnic lunch and drink. The Penny and Des will provide dessert!
As always, the highly coveted John and Judy Bowering Memorial Trophy is up for grabs. Can Fay take it two years in a row? Will Jez wake up in time to sneak in and steal it out from under everyone with a masterful lob? Maybe the youthful eye and skill of Chris will steal it away (so long as he doesn’t sell it!). You wont know if you don’t come along!
What is the John and Judy Bowering Memorial Trophy and why is it so important? If you don’t know, shame on you! It is more hotly contested than the Ashes and more history than the America’s Cup. Have you ever wondered where Ben Lexan got the idea for the winged keel from? There’s no mistaking the similarity between the keel and the thong strap, which gives the Aussie Thong such unique aerodynamic qualities. I’m told John Bertrand, on hearing about our thong throwing activities tried to come over from Perth to head hunt club members for the crew of Australia II but, not being a member, was turned away unceremoniously at the door. Even the Spin King, the late great Shane Warne tried to come along to get some new wrist flick ideas of a killer curve ball, such is the skill required to win.
Hope to see you all there. As always, if you are feeling off for any reason, please consider staying home as there is yet another wave of blasted CVOID and a good dose of mid-summer flu doing the rounds.
Please RSVP to me or Peter and we will let Des and Penny know how many to expect!
president@spriteclub.com.au , rsdunk@gmail.com or 0431 247 746, Secretary@spriteclub.com.au, spolst@bigpond.net.au
With the current flooding of the River Murray and the impact to the communities and infrastructure supporting these people, it is timely for the first “Flashback Friday” of 2023 to remind ourselves of when the Sprite Club was involved with the Riverland district and particularly the River Murray Ferries.
This is important at this point in time as most of these ferries cannot be used due to the current flood flow rates and high water either stopping the ferries from landing or cutting access roads to the ferry crossings.
During 2012 it was planned to celebrate the Sprite Club’s 40th Anniversary with a tour of the key areas of the State. Starting in Adelaide the “Five Ferries Run” toured the Barossa Valley, Clare and Burra – with stop overs at each site, and enjoying the various produce of each of these regions – mainly wine!
Then the convoy of approx. 21 Sprites, Midgets and Associate vehicles from SA, Vic and NSW headed to the river port of Morgan. Here the “Five Ferries” part of the tour started. The plan was to cross the River Murray on five different ferries. Like all plans this changed along the way and a total of 10 ferries were used to transverse the River Murray.
These included the Cadell ferry – upstream from Morgan – as this was under pressure to be closed in 2012, due to minimal use – ironically the Cadell is currently the only ferry in the Riverland area that is still in operation – all the others having been closed due to the flood conditions. Cadell was the last ferry to close in the famed 1956 flood!
The other highlight was the mass loading of Sprites and Midgets – three-abreast, on the Swan Reach Ferry. This provided an ideal photo and video opportunity – refer to the YouTube clip below.
The run continued downstream crossing the river at Walker Flat, Purnong, Mannum, Jervois (Tailem Bend), and Wellington ferries. The bridges at Blanchetown, Murray Bridge and Goolwa were also used.
The convoy finished off staying at Goolwa for a few days before returning to Adelaide for the 40th Anniversary Dinner and associated celebrations.
The Sprite Club’s thoughts are with those impacted by the current floods and we hope to be able to journey to these areas in the near future to support the local businesses – as we did after the bushfires a number of years ago.
For more details of the “Five Ferries Run” here is the link to the detailed article on the Sprite Club web site and also the You Tube clip of the Swan Reach ferry crossing.
Ever wondered what happened in 2022? There’s already been a very comprehensive wrap up of the year by Gordon, posted only a few weeks ago so I won’t recap the recap! Instead, knowing how much people love numbers and statistics (secretly we all do), I thought a look at the year by numbers might pique some interest!
So, may I present, as best I can guess it, 2022…!
Cars
Always a good place to start. We are a car club, right? And we identify our cars by numbers – Mk1, Mk2. Mk3, 948, 1098, 1275, 1310, 1380 and so on and so forth! Here are some numbers you might be interested in!
82 – Historic Log Books on the books for the club in 2022 including:
37 – Sprites
14 – Midgets (come on Midget owners! We can do better!!)
Total Spridgets in the club for 2022? Somewhere between ‘not sure’ and ‘I don’t quite know’! I do know its more than 51 cars listed above! There are cars on normal registration, some are laid up being rebuilt, some are tucked away almost forgotten in the back of sheds and others are for racing.
More fascinating car numbers….
31 – the number of associate cars, including…
3 Minis plus a Moke
1 Mini Gem
4 Clubbies (and 4 different brands!)
5 MGB/MGB GT
1 MG Magnette
7 MG T series (yes, seven, so I’m told!)
3 Jags
1 Triumph
I’m sure the keen eyed amongst you will have added up the numbers and noticed numbers don’t quite balance! Clearly there needs to be a bit of an audit!
33 – Sprites and Midgets at the annual Display Day
Oh, and 24 – the number of cars sold by the club’s own Arthur Daily, otherwise known as the entrepreneurial Chris M this year (and 20 is the number of cars he still has – would you buy a used car from this man?)
Membership
Like any club, we live and die on money in and money out and there is no bigger source of our yearly revenues than our memberships. We had a pretty good year and nearly cracked 100 memberships for the year. A fantastic result! So consider the following numbers…..
50 – for $50. That’s…
$50 annual membership, and
$50 for the once off joining fee.
We have to have one of the best value membership schemes in the State don’t we?
96 – memberships. Lets crack the 100 for 2023!
13 – life members
151 – members and their partners. Did I mention the amazing value for SCSA membership?
Looking forward into 2023:
53 – members currently financial for 2023 (get your subs in – remember, if you are on historic registration and you are not financial, you are unregistered in the eyes of PC Plod!!)
Oh, and if you have a new log book for 2023, don’t do what I almost did, and record your first run in the old book!
Social
As we all came to grips with COVId and the nation started up again, we also did our upmost to get back into the swing of social events. 2023 will hopefully build on what we did this last year and hopefully we will see more people out and about enjoying their cars, but I think we did pretty well all things considered when you consider the following:
25 – attendees at the 2022 Australia Day BBQ and Thong Throwing contest. That’s 25 on the 26th (don’t you love number sequences, I do!). Lets aim for at least 27 at this years event – more on that soon!
30+ – at the Pie and Peas night. Sadly I can’t report on the number of pies or peas consumed on the night but from my own experiences at Pie Carts around Australia I can only guess it was quite a few!
40 – members who attended Stars and their Cars
45 – members at the Spritely Adventure wine and cheese night
50 – The years the Sprite Club celebrated
(50 is also about the number of times Jez or Chris M slept in and missed a run!)
75 – at the 50th Anniversary dinner at the pub
80+ – cars attending the Sports Car Cruises
750-1000 – kilometres Russell and Judy (and co.) have meandered to and from the secret locations!
Competition
0.2% – the overall winning margin in the Ray Pank Hill Climb series between 1st and Peter Stanley (in 3rd place – could it get any closer??!)
2 – the number of teams competing at the Peter Hall 6 Hour regularity event (can we field 3 in 2023?)
3 – members regularly contesting the Hill Climb events
10 – SCSA members active in the Super Sprint series (in 6 different makes of car!)
599 – laps completed of Mallala and The Bend by the afore mentioned 10 members racing!
So, there you go. The year in review by the numbers. I’m sure I’ve missed many vital statistics and gotten some horribly wrong, so feel free set me straight throughout the year!
Hope you all had a Happy and Safe Year and I look forward to catching up with you all throughout the year!
(Oh – and 1 – the number of hang overs I’m sure several have probably had for 2023 already (not me!!)!)
For those who are not recovering from NYE celebrations, there is a very informal run up to the Uraidla Republic Cafe and Bakery for those keen.
Meet at the Sporting Car Club at 0745 for a photo and a 0800 head off.
The route is up the freeway, via Eagle on the Hill and then across from Crafers to Uraidla, arriving at around 0830 for a coffee, breakfast if you are hungry, and a natter.
Meet outside of the Sporting Car Club, join in anywhere along the drive or just turn up at the bakery around 0830.
I’ve booked a table (under Robin) but they said they didn’t expect to be busy that early! I’ve booked the table for 8 as I don’t expect too many to be up and about but I think we will be ok if a flash mob of Spridgets turns up!
Its going to be a warm start to 2023 (37C currently forecast) so off home by 0930(ish) to all be back before the heat of the day really kicks in.
(The run has been organised by the South Australian Sprite and Midget Owners Facebook group. Its a non-club based group for enthusiasts and owners of Spridgets and similar vehicle. If you have a FB account and are not a member, drop us a line and join. Its for SA owners (or regular interstate visitors) only and we have group members from a range of clubs , mostly Sprite Club, but also the MGCC(SA) and a few other non-Sprite related clubs. Even one from the Rolls Royce club!)
Humble apologies to Dr Seuss and Clement Clarke Moore (and the faintest of Christmas nods to Monty Python….)
…..
’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the garage with care, in hopes that St Colin of Sprite Parts goodies might land there;
The Spridgets were nestled all snug on their sheds, while visions of demijohns of HPR30 danced in their heads.
And mamma in her nighty, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a mid-summers nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter!
Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters to the sight of a hell of a crash!
When, what to my weary eyes did appear, but a bloody great sleigh, and eight, slightly winded, flying reindeer.
And a bloke in a suit, covered in mud really quite thick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
Oh bugger, he muttered, the sleigh was bent right, out of shape and dented, with only tonight.
To deliver the presents to kids and dreaming car owners, now the night was all ruined, for a white Roo he had run over.
That doesn’t look good muttered I, then passed him a cold beer, his reindeer became startled and did up and disappear.
And the White Roo now joining the choir invisible, the remaining White Boomers to up and long bolted, their concern unequivocal,
Leaving little kids dreams fading , yet oh but so near.
A bent sleigh in the night, the steering all shot. The right ski was all bent, the left reigns in a knot.
“What the bloody hell now shall I do?” he said between swigs, tears running down his fat cheeks, as he thought of the kids.
Looks of disappointment of presents not there and losing their faith, in the jolly man with white hair
So I passed him my phone with “I know a bloke you might call. The Marquis d’ Restauration and there’s no job that’s too tall.”
“Really? Right now?”, the jolly gent spluttered, “but it’s so awfully late?”
“Can’t hurt” I replied, “those kids, they won’t wait!”
“Are you sure”, he replied, “do you think he might look?”
“Oh”, I said thoughtfully, “the sleigh might fit right in his book.”
So he dials the number and a bleary voice says “Tonight? Sorry, no way. Bring it round next week and we can try for March, or maybe for May.”
“There’s a list you know, of car owners’ naughty and nice. Don’t you have mechanic elves up North on the ice?”
Said Santa with a growl, lost deep in his funk, “They’re on their union stand down, now very likely quite drunk!”
“But hang on a jif”, the voice says with a hoot, “Lets call brother Pat and borrow his old Ute. With its cavernous boot, you can load up the sacks, then haul all the loot.”
“Yes”, I jump in, “but you’ll still need some help. That Falcon alone won’t manage the hand that’s been dealt.
With eight roaring Spridgets, you’ll never be late!” Call Gordon and Chris” I cry, “they’ve got several to offer, and if you plumb don’t ask, you never know what they can proffer”
“Then try Michael and Gary, Steve, Darrel, Garth or Nathan, but don’t bother Dean, he will tending his vines, dreaming of vintage and serving Shiraz to the nation”
“Russell and Judy will be out meandering along, and, oh, Chris M’s cars won’t be running, so you might want to call Don”
“Yes, I think these are you best bet, just don’t rely on Jez, he’ll most likely forget!”
More rapid than eagles his saviours all then came, and with a smile on his face, he whistled and called them by name:
“Now, Skinner! now, Union! Now, Dellorto and Weber!
On, Austin! on, Healey! on, Bug-eye and Midget!
To the top of the porch. To the top of the wall! Now race away! Race away! Race away all!
As valve rockers dance before the wild push rods that did fly, and with those A Series on cam, hill climb to the sky;
Up to the corkscrew, atop the Hills, they rapidly flew, with the cars full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
“Oh My”, muttered Santa, “this is now quite a Spritely Adventure!”
And then, in a twinkling, I heard back up on the roof
“Oh bugger and damnation, blasted Lucas electrics went poof.”
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nic came back with a bound. Dressed in fur overalls, all stained head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with gearbox oil and Lucas smoke soot;
A bundle of toys he now flung off his back, he looked like beaten and downhearted, like a tramp with only his pack.
“That’s it, I’m buggered”, he moaned, “the Prince of Darkness has got me”
His eyes were down cast, “Just carrots and milk, dear God, where’s the damn Sherry??”
His droll little mouth, now drawn down like a bow, And his beard mixed with grease, no longer whiter than snow. A stumpy screwdriver he held tight in his teeth, and puff on a Cuban and smoke rings like a wreath;
He had such a broad face and a massive round belly, that shook when he sobbed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right grumpy old elf, thank goodness for the Ute, for slipping into a Spridget, he was really not svelte!
Then with a glint in his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know the kids of the world had but nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but consulted his phone, and called Sir Sean of the Clubbies, to more reliably light his way on, to continue his work and then fly all the way home.
Then he filled all the stockings, and if he didn’t give a faint little twerk,
And laying his finger on his rather large nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He lept into the Ute, with Sprites all on song, away they all flew, that burble heard long.
But I did heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all Spridgets a good night!”
Just a reminder that if you have not renewed your club membership and you have your car on Club Rego, and if your log book has not been signed off as you being financial, then you are not registered as of New Years Day! Contact one of us and renew now!!
And, if you are like me and its a new year and a new log book – don’t forget to sign your first drive for 2023 in the NEW book, not the old one!!
With the ClubbiesSA members being such an integral part of the Sprite Club, I felt this report, unceremoniously lifted from the ClubbiesSA facebook pages (with Sean’s consent of course!) would be of interest to whole club.
______
Clubbie Nationals
(all words and images credit to Sean Power)
We’re all home (mostly) from the Nationals.
What a great trip 25 cars and 36 entrants completed to the 2022 Clubbie National in Jindabyne.
We planned for the worst, packing all sorts of snow gear, gloves and jackets and so on, and ended up using just some of it. We were sure it was going to be rainy.
Our first set of roads and accommodation was to Deniliquin on the first night – then that had to be cancelled due to flood evacuations introduced. Another route was considered, then that could not the achieved, so the third option, staying at Bernalla overnight, was selected.
The weather leaving The Bend was great for driving but as we progressed into Victoria and NSW, the roads turned challenging, particularly on some of the rural backroads heading directly to the waypoints we had chosen. At many points the procession of cars and trailers looked like a processions of V8 Supercars warming their tyres up at Victoria Park or The Bend. There were extensive periods of deep ruts, pot holes and washaways that you had to be constantly on the alert for. All of us got caught out at one time or another. Luckily for most of us, we got through unscathed. Barry, one of our Northern brethren had a moment of excitement when his trailer broke. Luckily Andrew Keen, in his always competent manner pulled a welder from his car, borrowed some electricity from a pub and temporally welded the frame so they could continue. He later did a major professional fix up at Jindabyne.
The continuous rain has left a legacy of billions of dollars of road work repairs that will take years to address at both local government and federal levels. The flip side, particularly coming from a traditionally dry state like SA, was the visual delight of seeing the amount of standing water at various roadside locations. Stunning sights of local small reservoirs, the enormous capacity of the Hume Lake storage, running water in creeks and rivers were some great memories. But the vast amount of greenery, grass, trees, crops and ripening fields of grain will stay in the memory for a long time. It was very much like New Zealand I thought, a comment backed up by NZ’ers, the Tyes and others. It is rare to see central parts of Australia so lush.
Jindabyne accommodation at The Station (remote from the centre of Jindy, but a great safe, place to stay) provided space to park cars and trailers comfortably and the huts are well set up, clean and spacious and economic.
The weather for the 4 days was perfect for lounging around in Clubbie Alley or for clubbie driving. Bright, clear and sunny, though you did need gloves and jacket when you were driving, as the altitude, mountains with snow still present and speed cooled a body down quickly. Coffee and wee stops were regular items.
About 80 cars and around 130 individuals attended the event. Interestingly, half the attendees were new to a Clubbie National. As usual, SA provided around 30% of the attendees. There were two runs able to be completed, one short of around 200km and the other near enough to 340kms with other opportunities to drive to places like Charlotte’s Pass, Cooma, Wild Brumby Distillery and so on. These runs were like some of the northern Sunday runs except magnified on a scale of 10. Big distances, great roads (potholes included), wide open spaces, brilliant clubbie weather, deserted and wide open roads and the ability to see for miles ahead mostly. There were few vehicles meandering to hinder a rather wholesome pace! There were a few breakdowns across the group (minor front guard issue for the Tyes, others outside SA group had troubles with electrics) but overall nothing hugely serious or dangerous or costly.
Catching up with friends and acquaintances from previous Nationals or recognising names and vehicles from those who participate regularly on the OzClubbies Forums could be easily done in Clubbie Alley, a regular feature of the Nationals. Many of the vehicles were spectacularly presented, but all had some feature or idea worth capturing.
The final dinner on the Wednesday night was memorable for several reasons. Firstly, three of the seven awards presented on the night went to South Australians. Firstly, Simon Gigney was fittingly awarded the Best in Show Peoples Choice award for his Honda powered Swift. Barry Schults got the Wank Factor Award for his implementation of his in-car phone system with remote activation (cleverly done). His table (his friends of course!) then jeeringly acknowledged him as a real wanker!
The last award was to Paul Doube (and in truth, Ruth as well), and this was the perpetual Kym Ninnes Award for the Longest Distance Travelled. Perhaps this time it was fittingly for the longest and hardest trip, as Paul is now and has been, permanently on oxygen. The elevation above sea level of our accommodation at Jindabyne was a further challenge he had to face during time at The Station, as the thinner air reduced available oxygen with bad effects. In accepting his award, Paul, a person never lost to words, one of the few there to have been to every Nationals and Not the Nationals, eloquently summed up what the Nationals meant to him, the friendships made and the supports given to him and Ruth by many people at the event. Paul was overwhelmed by the recognition and that the award meant so much to him at this time. Suffice to say, with the emotion in his voice and the challenges he faces, there were more than a few tears in people’s eyes at the end of his entreaty to make sure people come to the next Nationals.
I have included a photo of the only remaining people who have been to every National and Not the National events since they began. Simon, Barry, Paul & Ruth, all SA and Les & Brenda (Vic). Well done folks. And speaking of the next Nationals, Les Bone from Victoria was able to announce that Victoria will host the next Nationals in 2024, place and details to be confirmed at a later stage. I will keep you posted.
I have added a few photos of the event to this monologue, more of which may also be seen on the ClubbiesSA Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/clubbiessa
A great thank you to all the people from SA who made the long journey – a round trip of some 4,500kms, and especially to Tim & Mark Jolly for their long, long trip in their own Clubbies. No trailers for them! They are tough and resourceful. The whole SA team of Clubbie enthusiasts were great and I was proud to be with them. Special thanks to people behind the scenes who helped herd us in the right direction (most of the time) and keep on top of bookings and other arrangements. These were Andrew Keen, Phil & Jenny Coates, Simon & Cheryl Gigney & Barry Edson.
Third Sunday 18th December, 2022 & Father Christmas
In 2 weeks it is the final Third Sunday for the year. Come along in your cars if the weather allows. Am talking to Fred about parking in the front of the Rezz on the grass this week to see if possible. As usual, I am Father Christmas Grinch, handing out little gifts to everyone. The Rezz is going to look at supporting us as usual with giveaways of wine, hats and small gifts. A bit of fun for everyone to end another big year.
Annual Donation to support ClubbiesSA – third Sunday 2022
As you should know, I run ClubbiesSA on a donation basis, with the first donation going towards paying for the keyring and then each year, any money raised goes to support costs such as website registrations & other costs, general thank you gifts and support if we have activities, the 6 Hour hire costs, Christmas give aways and so on.
So this year is the same – if you can afford it, $20 would be appreciated. Just grab me on the day.
Hopefully you’ve had a chance to read Grant’s article about the Legend of the Lake hill climb at Mount Gambier detailing the preparation and the thought processes of competing a 200hp Mk1 Escort (200hp – in an Escort…??!) up a temporary hill climb circuit so I thought I’d offer you a perspective from the other end – under prepared, under done and a complete novice! Remember those days? I do, like it was yesterday – oh, that’s right, it almost was!
Its fair to say I’m a nervous passenger at best. Doesn’t matter if its sitting in the passenger seat of my car whilst my beautiful partner is driving (and its fair to say she drives better than me), sitting in the back of an Air Force PC9 whilst one of the Roulettes was turning my stomach inside out or just sitting on the train, I just like to be in control of my own destiny, even if I know I can’t do it any better.
Which pretty much sums up my weekend at the 2022 Adelaide Rally. No control over my destiny! And that was before the front left-hand tried to escape the rest of the car (it didn’t like us and protested its displeasure in various ways all weekend) … don’t start me on trusting other people’s mechanical abilities! The only person who can do a job right is me (maybe I have control issues…)!
So, what on earth am I writing about? Well, an old Navy mate, whom I hadn’t seen for over 20 years, and I ran into each other on a job a few years ago and, like anyone ex-military person will know, you just pick up the conversation pretty much where it left off all those years ago. Then, out of the blue came an invite to be the navigator in the Rally Adelaide in a car he’d just bought. Trust me – its’ going to be fun! Now, John likes his toys. He used to race a Ducatti in one of the feeder production superbike classes until two accidents, the second very serious (for him and the bike) left him unable to race on two wheels. This lead him down an all too familiar path – pick up a track day car which leads to another – sound familiar at all? Anyway, his current track weapon (a highly modified current spec Nissan GTR) was a bit excessive for events like Rally Adelaide, so, he set out to buy a good tarmac rally prepared Porsche 944 to have some fun in and somehow ended up with this crazy track special Maserati Grand Sport. Gutted of all semblances of luxury, two racing seats bolted to the floor, a Ferrari derived 4.2l V8 complete with race spec engine management, an exhaust system that will wake the recently departed and a custom-built race suspension. Sounds crazy right? Nearly 500 brake horsepower all going through a standard Selespeed gearbox that smelled like it was constantly 30 seconds away from melting due to the crawling along at each starting special stage line up. Now you might start to understand my nervousness!
Day One was interesting for both of us in many ways. I’d never sat in the car for any more than 30 seconds (loose weight Robin, loose some weight) and John causally mentioned he had only really driven the car in earnest once, not including the trips to and from the suspension shop, the tyre fitter and the run to Parc Ferme at the Show Grounds. He did warn me that it was loud, but even after the first day, neither of us yet understood quite how loud a 4.2 litre Ferrari V8 with a full race exhaust system was on the rev limiter. Oh, and don’t kick that box right where you want to put your left foot – that’s one half of the ECU.
The first few stages were interesting to say the least. Officially there was an 80kph or 100 kph speed limit on all the stages as a risk mitigation strategy post the tragic accidents in Tasmania earlier this year, but it became obvious that not everyone was obeying the imposed limits, mostly legitimately by accident on the first day. I have in-car footage of some of the stages that, honestly, I’m too ashamed to show anyone as I was either (a) scared witless as John man-handled what is in reality a very heavy Grand Tourer through the hairpins and winding roads (“for god’s sake mate, slow down or we are going to be thrown out of the event…”) or (b) holding my breakfast down as we descended the Cork Screw like I’ve never done it before … (“nah mate, that was slow – you should come down it in the GTR one day with me”… err, no thanks John, but thanks for the offer!). I don’t think I’ve ever been up to Eagle on the Hill quite as quick until then either (“mate, that was only half throttle – wait until tomorrow…”). So you get the idea. Not exactly the place for a nervous passenger with control issues….!
So, anyway, back to Day One and somewhere around lunch I sensed something wasn’t quite right. Me and vibrations have a kind of symbiotic relationship and as I get to know a car/ship/helicopter, I kind of get in tune with it on a spiritual level and can sense changes before others do. A 10rpm change in the main diesel on my last ship would have me instantly awake wondering why we had sped up/slowed down. The car was grinding every time we had a slow, hard right turn with the body work and the front left rubbing (never thought I’d be taking to a Maserati with an Ozito grinder, but I did – lots of firsts for me last weekend!!), but I had a nagging sense of a vibration in the front. “Its fine mate – its steering fine” says John repeatedly. The thought of jacking it up to check the tyres was quickly quashed, simply because we, err, didn’t have a jack. So, on we pressed. Each stage a little bit faster, a few more revs, later and later on the brakes into corners and harder on the throttle out. As John’s confidence with the car built (and my confidence in his driving increased) I had this nagging feeling that something just was not quite right. Then to the final stage on day one, up Lower North East Road. Those who know this stretch of road know that, with the exception of one double apex left hander, it’s a series of fast flowing corners. Confidence high, John really started pushing it, closer to the rev limiter, and, after being told to shut up about speeding (!), I finally sat back to enjoy the rush (or at least tried to!). Through the finish, hard on the brakes to make the sharp left back onto North East road for the trip back to Gouger St (and beers) all heck broke loose. We had been listening to the grinding of tyre on body work all day, but this was different and the steering wheel was shaking like a leaf in a storm. And, of course, there was nowhere to pull off. When we finally could, without a jack of course we couldn’t see anything wrong either. A very sedate drive down into the city but by the time we got to Gillies Plains it was almost undrivable so, no Gouger St beers for me. I’m told it was a good night!!
I have to admit there was a small prayer offered to the Motor Sport gods to release me from this rolling nightmare with a catastrophic failure of some sort. As it was, the bolts securing the spacers to the hubs had come loose. Two were completely out and the other three were hanging in by about half a thread. “I knew they were a bit short” says John. Needless to say, once ‘Frank’ from RAA had it sorted enough to get home, my first job of the next morning was to take all the wheels off and check the torque on all of the spacer bolts. We might have missed the first stage as a result, but I had a little more confidence in the Italian engineering, and after a check (tear down) at Urailda, all I had to worry about was the noise (oh my goodness it was loud – louder than front row tickets to a Guns and Roses concert) and attempting to keep John under control with the speed.
The Urailda lunch stop was interesting. Intent to checking the wheel spacers for security, I set about finding timbers to stop the trolley jack from sinking into the wet grass and proceeded to remove the fronts. This was of considerable amusement to the assembled masses, many of whom observed my progress from under the shelter of a large gum tree (yes, it was raining) and offered advice, but only one person (other than John) actually came and helped! An interesting window into the minds of some of the participants in the event! Mind you, we also knew each other and I think up until then he thought my stories of being a walking talking vibration sensor where probably somewhat exaggerated.
By this time I’ve just given up. Mentally I’ve rechecked my will, chastised myself for not handing the signed executor form back to the lawyers (Margy will find it I’m sure I think). As John’s confidence in the car grew and the wet roads dried out, the deeper into corners we plunged and the harder the shove in the back on the exit became as the car literally roared down the quiet Adelaide Hills back roads. A short sharp hill climb stage, followed by a crazy (to me) descent down Eagle on the Hill and then a run up Belair Road like I’ve never experienced, ever. I don’t think the Midget will go as fast on a straight downhill road with the wind behind as we went up it. Never, have I ever, been up that road so quickly (I swear it was 80kph Officer…). We thought the rev limiter kicked in at 7500. We were about 500rpm early and when it kicks in it creates a staccato sound akin to an AK47.
My final hope to surviving is we will be removed from the event Sunday morning for repeated speed transgressions on Saturday. The Rally Safe Lite app kept going off (and off and off) and, well, I saw the speeds we hit on the final three stages so I was sure (prayed) we were going to be thrown out. Then we stopped for fuel at the OTR at the top of the Belair Road run (it drinks fuel at a rate not unlike I was drinking Scotch each evening to calm my nerves) and all the other drivers in our packet had manic grins on their faces. The cars in front of us, an Audi RS3, a WRX Station Wagon and a vintage 911 RS had all distanced us on the ascent and the follow car (a Yaris GR4) had been up our quadrophonic tailpipes all the way up the hill with the navigator laughing all the way at the mechanical din we were making – damn. Oh well, I guess we are all out tomorrow (I hoped)….
…Alas – no. Despite my desperate desire to make it stop, armed with a deep understanding of how military grade GPS tracking systems work I was now strangely ready to defend our honour against the Rally Safe app and the GPS capabilities of an iPhone, but it was not needed. There was stern warning about keeping the speed under control and we had a private audience with the Chief Steward for an alleged transgression (a burn out coming out of Uraidla which we vehemently denied – we honestly didn’t but I guess someone complained about the noise of the car – there was a Maserati guy watching us go so maybe we made a little too much noise as we left, but no burn out – the clutch couldn’t have coped for starters!).
As for Day Three itself, its amazing how different the roads are only a few km to the south. Gone where the tight switch backs to fast flowing roads … and the tour speed limits that were, in the most part, well obeyed. Still, if you have massive Brembo brakes and warm semi slick tyres you can plunge deeper into a corner than any sane person would and there was the homicidal roar of that glorious flat plane crank V8 as it provided enough kick to probably launch NASA’s next moon mission as you exited the bend. We might have been warned about driving quietly in the built up areas but not on the road, much to the amusement of the many young boys and girls who lined the roads.
So, what did all this prove? As a navigator I’m completely useless. Most of the time I had no idea where I was or honestly, which way we were going! And clearly I have trust issues but I think at least some of those were justified. It probably also proved that I have addiction issues as I’ve now been browsing the Sprite Parts and PME online shop sites with the thought of putting the Little Blue Car into the event next year. Pretty sure it’s quick enough for the Main Tour (and can be made to go a little quicker through the bends with some minor adjustments…), the question is, can the nut behind the steering wheel be taught how to drive quickly, instead of being a candidate for Miss Daisy’s driver? Stay tuned – oh, and don’t tell Margy what I’m thinking about…she says I’m too impulsive!
The weather looks favourable for a pleasant summer’s evening to enjoy the Christmas Festivities with a BBQ in the park and the meeting to follow – hopefully I haven’t jinked the weather!
Hope to see you all there!
(PS – if its nice, bring you cars out for an evening run!)
For the last 8 years I have been going to Mt Gambier for the Legend of the Lakes hill climb as part of the Goolwa Ford crew . This year it was my turn to drag out the Escort, after it had a major up grade . We arrived at the track on Thursday afternoon , well its not the usual track . Most of the year it is a public road down to a beautiful grassed picnic area next to Valley Lake, with approximately 150 cars entering the three day event .
Friday – is classic day so entries are down to about 80, so plenty of runs; which is a good thing as the only track time I have had before this stage was in the passenger seat of a 30 year old Landcruiser. Scrutineering went well as the car was all new and clean . The first run I had a bunch of nerves, so easy does it on he accelerator. New car, New track made it to the top in 1.47 , nothing to be proud of, but the car ran well . Only four runs for the day, but I was happy and finished with a 1.32 .
Saturday – after a few tips and a rev up by the team, and I was ready to go again . Still no tyre warm ups as the axles , diff , gearbox are a bit fragile I don’t think they will take 200 HP . My times kept getting quicker with each run, with Saturday finishing with a 1.29 . Unfortunately an oil spill on half of the track from another driver and rain put an end to the day two hours early . Our accommodation was at the caravan pk at the top of the track, so nice and close a the end of the day.
Sunday – back down to the track again at 7.00, soggy wet grass due to the over night rain, so no service crew vehicles in the pits . A quick check of the car and a run to scrutineering, all good to go. So its day three I haven’t broken the car yet, and all the parts I need to make the Escort bullet proof are on order. Still couldn’t bring myself to a burnout [ tyre warm up ]. My confidence is growing, so on day 3 I am looking for a 1.20, but the rest of the team said NO, aim for the teens so I had better pull my finger out. On the start line and the Green light means go. 1st gear – 2nd gear, hit the rev limiter and pushed the car, only two runs to pull this off, left hand into the bus stop turn, then right hand down jabbed the hand brake perfect slide on the rear [ all those hand brake turns at Border Town paid off ] power slide out, hit the rev limiter again and across the finish line 1.17-32. Made it one and a half seconds quicker and my fastest time for the weekend . I’m happy, the team is happy, but still one more run to go for the weekend. Final green light, GO nothing to loose, hit the rev limiter even harder this time using most of the 200 HP. Don’t bin it Grant, a little voice in my head said. Left hand into the bus stop, right hand down jabbed the hand brake [ you guessed it, over committed] only supposed to be 180 degrees, I went at least 220 degrees. Damn it, by the time I got myself sorted there goes a second or two finished the day on a 1.19-90.
What a fantastic three days of motor sport with a new car, and all I did was turn the key and put fuel in it, didn’t even put a spanner on the car . I can not recommend this event enough, and will be back next year . The South Eastern Auto Club do an amazing job every year.
Now, I’m sure that our friends from Clubbies SA are thinking this is an odd question, but it was posed to me by my lovely sister when discussing the possibility of getting my father down as a guest speaker at the club one night. I’m keen to re-instate the tradition of a guest speaker talking about something topical, be it technical, history or just a good interesting yarn, all over a glass of wine and a cheese platter and to do that, I need to find people willing to come in and, as we would have said in the navy, spin a dit.
“Dad? What on earth would he talk about” she asked
“Anything he wants”, I replied.
“Like?” she queried?
“Anything! Tell a yarn. Talk about something topical from a point of history. Anything – you know how he likes to talk! Could be growing up on the River in the 1930s and the seeing last of commercial paddle steamers, the 1956 and 1974 floods, that’s certainly topical, or riding a motorbike with no clutch and no gearbox up to Birdwood. Even the countless trips to Mallala, Rowley Park or the local Speedway as a time keeper in the 1960s, anything really … I’m sure the owners of the Clubbies in the club would be interested to hear his recollections of Garrie Cooper and his earliest cars. Anything really – he’s never short of a bloody good story!”
That lead to the obvious “what’s a clubbie” and then my attempting to explain what a Clubman Car was and it got me thinking; what, really, is a clubman?
That source of truth and accuracy (the internet) has as its #1 answer with the somewhat scandalous definition…’ A man who is a member of a gentleman’s club’. I’m not really sure that is the right answer in this case but was that the whole story? No, it seems. Like everything on the internet, its only very small part of the full story story and intimates somewhere the Bentley Boys might have gone post race!
Dive a bit deeper, and you’ll find a definition a bit closer to the mark ‘… an amateur enthusiast, someone willing to partake in their sport without necessarily being a winner, for the love of the sport.’ If the competition reports are to be believed, this is much closer to the mark, although I do get the sense of strong rivalry between drivers at time!!
Perhaps the best definition actually builds on the ‘gentleman’s club’ theme, which further defined these purported ‘gentleman’s clubs’ (which Google may leave you thinking were just private boys’ clubs and dens of iniquity and defined them as being formed after World War 1 and where sporting clubs where former soldiers could escape the daily nightmares of the horrors they witnessed. We hear every week on the news about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the suicide rate amongst ex-service people, police, nurses and paramedics and the current Royal Commission. With people suffering with all the benefits of modern medicine and phycological support, how returned servicemen and nurses from the horrors of WW1 coped is beyond me. My father talks of how his dad would rarely talk about his experiences and emersed himself in his farming but always looked forward to visiting his local RSL where he could be with his mates, no doubt exactly what the term Clubman actually refers to. Club level participation in something as a type of therapy and a way to escape the horrors of their recent past whilst having ‘jolly good fun’.
Many clubs today still award a Clubman Award. Its not to the best player/driver/scorer, but it’s the award for the person who turns up, gets involved, doesn’t moan. In many sporting clubs, the ‘Clubman Award’ was THE award to win as it meant you’d earned the respect of your peers.
‘The Clubman’ has, as we all know, spilled over into motorsport, not least the ‘Clubbies’ that form such an integral part of our club as we look towards 2023. Motorsport history of the 1940s and 50s is littered with ‘Clubman’ events on two wheels and four. Even the Isle of Man had a Junior and Senior Clubman TT category for production bikes that could be bought on the high-street one day and raced the next. I’m really not sure that is all that different to the daring-do racers at Brooklands or a local Hillclimb whom might have bought an MG Midget, Austin 7 or similar with sporting intent in the 1920s or 30s and gone racing without any notion of ever actually winning!
Is that all that different to most of the entrants in the Adelaide Rally that starts next week, or indeed the Peter Hall Memorial 6 Hour or any round of the MSCA or Collingrove Hillcimbs?
Then of course, there are the Clubbies. With their direct link to Colin Chapman’s game changing Lotus 7, when the motor racing technology advanced, people realised what the 7 offered amateur motor sport and an entire community developed around a class of car know affectionately as ‘a clubman’.
So, what, really, is a clubman? Whilst the term is a little outdated (clubperson maybe?), its someone who participates simply for the joy of participating and the bonds of friendship it brings. Today I took an hour out of my day to help young Chris get his Mini (yes, it’s a Clubman) running so he can, hopefully, come out and enjoy some of the events for next year. He tried to pay me and I’m not sure he understands why I politely refused (he can buy me a coffee one day), as hopefully he can tag along and start to understand what is meant to be a ‘clubman’.
Perhaps one day soon we might even get his actual Sprite or Midget up and running for club runs, but that might result in another story for here!
Here is the November Bugeye Burble and Coming Events for the next few months as the weather starts to warm and on opportunity to withdrawal your Spridget from the shed………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
11th/13st Nov Legend of the Lakes Hillclimb – Mount Gambier – Entries have Sold Out!
20th November Collingrove 70th Anniversary Hillclimb – Barossa Valley
Another change to the enjoy the Barossa Valley and the iconic Collingrove hillclimb
24th/27th Nov Shannon’s Adelaide Rally
The Adelaide Rally is back with a revised format and course and open for Classic and Modern Vehicles.
A variety of Adelaide Hills roads will be used for the Rally.
Street Party on Friday 25th Nov in Gouger Street and Finale Party at the Victoria Park – Adelaide 500 circuit on Sunday 27th Nov.
27th November Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron “Back to the Squadron” Car Display – From 10.00am
The RSAYS is pleased to invite all South Australians who have a connection to the past, or an interest in the future to the “Back to the Squadron” day on Sunday 27 November.
Owners of Classic Cars are invited to display their vehicles and to have them parked on the eastern lawn overlooking the Squadron pool to add to the nostalgic atmosphere of the “Back to the Squadron” day. Any vehicle manufactured prior to 1997 will be eligible to participate in the display. The cars can arrive and depart at any time during the day between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
To register your interest in being part of the Classic Cars display please contact Libby Ottaway on M: 0408 672 444
5th December Christmas General Meeting – BBQ in the Park – From 6.00pm – Meeting from 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
To celebrate the end of another Sprite Club year and the festive season we will be having our BBQ in the Park prior to the General Meeting, starting from 6.00pm.
The Sprite Club will be supplying the meat, salads, and bread – as well as an assortment of wine and soft drinks.
Members will need to provide chairs, glasses and picnicware, etc.
Plus, the Committee has booked the perfect, early-summer evening: not too hot, not too cold and no flies or mozzies!
The General meeting will commence at the usual time of 8.00pm
The extraordinary weather event that cut a swathe through many parts of greater Adelaide on Saturday has left a lot of us without power, trees in driveways and in some unfortunate cases, through cars and houses. I hope everyone in the Sprite Club has fared ok and all are safe and well and, like me, the worst of it is just no power for 48 hours.
If anyone in the club is aware club-mate in need of assistance, be it clearing debris, running a chainsaw or just taking a thermos of coffee, then please say so we can try to coordinate some help and support. I’m sure we can rustle up equipment if needs be.
It might seem incongruous to be posting online when people maybe without power and internet but I hope the tribal drums have been beating and people have been checking in with each other. If you know of someone in need or distress, please say and let’s see who and how we can help!
Robin and Margy
(Hopefully this posts – we are still learning out way with posting notices etc here!)
Reminder. Classic sports car cruise this Saturday 4pm for a 4:30 start from the western side car park of the Brighton railway station. An approximately one hour cruise along the Adelaide shore line. Route sheets will be available at the departure point. Finish at North haven where there will be a presentation for the most appealing car and the car with the best Patina.
Monday 7th November, 8.00pm at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park
The Annual General Meeting is soon upon us and a time for the members to decide the 2023 Committee for the Sprite Club of SA.
The current Committee has been together for five years and has maintained and run the Sprite Club through a number of major events and challenges. These include working through bushfires in the Adelaide Hills, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated cleaning, social distancing and lockdowns.
Therefore some of the Committee members have elected not to stand once again for their positions. This provides an opportunity to join the Committee and help with the running of the Sprite Club for the next 12 months.
The positions that will be vacating are:
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Web Master
So if you would like to be involved with running the Club, planning events and helping to Promote, Foster and Preserve Sprites and Midgets here is you opportunity.
Please contact one of the Committee to discuss further or if you have any questions, etc
Having entered the Lycoming Indy in the historic section of a big league race meeting at The Bend this weekend. We of course tested the monster out prior to the big day. Despite many hours of trying, we were unable to get the Lycoming engine to run. From having the exhausts glow red hot after mere seconds of starting to no spark at all. Friends at Parafield tested the magnetos which were both caput. Two more found tested and eagerly fitted only to have yet another failure. having fitted magneto no 3 the engine finally burst into life sounding better than ever. Our joy was short lived when we found the just replaced transmission input coupling had sheared off. A call to the event promoters enabled us to swap cars and enter the Irukandji in instead. We were unable to attend Friday practice session so our first run was in the heat of super sprint combat on Saturday morning where I had a good dice with an amazingly quick Lola sports car which was 1 second faster than the Irukandji. Round 2 saw the two of us locked in combat at the head of the field were the Irukandji proved just quick enough to pass the Lola and post a tine 1 second faster. The spectators seemed to really appreciate the spectacle. Sunday was different, rivers af water flowing through the pits, the whole place was awash races were being canceled or delayed, eventually they let us on the track in just a mild cloudburst. Within 2 laps I was saturated. on the edge of one corner there was water so deep it was literally like having a bucket of water thrown over the dash panel. Motor sport is very character building.
With the Internet and the digital age there is a fantastic opportunity to capture, store and share images, pictures and videos that would have previously been sitting idle on the shelf in a back room cupboard, cardboard box or lost in the shed!
A few of these videos popped up on an Facebook feed this week so thought it would be good to share them with you. These movies/videos were posted to YouTube by previous Sprite Club member Kerry Sarandis.
During the early years of the Sprite Club of SA the club was involved in motor racing, motorkhanas and generally driving the life out of these Sprites and Midgets. This was described at the recent 50th Anniversary Annual Dinner by Richard Stokes and Reiner Walker – well here is some more proof of those early days……….
In 1974 the Sprite Clubs Nationals between SA, NSW and Victoria Sprite Clubs was a motorkhana that was held at Hay, Victoria. There were 16 SA Sprite Club members attending this event. This video features many of the SA contingent that won this event outright!
Vehicles and members include Richard Stokes with his green Bugeye, Kerry Sarandis’s Red Mk III Sprite, Dean King’s Purple LC Torana XU-1, Phil Brown’s orange Bugeye, Doug Gordon’s Renault TS16 and the white MG Midget of Jill Gouck. It also shows how manoeuvrable a Spridget can be in an motokhana with use of the handbrake and the throttle.
In 1977 the Sprite Club’s Nationals headed to Hume Weir circuit, once again in Victoria. In this video feature a “racecam” lap of the circuit, showing the differecen in track safety to todays, motor racing circuits. It shows a number of interstate Sprite Club members vehicles, including Mike Dore’s (VIC) white Bugeye, Ray English’s (VIC) red Mk III Sprite Lenham Coupe and the SA Super Sprite (Datsun 1600 powered) of Simon Aram.
In the second Hume Weir video it features the first outing of the Datsun 1600cc powered “Super Sprite” that was built by SA Members Simon Aram and Mark Chown. This vehicle was later owned by SA Club Members, Dean King (then Toyota 2-litre powered), Rob Peckett and Don Taylor (Mazda Rotary Turbo – powered).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHlu9_EV9rA
And the last video is the start of a Sports Car Race at Adelaide International Raceway with the famed Glen Dix dropping the National Flag to start the race.
Many interesting sports cars feature including the Boral Ford, Elfin 360, numerous racing clubman’s and the Bugeye Sprites of Richard Stokes (Green) and Dean King (Blue SUS-600). It is interesting to see the speed difference between all of these various vehicles. also great to see a good crowd standing on the mound under the Control Tower.
Thanks to Kerry for posting these to You Tubefor all to see, and for NSW member Scotty Gibbs for locating them.
Here is the October Bugeye Burble and Coming Events for the next few months as the weather starts to warm and on opportunity to withdrawal your Spridget from the shed………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
16th October – Bay to Birdwood – Starting at Barrett Reserve, West Beach. The Bay to Birdwood is one of the world’s great historic motoring events and has been an iconic fixture on the South Australian events calendar since 1980. Entrant vehicles will depart Barratt Reserve, West Beach from early morning (8.15am) and arrive at Birdwood anytime from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
23rd October – MSCA Supersprint – Round 5 – Mallala Motorsport Park The final round of the MSCA Super Sprint is back at Mallala Motorsport Park Please support our competing Sprite and Clubman driving members – On track from 10.00am
29th October – Classic Sports Car Cruise – Twilight Beach Run – 4.00pm for a 4.30pm departure Our stating point will be the Brighton Railway Station car park, western side off Cedar Ave. The drive will be basically following the coastline all the way through to the marina off Lady Gowrie drive. While it is great if you can come in a sports car or clubman don’t be afraid to roll up in your daily driver and enjoy the comradery.
28th/30st Oct – South Australian Hillclimb Championships – Collingrove Hillclimb.
4th November – John Blanden’s Climb to the Eagle The tradition continues! Gathering in Victoria Park in front of the grandstand and the run will be Climbing to the Eagle, then the tour will head to morning tea with a guest speaker at the Blackwood Football Club oval. Entries and information: https://www.sportingcarclub.com.au/
7th November – Annual General Meeting – 8.00pm Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park. All committee positions will be declared vacant, so if you would like to assist with the running of the Sprite Club, please contact a committee person now!
Following the successful cruise of February last, this run will be a rerun of that event. Gathering in the western side car park of the Brighton railway station car park at 4 pm for a 4:30 departure. The rout will follow the Adelaide cost as much as possible. There will be a short regrouping on Military road adjacent to the west beach caravan park and playground. The run will finish at North Haven café and restaurant centre on Lady Gowerie Drive. The run should take approximately one hour. Not that much time and not that much petrol. Route instruction sheets will be available at the starting point. There will be a short presentation at the conclusion of the drive. Any questions please contact Pat Miller on 0421289706 or email nanmiller@adam.com.au
During the 50th Anniversary Display Day at Wigley Reserve you may have noticed Sprite Club member and Bugeye owner Malcolm Ludgate wandering around with with a selection of camera equipment.
Malcolm has put together a video of the day – providing a great overview of the day – Thanks for you efforts Malcolm!
Malcolm and wife Mylene have been involved with cinematography for many years specialising in underwater and nature documentaries, plus a number of other interesting projects – check out their web site for more information:
Due to the Long Weekend the October General Meeting will be held on Monday 10th October at 8.00pm at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road.
if you have ordered a 50th Anniversary Car Badge the have arrived and will be available for collection on the night.
I am in desperate need of flag marshals for our next super sprint, coming up on September 25th at The Bend East circuit. Could you please ask your members for assistance at this event, and get back to me ASAP. Thank you. Your help with this matter is appreciated.
Regards
Michelle Edwards
MSCA Secretary
All flag marshals will receive a free lunch and get to have a parade lap around the Bend east circuit and that is something to experience. If you can help please notify Michele or Pat Miller nanmiller@adam.com.au or 0421289706.
To finish off the 50th Anniversary events, Club members Russell and Judy Schmarr planned a Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble, providing members a chance to drive a range of roads to the North of Adelaide.
I will let Russell and Judy inform you of the day of Spritely Motoring….
“Starting out in the rain from Tilley Reserve at Surrey Downs, the 11 cars assembled faced a damp start to the 120kms Northern Meander.
Progress was a little slower than the last time we drove on the One Tree Hill Road, along the pot holed Humbug Scrub Road to cross the South Para River Ford and into Williamstown.
Looking out to the west we could see a glimmer of light in the otherwise grey skies as we drove through the Barossa Valley to our morning tea destination at Bethany by 11am. The shelter was welcome but still cold enough to just have time for a warm up tea or coffee before taking to the roads again.
We wandered up the Valley avoiding the large towns and traffic, turning off to enjoy the well loved Seppeltsfield Drive, then on to the little town of Greenock where we seemed to have come out of the rainy grey to see patches of blue sky.
In the rolling paddocks to Kapunda, Tarlee and Stockport the gaudy golden canola crops offered bright contrasts to the other staid green oats, beans and wheat plantings.
Coming out of Stockport our planning for no dirt roads came to grief as the road was being upgraded – wasn’t there on the test run – luckily only about 200meters to turn off the dirt to Hamley Bridge , still in sunshine, to enjoy a tasty lunch at our destination – the recently renovated Hamley Bridge Hotel.
Despite the cold and uncomfortable conditions our participants today were in good spirits, making the best of the day.”
Thanks to those members who braved the conditions at the start, glad to see the skies clear and provide a nice finish to the day.
Our thanks to Russell and Judy for planning the Mid-Week Meander – looking forward the next Meander.
Thanks to Russell and Judy Schmarr for the words and photos and the Hamley Bridge hotel for their photos as well.
To complete the Sprite Club of South Australia’s 50th Anniversary Weekend, the Club members washed and polished their Sprites, Midgets, Clubman and Associate Vehicles and headed to Wigley Reserve, Glenelg for the 50th Anniversary Sprite Display Day.
The weather held, and while cloudy and cool there was no rain to spoil the day.
The only hiccup was the Sprite MkIIIA of Des and Penny Chabrel that decided to have an electrical gremlin that slowed their progress to the display – assistance from the RAA and a bit of a tweak under the bonnet soon had the Sprite back on the road.
With 33 Sprites and Midgets and a similar number of Associate vehicles which included eight “Big” Austin Healey’s from the Austin Healey Owners Club – it was an impressive display of vehicles.
There was also three racing versions of Sprites on display – Chris Brine’s Bugeye, Clive Spreadbury’ s and Peter Stanley’s Sprite Mk IIA’s.
Once the cars were aligned there were many conversations and looking under bonnets as well as the usual “I had one of them many years ago” conversations with members of the public.
The People Choice Awards were popular with over 100 votes for both the Sprite/Midget and Associate vehicles. The voting was close, but the deserving winners were:
Sprite/Midget – Chris and Tina Brine – Supercharged Bugeye Sprite
Associate Vehicle – Phil and Maryanne Kies – Triumph TR4A
Chris and Phil both thanked those who voted and Phil also acknowledged the work the fellow club member Gerard Miller and the team at Marque Restorations had put into the TR4A over the past few years during it’s restoration.
We must also note thanks to those members who were able to bring more than one vehicle for the display – Chris Brine, Michael McClaren, Don Cardone and Marcus Booth – and thanks to their family members for assisting with the transport logistics.
As the temperature dropped and a slight mist of rain appeared it was time for the clean vehicles to head home.
Special thanks to Don Cardone for his co-ordination of the day, ably supported by Elaine Cardone, Ray Kinlay, Des Chabrel, Angela Wicks, Gary Brock and assorted helpers on the day.
The members of the Sprite Club of South Australia would like to thank the Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs SA Inc for their support of this special event.
Thanks to Robin Dunk, Steve and Di Kent and Gordon Boyce for the photographic images of the day.
The Sprite Club of South Australia’s 50th Anniversary Annual Dinner was held at the Lion Hotel, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September 2022.
This dinner was attended by 73 past and present Club Members, and ironically was only a few kilometres from the site of the 1st Sprite Club Meeting, which was held in the Staff Quarters above the National Bank in O’Connell Street , North Adelaide.
The Cellar Room provided the Members a private area to enjoy and celebrate the forming of the Sprite Club 50 years ago. With a delicious three-course meal there was an opportunity to talk and chat with fellow Club Members and the memories of the past 50 years.
With a rolling slideshow of past photos, a memorabilia table displaying older photos, merchandise and trinkets from the past – there was an opportunity to view what the Sprite Club was like in the early days.
President Gordon Boyce welcomed all to the evening and introduced founding members Reiner Walker and Richard Stokes, who spoke about the days with Sprites before the Club formed on Tuesday 13th September 1972. Richard outlined how the Club went through the formalities of incorporation and constitution to set the foundations for the Sprite Club we know today.
Initial Sprite Club members – L to R – Dean King, Helen King, Richard Stokes, Reiner Walker, Mandy Stokes, John Clarke, Marilyn Warren
There was even seven members present who were there at that inaugural meeting, plus a number that joined during the the first 10 years of the Sprite Club
President Gordon then talked about the 1980’s to present day and the memorable and major events the Sprite Club has been involved with, from social drives to dinners, motorsport to National Challenges and of course the famous Bordertown weekends competing against the Victorian Sprite Club (AHSDC).
There were also anecdotes from Don Cardone, Steve Kent and Di Low.
The night was also an opportunity to award the Trophy Winners for 2022 – these included:
Sprite of the Year – Darrel Hanna
Club Members of the Year – Gary and Fay Brock
Tony Bennetto “Spirit of Sprites” Award – Don and Elaine Cardone
Congratulations to the Award winners!
Soon the night was over and many continued to chat and discuss Sprites, Midgets and a range of other topics late into the night.
Special thanks must go the Michael McClaren for arranging the venue, pre-dinner drinks and the menu and for Pat Lescius, Chris and Tina Brine for assisting with the room decorations and special placemats.
Thanks to Steve and Di Kent and Narelle Boyce for the photographic images of the night.
The Sprite Club of South Australia celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary General Meeting on Monday 5th September.
With 34 members present, this event was the start of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations planned for the coming week.
Once the Meeting Agenda had been completed it was time for President Gordon to lead a roaring chorus of “Happy Birthday” followed by a few choice words and then the cutting of the birthday cake.
There was also a range of assorted sweets, treats and “bubbles’ to wash it down.
Thanks to Michael McClaren and Pat Lescius for arranging the cake and supper.
Wednesday 14th September – 9.30am for 10.00am Departure
Fifty years and one day after the Sprite Club of South Australia was formed in 1972, Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander to get your Sprites, Midgets, Clubman’s and Associate vehicles out of the shed for a social drive to celebrate this occasion.
Meeting at 9.30 am at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale Road, Surrey Downs for a 10.00 am departure this Mid-Week Meander will head through a range of varying roads in the regions to the North of Adelaide. In usual Mid-Week Meander style we will transverse different roads and many roads some will not have travelled before.
There will be a stop over for a BYO Morning Tea and a stretch of your legs.
The final location will be a Country Pub for a hearty lunch which should help to bridge your appetite from the morning tea break!
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
5th September General Meeting – 50th Anniversary General Meeting – Starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10th September 50th Anniversary Sprite Club Annual Dinner
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable evening.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment. http://www.spriteclub.com.au/?page_id=1313
11th September 50th Anniversary Display Day – Wigley Reserve – Cars on display from 9.30am
The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
With cars on display from 9.30am, this will be an opportunity to showcase both our cars and Sprite Club to the General Public and help celebrate 50 years of the Sprite Club.
14th September Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble – Meet from 9.30am – Departure from 10.00am
Meeting at 9.30 am at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale Road, Surrey Downs for a 10.00 am departure this Mid-Week Meander will head through a range of varying roads in the regions to the North of Adelaide. There will be a stopover for a BYO Morning Tea.
The final location will be a Country Pub for a hearty lunch which should help to bridge your appetite from the morning tea break!
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
25th September MSCA Super Sprint – Round Four – The Bend Eastern Circuit
And for those competitively minded there will be the MSCA SA Super Sprint at The Bend East Circuit. This Super Sprint will allow drivers to tackle the 22 twists and turns of the East Circuit, covering 3.9 kilometres of the circuit. Most drivers cannot stop smiling after competing at this event.
Saturday 10th September – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September.
To assist with the catering and final planning for the event, can you please inform Gordon Boyce or Michael McClaren (by Thursday 1st September) if you have any special dietary requirements that the caterers may need to consider.
Wednesday 14th September – 9.30am for 10.00am Departure
Fifty years and one day after the Sprite Club of South Australia was formed in 1972, Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander to get your Sprites, Midgets, Clubman’s and Associate vehicles out of the shed for a social drive to celebrate this occasion.
Meeting at 9.30 am at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale Road, Surrey Downs for a 10.00 am departure this Mid-Week Meander will head through a range of varying roads in the regions to the North of Adelaide. In usual Mid-Week Meander style we will transverse different roads and many roads some will not have travelled before.
There will be a stop over for a BYO Morning Tea and a stretch of your legs.
The final location will be a Country Pub for a hearty lunch which should help to bridge your appetite from the morning tea break!
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Over thirty Sprite Club member’s attended the Pie’n’Pea Night at the Fullarton Park Community Centre on Saturday 20th August.
Instead of using a member’s home for the event the organiser’s decided to use the Centre’s facilities and kitchen. This allowed plenty of space to prepare and serve the food, as well as space to catch up, talk and mingle with other Club members.
Starting with nibbles and Angela’s yummy home made mini quiches, the taste buds were soon activated. Don and Elaine Cardone were busy in the kitchen warming pies and stirring the home made pea soup.
After a quick welcome, the Club members lined up at the kitchen for a warming bowl of a Vili’s Pie topped with the pea soup. Don and Elaine were assisted by an assortment of kitchen staff including Carole, Jenny, Ray, plus a few others. Some member’s even lined up for seconds!!
With Gary Brock’s Alphabet Quiz and Phil and Maryanne’s Wine Raffle (which raised nearly $100 towards the night) there was enough to keep all busy. Thanks to all of you for these activities on the night!
Sweets was next on the agenda, and with plenty of cakes, tortes, and assorted tasty treats – there was plenty to go around.
The winners of Gary’s Alphabet Quiz were announced – there was a tie between two tables – and the drawing of the wine raffle concluded the night.
In usual Sprite Club style, all member’s helped clean up and pack up, so it was not a late night.
Our thanks to Don and Elaine for their organisation and catering of the night – and also special thanks to those who helped behind the scenes, with either providing food, serving or cleaning – this all helped to make this event a great night!
As part of the Sprite Club of South Australia’s 50th Anniversary Weekend, The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
This will be a display of Sprites, Midgets, Clubman’s and Members Associate Vehicles.
Car will be on display from 9.30am, and this will be a chance to showcase both our vehicles and the Sprite Club of South Australia to the General Public and help celebrate 50 years of the Sprite Club of SA.
There will be People’s Choice Awards and there will be a coffee van on the site.
Please bring along your Sprite or Midget, we would like to see a many vehicles in restored, original condition, race or competition, or under restoration.
Please note that Clubman and Member’s Associate Vehicles are also welcome as well.
We have had Club Members come forward to volunteer as either a Fire Warden or First Aider (Thanks Gary and Angela) but if you have these skills and can assist these individuals with these duties on the day please contact at your earliest convenience either:
Don Cardone – DonCardone@adam.com.au
Gordon Boyce – gordon.boyce98@andrew_lord
Please note that the entrance to Wigley Reserve is via the roundabout at the end of Anzac Highway – please follow the Marshalls Direction.
Also please bring a piece of cardboard or similar to put under your car to capture any oil drips, etc – to prevent damage to the grass.
Saturday 10th September – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September.
To assist with the catering and final planning for the event, can you please finalise any dinner bookings by Sunday 28th August.
Also if you are aware of any past members that may like to join us for this celebration can you please forward this invitation.
Starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable three course meal.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal + pre-dinner drinks.
To assist with the catering for this event can you please finalise your Dinner payments by 28th August 2022.
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
It seems the clubs rostered have been unable to supply sufficient flag marshals for the Super Sprint meeting at Mallala this Sunday Aug 14. If there are any Sprite Club members who would like to help out here could you please let either Pat Miller email nanmiller@adam.com.au or ph 0421289706 or directly notify Michele at the MSCA. email MSCA Secretary sec@mscasa.com. Volunteers would need to be on site 9 am, competition generally finishes by 4 pm. Lunch is provided. Should there be any questions feel free to phone Pat on the above number.
In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Sprite Club of South Australia a special car badge has been commissioned, with the design selected by the Sprite Club members this year.
This full colour badge will be available at a cost of $30 per badge.
Please include and additional $10 if you would like the badge posted.
The Sprite Club will be ordering theses badges soon, so if you would like one badge (or two) please place your order as soon as possible.
You can order these badges via EFT Payment which can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please refer to the details below.
Please note your Name and Number of badges in the Description with the EFT Payment.
As part of the Sprite Club of South Australia’s 50th Anniversary Weekend, The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
This will be a display of Sprites, Midgets, Clubmans and Members Associate Vehicles.
Car will be on display from 9.30am, and this will be a chance to showcase both our vehicles and the Sprite Club of South Australia to the General Public and help celebrate 50 years of the Sprite Club of SA.
There will be People’s Choice Awards and there will be a coffee van on the site.
Please bring along your Sprite or Midget, we would like to see a many vehicles in restored, original condition, race or competition, or under restoration.
Please note that Clubman and Member’s Associate Vehicles are also welcome as well.
To assist with the running of the event if you have either Fire Warden or First Aid Training and can assist with these duties on the day please contact at your earliest convenience either:
Saturday 10th September – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
With 2022 being the 50th Anniversary Year for the Sprite Club of SA we have a number of special events planned to help celebrate this achievement.
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September.
Starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable three course meal.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal + pre-dinner drinks.
To assist with the catering for this event can you please finalise your Dinner payments by 28th August 2022.
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
Saturday 20th August Fullarton Park Community Centre
This year we have been having a rather cold Winter, with very low temperatures.
One of the best ways to warm up is a bowl of Pie ’n Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make for a warming night.
This year as a change the Sprite Club will hold this event at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park from6.30pm for 7.00pm Start
$6.00 per pie ’n peas and please BYO drinks and nibble/sweets to share.
Please note that the payment for the pies will be in cash on the night – do not EFT to the Club’s Bank account
To finalise catering numbers can you please let Don and Elaine Cardone know if you are attending and if you are bringing either nibbles or sweets by Monday 15th August
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
14th August – MSCA Supersprint – Round 3 – Mallala Motorsport Park Next round of the MSCA Super Sprint is back at Mallala Motorsport Park On track action from 10.00am
20th August – Pie ‘n Pea Night – Fullarton Park Community Centre – 6.30pm for 7.00pm Start With Pies ’n Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make for a warming night. This year we will hold this event at the Fullarton Park Community Centre. $6.00 per pie ’n peas and please BYO drinks and nibble/sweets to share. Please let Don and Elaine Cardone know if you are attending and if you are bringing a nibble/sweets – by the 15th August – DonCardone@adam.com.au
5th September – General Meeting – 50th Anniversary General Meeting – Starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10th September – 50th Anniversary Sprite Club Annual Dinner The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable evening. This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment. http://www.spriteclub.com.au/?page_id=1313
11th September – 50th Anniversary Display Day – Wigley Reserve – Cars on display from 9.30am The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
14th September – Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander – Northern Ramble heading from Yatala Vale through the Northern Regions ending up at a country pub for lunch – Thanks Russell and Judy!
25th September – MSCA Super Sprint – Round Four – The Bend Eastern Circuit And for those competitively minded there will be the MSCA SA Super Sprint at The Bend East Circuit.
With the various COVID-19 restrictions, it has been over two years since the Sprite Club General Meetings have had a Guest Speaker, so the 4th of July General Meeting was a special occasion.
Our Special Guests were Ian and Wendy Gibbs from the NSW Sprite Car Club who were stopping over in Adelaide on their “A Spritely Adventure” tour of Australia. Having mechanical problems ( a burnt exhaust valve) when arriving in Adelaide, the repairs were completed in time for Ian and Wendy to bring along their 1964 Austin Healey Sprite “Esme” and specially-built camper trailer “Shirley” as Guests of Honour.
With nearly 50 members present (including Gerry and Bib van Oosterom – Victorian Sprite Club members) there was an opportunity to listen to Ian and Wendy’s journey so far.
Leaving Grafton nearly 100 days ago Ian and Wendy headed north to Queensland, travelling to Cairns, turning left towards the Northern Territory and Darwin, Esme and Shirley travelled the outback roads with road trains and Grey Nomads. After Darwin, the team headed further West towards the blue waters of Broome, and the Western Australia coast. After Perth, they headed through the Tall Timber forests of South-West WA towards Kalgoorlie before heading east across the famous Nullarbor Plain.
Ian and Wendy talked about their travels and the experiences and fun that they have had so far. Arriving in Adelaide only a few days before the meeting, a burnt exhaust valve had a number of local workshops assist with the repairs to get Esme “back on the road”!
Ian and Wendy also discussed the specifics of Esme, having been used as a road, race and rally car during their ownership. Esme (with Wendy at the steering wheel) has also competed in the Austin Healey challenge in the USA and the 1998 International Healey Commemorative Race at the Bathurst 1000. With upgrades of torquey 1275cc engine, 5 speed gearbox, telescopic shock absorbers, modern seats, plus the addition of several creature comforts, Esme has proved herself as a strong tow vehicle throughout the journey so far.
Then it was Shirley’s turn in the spotlight. Having purpose built the trailer Ian discussed the build process and the use of as many common parts to Esme, so Shirley could also be a mobile spare parts department if required. Shirley contains twin lithium batteries for lighting and to power the fridge, solar panels in the tonneau cover, food storage and battery powered fridge, fuel tank plus electric pump to refuel Esme as required, as well as the rooftop tent, chairs, tables and associated camping paraphernalia.
Many questions were asked and one of the topics was reliability of the Sprite. Other than a broken timing chain (due to a loose bolt – as A series engines usually do not break timing chains) a weeping rear wheel hub (more on this later) -, a cracked inlet manifold and carby issues on the WA leg of the journey, there had only been a few issues along the way that had slowed their progress, but all were easily repaired. This carby issue of varying rich and lean would probably lead to the burnt valve on arrival in Adelaide.
Not only was this the first chance for a Guest Speaker (or two) but thanks to Chris and Tina, Michael, and Pat we had a great spread of nibbles, platters, and a varying range of wines to sample after the meeting. Members chatted with some they may not have seen at a meeting for several months, while some ventured outside where Ian and Wendy had set up Shirley in “Camping Mode” for all to see.
Our thanks to Ian, Wendy, Esme and Shirley for entertaining the Sprite Club members and President Gordon handed them a bottle of Sellick’s Chills Shiraz (grown from grapes by Club member’s Dean and Suzie) and some SA goodies to be added to Shirley’s food container for later on the road!
Also, thanks to Chris, Tina, Michael and Pat for assisting with the supper.
Postscript
Esme and Shirley (with Ian and Wendy) turned in an Easterly direction on the Tuesday after the meeting, heading to Penola and the Coonawarra district (for more supplies!), Mount Gambier, Warrnambool, Lorne, the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne. Leaving the Vic Capital, they headed across the Gippsland area to Lakes Entrance, and up the Easterly Coast to Eden.
A run in with a Kangaroo put a dent or two in Esme’s grille and lower panel on the scenic coast run to Bermagui, continuing up the coast to Mollymook, Kiama to Sydney. Here a few rest days and a chance to catch up with NSW Sprite Club members. A visit to Colin Dodd’s – Sprite Parts – helped sort a few parts and issues that had occurred on the way.
After some searching, the sources of the leaking rear hub was located. Since Katherine, NT, where wheel and hub nuts and moving axle bearing were found to be loose after the local mechanics had checked the brakes and had not retightened everything correctly. Ian had initiated a number of repairs, but the leak persisted during the various legs of the journey through WA and SA. It was found that the rear axle flange had several cracks causing the oil to leak. How this did not break in the numerous miles that had been travelled since, is a testament to the British Engineering, particularly with the added load of the camper trailer and assorted bits’n’pieces.
With just a few days left in the “Spritely Adventure” we look forward to Ian and Wendy’s (and Esme and Shirley’s) next journey and thank them once again for stopping by and sharing their Spritely Adventure with the Sprite Club of SA.
I have some great news to share with you. After several months of uncertainty I can confirm that the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic event will go ahead in 2023.
The McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Association, along with most of you, did not want to see the demise of this iconic event so took the initiative to “go public” in the search of some enthusiastic people to take over the running of the event in 2023 and beyond.
The good news is several enthusiastic locals, and service clubs, have come forward and will take over the co-ordination of this event. I will work alongside the new committee for the coming event.
Please put Sunday 23rd April 2023 in your diary now and the new committee will keep you updated on all the details.
PLEASE DO NOT try to register your entry until you are notified. There are several updates to be made to the website and a new method of registration and payment will be implemented. Until these changes are in place entries cannot not be accepted.
Sadly this week we note the passing of the Irish race and rally driver Paddy Hopkirk.
While Paddy was famously recorded a winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in a Mini Cooper S, he started rallying for the Standard Motor Company.
Joining BMC as a work driver in 1963, Paddy was to compete in a range of BMC products including Austin Healey 3000’s, Prototype Sprites and MG Midgets, as well as the famous Mini Cooper S.
Paddy completed in various rally events including Targa Florio, and numerous English and European Rally’s.
1964 Austin Healey Sprite that Paddy drove in the Targa Florio
Paddy in the pretty Dick Jacob’s MG Midget Coupe in the 1965 Targa Florio
Paddy has also an Australian connection competing in Mini Cooper S’s at the Bathurst 500 during 1965 -to 1967 – finishing 6th outright in 1965.
He also competed in the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon in an Austin 1800, where he finished 2nd to Andrew Cowan’s Hillman Hunter.
Paddy was also recognised in many competition events, even having a motorkhana course named after him – “Hopkirk”.
And every 1960’s -70’s sporting driver had to have a Paddy Hopkirk Throttle Pedal on their Mini. Morris Minor or MGB!
Our thoughts are with the Motor Sport Family at this sad time.
There are always many urban myths about particular cars, motor sport and events – none more famous that the Sprite Mk II that drove under the barrier at Checkpoint Charlie between East and West Germany.
Member Barry Edson reminded us of this event recently so here is the interesting read.
It is also well know that the same Sprite was successfully used twice for the same escape……..
With 2022 being the 50th Anniversary Year for the Sprite Club of SA we have a number of special events planned to help celebrate this achievement.
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September.
Starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable three course meal.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal + pre-dinner drinks.
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
Saturday 20th August Fullarton Park Community Centre
This year we have been having a rather cold Winter, with very low temperatures.
One of the best ways to warm up is a bowl of Pie ’n Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make for a warming night.
This year as a change the Sprite Club will hold this event at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park from6.30pm for 7.00pm Start
$6.00 per pie ’n peas and please BYO drinks and nibble/sweets to share.
Please note that the payment for the pies will be in cash on the night – do not EFT to the Club’s Bank account
To finalise catering numbers can you please let Don and Elaine Cardone know if you are attending and if you are bringing either nibbles or sweets by Monday 15th August
In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Sprite Club of South Australia a special car badge has been commissioned, with the design selected by the Sprite Club members this year.
This full colour badge will be available at a cost of $30 per badge.
The Sprite Club will be taking orders and have the first batch produced after the August General Meeting – so if you would like a badge or two please place your order by this meeting.
You can order these badges via EFT Payment which can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please refer to the details below.
Please note your Name and Number of badges in the Description with the EFT Payment.
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
4th July General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
24th July Collingrove Hillclimb – Winter Cup – Round 3 Enjoy a great day out at the famous Collingrove Hillclimb in the Barossa Valley
1st August General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
14th August MSCA Supersprint – Round 3 – Mallala Motorsport Park Next round of the MSCA Super Sprint is back at Mallala Motorsport Park On track action from 10.00am
20th August Pie ‘n Pea Night – Fullarton Park Community Centre – 6.30pm for 7.00pm Start With Pies ’n Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make for a warming night. This year we will hold this event at the Fullarton Park Community Centre. $6.00 per pie ’n peas and please BYO drinks and nibble/sweets to share. Please let Don and Elaine Cardone know if you are attending
5th September General Meeting – 50th Anniversary General Meeting – Starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10th September 50th Anniversary Sprite Club Annual Dinner The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable evening. This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
11th September 50th Anniversary Display Day – Wigley Reserve The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
14th September Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander – Northern Ramble heading from Yatala Vale through the Northern Regions ending up at a country pub for lunch – Thanks Russell and Judy!
25th September MSCA Super Sprint – Round Four – The Bend Eastern Circuit And for those competitively minded there will be the MSCA SA Super Sprint at The Bend East Circuit.
In September 1972 a group of like-minded Sprite and Midget enthusiasts met in the staff living quarters above the National Bank in North Adelaide. From this meeting 50 years ago the Sprite Club of South Australia was formed and has continued to grow and evolve into the Club that we know today!
Friendships have been formed, Sprites and Midgets have joined, been driven, restored and changed various owners over this period, while the Sprite Club has continued to “Promote, Foster and Preserve Austin Healey Sprites and MG Midgets”.
Please join us for a number of special events during September to help celebrate this milestone 50th year.
Monday 5th September – General Meeting
The General Meeting will be a special birthday event in recognition of the 1st Sprite Club Meeting.
Saturday 10th September – 50th Anniversary Dinner
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide.
Starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable three course meal.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal + pre-dinner drinks.
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
With cars on display from 9.30am, this event will run like previous Display Days with Sprites, Midgets, Clubman and Associate vehicles on display – there will be People’s Choice awards for various classes of vehicles.
This will be an opportunity to showcase both our cars and Sprite Club to the general public and help celebrate 50 years of the Sprite Club.
Wednesday 14th September – Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble
Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander which will be a Northern Ramble heading from Yatala Vale through the Northern Regions ending up at a country pub for lunch – Thanks Russell and Judy!
Sunday 25th September – MSCA Super Sprint – Round Four – The Bend Eastern Circuit
And for those competitively minded there will be the Marque Sports Car Association SA Super Sprint at The Bend East Circuit. This Super Sprint will allow drivers to tackle the 22 twists and turns of the East Circuit, covering 3.9 kilometres of the circuit. Most drivers cannot stop smiling after competing at this event.
Entry Forms and Supplementary Regulations will be available via the MSCA SA web site.
4th July – General Meeting – 8.00pm – Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road
Yep, the winter wine and cheese meeting is back! Supplied by the Sprite Club!
We’ve got the added extra of a chat with Special Guests Ian and Wendy Gibbs from the NSW Sprite Club of Australia.
Ian and Wendy are currently on “A Spritely Adventure”, circumnavigating our wide brown land in their 1964 Austin Healey Sprite (Esme) towing a specially built camping trailer (Shirley).
Join us for a great night and tick off one of the three events you need to attend for conditional registration at the same time!
The weather was nowhere near as diabolical as the weather man had predicted. Gathering in shopping centres idea was not a good one it seemed most of Adelaide was crammed into every available parking spot. Locating sprite club members in the melee was a needle in the hay stack situation. The group from Firle did manage to form a trio but the rest of us found our way to Marque Restorations individually. Very few people get to have afternoon teas in the presence of such automotive exotica. After the 30 odd attendees had had their fill of mostly lemon and sugar filled pancakes Gerard started the gloriously smooth sounding Ferrari, gave the C type Jag a bit of a burst, then a TR4 was started providing a hint of why it is off to a specialist engine tuner in the near future. A tour of the factory revealed a plethora of interesting cars to inspect. Informal groups were gathered around various cars where a good deal of useful information was passed on. Well done to the people who braved the weather and bought along their Sprites and other sports cars. A big thank you to Gerard and his staff for the use of the premises and the automotive entertainment. Thanks to everyone who helped with the catering. Thanks to Gordon for the bag of lemons.
4th July – General Meeting – 8.00pm – Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road
At the next General Meeting we will be joined by Special Guests Ian and Wendy Gibbs from the NSW Sprite Club of Australia.
Ian and Wendy are currently on “A Spritely Adventure”, circumnavigating our wide brown land in their 1964 Austin Healey Sprite (Esme) towing a specially built camping trailer (Shirley).
Leaving Grafton on the 1st April they have heading in an anti-clockwise direction across the top of Australia and down the WA Coast. They are currently on the journey across the bottom of the continent heading for Victoria and the run up the East Coast.
Ian and Wendy will have a talk about their adventures so far, places they have been and hopefully Esme and Shirley will be there as well.
You can follow their journey with a daily update at:
Starting at various sites around the city – north, south, east and west we will all end up at Marque Restorations, Goodall Avenue, Kilkenny for a Pancake afternoon tea and tour of the facilities and workshop.
The meeting venues are listed below – Meet at 1.00pm for a 1.30pmdeparture
1. K Mart Car Park, Glynburn Road, Firle – North Eastern corner.
2. Marion Shopping Centre, Diagonal Road, Marion – Just north of Diagonal Road exit.
3. Tea Tree Plaza next to MacDonalds.
4. Semaphore Foreshore Car Park – North of Noonies Kiosk – enter via roundabout.
If you are the only car at a departure point at departure time do not wait to leave for Marque Restorations at the prescribed time – or you can head straight to the finish venue.
The Sprite Club will be providing pancakes with toppings, lemon, jams, etc.
Please bring your own upmarket drinks, cups, and chairs. The urn will be on tea and coffee available.
Don’t want to get the sprite all muddy, when the weather forecast is cold and raining. Just roll up in the road car and spend a pleasant while feeding on freshly made pancakes while surrounded by exotic cars and good company
For catering reasons please contact Pat Miller 0421289706 email, nanmiller@adam.com.au We just need an idea of attendance last minute changes will not cause a problem.
After the success of the last run of this style to visit Marque Restorations were doing it again…
25th June Classic Sports Car Cruise – Monte Carlo Pancake Run to Marque Restorations – 1.00pm
Saturday Starting at various sites around the city – North, South, East and West we will all end up at Marque Restorations, Goodall Avenue, Kilkenny for a Pancake afternoon tea and tour of the facilities and workshop.
The meeting venues are listed below – Meet at 1.00pm for a 1.30pm departure
1. K Mart Car Park, Glynburn Road, Firle – North Eastern corner.
2. Marion Shopping Centre, Diagonal Road, Marion – Just north of Diagonal Road exit.
3. Tea Tree Plaza next to MacDonalds.
4. Semaphore Foreshore Car Park – North of Noonies Kiosk – enter via roundabout.
If you are the only car at a departure point at departure time do not wait to leave for Marque Restorations at the prescribed time – or you can head straight to the finish venue.
The Sprite Club will be providing pancakes with toppings, lemon, jams, etc.
Please bring your own drinks, cups, and chairs.
For catering reasons please contact Pat Miller 0421289706 email, nanmiller@adam.com.au
The MSCA is looking for flag marshals for the Supersprint meeting at the Bend Raceway on June 19th. Volunteers would need to be at the track 8:30ish Competition will commence at 9:45 and finish at 4:30. There will be a lunch break with lunch provided along with being able to participate in a parade lap or two of the track. If you are able to assist please contact Pat Miller 0421289706nanmiller@adam.com.au or contact the MSCA directly sec@msca.com
A super-sized group of 18 vehicles and 28 people took part in the run from Balhannah to Mannum in glorious autumn weather on Wednesday 18 May.
Russell’s radar was spot on – perfect weather and perfect conditions on the roads.
The convoy left the Balhannah Oval at 10 am and had our first spot of excitement as we approached a railway crossing blocked by a stationary train of interminable length, only to find that Russell’s map directed us to turn right and avoid the holdup. On we went, via Nitschke Road and Blakiston Road to the Old Princes Highway. This long stretch on a good road let the navigator have a nap while the driver could see the convoy uninterrupted by other traffic.
A wee stop at the Monarto Sporting Complex gave us a chance to chat before the next 20 mile(32 km) stage through various roads to our morning tea destination at the Mypolonga Community Cafe. A great spot to sit and savour coffee and cake in sunshine with a view of the river.
It was hard to rally the troops but once we started the engines and drove out of town we could see “ the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended” as we rounded the bends on Heinrich Road to Zadow Road.
The traffic picked up a bit on Mannum Road which meant a couple of cars missed the turnoff to Belvedere Road but they were able to catch up easily when we all arrived at the Mannum Community Club.
Our tables were organised with a view of the river and we all enjoyed lunch and a drink and especially the camaraderie and comfort. Special thanks to Russell and Judy for researching and planning such a successful run.
Reminder of the May general meeting this Monday night at the Fullarton Park Centre from 7:30 all find attached the April minutes here or via the pull down main menus
Many people in the Sprite Club ,motorsport and car clubs will know Steve Schmidt from Warragul: enthusiast, friend, editor and owner/driver of Cooper ‘S;’ Bugeye Sprite; FIAT 124AC coupe and Spyder. It is with great regret, shock and understandable sorrow that I am informing friends that Steve passed away suddenly at home last night.
Steve competed at various National Challenges, particularly the 2001 National Challenge at Mallala. His 948cc Red Bugeye was very competitive, including competing in the International Healey Commemorative Race at the 1998 Bathurst 1000.
Our thoughts are with the family and the Sprite Community at this time. RIP, Steve.
The April General Meeting for the past few years has been held at the Sporting Car Club rooms and has allowed the Sprite Club to display members cars on stage and have a chance to talk with their owners about the cars, their history and any special stories.
This years “Cars and Their Stars” night started with alarm bells and a police presence! Once the correct PIN code had been entered into the alarm system we could get the members and the cars into the venue. With the bar open and a few pizzas, the night started with members mingling and talking Sprites, Midgets and associated discussions.
President Gordon took to the stage and completed an abridged version of the Monthly Meeting. Once these formalities were completed it was time to get the “Stars” on stage to talk about their “Cars”. This year there was a 50th Anniversary theme, and cars that have had a long association with the Sprite Club were on show.
The Blue Bugeye of the King’s was first on stage. Starting as a Sprite body with a Holden 179 engine, and associated odd parts, the Sprite was restored in to a 1098cc powered Bugeye. Used for daily commutes, racing, motorkhanas the Bugeye was around from the very early days of the Club, and still attends various runs and events these days.
During its life SUS-600 has also has some transformations including the fitting of a Galant engine and gearbox, plus a few other creature comforts. It has also had the duties as a Learner Driver vehicle and featured in the 1977 SA Film Corporation movie “The Sound of Love”, starring John Jarratt (of Wolf Creek fame!). It even travelled four up (2 x adults, 2 x kids, plus camping gear) to Bordertown for the annual SA vs Vic motorkhana.
Next on stage was Des and Penny Chabrel and their Green MK IIIA Sprite. This also started off as a white vehicle which was used for a few years in the Riverland by a mate of President Gordon, and was also part of the Sprite Club during the mid-1980’s. Later dismantled for painting, Des and Penny purchased the Sprite and restored to it’s current glory. A coat of British Racing Green and a general tidy up has seen this Sprite attend many Sprite Club runs and All British Days over the past 35 years.
Des also described his and Penny’s other interest in motorcycle trails having competed and now official at the 24 hour Motorcycle Trial in the lower-mid North of the state.
The yellow Kestrel Clubman of Sean Power was the next car to review. With Clubbies SA having it’s 21st birthday last year, Sean explained the similar story of the early years where like minded people got together to talk all things Clubman. From this simple beginning grew Clubbies SA. Sprite Club members the Doube’s, Tye’s and Edson’s were part of this group and continue to own their Kestrel Clubman’s to this day.
Sean described the build of the Clubman, it’s first outing in the Grand Prix Rally , the speed events at both Mallala and Collingrove hill climb and other associated competition events. Being a SA designed car, Sean discussed the various engine configurations used in a number of the Kestrels (generally Toyota powered) and how each owner has added their own personal touch to their car.
Last on stage was the Red Bugeye of Grant Stephenson. Grant followed the usual path as a young man buying a sports car that was in need of restoration. He outlined the process of working with his fastidious father to form body panels and other parts to complete the body work before painting.
Joining the Sprite Club over 40 years ago (something he said he should have done during the restoration) Grant started attending various events including Sprints, motorkhanas and various social drives. The National Challenge was an important event on the calendar with Grant driving to the interstate event, competing, cleaning the Bugeye for the Concours, and then driving home!
Grant also outlined the latest engine rebuild and repainting of the engine bay which has taken longer than expected, but the Sprite is driving better then it ever did!
There were two other Sprites that unfortunately were unable to attend due to various issues. The Green MK III Sprite which has been in the custody of Reinhard Walker during the early 1970’s and was one of the very early cars to form the Sprite Club. Later John and Judy Bowering and now, Dean King have had the pleasure of owning this Sprite. Unfortunately dental problems prevented the Mk III from attending – days before the meeting – it lost teeth on first gear and decided to throw gear teeth out of the differential housing!
The other early Club vehicle was the Mk III owned by Kevin and Marilyn Warren. Kevin sold this Sprite to Dean Harty who used the car in the club for a few years, before transferring to Western Australia , where he still owns the Sprite. Dean was able to supply a few photos, with the car still displaying it’s Sprite Club of SA sticker on the windscreen, and the WA version of it’s original registration number – a nice touch to add to the history of this Sprite.
After a quick raffle draw, with an array of fine wines as prizes, the evening concluded with the President thanking the owners who brought their vehicles along for the night. Thanks were also passed on the Michael and Pat for arranging and serving the pizzas, and others for helping on the night,
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
4th April General Meeting – Stars and Their Cars Sporting Car Club of South Australia clubrooms
15th-18th April Easter Long Weekend
23rd/24th April All Historic Race Meeting – Mallala Motorsport Park A true showcase of nostalgia celebrating 40 years of running this event.
1st May MSCA Peter Hall Memorial Six-Hour Relay Sprint – Mallala Motorsport Park The Annual 6-Hour Regularity Relay attracts teams of cars from all MSCA Clubs, as well as interstate. There will be two Victorian Sprite Club teams joining in as well.
2nd May General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
7th May Collingrove Hillclimb Challenge Trophy – Round 2
18th May Mid-Week Meander – Eastern Encircle Missed the last one? – Mark your calendar NOW – Note revised date.
This was the first drive for 2022 and fourteen cars rolled up to enjoy the route. The weather was near perfect.. cool but kind, with no rain.
The drive began promptly at 10am from the Blackwood Railway Station after instruction sheets were handed out. We then meandered in a southerly direction traversing roads that some had never been on!
We passed through Kangarilla, then stopped for morning tea at Mt Compass. The drive then headed off towards Victor Harbor and after a few kilometres further, we turned west, headed for Normanville. More than twenty people gathered for a sumptuous lunch at Links Lady Bay Resort.
Thankfully, there were no dramas or problems with any of the cars and all performed well. Ridgetop views were a stand out for the passenger! No-one was left behind, lost or ‘bottomed out’ at the ford so Thanks again to ‘Tail end Charlie’, Pat Miller, for keeping us all together.
A big Thank You also to Judy and Russell Schmarr for organising yet another fantastic drive. We look forward to the next midweek meander on 18 May!
Russell and Judy Schmarr have organised the first Mid-Week Meander for 2022. This time it will be a planned “southern” run to enjoy the best the South can offer – great roads, great scenery and in the usual Schmarr style – we will take the long way there and the short run home!
Starting from Blackwood Railway Station East Side parking area, turn left just after crossing the railway line if coming from Blackwood, to arrive 9.30 for 10.00 am departure.
BYO Morning Tea.
Russell and Judy have also ensured there are no dirt roads this time!
Will end up at a lovely mystery lunch venue that will be suit all, particularly the female members of the Club.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
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.
I‘m looking for a couple items for a small bore project a 12G202 head and a small journal 1100 crank, 1.75”. or complete 1100 that has these internals.
As previously advised we will be have a run and display at the MSCA Super Sprint Round One on Sunday 20th March.
We will be having a display of Sprites, Midgets and Associate Vehicles on the lawn behind the Control Tower and some parade laps of the Mallala Circuit during the lunch break.
There will be an opportunity to have the cars line up on the Start/Finish line for a group photo.
The run will meet at the Cavan Hotel Car Park, Port Wakefield Rd, Cavan at 10.00am for a 10.30am Departure.
Or you can head directly to the Mallala Circuit. We will be arriving approx 11.30 am
There is Canteen Facilities at the circuit or in Mallala or BYO Lunch, etc
Please note that there is to be no alcohol consumption in the Pit or Paddock Area.
As a number of the Committee are either on Flagging Duties (or in COVID Quarantine) we are requiring the assistance of some members to help on the day.
We need the following:
Someone to lead the Run from Cavan to Mallala.
Assit with marshalling the vehicles for the Parade Laps, etc
Can you please let President Gordon Boyce know on 0417 897 905 if you can assist with either of these
Also if you are intending to come for the Display and Parade laps an you please text Gordon on 0417 897 905 so we can gauge the numbers we are expecting. This will assist with our liaison with the MSCA Organisers.
Sprite club members we have only 1 person with their hand up to flag at Mallala next Sunday. As many of us will be there for our 50th year celebrations please consider helping out. Any questions please contact Pat Miller 0421289706 or nanmiller@adam.com.au
Gates to Mallala open 7:30. Flaggies need to be at scrutineering shed by 8:30 for briefing. Cars on the track from 9:00. Lunches will be provided for all Flaggies along with an invitation to participate in the parade laps. Lunch time is approximately midday depending on events timing. Competition will finish by 4:30.
The Sprite Club of South Australia has had a long association with both the Marque Sports Car Association and Mallala Motorsport Park.
As part of our 50th Birthday Celebrations we will be having a Sprite Display at Mallala on Sunday 20th March in conjunction with the MSCA Super Sprint – Round 1.
The Sprite Club is also on flagging duties on the day so either:
Come and help with flagging and display your Sprite/Midget/Associate vehicle
Or drive up the late morning and enjoy the day – bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the competition –Please note there is to be no alcohol consumption in the Pit or Paddock area
The display will be located behind the Control Tower
We have also arranged some parade laps of the circuit at the lunchtime break and having a photoshoot on the Start/Finish Line – Subject to the MSCA and the organisation on the day
Meeting at 10.00am for a 10.30am departure – Meeting Venue to be confirmed
More details will be provided for the meeting venue for the Morning Run next week
Gates to Mallala open 7:30. Flaggies need to be at scrutineering shed by 8:30 for briefing. Cars on the track from 9:00. Lunches will be provided for all Flaggies along with an invitation to participate in the parade laps. Lunch time is approximately midday depending on events timing. Competition will finish by 4:30.
Regards
Pat Miller.
Any questions can be referred to me
Pat Miller
0421289706
nanmiller@adam.com.au
from the msca sa
Good evening all,
Your club is on the roster for flagging duties for the first round of the super sprint series for 2022, on Sunday March 20th. Please make your members aware of this, as the support of your members is what will allow this event to go ahead.
Please let me know by COB Friday March 11th who you be assisting on the day, by providing me with their name and email address.
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
7th March General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
20th March MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – Mallala Motorsport Park The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close. Officials briefing at 8.30am. You will be supplied lunch and basic training. Please support our competing Sprite/Midget and Clubman driving members as they compete. On track action from 10.00am
27th March The 10th Anniversary British Classics Tour 2022 – Old Noarlunga to Victor Harbour For more information and entries: https://britishclassicstour.com.au/
27th March Collingrove Hillclimb Challenge Trophy – Round 1
30th March Mid-Week Meander – “Southern Saunter” – 9.30 for 10.00 am departure This time it will be a planned “south” run to start from Blackwood Railway Station East side parking area, to arrive 9.30 for 10.00 am departure. BYO Morning Tea. Will end up at a lovely mystery lunch venue.
4th April General Meeting – Stars and Their Cars – “50 years of Sprites and Midgets” Sporting Car Club, 51 King William Road, Unley. – 6.30pm Start Please note a different venue and the earlier start time. We will have some 50th member’s cars on stage and have a Q & A with the owners.
Since All British Day has been cancelled, we are unable to physically distribute the programme as we do every year. This year, we have worked hard to compile the best programme, which contains stories and information that are too good not to be distributed to our supporters. The Committee has decided to distribute the program digitally via our website by clicking here.
A few pictures from our sports car cruise along the coast. A completely stunning turnout of mouthwatering cars. The largest number of cars we have ever had at any cruise. The weather could not have been better. There were a lot of people along much of the route enjoying the spectacle.
A huge thank you to all who were able to be there and make the event a success.
Welcome to the 50th Year of the Sprite Club of SA – let the celebrations begin!
Here is the February Bugeye Burble and Coming Events for the next few months………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
12th February Summer Beach Sports Car Cruise – 5.15pm
Summer is here and the perfect weather for a twilight beach cruise!
Our stating point will be the Brighton Railway Station car park, western side off Cedar Ave at 5.15pm for a 5.45pm departure.
The drive will be basically following the coastline all the way through to the marina off Lady Gowrie drive. While it is great if you can come in a sports car or clubman don’t be afraid to roll up in your daily driver and enjoy the comradery.
13th February 37th All British Day – CANCELLED
27th February MSCA Trophy Presentation Day – 11.00am
This year we are being hosted by the Mount Barker Football Ground, Howard Lane. BYO picnic lunch, drink, chairs, etc.
Assemble from 11.00am, Judging Display – 1:00pm, Presentation of Trophies – 2:00pm
7th March General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
20th March MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – Mallala
The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close.
Officials briefing at 8.30am. On track action from 10.00am
27th March The 10th Anniversary British Classics Tour 2022
The weatherman is promising an ideal afternoon / evening for a sports car cruise along our beautiful metropolitan coast. Our stating point will be the Brighton railway station car park, western side off Cedar ave. The drive will be basically following the coastline all the way through to the marina off Lady Gowerie drive. Basically an Adelaide car posing tradition. There are a number of eating places there and I can recommend the fish and chip shop. Detailed route maps will be handed out at the starting point.
Gathering time 5 :15 for a 5: 45 departure. The run is approximately 30 km and should take 1 hour. Due to the uncertainty of our Covid environment we have not sent invitations to all of the car clubs but please feel free to invite any interested friends. While it is great if you can come in a sports car or clubman don’t be afraid to roll up in your daily driver and enjoy the comradery. Sunset on this day is 8:11 pm.
The Sprite Club is ready for Monday the 7th of February which will be our first General Meeting for 2022. Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Rd, Fullarton, from 7:30pm
Hopefully the wheels won’t fall off this year!
Over the break the Committee has been busy putting together a calendar of events for 2022, plus adding some interesting events for later in the year celebrating our 50th year. Find out more about these events at the meeting.
Also if you have a Club Registered vehicle time is running out to have your Log Book and rego papers stamped, as your Membership and rego will have expired on the 31st December 2021.
If you are attending there are a number of COVID-19 requirements you need to be aware of. These include:
• Do not attend the Centre if you are experiencing cold and flu like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath • Practice physical distancing where possible, stay 1.5m apart • Wash hands or use sanitiser provided when entering and exiting the premises. • Maintain appropriate personal hygiene practices (especially covering coughs and sneezes).
2022 will add a number of challenges to the Sprite Club and the Australia Day Picnic was to be the first. Minimal people at private residence were the rules, so the Committee and organisers had various discussions looking at alternatives. But as all good Sprite Club owners know we can work our way through the various problems that face us.
The venue chosen was the grounds at Fullarton Park Community Centre, the weather was warm and humid, but no rain, 28 people attended, and there were a number of Sprites and Midgets in the carpark – so far so good!
Finding a spot under a shady tree the various members soon became involved in conversations around the three “C’s” – COVID, Christmas and Catching up! While the sun did cause many to move their spot during the day, the shade and cool breeze added to the enjoyment of being outdoors.
Soon people were diving into Eskies for lunch and a cleansing beverage ! This was followed up by a dessert of Adelaide Hills produce – Strawberries from Naine, Cherries supplied by the Beaton’s (yum!!) and ice cream.
A few bonnets opened and many took a chance to have a look!. One vehicle that added to the Australia Day theme was the Holden EH Premier Station Wagon of Mike and Anne Schmidt -a lovely vehicle and a reminder of what many drove way back then. There was also Bugeyes of the Brines, Boyce and Cardones- without a roof for a change, the Mk II of the Leane’s, Mk III’s of Dean King and new member Gary Dodd, and the Midget of the Schmarr’s completed the Spridget entourage. The Rover P6B of the Michael and Pat added a British flavour to the car park as well.
A rustle of bucket and a flapping of thongs soon had the thong throwing competition under way. Very simple rules – stand at the appropriate mark, throw the thong, first into the bucket wins! Russel Schmarr did get it in the bucket on his first practice shot – but this was practice.
Many different styles, angles, adjustments for side breezes and attempts still did not get the thong into the bucket. After Round One and no winner – the bucket was brought closer. Round Two – same result – a few close contacts with the bucket – but still the thong would not go in!
Round Three and a quick flick of the wrist had Fay Brock score the winning throw! This was the third time that Fay has won the coveted John and Judy Bowering Memorial Trophy! Congratulations Fay!
Soon people were packing their gear. loading their cars and heading home after an enjoyable day celebrating everything Australian.
Special thanks to Des and Penny Chabrel, Gary and Molly Beaton and everyone else that helped on the day.
Our first event for 2022 will be the Australia Day Picnic and Thong Throwing Competition on Wednesday 26th January.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to host this event at a private residence, therefore the Committee has determined we will hold the event in the grounds of the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
We will be in the same area that we have the Christmas Picnic.
This will be a BYO Picnic Lunch, so please bring the following:
Picnic Lunch, Drinks, Chairs/table, etc
The Chabrels and Beatons will be provide some fresh Hills Produce for sweets.
An important and enjoyable part of the day will be the Thong Throwing Competition, which will be held in the early afternoon. The highly coveted John and Judy Bowering Memorial Trophy will be the just reward for the winning thong throw!
There are a few changes due to the COVID-19 requirements that we ask you to comply with:
Please BYO Chairs, Drinks, Sunscreen, etc
There will a COVID-19 Contact Tracing check-in – either via the QR code or Manual sign-in.
Please maintain the usual social distancing and personal hygiene requirements.
Please do not attend if you are unwell or have any of the recognised symptoms.
Thank you for your support of these requirements to allow this event to proceed.
Please RSVP to president@spriteclub.com.au , gordon.boyce98@gmail.com or 0417 897 905 if you are coming on the day so we have an idea of numbers attending.
I am looking for a 2 Post 240 v Hoist . I have a 4 post Tuff Lift that works , but I have issues with the drive through clearance as my car trailer is so wide and a slight height issue .
Welcome to 2022 and the 50th Anniversary Year of the Sprite Club of South Australia.
This year will be a celebration of the formation of the Sprite Club and there will be special events throughout the year to commemorate this event.
Though with the the current restrictions and COVID-19 and Omicron still prevalent in the community the Sprite Club Committee will meet over the next month to finalise the 2022 Calendar.
Please note the next scheduled event is the Australia Day Picnic at the Chabrels at Oakbank on the 26th January, but will see what the latest restrictions are before posting further details ( currently 10 people at a private house event will impact on this event) More details to follow as they develop.
Just a quick reminder to all members with Club Registered vehicles. If you have not paid your membership by 31st December 2021 you and your vehicle are unregistered. You need to be financial for the vehicle to be registered.
Also you Log Book and rego papers must be updated as well. Please contact either Gordon or Don if you need these signed and stamped.
The Park alongside the Fullarton Park Community Centre is named Kumangka -which means “together” in Kaurna and “signifies a place of people coming together”.
So this is the ideal location to hold the Sprite Club’s annual Christmas Picnic prior to the December General Meeting. Nearly 40 people attended the perfect evening for a picnic and get together.
While people enjoyed their BYO Picnic dinner, the Club provided a vast range of beverages to lubricate the members. This spot with the eskies was a popular meeting place for the male members of the Sprite Club!
President Gordon interrupted the proceedings to Welcome all and make a small announcement.
During the coming week Life Member Gary Brock will be turning a Spritely 90 years old! Gary and wife Fay have been extremely active in the Sprite Club, and other community groups for many years.
There was a few kind words and Gary was presented with an embroidered Sprite Club jacket. A quick chorus of “Happy Birthday” and a range of speciality cup cakes appeared to finish off the picnic.
Soon it was time to head inside for the General Meeting part of the night. After the usual minutes, financial and associated reports, it was time for General Business.
President Gordon announced the competition trophy winners for 2021.
These winners were:
Sprite Driver of the Year – Clive Spreadbury
Associate Driver of the Year – Gerard Miller
Lady Driver of the Year – Helen Stephenson
Encouragement Award – Lee Kernick
Gerard was the only one present, so the the other trophies will be presented in the near future.
Pat Miller had calculated that all of the Sprite drivers had totalled over 680 laps of both the Bend and Mallala circuits during the year!
Congratulations to all of these deserving winners!
The evening soon drew to a close and the members said their goodbyes and passed on Christmas and Festive Season Greetings.
Thanks must go to the following for supplying the drinks, cup cakes, Gary’s gift and for transporting Gary and Fay from Gumeracha to the meeting and return.
With the Festive Season on it’s way and the Sprite Club having a Christmas break here is the December Bugeye Burble and Coming Events for the next few months………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
6th December – Christmas General Meeting – BYO Dinner Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
25th December – Merry Christmas
1st January 2022 – Happy New Year The first day of the Sprite Club’s 50th Year Celebrations
26 January – Australia Day Picnic and Thong Throwing Contest-Oakbank Des and Penny Chabrel have once again offered to host the first event for 2022. A traditional Aussie lunch followed by the infamous Thong Throwing Competition will also be held supporting the spirit of Australia Day. Please RSVP to Des and Penny on 0457 206 946
7 February – General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
13 February – 37th All British Day – Echunga Oval The annual All British Day is a chance to display our Members car and view over 750 British vehicles. This year the All-British Day is returning to Echunga in 2022 with a range of interesting vehicles. If you have entered, entry to the ovals is from 9.00am. Excellent Catering, Displays and Trade Stalls are available as well.
27 February – MSCA Trophy Presentation Day The MSCA Presentation will be held at Mount Barker Oval. Trophies for the Supersprint Rounds, Driver of the Year, and Club of the Year will be presented. More details to follow.
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
Sonya Flynn form the The Modified Mini Car Club is selling tickets to the Penfolds Grange Lottery. There are only 100 tickets at $20 each.
The prize is a 2013 vintage Grange valued at $810.
The money raised goes to Dave Vaughan who is one of the Motorsport Australia Chaplains. Once again he has been doing extraordinary work this year in the motorsport community. He doesn’t tell many people about all his volunteering involves or means to him but take it from me he’s been really busy with visiting people in hospitals and counselling.
So if you’d like to support him please buy a ticket or two. If you just like great red wine please buy a ticket or two. If you’d like to get a loved one a brilliant Christmas present please buy a ticket or two.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
To celebrate the end of the Sprite Year General Meeting we will start with a BYO Picnic Dinner in the park alongside the Fullarton Park Community Centre from 6.00pm.
The Sprite Club will be providing a range of drinks, but please bring your own BYO Picnic dinner, chairs and glasses.
This will be followed by the General Meeting at 8.00pm.
Please note subscriptions are due by the 31st December.
If you have a Club Registered Vehicle please bring the following:
Membership Fees ($50)
Membership Form
Log Book and Current Registration Papers
$5.00 if you require a new log book.
Competition Trophies for 2021 will also be presented at this meeting.
1966 MG Midget MKII- Extensive history. Well, looked after
MG Midget, history previous owner 2003 restoration Panels replaced resprayed, well looked after. 2020, refurbishment carried out.• Brakes, New Disc rotors, pads, new pipes, hoses, rear wheel cylinders, recon Master cylinders by PBR• Gearbox front seal replaced, Colin Dodds• New Chrome Wire Wheels, and Tyres• New Front Splined hubs, front suspension bushes, wheel bearings, recondition Shockers• Rear new Axles and splined, wheels bearing and seals. serviced Shockers• Panhard rod fitted• 1100 engine, new Head gasket and oil seals, Timing chain.• Gas struts fitted to Bonnet• Interior, new carpet, Leather Seats out of an MGF, inertia real seat belts overall car is going to turn heads!
Roof and Tonneau cover is tear free and in good condition. The body is very straight with a couple chrome imperfections front and rear Bumpers bumper.
This MG Midget drives and runs beautifully, strong mechanically, great on the road.
Currently on Historic / club rego. A perfect affordable and reliable Sunday drive! Located in Bahamas Grove West Lakes, Adelaide
Twenty one years ago, under the co-ordination of Sean Power, a group of South Australian Clubman owners/builders/interested people met at the Skillogalee Winery in the Clare Valley. At this meeting were a number of people who still own or are associated with Clubman vehicles. From this enjoyable lunch on a hot November day in 2020 let to the formation of Clubbies SA
So why am I telling you this on the Sprite Club web Site? A number of these people later joined the Sprite Club of SA, and are still associated with the SCSA to this day. These include the Tye’s, Doube’s, Edson’s, and Sean himself.
To commemorate this 21st birthday, Sean and the Clubbies SA team organised a breakfast at the newly refurbished Rezz Hotel. With 50 people present, and over 21 Clubman’s on display, it was a perfect morning for the celebration.
Sprite Club member’s were invited to display their cars as well, so the Cardone’s, President Gordon and the MG Midget of Richard Sutherland supported the event. Phil and Mary-Anne Kies bought their MX-5 as well.
Thanks to Richard Sutherland for the photo
There was a huge breakfast buffet spread, with all the traditional fare, and Sean and Fred has arranged an “everyone wins a prize” raffle, with a range to goodies to give away. There were the usual speeches, and memories of the past. And a great time was had by all.
Thanks to Sean and the Clubbies SA team for the invite and the Sprite Club of SA wish you all the best for the next 21 years!…and beyond!
Throughout the year the Sprite Club of South Australia has conducted a number of Classic Sports Car Cruise’s. Our Co-ordinator, Pat Miller has used a number of different routes and venues for these Saturday Cruises. For this Pancake Cruise Pat suggested a different format.
Like the Monte Carlo Rally of the 1960’s there were various starting points for this run. Over 30 Members arrived at the various starting points of Marion, Firle, Tea Tree Plaza and Elizabeth and headed to Semaphore at the appointed time.
Midgets are GO!
Unfortunately overnight rain, a very windy beachfront and the threat of the occasional shower caused a change of plans. After a quick spot poll of those at the Semaphore Car Park, we headed to to Pat’s back-up plan venue, brother Gerard Miller’s Marque Restoration Workshop.
Spridget Reflections…………..
Soon the BBQ’s were fired up, the pancake mix was cooking and the lemon and sugar, jams and honey were being drizzled over the yummy pancakes!
Pancakes and Astons…………….
The pancake chefs of Pat, Gerard, and Julie kept the pancakes coming and as soon as your plate was empty, another pancake was placed on your plate. Add a tea or coffee and soon SCSA members were well fed and feeling comfortable.
It is all in the codes – DB5, DBR3, TR4
While indulging in the pancakes the Members were surrounded by a range of vehicles that are currently either having repairs or full restorations under the watchful eyes of Gerard. These vehicles included DB5 and DBR3 Aston Martins, Triumph’s TR (including member Phil Kies TR4A) Maserati, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes and Holden!
Gerard was happy for SCSA members to wonder around these exotic vehicles and see the various stages of their restorations. After the pancakes were finished and cleaned away, Gerard invited the Members to the Fabrication Workshop for a Sunday Morning Master Class.
Some of the rusted panels made and replaced on the Ferrari 246 Dino GTS
From a plain piece of flat aluminium, Gerard demonstrated a range of techniques, from basic hammer and soft bag to form the shape to the use of the English Wheel to help put a range of curves and shape in to the material. This flat sheet soon looked like a simple mudguard, with curves, shapes and swage lines to add shape and strength to the piece.
Those that had not visited the workshop before were impressed at the various vehicles and the skills that are used to form the panels and components to return these vehicles to “better than new” condition.
President Gordon thanked Pat and Gerard (and associated helpers) for the morning. There were presentations for the Best Patina to Brenton Schaumloffel’s Midget and Most Desirable Car to Ray Kinley’s Cobra Mustang ( a change from the Clemente Clubman – heater, air-cond and radio!!). Don Cardone had his new Jaguar XJ-S, and the range of moderns included returning members – Steve and Di Kent’s MG HS.
Soon the morning was over and members headed their various ways home, with a full belly and a knowledge of some of the skills that are used in the Marque Restoration workshops.
Special thanks to Pat Miller for organising the Pancake Run and the pancakes. And thanks to Gerard for opening his workshops for the breakfast and for the Master Class that was appreciated by both the male and female members.
Thanks to Robin Dunk for the great photos that captured the morning.
To avoid any confusion due to our predicted inclement weather, the Monte Carlo pancake cruise will proceed as planned. The gathering points and departure times are as listed below.
Firle on Glynburn rd shopping centre north eastern corner departure time 9:00 am look for Don Cardone.
2. Elizabeth shopping centre car park Phillip Highway exit. Departure time 9:00am.
3. Marion shopping centre car park just north of Diagonal rd exit. Departure time 9:05 am look for Grant Stevenson.
4. Tea Tree Plaza next to MacDonalds . departure time 8:45 look for my red Falcon ute.
If you live close to Semaphore you may wish to drive directly to the foreshore car park entrance immediately north of Noonies restaurant.
If you are the only car at a departure point at departure time do not wait leave for Semaphore at the prescribed time.
A pancake morning tea will be provided with toppings and paper plates etc please bring your own drinks,cups, a chair or rug, sun screen.
You will be able to by coffees etc from Noonies restaurant at Semaphore.
Everything going to plan should result in everyone being at Semaphore just after 9:30 am at which time a decision will be made weacther to stay at Semaphore or drive on to Marque Restorations corner of Torrens Rd and Goodall ave in Kilkenny.
Regards Pat Miller 0421289706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au.
Club members attending the Monte Carlo Pancake cruise on Sunday morning next might be concerned about the weather forecast, it is not good at this stage.
Plan B is that we will all gather at the semaphore beach car park as planned.
If the weather is too awful Gerard has generously offered us the use of Marque Restorations workshop, (corner of Torrens rd and Goodall ave about 15min from Semaphore ), as a venue to facilitate our pancake morning tea.
It is not too late to let me know if you still would like to attend.
The Birthday Brunch Sue-Anne and I have developed a menu which is attached as a pdf. Although it is a buffet, it will be served as you come up to the food station, in accordance with current COVID19 requirements. Sue-Anne says no one will go away hungry – the new Churros will be a treat.
DATE – Sunday 21st November 2021 TIME – 9.30am to 11.30 am AREA – Restaurant as a private area. GUEST COUNT – 75 guests maximum SET UP – In the Restaurant we have set up 5 tables of 5 guests; 2 Tables of 20 & 1 table of 10. Guests will need to book whole tables of 5 (if they wish) & the other tables will be shared tables. Please advise guests “first in best dressed”!! They can call my mobile number to book. If I am unable to answer due to service times then I’m happy for them to leave a voice message & I will return their call. MENU – Staff serviced Buffet Breakfast. $42 Menu attached. DRINKS – Urn set up for Tea & Coffee for guests to help themselves. Any espresso coffees will be purchased separately. Jugs of juice on the tables along with water bottles. Sue-Anne Badawee T 8337 2888 M 0418 846 256 The space is limited – book as soon as you can. I have got my 2 seats already! I need to book the place out to celebrate our success over the years.
In case it is not clear, the person you ring to book & pay for a place or a table at the Rezz for the ClubbiesSA 21st, is Sue Badawee – not me. Sue-Anne Badawee T 8337 2888 M 0418 846 256
Hard to believe that our group is 21 years this year. Where has it all gone? I started the group because someone said i could read & write and talk to people, so why don’t I start a group of Clubbie people to get together.
So that’s what I did.
So, as you can see from the attached pdf file of the first two meetings & the attendance book signatures, we had our first meeting of the various characters I had got to hear of, heard of, or had raced with at Mallala, to meet at Dave & Di Palmers winery at Skillogalee. Dave was building a Westy very, very slowly as he was building the winery business. It was a very hot day, in the 40+ degrees C, and Skillogalee is a long way on hot mostly straight bitumen, with minimal corners – roasting. Not ideal clubbie driving weather. The water & shelter Dave provided when we got there was lifesaving! Yet the hottest part of the day was still to come.
And what about the Bennet boys, Malcom & Stephen in their Clubbie. Had driven all the way from just outside Mildura in the heat just to be with us. Tough in the country. And after lunch, were driving back again in the roasting heat.
It was a great lunch with more water than their famous wines consumed, I think. Again, so hot even in the outside shade that the butter was melting in the butter dishes. Still, a fabulous special lunch and much enjoyed by all.
It was a great start to getting many people together who may have only spoken on the phone or very early email/web discussions. The comments are indicative of the great day had by all.
I had met Paul & Ruth Doube by chance in a street, just driving in my Clubbie. He ran out into the road and stopped me and said he had always wanted to build one, so I invited him to the event that was happening. They turned up at Skillogalee in their Ford Capri (the one outsider on the day) and spent the time talking to everyone.
Paul drove my car home (in the scorching heat) whilst my wife Liz & Ruth went back in the air conditioned Capri. Did I mention it was hot!
What a great start.
I included our second gathering notes at Akhira with Lyn & Robert in April 2001 where 20 people turned up. Another great day. I kept an attendance record for maybe a couple of years at various gatherings and it is interesting to remember the dates and things we did. A few years later, I started the concept of a Third Sunday (copied from the Lotus First Sunday run that several of us used to go on) at Burnside Village. This went on for several years until their re development and too many Toorak Tractors crowding into their space. Lovely space but the redevelopment moved us out.
Next, a brief year or so just up Greenhill Road and Devereux Road intersection till we outgrew the space and finally after a long search, to the Rezz. Over the last 12 years or so, Fred & Sue-Anne have been great hosts and generous in their support and sponsor ship with gifts for lucky draws at Christmas and other times. Importantly, it has been a safe space for our cars to be parked, easy to keep an eye on and importantly, coffee (and toilets).
So far, I have handed out about 170 membership key rings over the years. I have seen member and their cars come and go as their interest changes, and sadly, I have seen several friend “shuffle off this mortal coil” As ClubbiesSA developed, together we have done great things from Mike Laws and Warren Scarman with the first Clubbie Nats in Echucca, to Mike Laws, Warren Scarman, Barry Edson, Paul Doube, Simon Gigney and myself organising the 2007 and 2011 Nationals in Hahndorf and Tanunda, and Alastair Dow, Phil Coates, Dion Schulz and myself delivering the 2019 Nationals, again at Hahndorf. The SA Nats are the best attended in Australia, with over 100 cars each time. We now have first and third Sunday gatherings which cater for those both north and south and keeps the connections going in the group. And each month, it is highly likely that a new car or potential member may turn up with a car that we may not have known about. Whatever, they are always welcome.
So to the Anniversary lunch on the 21st November. I would like to celebrate the day with as many cars as possible so that we can get some great photos our our members cars outside the new Rezz. Fred says that for this day, we can park as tightly as possible on the grass up to the edge of the Hotel, where we now normally sit in the sun. This should give us some great picture opportunities.
Many of us are members of the Sprite Club and I am asking them if they would like to join with us on the day with their cars so their is a great display of cars.
What a different 5 degrees makes. 5 degrees of ignition retard and the engine in my Midget finally came to life but what a journey to get this point.
Last year I installed a ‘fast road cam’ and a fully ported and polished cylinder head from a well-respected local cam grinder along with some other bits and tricks to extract a wee bit more power from the mighty 1275 A Series. My goal was in the region of 80hp or there abouts, a nice 15hp or roughly 25% gain over standard. After pulling the engine out to install the new cam (not sure if this is just a 1275 A-Series thing but the engine needs to be inverted to replace the camshaft) and replacing all manner of hidden atrocities that the previous owner (or his mechanic) had failed to rectify, I was ready to tune it and take it for a test run.
I set the advance up as per recommendations and off up the road I went. It sounded a wee bit meatier but there was never the urge or the rolling sound that I expected. To be honest, it was flat in the critical 2000-3500 band. It briefly cam alive around 3500 but below that, nothing.
It was suggested the standard HS2 pair wasn’t feeding the beast it’s new dietary needs. That made sense to me. After a fair bit of searching various online markets I found a pair of HS4 off a 67 MGB and pair from a 79/80 Spitfire (or a 79 Midget), plus a few random strays of different sizes (need a pair of H1 for your Mk1 Sprite – I know someone who has a set he will gladly sell!). Note, the MGB ones I knew came off a working car so logically, I didn’t tackle them first. I rebuilt the late model HS4 with the ball bearing pistons. Mistake #2.
I’ll come to Mistake #1 later.
That said, the lessons I learned from re-bushing the first pair carbs, the additional tools I’ve acquired etc has been invaluable.
Mistake #3 was my not pushing back against Moss for a major part that they sold me. HS4 needs a different manifold as the stud pattern is different. The suggestions I had was (a) cut and shut an MGB manifold (technically challenging), buy a Maniflow manifold (issue – availability) or Moss had a very neat manifold available on their website from Mangelosti, a known manufacturer of high quality racing intakes. The answer seemed logical. When it arrived, I read a warning on the packaging that didn’t appear on the Moss website. It stated that ‘some modification to body work may be required’. I should have sent it back immediately but I hung my hope on the words ‘may be’. I should have sent it back! The carburettors hit the inner guard and the car lay immobile for another month as I found and bought (and then had fixed) Option 2, the Maniflow manifold.
If you haven’t heard of Maniflow they make some of the best intake and exhaust manifolds in the business. The business grew out of Downton Engineering and, for A and B series engines, they have a great reputation. However …. they were heavily effective by COVID19 with their manufacturing program being at a very reduced capacity. And, there is one chap in the company who makes the Midget one. Anyway, the new, very sexy manifold duly arrived via SU Midel and I quickly switched everything across and, very excitedly, fitted the manifold. I was like a kid in a toy shop who had been looking through the windows for years. Mistake #4. In my haste to turn fuel and air into wonderful noise, I didn’t put a straight edge over the manifold. I trusted that, as the manufacturer of perhaps the best A Series intake manifolds anywhere, that it would be right. It wasn’t. The head faces where not flat and the faces were not parallel. Once it finally started (with three full turns on the jets and the chokes all the way down) it went to 4000+ revs on start-up and died. The air leaks were massive. I thought it was just air leaks…
By now the carbs have been removed four times and it just got worse. I went through everything trying to close the manifold leaks. New stepped washers, different gasket, gasket goop (we are up to six times on and off now, in case someone is counting). Out of frustration, I ring my brother and bounce ideas off him. Put a straight edge across it and shine a light up and see if its flat he suggests. Sure enough … a call to SU Midel, supplied them photos and they offered me to wait for the guy at Maniflow to get back off leave (and sea freight) or have it repaired. They quickly arranged for the manifold to go around to a local race mechanic and he agreed with my call on the manufacturing (phew) and resurfaced it. Back it came and, like that kid in the toy shop again, I rapidly re-assembled the manifold and installed it all.
Side note – by the 7th re-fit I can now install a set of SUs pretty quickly by now.
Everything was set and ready to go and it all should work right? Yeah …… no. Yes, it idled, kind of, but it wouldn’t drop under 1500 rpm. Mistake #2 was coming back to haunt me. The carburettors where off a Midget 1500 or a Trumpy Spitfire Mk5 (FZX1122). Why did I chose these to rebuild? Mainly because of the low profile ‘HIF’ style vacuum chambers were never going to hit the bonnet – Midgets have a severe lack of room under the bonnet! What I didn’t know was that the 1500 Triumph engine also uses a very different cam profile on the choke cams and the throttle quadrants. Now, in my defence, I wrote to SU Carbs (Burlen Fuels) in the UK to make sure my rebuild parts list was correct before ordering and I think they missed the part where I said it was for a conversion to a 1275 A Series. As a result, it was never, ever, going to idle under 1500 rpm as the cams hold the throttle discs too far open, even with no idle adjustment and no fast idle screws.
Oh – the carbs have now come of another two times as I’ve been trying to resolve this and the used gasket count has been spiralling, but at least I’m not destroying exhaust gaskets, only the SU ones at $2 a pop (x6). Don’t do the maths, its depressing!
So, as I stood, beer in hand, contemplating giving up and refitting the original HS2s and going back on the road with my tail between my legs I remembered the early MGB ones. Has to be worth a shot I thought? The throttle shafts were heavily worn but by now my tool chest includes a neat oversize throttle spindle reamer from Joe Curto at British Superior and one set of his oversized (and over priced) shafts. Within 30 minutes and no more than a hand drill I had installed two brand new shafts, perfectly aligned the both carbies where finished. I refitted the low profile ‘HIF Style’ vacuum chambers, and in doing so made Mistake #5. The engine started, it idled, it behaved and using a pair of Colortunes I kind of got the mixture right and I rejoiced. Finally, off out onto the open road and up the old road to Belair, my favourite road for tuning the car. It was absolutely gutless and totally gut wrenching. Terrible doesn’t begin to describe it. The rockers where clattering like they were about to explode, there was some sort of fumes coming from the bonnet at the lights and the temperature was off the scale.
Mistake #2 was still plaguing me and now Mistake #1 really kicked in. So I headed onto every Australian A Series forum I could find. It had to be the damned cam shaft and I was already devising ways to get the cam out without pulling the engine. At about 9 o’clock on Sunday night I struck gold. Someone could identify the camshaft and gave me the cam grinders name and email address. So, I wrote to him. Checked my emails all Monday and was getting pretty frustrated when, at 5.30, the phone rang. It was Graham Russell, the chap who ground the cam. A quick chat over the phone and he basically sorted out my issues, corrected the last part of Mistake #2 and, most importantly, resolved Mistake #1 in about 30 seconds.
The last part of #2 was the use of the HIF style vacuum chambers. They use the SU ‘B’ style spring for which the softest is the Red (4.5 oz tension) spring. I needed the lighter Blue (2.5 oz) as the vacuum wasn’t strong enough to lift the pistons. So, the MGB vacuum chambers where fitted and miracle, they clear the bonnet – just. Voila, I’m getting full movement in both pistons.
Which brings me to Mistake #1. The root cause of everything. When the cam came, the shop I bought it from gave me the advice to ‘set it as per the book for a standard cam’. So, I grabbed the book, got the timing details and set it all up. Here’s the rub. I have three versions of the workshop manual. A large folder of photocopy sheets of a 1971 British Leyland workshop manual, one of the first editions of the Haymes manual that I picked up for free in an op shop and the current version of the Haymes manual. The new one was on the top of the pile so I used that. It said use 13 degrees before top dead centre at 1000 rpm, vacuum disconnected. I couldn’t get it to run at 13 as every time I turned it off it ran on, but at 12 degrees it ran. I’ve been using that setting for exactly 12 months. Well, the book has a misprint – the timing should be 4-8 degrees BTDC. I backed if off on the vernier the full way (5 degrees) back to somewhere in the 7-8 region and the car cam alive. The engine note deepened, the power came on early, the engine ran cooler. Up the road to Belair it was pulling out of corners in 3rd where previously I felt I needed to get out an push in second. For 12 months its run like a woolly goat and it may well have run ok on the original HS2, but I’ll never know.
Somewhere along the line, Haymes have attempted to make the manual look a bit tidier and easier to read and in doing so they’ve printed the wrong data. Six degrees of separation? I’ll take five degrees of ignition retardation any day!
The first Friday in November is iconic for those of us that remember the F1 Grand Prix’s that ran at the Adelaide Parklands Circuit. While it was a fantastic motorsport event, there were many extra events that helped make the Grand Prix a week long party!
The Climb to the Eagle was one of those events. John Blanden organised a run from Hutt Street to the Eagle on the Hill hotel for special interest and historic racing cars to drive on the city streets up the “old” road to the Eagle on the Hill for a morning tea.
This event has continued since the Grand Prix left our state and has become a great motoring morning.
This years event started at the Victoria Park Historic grandstand (due to the COVID testing station on the old Grand Prix Main Straight) with approx. 250 cars. The entrants headed via Hutt Street, Glen Osmond road to the South Eastern Freeway, turning off at Devils elbow for the old road , past the Eagle on the Hill hotel, and headed to Hahndorf for Morning Tea.
The second part of the day includes a run and lunch at Victor Harbour in respect of the previous Grand Prix held at the Victor Harbour circuit.
This year Sprite Club and Clubbies SA members joined in with a range of Classic and Special Interest Vehicles.
Thanks to Robin Dunk and Chris Brine for the photos of the event
Nineteen people, 11 cars, some Spridgets and a number of other classic vehicles left Hazelwood Park for Russell and Judy Schmarr’ s latest Mid-Week Meander. While the weather started ok, the clouds rolled in and rain threatened, and finally fell from the sky, so hoods were erected for the journey.
Heading up Greenhill Road towards Basket Range, Swamp Road and Fox Creek Road the Meander followed some of the traditional Hills routes. A loop around the Gorge Road soon had the Meanderers heading north, over Checker Hill and out towards Kersbrook for the refuelling stop.
After a morning tea, it was through Williamstown and on towards the the bushfire remains of Humbug Scrub and into the Barossa Valley. Menglers Hill and Barossa Valley Way ended the drivers and their passengers at the South Australian Company Store. This café/restaurant is nestled between grape vines and rolling countryside, and provided a backdrop for the cars on the run. The food and service were outstanding, as as usual, no-one went away hungry.
Thanks to Russell and Judy for organising the meander and we look forward to similar runs in the new year.
Thanks to Steve and Kathie Leane, and their Blue Mk II Sprite, for the great images used in this article.
14th November Classic Sports Car Cruise – Monte Carlo to Semaphore! – Departure at 9.00am
Classic Sports Car Cruise with a difference, starting at various sites around the city – north south and east, we will all end up at the Semaphore foreshore for a pancake breakfast around 9.30 -10.00 am.
For catering reasons please contact Pat Miller 0421289706 email, nanmiller@adam.com.au
21st November Clubbies SA 21st Celebration and Car Display
The Rezz Hotel, Hamilton Terrace, Newton.
The Sprite Club of SA has had a long relationship with Clubbies SA and we have been invited to their 21st Birthday.
27th November MSCA Super Sprint – Round 4 – Mallala Motorsport Park
The final round of the MSCA SuperSprint Series will be at Mallala.
NOTE: this will be held on Saturday 27th Nov.
Please come along and support our Sprite and Clubbies SA competitors.
6th December Christmas General Meeting – BYO Dinner – 6.00pm – Meeting – 8.00pm
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
To celebrate the end of the Sprite Year General Meeting we will start with a BYO Picnic Dinner in the park alongside the Fullarton Park Community Centre.
The Sprite Club will be providing a range of drinks, but please bring your own dinner, chairs and glasses.
Competition Trophies for 2021 will be presented at this meeting.
Hi please find below a reminder from the ABD organising committee
Dear All British Day Entrant,
As Spring is still sorting itself out if we will see sunshine or rain, it has been very pleasing to see healthy numbers of entries coming in either via our website and our PO Box. It certainly confirms in our minds that many British vehicle owners want to make the trip to Echunga next February.
We do not know yet what COVID related restrictions or conditions will apply next February, but it does seem to appear that as a nation we are working towards reducing some of the restrictions that have kept us and events at bay for the last 12 plus months.
2022 will be the first year that we intend to stage five feature display over both Ovals. Focusing onboth the diverse and wide range of British Vehicles that have contributed much to Australia’shistory.
British Working Wheels
120 Years of Norton Motor bikes
120 Years of Triumph Motor Bikes
100 Years of the Baby Austin 7
60 Years of the E Type Jaguar
The above categories are reasonably self-explanatory, as to the vehicles that would be eligible to enter.
Possibly British Working wheels may need some further explanation as this category a bit broad. This category is intended to be inclusive of the wide and diverse range of British vehicles that were put to work and played their part in Australia’s past:
Push bikes, small motorbikes (for postal use etc) larger motorbikes, possibly with side cars as used by the government departments and for road-side service.
British cars of all shapes and sizes have been used as company cars down the years
British cars have also had a role in Commonwealth departments
British vans and trucks, tractors, utes and other commercial vehicles have also played an important role in private enterprise, government and the military
If you feel your pride and joy may be a good ambassador for British Working Wheels, please nominate this via our online form by nominating ABD Feature Club 2 as the club to park with. We are looking to try and get a good cross section of vehicles.
As a committee we are looking forward to the event. I know many club members are keen to catch up. To those of you who have already lodged your entry thank you.
To those who intend to enter and still have this job on the “to do list” could I please ask that you
Due to the postponement of the Annual Sprite Display Day, at the October General Meeting was a Sprite Display – with a difference!
Members had coloured in the Sprite paper cut-out models that were posted on the web site recently and displayed them at the meeting.
Comments ranged from where they had found some coloured pencils, to how they had glued the models together, and how much sticky tape was required.
Some were personalised to look like the owners own vehicles, with number plates, body colour, trim and even mag wheels! Some even made roads and cobblestone driveways – with the mandatory oil drip or two!
Winner of the night was Steve Kent’s Blue Bugeye, with the David and Di Low’s grand-daughter’s Rainbow Sprite in second place.
Thanks to all who participated with the Sprite Display – with a difference!
Here is the download if you would like to make one of these models.
29th/31st Oct Legend of the Lakes Hillclimb – Mount Gambier – Entries have Sold Out!
1st November Annual General Meeting
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
All committee positions will be declared vacant, so if you would like to assist with the running of the Sprite Club please contact a committee person now!
14th November Classic Sports Car Cruise – Monte Carlo to Semaphore! – Departure at 9.00am
Classic Sports Car Cruise with a difference, starting at various sites around the city – north south and east, we will all end up at the Semaphore foreshore for a pancake breakfast around 9.30 -10.00 am.
For catering reasons please contact Pat Miller 0421289706 email, nanmiller@adam.com.au
21st November Clubbies SA 21st Celebration and Car Display
The Rezz Hotel, Hamilton Terrace, Newton.
The Sprite Club of SA has had a long relationship with Clubbies SA and we have been invited to their 21st Birthday.
Just letting you know that entry details for the 2022 McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic on April 3rd are now available on the website.
Entry can be completed by using the following link http://www.vintageandclassic.com.au The entry fee is $30 per vehicle. Once you have submitted your on-line entry do not forget to make the payment into our account through your Internet Banking facility or post us a cheque. Your entry cannot be processed until this payment is received. An email acknowledging receipt of your entry and payment will be sent.
The 2022 event will again be conducted in accordance with the COVID restrictions at the time and we ask that you respect any decisions, and directions that the organising committee are required to put in place. Our committee is working hard to ensure that the 2022 event is conducted in a safe manner and is able to be enjoyed by all.Looking forward to seeing you on April 3rd RegardsTrevor SharpChairmanMcLaren Vale Vintage & Classic EventPhone: 0415 820 719www.vintageandclassic.com.au
From our recent committee meeting, I am pleased to advise that we are still proceeding with our plans to host All British Day next February. To date we have not had any feedback from SA Health regarding our application, therefore as previously advised we will keep forging ahead. However, we do not know what decisions we may or not make between now and next February.
A change for All British Day 2022 will be to the format of the program, as we have had to re allocate our resources to ensure that we can do our best to be Covid compliant. We are proposing to publish an abridged program and all the entrant’s data normally published in the hard copy program will be loaded on to our website instead. Rest assured; the content of the data will be no different to what we have previously published in the program.
By introducing this change we can release labour to help run the event. With five feature events, there will certainly be interesting articles to read!
• British Working Wheels • 60 Years of the E Type Jaguar • 100 years of the Austin 7 • 120 years of Norton • 120 years of Triumph
As is our usual custom you can book your Sporting Car Club British Breakfast held at Mylor via our entry form. We do also have memorabilia for sale for the avid collectors amongst you.
Looking ahead to the day, if you have a vehicle that you would like to be considered for one of the feature displays, please indicate this to us.
Britain’s Working Wheels could be represented by push bikes, small motor bikes, larger capacity motor bikes (eg police) or outfits, or small runabout company cars, middle management and upper management saloons up to vice regal and commonwealth cars. The armed forces and business and agriculture have all been supported by British engineering as well.
We will be opening the website for entries 27/9/2021 and closing it 1/11/2021 so please get in early. We do have a limit on how many vehicles that we can park within the grounds, and we would hate you to miss out.
There have been changes to our terms and conditions since 2020 so please visit our website.
The committee and I are looking forward to All British Day 2022.
Please note due to the October Long Weekend the next General Meeting will be held on Monday 11th October at 8.00pm.
The usual COVID-19 restrictions will still be in place, with QR Codes and sign-in at the entrance. At this point in time masks will still be required while in the Fullarton Park Community Centre.
As the usual Display Day will not be going ahead at the end of the month we will have a Sprite Display ……… with a difference.
Unfortunately I will be unable to organise a sports car cruise on Oct 16 th as had been planned. Please cross this one off your calendar. However there will be a cruise with a few variations on SUNDAY Nov 14th. This time we will endeavour to incorporate aspects of cruising with our missed display day and a morning tea.
In an effort to make the day as easy as possible for everyone to join in there will be 4 starting points and one finishing point, that being the Semaphore beach car park, second entrance north of Fort Granville. (Don’t get collected by the little steam train ) In order to secure a reasonably compact gathering of cars we will need to arrive at Semaphore around 9:30 /10:00am.
It is envisaged that club members will meet at the following 4 locations and travel in convoy to Semaphore arriving pretty much at the same time.
1 For eastern suburbs residences, Firle shopping centre north eastern corner adjacent to Glynburn Rd. Distance to destination 24km est travel time 43 min depart Firle at 9:0 am.
2 Northern suburbs residents, Elizabeth shopping centre car park near the Phillip Hwy exit. Distance to destination 26.5 km. est travel time 42 min depart Elizabeth at 9:0 am.
3 Southern suburbs residents. Marion shopping centre car park just north of diagonal rd exit 300m north of diagonal rd Sturt rd intersection. Distance to destination 22 km. est travel time 40 min depart 9:05 AM.
4 North east residents. Tea Tree Plaza car park just outside McDonalds parking area Distance to destination 21.7 km. est travel time 45 min. depart 8;45 I would like this group, including yours truly, to arrive at Semaphore early to help set up BBQ etc.
It is possible you may be the only car at any of these departure points so don’t wait past the departure time.
5 People living in the Semaphore area may wish to drive direct to the car park.
We will be looking for departure point leaders just to make sure everyone leaves on time.
To incorporate morning tea at Semaphore we would ask everyone to bring what ever they would like to drink with them including cups. There is a café in the car park (Noonies) who do make a very nice coffee.
The plan is to have a couple of BBQ hot plates on hand and mass produce enough pancakes to feed everyone along with a range of pancake spreads ie jam honey etc.
As with all sports car cruises there will be a trophy for the most appealing car and the car with the best patina as decided by an elite panel of discerning judges.
It may be wise to bring a chair or a rug and even a sun shade, sun screen, if needed.
While you may not have a sprite ( yours is not running) or another special interest car to bring to the show please come anyway and enjoy the morning.
For catering reasons please do your best to let me know if you are coming and how many people will be with you .
Online and Interactive for 2021 – click on the link below.
https://baytobirdwood.history.sa.gov.au/
On Sunday 26 September our digital front door will be open for an online celebration of the Bay to Birdwood. Jump on the Bay to Birdwood website Sunday morning and watch, play and read to your heart’s content. Don’t forget our special 40th anniversary documentary Life in the Past Lane airing live on Ch44 in Adelaide at 8.00pm ACST and Ch31 Melbourne at 8.30pm AEST.
Life in the Past Lane – 40 years of the Bay to Birdwood
Follow the fabulous journey of one of the world’s great historic motoring events as it celebrates over 40 years of four-wheelers, two-wheelers, fashion and fun. Life in the Past Lane will take you back to where it all began and give you an exclusive look at the Bay to Birdwood in all its glory.
Premieres on Ch44 in Adelaide at 8.00pm ACST or Ch31 Melbourne at 8.30pm AEST. Or watch anytime on-demand on CTV+ at www.ctvplus.org.au.
Behind the wheel – the people of the Bay to Birdwood
Check out a selection of interviews and mini-documentaries on some of the entrants who would have been in this year’s event. Take a ride with them as they show off their special vehicle and share some insights into why they would have been in one of the world’s great historic motoring events. Available to view online via the Bay to Birdwood website on 26 September.
And the winner is!
Get an exclusive look at the new Concours d’Elegance trophies. Designed by artists from the renowned JamFactory, the new trophies (and the retiring Run and Classic trophies) will be revealed through this documentary exploring design inspiration and the manufacture of these new and exciting awards. Available to view online via the Bay to Birdwood website on 26 September.
Test your engine
Get your engine running a special free-to-play Bay to Birdwood Online Quiz created exclusively in collaboration with Quiz Meisters. Do you know your Model T from FJ? Do veterans get you going or are you an outright classic? Pull a team together and compete to be the event’s biggest fans for a chance to win a special Bay to Birdwood prize pack. Available to play on the Bay to Birdwood website from 8 am ACST on Sunday 26 September, with a winner announced at 7:30 pm ACST.
Tune your motor skills
Word search, jigsaw puzzles and jumbled words – Have fun online with games specially made for the Bay to Birdwood.
Programs, get your programs here!
Each year since 1980 the Bay to Birdwood has produced a special event program. Collected by many and some now hard to find and rare, we are launching our eBook collection of Bay to Birdwood programs. These are a marvellous resource and in themselves contain much information that will have you taking a journey back in time. Available to view for free from Sunday 26 September on the Bay to Birdwood website.
The Bay to Birdwood has become an icon in both the South Australian motoring calendar and the SA Major Events List. With the cancellation of the 2021 event it is time to “flashback” and have a quick look at the Sprite Club’s association with the Bay to Birdwood.
The original 1980 Bay to Birdwood was developed to replicate the London to Brighton Run in England. Within a few years the B2B became one of the largest motoring events in the world. Initially for veteran and vintage cars up to 1945, half of the challenge was getting to the start at Glenelg, let alone the journey to the National Motor Museum at Birdwood.
The Bay to Birdwood was then run every two years for a number of years for the Veteran and Vintage Cars. In 1997 there was enough interest to run an event for Classic cars. This provided an ideal opportunity for a number of Sprite Club members to join the field of nearly 1200 vehicles. The Start was at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg and members met at Anzac Highway so we could be together at the start.
To add to the spectacle, the Adelaide Crows had won their first grand Final the day before, so many cars were displaying the states tri-colour, and many of the spectators were still partying from the win, which added to the whole event.
From the success of this event, the Classic was held every second year, as an alternate to the traditional B2B run. Due to the number of cars the starting venue was moved to Barrett Reserve, West Beach. This venue has since been the starting site for all B2B events.
The route taken has changed, but generally heads via Anzac Highway, Greenhill Road, Dequettiville Terrace, and North East Road before heading through the hills. For some years these hills roads were closed to oncoming traffic, and was made a two lane road to Birdwood, great piece of road to drive on the wrong side of the road!
At the Birdwood Mill there were Concours, rock’n’roll dancing, food, wine plus a great display of cars, fashions and activities.
For 2020, the traditional and Classic events were combined, allowing for a vast range of motor vehicles of all ages, and a differing spectacle for the many spectators that line the route from the Bay to Birdwood.
Hopefully the event will return when things get back to normal, post-COVID, so both entrants and spectators can enjoy this special event.
Over the weekend of the 3rd/4th July (Donald Healey’s Birthday Weekend) there was a special event held in England.
A Blue Plaque was unveiled at the site of the Donald Healey Motor Company in Warwick. This was a converted cinema and was opened as the International Sports Car Centre on 3rd July 1963 and closed in December 1974.
A blue plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place in the United Kingdom and elsewhere to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, event, or former building on the site, serving as a historical marker.
A display of Healey and Austin Healey’s was conducted on the 4th July at the British Motor museum at Gaydon. Here many unique and historic vehicles were displayed.
In recognition of this event a Souvenir Brochure published by David Matthews and a number of items were added to the Goodie bag by the Team from AH Spares.
While 400 were produced there is approx. 80 remaining. if you would like to purchase one they are available by emailing to warwickhealeycc21@btinternet.com.
Cost is 5.00 UK Pounds with 9.30 UK pounds postage.
Since I last wrote to you there has been much happening internationally, nationally and locally. COVID-19 and its devastating mutant strains are still very much with us and unfortunately continue to affect us either directly or indirectly. But, life must go on! In my last letter I advised that we would submit the necessary documentation to Health SA for permission to host All British Day in 2022 and once we had received a reply, we could then assess the feasibility to proceed. We have submitted the documents, but we now find that we must review this strategy.
In these ever-changing times SA Health has many priorities, and we find ourselves like many others in the community all craving for concise definitive information that is simply not yet available. We understand that to get permission from SA Health, now, for an event to be held next February, is unlikely, as the department will assess each application closer to its opening date. The conundrum we currently face is, if we wait until we get permission there will simply not be enough time to organize the event. The only course of action open to us to us if we want to host ABD in 2022 is to keep proceeding on what we know and can find out in a responsible manner. We are confident that we do have the resources to stage the event. I must, however, emphasise that our primary goal of keeping everyone safe has not changed.
Our intention is to open the website for entries later this month, on Monday 27/9/2021, closing it five weeks later on Monday 1/11/2021. We have not increased entrant or spectator or pricing from 2020. Operationally we want to keep the day as close as we can to its proven successful formula whilst incorporating the necessary changes to ensure that we comply with our Covid obligations.
The entry process to the Ovals has had to be reviewed to ensure that all drivers, riders and passengers can either QR scan, or fill out the mandatory contact tracing information prior to parking on the ovals. To keep the queues down and the roads clear Gate B cars will be directed to the public car park for Covid check in and Gate pass checks, Gate A cars will undertake these same checks at Gate A. We do ask for your patience as we introduce this necessary change to entry arrangements. We are conscious of timing and therefore we will be allowing vehicles to arrive from 8.30 am until 10.30am. Additional staff will also be rostered on the day to ensure that we can get you onto the Ovals quickly and safely.
If you have a vehicle suitable for our British Working wheels feature, we would like to hear from you. We will also be celebrating 60 years of the Jaguar E Type, 120 Years of both Norton and Triumph motorbikes, as well as 100 years of Austin. If you have a vehicle that you would like to be considered for any of our feature displays, please let us know via our entry form or contact us.
I will send another newsletter just prior to the website opening with the latest information available at the time. Kind Regards Jamie Sandford-Morgan
With Spring in the air and the Winter Solstice well in the past, it was time for Russell and Judy Schmarr to dust off the previous Meander that did not occur due to poor weather.
So in bright sunlight our Spridgeteers and a few others gathered in 10 cars at Blackwood Railway Station to set out at 10 am on the Sprite Club’s Mid-Week Meander – Southern Sojourn.
Our route passed through the beautiful green paddocks and gold flowering wattles in the Adelaide Hills via Ironbank, back of Echunga on back roads less travelled, through Paris Creek to Strathalbyn. Here we stretched out in warm sunshine for morning tea at 11.00am.
Leaving Strathalbyn on the Ashbourne Road, we had clear views to Lake Alexandrina and the Southern Coast from the top of the range then down to Ashbourne, past Cox’s Creek, through Mt Compass then down Old Willunga Hill Road to enjoy a tasty pub lunch at The Alma Hotel.
Special thanks to Russell and Judy for organising this Meander. Please keep an eye on the calendar for the next one!
Thanks to Don Williams, Steve Leane and Russell and Judy Schmarr for the great photos!
Well after 12 months we finally sat down at the Namaste Nepalese Restaurant for the Annual Dinner! With the COVID impact and sudden State lockdowns, it was great to be able to get nearly 50 Sprite Club members in one room!
The evening started with a range of drinks and an assortment of tasty entrees to sample. President Gordon Boyce welcomed all to the 49th Annual Dinner and outlined a few of the requirement for the evening. The conversations and social interactions were an important part of the evening, as many members had not seen each other for a number of months. And the traditional “Gary’s Quiz” kept many thinking throughout the event – Thanks Gary Brock!
As the meal was a Nepalese Banquet, the main meals soon arrived and there was a vast assortment of flavours and dishes to choose from. Chicken, Lamb and Prawns, supplemented with pumpkin, vegetables, mustard leaves, plus rice and naan bread made the meal a gastronomic event.
Due to the differing year and only two motorsport events at this stage, the Committee has withheld some trophies at this stage. These will be presented later in the year, probably at the December General meeting after the various motorsport competition has concluded.
The President took over the floor and presented a small gift to the newly engaged couple, Scott and Helen Stephenson. The answers to Gary’s Quiz were divulged and there was only a few points between the Stokes/Hallings and Edson/Dunk teams, with both taking home the choccies!
The Tony Bennetto “Spirit of Sprites” Award is presented in recognition and memory of Tony and his enthusiasm for Sprites, their enjoyment and continued use. Based on this criteria President Gordon presented this trophy to a deserving couple who have for a number of years, ensured that the Mid-Week Meanders allow Members to get out and enjoy their Sprites/Midgets/Associate vehicles as Tony would have intended. The deserving winners were Russell and Judy Schmarr.
Michael McClaren presented small gifts on behalf of the Club to Narelle – for allowing Gordon to preside over the Club for the past few years, and to Gordon for assisting in keeping the Sprite Club on an even course with all of the changes and challenges that are being enforced upon us.
After a few door prizes were presented, dessert followed and the conversations continued around the room. This was the progress of the rest of the evening till the last party -goers headed home late into the night!
Thanks must go to Michael McClaren for his organisation of the evening and support of the dinner drinks. Don Cardone made a small presentation to Michael in recognition of his work behind the scenes on these events.
Thanks to all members for support of the evening and look forward to the 50th Sprite Club Annual Dinner in 2022!
The MSCA super sprint to be held on October 31 at The Bend east circuit will require more flaggies than are required for Mallala. If you could help out on the day would you please notify MSCA secretary Murray Stephenson email stephenson@esc.net.au It is a good opportunity to get close to the action and your help will be very much appreciated.
The final Super Sprint meeting for 2021 will be at Mallala on SATURDAY Nov 27.
Any questions re the above please phone Pat Miller 0421289706 or email nanmiller@adam.com.au
WEDNESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER –MEET 9.30AM FOR A 10.00AM DEPARTURE
While the Winter Solstice has been and gone the Southern Solstice Sojourn will return having been postponed due to bad weather in June.
The Winter Solstice marks that point in the year when there is the least amount of hours of daylight. Many ancient civilisations have acknowledged this event – There are feasts, celebrations, rituals – even the Druids have held built monoliths in recognition of this event in the calendar year.
The Sprite Club of SA usually has a social drive……………………
and now that Spring is hear the days are sunny and clear just the weather for getting that Sprite, Midget or Clubman out of the shed!
Russell and Judy have planned a Southern Sojourn for the next Mid-Week Meander with the usual Schmarr Style Twist , where we will take the long way there and shortest route home.
Meet at the Blackwood Railway Station Carpark – Eastern Side – cross over the railway line if coming from Blackwood Roundabout and turn left into the car park.
BYO Morning Tea.
After the usual interesting drive, we will end up in all directions for the lunch venue.
Please note these may be a kilometre or two of good dirt road.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
11th/12th Sept SA Hillclimb Championship – Collingrove
11th September 49th Sprite Club Annual Dinner
Namasté Nepalese Restaurant – 41 George St, Parkside
Please arrive at 6.30pm – Pre-Dinner drinks.
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head.
The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
15th September Mid-Week Meander – Southern Sojourn
Russell and Judy have planned a Southern Sojourn for the next Mid-Week Meander.
Meet 9.30am for a 10.00am departure at the Blackwood Railway Station Carpark – Eastern Side – BYO Morning Tea.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
26th September Bay to Birdwood and Motorfest – Cancelled due to COVID
3rd October Barossa Vintage Collingrove Hillclimb
11th October General Meeting
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park. Note: Meeting is not the first Monday of the Month due to the Long Weekend.
16th October Classic Sports Car Cruise
Now that daylight saving is back it is time for an evening cruise with our Classic Cars! More details to follow.
31st October MSCA Super Sprint – Round 3 – The Bend East Circuit
Next round of MSCA Super Sprint Series will head to the 3.9km and 22 bends of The Bend East Circuit . Last year the drivers who entered enjoyed the changing elevations and challenging corners of this circuit at The Bend Motorsport Complex.
Please find below the banquet menu for Saturdays nights Annual Dinner.
Please have a look at the menu, mostly gluten free but if you have other dietary requirements can you please let me know ASAP 0419802163
Also there will be a limited amount of sponsored wine and soft drinks available on the night. When they run out there will be a system in place to purchase any extra at your own expense.
Please do not arrive before 6:30, 41 George Street, Parkside 5063, due to covid restrictions and BYO mask for moving around the venue when not seated.
Just a quick reminder we will be having the General Meeting at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road on Monday 6th September at 8.00pm.
Due to current COVID restrictions you will be required to sign in to both the Centre and to the Sprite Club meeting via the QR Codes available on site.
Also due to activity restrictions you will be required to wear a mask at all times. As masks (covering the mouth and nose) are required in high risk settings including shared indoor public places.
This will also be you last chance to book and pay for your seat for the Annual Dinner which is to be held on Saturday 11th September at the Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside.
Time is ticking quickly until the Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation at Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside.
If you are planning to come to this gastronomic event, we need your dinner payments to be completed by Monday 6th September, so we can advise the restaurant of the attending numbers.
Cost is $40 per head.
Starting with pre-dinner drinks, the Annual Dinner will consist of an excellent way to sample the favourite dishes of Namasté, comprising of mixed pieces of entree, 4 main selections, 3 vegetable accompaniments, Roti (naan style bread) and basmati rice.
The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
This weekend (28th/29th August) is the 60th Anniversary Race and Supersprint meeting at Mallala and all cars and drivers that have ever competed at or visited Mallala are invited to join in the celebrations.
The Sprite Club of SA has had a strong association with Mallala, being the main race circuit used for Supersprints and Race Meetings over a number of years.
There will be Mallala Masters Race Event, Super Sprint and open track sessions for those that want to go fast, and display + cruise sessions for those preferring to soak in the memories at a more relaxed pace.
There will also be historic Mallala memorabilia displays, displays from the SA Aviation Museum as a nod to the significant RAAF history and the RAAF Centenary in 2021, and a “Mallala Legends” Q&A panel lunch on Sunday.
Competition starts at 9.00am each day with a range of on and off track activities.
We have booked Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside for the Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation.
Starting with pre-dinner drinks, the Annual Dinner will consist of an excellent way to sample the favourite dishes of Namasté, comprising of mixed pieces of entree, 4 main selections, 3 vegetable accompaniments, Roti (naan style bread) and basmati rice.
Cost is $40 per head.
The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
Please note that recent COVID-19 Lockdown and Restrictions have had an impact on some of our planned Events. Please keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
15th August Slot Car Run and BYO Picnic Run – POSTPONED
28th/29th August 60th Anniversary for the Mallala Motorsport Park
As part of the Anniversary all cars and drivers that have ever competed at or visited Mallala are welcome to join in the celebrations.
Monday Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10th/12th Sept SA Hillclimb Championship – Collingrove
11th September 49th Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation
Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Pre-Dinner drinks.
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head. The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
15th September Mid-Week Meander – Northern Ramble
Spring is in the air and it is time to Ramble North for the next Russell and Judy planned Mid-Week Meander
Just a quick reminder to advise you that due to the recent lockdown and various activity restrictions put in place by SA Health, the State Government and the Fullarton Park Community Centre, the Sprite Club Committee has decided to postpone the August General Meeting.
The main reasons for this decision are:
Changes to the number of people we can have in the Meeting Room
Need to wear face masks at all times
The Committee and I would like to thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these new restrictions and their impact on our events.
Please keep a look out for information updates on the Website, email and Facebook page.
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce – President and the Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
We have recently received this communication from David Baigent, President of the Sprite Club of Australia (NSW Sprite Club).
Another major event affected by the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Dear Sprite Club Presidents,
As you are all aware the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 Pandemic is causing major disruption to the way we go about our lives. Recent outbreaks in both Sydney and Melbourne have resulted in lockdowns and restrictions on travel. It looks like we are going to have to live with this uncertainty until we have sufficient people in the community vaccinated and our whole approach to living with COVID-19 changes to something like we are now seeing in the US and in Europe. As has been well publicised, Australia has been somewhat left behind in this exercise and we are looking at the end of 2021 as the earliest possible date for this to occur.
This has obviously had a great deal of disruption to the efforts of the SCCA team who have specifically been tasked with organising the Sprite National Challenge for 2022. Normally by this time we would have visited a number of venues and started roughing out our plans however this just has not been possible and we have become extremely nervous about where we are up to in planning but also the potential for further disruption between now and Easter 2022.
The SCCA committee has deliberated on this matter for considerable time and have come to the conclusion that it remains too risky to run an event in 2022 and are therefore cancelling our plans to host the Nationals in 2022.
We realise that this may come as a shock to some of you and your members but we believe that until the country becomes stable and united in all States with regards to living with Covid, the risks are too great to run an interstate gathering. With this in mind we would like to leave the organisation of the Nationals for future years open for discussion. By this I mean, we should decide if we want to try and run an event in 2023 or leave it to 2024 to maintain the ‘even year’ We, SCCA, are also open to who should run the next Nationals, which we are happy to do but are also open to others if they wish to step in.
Anyone interested in entering the Mallala 60th anniversary 2 day meeting will need to get their entry in quickly. At the time of writing there are only 43 starts available and that is for Saturday Aug 28 only. Entry is via the Mallala website. Entry fee is discounted to MSCA members by quoting MSCA60TH on the promo code in the entry form. I have looked for sup regs I believe they are not yet released.
I would like to advise you that due to the recent lockdown and various activity restrictions put in place by SA Health, the State Government and the Fullarton Park Community Centre, the Sprite Club Committee has decided to postpone the August General Meeting.
The main reasons for this decision are:
Changes to the number of people we can have in the Meeting Room
Need to wear face masks at all times
We will circulate the next Bugeye Burble and Coming Events once the Committee has determined these events and the requirements of the new activity restrictions.
The Committee and I would like to thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these new restrictions and their impact on our events.
Please keep a look out for information updates on the Website, email and Facebook page.
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce – President and the Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
During this lockdown period it is a chance to Flashback and have a look at the some very Spritely Sprites!
When the 948cc Sprite appeared on the market during 1958 it’s performance was reasonable compared to the vehicles of the time. But as usual some people just wanted to go faster…..
While there was a thriving aftermarket industry with performance parts, some people performed engine transformations on their Sprites and Midgets. These included the Jack Brabham Coventry Climax engined Midgets, the fitment of Jaguar 3.8 litre engines, Australian’s Own Holden, and Valiant engines plus various other Japanese, English and American Iron of varying capacities.
A V8 engine has always been linked to power, and I guess a quite night in the shed, a few beers and soon V8’s appeared under the bonnet of Sprites and Midgets. Quite often these were intended for the drag strip. Here is a few of the examples from both Australia and around the World.
Australian Darren Veal’s 454 cubic inch Bugeye “Frrite” has over 600 bhp and has topped the time sheets at 9.1 seconds for the quarter mile at a speed of 148 mph and looks impressive on the track!
Englishman Philip Herrick’s Bugeye started with a 970cc A-Series, replace with a 2.6 litre Alfa Romeo engine and finally a Rover V8. The Sprite went faster from 15.1 to 13.1 to 11.6 seconds @ 125 mph. It was rebodied as a TR7 and went slower!! Phillip then wen to to build another V8 power Sprite road car.
Queenslander Jeff Watson’s Giant Killing Sprite Mk II was a sensation during the early 1990’s. Quite often lining up in semi and finals with Victor Bray and his ’57 Chev Super Stock/Door Slammer! As a lot of these were run under a handicap start the Sprite would get the jump on the Chev and still get to the finish line first.
With a turbo-charged Nissan FJ20 and about 520 bhp the little Sprite would stop the clock at 8.18 seconds @ 163 mph.
And when it comes to outright speed not many can compare to Gail Phillips and her 258 ci powered Bugeye Sprite Salt Lake Racer.
Gail and husband Al competed at both Bonneville and at Lake Gairdner in South Australia. Gail was able to reach a top speed of 205.538 mph on the salt lake during 2001- joining the famed 200 MPH Club and the first woman to reach this speed at both Bonneville and Lake Gairdner. The Sprite then, with a 350 ci engine, went on with Doug Odom at the wheel to reach 220.237 mph that same year.
Gail and husband also visited the South Australian Sprite Club stand at the Adelaide Motor Show during 2008, when they were visiting for another run with the Dry Lakes Racing Association. Unfortunately wet weather caused this event to be postponed.
So when tinkering under the bonnet of your Sprite and Midget you might get caught up thinking of power upgrades like many have before……..
We did not get there last year, so will try once again!
We have booked Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside for the Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation.
Starting with pre-dinner drinks, the Annual Dinner will consist of an excellent way to sample the favourite dishes of Namasté, comprising of mixed pieces of entree, 4 main selections, 3 vegetable accompaniments, Roti (naan style bread) and basmati rice.
Cost is $40 per head.
The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
5th July General Meeting
18th July Multi-club Hillclimb – Round 3 – Collingrove Hillclimb
2nd August General Meeting
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
14th August Come’n’Try Hillclimb
15th August Collingrove Challenge Trophy Hillclimb – Collingrove Hillclimb
15th August Slot Car Run and BYO Picnic Run – Meet at The Rezz Hotel
Challenge each other to slot car racing using Bugeye Sprite and other Scalextric racers.
Meet with the Clubbies SA either at 9.00am for Coffee and Breakfast or for a 10.45am departure for a short hill’s run to Club Member, Clive Spreadbury’s Scalex World, 3 Paul Street, Ridgehaven. BYO Picnic lunch.
28th/29th August 60th Anniversary for the Mallala Motorsport Park
As part of the Anniversary all cars and drivers that have ever competed at or visited Mallala are welcome to join in the celebrations. For More information and Entry Details: www.mallala.com/60th-anniversary
29th August MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 3 – The Bend East Circuit.
For those who went last year, these drivers are still smiling after 3.9 Km and 22 corners with elevation and camber changes as well. Come for the drive, grab a coffee or meal, and support our Sprite and Clubman driving members. On track action from 10.00am
11th September 49th Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation – Namasté Nepalese Restaurant
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head. The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
Due to the weather forecast and some damage to the roads planned for the run its been decided to keep this great run for a better day, more than likely the September outing! Thanks again to Russell and Judy for planning these runs!
Wednesday 23rd June – Meet 9.30am for a 10.00am departure
The Winter Solstice marks that point in the year when there is the least amount of hours of daylight. Many ancient civilisations have acknowledged this event – There are feasts, celebrations, rituals – even the Druids have held built monoliths in recognition of this event in the calendar year.
The Sprite Club of SA usually has a social drive……………………
In recognition of this event (and that the days are going to start getting longer!) Russell and Judy have planned a Southern Sojourn for the next Mid-Week Meander to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
In theming with the shortest day of the year there is the usual Schmarr Style Twist and we will take the long way there and shortest route home.
Meet at the Blackwood Railway Station Carpark – Eastern Side – cross over the railway if coming from Blackwood Roundabout.
BYO Morning Tea.
After the usual interesting drive, we will end up in all directions for the lunch venue.
Please note these may be a kilometre or two of good dirt road.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Please find attached the Newsletter Number 1 which asks some pertinent questions of our membership which will assist in the planning of the 2022 Nationals.
Please find the letter for download below
PS – Can you please let Chris Brine or Gordon Boyce know your interest in the 2022 Sprite Nationals either:
Attending the 2022 Sprite Nationals.
Attending the 2022 Sprite Nationals and wishing to participate in motorsport events
If you could let us know by 28th June we can send a combined response from SA.
During 2020 the Sprite Club was invited to visit Club Members Dean King and Suzie Burgher’s The Elephant Door B’n’B, Wedding Venue and organic vineyard at Sellicks Hills. Due to COVID-19 this was put on hold.
So on Sunday 30th May 2021 thirteen vehicles (Bugeyes, Mk II’s, Midgets, MGB GT, MX-5 plus a couple of moderns) met at the Victoria Hotel on beautiful sunny morning. New members Craig Frost and his Mk II Sprite and Adrian Faulks and MG Midget also joined for their first Sprite Club run, Adrian having driven down from Whyalla the previous day!
The convoy headed off in the direction of Black Road towards Clarendon, enjoying the winding roads, minimal traffic and also a lack of the “lycra brigade”!
From Clarendon the cars headed to Kangarilla, turning off for the drive towards Mclaren Vale, climbing the winding Wickam’s Hill Road, and touring the ridgetop Range Road to Willunga. Crossing the Victor Harbour road the open Pages Flat Road allowed the Sprite and Midgets to “stretch their legs” and enjoy this flowing open run to Myponga.
After a regroup and a “pit stop” , a detour into the Myponga Reservoir, crossing the dam wall and return stopping at the lookout to view the surrounds. This road also provided some scenic views of the coast looking north towards Aldinga and Port Noarlunga, glistening in the sunlight.
The flowing Sellicks Hill descent and the final run to The Elephant Door allowed the convoy to provide a spectacle as they arrived. Named for the large wooden door on the front of the property, surrounded by various artwork, windsurfing and skiing memorabilia, the autumn tones of the vines provided a glorious backdrop for our lunch venue.
Dean and Suzie have a number of 1960’s grave vines (grenache, cabernet and shiraz) which have been certified using organic growing and cultivation methods. These include hand pruning and picking and use of no chemicals. They have produced a number of limited release wines from the grapes and these were sampled by the members with their picnic lunch.
Most members chose to sit in the sun, enjoy the surrounds and views, and sample the local produce. And the weather was certainly on our side of this event.
Our thanks to Dean and Suzie for hosting the event and to those members who enjoyed the drive and the day.
For more info on the Sellicks Chills range of wines check out:
John Sprinzel was an all round Sprite gentleman. He was involved with racing, ralling, tuning, selling and authoring with Austin Healey Sprites.
John started racing an Austin A35 with much success. This lead to the formation of Speedwell in 1957, a tuning company that sold go-fast parts for Austin A35’s and Morris Minors. They also developed the Speedwell GT , a coupe version of the Austin Healey Sprite. John drove a number of vehicles for various manufacturer, including BMC and the Donald Healey Motor Corporation.
John sold off his share of Speedwell to Graham Hill and joined the Donald Healey Motor Company as Manager of “Special Equipment” ~ modifying Sprites for race, rally and for fast-road use. After a few years, this part of the Healey business closed and John set up his own business, John Sprinzel Racing, in Lancachester Mews in London.
Here he would sell Austin Healeys, Sprites and assorted vehicles. Many people joined John at the business, including Australian Paul Hawkins. Liaising with a number of specialist companies, they developed the very pretty and successful Sebring Sprite Coupé.
These vehicles were very successful in all forms of motor sport and raced at circuits all over Britain, Europe and at Sebring in the USA. Here they were driven by noted drivers Stirling Moss and his sister Pat.
John then went on to drive other vehicles for various manufacturers. John was also an author, writing many books on rallying, racing and vehicle modifications.
John’s last foray into International motor sport was to drive a MG Midget in the 1968 London to Sydney rally. On the final leg of the rally from Broken Hill he was in the Top 10 and was the leading privateer. Unfortunately a broken stub axle caused the Midget to lose valuable time, causing the Midget to be retired from the event.
John moved to various countries, finally settling in the Hawaiian Island of Molokai, with wife Carly. Here he continued his interest in windsurfing and owned a Bugeye Sprite, wearing his signature number plate PMO-200.
John passed away peacefully aged 90 years last week.
Our thought are with Carly and the Austin Healey community at this time.
Sunday 30th May 2021 – Lunch Run to The Elephant Door – Sellicks Hill
The Sprite Club has been invited to visit The Elephant Door for a BYO Picnic Lunch. Run by Club Members Dean King and Susie Burgher this venue, set in historic vineyards, is used to host weddings, Bed’n’Breakfast and other gatherings. With views of the vineyards and the local surrounds, the open decks and enclosed areas will be a fine venue for our Picnic Lunch.
The property is surrounded by grape vines that were planted during the 1960’s. These Shiraz, Cabernet and Grenache vines are hand pruned and the grapes are also hand picked. The grapes are used to make a limited quantity of certified organic Sellicks Chills wines.
Meet at the Victoria Hotel Carpark, Main South Road, O’Halloran Hill at 10.00am. We will departing at 10.30am.
The run will transverse a number of range and ridgetop roads through the Southern Vales, finishing up with an open run through the flat grazing lands, visiting Myponga Reservoir and the Sellicks Hill descent.
Please BYO Picnic Lunch, drinks, etc.
As a courtesy can you please advise Gordon Boyce if you are attending.
As the cars line up on the grid at Mallala Motorsport Park for the start of the Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Regularity Relay. Club member Helen Stephenson in her racing Hyundai Excel on pole with 3 other female drivers make up the “Driven Women” team. Behind them 22 other teams were eager for the flag to drop.
In the field over a quarter of the teams have a Sprite Club association. The Red Heifer Racing team with Gerard and Pat Miller, the Clubbies SA team “We’re in it for the Beer” , with David Tye, Rob Van Rob van Wageningen, Lee Kernich and Paul Rix making up the SA Sprite continginent.
With a change of COVID-19 and border restrictions allowed four Victorian Sprite Club Teams. Including “Darkside”, “All Brands”, “AHSDC Sprite Team 2”, and “Spritely Gentlemen’s Racing”. These teams included Sprites, Midgets, Sprite with funny motors, and other branded vehicles making up the numbers. Club Member Clive Spreadbury joined these teams with his Mk II Sprite.
Now some of these Victorian cars had their age creep up on them, with various diff and clutch issues. Two of the the team also celebrated their 75th birthdays as well on the Saturday.
11.00am – the flag drops and away they go!!
The cars have to try and lap within one second of their nominated time to gain a bonus lap, go too slow you only get one lap, go too fast you loose the lap, stay within the time window and you gain two laps! so smooth consistent driving helps consistant lap times. Traffic, faster cars, slower cars, and swapping the sash from car to car in the pits all add to the dilemma to maintain lap times.
To assist helpers from the Victorian and SA Sprite Clubs assisted over the weekend. This assistance is recognised by many:
Hi there SA Sprite Club,
I would like to place on record our sincere thanks for the support given to our AHSDC teams at the Peter Hall Memorial 6 hour relay recently. In particular David and Di Low, who assisted us on Sunday, and provided our volunteers to the MSCA for the event, and Dean King who was tireless in the garages helping with our numerous mechanical challenges on both Saturday and Sunday. We almost recruited him to one of the teams at one stage on Saturday!
Running our spritely cars in these long events is challenging for both the cars and drivers and the crew, and we appreciate the support we get from you.
We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Ruth Norris – Team Manager for The Spritely Gentlemen’s Racing Team and Team Goblin.
As usual the six hour throws all sorts of challenges to the teams, fuel, brake and clutch issues started to plague the teams. Strategies go out the window and just trying to work out what cars are running and ready for the circuit kept the TEam Managers active during the event.
Soon it is nearing 5.00pm, the bright sun had been in the drivers eyes for nearly one hour as they head down the start straight. This has kept the drivers on their toes for the last few minutes. Soon the clock ticks to 5.00pm, the chequered flag drops and the event is over.
Teams de-brief, crack a cold beer, put on a bbq and pack up the cars and equipment. The computer in the timing room starts it’s algorium processing and the results start to be printed for the Trophy presentation.
Well the Clubbies SA team was not last (and thats is good news), the Red Heifers were a few places higher. The Victorian teams were placed 2nd, 5th, 12th and 17th. The “Driven Women” ended up 9th overall. So the Sprite Teams recorded a great range of results, and now the Team Managers are looking to return for next year.
Wednesday 19th May – Meet 9.30am for a 10.00am departure
Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned another fantastic run for this Mid-Week Meander.
This time the route will be “dropping over the Eastern Edge” and touring some well and not so well used roads. As usual there will be a nice drive there and a return trip, including a hillclimb.
Note: there will be approx. 7 km of smooth dirt road on this Meander.
Meet 9.30 am at the Main Oval Gates, Onkaparinga Valley Road, Balhannah for a 10.00 am departure.
BYO morning tea/coffee, etc and Lunch will be at a local motoring named hotel.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
19th May Mid-Week Meander – Eastern Edge Encircle
Russell and Judy have planned another run for this Mid-Week Meander.
This time the route will be “dropping over the Eastern Edge” and touring some well and not so well used roads. Note: there will be approx. 7 km of smooth dirt road in this Meander.
Meet 9.30 am at the Main Oval Gates, Onkaparinga Valley Road, Balhannah for a 10.00 am departure. BYO morning tea/coffee, etc and Lunch will be at a local motoring named hotel.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
23rd May Copper Coast Classic Cavalcade of Cars
This event is part of the weeklong celebrations for the Copper Coast Cornish Festival,
30th May Lunch Run to The Elephant Door – Sellicks Hill
We have been invited to visit The Elephant Door for a BYO Picnic Lunch. Run by Dean King and Suzie this venue host weddings and other gatherings, as well as the nearby vineyards are used to make a range of wines. We will be tasting these on the day and products will be for sale.
Meet at the Victoria Hotel Carpark, Main South Road, O’Halloran Hill at 10.00am – Departing at 10.30am
On the eve of the MSCA Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Regularity Relay it is timely to have a look back at the Sprite Club of SA’s involvement with this type of event.
During the early days of the Sprite Club, competition was a strong part of the Club’s events, so the 6-hours became part of this activity. The Triumph Sports Owners Association of Victoria ran very successful 6-hour races at Calder Park, north west of Melbourne .
These events were scored on a handicap system, to ensure the drivers could maintain a constant lap time, losing laps/scores for going to fast. This handicap allowed the slower cars and teams to compete for outright honours. Being a relay race, a sash was carried by the driver for each lap they completed and handed to the next driver before they entered the track. If there was a breakdown the sash had to be returned to the pits before the next car could enter the circuit.
Photo courtesy of Doug Gordon
These events during the mid 1970’s included the following cars and drivers – note some of these (members and cars) are still in the Club! Team was Richard Stokes – Lightweight MG Midget (ex-Surfers Paradise 12 hour car), Reiner (Joe) Walker – 1275 Midget (RGX-781), Dean King – Mk1 Bugeye with Galant motor (SUS-600) and Peter Smeets – Sprite MkIIA with a Corolla Motor.
Photo courtesy of Doug Gordon
The Austin 7 Club of South Australia organised similar events at Adelaide International Raceway during 1976-1978, and once again the Sprite Club entered a team. Working on the handicap system the Sprite Club was quite successful, coming second place in 1976 with 244 laps, and third place in 1977 with 245 laps.
There was a gap for a few years and during 1988 – 1992 Club members Dean King (and then Rob Peckett) in the Toyota Sprite and Gordon Boyce – Bugeye Sprite joined the teams of the Victorian Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club to make up teams for the Mini Club of Victoria 6-Hour Relay Races at Winton.
These teams had the various vehicle make-up of Sprites, Midgets and assorted associate vehicles. The team names included The Bent Brothers, The Twisted Sisters (all female team) and Roofless Racing. There was also a specific All Sprite/Midget team for the AHSDC’s 25th Anniversary Year in 1991. Other members joined in with the AHSDC for Winton 6, 12 and 24 hour events during the latter part of the decade.
MSCA President, Peter Hall had competed in these events in his Datsun 1600 and knew the importance of these events for the “Car Club Competitor”. He therefore, with assistance of the MSCA Committee a Plan to run a 6-Hour Relay Sprint at Mallala for the local car clubs and their members. This evolved into a Regularity Event, meaning competitors only required a Basic/Level 2 competition licence, and the speed of the cars could be limited. It was aimed at the usual road going or slightly modified cars that could compete, rather that the out and out racing cars.
And the concept grew, teams from all of the MSCA clubs became involved, Sprite Club, MG, MIni, Alfa Romeo, Fiat/Lancia, Bolwell and later MX-5, Lotus and Porsche. There is also a large support of club members who help with Team Manager, timing, lap scoring, general car maintenance and repairs, as well as feeding and watering both the cars and the drivers. This adds to the spectacle of the day and the event.
In recent years, members from the AHSDC have travelled over the border, entering teams in the event as well, with these team often placed in the top 3 teams, also worked on a the handicap system. For the 2021 event there are three teams from the AHSDC competing!
We must also include the Clubbies SA teams that are also a part of the Sprite Club and have been entries in most of the MSCA 6-Hours. These guys and girls have a lot of fun and the team name “We’re In It For The Beer” adds to this.
So if you heading to Mallala this weekend, either as a driver, official, supporter, timer/lap scorer or spectator, you are being part of an important chapter in the Sprite Club of SA’s competition history.
Sunday May 2nd is the annual MSCA Peter Hall Memorial 6-hour Regularity Relay at Mallala Motorsport Park. After a postponement , it is back on this year with a total of 22 teams competing.
One Quarter of the field has a Sprite Club association with the Red Heifer Racing with Pat and Gerard Miller and We’re in it of the Beer with Sean Power and the Clubbies SA team.
Add to that three teams from the Victorian Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club, Darkside, Spritely Gentlemans Racing and AHSDC Sprite Team 2 make up a total of five Sprite teams.
As well as our 2020 Lady Driver of the Year Helen Stephenson has joined with four other lady drivers to form Driven Women.
Each team is required to supply a volunteer to help with the running of the event. Each team will also need support with the replenishment of both cars and drivers, so if you have few hours spare your assistance will be gratefully accepted by all teams.
The 6-hour will start at 11.00am and will conclude with a trophy presentation at around 6.00pm.
This is a great day of motorsport and is also a great Car Club day, please assist if you can, either with the teams or just as a spectator.
Kimberley Franklin hosts the “What the Hills” Community News and Current Affairs program on Lofty Community Media 88.9fm and lofty.org.au every Monday from noon. During the program she catches up with local Adelaide Hills events, activities and people.
During the recent Over COVID Rock’n’roll Festival at the Lenswood Oval, Kimberley interviewed event coordinator and Sprite Club member Garry Beaton and President Gordon Boyce about the festival and particularly about the Sprite Club of South Australia.
The program went to air this week and is available as a Podcast via the usual platforms, including Spotify, Google Podcasts and Audible.
The Annual McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic event was cancelled last year, so on Sunday 17th April, the 2021 event brought together new entrants as well as the seasoned regulars from all Car Clubs.
The cars met at Serafina Winery and paraded down the Main Street to the enjoyment of the many onlookers and members of the public who came out to enjoy the day.
Car Clubs are allocated to various wineries, and once again the Sprite Club of SA were on display at Fox Creek Wines. Here music, food and various wines were available.
The weather was favourable which allowed many people to inspect the cars on display and enjoy the event.
Thanks to Robin Dunk and Tina Brine for the use of the photos.
The 2020 Sprite Club Annual Dinner was put on hold last year due to COVID-19 , so a Re-United, Re-Union Dinner was planned for November, but it also was cancelled due to COVID-19. So the Committee, guided by Social Coordinator, Michael McClaren, planned a Re-United, Re-Union, Re-Visited Dinner at the Sporting Car Club at Unley.
Also incorporated with the event were the Stars and Their Cars Display, with the vehicles of Peter Dineen (MG Midget), Darrel Hanna (Sprite Mk III), Steve Leane (Sprite Mk II) and Gary Brock (Holden Tigra) displayed on stage as a backdrop to the evening.
The Dinner started with pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, after the usual COVID QR sign-in and it was a chance for many members to catch-up and socialise, some we have not seen for over 12 months. Then the catered Roast Meal was served and there was a vast array of meats, salads and vegetables for members to enjoy. This was followed by an assortment of desserts, tea and coffee.
President Gordon Boyce acted as MC and Interviewer and had the various members up on stage and talk about their early motoring history and about their specific cars. There was a theme with many owning Austin/Morris/BMC vehicles with the occasional Holden thrown in. Many of these cars had Twin/triple SU carbies fitted and the usual bits and pieces a new owner will add to their first pride and joy!
Each of the Member’s cars had a Re-United, Re-Union or Re-Visited theme as well. Peter Dineen’s Midget had been previously owned for 40 years by Richard and Mandy Stokes, so Richard was re-united with the Midget and joined Peter to talk about the car’s early life.
Steve Leane’s Sprite Mk II had previously been owned by Kurt Heinrich, so it is good to have the car’s re-union with the Sprite Club. Steve had slowly been doing bits and pieces to the Sprite since joining the club in late 2020. It is also a very early 1961 Sprite Mk II, so was celebrating it’s 60th birthday as well.
Many has last seen Darrel’s Sprite Mk III as a stripped bodyshell on a rotisserie at the visit to Marque Restorations last year. Gerard Miller and the team have done a fantastic job, and the Sprite has been re-united with Darrel and is looking just like to did when it rolled out of the factory many years ago. Also has the “optional” child’s seat located behind the seats, although it would require a very small child to fit in this space.
Gary Brock’s Holden Tigra was awarded Peoples Choice at the Over COVID Festival at Lenswood Oval recently, so was good to be re-united with this interesting vehicle and it’s electric roof. Gary was proud to show the retracting and raising of the roof, although too many operations can cause the battery to go flat!
There was also some trophy presentations for 2020 Lady Driver of the Year – Helen Stephenson and the 2020 Encouragement Award – Michael Doube. Congratulations to both winners!
Special thanks to Michael McClaren for his organisation of the event, and must also include thanks to partner Pat plus Chris and Tina Brine for the set-up and assisting with the dishes, etc. And thanks to Gary Brock, who magically produced one of his famous “Gary’s Quiz” to keep the members entertained between food courses.
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
17th April Re-Union Re-Visited Dinner with the Stars and Their Cars – 6.30pm for 7.00pm
We will reunite and revisit our Dinner from 2020. Added with the Stars and their Cars plus trophy presentations from 2020, will make it a very special night
Buffet Spit Roast Dinner plus pre-dinner drinks – $40 per head
Sporting Car Club at 51 King William Road Unley
17th/18th April All Historic Race Meeting – Mallala
Mallala All Historic Race Meeting will return in April 2021 celebrating historic motor racing and classic cars.
The Sprite Club has been invited to join the SCCSA Classic Section for a Run to the Races.
24th April Hillclimb Multi-club 1 – Collingrove Hillclimb – Note this is on Saturday 24th April
2nd MSCA Peter Hall 6-Hour Regularity Relay – The Event will start at 11.00 am.
The Annual 6-Hour Regularity Relay attracts teams of cars from all MSCA Clubs, as well as interstate. Come along and help our Clubman and Sprite Club teams including three teams from Victoria, with various tasks, as well as spectate this interesting Club and Teams Event.
3rd May General Meeting
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
19th May Mid-Week Meander – Eastern Edge Encircle Meet 9.30am for 10.00pm departure
Russell and Judy have planned another run for this Mid-Week Meander.
This time the route will be “dropping over the Eastern Edge” and touring some well and not so well used roads. Note: there will be approx. 7 km of smooth dirt road in this Meander.
Meet 9.30 am at the Main Oval Gates, Onkaparinga Valley Road, Balhannah for a 10.00 am departure. BYO morning tea/coffee, etc and Lunch will be at a local motoring named hotel.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Is there an experienced Mallala driver in the club who would like to be part of the Red Heifer racing team in the 6 hour event at Mallala on May 2nd. Our group has one vacancy remaining to form a 5 car team.
Please contact Pat Miller 0n 0421289706 or email nanmiller@adam.com.au
Please get a team or two organised and come and enjoy the day with us this year, alternatively contact Pat Miller for Team info for the Red Heifers. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, NO DINNER will be held on Sunday night but presentation will be conducted about 6:00pm on Sunday 2nd May 2021. Mallala Motorsport Park will have a practice day for cars only on Saturday 1st May 2021. Cost not included in entry. Refer to home page of the MSCA website sight for booking details. Scrutineering will be done via the MA Self-Scrutineering Checklist & MA Self Statement of Vehicle Compliance which need to be submitted with the COVID-19 checklist & Mallala Waiver forms to comp@mscasa.com prior to entering. Form B’s which are available on our website need to be submitted by the Team Manager.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information by emailing msca on comp@mscasa.com
As the sun sets over the pine trees, and the coolness of the evening fell over the Lenswood Oval, the sounds of the Master’s Apprentices last few songs (Gloria and Turn Up Your Radio) echoed around the natural amphitheatre to finish up a wonderful day.
Hills farmer, orchardist, and Sprite Club member Garry Beaton, ably assisted by Molly, plus a number of fellow Hills residents saw the need to support the local district. Having been through the usual seasonal variations as a farmer, the recent bushfires and COVID-19 have put a range of pressures and issues on the Hills communities and the support services, the CFS being one of them.
Gary and his colleagues sowed the idea of having an event that would bring some people into the area and support the district. Rock’n’Roll music, local food, wine and produce plus a few classic cars should fit the bill. Add the Mater’s Apprentices as the headline act, the support of the Sprite Club for some display vehicles and the stage is set.
14 Sprite Club vehicles plus some of Garry’s neighbours vehicles made a total display of 22 cars. These included the vehicles of the usual attendees; Brines, Boyces, Beatons, Kings, Kinlays, Tyes, Chabrels, Schmarrs and Brocks. New members, Steve and Kathie Leane in their Blue Mk II Sprite, Peter Dineen displaying his Cream Midget and Grant Stephenson’s Bugeye having its first Sprite Club run in nearly 14 years, added to the line up added some different Spridgets to the display.
Some of Garry’s neighbours vehicles included Jaguar XK120, very original Torana A-9X, Mustangs, Corvettes plus el Camino Chev added to the Sprites, Midgets, Mini, Clemente Clubman, Lotus and Tigra.
The bands started at 12.00pm and belted out a range of rock’n’roll hits throughout the day. Food stalls, wineries and breweries provided the guests with enough of the local produce to keep the the hunger pains away.
Between the different bands there were gymnastic displays, belly dancing and other assorted activities to keep the crowd entertained. There was a dance floor for those who wanted to kick up their heels and a few rock’n’rollers showed their specific moves.
A “Most Appealing Car” award allowed the public to view the display vehicles and choose their favourite. This went to Gary and Faye Brock and their Holden Tigra. Well done to the both of you! Not only the oldest members in the Sprite Club, but they stayed well into the early evening enjoying the sounds of the bands.
Of course the highlight was the Master’s Apprentices, who played a variety of originals, covers and iconic songs that keep the crowd on their feet until the twilight of the evening. While there was one more band to go, most of the members headed back to the city thankful that they could support the event,and particularly the local region affected by a number of issues over the past few years.
Special thanks to all members for bringing their vehicles to support the event. Thanks to Garry , Molly and their fellow organisers for allowing us to join in the event, and we look forward to supporting similar activities in the future.
Joseph Lucas Limited of Birmingham, England advertised their business as the “King of the Road” ! Their products were, for that point in time, world class and leaders in the automotive electrical field. with a background in auto electrics is was always impressed with the workings of their various equipment and electrical accessories.
Often being blamed for cars and motorbikes having various electrical problems, led to the “Prince of Darkness’ label and the associated jokes – Why do the English drink warm beer………….Lucas Refrigerators!
Recently I obtained a Sprite wiring loom, as I was looking for specific wire sizes and colours for a project. On removing the cotton braided covering and the cloth tape revealed the wires and specifically the wire colour – with colours trace.
On investigation of the loom and specifically a number of the connectors, I noticed that the loom had undergone some repairs in it’s life span.
These included the main terminal on the generator, wiring to the generator and ignition coil, including the tacho wire. Some of these were poorly crimped, twitched together and taped with electrical tape!
These repairs, while made many years ago, could have been the source for a high resistance and the non-operation of the ignition, starting, charging or tacho.
So be cautious when blaming Joseph Lucas, it may have been someone else’s poor handiwork that leaves you stranded on the side of the road!
Club members at Hazelwood Park, beautiful autumn morning, Covid sign in done. Time for briefing, great news no traffic lights at all.
11 cars, 4 Sprites, 2 MG Midgets, 1 MX5,1 Golf Convertible,1 Tigra,1 Saab,1Jazz and Chris & Tina met us for lunch.
We crossed the Hill Face, through back streets, on and off the SE Freeway, Mt Lofty, Old Norton Summit, Teringie. Morning Tea spot Morialta Park. Marble Hill road and on to Scenic Hotel for lunch.
67 Kilometres of winding roads, great views across the Valleys and the City skyline to the beaches beyond.
Great Run notes, a couple of missed turns and a road closure all made for a happy group of Sprites and others.
Lunch in the Beer Garden at the Scenic Hotel, under new owners delivered great meals.
Once again Russell & Judy organised a great run lots of twists and turns, with some roads not travelled, it takes time and effort to keep coming up interesting runs for us to enjoy.
Gary Brock thanked them both for another great day.
Club members interested in attending this event will get free entry with historic cars, however they must be in place between 10 – 11am on Sunday Morning
The Clubbies SA group have always extended an invitation to the Sprite Club members to join them either at The Rezz Hotel, or lately at the Perfect Note Cafe in Blackwood on various Sundays in the month.
On Sunday the 7th March, the Lows, Tyes and Jackson’s join the Clubbies SA group for a coffee and chat. With a range of Pumas, Kestrels and other assorted clubmans, the Sprites and Lotus did not look out of place.
Thanks to Sean Power and the Clubbies SA members for making us welcome.
With a fine and mild weather forecast, on arrival at Windy Point lookout there was an assorted array of classic sports cars for the first cruise for 2021.
Sprites, Midgets, MX-5’s, Triumph Stag and Lotus Elan made an impressive display – add a couple of moderns and a total of 13 cars made up the field.
As usual Pat Miller had devised a route that took in the Windy Point descent, Springbank and Goodwood roads to arrive at the labyrinth of the new Darlington Interchange.
Get it right and you will head south on the Expressway, get it wrong and you will need more that a Gregory’s, UBD, GPS or search party to find your way back!
All cars ended up on the Expressway and the convoy looked great, with many looks from the passing public. Soon we exited and headed via Beach Road to Port Noarlunga.
Stopping at the Woolworths car park, a quick chat and review that all had arrived provided a chance to award a small prize as voted by the judges.
Most Appealing Car of the Run went to the Tye’s and their Lotus Elan, while the Vehicle with the Best Patina went to Miles Jackson’s Mk IIA Sprite.
A quick vote and most headed to the Port Noarlunga Fish’n’Chip shop for dinner and watch the sunset, while other headed off in the various directions.
Thanks to all who supported the event and special thanks to Pat Miller for organising the event. Looking forward to the next run!
The First round of the MSCA Supersprint was held at the The Bend Motorsport Park on Sunday 28th February. The West Circuit was used for this event, which included the long main straight as well as the rise and fall of the various corners of this circuit.
With over 90 entries the MSCa used it COVID-19 format of selected vehicle scrutineering and drivers briefing sent to the entrants prior to the event. This allowed the event to start early and soon the cars were on the circuit.
The Sprite Club was represented by Dean King – Super Sprite, Gerard Miller – Plymouth Special, Clive Spreadbury – Sprite Mk II, Pat Miller – Lycoming Special and Lee Kernich – Clubman Tiger. As each MSCA club was involved with flagging duties Dale Halling and Rachel Morgan were allocated to Turn 9 for the event. With Sue Stephenson looking after the timing and Gordon Boyce as Motorsport Australia Steward there was good representation of the SCSA at the event.
With four rounds and nearly 4.0kms per lap there was plenty of track time for all even Gerard had a double run! Dean had a few mixture issues causing spark plug burning and the Super Sprite was back on the trailer. Clive swapped vehicles from the last time here and has enjoying the laps, but was down on speed. it was lee’s first time on the circuit and had a great time – setting a benchmark to try and beat next time out. Pat was driving/flying the Lycoming Special which was almost as loud as the Shahins helicopter that landed during the afternoon with Mark Webber onboard!
Overall it was a great day, most enjoyed the circuit and look forward to the next round at Mallala. The Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour is the next event on the calendar, so start getting your teams together now!
Thanks to Damien Cravero for use of the great photos of the event
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
6 March – Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – Southern Cruise Join us for the first Classic Sports Car Cruise of the year with a run down south. Starting at the Windy Point Lookout – Upper Car Park we will meet at 4.30pm for a 5.00pm departure. The destination is Port Noarlunga and try and catch the sunset! Any further info Ph Pat Miller 0421289706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au
7 March – Clubbies SA – Southern Group Southern Clubbies coffee and chat at The Perfect Note Cafe, 168/170 Main Road Blackwood this Sunday, from 8.30am
14 March – “Over COVID Rock ‘ n Roll Music Festival” and Car Display – Lenswood Memorial Park Garry Beaton has invited us to display our vehicles at this Hills Picnic and music concert. Featuring Hills food and wine and some headline bands, including the Master’s Apprentices. The Sprite Club will have a display of Sprites, Midgets and Clubmans. More details on the web site 12.00pm – 9.30pm – Display Cars to be there from 10.30am If you would like to display your car, please contact Gordon Boyce – 0417897905 or Gordon.boyce98@gmail.com with your vehicle details and rego number.
17 March – Mid-Week Meander – “Hills Face Roam” Russell and Judy Schmarr have organised the first Mid-Week Meander for 2021. Meet at 9.30am at Hazelwood Park Playground car park, Howard Terrace, Burnside (off Greenhill Road) Departing at 10.00am, please BYO morning tea for a short stop on the way. Please advise Russell or Judy you are attending by 15th March – Phone: 0403151715
21 February – Clubbies SA at the Rezz Join the Clubbies SA group for their Informal coffee/breakfast meeting on the 3rd Sunday of each month, at The Rezz Hotel, 20 Hamilton Terrace, Newton, from 9am.
27th March – Hillclimb Come’n’Try 1 – Collingrove A great day out for both spectators and competitors at the famous Collingrove Hillclimb in the Barossa Valley
12th April – General Meeting Monday Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
17th April – Re-Union Re-Visited Dinner with the Stars and Their Cars – 6.00pm for 6.30pm After a short adjournment for COVID shutdowns we will reunite and revisit our Dinner from 2020. Added with the Stars and their Cars this will make it a very special night. Sporting Car Club clubrooms – Buffet Spit Roast Dinner plus pre-dinner drinks. More details to follow
Registrations for the 2021 Bay to Birdwood, one of the world’s great historic motoring events, are now open. Click on the link below to register your vehicle and be one of the participants on Sunday 26 September.
“The Bay to Birdwood’s new shape – celebrating all eras of historic motoring – was successfully ‘road-tested’ last year and this will be the new look for the Bay to Birdwood from hereon in,” said the Bay to Birdwood Chair, Michael Neale. “It is an iconic event, part of the fabric of the nation and we are really proud to present it here in South Australia every year.”
This year’s event will follow in the footsteps of 2020’s with a COVID-safe environment to keep all participants and spectators safe. It will again be a showcase of motoring history, with vehicles from all decades – antique, veteran, vintage and post war/early classic, classic, post classic and modern up to 31 December 1991. Due to current regulations, participation is restricted to 1400 vehicles (this may change as the event gets closer).Register online ASAP as places will fill fast.
Reminder to all Club members of the Over Covid Festival on this Sunday 14th March.
Live bands, food, wine, stalls and the Classic Car Display.
Club member Garry Beaton has been instrumental in organising a fund-raising event for the Adelaide Hills communities that have been through many challenges for the past two years – bushfires, COVID, varying fruit crops, etc
The Sprite Club has been invited to participate this event, we’d like to see as many cars as we can get up to the Lenswood oval .
Also there will be a “Most Appealing Car” award, voted by the public.
Garry provided the following information for club members…
“As mentioned as many Sprite, Clubmans or any classic vehicle will be most welcome . NO admission charge for the cars and their passengers, we would like all vehicles there between 10 -11am and they can leave between the band changes approx 1.5 hrs advise if any further info required we need to have an idea of attendee numbers for covid marshalls and also advise all car owners to have their log books as we have police on site.
Please advise of attendance at admin@spriteclub.com.au or Gordon Boyce president@spriteclub.com.au
Don’t forget there is a General Meeting at the Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Rd, Fullarton, from 7:30 for *pm start. Covid safe plans in place
All Historic at Mallala, 17th & 18th April
Hi Folks….please find attached our invite to your club to attend our event in April. I realise that this is fairly short notice however please consider joining us….it’s a great family day.Entries are now open on the SCC website.For further info please call me on 0408 277380….show and shine is specifically for cars however we will have display areas for bikes as well.Kind RegardsGraham Boulter(Chairman of Historic Racing Register of the Sporting Car Club of SA.)
Sunday 21st February was the date for the MSCA Trophy Presentation Day at Virgara Winery at Virginia. This day is held each year to acknowledge the winners for the various classes and overall winners for the MSCA Supersprints for 2020.
The past year was a challenge for the organising committee of the Marque Sports Car Association trying to continue to conduct motorsport events with everything that was going on in the world.
The first Supersprint of the 2020 season was the last motorsport event to be held in Australia before the COVID pandemic shut down the world for a number of months. As usual the MSCA rose to the challenge and covered all of the changing requirements with their usual professionalism and skill.
After the forced break the Supersprints returned and allowed the competitors to run at both Mallala and the MSCA conducted one of the first Supersprints on the East Circuit at The Bend Motorsport Park.
As well as the trophy presentations there was a chance for the MSCA member clubs to display their cars -and a great range of vehicles were on display, track cars, road cars and various other vehicles.
Of course the various winners were the true champions of the day and we congratulate all of the class winners and overall winners recognised on the day. These were for the various classes – Marque Sports, Street and Modified.
Sprint Champion 1st Place John Davies Sprint Champion 2nd Place Fletcher Bolton Sprint Driver 1st Place Michael Katsikitis Sprint Driver 2nd Place Randall Warry Class C Winner Dick Manning Class D Winner Jason Edwards Class E Winner Duane Kaak Class EE Winner Pat Miller Class G Winner James Taylor Class H Winner Fletcher Bolton Class J Winner Neil Martin Class M Winner Malcolm Ebel Class R Winner Michael Coles Class T Winner Rob Atkins Class U Winner Michael Katsikitis Class V Winner Robert Hal Class X Winner John Davies As you will notice our own Competition Secretary, Pat Miller was the winner of the EE – Racing Clubmans category – Congratulations Pat!
The MSCA Member Clubs were also recognised – there winners were:
MSCA Club of the Year MX-5 Car Club Best Presented Team MG Car Club of South Australia
If you would like to watch the presentation you can follow it via the link below:
Thanks to Helen Stephenson and the MSCA for use of the photos and video.
Message received by Pat Miller, and will be benefit to club members who have volunteered to flag on the weekend.
If there are any other club members who would like to join them it is not too late. Just contact Murray Stephenson email address included.
Greetings All,
Thank you for volunteering to help as a flaggy at the Super Sprint on Sunday 28 February at The Bend West circuit. The event would not happen without you.
Thank you to Alfa Romeo, MX-5, Sprite, BMW, Nissan Datsun and MG Car Clubs.
Could you please respond to let me know this has been received so I can follow up any that go missing.
As part of our COVID compliance measures there will be no face to face briefings for officials.
Attached are the flaggies briefing notes which I ask that you read before the event. There may still be some briefing over the radio once you are in position.
Also attached is The Bend waiver which you need to print, sign and have witnessed. Then bring it on Sunday and hand it in at the gate.
Please bring both documents with you.
You will need to pick up a radio and safety vest in garage 1 on Sunday morning. Garage 1 is at the North end of the main building.
Please find attached a list of volunteers for Sunday with your allocation listed in the Comments column.
If you have any issues please let me know.
If for any reason you are unable to come on the day, or think beforehand that you may not make it, it is vital that you notify your club delegate and me immediately. Under COVID restrictions we have only signed up the minimum numbers so any withdrawals will be an issue.
Bring the usual things for flagging, chair, coat, hat, drinks, snacks, sunscreen?, etc. There will be sanitizer and wipes on site.
You will receive lunch as usual which will be served in garage 1 near form up.
The gates will open at 0730 and close at 0900. Please report to garage 1 by 0815 ready to pick up your radio, vest and go. You can take a car to all points via “the moat” which is a dirt track outside the main concrete wall. Turns 1 to 6 travel clockwise (north) and 7 to 12 anti clockwise (south). Note that all flag bunkers are on the outside of the track, just some turn numbers are shown on the infield.
With the cancellation of the traditional All British Day at the Echunga Oval, the owners of The Bend Motorsport Park stepped in and organised an alternative event on the same weekend.
Shannons British at The Bend consisted of a Show ‘n ‘Shine, Track Sessions for those competition vehicles to have blast around the circuit, a Motorkhana and Track Parade for the displayed cars and bikes.
With approx 200 cars and bikes on display, a number of competition vehicles and good weather, there was a good turnout of car enthusiasts, general public and Sprite Club members.
Dean King and Clive Spreadbury entered their competing vehicles for the Track Sessions, but gremlins affected both – Dean with brake issues at the end of the straight and Clive was having issues with the Mk II not achieving full revs!
There were a number of impressive track cars including a well developed TVR, Rover SD1, various Minis and older Singers, Jags and MG’s.
While on the display side there was David and Carole Tye and their lovely Lotus Elan. There were also the Bugeye, previously owned by Doug Gordon/Robert George and the nice Mk I Midget pictured above.
The Motorkhana did not eventuate, but the Track Parade gave all a chance to drive the 7.77km of the GT circuit. The crowd were able to stand on the pit wall and cheer and wave the participants at they completed a few laps behind the Safety Car.
Overall it was a good day, with many making use of the facilities of The Bend complex, including the cafe/coffee bar in the foyer, the restaurant and bar for a nice meal and refreshing ale or two. It was also noted that at the end of the day, many were booking into the Motel to stay the night, returning to Adelaide the following morning.
While the All British Day is scheduled for 2022, the British at The Bend gave those owners of British cars a chance to display and drive their cars this year.
Time 4:30 pm for chat and checkout for a 5:00 pm departure. Sunset on the day is 7.46 pm
Start Windy point car park upper level.
Route
Drive down Belaiir Road.
Turn left onto Springbank Road.
Turn left onto Goodwood Road. Centennial Pk cemetery on your right.
Follow on to Fiveash Drive continue on Ayliffes Road. Parklands on your left. A good area to bunch up a little.
Carefully follow the signs to get onto the new southern expressway. If we miss here we may be lost in the labyrinth and never be seen again.
Follow the expressway for approximately 15 km. Vere left for the turnoff onto Beach road.
Turn right and head west onto Beach Road over the bridge.
Drive along Beach road for 1.3 Km cross over Dyson Road.
Proceed a further 0.5 Km along Beach Road and pull into Woolworths car park.
There will be a short presentation for the most appealing car and the car with the best patina as decided by our somewhat fickle judging panel.
People wishing to make an evening of it may wish to visit many of the eating places available in the Port Noarlunga area. Unfortunately, none of them have parking space for large numbers of cars in one area. I am reliably informed the Port Noarlunga fish shop is a good place to eat.
As usual all drivers are responsible for the roadworthiness of their cars and adherence to the rules of the road.
We welcome any and all sports cars. clubmans and specials to join us on the drive.
No club memberships are required.
Any further info Ph Pat Miller 0421289706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au
A warm barmy Adelaide Summer’s night, a Sprite with the roof down, and cruise around the city to end up for an ice cream sounds like a great event!
A quick check of the weather forecast and the signs are not looking good, cool weather, rain forecasted and more looming on the radar could have “dampen” the run.
On arrival at the K Mart Car Park at Firle we were greeted with 2 x Bugeyes, 2 x Mk II Sprites, 1 x Mk IIA Sprite, 1 x Mk IIIA Sprite, 1 x Austin-Aston-Healey-Martin (!), plus a Mazda, Honda Jazz and 4WD Toyota.
After a quick COVID sign-in, Social Co-ordinator Michael McClaren outlined the planned run and we all headed onto Glynburn Road.
The route headed towards the lower Adelaide Hills via Montacute Road, Gorge Road, Darley Road turning left at Grand Junction Road. Heading west there was a deviation onto Prospect Road heading back towards the city.
While we were in the Mazda, we followed the convoy of Sprites and enjoyed the smells of warm engine and gearbox oil, rich fuel mixtures and the sounds of noisy gearboxes and slipping clutches, so it felt and smelt like we in a Sprite!
Onto Port Road, through North Terrace, South onto Hutt Street and Greenhill Road. After a couple of miles we turned back onto Glynburn Road and finally completed the loop turning back to Magill Road.
Here we parked in a side street and headed to 48 Flavours for our ice creams – and what a choice there was. Choices included lemon sorbet, rum and raisin, chocolate, honeycomb, plus the usual flavours.
All Members enjoyed the ice creams and stayed around and had the usual chat and discussion about the drive and the looks from the public as we drove past.
They joy of driving older classic sports car is that they need a little bit of maintenance and tinkering to keep them running – and at the end of the run a couple of Sprites needed a quick adjustment of the SU’s and swap of batteries due to charging issues.
Special thanks to Michael for planning and organising the Ice Cream Run and thanks to those members who braved the weather (but it did not rain) and enjoyed the yummy ice creams.
I have attached an article I was asked to write it by the editor of the “North Norfolk Classic Vehicle Club” in the county of Norfolk,England.
A friend of mine called Bob who lives in Norfolk mentioned to him that he had a friend in Australia who was involved in classic cars.
Editors being editors he thought this could be an opportunity to get a story for his magazine! Bob asked me if I was interested. I thought it might be an interesting thing to do so I agreed to do it.
The article features classic cars I have owned over the years, not everyday family cars.
I thought it might be suitable to put on the website or email to club members.
A good opportunity to check out THE BEND at close quarters. Traditionally the sprite club has helped with flagging at the first meeting of the year usually Mallala this year the meeting will be on the exciting West circuit at THE BEND. Even if you have never flagged before do not be scared to have a go. Any questions Pat Miller 0421289706.
From the MSCA.
Round 1 Super Sprint is scheduled at The Bend on the west circuit on Sunday 28 February.
Nominally the duty flagging clubs are MG, Fiat Lancia, Nissan Datsun and Sprite but they will need input from other clubs.
We will be using nine flag points which requires eighteen volunteers.
COVID requirements continue to apply so I will need to confirm the volunteers before the event and have a list of names, phone and email addresses.
Please ask your clubs for volunteers and send me names and contact details before 21 February. Assuming we have a surplus, I will then confirm the final list.
It would help if they nominate their preferred team mate as well.
Here is the February Bugeye Burble, 2021 Calendar and Coming Events………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
6 February Sprite Club Gelati Run
So dust off your Sprite. Midget, Clubman or Associate vehicle and join us for our first run for 2021.
Meet at the K Mart Firle Shopping Centre, Glynburn Road, Firle at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm departure.
Any queries please contact Michael McClaren – 0407 399 260
7 February Clubbies SA – Southern Group
Southern Clubbies coffee and chat at The Perfect Note Cafe, 168/170 Main Road Blackwood this Sunday, from 8.30am
14 February Shannon’s British at the Bend – The Bend Motor Sport Park, Tailem Bend
The Bend will play host to a collection of the best British cars, motorcycles and working vehicles, across a themed and multidisciplinary celebration of the finest automotive brands and vehicles, both past and present, that Britain has to offer!
Everyone is invited to the MSCA Presentation Day for the 2020 class awards along with the many other trophies up for grabs! More information at www.mscasa.com
We are being hosted by Virgara Wines, 143 Heaslip Rd, Angle Vale.
Assemble from 11.00am, Judging Display – 1:00pm, Presentation of Trophies – 2:00pm
21 February Clubbies SA at the Rezz
Join the Clubbies SA clubmans for their Informal coffee/breakfast meeting on the 3rd Sunday of each month, at the Rezz Hotel, 20 Hamilton Terrace, Newton, from 9am.
28 February MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – The Bend Motor Sport Motorsport Park
The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close.
The MSCA will be using the West Circuit which includes the long Main Straight and pit area.
Officials briefing at 8.30am. On track action from 10.00am.
Please support our competing Sprite and Clubman driving members as they compete.
1 March General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
6 March Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – Southern Cruise
Join us for the first Classic Sports Car Cruise of the year with a run down south.
More detail about the start venue, etc to follow – Mark your diaries
7 March Clubbies SA – Southern Group
Southern Clubbies coffee and chat at The Perfect Note Cafe, 168/170 Main Road Blackwood this Sunday, from 8.30am
14 March Bushfire Relief and COVID Picnic and Car Display
Garry Beaton has invited us once again to display our vehicles at this Hills Picnic and concert.
17 March Mid-Week Meander – “Hills Face Roam”
Russell and Judy Schmarr have organised the first Mid-Week Meander for 2021.
As the name implies this run will use a number of roads on the Adelaide Hills Face Zone, so expect lots of rises and descents on some great roads with lunch at a close, but iconic summit venue.
The Sprite Club is ready for Monday the 1st of February which will be our first General Meeting for 2021.
Over the break the Committee has been busy putting together a calendar of events for 2021, plus adding some interesting events for later in the year and revisiting some that we did not run due to COVID-19 and everything else. Find out more about these events at the meeting.
Also if you have a Club Registered vehicle time is running out to have your Log Book and rego papers stamped, as your Membership and rego will have expired on the 31st December 2020.
If you are attending there are a number of COVID-19 requirements you need to be aware of. These include:
• Do not attend the Centre if you are: • Experiencing cold and flu like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath • Has a chronic medical condition and/or weakened immune system and has not sought advice from a health care professional prior to attending. • Practice physical distancing where possible, stay 1.5m apart • Wash hands or use sanitiser provided when entering and exiting the premises. • Maintain appropriate personal hygiene practices (especially covering coughs and sneezes).
There will be the usual QR Code and sign in as you enter the building. Please abide by these regulations as they assist the Sprite Club in meeting the COVID-19 requirements that we have to adhere to while conducting the meeting – thanks for your assistance.
Only to thank our hosts, Des and Penny for their hospitality, and to assure you that competition in the thong throwing was fierce, made more difficult by the sloping terrain, which made the bucket tilt away from us. After three rounds, the bucket was moved closer and Michael made a perfect shot. Despite the covid restrictions, we all managed to eat well, with a dazzling array of desserts. A very pleasant afternoon all round.
The last photo with the thong in mid-air by the bucket was the winning shot. Cheers Don William
We’ve just been notified that our website host is closing in a couple of months, if anyone has recommendations of a website hosting service, preferably located in SA, please let me know, cheers Chris
Our first event for 2021 will be the Australia Day Picnic and Thong Throwing Competition on Tuesday 26th January.
This year the “thong” has been passed from Gary and Faye Brock to Des and Penny Chabrel, who will host the event at their property at Dorset Lane, Oakbank.
There are a few changes due to the COVID-19 requirements and the restrictions on the sharing of food and utensils, so please note the following:
There will be no cooking facilities, so this will be a BYO Picnic Lunch (Cold meat/Chicken and salad or similar)
Please bring a Sweets to share – we have one person serving these to prevent any sharing of food utensils, etc.
Please BYO Chairs, Drinks, Sunscreen, etc
There will a COVID-19 Contract Tracing check-in – either via the QR code or Manual sign-in.
Please maintain the usual social distancing and personal hygiene requirements.
Please do not attend if you are unwell or have any of the recognised symptoms.
Thank you for your support of these requirements to allow this event to proceed.
An important and enjoyable part of the day will be the Thong Throwing Competition, supporting the spirit of Australia Day. Several members have been practicing throughout the lockdown period so the competition should be strong.
Please RSVP to Des and Penny on 0457 206 946 – letting them know what sweets you will bring and for further directions, etc
The Sprite Club Committee has been busy behind the scenes putting together the 2021 Sprite Club Calendar. This is currently in draft form and we will be posting the final version soon.
While we hope that we will not have the COVID-19 issues that we faced during 2020, the Committee has put in place plans to reduce the risk to members and have planned events that will have a minimal impact if we need to go into lockdown for any reason.
We also ask that you abide by the various regulations that the Club has to meet when conducting events, contract tracing sign-ins, social distancing, personal hygiene, etc and not attending if you are unwell or have any of the recognised symptoms.
Here is a taste of the first couple of months – more details to follow:
January
26th – Australia Day Picnic at the Chabrel’s
February
1st – General Meeting
6th – Ice Cream Run
14th – Shannons British at The Bend
21st – MSCA Presentation Day – Virgara Winery
28th – MSCA Supersprint – Round 1 – The Bend West Circuit
Sprite Club Members Required for Flagging Duties
Your’s Spritely
Gordon Boyce – President and the Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
Dear All British Day Entrant, Since I last wrote to you back in September the ABD committee has been looking at ideas and options for celebrating our day and to fill the void left in the calendar by the postponement of the 2021 event. As COVID-19 is still very much with us, and we are still upholding our decision not to hold a physical event in 2021, you may wish to consider getting involved in one or both of the suggestions below. Your Committee is already planning for the 2022 All British Day at Echunga along the lines of the Club-based picnic day event, and these suggestions are simply put forward as alternatives for 2021 until we resume our usual format. We are grateful to Tony Heard, the SA Registrar of the Morgan Owners Club of Australia for his suggestion of a VIRTUAL ALL BRITISH DAY which celebrates the continuity of the event. The basic concept is that you, as British vehicle owners, take up to three photos of your pride and joy at your choice of location, with an option of penning up to 100 words and submitting them electronically to us by Friday 26 February. The entries will be presented on our website and available for all to see and will be subject to judging in one of several categories. We are aware that a couple of clubs with British marques are already planning a run to the hills on that day for a low-key morning tea or brunch event based on the ‘park, snack and chat’ model, to acknowledge the second Sunday in February as ‘ABD day’. If you or your club decides to follow suit then such an outing could provide the ideal photo opportunity, or perhaps you might prefer a specific backdrop, it is up to you. Entrants will need to send us an email which includes the basic information according to the rules of entry, details and categories. The photos will be judged, and we will offer prizes. The premise of the virtual day is that every entrant will have at least one of their images included as part of the website gallery, not just randomly selected vehicles as is the usual procedure for the ABD. We are not charging any fees and being totally electronic we feel it is a safe option. To the best of my knowledge this has not been tried before but we are keen to give it a go. Prizes will be in 6 categories for vehicles and 6 categories for bikes. Winners will be notified by 28 March.
If you are you are looking for something different, and more dynamic, there is another option available to you, which I would like to acknowledge our committee member, Paul Venables, for steering this option. ‘The Bend’ Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend is hosting an event called “British at the Bend” on 14 February. This is an event that will be sympathetic to British vehicles and bikes. The Bend have the appropriate Covid Management plan to allow cars and bikes to be put on display and allow public access in accordance with the current health regulations. Indoor dining or even overnight accommodation are options you may also wish to explore. The Bend organizers will make it possible for cars and bikes to do cruise laps and other track options are also possible. Even if you do not have a track-type vehicle you might like to take a run through the hills ending up at Tailem Bend and have a look around at the complex! For more information contact enquiries@thebend.com.au or visit thebend.com.au You may even elect to take part in both opportunities and give your car/bike a good run and take photos. Please keep an eye on our website for new information on both of these great opportunities and stay safe! We fully expect that our postponement of the 2021 Club picnic event is a one-off, and that we will be back at Echunga with a bigger and better All British Day in February 2022.
Kind Regards Jamie Sandford -Morgan President All British Day
1977 mg midget In good tidy condition Currently unregistered can be registered if I get my asking price for 3 months Will need new tyres Engine runs great Gear box is great I recently put a new soft top on it and gave it a service but I has sat for 9 monthsselling due to down sizing my Sprite/midget collection
Wishing all of our Members a Happy New Year! We hope you all had a great festive season and celebrated with family, friends and your Sprite or Midget!
Hope you had the opportunity to do a few odd jobs on the vehicle, or even better enjoyed a nice Summer cruise in the Spridget.
Just a quick reminder to those with Club Registered vehicles that you Club Membership expired on the 31st December, so if you have not renewed your Membership by now your Club Registered vehicle is Unregistered.
You will need to pay your subs as soon as possible and have either Don or Gordon sign, stamp and update your log book so you can legally drive your car.
All details can be found in either previous posts or on the Sprite Club web site.
Enough has been said about 2020 and the different year we have all had.
Both the Sprite Club Committee and I would like to thank all of the Members for their support of the every changing environment that we have been through for the past year.
The Committee will be meeting in early 2021 to plan the Calendar for the coming year. A number of events are starting to take shape with other organisations (Virtual All British Day, British at the Bend, Cavalcade of Classics, etc). We will post this information in the New Year.
One important Sprite Club event is in the early planning – the Australia Day BBQ. Previously held at Gary and Faye Brock’s, the “thong” has been handed to Des and Penny Chabrel to host the event for 2021.
Our special thanks to Gary and Faye for hosting this special event for a number of years – and also to the Chabrel’s for taking up the event.
More info to follow in the new year, but the format will remain as previously (subject to any COVID-19 restrictions), BYO BBQ, salad and sweets and the all-important Thong Throwing Competition.
I would like to take this time to wish all of the Sprite Club members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce – President and the Committee – Sprite Club of SA
PS: I have just been on the phone to Des Chabrel who will be spending Christmas in hospital this year – our thoughts are with you Des and Penny.
Mk3 MK2 parts$90 MK2 sprite roof bows $30 Mk3 roof bows $30 950 motor $250 1100 motor $350 Smooth case gear box $300 Body panels free Doors good condition $150 each Boot lid $100 Dash been cut out for radio $50 MK2 mk1 seats $100 Also parting out whole car Please call me on 0411867118
This has been, to say the least, a very challenging year for us all, home work and play…
Not knowing when we’d all be back together again, due to the cancellation of the dinner etc etc etc… we made a decision to hand over a trophy in our care.
Tina and I decided that we’d pass the Tony Bennetto “Spirit of Sprites” trophy onto the Club member we though has done the most to keep the club, informed, functioning and making the tough decisions that had to be made during the year.
Committee members seldom, if ever, get the accolades they deserve and Gordon Boyce our president has done more to keep the spirit of sprites alive for us all loonies who love these little cars in 2020!
Due to the current COVID-19 Restrictions we are unable to have our usual Christmas BBQ Meeting on Monday 7th December.
To allow Members to pay their Annual Subscriptions and have their Club Registration Log Books signed and stamped the Committee will be opening the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park from 7.00pm.
Please bring the following items to allow a speedy transaction to occur:
$50 Membership Fees – Cash or Cheque or EFT Receipt – refer to Club Web Site for Bank details.
Current Log Book and Registration Papers for signing and stamping
$5.00 if you require a New Log Book
Due to the COVID-19 Restrictions and advice from the Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs we do not need to inspect vehicles for this year.
Please Note the following COVID-19 Restrictions when entering the Centre:
All Members attending on the night will be required to sign in using the new QR Code or manually sign-in if they do not have a SmartPhone. Members will also require the mySA GOV app – available on either the App Store or Google Play
Wash hands or use sanitiser provided when entering and exiting the premises.
Practice physical distancing where possible, stay 1.5m apart
Maintain appropriate personal hygiene practices (especially covering coughs and sneezes).
Please do not enter the Centre if you are experiencing cold and flu like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath or have a chronic medical condition
If you are unable to attend the night to have your Membership and Log Book renewed, please contact Don Cardone (0411 876 067) or Gordon Boyce (0417 897 905) to arrange an alternative method to complete this process.
Please note that Log Books, etc will not be processed during the Christmas/New Year break, so please ensure you have this completed if you wish to drive your Club Registered Vehicle during this time.
It has been an interesting month for the Sprite Club of SA! Just when you think things were back to normal the COVID-19 bug ramps up another gear.
We did have the Classic Sports Car Cruise to Gawler and from all reports it was a great success, the weather was fine and the the drive on the new Northern Connector was a chance for some members to drive this road for the first time. Thanks to Pat Miller for his efforts arranging this drive.
The following day was the last MSCA Supersprint for the year. While Mallala can be windy on most days, the the weather gods had gathered together and all headed to the circuit!
In the words of our Competition Secretary Pat Miller “First it rained then lightning knocked out the power grid for the area, no PA, no timing, the wind came up in the afternoon blowing all shade tents away along with raised dust and a temp of 40deg.” Reports of those driving open cars along the back straight being buffered by the wind was rather scary.
After the third run the event was called off with all concerned happy to be be heading home, though there were some vehicles that did not survive the heat – Gerard Miller’s Plymouth Special suffering a head gasket failure.
Then it was time to get ready for the ReUnited-ReUnion Dinner. And what a week that was! The COVID-19 restrictions started to escalate due to the Parafield/Woodvile Pizza Bar issue. On Monday things were looking ok, but the room size may have been an issue, then on Tuesday we may have to reschedule to fit all 40 members in the restaurant, then on Wednesday the State went into lockdown and the Dinner was off!
Special thanks to Michael McClaren and the committee for their assistance with this week. The email traffic was high, the phone was running hot and lots of quick thinking and decisions needed to be made, before the lockdown finally sealed the deal.
Therefore the Dinner has been postponed until 2021!
We will inform all of you the date for next year once things settle back to normal after the New Year. We have your payments and will put these forward to the Dinner at the appropriate date. Please contact the Committee if you have any queries about the Dinner for 2021.
Due to these current restrictions the December Meeting will also be cancelled. we will be unable to have the Christmas BBQ as per usual, and the room restrictions for the Fullarton Park Community Centre have also changed, with a reduction in the number of people we can have in the room and the recommendation of wearing face masks while in the room.
We will open the Centre on Monday 7th December from 7.00pm and have the Treasurer and Club Registration Officers available to allow members to pay their Subs and have their Log Books signed and registration papers signed and stamped, so they will be legal if members drive their vehicles over the Christmas Break.
More details to follow.
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce – President and the Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
In light of the current Covid situation in SA, please take note the following info:
Booking are finalised – the numbers are now closed!
Do not arrive too early! 7pm is the start time, you will have to wait outside until then.
There will be some limited drinks on the Sprite Club, Michael Mclaren and Bentleys – after this there will be an honour system in place and monies collected at the the end of the evening.
We are watching the ever changing situation with Covid restrictions please watch you emails for updates.
Hopefully we’ll see you on Saturday – Stay safe and well
Gerald Charles Coker, known to all as “Gerry,” was born June 24, 1922 in Northamptonshire, England.
He is known in the Healey world for his body design of the Healey Hundred introduced in 1952.
Gerry’s design talent showed up early in life with his childhood “doodles” of motorcars. He began his training as an engineer in 1939 when he apprenticed at the Rootes Group, where he worked with experimental designs for armored vehicles and other military vehicle components prior to and during WWII.
He joined the Donald Healey Motor Company as Healey’s body engineer in 1950. His first job was to look after the Nash Healeys as they came from Panelcraft, the Nash Healey body makers.
Early on at the DHMC, Healey challenged Gerry to show him a sports car design, and in late 1950, he created the body design for what would become the Austin-Healey 100. This timelessly beautiful sports car stole the show in October, 1952 when it debuted as the Healey Hundred at the London Motor Show at Earls Court.
Gerry also styled the Austin-Healey Streamliner (the “pretty one,” he says) that was driven to 192.7 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1954 while establishing records in speed and endurance. And just before moving on from the DHMC, Gerry developed the preliminary body design for the forthcoming Austin-Healey Sprite, which made its very successful first appearance in 1958. Budget considerations caused the Sprite’s final design to be altered considerably. This early design did not include the unique headlamps which caused the first Sprites to be called “Bugeye” in North America and “Frogeye” in Great Britain.
Gerry and his wife, Marion, were wed in June, 1953 near Coventry, Warwickshire. Their engagement coincided with Gerry’s design work for the Healey Hundred. Their wedding almost didn’t take place, as that June weekend was also the race weekend at Le Mans. Donald Healey had entered four cars (two Austin-Healeys and two Nash Healeys) and wanted Gerry to attend the race. He did not. Marion recalls that “I won that one!”
In 1957, the Cokers left England for life in America. Gerry worked at the Chrysler Corporation for about five years before a move to the Ford Motor Company, where he worked until 1987, when he retired as a Senior Product Design Engineer. It was Gerry who designed the famous dual action tailgate for station wagons; he and Ford hold a patent on his ingenious design.
Gerry and Marion Coker are familiar faces to most Healey club members who have met them over the years at various Austin-Healey meets. Gerry passed away surrounded by family Nov. 13, 2020.
When you see an Austin-Healey, you can thank Gerry Coker for its timeless design.
Saturday 21 November . The venue will be at Namaste Restaurant, 41 George Street, Parkside at 7.00pm.
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head. The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Payment can be made via the Club’s Bank Account EFT – Please note the Surname and numbers attending when making the deposit. Please let Darrel dazzarh@optusnet.com.au and/or Michael mmcclaren@adel.bentleys.com.au know your coming and paid!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be No Dinner Payments on the night, must be prepaid before.
14 November Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – “Northerly Aspect!” departure
For the first cruise of this season our gathering point will be in Kateena Street, Regency Park, next to the Regency Park Vehicle Inspection Centre.
Gathering from 4:30 PM. Departure time will be at 5:00 PM. and head up the new Northern Connector and Expressway to Gawler, enjoying some different roads and scenery on this new road infrastructure. Any enquiries contact Pat Miller 0421289706.
We have received a request from Chris Clarke who’s mother is turning 90 in December. The lady used to drive and race a duck egg blue bug eye sprite. Chris would like to find a similar car to pick her mum up on the day as a gesture of past experience. Can any club member help out here if so please ring Chris on 0408034172. May be as a club we could organize a bug eye guard of honour.
The AGM elected the following members to the committee
At the Sprite Club of SA Annual General Meeting the following were elected to the 2021 Sprite Club Committee. President: Gordon BoyceSecretary: Ray KinlayTreasurer: Darrel HannaSocial Coordinator: Michael McClaren with assistance of other MembersCompetition Secretary: Pat MillerWeb Master: Chris BrineClubbies SA Representative: Barry EdsonLibrary: Miles JacksonRegalia: Kerry FisherFederation of Historic Motoring Clubs SA Delegate: Don CardoneClub Registration Authorised Officers: Don Cardone and Gordon Boyce Thanks to all of these people for their assistance with the running of the Sprite Club for the next 12 months. Also Special Thanks to Ken Dutch for his work as Regalia Officer for a number of years, your work with this role has been appreciated and thanks to Kerry Fisher for volunteering for the position – Welcome to the Committee!
2 November Annual General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
All committee positions will be declared vacant – Help be a part of or choose the Committee for 2021
14 November Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – “Northerly Aspect!” departure
For the first cruise of this season our gathering point will be in Kateena Street, Regency Park, next to the Regency Park Vehicle Inspection Centre.
Gathering from 4:30 PM. Departure time will be at 5:00 PM. and head up the new Northern Connector and Expressway to Gawler, enjoying some different roads and scenery on this new road infrastructure. Any enquiries contact Pat Miller 0421289706.
15 November MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 5 – Mallala Motorsport Park
This competition event will be held at Mallala for the final round of the MSCA Super Sprint Series.
Hoping the weather will provide a fast track for the competitors. On track action from 10.00am
21 November Sprite Club Re-Union Re-United Dinner – Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, Parkside
The venue will be at Namaste Restaurant, 41 George Street, Parkside at 7.00pm.
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head. The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Payment can be made via the Club’s Bank Account EFT – Please note the Surname and numbers attending when making the deposit.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be No Dinner Payments on the night, must be prepaid before.
7 December Christmas General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
All Members please note that the Annual General Meeting of the Sprite Club of South Australia will be held on Monday 2nd November at 8.00pm at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
All committee positions will be declared vacant, so if you would like to join the committee and assist in the running of the Sprite Club of SA please think about nominating or volunteering at the AGM. Talk to any of the committee if you are interested or require further information.
If you are attending there are a number of COVID-19 requirements you need to be aware of. These include:
• Do not attend the Centre if you, or anyone in your group: • Is experiencing cold and flu like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath • Has a chronic medical condition and/or weakened immune system and has not sought advice from a health care professional prior to attending. • Practice physical distancing where possible, stay 1.5m apart • Wash hands or use sanitiser provided when entering and exiting the premises. • Maintain appropriate personal hygiene practices (especially covering coughs and sneezes). • Avoid lingering in foyers and waiting areas and encourage members to arrive just prior to your starting time and to exit as soon as the event has finished.
If you are the holder of a trophy that was presented last year can you please return these on the night to allow them to be prepared for awarding later in the year.
The Mid-Week Meander was the first chance for the Sprite Club members to have a social drive since the COVID-19 lockdown
In March 2020 the Sprite Club Calendar listed that the first Mid-Week Meander had been scheduled and was themed “Head to the Hills” to assist the various business and communities that had been affected by the bushfires during the late part of 2019.
Unfortunately the effect of COVID-19 and the associated health risks during March caused the Sprite Club to postpone the event in line with the SA Health advice and the general health and wellbeing of the members.
Jump forward seven months and our trusty Mid-Week Meanderers, Russell and Judy Schmarr dug out the Run Sheet, wiped it with hand sanitiser and a few alcohol wipes and the Meander was ready to go!
Meeting at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale
The intrepid Meanderers met at Tilley Reserve at Yatala Vale, for some this was a journey in itself! With Social Distancing requirements and Contract Tracing signatures to complete, the Sprite Club members complied with the appropriate regulations and had a chance to catch up on the events of the past few months. There were Bugeyes, Sprites, Midgets, a Clubman & Mazda MX-5 plus a modern or two.
The Brocks Holden Tigra and some of the Meanderers at Gumeracha
Soon Russell had mustered the group and they were on their Meandering way. As usual Russell and Judy had found a combination of roads that takes “the long way there and the short way back”. This route was no different with the Meanders stopping at Gumeracha to allow a regroup of the convoy. Here they were joined by Gary and Faye Brock and their Holden Tigra which has replaced their MGB GT.
A stop at the Warren Reservoir for a BYO morning tea allowed the Sprite Club members to enjoy this once secured area. These reservoirs have now been opened to the public for a number of outdoor activities including hiking and mountain biking or enjoying a picnic on the lakeside. Water sports including kayaking/canoeing and fishing along the shore or from a kayak are also allowed.
Morning tea stop at Warren Reservoir
Once a coffee or tea and a couple of biccies had been completed the Meanderers were once again on the road. The weather was on the side of the group and most enjoyed a top down run through the scenic Adelaide Hills.
The lunch venue was the Charleston Hotel, here the Meanderers had the chance for more social catch-up and support this local business affected by the bushfires. With good food and a glass of their choice, all reported that they did not need anything else to eat on the way home!
Enjoying lunch at the Charleston Hotel
Special thanks to Russell and Judy for arranging this Mid-Week Meander and thanks to the Meanderers for their support of the event. It was also the Sprite Club’s first social event since the COVID-19 pandemic and chance to review the regulations that have been put in place to allow the Sprite Club to conduct and enjoy these events.
If you missed this one, keep an eye on the website and calendar as more events are added as the year continues.
The Marque Sports Car Association SA Super Sprint series headed to The Bend for Round Four. Having used the West Circuit last time, the MSCA has booked the East Circuit for this event. With 3.9km and 22 corners there were going to be a lot of track learning required for most drivers who had not driven on this circuit. As well as the bends there were a number of elevation changes that changed the balance of the vehicles during the lap.
Enjoy the lap with Alistar Dow in the Puma Clubman – Thanks to Alistar for the video
A number of Sprite Club members enjoyed the circuit with most having a huge smile on their return from the circuit. There were small clouds of dust as some found the track limits, with most stating that you had to get Turn 1 correct to help set up Turns 2, 3 & 4. Then you headed to to the uphill Turn 8 into a tight right at 9, then downhill at 10. 11. 12…. So lots of “thinking about each series of corners” was important.
With a well built Race Control building with all amenities, a Barista serving hot coffee/tea and you could order a nice meal for lunch, the drivers were spoilt for their day at the track compared to Mallala.
There were some mechanical issues and the day ended unfortunately with a roll-over for a MG ZT and it’s junior driver. although shaken, bruised but unhurt, thanks to the Women for Wheels and Medical Team for their assistance.
All drivers agreed that it was a fantastic track with a number of challenges that most had not experienced before. They all stated they were looking forward to returning to the circuit at a future date.
What a year 2020 has been. But, if you want to get back together with other Sprite Club members then The Re-Union Re-United Dinner might be for you. RSVP and mark your diaries NOW!
The venue will be at Namaste Restaurant, 41 George Street, Parkside, so it is quite central.
We will have space to ourselves to enjoy this special night. Numbers will dictate which room.
Our Club has subsidised this evening, as well as drinks we will have a Nepalese Banquet at $40.00 per head.
Everest Banquet
An excellent way to sample the favourite dishes of Namasté, comprising of 4 pieces of entree,
Mixed Entrée 1 piece of each per person
Momo (DF, NF)
Chicken dumpling with ginger, garlic, spring onion and coriander.
Samosa (DF, V, V’n, NF)
Home made pastry triangle filled with vegetables including potatoes, fresh spring onion, peas and coriander.
Phulaura (GF, DF, V, V’n, NF)
Traditional crispy patty prepared from black lentils, chickpea flour, spring onion, spinach & coriander blended in
Nepalese herbs.
Tareko Machha (GF, DF, NF)
Fish marinated in Nepalese herbs and lightly battered with cornflour and mustard oil.
Main Courses
Poleko Khasi / Badami Sekewa (Choice of Tandoori Lamb or chicken) (GF)
juicy lamb ribs marinated in yoghurt, spices & garam masala, then cooked in the charcoal clay oven.
OR
Tender juicy pieces of chicken fillet, lightly marinated in a creamy yoghurt sauce with ginger, garlic and lemon
juice, enriched with almond paste.
Jhingey ko Tarkari (Prawn Curry) (GF, NF)
Rich King prawn curry infused with the flavours of green chilli, ginger, garlic, garam masala, yoghurt, vinegar
and coconut milk.
Khasiko Masu (Choice of Lamb or Goat) (GF, DF, NF)
Traditionally spiced Nepalese style curry with your choice of tender boneless lamb or goat.
Sekewa Ko Leddoor (Nepalese Butter Chicken) (GF)
Boneless chicken pieces, cooked in the charcoal fired clay oven, then pan simmered in a delicious creamy sauce.
Accompaniments
Rayoko Saag (GF, V, NF)
Mustard leaves stir-fried with chilli, cumin seed & a dash of mustard oil & butter.
Misayako Tarkari (GF, DF, V, V’n, NF)
Mixed vegetable curry of cauliflower, green beans, potatoes and green peas flavoured with spring onion and fresh coriander.
Pharsi ko Tarkari (GF, DF, V, V’n, NF)
Pumpkin curry, flavoured with mustard seeds, fenugreek, ginger, salt and pepper.
Dessert
Laal Mohaan (V)
Traditional sweet prepared from milk powder flavoured with cardamom and rose water. A typical sweet from the Terai region, served with vanilla bean ice-cream.
Please come along and enjoy the company as well support the various award winners.
Payment can be made either at General Meetings or the Club’s Bank Account EFT – Details Below.
Please note the Surname and numbers attending when making the EFT deposit.
NAB Adelaide Branch.
Account Name: THE SPRITE CLUB OF SA INC.
BSB: 085 005
Account Number: 207432628
There will be further emails nearer the event detailing any necessary Covid19 precautions and procedures.
Here is the October Bugeye Burble and Coming Events………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
21 October Mid-Week Meander – “Head to the Hills”
Russell and Judy have planned an enjoyable run for the return of the Mid-Week Meander for 2020.
Meet 10.00 am at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale Road, Surrey Downs for a 10.30 am departure.
BYO morning tea/coffee and then lunch at a local Hills hotel.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
2 November Annual General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
All committee positions will be declared vacant, so if you would like to join the committee and assist in the running of the Sprite Club of SA please think about nominating or volunteering at the AGM.
14 November Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – “Northerly Aspect!”
Our first cruise of this season we will meet at Kateena Street, Regency Park opposite the Dept of Transport Inspection Station, and head up the new Northern Connector and Expressway to Gawler.
Start time to be advised in the next Bugeye Burble and on the Web Site
Any enquiries contact Pat Miller 0421289706.
15 November MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 5 – Mallala Motorsport Park
This competition event will be held at Mallala for the final round of the MSCA Super Sprint Series.
Hoping the weather will provide a fast track for the competitors. On track action from 10.00am
21 November Sprite Club of SA Reunion Dinner – Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, Parkside
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head. The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Payment can be made via the Club’s Bank Account EFT – Please note the Surname and numbers attending when making the deposit.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be No Dinner Payments on the night, must be prepaid before.
7 December Christmas General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic still causes havoc across the world, closer to home it has been refreshing to see the infection numbers drop in Victoria and some state borders opening. I am sure we are all looking forward to the talented scientists across the globe finding a solution to rid us of this most brutal virus. In my last newsletter I advised that we would be open for registrations this year and would confirm the status of All British Day 2021 by November 30. As a result of our research into what is required for us to hold an event that attracts around 3000 plus people, and meets SA Health Covid-19 criteria, our November deadline has been brought forward. We have considered the time required for us to prepare the necessary extensive Covid Management Plan for SA Health, and have factored in the significant review of logistics and costs involved to run the event. As the committee is entirely made up of volunteers and our resources are finite both in manpower and financially, we regrettably must advise it is simply not feasible for us to host All British Day next February 2021, considering all the obligations we would be required to undertake. As a result, we will not be sending out invitations nor opening the website for registrations. By February, the Covid Management plan may be a lot less involved, but we have to assess the facts and act as they are now. it is possible that some of the current Covid management policies may become a part of every event, but only time will tell. We are disappointed that we have had to make this decision, but feel it is the only responsible course of action open to us. We have no desire to take unnecessary risks with the health of those attending ABD or running a compromised event just for the sake it. We do hope you will understand why we have had to make this decision. We will, in the absence of ABD 2021 still make donations to the CFS and other service groups that benefit from ABD. Essentially ABD 2022 will be ABD 2021 plus 12 months. February 2022 will still be featuring both British Working Wheels and the E Type Jaguar celebration. We expect to open registrations on October 1, 2021, for ABD 2022 and plan to keep the registration fee unchanged. However it is not all bad news and despite the COVID-19 constraints the ABD Committee is extremely hopeful we can come up with an alternative approach to enable you to still exercise or display your vehicles on February 14, 2021. We will be having another meeting in November and hopefully by then, the Covid rules may have changed, allowing us to suggest an alternative, in the absence of ABD 2021, to the many clubs and organizations that make up and support ABD. Save the date and watch this space!
Kind Regards Jamie Sandford-Morgan President All British Day
It has been a while but slowly the Sprite Club will be returning to normal activities. The Committee has been working on a number of requirements and events behind the scenes as we come to grips and understand the new regulations we need to follow as part of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on our Club.
General Meetings – Monday 12th October
We will be returning to normal General Meetings at the Fullarton Park Community Centre on Monday 12th October at 8.00pm.
We have been working with the Fullarton Park Centre and SA Health to return to our usual meetings.
There are a number of COVID-19 requirements you need to be aware of. These include:
• Do not attend the Centre if you, or anyone in your group: • Is experiencing cold and flu like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath • Has a chronic medical condition and/or weakened immune system and has not sought advice from a health care professional prior to attending. • Practice physical distancing where possible, stay 1.5m apart • Wash hands or use sanitiser provided when entering and exiting the premises. • Maintain appropriate personal hygiene practices (especially covering coughs and sneezes). • Avoid lingering in foyers and waiting areas and encourage members to arrive just prior to your starting time and to exit promptly after completion of your activity. • There is no communal food or beverage service areas • The Sprite Club will need to keep and retain contract tracing records in accordance with their COVID Safe Plan. You will be required to complete an attendance sheet containing details of the group, the date of the activity, and the names and phone numbers of each attendee. • Hirers are responsible for cleaning and disinfection of touch-points (door handles, light switches, counters, table tops, and backs of chairs)
While this list has a number of specific requirements , these, our COVID Safe Plan and our COVID Marshals are an important part for us as a Sprite Club to maintain to have our General meetings. Your assistance with these requirements that allows the Sprite Club to return to normal activities is appreciated.
Sprite Club Display Day – 25th October
Thank you to those who have responded to our request for interest in this event for 2020.
Unfortunately we received a low number of replies by the due date, and in light of the investment for the hire of the venue and the COVID-19 requirements the Sprite Club would have to meet for this event, the Committee has decided to cancel the event for 2020.
This decision was not made lightly, and involved many discussions and emails between the Committee members, and I thank them for their input with these discussions.
While we as a Sprite Club believe would be able to meet the COVID-19 requirements, the COVID Safe Plan and the social distancing, the Committee felt that to apply this to the general public would require more resources than the Club would be able provide.
The general public’s interest in our Sprites, Midgets and Associate vehicles is an important part of the day, and the promotion of our special vehicles and the Club.
Members who attended the recent Bay to Birdwood rally stated that there were no spectators at the start on the event at West Beach to reduce any risk to attendees, as well as the general public.
The Sprite Club Committee acknowledged this reduced risk, so have decided to ensure that we “reduce the risk to members and the general public” for any Sprite Club planned events. This aligns with the current requirements and regulations that we have to abide by under the COVID-19 Safe Plan and directions implemented by SA Health. As these are changing at regular intervals the Sprite Club will monitor these and apply any changes to meet these requirements.
There are a number of other events and social drives that are in the planning stages and we will announce some of these at the next General meeting and as the details become finalised.
Thank you to all members for your support over the past few months and looking forward to catching at a general meeting or event soon.
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce – President and the Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
Greetings from Melbourne and the Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club
Our club is being proactive in regard to the 60th anniversary next year and I thought some of your members may also be interested in one of the prints.
The AHSDC has commissioned Mike Harbar to create a piece of original artwork to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the MK2 Sprite and MK1 Midget in 2021.
The club will be offering 100 numbered prints for sale.
There will be 30 x A2 prints numbered from 1 to 30 and 70 x A3 prints numbered from 1 to 70.
The prices (excluding postage & handling) are as follows:
A2 – A$94.80
A3 – A$61.50
Requests for specific print numbers will be accommodated, providing the number(s) are still available, but please provide a couple of options.
Please send your orders through to Greg or Terri at:
The first Bay to Birdwood was held 40 years ago with a run for Veteran and Vintage cars from the Car park at then end of Anzac Highway to the National Motor Museum at Birdwood.
Over the years the route has changed, the number of entries has increased and the start venue has relocated to Barrett Reserve, West Beach to allow for the larger fleet of vehicles. Since the late 1990’s there has been the Bay to Birdwood Classic to allow for the newer vehicles, eligible under the Historic Registration Scheme.
For the 40th Anniversary the Bay To Birdwood run was open for vehicles from each era to enter. This allowed a range of vintage, veteran, classic and special interest vehicles to enjoy this special event.
The COVID-19 pandemic also became a major part of the planning, with even the possibility of the event being cancelled. To overcome this the organisers allowed only the entrants at the start – therefore no spectators, but encouraged members of the public to socially distance along the route to enjoy the mobile spectacle.
To assist this the run was “live streamed’ to allow all to enjoy the event from their homes, computers, mobile phones, etc.
Here is the link if you would you missed the broadcast
At the Birdwood Mill the entrants were encouraged to stop for a pit stop, and then head to the surrounding Adelaide hills to either have a picnic or support the local businesses that were affected by the fires earlier this year.
Sprite Club members entered and attended the run, here is a report from our Social Coordinator, Michael McClaren:
“B2B yesterday was good in a different sort of way.
Left West Beach at 7.45am, fairly chilly but got an unimpeded run to Birdwood. Organisers fairly strict on the (say) 30 min pit stop in the grounds of the museum; so it filled and emptied fairly quickly (the carpark and lawns I mean).
Modest traffic assistance at Tapleys Hill Rd & Anzac Hwy and then again at Britannia Roundabout. Therefore early finish, so coffee in the main street and then lunch at the Charleston Hotel – 2 hour time limit as part of the Covid measures.. Home about 4pm Regards Michael and Pat“
Special thanks to Murray Packer for the use of his photos of the Sprite Club members on the run – these were taken on Anzac Highway.
Scott Duncan – Sprite Mk II
New member – James Campbell – Sprite Mk III
Peter the Plumber in his MG Midget
Previous Member Steve Kent following the field in his Bugeye
The Sprite Club Committee held a meeting tonight to discuss the next few months and the return to Club Activities. Here are a few notes from the meeting.
We will return to normal General Meetings at the Fullarton Park Community Centre From Monday 12th October 2020. There will be the now usual COVID-19 restrictions regarding social distancing, hand sanitising and contract tracing. Will inform you all of the specifics in the next update.
There are two events that have been calendared and the Committee requires your assistance with the planning and preparation. Can you please respond to this email as soon as possible to assist the Committee.
The Annual Sprite Display Day is planned to be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg on Sunday 25th October 2020. The event will be similar to previous years, although this year there will just be a display of Sprites, Midgets and Associate vehicles. There will be no Peoples Choice award.
We will be required to have the usual requirements of the hire of the reserve plus the addition of the COVID-19 Action Plan, COVID Marshals, social distancing and personal hygiene requirments.
To assist with the planning we need to know the number of members and vehicles attending.
If you are planning to attend the Sprite Display Day can you please send an email registering your interest and vehicles that you will display to admin@spriteclub.com.au by Sunday 27th September
Likewise we are looking at having an Annual Dinner to celebrate the Sprite Club year. This would be a similar price and format to previous years. The numbers may be limited by the size and catering capacity of the venue.
To assist with the planning we need to know the number of members interested in attending an Annual Dinner.
If you are interested in attending the Annual Dinner can you please send an email registering your interest to admin@spriteclub.com.au by Sunday 27th September
Interest in both of these events can be listed in the same email – this will help the Committee’s planning and to make these events enjoyable as well as meeting all of the COVID-19 requirements.
Thanks for you assistance and the Committee is looking forward to returning to the “new normality” over the next few months.
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce and the Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
Hey everyone, I am currently looking to buy a classic car, either running or a project, with a budget of $10000. Midget or Sprite preferred but consider anything pre 1989, contact Christopher on 0411 867 118
Did you know that the Sprite Club Bugeye SUS-600 is a film star?
During 1977 the South Australian Film Corporation were looking for a sports car for the lead actor to drive in a telemovie “The Sound of Love”.
The actor was a young John Jarrett (of Wolf Creek fame) and also starred Celia De Burgh, who also featured in numerous Australian film and TV series.
The plot of the film is a simple love story with a motor racing background.
When a tragic motor sport accident leaves Dave (John Jarratt) deaf, life becomes meaningless for the cynical, mechanically minded, sports-car driving young man.
Eileen (Celia de Burgh) is a small-time pickpocket, a drifter who cares little about the men that she sleeps with, but she is also afflicted by deafness which has left her alienated from the world.
The pair meet while in the care of specialist John Lewis (George Ogilvie) and a powerful love begins between them, a love that needs no words …
Things threaten to go wrong when the couple argue – David refuses to admit he’s deaf – and Eileen finds herself in a van with two ruffians ready to rape her.
But Dave arrives in his sports-car and saves her, and the relationship becomes even stronger … a love that will change them forever …
Filmed in the Adelaide suburbs, Willunga and the Adelaide International Raceway there are locations that are reasonably easy to recognise.
Through all of this the Blue Bugeye features in many of the scenes and adds a Spritely flavour to the movie. Although SUS-600 did need a repaint and a new clutch after being used for the filming!
While aimed at the telemovie sector, the film used to appear as the midday movie on Channel Nine or often in the late night movie sector. It then ended up as a VHS video and can be found for sale on the internet.
SUS-600 has been in the Sprite Club of SA since the early days of the Club, so when you see her next please acknowledge this aging film star and her addition to the Sprites that have featured on the Silver Screen……….or the TV and VHS player!
Sprites and Midgets featured in numerous TV shows, adverts and movies over the years. This led recently to a message from Life Member Grant Stephenson regarding a TV special feature on the revival of the AMSCOL Ice Cream brand. During the feature there was a few flashbacks to the era and adverts of the brand. At one point there was a TV advert from Feb 1963 for the AMSCOL Berry Bar. The advert featured a very young Ernie Sigley and 1963 SA Female Logie winner Angela Stacey, and an early Bugeye Sprite.
This lead me to a bit of Google search and found a number of Sprite and Midget videos clips where the cars feature. The first one that springs to mind is the very early video featuring racing driver Roy Salvadori and John Bolster (with his lovely British accent!) at Silverstone Race Track with PBL 75 – the first promotional Bugeye.
Of course motorsport has been used as the promotion for many car brands over the years, and the Sprite and Midget was no exception. This advert for the Mk III Sprite is a classic example of “Race on Sunday – Sell on Monday!”
The other way to promote the Sprite and Midget is to feature the cars in popular television series. British TV shows like Heartbeat featured a few Sprites over the years.
Even Australian TV series featured Sprites – an early 9-stud windscreen Bugeye was driven by character Jo Loveday in A Country Practice and even featured prominently in the opening credits.
The English version of Top Gear featured both Bugeye and Mk III Sprites in various special features, which also helped promote the Marque, even many years after they have been sold new.
So if you want a “Flashback” and to use up a few minutes (or hours) of Google search , type in Sprite or Midget, select video and sit back and enjoy the various clips both old and new.
Just to finish up while the movie American Graffiti is a cult American movie that features many classic American cars, hot rods and customs, if you look very carefully there is a Yellow Bugeye that features in the street cruise scene. This George Lucas film (pre-Star Wars) also has Ron Howard and Harrison Ford as stars of the movie..
I hope that you are all keeping well in these testing times, as the COVID-19 virus is continuing its devastating impact around the world. Our thoughts go out to those impacted by the virus, both directly and indirectly.
We recently held a committee meeting to decide how we should proceed with All British Day 2021.
We decided that we will keep planning and organising; essentially business as usual. This decision has been taken as the amount of work that has to be done to prepare for All British Day simply cannot be left to the last minute.
Over the last few months, the COVID-19 regulations have changed considerably and possibly they will change again in the coming months. The best we can do is to keep monitoring the situation and keep updating you and our website.
Rest assured everyone’s health is of paramount importance to us and will continue to be. If we are given permission to proceed with ABD 2021, we no doubt will have to implement procedures to comply with COVID-19 regulations, whatever they may be next February. This will have an impact on how we run the day, so we do ask for your understanding if things are not running as smoothly as usual.
Like most other event organisers at present, we are planning on the run. We hope it is not the case, but if it eventuates that you have paid to attend All British Day 2021 and we do not get approval or our approval is revoked, or possibly event restrictions and distancing do not make the event viable by 30/11/2020 we would simply roll your entry over to ABD 2022. Again, the entry fee remains unchanged.
On a more positive note, looking to next February we are promoting two themes for ABD 2021.
The first is “British Working Wheels”. Via this theme we want to bring to the public’s attention the extent and diversity of British vehicles that have contributed in Australia over the decades, from the humble push bike to small capacity motorcycles, moving on to larger bikes possibly with side cars, and we would like to display examples of the daily runabouts /company cars.
We also would like to see the types of vehicles used by middle management, upper management and on to vice regal and government saloons.
Other British workhorses we would like to see are delivery vans, utilities, tractors, busses, and trucks, not forgetting that Britain also equipped the military with a diverse range of vehicles. We feel that there is plenty of scope to salute Britain’s working wheels contribution in the past and in our current times.
Britain was not all work and no play; we are also looking to celebrate the 60th year of the E type Jaguar, a car that could easily be described as the quintessential example of an elegant sports car. The E-type was the ideal car linking Jaguar’s recent racing history to the buyers that purchased this impressive car. It is a vehicle that turned heads 60 years ago and continues to do so. If you own a vehicle or know of someone that owns a vehicle that either fits the British Working Wheels criteria or has a Jaguar E-type, simply forward this letter to them!
At this stage we are expecting to open for entries on 1/10/2020, closing on 7/11/2020.
We will be monitoring the number and types of entries to ensure we can use the grounds effectively and host a balanced display.
Keep Safe.
Kind Regards,
Jamie Sandford -Morgan President – All British Day
The current crisis is probably affecting our club more than each of yours but with most activities shut down I thought it would be good to get an update from each of you as to how your clubs are going that I could put in our next magazine. Just a to show the Australian Sprite Clubs aren’t isolating from each other!!Just to kick things off:
Hello from the ‘Stage 4 State’ and greetings from all our members.
Here in Victoria we had a small burst of club activity in June and early July as the pandemic situation appeared to be improving but it wasn’t to last and now our beloved cars are gathering dust again. Jack De Bruijne usually runs a mid-week drive during winter for those members who have retired. Despite having a knee operation that stopped him from leading a couple of the drives they went ahead as ‘Jackless’ drives.
Our indefatigable Soc Sec (Chris Crombie) managed to get in a couple of social drives as well. One of them was a Sunday drive to Billanook Winery in the Yarra Valley which I was able to join and blow away most of the cobwebs – for both me and my car.
Chris had a tour arranged in September to the Western District to visit all the painted silos but that has just had to be cancelled, or at least postponed until next year. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed our end of year dinner will be able to go ahead.
All our members are safe and well which is the main thing. I hope your clubs are ‘riding the wave’ and that all your members and their families are also safe and well.
Cheers Mike Welsh – President – Austin Healey Sprite Drivers’ Club Inc.
Sprite Club of SA has always had a strong representation at MSCA Mallala Circuit Sprints
On the eve of the return to Mallala for the MSCA Supersprints after a four month break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to “Flashback” and have a look at the Sprite Club’s involvement at Mallala and circuit sprinting.
Sprites and Midgets were by design always going to be used for competition. From motorkhanas, racing and circuit sprints the Sprite Club of SA has always been involved with some form of competition.
During the early days of the Sprite Club members competed at both Adelaide International Raceway and Mallala Motorsport Park. While AIR was used it had a very long straight and lots of concrete walls, the open track at Mallala was more suited to Sprites and Midgets and but was licensed only for Club events and not races.
It was originally an RAAF Air Force base and was converted to a racetrack during the early 1960’s as a replacement for the Port Wakefield circuit. During the 1970’s restrictions to prevent motorsport activities were placed on the land and circuit. When Clem Smith purchased the circuit his first task was to remove these restrictions. By the early 1980’s these were removed and the circuit re-licensed to hold major race meetings including the Australian Touring Car Championship. He also invested many dollars into the circuit surface and other infrastructure. The improvements are evident in the various photos here, showing the openness of the pits and paddock and lack of sheds, etc in the early 1980’s.
The MSCA was formed in the early 70’s to give the smaller Sports Car Clubs of South Australia the opportunity to compete at the Mallala Motorsport Park and in Motorkhanas and Hillclimbs. With only a low number of members competing from each club, the individual members joined the M.S.C.A., allowing those drivers to compete in their cars. This organisation was the association of clubs such as Bolwell, Alfa Romeo, Fiat-Lancia, MG, Austin Healey and Sprite Clubs. This association has now increased to 18 clubs with Mazda MX-5, BMW and Nissan-Datsun active member clubs. Members could join the MSCA and compete in a range of events, saving each club hiring the circuit for just a few members. Now they could have a larger number of competitors at any time and share the expenses, reducing the entry and operation costs.
The Sprite Club of SA members have been actively involved with the MSCA as both competitors, members, delegates and particularly on the organisation committee. During the past 20 years Sprite Club Life Member Sue Stephenson, supported by her family, has been the MSCA Competition Secretary and has operated the timing for these events.
The MSCA circuit sprints have grown from events of approx 20 vehicles during the 1980’s, when we parked on the side of the circuit where the pit lane is and lapped with only three vehicles on the circuit at any time.
The MSCA was instrumental in developing the Supersprint format where up to 18 vehicles can be on the track at any given time, The cars are released in pairs and can have a drag race to Turn I, from then it a race against the clock to try and obtain the fastest time. There are also awards for the most consistent driver over the Supersprint Series.
Now there is a cap of 120 entries with a diverse range of vehicles competing, from pure race cars to standard street spec vehicles. During the 1980’s the fastest time of the day was Keith Rilstone’s V8 Bolwell Nagari lapping in the 1.25’s. Todays the Clubmans are lapping in the 1.15 – 1.18’s, Dean King’s Rotary-powered Sprite has clocked times even faster!
Super Sprinting is a reasonably safe way of competing, but occasionally something may go wrong either mechanically or sometimes there may even be contact with a concrete wall.
The Sprite Club members also assist with flagging at specific events each year and it is a chance to get up close to the action and assist the running of the event,
Driver Training sessions and Come’n’Try days often form part of the current MSCA Calendar to allow new competitors the safe way to try circuit sprinting and learn driver and car control at the same time, Many junior members and wives have also been actively involved with circuit sprinting over the years, so it not just something for the guys!
As the Clubbies SA group expanded during the late 1980’s they joined the Sprite Club to gain access to the MSCA and now form a large component of the Sprite Club’s representation at the circuit sprints. Quite often these and other Sprite Club members take home numerous trophies from the end of year presentation event
Super Sprinting as a ideal way to become involved with Motorsport competition, and the MSCA Supersprints at both Mallala and now The Bend Motorsport Park, provide an opportunity for Sprite Club members to become actively involved in both the organisation and most importantly getting your vehicle on the track.
To all of the competitors who have entered for this Sunday’s event we hope you have a great day!
Good news at last – Round 2 will be running on July 26 – supp regs are now available on the MSCA web site, and entries are open via Motorsport Australia.
Note that changes have been forced upon us by Motorsport Australia because of the COVID-19 situation. Entry procedure will be a bit different – entrants will have to complete extra forms, supply copies of your MA licence & club membership cards with entries, and there will be self scrutineering. There will be no sign-in, and no drivers briefing. All forms required are available on the Supp Regs / Entry Forms tab, then the COVID-19 Related Forms link on this site. Please ensure you read the supp regs carefully.
All competitors – to reduce congestion & time taken at signing, please print & fill out the Mallala waiver form, available also on the web site under the Supp Regs / Entry Form section
With the sun shining and a cool morning it it time once again to grab a cup of coffee and head to the shed and see what some of our members have been up to during the past few months.
Peter Stanley – Mk IIA Sprite
Peter’s Hillclimb Championship Winning Sprite has been undergoing a few updates while waiting for the Collingrove Hillclimb season to resume. Looking forward to seeing the Sprite back in action……….
As Peter states:
Not quite self isolation, but isolation from any motor sport….. I have had the chance to refurbish the rear suspension and fit a long overdue Panhard rod. The whole exercise started out because of a broken wheel stud and just grew from there. Maybe the old slug will behave in a more Spritely fashion. Hope everyone is keeping healthy Pete.
Pat Miller – Ford Special
As many members are aware Pat has been building various clubman and other style vehicles for many years and his current project is slightly different to the two clubman style vehicles he competes at Mallala.
I will let Pat continue the story:
This my Ford special being tested at Mallala by the engineering team from Motiv Engineering. I had tried to get the car registered through the hot rod association but the man at DPTI decided that the car is a clubman and therefore requires very expensive engineering certification. No it did not pass, being the first time it had ever been driven a few gremlins showed up. The engineers did not like the feel of the brake pedal and the front suspension rubbers were too compliant. I noted a lot of things I did not like. All of the above are being rectified during the current confined to barracks situation.
The car is built on a 1948 Prefect ute chassis, boxed with new cross members. The body I built based on a 1927 Ford T. The grille, inspired by a 1937 Ford, once again hand built. The engine is the SOHC 2 liter Ford from the Anglia I used to race. It runs a mild cam, head work, Mhale pistons, steel flywheel, comp clutch, twin throat Dellorto carbs, etc, trans is Cortina 4 speed, diff is a refugee out of a Toyota Hiace van, it has the biggest drum brakes I have ever worked on. Front axle originated in a 1940 Ford I adapted GM spindles AU Falcon brake rotors and lightweight Holden calipers. The rack and pinion steering is another Cortina refugee attached directly to the axle. On test it proved to feel too light and too slow. The steering column was a leftover from the same Nissan Skyline that was the source of the drive train of my Irukandji Clubman. Wheels are standard pre AU Falcon 15” x 6” running 205 Yokahama tyres. Paint is 2 pack, brightest red I could find. Trim by Cool Trimmers. As I intend to give a bit of a seeing to at a super sprint meeting I fitted what would be a CAMS approved roll bar, attachments are built in so that a full harness seat belt can be readily fitted. I have not weighed it but my guess is around 800kg
Despite not achieving the engineers big tick I was not disappointed with the test. Sitting in the seat beside the test engineer with no helmet the wind blast on the main straight at Mallala nearly blew my face off. For car powered by an ancient 2 liter engine it flies. I hope I will get a degree of understanding when I turn up at sports car cruises in this machine.
Pat Miller.
Grant Stephenson – Ford Escort
We visited Grant last time in the shed to look at his Bugeye , but while there we also had a past look at his Ford Escort. This started life as mudsprint vehicle and evolved to an Improved Production Race Car (Club Car). Here are a couple of snaps from the mud sprint days at Southern Districts Car Club’s track at Old Reynella (now the track is covered with houses).
Tony Guest (right) presenting David Low a trophy at the 1994 Sprite Club Display Day
It is with sadness that I write to inform the Members of the Sprite Club of South Australia of the passing of previous member and past President Tony Guest.
Tony and his late wife Sally joined during the late 1980’s and were active members in all aspects of the Club, social, car displays and competition events. Tony was elected President in 1994.
Tony and Sally were also regular entrants and supporters of the All British Day, regularly displaying their vehicles over many years and proudly wearing the Union Jack of their home country.
Tony and Sally’s early 1958 Bugeye Sprite
Tony and Sally had an rare early 1958 “9-Stud Windscreen” Bugeye Sprite that Tony restored twice during his ownership and also owned a Mk IIIA Sprite that was his daily driver and evolved into a competitive Sprite for MSCA Sprints. This Sprite is still in the Sprite Club having been restored by Chris Brine and currently owned by Patrick Kukla.
Tony and Sallys MkIIIA Sprite with the 1989 MSCA Class A Trophy on the bonnet
Tony interest in competition included MSCA Sprints and Bordertown motorkhanas. Tony was awarded the MSCA Class A Champion driver in 1989 and also was awarded the Sprite Club’s Sprite of the Year and Sprint Driver of the Year.
On behalf of the Committee and the Members of the Sprite Club of South Australia we pass on our condolences to Tony’s daughters, Louise and Samantha and their families.
Tony’s Mk IIIA Sprite leading Gordon Boyce’s Bugeye at Turn 2 – Mallala 1990
Wondering if anyone might have a king pin reaming tool I could use for disk brake stub axles? Or know an anyone who might be able to do it for me? Cheers Chris contact chris.brine@gmail.com.au O4198O2163
Dear Sprite Members PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE SENT THIS MESSAGE TO ALL MEMBERS THAT WERE GOING TO ATTEND THIS YEAR. National Challenge 2021 The Sprite Car Club of Qld. Committee are pleased that we can confirm that we will host the Challenge at Easter 2021. Dates are from Thursday 1st April to Monday 5th April.Morgan Park Raceway & Motels have been rebooked. Basic weekend details will be Thursday night welcome BBQ. Friday night, Dinner at Morgan Park Saturday & Sunday night, Dinner at Warwick Golf Club.Competitors, Morgan Park racing Friday & Saturday & on Sunday Motorkhana. Social Activities for non competitors on Friday & Saturday will have organized bus trip & a navigation run. Sunday is Concourse & Motorkhana for everyone to attend. All breakfasts, lunches & dinners will be organized, so all you need to do is come along & have a great weekend. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FLYER IS ATTACHED. Please reply to this email if you would like to attend.
The Committee hope you are all well and keeping safe in these pandemic times. Currently there has been some lifting of the restrictions on social gatherings and meeting, but the Fullarton Park Community Centre has not reopened for evening events and there is a limitation of numbers of gatherings in the Centre.
Therefore until these restrictions are lifted (which might be later this month) we will continue to wait until gathering for our General Meetings.
The same restrictions have applied for our social events and the next few on the calendar we have had to postpone.
The Mid-Week Meander to The Bend Motorsport Park and the Slot Car BBQ have been postponed until we can allow the full number of members to enjoy these events and the planning behind the scenes becomes worthwhile for the organisers.
There is notification from the MSCA that they are currently planning to host the next Supersprint at Mallala in July. More details will be posted as they come to hand.
The Committee has also been in contact with the City of Holdfast Bay regarding out Annual Sprite Display Day in October, but will see what is allowed by the time this event draws closer.
Even with all of these restrictions, social distancing and self isolation we have enjoyed the new membership of three new members & partners and their Sprites and Midgets. There are also a couple more new members in the pipeline.
We would like to welcome these members and look forward to meeting them on either a social drive or the general meetings – hope to catch up soon…
James Campbell – Sprite Mk III
Julieanne Goode & Mary Fabris – Bugeye Sprite
Robin Dunk – MG Midget
Hope you keep safe and well
Yours Spritely
President Gordon Boyce and The Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
The Sprite Club of South Australia provides many different activities for it’s members, meetings, dinners, BBQs, competition and motor sport activities.
The one activity that all members enjoy is driving their Sprites, Midgets and Associate vehicles.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has prevented the Sprite Club from conducting these important social drives, particularly the Classic Sports Car Cruises.
In this current world of social distancing and self-isolation we can experience different ways of doing what we would normally enjoy, Zoom meetings, Skype phone calls, and virtual virtually anything….
So put on your cap, sunglasses, driving gloves and settle down for a virtual Classic Sports Car Cruise………..
To all Members of the Sprite Club of South Australia
We hope you are all keeping safe and well during these interesting times
The Sprite Club of SA Committee is aware of the restrictions on venues and public gatherings that are imposed on all citizens of South Australia.
As the SA Government is reviewing and updating these restriction we will abide by these and hope that a return to normal Sprite Club activities will resume soon.
The Fullarton Park Community Centre is currently closed as they can only have up 10 people on the site at any given time. They have been in contact with the Club and will let us know when we can return for a General Meeting.
These restrictions also apply to runs, social drives and motorsport competition, but these may may be lifted in the coming months. The Committee will inform all members as the situation changes.
2021 National Sprite and Midget Challenge
On a positive note we have heard from the Queensland Sprite Club and they are planning the 2021 National Sprite and Midget Challenge for the 1st – 5th April 2020, subject to COVID-19 restrictions and cross border travel being lifted.
Expression of interest form are being developed and we will circulate to members as the information come to hand
We hope you have been enjoying the Sprite Club of SA Website updates, Flashback Fridays, Sunday’s in the Shed and other items to keep you interested over the past few months. Stay tuned for more….
Yours Spritely
President Gordon Boyce and the Committee of the Sprite Club of South Australia
The Father and Son combination of Donald and Geoffrey Healey were instrumental in the formation of the Donald Healey Motor Company and the following association with Austin to form Austin-Healey.
While Donald had the ideas of the various vehicles, Geoffrey as the engineer assisted to put these ideas into reality. This was particularly so with the development of the Sprite.
Geoffrey Healey working on the drawings for the Bugeye Sprite at the Donald Healey Motor Company
During 1993 in preparation for the Sprite Club of South Australia’s 21st Birthday, the secretary wrote to Geoffrey inviting him to join us for our celebrations.
The Sprite Club received the following reply…………
While Geoffrey and Margot Healey did not attend, the 21st Birthday and the port bottling went ahead as planned. And a good time was had by all, but that is a story for another day!
Geoffrey passed away the following year and the Sprite Club sent the letter below to Margot as a mark of respect for the man we did not get to meet……………..
Phillip Island GP Circuit, Victoria, Australia 5th to 8th March 2020
It was the 60th anniversary of Marcos cars, and the word went out for as many owners as possible to attend…and that included the Taylorspeed Jems…as they are closely related. It was the first ever national gathering of the Marcos marque in Australia, part of the Festival of Speed weekend hosted by the Victorian Historic Racing Register.
As I related at the last Sprite Club general meeting, I’d only got my Jem running properly literally days before I left for the Island….I had plug leads 2 and 3 reversed…and it makes a great deal of difference!! With all new ignition parts, properly timed and a nice new set of tires, she was performing like a dream. I’d finally finished the removable door windows (Sprite guys call them side curtains) which I had started several years ago…you can’t rush these things eh! Phil Huxtable and I trailered our Jems from Adelaide, and I must make special thanks to Miles Jackson who very kindly lent me his Sprite trailer, which I towed behind a hired diesel tray-top, making the trip much easier. As I was travelling alone, I decided to avoid the crazy Melbourne freeway traffic and went via Geelong and caught the ferry across from Queenscliff to Sorrento – definitely worth the money.
Ten cars in all were present over the weekend which was pretty good going, considering that we came from all over the country and were given relatively short notice. The VHRR had organised a Friday evening display space for us on the Cowes main street. On Saturday and Sunday we were given a location in the car park near the entrance but with a good view of the circuit. We spent a lot of time explaining what people were looking at – most had never heard of a Marcos….some vaguely remembered the Taylorspeed Jems from their childhood! I was staying with Phil Smethurst, the organiser of the reunion, who had rented a house on the Island 15Km from the circuit….so a brisk trip down country back-roads early each morning was a good way to start the day. We were lucky that the weekend was just as the Covid19 alarm bells were going off….but just before the lock-downs.
Phil Smethurst’s garage was an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of all things Marcos and we spent the obligatory hour or two looking under bonnets with beer in hand! He has a Mini Marcos and a plywood chassis Marcos GT (1800 Volvo) restoration project.
The Friday evening gathering the main street of Cowes saw 6 of us lined up…with the HDT supporters on the other side, showing signs of disappointment at the end of their marque…but they put on a brave face and just drank more beer!
The VHRR included us in the early morning track laps, which were behind a pace car and understandably…slow! – but it was good to experience the GP track from behind the windscreen…even if I didn’t get out of third gear…!! I’ll just add photos – they’ll tell the story.
A fellow Mini Marcos and Jem Owners Club member on holidays from the UK dropped in for a chat and a look at our locally-grown Taylorspeed Jems….it’s a small world….he only just got out of Australia before the lock-down!
The VHRR also organised for the Marcoz2020 attendees to have professional photos taken on the start line and while on the track…great mementoes of the weekend.
…oh, by the way…there were other things going on at the circuit as well….
…not a bad way to spend your last weekend of freedom before self isolation ….
4 x 4’ twin fluorescent lamps, (20.00ea) 1 x 5’ twin fluorescent lamp (20.00ea) 1 x 4’ Single fluorescent lamp. (10.00) All lamps have daylight globes in them, prices as above or $100 for the lot. Mike Laws 04one8 2five3 8five9
With members of the Sprite Club of South Australia either social distancing or self isolating it is time to grab a coffee or similar and head to the shed to see what they have been doing with their Sprites, Midgets or Clubbies over the past few weeks. Thanks to all for the photos, please keep them coming.
Grant Stephenson – Bugeye Sprite
Grant’s Bugeye hasn’t been seen for a while as he has been repainting the engine bay body colour as it was originality painted black during it’s original restoration. This Sprite has won the Sprite Nationals Concours on many occasions during the 1980’s and 90’s and was driven to these events and competed as well. It will good to see it back on the road once again, I’ll let Grant add to the story……
“The Sprite has been off the road for longer than I want to admit, those of you that know Helen will be able to work it out . The Sprite has been moving forward at a good rate recently, a few hours during the week and I have achieved lots. A quick phone call to Colin at Sprite Parts and all new brakes have arrived, I couldn’t wait to get started, every thing was going well till the drivers rear system decided that it wasn’t going to come apart. Well the car was first restored in 1979! As you can see by the photos a lot of work has been going on with the second rebuild. I am very keen to have the car back on the road and enjoy runs with the Sprite Club once again.”
Phil Kies – Elfin Clubman
Phil originally joined the Sprite Club with this lovely Elfin Clubman. This has since been sold and Phil is currently restoring a Triumph TR4A. Looking forward to seeing the TR4A on Classic Sports Car Cruises when life returns to normal………………..
Garry Beaton – Sprite Mk IIIA
Garry’s Sprite at Mallala heading through Turn 8 – “Clubhouse”
Must go and do some more tidying during self isolation…………………………….
During the early years of the Sprite Club of SA the main interest was in socialising, competition and generally driving Sprites and Midgets.
During the early 1980’s there were a number of members who were interested in the restoration and originality preservation of these vehicles.
With that in mind the Committee planned to hold it’s first Concours for November 1981.. It was decided that the judging for the vehicles was based on a mixture of presentation and originality.
The venue chosen was Bonython Park, Port Road as it had a lot of passing traffic to help improve and promote, not only the Spridgets, but also the Sprite Club.
A total of around 20 vehicles lined up on the day, with Bugeye’s and Mk III/IIIA the most popular. Interesting to note three vehicles present on the day are still owned by the same owners today, the Bugeye’s of Julie Williams and Grant Stephenson, and the Mk II of Gordon Boyce. There were also two MG Midgets on the day, one the rarer 1961 Mk I Midget.
The format of this event has been continued by the Club, with the current Sprite Club Display Day that is annually held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
The new Free to Air TV Channel 9Rush will be showing the TV Show “Wheeler Dealers”. This Wednesday they will be televising the episode where they will be restoring a Bugeye Sprite….might be of interest to those who are self-isolating, or just sittin on the couch instead of in the shed.
It is repeated throughout the day, or you can view on Catch-up TV.
It is with sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of Sprite Club Founder Member and Inaugural President, Kevin Warren.
Kevin and wife Marilyn, as well as the other Founder Members were instrumental in forming the Sprite Club of South Australia in 1972. The meeting venue was the Staff Quarters above the National Bank in O’Connell Street, North Adelaide where Kevin worked!
At this meeting Kevin was appointed President, a role he would hold for 1972, 1973, 1995 & 1996. He also served the Sprite Club Committee as Competition Secretary, Editor and Treasurer.
Kevin and Marilyn were activily invloved with the Sprite Club during the early phase of the Club including both competition and social activities.
The couples wedding featured Sprites as part of the Wedding Party, which was covered in detail in the ‘Sprouting Forth Social Pages”.
I received this email from Marilyn on Saturday 18th April:
Just to let you know Kevin died peacefully at 10.08 this morning (Saturday) after 14 months of liver problems & a massive stroke on Easter Sunday. He loved the SCSA & his red Mark 3 and really missed it when ill health meant he had to sell it. The SCSA was such a big part of our lives for so many years. We have such fond memories of those early days in the club & the wonderful people we shared life with. Marilyn xx
On behalf of the Members and Committee of the Sprite Club of South Australia we would like to pass on our condolences to Marilyn, and their children Ben & Sarah and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time…………….
Gordon Boyce – President – Sprite Club of South Australia
Sprites and Midgets lined up at the MSCA Beach Run, Aldinga Beach, 1977. L to R – Dean & Helen King – Bugeye, Unknown – Mk II, Michael Perry – Mk III, Kevin & Marilyn Warren – Mk III, Mark Chown – Mk II, Robert Harding (?) – Bugeye, Doug Gordon – MG Midget, Don & Chris Williams – Mk III
The Marque Sports Car Association (MSCA) was formed in the early 70’s to give the smaller Sports Car Clubs of South Australia the opportunity to compete at the Mallala Motorsport Racing Circuit and in Motorkhanas and Hillclimbs. With only a low number of members competing from each club, the individual members joined the M.S.C.A., allowing those drivers to compete in their cars.
One event that started the calendar each year was the MSCA Beach Run. Starting at the lookout at the “Top of Taps”, on Main South Road, just before the Victoria Hotel. The convey would then cruise through the Southern Suburbs, often with Police Escort, to end up on the beach at Aldinga Beach.
The Sprite of the Williams and Warrens with MGA Coupe, Morgans, Datsun 180SSS and Porsche 356 at the “Top of Taps” a the start of the Beach Run – Note the very low skyline of the Adelaide CBD in the distance.
Here is an extract from the Coming Events page from the Sprite Club’s Sprouting Forth magazine.
“January Sunday 16th 1977
The Annual MSCA Beach Run
Last Years event attracted over 80 sports cars. This year the MSCA is hoping for 100. Because you went last year, you will be able to tell all your “Sports Car” friends that it is ON again, and what a great day it is.
For our numerous new members, The Beach Run is a run to the beach! A convoy of Sprites, Healeys, MG’s, Triumphs, Alpines, Porsches, Jaguars, Morgans, infact, any type of sports car which you like to mention, will be leaving the lookout on Tapley’s hill at 10.30am. We will make our way to Aldinga Beach for a BBQ ETC, a game of volleyball, a swim and a look at the largest line up of sports cars in South Australia.“
This event continued for many years, until the price of our vehicles increased and the worry of sand, salt and rust cause the event to head to Clayton, near Goolwa for the “Claytons” Beach Run. This also proved a popular event for many members during the mid 1980’s. The MSCA Trophy Presentation Day continues this tradition as the first MSCA event for the calendar year.
Thanks to Michael Perry for the photos of the 1977 MSCA Beach Run .
The photos below are from the 1984 MSCA Beach Run.
Bugeyes on the Beach – MSCA Beach Run to Aldinga Beach – 1984
The Easter Long weekend has traditionally been the meeting of the Sprite Clubs of Australia for the National Challenge. This year it was to be held in Warwick, Queensland, but due the effects of COVID-19, this event had to be cancelled.
The Sprite National challenge started as an annual competition meeting between the Victorian and NSW Sprite Clubs, with SA initially visiting and taking home a few trophies. Over the years the Queensland Sprite Club joined in as well. Even a few members from WA headed across the Nullabour for the SA hosted event.
The organisation of the event was shared between Vic and NSW clubs and the location was generally central to most clubs. The circuits and locations used have included Hume Weir, Hay, Catalina Park, Winton, Oran Park, Phillip Island, Wakefield Park, Calder Park. South Australia organised the 2001 event which was held at Mallala, while Queensland has hosted events at the Morgan Park circuit.
The event initially consisted of circuit practice on Good Friday, sprints on Saturday and motorkhana on Easter Sunday. As the event grew and the inclusion of more road going vehicles to the National Challenge, driver training and regularity events were added to the Friday and a concours was held before the motorkhana on Sunday. Social drives to local wineries, cafes and points of interest were added for those members who were not involved with the competition side of the event.
The evenings were a very social event with quiz nights, spark plug changing competitions, sing-a-longs, dummy-spitting competitions, theatrical skits and rocker cover racing. The presentation dinner was a glamour themed event covering black tie, 50’s style, funk’n’groove, “where were you in 1958” and space themes to add colour and fun to the event. With plenty of food and an array of beverages (or 2…..or 3!!) these nights were enjoyable to all.
The highlight of these nights were the presentation of the trophies for the various events over the weekend. South Australian members have been very successful in bringing home some silverware including fastest in sprints, motorkhana and lady drivers, concours winners both in the various classes and overall, and the coveted Top Sprite award for the best result over the regularity, sprint, motorkhana and concours events.
Part of the event was getting there, via major highways, country lanes, tourist routes and other means. Some made this a holiday taking in the tourist spots on the return journey home.
If you have not been to a Sprite National Challenge before please consider it, you will meet a great group of like mined Sprite and Midget people. Many a friendship has been created at the first event you attend and these friendship are still strong all across Australia.
At the recent All British Day I returned to my Sprite to find a previous Sprite Club Member (thanks John Stockton) had left a couple of past editions of the Club’s bi-monthly magazine, “Sprouting Forth”. These were the months of July and December 1976. The “Bugeye Burble” was the bulletin that was produced for the alternate months.
Here is some snippets from the pages of these issues.
1976 Sprite Club Committee
President – Richard Stokes
Secretary – Reinhardt (Joe) Walker
Competition Secretary – Kevin Warren
Social Secretary – Mandy Stokes
Editors – Don Williams and Doug Gordon (still owns a BRG MG Midget and been on a few Sports Car Cruises)
The Sprite Club had around 30 – 40 financial members and the membership fees were:
Club Membership $6.00
Club Membership with a CAMS Licence $8.00
Club Membership with 2 x CAMS Licence (Hubby/Wife) $10.00
There were articles on Sprites and Midgets, the Bordertown Motorkhana with the Victorian Sprite Club, the Annual Dinner at the Hungarian Restaurant, Motorkhana Results (entry fee $1.50), recipes, crosswords and Christmas Songs with Sprite wording!
There were a couple of Sprites/Midgets for sale, a Black Rotary Powered Sprite (which I think was purchased by Don Williams brother Rick), A MkIII Sprite for $995 and changeover front wishbones for $35 a side.
Also the Guest Speaker for the July Meeting was to be Gary Cooper (of Elfin Sports Car fame) who was to provide a talk and slide show.
There was also a “Thesis on the Extistence of Aardvarks” by Reinhardt (Joe) Walker BA (Batchelor Aardvark), but I will save that for another day…..…….
I am after some photos of your Sprite/Midget/Clubman or Associate Vehicle on the road or in a scene with the vehicle and road in the photo for a project I am working on.
The photos can be current or from previous years
If you have one (or two/three/etc) can you please send them to me via the following emails:
president@spriteclub.com.au
Gordon.boyce98@gmail.com
If you are working on your Sprite/Midget and would like to put together some words and photos of what you have been doing during self isolation and social distancing please send to either me or Chris Brine and we will add them to the website.
Stay safe and Spritely, Gordon Boyce – President, SCSA
The world changes very quickly during a pandemic event like COVID-19! Last week when I wrote to you all, some events were happening, some were likely to happen and some had ceased completely. The latter has become the norm for many events and organisations over the past few days.
While there was a very successful, socially distanced MSCA Super Sprint at Mallala last weekend (report to follow) many other events have since been cancelled.
The Sporting Car Clubrooms and the Fullarton Park Community Centre are two such organisations that have closed their doors to events this week. Therefore we do not have a venue for a Stars and their Cars Meeting in April and our General Meeting in May and possible beyond. These meetings have been cancelled and we will reconvene them once life returns to normal or whatever it will be post COVID-19.
Here is an update of the Calendared Events and their current Status:
April 5th – McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic Run – CANCELLED
April 6th – Stars and Their Cars Meeting – CANCELLED
April 9th – 13th – 2020 National Sprite Challenge, CANCELLED
May 3th – Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Relay – CANCELLED
May 4th – General Meeting, Guest Speaker – CANCELLED
May 10th – Run to the Elephant Door – POSTPONED
May 23rd – Classic Sports Car Cruise – POSTPONED
May 31st – Collingrove Hillclimb 2 – CANCELLED
As the status of other events change we will keep you posted via the web site and the Facebook page.
While you cannot go for drive or socialise with the Sprite Club members, these times of social distancing and self isolating might be the catalyst to head to the shed and have a tinker with the Sprite, polish the Midget, service the Clubman or just sort the nuts and bolts into their various sizes!
The Sprite Club of South Australia will keep these pages active during this time with reports of previous events from this year, and flashback to time past and other snippets of information to keep your interest in the Sprite Club and the vehicles we “Foster, Promote and Preserve!”
Stay safe and healthy during these times
Your Spritely
President Gordon Boyce and the Committee of the Sprite Club of South Australia
If you are competing or assisting with Flagging on Sunday at the MSCA Super Sprint at Mallala, the MSCA has the following request:
To try and reduce the time that competitors spend filling out forms and in scrutineering we are requesting that ALL COMPETITORS AND OFFICIALS fill out the Mallala wavier form prior to arriving on Sunday.
Thank you for you cooperation!
It is also noted that Motorsport Australia (formally known as CAMS) can confirm that Motorsport Australia sanctioned events will continue with support, in line with any government restrictions and also with suitable precautions in place.
Some of these precautions are expected to include, but will not be limited to:
Encouraging social distancing (standing 1.5m away from others)
Providing drivers’ and officials’ briefings electronically
Communicating to participants at all levels that if they are unwell, they must stay away from the venue
The provision of hand sanitisers and hand washing facilities at events
In times like these, it is important that we can enjoy our sport in a safe and practical way, while ensuring good hygiene and social distancing practices are maintained.
Please find a message from Pat Miller below, please check the website or the MSCA SA closer to the event for any updates…
The Super Sprint Meeting at Mallala will go ahead as planned on Sunday next 22nd, in line with advice from Motorsport Australia. There will be precautions taken to reduce risk of virus transmission. As usual the meeting will require Flagies, it is the Sprite Club’s turn to provide somepeople to assist with this. It may prove to be your last chance to get up close to motor sport for a while. At this stage further MSCA motor sport in the short term foreseeable future will depend on how effective measures are to contain Corvid 19.
Due to the rapidly changing circumstances regarding the outbreak of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the Committee of the Sprite Club of South Australia has responded to the advice from the various medical agencies, SA Health, State and Federal Governments. With the recommendations regarding non-essential gatherings and meetings the Committee has decided to cancel or postpone certain Sprite Club organised events.
This has been for the protection and well-being of the health of both Sprite Club members and the associated public. While these decisions have not been made lightly, the Sprite Club will follow the evolving recommendations regarding these events.
As more information develops, we will ensure all members are aware of any changes to Sprite Club organised events, which will be communicated via the website, email and Facebook pages. Please keep checking these for updates and event information.
For those events that the Sprite Club of SA is associated with including hill climbs, MSCA super sprints, Coffee & Cars and other parades and displays, please check the organisers website or Facebook for the latest information on the status of these events.
We thank the members for their understanding at these times and hope that they will continue to enjoy the use of their Sprites, Midgets and Associate vehicles in the meantime and follow the recommended good hygiene and social distancing practices.
Please contact the President if you have any specific queries or concerns.
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce
President and on behalf the Committee of the Sprite Club of South Australia.
Message from the The Sprite Car Club of Queensland
Sad to say, but the time has come to make the decision that the National Challenge 2020 has been cancelled due to the Corona Virus Pandemic. We have had discussions with each of the state Presidents and they all agree this is the right decision.
As we have had a number of expenses – permits, deposits etc which are non refundable, we hope you understand that we need to share the costs of expenses paid, so our Treasurer will do some financial calculations and inform all participants of their refunds.
I am sure the Presidents will liaise in the coming months, and hopefully this event may take place at a later date.
Regards
Keith Gordon Sprite Car Club of Qld. Ph 0432483228.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • 15 March 2020 McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic 2020 cancelled.
In its most recent (15.03.20) Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert, the Australian Government has advised that, effective from Monday 16 March, organised, non-essential gatherings should be limited to 500 people.
As a consequence, we are left with no alternative other than to cancel the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic 2020.
This step has been taken with heavy heart but full awareness of the need to ensure public safety at an event that was anticipated to draw in excess of 15,000 local, South Australian and interstate visitors to the Grand Parade on McLaren Vale Main Street on Sunday April 5, 2020.
Event Chairman Trevor Sharp said,“For this year, we have received record entry levels of classic cars and motorcycles that would have paraded down the Main Street of McLaren Vale. Sadly, we have had no other choice but to cancel the event.”
“Wineries have geared up to welcome entrants and visitors as this is one of their major tourism events. They are of course disappointed but understand that this was our only and realistic option”.
Trevor Sharp commented that: “A primary goal of McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic, now in its 15th year, is to raise funds for the McLaren Vale and District Hospital, CFS McLaren Vale and CFS McLaren Flat units and, this year, the Southern Koala Rescue. It will be doubly disappointing if our charitable goals are not met due to events beyond our control.”
As you have already paid the entrance fee we would like to give you the option to pass on the funds to any of the three fundraising beneficiaries already nominated with the event. Could you please indicate your preferred charity – McLaren Vale & District War Memorial Hospital, CFS or Southern Koala Rescue.
Refunds are also an available option. If for some reason you would prefer to have your entry fee refunded you will need to provide bank details – name of account, BSB and account number.
Here is the March Bugeye Burble and Coming Events……………………………..
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
18 March Mid-Week Meander – “Head to the Hills”
Russell and Judy have planned an enjoyable run for the first Mid-Week Meander for 2020.
Meet 9.30 am at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale Road, Surrey Downs for a 10.00 am departure.
We will stop at a local cafe to buy morning tea/coffee and lunch at a local Hills hotel.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
22 March MSCA Mallala Super Sprint & Come’n’Try – Round 1 – Mallala Motorsport Park
The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close and support our competiting members.
Officials briefing at 8.30am. On track action from 10.00am
5 April The McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic Event – Parade starts at 11.00am
The McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic is a great family day celebration of vintage and classic motoring. A fantastic mix of food, wine, music and the arts together with the energy and passion of motoring enthusiasts. The Sprite Club will be hosted by Fox Creek Winery
6 April General Meeting – Stars and Their Cars – 6.30pm for pizza and a drink
Sporting Car Club, 51 King William Road, Unley.
Please note a different venue and the earlier start time.
We will have member’s cars on stage and have a Q & A with the owners.
Join us for pizza and a drink, the bar will be open, a special night for all members and partners
Please Note: The Sprite Club of SA is required to supply officials to assist with running of this event. This would involve flag marshalling and other assorted duties. There is a safety briefing at 8.30am, and lunch will be supplied.
There will also be an opportunity to have some Parade Laps of the circuit during the lunchbreak.
This a great opportunity to get up close and near the on track action.
For the competitors it is time to dust of the helmet and gloves and head to Mallala for the first time on the racetrack for 2020. Come along and support our competing Sprite and Clubman driving members. Did all their adjustments and modifications over the break lower their lap times. Free Spectator Entry. Practice from 9.00am On track action from 10.00am
Remember its ‘Come and Try’ as well see link for more info
A great opportunity to attract new people to the joys of super sprinting especially the younger generation. No club memberships required, just a car with standard seat belts and a crash helmet, See sup regs..
Supp Regs and entry form for the Come & Try are on the website and attached.
Please promote to your club and family and friends.
Participants do not need a competition licence or to be a club member.
Minimum age is fourteen but at that age they would need to have had some driving experience.
Please have the entry form scanned and returned to Sue and me. We are not using meecams for the C&T group.
Here some info from our hosts after the parade, Fox Creek Wines…
Dear Car Lovers
Hi Car Owners and welcome guest of Fox Creek Vintage and Classic Car Day 2020.
Thank you for participation in this fabulous event, I am emailing you so you know what we have available for the day.
Please pass on to all your members strictly no BYO alcohol and food. Fox Creek will have wine, beer and gin available for purchase.
On arrival you will be show where to park your beautiful cars. It will be directly on display where everyone and you will see it for the whole afternoon.
You will be able to sit back and enjoy music by ‘Puffin Billy’ .
Food by “Signor Arrosticini” traditional Italian street food. (See menu below)
Non- alcoholic drinks and ice creams by Miss Buttercup.
WHAT TO BRING:
You picnic rug or chairs.
Your own picnic glass or we will have our stemless outdoor glasses available (refundable deposit of $5)
Your dancing shoes!
Lastly but the best till last – all Vintage Car Holders automatically on purchase of a bottle of Fox Creek Wines go into the drawto win a 6 pack of our award winning wines. Drawn at 3pm but you must be there to claim.
February Bugeye Burble and 2020 Sprite Club Calendar
Here is the February Bugeye Burble and Coming Events……………………………..
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
9 February 36th All British Day – Echunga Oval – 9.00am – 3.00pm
The annual All British Day is a chance to display our Members car and view over 850 British vehicles. Entry to the oval is from 9.00am. The display will be between 10.30am and 3.00pm.
Excellent Catering, Displays and Trade Stalls are available as well.
10 February Technical Night at Marque Restorations – Meet 6.00pm for 6.30pm Start
We will be visiting Gerard Miller’s Marque Restorations at 5 Goodall Ave, Kilkenny (corner of Torrens Road) for a technical night. Catered BBQ from 6.00pm, with tour of the workshops afterwards.
22 February Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – Meet 4.30pm, Depart 5.00pm
The first cruise for 2020 will be a special event and will be supporting those affected by the recent bushfires. The gathering point will be K Mart Car Park Glynburn Rd, Firle.
Further info on the event contact Pat Miller 0421 289 706 Email nanmiller@adam.com.au
1 March MSCA Trophy Presentation Day – Mount Barker Football Club – 11.00am
Everyone is invited to the MSCA Presentation Day for the 2019 class awards.
We are being hosted by Mount Barker Football Club, Alexandrina Road, Mount Barker.
2 March General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
18 March Mid-Week Meander – “Head to the Hills”
Russell and Judy Schmarr have organised the first Mid-Week Meander for 2020.
Mark your calendars now! More details to follow.
22 March MSCA Mallala Super Sprint & Come’n’Try – Round 1 – Mallala Motorsport Park
The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close.
Officials briefing at 8.30am. On track action from 10.00am
The annual All British Day is a chance to display our Members car and view over 850 British vehicles. This year the theme is AA (the lead organisation before the RAA) 100 years of Bentley and Armstrong Siddeley, so there will be some special interest vehicles as the main display.
Entry to the oval is from 9.00am. The display will be between 10.30am and 3.00pm.
Public Entry is $8.00 Adult, $4.50 Children – Parking Available
Excellent Catering, Displays and Trade Stalls are available as well.For More information: www.allbritishday.com
We are all aware of the effect the recent bushfires have had to the various South Australian Communities in the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island, as well as many other localities around Australia.
While there are many Bushfire Relief Fundraising events being held and the various donation tins at most shopping centres and retail outlets, the Committee of the Sprite Club of South Australia has taken a slightly different approach to the Bushfire Relief.
At our various social drives and runs that we are conducting, we will ensure that we head to these affected areas and stop to purchase either coffee, cake, meals or petrol from the retail outlets in these communities.
This will directly assist the financial economy of these businesses and communities and assist them in the major rebuilding process that needs to occur over the coming months and years.
While this may be a small contribution, the Committee hopes that the members will support this direct contribution with attendance at the various events calendared over the year.
We will be visiting Gerard Miller’s Marque Restorations at 5 Goodall Ave, Kilkenny (corner of Torrens Road) for a technical night and a chance to view Sprite Club Members Sprite (Darrel) and Triumph TR4 (Phil) under restoration.
Catered BBQ from 6.00pm, with tour of the workshops afterwards.
Please let Gordon Boyce (gordon.boyce98@gmail.com or 0417897905) know if you are attending for catering purposes.
3 February General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
First General Meeting for 2020, chance to catch up with the latest from the Club, the 2020 Calendar will be released and Club Memberships and Rego can be finalised.
Club Registration owners please note that your rego expired on the 31 December if you are not financial, so please bring your Log Books, Rego Papers and Membership Fees.
THE SPRITE CLUB OF SA. SUMMER 2020 CLASSIC SPORTS CAR CRUISE.
The sprite club of SA will be running our summer edition classic sports car cruise in the afternoon of February 22. The drivers of all sports car, clubman, replica sports car or any car that fits the general description, are most welcome to join us. In view of events of the last weeks the event will be aimed at taking a little cheer and perhaps economic activity to fire affected places. As usual it is an informal low key affair highlighting interest classic sporting cars and to generally have fun.
1: As the planed route features a good number of curves, the event will be in day light hours ( sunset is 8:02 pm)The gathering place will be K mart car park Glynburn Rd Firle at 4:30 pm, chat and check out, departure 5:00 pm.
2 Drive south along Glyburn Rd turning left at Magill Rd.
2 Follow on to Old Norton Summit Rd to Norton Summit.
3 Turn right onto Lobethall Rd, cross over Stony Rise/ Monmeith Rd intersection cross over Range Rd /Burdetts Rd intersection, drive through Lenswood.
4 Follow to Main Rd Lobethall for approximately 500m and gather in or around the car park on what will be your right hand side for presentations.
Most appealing car, Car with best patina ( ie used and loved ) as voted by sprite club members. Car with most youth appeal, as voted by all young people in attendance.
The cruise should finish in Lobethall at approximately 6;00 pm there are a good number of eating places in the town and surrounding areas participants may wish to dine at. It may be a good idea to pre book. No prearrangements have been made in regard to this cruise event.
My map highlighted the following, Rising sun Hotel, Balhanna Chinese Restraunt, Lobes cafe + takeaway, Amberlight motorcycle café, Lobethall Bierhause, Lobethall Hotel,
As would be expected everyone joining us take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicle.
Driving standards should as always respect our road rules and the safety of yourselves and other road users. The last thing the locals in this area need is an emergency.
The weather has been challenging of late I hope we will be blessed with a nice top down afternoon , however if the fire danger is catastrophic or severe or bureau predicts a temperature over 38 deg C or it rains heavily the cruise will be postponed till a later date.
Further info on the event contact Pat Miller 0421 289 706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au
When making Direct Deposit payment, Please use your name as reference.I will advise you of the Motel & room number when payment is received.The Sprite Car Club of Queensland look forward to your company at Warwick, Qld.
26 January Australia
Day BBQ and Thong Throwing Contest – Gumeracha – From 11.00am
Gary and
Faye Brock, Ebenezer Palace, Kenton Hill, Gumeracha will once again host the
first event for 2020. This will be a BYO
BBQ, so please BYO BBQ Meat, Drinks and Chairs.
Please bring
either a salad or sweets to share.
The Thong
Trowing Competition will also be held supporting the spirit of Australia Day.
Phone the
Brocks on 83891141 if you need directions
Ken Dutch is unable to attend the 2020 All British Day on February 9th at the Echunga Oval and has a spare entry ticket if you would like to attend and have not entered your vehicle.
At the moment we do not have a confirmed guest speaker for the charity dinner but we will let you know as soon as we have someone locked in. Rest assured it will be a notable motoring identity and the night will be as enjoyable as always.
Looking forward to seeing you on April 4th and 5th.Trevor SharpChairmanMcLaren Vale Vintage & Classic EventPhone: 0415 820 719 www.vintageandclassic.com.au
As the end of the Sprite Club Year draws near please keep an eye on the Sprite Club Web site and Facebook page for more details on these events……………………
10 November MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 5 – Mallala Motorsport Park
Join us at Mallala for the final round of the MSCA Super Sprint Series.
Free Spectator Entry. On track action from 10.00am
2 December Christmas BBQ and General Meeting – BBQ from 6.30pm – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
The Sprite Club will provide a Christmas BBQ in the grounds of the Community Centre. The Club will supply sausages and salads, all you will need to bring is a chair and something to drink – BBQ from 6.30pm.
Please Note Club Membership Fees are now due – $50 per membership
Membership Forms also need to be completed – these are available on the Website.
Club Registration owners please note that your rego will expire on the 31 December if you are not financial, so please bring your Log Books, Registration Papers and Membership Fees.
Dear All British Day Entrant, I do hope you and your vehicles are enjoying this burst of warmer weather. I am pleased to report that we have received roughly double the same amount of entries as we did at the same time last year. So, thank you very much to those who have already registered. Our online registration system is increasingly popular; however, I would urge you to double check your automatic ABD entry confirmation details receipt to make sure that all the details are correct as incorrect information is more easily fixed early. All British Day has traditionally promoted the long, rich and diverse vehicle production history of Britain to the many spectators that come each year. For 2020 we are pleased to have on board, along with our other valued sponsors, Zagame Automotive Group. They are the Adelaide dealers for Bentley, McLaren, Morgan and Lotus plus many other British and European exotic cars. We are sure their display will complement the other sponsor displays on the day and show that Britain still does make some very desirable vehicles. Aviation will be part of the day once again for ABD 2020, as both of our featured marques, that are celebrating 100 years, produced engines for aircraft apart from their car making roles. If you have a Bentley or an Armstrong Siddeley both clubs have advised us that they extended a warm welcome for you to park your car with the respective feature display. We hope also to have Chris Sperou again performing aerobatics as he did at ABD 2019 which was well received by most, gauging the feedback we received. We want you and your fellow British vehicle club owners to come on the day. For a lot of Clubs this is an activity they do not have to plan, and it gives clubs a platform to promote their club and marque to approximately 5,000 people that attend. We as a committee are actively encouraging younger families to come along, as one day, one of these younger enthusiasts may be in the market for a British vehicle. I wish to remind you that given the growing size of the event we are having to cap oval parking numbers at 850, and we will be closing entries on 7/11/2019 (not that far away!) so we can process entries in time. If we do exceed 850 entries, there are other areas in the Echunga grounds we can park vehicles. But these may not be near your club. When we send out your Gate pass in January you will see that we have simplified the pass and removed Oval location numbers; but, to facilitate parking we will send you a map where clubs will be located on the ovals. Again, we thank you for your interest and participation in All British Day, a day that showcases British engineering and excellence. See you Sunday 9th February 2020. Yours Faithfully, Jamie Sandford -Morgan President of All British Day
Our first cruise of this season, something a little different at the finish and taking an interesting route.
Our gathering point is the car park of the Harvey Norman/ Good Guys Shopping Complex, 800-826 Marion Road, Oaklands Park at 6.00pm.
The Cruise will follow the newly developed South Road to the Port River Expressway ending at Semaphore for a display and short presentation.
Trophies will include Best Patina and Youth Appeal Award (please bring young enthusiasts with you if you like). Any enquiries contact Pat Miller 0421289706.
This is one of the premier events of the Sprite Club’s year where we get the chance to show our cars to the public in the one place so all members are urged to get their Sprites, Midgets and associate cars ready and bring them out to make this a fantastic day.
DATE and TIME: Sunday 3rd November. Cars on site by 9.30am and leave 3.30pm
LOCATION: Wigley Reserve corner Anzac Highway and Adelphi Terrace Glenelg – entrance to the reserve is via the roundabout at the beach end of Anzac Highway and follow the Traffic Wardens for directions.
WHAT to BRING: All Austin Healey Sprites, MG Midgets and associate cars – please bring a piece of cardboard to place under your vehicle to collect any oil drips, etc.AWARDS: There will be peoples Choice Awards for Sprites, Midgets and Associate Vehicles.
CATERING: There is planned to have a coffee and cookies van on site but if you prefer BYO drinks and food.
Let Don Cardone know if you are attending by sending an email to doncardone@adam.com.au or on mobile 0411 876 067 and Don will reply to you with further details.
As the end of the Sprite Club Year draws near please keep an eye on the Sprite Club Web site and Facebook page for more details on these events……………………
26 October Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – Meet 6.00pm – Departure 6.20pm
Our first cruise of this season, something a little different at the finish and taking an interesting route. Our gathering point is the car park of the Harvey Norman/ Good Guys Shopping Complex, 800-826 Marion Road, Oaklands Park at 6.00pm.
Trophies will include Best Patina and Youth Appeal Award (please bring young enthusiasts with you if you like). Any enquiries contact Pat Miller 0421289706.
Clubbies SA are anticipating close to 100 clubbies, with entries from every state in Australia.
Each day at the Convention Centre between 5 – 6.30 pm we have ‘Clubbie Alley’ .
Friday 1st Nov – The Bend Track day. Cars will be arriving at The Bend from 7.30am onward and there will be action from about 9.15am to 4.00pm. Lunch will be between 12 noon and 1pm.
Sat 2nd Nov – Shannons Show and Shine between 11.30am and 1pm.
This will be held at Keith Stephenson Park, 1 Adelaide Rd, Mt Barker.
3 November Sprite Club Display Day – Wigley Reserve, Glenelg – 9.30am – 3.30pm
The Annual Sprite Club Display Day will be at Glenelg once again. All Sprite, Midget, Clubman and Associate vehicles are welcome. Enter via the roundabout at the end of Anzac Highway, Glenelg.
Peoples Choice Awards for Best Sprite/Midget and Associate plus Certificates for Classes.
Cars to arrive from 8.30 – 9.00am. Please bring a piece of cardboard to place under your vehicle.
Contact Don Cardone to let him know you are coming – 0411 876 067
4 November Annual General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
All committee positions will be declared vacant, so if you would like to join the committee and assist in the running of the Sprite Club of SA please think about nominating or volunteering at the AGM.
We have had enquires regard single room accomodation which we had overlooked in the original flyer, so we have had to add an extra charge for single room accomodation. Regards Keith Gordon
Please let Keith know if you’re thinking about going membershipsccq@yahoo.com.au
We are also planning a post Challenge tour based in Noosa for five days. This will be straight after the Challenge. Let Keith know if this interests you. More details soon, but there are lots of great Sprite roads to explore, collections to visit, great places to eat, and of course traditional Spritely social times. Cheers from Alex
Dear All British Day Entrant, We are pleased to advise that the website is now open for registrations for All British Day 2020. As is our custom we will still post out hard copy documents to entrants that we do not have email addresses for. For All British Day 2020 the entry fee again remains unchanged at $ 22.50. However, there are a few changes for the coming event. We will be closing entries on 7/11/2019. This is being done as we are getting more entries each year and it is simply taking longer to process and plan the event and ensure that we get the gate passes printed prior to the Christmas shut down period. For those regular attendees of ABD, you would have noticed the numbers of entrants climbing each year. We have gone close to maximum comfortable oval capacity at Echunga which is ideally 850 entrants and we do not want to squash clubs and compromise the day, so I strongly recommend you get your entry in promptly. As soon as the figure of 850 entrants is reached, we will not be able to guarantee you parking preference, but we can get your vehicle into the grounds and we will try our best to accommodate you. ABD will feature two famous British marques both celebrating 100 years since being established. The Armstrong Siddeley Car Club of Australia promises to have an interesting display on Oval 1, and on Oval 2 The Bentley Drivers Club (South Australia Inc) will have Bentleys on display from the early models to present day. Both clubs have extended a welcome to Armstrong Siddeley and Bentley owners that may be member of different clubs to have their cars included in the feature displays, please indicate this via your entry form. For ABD 2020 our shop will have new lines of ABD memorabilia, so why not have a look? To take pressure off the shop, pre-purchased memorabilia can now be collected prior to 3.00pm, however the oval departure time remains unchanged at 3.00pm, to ensure the safety of everyone present.
Kind Regards Jamie Sandford-Morgan President All British Day
To all Sprite Club members Please note that all Accomodation, Breakfasts, Lunch & Dinners are included in this price. Dietary requirements can also be catered for as long as we know well before the event. Regards Keith Gordon
Our first cruise of this season, something a little different at the finish and taking an interesting route. As usual we warmly welcome any and all sports, Sprite Club Classic sports car cruise is on Saturday Oct 26th.
Cars to join us for a short run designed to have a little fun, put classic sports cars on display and hopefully develop interest, there is no requirement
to be a member of any club. We do remind all concerned that they are responsible for their car’s roadworthiness and compliance with the rules of the road.
Our gathering point is the car park of the Harvey Norman/ Goodguys etc shopping complex 800-826 Marion rd Oaklands park which is close to the Sturt Rd Marion Rd intersection. Meet from 6 pm far chat and checkout and a departure at 6 20 pm.
If the weather on this day is for heavy rain or above 38 deg the event will be postponed.
Route
Drive, south on Marion rd for about 300m
Turn, left onto Sturt rd and follow to the main South rd intersection.
Turn, left onto main South rd. ( Care on the corner, road works )
Drive, along South rd in a northerly direction for approximately 20km and inspect our mega million dollar taxpayer funded road flyovers and underpasses.
( Speed limits all over the place, keep an eye on the big gauge on the dashboard.)
Turn, left onto the Port River Expressway ( Hold nose while driving past Mt Wingfield.)
Follow, expressway over Diver Derric bridge.
Veer, left onto Nelson st and follow for 150m.
Turn, right onto Semaphore rd and follow to Esplanade.
Turn left onto Esplanade and follow to the 3rd roundabout at Jervoise st.
Turn right into the car park (avoid being collected by the steam train ) find a park, my research indicates we should find space among the beachgoers.
Gather on the lawn adjacent to the roundabout entry point for a short presentation.
Once again we will be visiting the TAFESA Automotive Facility at the Regency Campus, Regency Road Regency Park. As part of the Bay to Birdwood event, several Prince Skyline GT’s will be meeting at Regency TAFE, and we have been invited to join them for a car display and some more technical and dyno sessions.
Enter the Campus via Entrance 4 off Regency Road – see attached Map.
18 September Mid-Week Meander –Northern Run – “Expect the Unknown!” – Meet 9.30am
As usual Russell and Judy Schmarr’s next Mid-Week Meander will tour to a fantastic lunch venue with a great drive home as well! BYO Morning Tea.
Meet at Carisbrooke Park, Main North Road, Salisbury Park – Park entrance via the slip road just before the overhead pedestrian crossing. BYO Morning Tea.
For catering purposes please let Russell and Judy know you are coming – 0403 151 715
Spring is in the Air so get your Sprites and Midgets ready and keep an eye on the Sprite Club Web site and Facebook page for more details on these events……………………
2 September General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
14 September 47th Annual Sprite Club Dinner and Awards Night – Pre-dinner drinks from 7.00pm
The venue will be at Hut and Soul Asian Restaurant, 310 Pulteney Street, Adelaide.
We will have the restaurant to ourselves for a delicious Asian Banquet at $35.00 per head.
Payment can be made either at General Meetings or the Club’s Bank Account EFT.
Trophies for the year will also be presented.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be No Dinner Payments on the night, must be prepaid before.
18 September Mid-Week Meander –Northern Run – “Expect the Unknown!” – Meet 9.30am
As usual Russell and Judy Schmarr’s next Mid-Week Meander will tour to a fantastic lunch venue with a great drive home as well! BYO Morning Tea.
Meet at Carisbrooke Park, Main North Road, Salisbury Park – Park entrance via the slip road just before the overhead pedestrian crossing. BYO Morning Tea.
For catering purposes please let Russell and Judy know you are coming – 0403 151 715
23 – 27 September Federation Motorfest Classic 2019
Assorted runs and events by FHMC Clubs. For more information:
27 September Prince Skyline GT Technical and Dyno Night – TAFESA Automotive Campus – 6.00pm
Once again we will be visiting the TAFESA Automotive Facility at the Regency Campus, Regency Road, Regency Park. As part of the Bay to Birdwood event, several Prince Skyline GT’s will be meeting at Regency TAFE, and we have been invited to join them for some more technical and dyno sessions.
Let Gordon Boyce know if you would like to run your vehicle on the dyno. Mobile: 0417897905
29 September MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 4 – Mallala Motorsport Park
Next round of the MSCA Super Sprint Series is at Mallala. Cars on track from 10.00am
Catering and good viewing of the circuit available.
29 September Bay to Birdwood Classic
With over 1000 entries to date this will be a gala event as usual.
1963 Sprite Mk 2A for the website. It includes vinyl roof and tonneau cover, Minator alloy wheels and good tyres, great Club car, British Racing Green, winner of Sprite Club “People’s Choice Award for Mk 2’s” in October 2018. It’s 967 out of 976 Mk 2A’s imported into Australia. Currently at Strathalbyn Collectable Classic Cars on consignment. $13,999 neg. Contact Ray Kinlay O401 952 035
The Marque Sports Car Association of SA is proposing to run another come and try day at Mallala in conjunction with a super sprint event on September 29th . The cost is $125 per driver which includes all entry and licence fees. Participants do not need to be a member of any car club. All that is required is a car with normal road seat belts or better, a fire extinguisher less than 3 years old and a blue triangle indicating battery position. Come and try involves some lectures by experienced instructors, some laps with a mentor in the passenger seat, and if the participant feels confident some flying solo laps.
To run this activity there will need to be a suitable number of starters to make the exercise worthwhile. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable driving experience. Would make a great gift idea for kids and gradchildren.
Any interested people can contact myself on 0421289706 or contact the MSCA of SA inc, via secretary Murray Stephenson, sec@mscasa.com.
Seen at most Club events, British Racing Green,Good reliable car, Receipts for most work done over the last 8 years – such as -Electronic ignition, New ring gear, New starter motor, New clutch and thrust race, New front shock absorbers, New head lining, Two 12 volt batteries fitted, Rewired to negative earth, Cooling system reconditioned with new multi-blade plastic fan, Auxiliary fan and overflow tank fitted and others Contact Gary Brock garymb31@bigpond.com For sale at $16000
The Lions Gumeracha Show & Shine incorporates the Shannon’s Memorial Cruise which recognises our fallen from the defence force and those that have passed away from the motoring clubs in South Australia. Please submit your fallen club members names for inclusion in our service. This year’s event is on Sunday the 10th of November 2019 at the Gumeracha Sporting grounds.
This year’s show will see the introduction of an automotive Swap Meet. All Show and Shine entrants and Swap Meet sellers will be charged an entry fee of $15 per vehicle. The money raised on the day will be donated to “Camp Quality” and all donated gifts will be collected by the Lions Club who in turn will donate it to the Salvation Army for distribution to underprivileged children at Christmas time.
The Trophy categories have been increased this year to cover more classes. There will be a retro fashion parade and a silent auction with no reserve. Entertainment on the day will be provided by one of Australia’s favourite Rockabilly bands, “The Lincolns” supported by DJ Peter Panagaris. Food & Drink stalls along with Coffee and Ice Cream vendors compliment the many trade stalls showcasing their products which are on display and for sale.
The public may enter with a gold coin donation of their choosing. In all, a great South Australian project with something of interest for the whole family.
Yet again Russell and Judy Schmarr excelled themselves with a well organised and interesting ‘mystery’ mid week run.
Starting with a nice gaggle of sprites, midgets and assorted moderns, we headed off from a new starting point of the JB Ware reserve in Glen Osmond.
With a short run up the SE Freeway to the Eagle on the Hill turnoff saw the group work our way up to the Measday lookout and the old route into Adelaide through the hills.
Then thru Stirling, Aldgate and Hahndorf and out onto the old Melbourne road through Dawsley to Kanmantoo for a quick refreshment stop and then to Murray Bridge and crossing the old road bridge.
The route now took us toward our intended destination of the new motor racing circuit at Tailem Bend. Unfortunately due to a corporate booking our plans for lunch at ‘The Bend’ had to be changed and we only had a quick look at the outside!
Luckily Russell was able to book us into the Riverside Hotel back in Tailem Bend. Many of us have probably driven past it for many years on our way to the eastern states without a thought of stopping. However it is a nice pub, good food with a great view of the mighty Murray River.
A great day out, although Tina and I got a little damp on the way home!
Small lightweight Tilt Trailer with brakes , Minilite wheels and Advans plus a new Winch fitted , has been built for an Austin Healey Sprite but will suit similar size or smaller cars, current reg. S526TFO $990.
Dear All British Day Entrant, It is hard to fathom, now that we are all so cold, that looking back to February the risk of hot weather cancellation was a distinct possibility! ABD 2019 was again a success with numbers of both entrants and spectators increasing over the previous year. I am sure anyone who was at ABD in February will recall that apart from the usual high standard of vehicles on display, there were some very special cars and bikes making up our British Racing Heritage Display. The Sporting Car Club celebrated their 85th birthday and provided an impressive display. Add to all this the stunning aerobatic display put on by Chris Sperou, and it was a very memorable day indeed, with plenty to see and do. You may have noticed our logo for ABD 2020, we are acknowledging the A.A., an organization that plays a crucial role in Britain, attending to the many vehicles that have not broken down, but have simply “failed to proceed”, from the earliest days to today in our quest to get from A to B in our mechanised transport. We held our Annual General Meeting back in May and said farewell to Howard Parslow. We thank him for his contribution to ABD over many years in various roles. We welcomed onboard Marcus La Vincente AM into our publicity and promotions role, and we look forward to his involvement in the coming years. Another new and exciting development is that we are extremely proud to announce that we have the support of Mr Jeremy Cordeaux AM as our patron. I am sure Jeremy’s successful media career and motoring interests are well known to many of you. We are honoured to have Jeremy as our patron. We have been very pleased to be associated with SA Guide Dogs and have offered them financial support for the past few years. However, for ABD 2020 we have decided to look a little closer to home, and as we are a community-based event, we have decided to support the local Echunga Primary School, more on this later. We have invested significantly in the day to keep it fresh and vibrant, and regrettably costs and charges are always with us, but I am pleased to announce that the vehicle entry amount remains unchanged. We will keep you informed on updates regarding All British Day February 9th, 2020 so please pencil in this date. However we do need another couple more people please to assist us for ABD 2020, on the committee, due to the growing demands of the event and retirements that were not replaced over the last two years .I am sure ABD does have a positive impact in the British vehicle world and the local community, please consider being part of this terrific event.
Kind Regards Jamie Sandford-Morgan President All British Day
24 July Mid-Week Meander – Eastern Run – Meet at 9.30am for a 10.00am departure
Meet at J B Ware Reserve, Glebe Road, Glen Osmond (near the Fire Station on Portrush Road)
Oonce again Russell and Judy Schmarr’s have planned the next Mid-Week Meander to be a Nostalgic Run.
This drive will “relive the past, embrace the present and admire the future” while enjoying the various roads around the eastern Adelaide Hills and plains to finish at a fine lunch venue. Please BYO Morning Tea.
For catering purposes please let Russell and Judy know you are coming – 0403 151 715
14 September 47th Annual Sprite Club Dinner and Awards Night – Pre-dinner drinks from 7.00pm
The Sprite Club’s ”Night of Nights” is approaching – Mark your diaries NOW!
The venue will be at Hut and Soul Restaurant, 310 Pulteney Street, Adelaide.
We have booked the restaurant so will have the venue to ourselves to enjoy this special night.
As Club has subsidised this evening, as well as pre-dinner drinks we will have an Asian Banquet at $35.00 per head.
Rasa Sayang
Small Bite
Chicken Satay on Fiery Charcoal
Malay Puff
Big Bite
Ayam Serai
Mamak Curry Fish
Beef Rendang
Sambal Prawn
Buddha’s Delight
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Sweet Bite
Pandan & Coconut Crepe
We will also be presenting the Annual Trophies for the year including Clubman of the Year, Spirit of Sprites, and Sprite of the Year as well as the various competition trophies.
Please come along and enjoy the company as well support the various award winners.
Payment can be made either at General Meetings or the Club’s Bank Account EFT – Details Below.
Please note the Surname and numbers attending when making the EFT deposit.
With Pies and Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will help make this annual event a warming and welcome night.
LOCATION: Don and Elaine Cardone’s
COST: $6.00 per Pie and Pea
WHAT TO BRING: BYO drinks and also nibbles or sweets to share.
For catering purposes please let Don & Elaine know if you are attending by sending an email to doncardone@adam.com.au or on mobile O411 876 O67 and Don will reply to you with details.
24 July Mid-Week Meander – Eastern Run – Meet at 9.30am for a 10.00am departure
Meet at J B Ware Reserve, Glebe Road, Glen Osmond (near the Fire Station on Portrush Road)
Oonce again Russell and Judy Schmarr’s have planned the next Mid-Week Meander to be a Nostalgic Run.
This drive will “relive the past, embrace the present and admire the future” while enjoying the various roads around the eastern Adelaide Hills and plains to finish at a fine lunch venue. Please BYO Morning Tea.
For catering purposes please let Russell and Judy know you are coming – 0403 151 715
Entry numbers for the MSCA super sprint event at Mallala on July 28 are somewhat light on. This means potentially lots of track time and lots of elbow room for those that do enter. Ideal for first timers and drivers who have not been on the track for a while. There is still time to get an entry in, see MSCA of SA inc, web site. Any first timers who would like a guiding to show you the ropes on the day please contact me on 0421289706 or at the track I will be around my white Irukandji clubman being driven by a first time friend.
Coming events for July and beyond……… Please keep an look out for email reminders, web site updates and the Facebook posts.
1 July General Meeting – Wine and Cheese Night – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
21 July Multiclub Hillclimb – Round 3 – Collingrove Hillclimb
24 July Mid-Week Meander – Eastern Run – Meet at 9.30am for a 10.00am departure
Join Russell and Judy Schmarr’s next Mid-Week Meander will be a Nostalgic Run reliving the past, embracing the present and enjoying the future. This run will take in the various roads around the eastern Adelaide Hills and plains to finish at a fine lunch venue. BYO Morning Tea.
Meet at J B Ware Reserve, Glebe Road, Glen Osmond (near the Fire Station on Portrush Road)
For catering purposes please let Russell and Judy know you are coming – 0403 151 715
28 July MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 3 – Mallala Motorsport Park – Cars on track – 10.00am
The MSCA Supersprint Series returns to Mallala for Round 3. Entries are open, so if you haven’t entered now is the time to do so to secure your place on the grid! Come along, support the Club’s drivers and have a great day out. Check out www.mscasa.com.au for info.
5 August General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Please note all perpetual trophies are to be returned at this meeting.
11 August Winter Cup Hillclimb – Round 4 – Collingrove Hillclimb
17 August Pie and Pea Night – at Don and Elaine Cardones
With Pies and peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make a warming and welcome night. $6.00 per head and BYO drinks and salad/sweets to share.
Please let Don and Elaine know if you are attending – 0411 876 067
2 September General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
14 September 47th Annual Sprite Club Dinner and Awards Night – Pre-dinner drinks from 7.00pm
The Sprite Club’s”Night of Nights” is approaching – Mark your diaries NOW!
The venue will be at Hut and Soul Asian Restaurant, 310 Pulteney Street, Adelaide.
This will be an Asian Banquet at $35.00 per head. Payment can be made either at General Meetings or the Club’s Bank Account EFT – Please note the Surname and numbers attending when making the deposit.
Thank you to the 750 plus entrants who have already registered for this year’s Bay to Birdwood.
If you have not already entered please click here to register. Entrants wishing to have your vehicle judged need to enter prior 15 July – only a week away. General entries close 19 August.
Please note that this is a event for original vehicles manufactured between 1956-1986.
We ask that every entry is accompanied with a photo (or 3 if you elect to be judged) of the vehicle as it will be presented on the day.
Please contact the Event office on (08) 8568 4022 or (08) 8568 4019 if you require assistance.
he Route
This year the Classic will follow the traditional route which takes in Greenhill Road from Anzac Highway and aims to ensure smooth passage for vehicles as well as providing more vantage points for spectators to view the impressive motorcade. Click here to see all roads.
WELCOME to our new Partners
We are pleased to announce that we have three new partners – Auto Transformers, ADRAD and Bee Bop Boutique (our Fashions in the Field partner). Visit their websites and check out their range of products and services.
Don’t forget that next Monday’s general meeting of the Sprite Club of SA is our mid winter wine and cheese get together, hopefully this will temp a lot of you out on a winters night!
7:30pm Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road Fullarton
A few hardy members fronted for a quick warm up and breakfast at the Haus in Hahndorf on a minus 2 start to the day. Garry in his Mark 3, Clive and myself in bugeyes and a very hardy Paul on his triumph motorbike! Clives first outing in the newly finished white Bugeye!
Here’s a quick preview fo the drive thru the hills to Hahndorf.
If your looking for a cool, early start this Sunday morning, 23rd, a few of us are meeting for breakfast and a short drive after at the Haus, 38 Main st Hahndorf, from 8:30 https://haushahndorf.com.au/
Get your sprite out of the shed, surely it won’t be this cold…🤔
Wow, a massive thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help out at our supersprint at The Bend this weekend!! With an outstanding response we now have plenty of officials for this weekend and don’t need anymore.
This shows how great our little community is! If you wanted to volunteer for this weekend but were busy or didn’t get in in time, remember your club is rostered on for one Mallala sprint every year and we welcome you at any event.
Once again, thanks everyone for this massive show of support!
The MSCA is running its first Super Sprint on the West Circuit at The Bend on Sunday 16 June.
This is an exciting development for the Association and we are calling on all member clubs to help out with providing flag marshals. Where eight marshals can adequately do the job at Mallala we need to operate ten points and the start line at The Bend, i.e. twenty marshals.
We are asking each member club to nominate three volunteers for the day.
A few background points:
• Officials must sign on and attend a briefing at 8:45am on the Sunday morning;
• You will be required to complete a Peregrine waiver form at sign on so it will save time if you download one from the MSCA website and bring it completed;
• If you have a CAMS official’s licence please bring it but, if you don’t, please consider applying on the CAMS website. It does not take long and costs nothing;
• Lunch and water will be provided for nominated officials and you will return to the pit area or lunch;
• Time permitting, officials will have the opportunity to do controlled parade laps at lunchtime;
• Those wishing to do the parade laps must nominate at sign on their wish to do so.
Passengers will be permitted;
Please provide name, mobile and email address for each volunteer so that we can communicate directly. If they have a CAMS official’s licence please also provide the number.
This is a great development for the MSCA and a lot of work has gone into the planning but it will only work if we have the support of the membership to make it run smoothly.
Please respond by 9 June with club nominations to:
Murray Stephenson, Secretary sec@mscasa.com
Sue Stephenson, Competition Secretary comp@mscasa.com
Sunday 29 September 2019 is the 39th anniversary of the Bay to Birdwood. If your vehicle is manufactured between 1956 to 1986 you are now invited to enter.
Either click here to enter online or click here to view conditions of entry and click here to download a printable version of the entry form.
The spirit of the Bay to Birdwood is for a spectacular parade of vehicles that are well presented and without major modifications to go on show for the general public and vehicle lovers alike to admire and appreciate. It is the quality of entries that makes this event one of the world’s great historic motoring events.
This year we are asking that every entry is accompanied with a photo of the vehicle as it will be presented on the day and that clearly shows its condition (3/4 view front image preferable). Entrants that wish to be judged in the Concours d’Elegance or Preservation Awards will be required to upload three images of their vehicle to be considered eligible. Please have your photos ready.
All of the conditions of entry are clearly defined on the Bay to Birdwood website.
Please contact the Event office on (08) 8568 4022 or (08) 8568 4019 if you require assistance.
Each year the Sprite Club Committee has made the decision to hold a General Meeting at the Sporting Car Club and have a change from the usual General Meetings by having Member cars on stage and a chance to talk to these Members about their cars. This April was our opportunity to conduct this special meeting.
The evening commenced with the opening of the clubrooms and the bar. Members were given a ticket for a drink at the bar while the cars were assembled on stage and the pizza arrived. Members mingled and chatted while enjoying an drink and some pizza and wedges.
The General Meeting is an edited form but covers the important agenda items and reports. So once completed, Members grabbed a top up to their pizza and drinks and the Cars and their Stars part of the evening commenced.
This year the cars were representative of Sprites and Midgets with a difference. President Gordon Boyce conducted interviews with each owner about their motoring history and the specifics of their vehicles
First member was David Low and his Bugeye Sprite. David and Di have owned this Sprite for over 36 years and it difference is the change in specification of the vehicle over the years of ownership. The Bugeye started as a 948cc drum braked Sprite. David started the changes as he had the engine modified for more power while living in NSW. Moving to SA and joining the Sprite Club continued the Club association.
After using the Sprite for club events, National Meetings and tours of Tasmania, Gippsland and the Victoria High Country tours, the quest for “more power” led to 1275cc power and disc brakes. This allowed the Bugeye to climb the hills better and allowed for more relaxed cruising on the highway. While there are no more changes to the Bugeye with a difference, there will be more Club use of this vehicle in the future.
Clive Spreadbury’s Sprite MkIIA fitted with a 1500cc Corolla engine was the next “different” Sprite on stage. Clive purchased this Sprite with a 1200cc Toyota engine and upgraded to larger engine for more power. Clive has used the Sprite for a number of different competition events such as Mallala Supersprints, Legends of the Lakes hillclimb at Mount Gambier and the Adelaide Motorsport Festival.
Clive also has a strong competition history on a smaller scale, building and racing slot cars for many years. Clive now owns and operates Scalex World, where he sells and runs slot car race meetings and events.
The next Midget with a difference was the 1966 MkII MG Midget of Don Williams. Don has been a long term member of the Sprite Club, having owned a MG Midget during the early ‘70s, a Bugeye during the ‘80s (which is now owned by Jim Schubert and was on the stage last year). After a number of years of non-Spridget ownership, Don and wife (and Ex-Sprite MkIII owner) Chris, purchased an English-built and imported MG Midget – with a difference. This Midget is 1098cc powered and has a removal hood, different to the usual MkIII Midgets we normally see with 1275cc power and convertible hood.
While Don has thought of selling the Midget, he enjoys the driving of the vehicle and has now recovered the seats and new carpets which has made the Midget more comfortable. Don has also researched that a number of these Midgets were imported by BMC dealers, so there may be more around Australia.
The last Sprite was certainly one with a number of differences, the 1970 Sprite Mk IV of Caroline Mercer. Purchased new by her father in Scotland, this Sprite is in extremely original condition having only been repainted. The Sprite had been used for tours of Europe by Caroline’s parents and she can always remember the Sprite as part of her families life.
When Caroline moved to Australia the Sprite followed and was registered in Western Australia while Caroline’s partner and her were working in the mining sector. A transfer to Adelaide allowed the Sprite to head over the border and become part of our club. The Pale Primrose Sprite has 1275cc power, convertible hood, twin jacking points each side, plus numerous other differences to the usual Sprites we see on Australian roads (and Clubs).
The Sprite was also used for Caroline’s wedding, and the 1stApril is her anniversary so it was extra special for Caroline and father in law XXX (as her husband was away with work) to celebrate this special event and special Sprite with the Club members.
Each member had been given a raffle ticket and thanks to Penrite Oils for supplying a number of special, door prizes including framed prints, boxed glasses, lifesized David Reynolds cutout and other posters and stickers, etc. These desirable items made there way to various members garages and “man-caves”.
The Stars and their Cars Meeting has become a special event on the Sprite Club calendar and special thanks to Michael McLaren for arranging the use of the Sporting Car Club, Stan the barman, pizzas and other items that made the night a great event. Also special thanks to David, Clive, Don and Caroline for bringing their Spridgets with a difference along and allowing us to talk with these “Stars” about “their Cars”.
Small lightweight Tilt Trailer with brakes , Minilite wheels and Advans plus a new Winch fitted , has been built for an Austin Healey Sprite but will suit similar size or smaller cars, current reg. S526TFO $1550.
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Web site and Facebook page for more details on these events……………………
6 May General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Come along and find out what has been happening over the past month and what events are coming up. Library, regalia and tea and coffee also available.
17-19 May 43rd Historic Winton Race Meeting – Winton Raceway, Victoria
With over 400 historic race cars on the circuit and over 1000 historic cars in the surrounding “car park” this event is one for the bucket list. This year there is an emphasis on South Australian vehicles, so head over the border for a great weekend.
19 May Winter Cup Hillclimb – Round 2 – Collingrove Hillclimb
Sunday Round 2 of the Wintercup Hillclimb Series at the famous Collingrove Hillclimb in the Barossa Valley
19 May Copper Coast Classic Cavalcade of Cars and Motorcycles – Wallaroo, Moonta & Kadina
This event is part of the week long celebrations for the Copper Coast Cornish Festival,
The Kernewek Lowender and is for vehicles built before 1985.
Spectators line the streets and roads to watch the procession of around 500 cars.
19 May Tea Tree Gully Historic Car and Motorcycle Display – Waterworld, Tea Tree Gully
Car display as part of SA History Month and the National Motoring Heritage Day.
2 June Multiclub Hillclimb – Round 2 – Collingrove Hillclimb
A great day out for both spectators and competitors at the famous Collingrove Hillclimb in the Barossa Valley for Round 2 Hillclimb
3 June General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
16 June MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 2 – The Bend Motorsport Park
This is the first time that the MSCA have conducted a Supersprint at The Bend Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend. The West Circuit will be used allowing over 3 km of circuit with lots of interesting corners and bends to challenge the drivers.
All MSCA clubs have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along, assist and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close at The Bend!
More information and Supplementary Regulations are available on the MSCA Web Site: http://www.mscasa.com/
Small lightweight Tilt Trailer with brakes , Minilite wheels and Advans plus a new Winch fitted , has been built for an Austin Healey Sprite but will suit similar size or smaller cars, current reg. S526TFO $1550.
It has been a number of years since the Sprite Club has held a Technical Night, so approx. 30 members headed on Friday 29thMarch to the TAFESA Automotive Campus at Regency Park. Club President and TAFE Principal Lecturer Gordon Boyce and fellow Automotive Jamie Campbell had arranged a night that covered a number of specific technical topics that related to Sprites,Midgets and Clubmans.
After an overview of the TAFE Campus and the Automotive Program by Gordon, Jamie discussed the main issues with making power with any internal combustion engine, this particularly is the amount of air that can enter the engine, once mixed with fuel and ignited will produce power and torque. Jamie has spent many hours testing both air flow of various components (carbies, manifolds, air filters and cylinder heads) and how these affect the performance of the engine. The TAFE facilities have both engine and chassis dynamometers, for motorcycles, cars and trucks as well as a flow bench for testing individual components.
Jamie had been provided with a number of A-Series engine components (cylinder head, manifolds and carburettors) and these were tested on the Flow Bench. This device, a “high-tech vacuum cleaner” can measure the flow of air through a component in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Jamie started with a standard Bugeye cylinder head and measured an air flow of approx. 63 CFM for the inlet port. Jamie noted that this was one of the worst performing head he had bench tested, but understood that a design of over 60 years old would have been comparable with similar vehicles of the era.
Next was a twin SU carby manifold and this flowed approx. 120 CFM and a 1 ¼” SU (110 CFM) and 1 ½” SU (130 CFM) carbies produced more air flow than the head would allow, so a bigger carby will not always produce more power. As a comparison a DCOE 45mm Weber with 32mm chokes was tested and this flowed close to 200 CFM, which would be ideal for approx. 200 BHP!
As a side note Kerry Fisher had brought along his newly ported Mk III Sprite head, which Jamie flowed at a later date and it flowed 108CFM, which is a great increase on the standard head, but would still work well with the standard twin SU 1 ¼” carbies.
These flow figures matches those from the very informative book, “Tuning BL’s A-Series Engine” by David Vizard. This book is well worth a read at it covers all areas of engine modification and shows flow bench testing of all components from air cleaners to mufflers and everything in between!
Overall this testing proved that most Spridgets can perform with the standard carbies and manifolds if the cylinder head is not modified. Add a modified head and camshaft, then then up to 80 to 100 BHP, the SU’s on a good manifold will be suitable, the Weber just looks cool and drinks more fuel!!
Then the attention turned to the Chassis Dyno and there were a few cars to be tested. First was President Gordon’s Bugeye (998cc, modified head and cam plus Weber carby). The chassis dyno has the capacity to record both power and torque curves, as well as fuel mixtures, r/min plus other data, so after each run the results can be analysed. After producing noise and lots of unburnt fuel smoke from the very rich mixtures from the Weber, 998cc outputted 35 BHP at 6200 R/min at the rear wheels.
As a comparison Russell Schmarr’s standard 1275cc MG Midget produced an impressive 31 BHP with a nice even power and torque curve and good fuel mixtures, showing that in standard form the A-Series can be economical and produces reasonable performance.
Chris Brine’s Bugeye Race Car was next. This vehicle shows what some engine development can do for performance, using a well modified Russell Engineering cylinder head and manifold. Check out Russell Engineering’s Web Site for more technical info and articles on A-Series cylinder heads, manifolds and air flow. Well worth a Google search: http://russellengineering.com.au/articles/ At over 7000 R/min, a total of 85 BHP was being produced by Chris’s Sprite, with a very smooth and even torque curve, making this a great track and circuit vehicle.
Pat Miller’s 2 litre Toyota-powered Waler clubman produced a very loud exhaust note as the computer changed the cam timing at various rev ranges to produce an impressive Kilowatt output. Unfortunately there was not enough air flow through the radiator and the computer intervened to protect the motor by reducing performance and power – something a carby Sprite will not do, but most modern EFI vehicle have built into their software.
Finally Paul Doube’s 1600cc Toyota powered Kestrel Clubman produced the highest power of the night with the smoothest power and torque curve. This is mostly due to the technology invested into the engine design and the use of electronic fuel injection to control the fuel, so the engine will idle, accelerate and produce maximum power and be very drivable during each of these phases. The Spridgets coughed, spluttered and were not a smooth with their fuelling, but that is difference years of R & D can do for engine performance.
Our thanks also to TAFESA for allowing the Sprite Club to visit and use the dyno facilities. And special thanks to Jamie Campbell for his Technical Presentation, as his knowledge of air flow, performance and vehicle testing gave all present a chance to see how the flow bench and chassis dyno can, not only be used to measure performance, but also to ensure that the correct modifications can be made to produce the desired and usable performance from the humble A-Series engine.
5 May MSCA Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Regularity Relay – Mallala Motorsport Park
The Annual 6-Hour Regularity Relay attracts teams of cars from all MSCA Clubs, as well as interstate. There will be Victorian Sprite Club teams joining in as well.
Each Team is to provide some assistants to help the MSCA as well as helpers with each team. Come along and help out our Clubman and Sprite Club teams with various tasks – even for a few hours, as well as spectate this interesting Club and Teams Event.
A great opportunity to see up to 24 cars on the track at the same time competing for this prestigious trophy.
For Sale , The legendary Troy Ryan Austin Healey Sprite, on current SA Historic Road Registration SA 50505 (previously SA XLG 995) Racing Nos. 995 or 95.
This naturally aspirated BMC powered 1295cc Sprite driven by Troy , has been setting track records all over numerous Australian Circuits such as Winton and Mallala etc. and Hillclimbs for approx. 10 years, e.g. Mt Gambier Legend of the Lakes 58.52 in 2011, Collingrove 35.24 in 2016.
It recently has been fitted with a fresh engine and gearbox and presents and drives extremely well . I’ve admired the car , and pursued Troy to sell it for many years ,for my own Hillclimb competition pursuits , and last year he finally relented as he has many other projects taking up his time.
Unfortunately at my geriatric stage of life , this season I’ve developed a chronic spine problem and on Specialist’s advice I now need to sell the car.
I’ve fitted a normal windscreen to the car , still retaining the mini one, and the car comes with full history, many tens of thousands of $$ receipts , and a number of spares.
Asking $17,500 , Thanks , Peter Emes 0413 133 233 . NB ,I’ll be overseas 23 May to 2 June.
It is with great sadness that I am looking at putting my sprite up for sale due to needing something more practical and family friendly.
It is likely better know at Pat K’s old Sprite and is a 63 Mk2 (Not a 2a which Pat thought was relevant?). Running really well, serviced/tuned every 6 months.
Has had some cosmetic work over the last couple of years such as a pain touch up, new badges and dash repair.
Pat mentioned to put it out to the club for their interest prior to car sales I’m assuming to try and keep it within the club? As there is another vehicle that I am hoping to secure pending the sale of the sprite I will need to get it up on car sales by Thursday at the latest so if it is possible to get it sent out to the club ASAP I can hold off until say Wednesday before looking at putting it on car sales.
Despite threatening clouds 17 cars turned up for the final sports car cruise of the season. Unfortunately the convoy became scattered leaving the car park but everyone enjoyed a drive in the hills. Most appealing car trophy Garry Beaton’s tricked up BMW best patina, Gerard‘s Plymouth spl and much to his surprise Chris Mignone, Datsun coupe the youth appeal award. great to see strong support from Sprite and MX5 clubs also young people navigating. My niece Kelly Scott enjoyed co-piloting the Plymouth. Big thank you to all who attended.
Don’t forget Classic Sports car cruise this Saturday starting and finishing at K mart shopping centre on Glynburn rd Firle. Gathering from 4:30 pm for a 5:10 pm start. Duration of the run approximately 1 hour. Drivers with a spare seat may like to offer sedan drivers a ride. Route maps will be available on the afternoon. All Sprite club members and their families please let me know their choice of 1 the most appealing car and the car with the best patina straight after the run finishes. Any enquiries ph O4212897O6 nanmiller@adam.com.au.
If you’re not in the parade, you can still meet us at Paxtons
THE EASY CLUB from Willunga bringing their Smooth Sounds with a Rock & Roll Heart to entertain us all afternoon.
THE YIROS SHACK feeding us with delicious, healthy Greek style Chicken, Lamb, Combination & Vegetarian Yiros – served with salad in a pita style wrap or in a bowl., complemented with a variety of sauces.
DAL MARE COFFEE, a local McLaren Vale coffee caravan – you may have seen on the side of Victor Harbour Road – serving coffees throughout the afternoon.
At our Cellar Door we will have our PAXTON WINES available by the bottle or the glass, local beers, ciders, soft drinks and fruit juices to purchase along with a selection of local cheeses, almonds, antipasto meats & McLaren Vale olives to build your own platter. Also Paxton Picnic Plumm stemless wine glasses to buy for $10.00 if you forget yours.
Oh, and to make the day even more fun we are going with the Vintage! Glamorous! Gatsby! Roaring Twenties 20s! Theme… so grab the gloves, feather boa, headbands or for the men the dress shirts, hats and suspenders and join us in dressing up in Glamorous 1920s style.
Please note that this event is strictly NO BYO Alcohol.
Wanted: Standard 948cc or 1098cc Sprite or Midget for Dyno Testing at the Tech Night – 29th March
If someone has a standard (non-modified 948cc or 1098cc) Sprite or Midget that we can use as part of the back to back Dyno testing can you please contact Gordon Boyce O4178979O5
Please can I borrow a “straight style” Weber manifold to suit a Sprite or Mini to use for flow bench testing at the Tech Night this Friday night. (see sample photo) Only need to borrow as a comparison between the curved and straight manifold. Only need the manifold Let me know if you can assist Regards Gordon Boyce O417 897 9O5
1 April – General Meeting – Stars and Their Cars – 7.00pm for 7.30pm Start of Meeting.
Sporting Car Club Clubrooms, 51 King William Road, Unley.
Please note a different venue and the earlier start time for this special Meeting Night.
We will have member’s cars on stage and have a Q & A with the owners.
Join us an interesting night of Spridgets, enjoy a drink at the bar and some pizza and there will be door prizes and giveaways throughout the night.
And a reminder about the Tech Night Friday – 29 March – Technical and Dyno Night – TAFESA Automotive Regency Campus – 6.00pm – 9.00pm See more info here
3 April – Mid-Week Meander – Southern Run – Departing at 10.00am – BYO Morning Tea.
Russell and Judy Schmarr have organised this Mid-Week Meander heading South.
Meet at Mitcham Reserve Car Park off Old Belair Road for a 10.00am departure.
As usual the run will cover some interesting roads south of Adelaide, ending up for lunch at a convenient venue. This will be close enough for a short run home after lunch.
For catering purposes please let Russell and Judy know you are coming – Phone O4O3 151 715
For our last cruise of the season we are doing things a little bit different in that the start and finish will be in the same place. The reason being that it may be possible for those driving a non sports vehicle to hitch a more exciting ride. No logistics required. As usual this is a most informal short sharp and shiny cruise, we welcome anyone driving a sports car to join us. No club memberships are required.
1: To make best use of the day light we will gather at 4:30 pm for a chat and checkout session at the K mart shopping center on Glynburn rd Firle. Departing at 5:10 pm onto Glynburn rd in a southerly direction.
2: Turn right (west) onto Norwood Parade.
3: Turn left (south ) onto Portrush rd follow through to the south eastern freeway. Leading cars back off a bit so everyone can bunch up on the first part of the freeway.
4 :Follow the freeway through the Heysen tunnel ( An acoustic experiment!!!. the sound of lots of sports cars going through here. )
5: Turn off at Crafers ie. Mt lofty summit rd etc do not go up this road.
6 :Drive on to Piccadilly rd just a few hundred meters. and turn left.
7 :Follow nice and wining Piccadilly rd to Greenhill Rd.
8: Turn left (west) onto even more winding Greenhill rd all the way back to suburbia.
9: Turn Right (north) onto Glynburn rd and drive back to K mart where there will be a short presentation.
The sprite club reminds everyone that they are responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicles and behavior behind the wheel.
Route maps will be available on the evening.
Weather, I doubt too hot will be a problem, however if the bureau predicts more than 5mm of rain on the evening the cruise will be postponed .
We will be visiting the TAFESA Automotive Facility at the Regency Campus, Regency Road, Regency Park.
Enter via Entrance 4 off Regency Road and head straight through the gates to the Automotive Compound. Refer to attached Maps.
Automotive Lecturer Jamie Campbell will discuss and demonstrate the air flow characteristics of A-Series cylinder heads, SU & Weber Carbys and associated manifolds and some of their issues and problems. There will also be some dyno runs outlining the torque and power curves of Sprites and Midgets, both standard and modified. A great technical night for all members.
Due to TAFESA Safety Policy please wear minimum short sleeve shirt, long trousers, covered shoes or steel cap shoes/boots.
Contact Gordon Boyce (O4178979O5) if you need directions or more information.
March 17th2019 (St Patrick’s Day) was the start of major motor sporting events across Australia, the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix, Collingrove Hillclimb and the Round One MSCA Supersprint at Mallala. While the luck of the Irish may have not been smiling on competitors at the F1 GP and the Hillclimb (due to timing issues) nearly 100 competitors at Mallala did have smiles on their faces as they headed onto the track for the first time for 2019!
With a Come’n’Try event as well, a number of new or returning competitors tried the Mallala circuit for the first time. While it was warm, and the circuit surrounds very dry and dusty from the lack of any rain, most found the circuit to be in clean and good condition, based on the lap times from most.
The Sprite Club was represented by the usual stalwarts, Barry & Lyndall Edson and Paul Doube in Kestrel Clubman’s, Pat Miller in the Irukandji Clubman, Helen Stephenson in the Circuit Excel Hyundai, as well a few Clubman competitors, such as Ian Eldridge in the very quick PBR.
Once the briefings were over it was time to head to the circuit. Cars are grouped in their time order, so there is minimal passing, but all can have a clear lap and try for a fast time. While the track was clean, some found the end of the back straight an issue with a couple heading into the sand trap due to braking problems, one parking on its side, with minimal damage to the car, other than needing a good clean. One spinning Skyline off the back straight also raised quite a dust cloud as it drifted along the infield!
Our two flying females, Helen and Lyndall, both had brief off track excursions, but regained their confidence and both put down some reasonable times when they returned to the circuit. Well done ladies! Most competitors had four runs of five laps around the circuit, so there was plenty of track time for all.
The Sprite Club had been allocated to assist with Flagging duties for the day, so Chris Brine elected not to compete and was ably assisted by Dean King in manning the Turn 2 flag point for the day – special thanks guys, without your help the day could not have run. It is a shame a few more from the Sprite Club could have helped on the day. President Gordon was the CAMS Steward for the day to ensure all played by the rules……
Other than the Edson Kestrel being loaded on the trailer early, most had a good, but warm day, and I guess a few will be making adjustments and alterations for the next round. The next event is the Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Relay Sprint in May, so it would be great to see a few more members at the track to help out our two teams, plus the proposed three teams from the Victorian Sprite Club.
There are still a few vacancies available for the MSCA come and try sprint event on Sunday next 17thMarch. Get in Quickly by calling Sue Stephenson on 0408858046. The cost is $125 which covers everything. You just need a car, a helmet, and ankle to wrist clothing.
The sprite club is rostered for flag marshal duties this meeting make sure you write sprite club on the sign in form as this will earn 1 point towards the club of the year trophy.
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Web site and Facebook page for more details on these events……………………
4 March – General Meeting – Guest Speaker – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
17 March – MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – Mallala Motorsport Park
The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close. There will be parade
Officials briefing at 8.15am. On track action from 10.00am
17 March – Winter Cup 1 Hillclimb – Round 1 – Collingrove Hillclimb
First Hillclimb of the year at the famous Collingrove Hillclimb in the Barossa Valley
29 March – Technical and Dyno Night – TAFESA Automotive Regency Campus – 6.00pm – 9.00pm
We will be visiting the TAFESA Automotive Facility at the Regency Campus, Regency Road, Regency Park . Automotive Lecturer Jamie Campbell will discuss and demonstrate the air flow characteristics of A-Series cylinder heads, SU Carbys and some of their issues and problems. There will also be some dyno runs outlining the torque and power curves of Sprites and Midgets, both standard and modified.
A great technical night for all members.
1 April – General Meeting – Stars and Their Cars – 7.30pm.
Sporting Car Club Clubrooms, 51 King William Road, Unley.
Please note a different venue and the earlier start time.
We will have member’s cars on stage and have a Q & A with the owners.
Join us for pizza and a drink, the bar will be open, and there will be some door prizes
3 April – Mid-Week Meander – Southern Run – Departing at 10.00am – BYO Morning Tea.
Russell and Judy Schmarr have organised this Mid-Week Meander heading South.
Meet at Mitcham Reserve Car Park off Old Belair Road for a 10.00am departure.
As usual the run will cover some interesting roads south of Adelaide, ending up for lunch at a convenient venue. This will be close enough for a short run home after lunch. For catering purposes please let Russell and Judy know you are coming – O4O3 151 715
Hi All, I’ve added a ‘Burble” page to the Members area menu where I’ll put the current and past Burbles ready to be download incase you’ve missed my posts
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Our guest speaker will be Lynton Fuller from Trico Products. He will be talking about some specialty products ideal for our vehicles, particularly Sta-Bil Fuel Stabiliser, 303 Protectant and Nu Finish polishes.
The winner of the Winter Cup for the 2018 Hillclimb season was long time Hillclimber Geoff Vardon driving in a Datsun 120Y Sports Sedan that he built and engineered himself, powered by a Honda engine it defines a “pocket rocket.” Named 2nd in the competition was another longtime Hillclimber (and previous winner) Danny Maul driving his Circuit Excel, finishing 3rd was David Hall in his ever reliable Toyota MR2.
The Collingrove Challenge Trophy for Multi Club Competition was won by Peter Stanley in his Austin Healey Sprite Mk2, 2nd was David Hall Toyota MR2 and 3rd was David Angel in his Ford Cortina GT Mk2.
Congratulations to you all for your speedy and consistent performances over the season.
The Collingrove Cup was presented by its donor Mr Glen Dix OAM to Naomi Maltby.
The annual Marque Sports Car Association Trophy Presentation and Display Day was held at Vigara Winery on the 24thFebruary. While it was a warm day, it was well supported by members and vehicles from all the MSCA member car clubs.
As well a chance to display member’s vehicles, it is a day to recognise the achievements of the drivers competing in the MSCA Mallala Super sprints during the 2018 competition year.
A big congratulation must go to all the competitors from this year, but an especially big congratulation must go to the drivers who won their classes!
The Sprite Club of SA was well represented in the Winners Circle with Barry Edson (Clubman’s 1300-1600cc) and James Dover (Clubman’s 1600-2000cc) winning their respective classes for the year. Congratulations!
Barry also proved a consistent year on the track taking 2ndplace in the Sprint Driver of the Year Award. This trophy is now added to the others gained during 2018 at Legend of the Lakes hill climb, so overall it has been a successful 12 months for Barry and the Kestrel Clubman. Congratulations Barry!
Class Winners
Class BB winner – Barry Edson
Class C winner – Dick Manning
Class CC winner -James Dover
Class D winner – Jason Edwards
Class DD winner – Alastair Dow
Class H winner – Marque Lemaistre
Class M winner – Malcolm Ebel
Class O winner – Darren Bilsborough
Class V winner – Vu Le
Class X winner – John Davies
Sprint Champion 1st Place – John Davies
Sprint Champion 2nd Place – Jason Edwards
Sprint Driver 1st Place – Dick Manning
Sprint Driver 2nd Place – Barry Edson
Club of the Year – Nissan Datsun
Car Club Display Day Award 1st place – MG Car Club
Car Club Display Day Award 2nd place – Alfa Romeo Owners Drivers Club
Believe it or not, I am building a MG Midget mk1 rear axle to modify and use in a 1925 Amilcar, in place of a very old design rear end. What I am missing is a pair of rear axles and hubs, to suit a wire wheel Mk 1 assembly. I have most of the other bits, so once I can find some axles I can build it all up. If you can find a member of your club who can help that would be great. Thanks, Brian Jeffery 0438 705 720.
A warm, balmy summers night, a roofless sports car, a passenger or two, and a group of like-minded enthusiasts are the perfect ingredients for the first Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise for 2019. About 30 vehicles met at the City of Adelaide Clipper Ship at Port Adelaide as the starting point for the 2019 Summer Cruise. These included the usual Bugeyes, Sprites and Midgets, who were supported by Big Austin Healeys, Triumph Stags and GT6, Mazda MX-5’s, Toyota MR2, various Clubmans and Sunbeam Alpines and V8 powered Tigers
Co-ordinator Pat Miller had put together a simple but effective run from Port Adelaide, via Port Road, West Terrace, Goodwood Road, then up Belair Road to the Windy Point Lookout. While the route stayed on major roads there was plenty of opportunity to showcase our Classic vehicles to alfresco diners enjoying the evening at various cafes and restaurants along the way.
To help promote the future lives of our classic vehicles to the next generation, drivers were encouraged to bring along a young person or two to enjoy the cruise and help the promote the sustainability of these vehicles to the next generation.
To support this there was a Youth Appeal Award, voted by the younger members, as the most appealing car of the Cruise. This was awarded to the MG Midget of Doug Gordon, having owned the vehicle for over 45 years!
Sprite Club members voted for the Most Appealing Car of the Cruise and the Vehicle with the Best Patina. The Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 of Ian Hay was awarded the Most Appealing Car, while the well-used Bugeye Sprite of Jim Schubert was awarded the Vehicle with the Best Patina.
Special thanks to Pat Miller for arranging the Cruise and making the unique trophies. Also to those members who bought along a younger person to enjoy the cruise and the special classic vehicles helped make this the largest turn up since the Sprite Club has started promoting these events. I know it made an impression on the two youth members that we bought along, they cannot wait to the next Cruise!
24 February – MSCA Trophy Presentation Day – Virgara Wines – 143 Heaslip Road, Angle Vale – 11.00am
Everyone is invited to the MSCA Presentation Day for the 2018 class awards along with the many other trophies up for grabs! There is also a trophy for the best Club Display. Bring with you, your family, your cars and a picnic lunch. As we are being hosted by Virgara Winery, Heaslip Road, Angle Vale there is the opportunity to purchase some of their wonderful wines and food!
Assemble from 11.00am, Judging Display – 1:00pm, Presentation of Trophies – 2:00pm
The All British Day had an early start for a couple of us taking two cars to celebrate British Racing Heritage at this year’s event.
The Sprite club managed to get 16 club cars on display, including 14 sprites and two associated vehicles all managed to find their way to the Echunga ovals.
This year was a celebration of the long British motorsport history. The Sporting Car Club managed to have a great display of cars with long racing pedigrees on display to celebrate their 85thbirthday.
As usual there was a great turn up of all British marques with full credit to the ABD committee, with nearly 900 vehicles on site to look at there was certainly a rich and diverse range. The Vauxhall hearse was the highlight of the day for me 😉
Again there was a very convivial atmosphere and we were lucky enough to have a marquee directly opposite the club display this year. As usual there were many warm and much welcomed comments on the quality of our display vehicles. Providing many memories for the patrons, it always surprises me just how may people have a story of a Spridget in their lives.
All in all great day was had by all, the weather was very kind this year and without any club cars misbehaving we’ll be back next year to do it all again.
A friendly reminder to Sprite club members Our Classic sports car cruise is on this coming Saturday evening 16 Feb. Starts at the Adelaide clipper site at Port Adelaide 6:30 for a 7:00departure to Windy Point. Route maps available at departure site. Please try to recruit a young person to accompany you as there will be a trophy for the car with youth appeal selected by said young people. Also please contact me on arrival at windy point with your selection of most appealing car and, car with the best patina (ie used and loved appearance).
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Web Site and Facebook page for more interesting events …………………….
4 February – General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10 February – 35th All British Day – Echunga Oval – 9.00am – 3.00pm
The annual All British Day is a chance to display our Members car and view over 750 British vehicles, plus British Racing Heritage vehicles as the main display.
If you have entered entry to the ovals is from 9.00am. The display will be between 10.30am and 3.00pm. Public Entry is $8.00 Adult, $4.50 Children – Parking Available – Catering, Displays and Trade Stalls available.
16 February – Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – Meet 6.30pm, Depart 7.00pm
The first cruise for 2019 should be a great event. Meet at 6.30pm at the City of Adelaide Clipper Ship carpark, McLaren Parade, Port Adelaide. The Run will depart at 7.00pm.The run will head up Port Road, bypassing the City and ending at Windy Point to capture the sunset.
One of the purposes of these cruising events is to promote interest in our cars a special feature of this event is that if possible drivers recruit a junior person to accompany them e.g.: Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.
24 February – MSCA Trophy Presentation Day – Virgara Wines – 143 Heaslip Road, Angle Vale – 11.00am
Everyone is invited to the MSCA Presentation Day for the 2018 class awards along with the many other trophies up for grabs! Bring with you, your family, your cars and a picnic lunch. As we are being hosted by Virgara Winery, Heaslip Road, Angle Vale there is the opportunity to purchase some of their wonderful wines and food!
Assemble from 11.00am, Judging Display – 1:00pm, Presentation of Trophies – 2:00pm
4 March – General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
17 March – MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – Mallala Motorsport Park
The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close.Officials briefing at 8.30am. You will be supplied lunch and basic training, also you will have an opportunity to have a few parade laps at the lunchtime break.Please support our competing Sprite and Clubman driving members as they compete.On track action from 10.00am
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Welcome to the first General Meeting for 2019 and a chance to catch up with members, check out the library, buy some Club merchandise and find out the latest information from the Club.
The Committee has been hard at work and will release the 2019 Calendar, with a range of interesting events planned throughout the year.
Club Registration owners please note that your rego expired on the 31 December if you are not financial, therefore your vehicle is unregistered if you have driven it over the New Year break!
So please bring your Log Books, Rego Papers, $5.00 for a new Log Book and Membership Form and Fees.
The first Sprite Club of South Australia classic sports car cruise for 2019 will be run on the evening of Saturday February 16th. As usual this is a low key informal short sharp and hopefully not too hot opportunity to display our cars.
Gathering point this time will be the car park area next to the Adelaide historic ship in Port Adelaide. Entry off Mclaren parade. Arrive at 6:30pm for a 7:00 pm departure. As usual we would like to be joined by any interested sports car, clubman, etc drivers. We are not fussy about what constitutes a classic sports car. Participants do not need to be members of car clubs. The run will be of approximately 1 hour duration. Sun is scheduled to dip into the gulf of St Vincent at 8:09 on this day. The route should minimize sunglare and be reasonably user friendly on older cooling systems.
One of the purposes of these cruising events is to promote interest in our cars a special feature of this event is that if possible drivers recruit a junior person to accompany them ie. children grand children nieces nephews etc. We will be asking the kids for their vote of favorite participating car with a trophy going to the car with the most votes.
Route maps will be available at the departure point.
Depart the car park via Mclaren Pd.
Left turn onto commercial rd following into Port rd towards the city.
Veer right onto West Trc. Follow through to Goodwood rd.
Follow Goodwood road to Panorama.
Turn left onto Springbank rd, cross over railway bridge.
Turn right onto Belair rd follow road up to Windy Point car park where we should just be in time to catch the sunset.
There will be a short presentation at Windy point.
If the bureau predicts a day temperature above 38 deg or heavy rain the Cruise will be postponed.
As would be expected everyone joining us take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicle.
Further info on the evening contact Pat Miller 0421 289 706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au.
Please pass this info onto anyone you think might enjoy participating.
Would all Sprite Club members please contact me on arrival at windy point with their selection of the most appealing car and the car with the best patina (ie although used the car is loved).
We have recently posted out all the Gate passes, so hopefully Australia Post will have them to you shortly. We thought it may be beneficial to send you the attached map (click on the map to enlarge it) showing where you Club will be located on the day to make it easier for you to find your allocated parking spot. We are aware that a few entrants bring sunshades or marquees. Please ensure that they are weighted down adequately, as we would hate a gust of wind to make a sunshade cause damage on the day. (Sorry pegs cannot be used due to the oval sprinkler system.) A guide for weights is minimum of about 12 kg on each corner of the sunshade. We are hoping for a mild day for the 10th of February; however, should there be any doubt if the event may be affected by extreme weather a reminder of our hot weather policy is shown below. In the event of a catastrophic fire warning for the Echunga district or a forecast temperature for Mt Barker given by the Bureau of Meteorology as at 6.00pm the day before the event of 40 degrees or more, the event will be cancelled. If the event is cancelled, sorry no entry fees will be refunded but memorabilia will be posted out. We hope to never need to action this; but we will endeavour to email entrants and advise also via our website if the event is to be cancelled.
1 January – Happy New Year – Wishing all Members a Spritely Safe and Happy 2019!
Club Registration Vehicle owners please note that your rego expired on the 31st December 2018.
If you are not financial or not had your log book renewed or stamped your vehicle is deemed unregistered.
26 January – Australia Day BBQ and Thong Throwing Contest – Gumeracha – From 11.00am
Sunday Gary and Faye Brock, Ebenezer Palace, Kenton Hill, Gumeracha will once again host the first event for 2019. This will be a BYO BBQ, so please BYO BBQ Meat, Drinks and Chairs.
Also please bring either a salad or sweets to share.
Phone the Brocks on 83891141 if you need directions, or so we do not get too many potato salads or Vegemite sandwiches.
4 February – General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10 February – 35th All British Day – Echunga Oval – 9.00am – 3.00pm
The annual All British Day is a chance to display our Members car and view over 750 British vehicles, plus British Racing Heritage vehicles as the main display.
If you have entered entry to the ovals is from 9.00am. The display will be between 10.30am and 3.00pm. Public Entry is $8.00 Adult, $4.50 Children – Parking Available – Catering, Displays and Trade Stalls available
24 February – MSCA Trophy Presentation Day – Virgara Wines – 143 Heaslip Road, Angle Vale – 11.00am
Everyone is invited to the MSCA Presentation Day for the 2018 class awards along with the many other trophies up for grabs! Bring with you, your family, your cars and a picnic lunch. As we are being hosted by Virgara Winery, Heaslip Road, Angle Vale there is the opportunity to purchase some of their wonderful wines and food!
Assemble from 11.00am, Judging Display – 1:00pm, Presentation of Trophies – 2:00pm
4 March – General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Please see the attachment from the Registrar of Motor Vehicles regarding changes to the Seat Belt laws for Historic Vehicles.
While most of our vehicle have been fitted with seat belts, this specifically applies when children (or grandchildren) travel in the vehicle, where the appropriate seat belt or harness must be used.
Australia Day BBQ and Thong Throwing Contest – From 11.00am
Keeping with the tradition of celebrating Australia Day, the Sprite Club will start the 2019 year with this annual event, hosted by Gary and Faye Brock.
This is a BYO BBQ, so please bring your own meat, drinks and chairs.
Can you also provide a salad or sweets to share – let Faye know what you are bringing so we do not get too many potato salads or Vegemite sandwiches!
There will also be the Annual Thong Throwing Competition, so start practicing and get ready for some serious competition.
Ebenezer Palace, Kenton Hill, Gumeracha will be the venue, and phone the Brocks on 83891141 if you need directions.
Orange Dorian timer in box with charger and books. Good condition. Essential for anyone wanting to do circuit comp. $325. Pick up Aldinga Beach. Phone Bryan on 0414498212.
Reconditioned Master Brake Cylinder and Clutch Cylinder
New parts include; wheel brake cylinders (for all wheels), ten gauge, radiator hoses, fan belt, thermostat, spark plugs, condenser, points, welsh plugs, 5 tyres
I am looking for the little piece of metal trim which goes behind the passenger’s side (LHS) door. The mirror image of the one in the photo. 0433960810 if you can help.
Sprite Display Day at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg – 9.30am – 3.30pm
Just a final reminder that this Sunday is the Sprite Clubs Annual Display Day at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg
This the premier event of the Sprite Club’s year where we get the chance to show our cars to the public in the one place so I urgeALL members to get their Spridgets and associate cars ready for this fantastic day.
This year is the 60th anniversary of the Bugeye and the Club will be recognising this on the day. Therefore, we would like to invite all BUGEYE owners to bring their cars along for this display.
There will be People Choice Awards for All Models of Sprites and Midgets, as well as Associate Vehicles.
There will be a Coffee Van on site, as well as food available from local stores and cafes.
Entrance to Wigley Reserve is via the driveway at the roundabout at the Western end of Anzac Highway, please follow directions from the Traffic Marshals. Please bring a piece of cardboard to place under the car to prevent oil drips affecting the grassed areas.
Please let Don Cardone know if you are attending by either:
Next historic meeting at Winton the focus will beThe South Australian contingent
Noel Willcox is hoping a great team of us will attend
It would be great to get some cars over there that do not usually attend and all of us that do
We encourage as many as possible to join in and have a Murder of Crow Eaters to entertain the madding crowd
All the best Gerard
Dates Update
Dear Historic Winton Competitor,
I would like to formally advise that the date of the 2019 Historic Winton event has been changed.
In recent years, our event has traditionally been the last weekend in May. However, due to the V8 Championship dates being altered next year, our weekend has been bumped!
Therefore, our meeting will be held the weekend before, starting from unofficial practice on Friday 17th, and continuing into the weekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May 2019.
There will still be great racing, fabulous milestone celebrations, and our ever popular collection of display bikes, cars, caravans, emergency vehicles, trade vendors and plenty of surprises.
Many accommodation places have already been contacted, but for the many of you who roll bookings from one year to the next, I suggest you contact your Hotel/ Motel/ B&B and confirm your accommodation booking for 18th & 19th May 2019.
Stay tuned for the Media Release in November, when we announce Milestone Celebrations.
Hi here are a few more images from last Saturday night..
I was really pleased with the event. Weather was great and a total record number of 19 cars participated, a good result in view of the number of regulars who wereapologies. Good to see some drivers bought grand kids along for the ride. We will have to try to think of something to foster this kind of thing so that there will be some people interested in preserving these cars into the distant future.
Hi, here are the minutes from the last meeting, or find them on the drop down menu.
Also a few images for the sports car cruise from last Saturday night. at Miller organised a perfect night again P and a great drive from Fulham Gardens into the city and onto Norwood Parade, finishing up in Firle. Had a total of 15 cars including Doug Gordon’s Midget (former member) in front, Don Williams white Midget, Jim Schubert’s yellow bugeye, Dean King’s green Mk 3. It was a good run and a number of Stags and Alpines along for the ride.
Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – Meet 6.00pm – Depart 6.30pm
The Sprite Club of South Australia will be cruising again for the first time this season on the evening of Oct 20th. As usual this is a low key short, sharp and hopefully shiny evening to display sports cars with a run of approx. 1 hour duration.
Gathering at the Target Fulham Gardens Shopping Centre car park on the corner of Tapleys Hill Rd and Valetta Rd, Fulham Gardens at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 departure. We will be finishing at the K Mart Shopping Centre at Glynburn Road, Firle.
Join us at the Start, Join for part of the Cruise or just meet at the Finish…….you and your Classic Sports Car are welcome.
Further info on the evening contact Pat Miller 0421 289 706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au
And if you are looking for something to do before the event……………….
“…….The TSOA & TR Register are holding their Annual Display Day on Saturday October 20th, 2018, at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
This event is part of the TR Register Nationals, of which there are 63 early TR’s, (TR2, TR3’s etc) booked to be on display, attending from all states of Australia for Concourse judging. Coupled with TSOA vehicles, we expect over 100 Triumphs to be on display this day. To further ensure it is one of the largest Triumph gatherings in the Country, we will also have the Stag Owners Club members to display their Stags at this event.
Event is due to conclude around 2pm.
Some of these vehicles will be joining the Sprite Club for the Cruise.
Saturday 20 October Sprite Club Classic Sports Car Cruise – Meet 6.00pm – Depart 6.30pm
Gathering at the Target Fulham Gardens Shopping Centre car park on the corner of Tapleys Hill Rd and Valetta Rd, Fulham Gardens at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 departure. We will be finishing at the K Mart Shopping Centre at Glynburn Road, Firle after a 1 hour cruise through the City and Norwood.
Further info on the evening contact Pat Miller 0421 289 706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au.
Sunday 28 October MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 5 – Mallala Motorsport Park
Join us at Mallala for the final round of the MSCA Super Sprint Series.
Free Spectator Entry. On track action from 10.00am
Sunday 4 November Sprite Display Day at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg – 9.30am – 3.30pm
This the premier event of the Sprite Club’s year where we get the chance to show our cars to the public in the one place so ALL members are urged to get their Spridgets and associate cars ready for this fantastic day.
This year is the BUG EYE 60th anniversary and the Club will be recognising this on the day. Therefore we would like to invite all BUGEYE owners to bring their cars along for this display. Please let Don Cardone know if you are attending by either:
Monday 5 November Annual General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
All committee positions will be declared vacant, so if you would like to join the committee and assist in the running of the Sprite Club of SA please think about nominating or volunteering at the AGM.
Talk to any of the committee if you are interested or require further information.
THE SPRITE CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA CLASSIC SPORTS CAR CRUISE.
The Sprite Club of South Australia will be cruising again for the first time this season on the evening of Oct 20th . As usual this is a low key short sharp and hopefully shiny evening to display sports cars. Gathering in the Target shopping center car park on the corner of Tapleys hill Rd and Valetta Rd Kidman Park at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 departure. As usual we would like to be joined by any interested sports car, clubman, etc drivers. We are not too fussy about what constitutes a classic sports car. The run will be of approximately 1 hour duration. Sun is scheduled to dip into the gulf of St Vincent at 7:33 on this day. The route will hopefully keep the glare behind us.
Depart the shopping center car park in a southerly direction.
Follow Tapleys hill Rd to Sir Donald Bradman Rd and turn left.
Follow Sir Donald Bradman Rd to West Trc. and turn left.
Drive along West Trc. Follow city ring route Park Trc. Hackney Rd. Dequetterville Trc.
Hard left turn at the Victoria round about onto Fullarton Rd.
Turn right onto the Parade. (We tend to attract a bit of attention here.)
Follow the Parade up to Glynburn Rd. and turn left.
Follow Glyburn Rd to K mart on your left hand side.
There will be a short presentation at K mart.
Route maps will be available at the departure point.
If the bureau predicts above 36 deg or more than a 20% chance of rain the Cruise will be postponed.
As would be expected everyone joining us take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicle.
Saturday 29th September – Annual Pie and Pea Night Dinner – 6.30 pm – Don & Elaine Cardone’s Home
The Pea and Pie night is a long standing tradition of the Sprite Club. It is a lot of fun so please make an effort to come and enjoy the night with your fellow club members
LOCATION: Don and Elaine Cardone’s home
COST: $6.00 per pea and pie
WHAT TO BRING: BYO drinks and also nibbles or sweets to share.
For catering purposes please let Don & Elaine know if you are attending by sending an email to doncardone@adam.com.au or on mobile 0411 876 067 and Don will reply to you with details.
Please Note the Cut-off date to let Don & Elaine know you are coming is Sunday 23rd September.
8 October General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Monday Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
PLEASE NOTE: The changed date for the General Meeting due to the October Long Weekend
4 November Sprite Display Day at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg – 9.30am – 3.30pm
Sunday This the premier event of the Sprite Club’s year where we get the chance to show our Sprites, Midgets and Associate cars to the public and this year celebrate the BUG EYE 60th anniversary.
Please let Don Cardone know if you are attending by either:
Collectable Classic Cars would like to invite your club to join our father’s day car run.
The Fathers Day Car/Bike Run is fundraising much needed funds for the Childhood Cancer Association.
The association is currently supporting 400 families with over 30 services here in South Australia. The Car/Bike Run is a great day out cruising through the Adelaide Hills in your old classic or current model car or bike (all makes/models welcome) .
Starting at Mylor oval with a delicious coffee van on site, we then head off to Goolwa Motor Museum & then onto Collectable Classics at Strathalbyn for a BBQ lunch.
All profits from the car run are going straight to the Childhood Cancer Association.
Tickets are purchased online at the link below, it is also on the flyer
Sprite Club Annual Dinner & Awards Night – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Unley Hotel
Only Three Weeks until the Sprite Club’s “Night of Nights”.
Do you need a new outfit? Need to polish you best shoes? Now is the time to start your preparation!
We have secured the Patio Room at The Unley Hotel, 27 Unley Road, Parkside for our Annual Dinner and Awards Night
6.00pm Pre-dinner drinks, 6.30pm Three-Course Meal, Trophy Presentations, and much more.
To assist with the catering of the night and to secure your seat, please make your payment of $35per head direct to the Club’s bank account or pay the Treasurer.
The bank details for EFT deposits for the annual dinner @ $35/head are listed below and leave your name as a reference, cheers!
Sunday 19 August MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 4 – Mallala Motorsport Park
The next round of the Super Sprint Series, which includes a Come ‘n’ Try event if you have not been on the circuit before. Free Spectator Entry. On track action from 10.00am
25 -26 August Supercars at The Bend – Tailem Bend
The Supercar Series heads to The Bend circuit for the first time.
Monday 3 September General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
PLEASE NOTE: All Perpetual Trophies to be returned by the September General Meeting
Saturday 15 Sept Sprite Club Annual Dinner & Awards Night
We have secured the Patio Room at The Unley Hotel, 27 Unley Road, Parkside for our Annual Dinner and Awards Night
6.00pm Pre-dinner drinks, 6.30pm Three-Course Meal, Trophy Presentations, and much more.
Please make your payment of $35per head direct to the Club’s bank account or pay the Treasurer.
Saturday 29 Sept Annual Pie and Pea Night Dinner
Keep the night free. Don and Elaine Cardone will host this annual event.
Sunday 30 Sept Bay to Birdwood
Entries are open for vehicles built before 31st December 1959 – e.g. Bugeyes are eligible
24 Sept – 5 Oct Federation of Motoring Clubs Motorfest.
Multiple events over the week before and after the Bay to Birdwood.
Sunday 4 Nov Sprite Display Day at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg
Start waxing and polishing your Sprite, Midget, Clubman or Classic for our annual Display at the Bay.
We have once again secure the Patio Room at The Unley Hotel for our Annual Dinner and Awards Night.As the Patio Room is upstairs please note that there is no lift, only stairs
As well as celebrating the Anniversary of the Inaugural Sprite Club Meeting we will also recognise and award those members of the club for their services and competition successes for the past year.
There will be a three-course meal as listed below:
Entrée– shared plate
Pumpkin, thyme and fontina arancini, Chicken satays with spiced coconut peanut sauce, Salt and Chilli squid with guajillo chilli salsa, House made dip with chargrilled pita bread
Mains
200g Chimichurri Scotch Steak
Crispy Skin Chicken Breast
Achiote Atlantic Salmon
Roast Vegetable Stack
Dessert
Malibu Coconut Panna Cotta
Chocolate and Rum Tart
If you have special dietary requirements, please let the staff know when you arrive.
The cost is $35 per head.
Drinks can be purchased from the Bar.
To assist with the catering of the night and to secure your seat. please make your payment of $35 direct to the Club’s bank account (surname as the payment reference)
Account Details:
THE SPRITE CLUB OF SA INC.
BSB: 085-005
Account Number: 207432628
or to the Treasurer at a General Meeting.
This will be used as your booking confirmation and will also make finance arrangements easier on the night and so thanks for your co-operation and understanding. If you can’t manage that let us know that you’re coming and we can sort it out on the night! admin@spriteclub.com.au
Last weekend Sprite Club Member and Bugeye Owner Hamish Bubner married Linda Beagley at the family property near Maitland on Yorke Peninsula.
The ceremony was held in one of the paddocks, with guests seated and enjoying the view of the property. Also the weather was perfect for the ceremony.
As is the wedding tradition both the bride and Sprite wore white, and the Bugeye was joined by other classic vehicles including a Ford Mustang and “Barge” Fairlane.
Hamish had attempted to drive the Sprite from Adelaide, but it needed a small amount of “flat-tow assistance” to arrive at the property in time for the wedding.
On behalf of the Members of the Sprite Club of SA, we wish Hamish and Linda congratulations on their Special Day and years of happiness and memories together
Wednesday 25 July Sprite Club Mid-Week Social Drive – Meet 9.30am – Depart 10.00am
Russell and Judith Schmarr have organised another enjoyable mid-week run for morning tea and lunch.
Departing from Civic Park car park, North East Road, Modbury (opposite Tea Tree Plaza) at 10.00am..
BYO Morning Tea and will finish at a mystery Lunch venue in the northern Barossa Valley.
Can you please let Russell know if you are coming for the run or lunch 0403 151 715
Monday 6 August General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Sunday 19 August MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 4 – Mallala Motorsport Park
The next round of the Super Sprint Series, which includes a Come ‘n’ Try event if you have not been on the circuit before. Free Spectator Entry. On track action from 10.00am
Monday 3 Sept General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Saturday 15 Sept Sprite Club Annual Dinner
Mark your diaries, the Sprite Club’s “Night of Nights” is coming up.
Saturday 29 Sept Annual Pie and Pea Night Dinner
Keep the night free. More details as they come to hand
Its that time of year again, cold winter nights have set in and everyones ensconced at home.
Lets try and entice you out with the annual wine and cheese general meeting! See you there, Monday 2 July, Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, from 7:30pm.
This car was most likely a private import and is equivalent to a Sprite Mk 3A, having wire wheels, wind-up windows but not the folding hood seen on later Midgets. Car has a good straight body and drives very well.
Brakes have recently been overhauled and new tyres fitted to the wire wheels, which have tight spokes and have been clearly replaced at some time.
The 1098cc A-series motor is strong and smooth and suspension is good.
Gearbox shows signs of wear and will require work in the future.
Upholstery and roof will require replacing. (Roof and frame provided but fabric is old and has lost flexibility.)
An ideal project which can also be driven as is.
Contact: –
Don Williams for further details 0433960810 or Wills03@bigpond.net.au
The time has come for me to buy a Bugeye of my own. I’d love to be the next custodian of a much loved Bugeye and take over from an owner who is ready to pass their car on. Ideally I’m looking for a car that has been well maintained or has had some restoration work done to it, a bare metal rebuild at some point would be great (but not essential), what’s important is that the car has a sound and well maintained rust free body and preferably a steel bonnet. It’s also important that the car and any work done to it has been as true to the original as possible. A car with well maintained records would also be great as the car’s history is important to me. So in short, I’m looking for a loved Bugeye that I can continue to look after, maintain and restore for many years to come until it becomes my turn to hand the car on to a new generation of Bugeye owner. My budget is very realistic, especially for a well maintained or well restored car. So if you feel it’s time to pass on your Bugeye to it’s next custodian and want to know that it will be cared for and fussed over for years to come, I’m your man! You can reach me on 0402700779 or on email at adam.toma@bigpond.com.
As mentioned on Monday night the MG Car Club is running its Challenge on the Queen’s Birthday weekend with a Hillclimb at Collingrove on Saturday 9 June and a Super Sprint at The Bend on Sunday 10 June.
For the sprint we will be using the west circuit at The Bend.
MG numbers are unlikely to fill our fields so we would welcome entries from your clubs. See attached invitation for more information.
I ask that you keep it to your club members and do not spread this to a wider audience.
Entries to non MG clubs will open onMONDAY 21 MAY, as advised, and any received prior to that date will not be considered earlier.
We would prefer entries to both events.
To enter both in meecams go to the Hillclimb first and enter the “Challenge” which is at a discounted price. Then go to the sprint and enter the sprint at no charge.
In the sprint event you can also book a Dorian and a garage/carport.
It would be appreciated if your club could also provide a helper or two for the event.
RESCHEDULED SPRITE CLUB OF SA. AUTUMN 2018 CLASSIC SPORTS CAR CRUISE.
Due to Adelaide turning on cancellation status weather for our scheduled sports car cruise last month the Sprite Club of SA is having a second attempt on Saturday May 19th. Which happens to be the eve of the60 BIRTHDAY OF THE BUG EYE SPRITE. It would be especially good to have drivers of all sports car, clubman, replica sports car or any car that fits the general description, join us.
As usual the event will not take up much of your time, it is an informal low key cruise along some of Adelaide’s popular coastal thoroughfares. The idea being to be part of a spectacle that spotlights on special interest classic sporting cars and to generally have some fun.
The gathering place will be thevery western end of the IKEA car park where the blue was to be Masters store stands,Sr Donald Bradman drive in the Adelaide airport precinct. Gathering for a bit of mingling and inspecting all the cars from 4:15 pm for a departure at 5:00 pm. Driving west on Sir Donald Bradman drive, turning right on Seaview road and following through to Grange road, a quick right left onto Military road, A left turn at Bower road onto the Esplanade/ Lady Gowrie drive, going all the way to the roundabout at outer Harbor, returning along thissameroad to make a left hand turn onto Semaphore road. At the end of Semaphore road turn right onto Causeway road, then turn Left onto Bower rd, followed by a left onto Port rd travel about 500 meters and turn left into the Port Canal shopping centre car park where there will be a short presentation. This should be at approximately 6:00ish. There are a good number of eating places in this area should you wish to make a night of it.
Sunset on this day is at 5;19 pm
As would be expected everyone joining us take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicle.
Driving standards should as always respect our road rules and the safety of yourselves and other road users.
Weather ? Since this is such a significant birthday we hope the weatherwill be kind to us on as most previous cruises.
Please pass this invitation to anyone you know who drives a sports car. There are no club memberships required.
Come along and find out what happened at the 2018 Sprite and Midget Nationals a, plus the coming events fore the Sprite Club and celebrate 60 years since the introduction of the Austin Healey Sprite.
Any car/ driverwith super sprint or similar experienceinterested in participating in the 6 hour relay event on May 6th. We have a vacancy for an extra competitor in the RED HEIFER racing team . Would any available competitors contact Pat Miller on 0421 289 706 or nanmiller@adam .com.aubefore the afternoon of Monday 23rd.
Is there anyone in the sprite club with expertise in the insurance or law scene prepared to take on a small one off task for the Marque Sports Car Association.The job involves making some phone calls to CAMS and some insurancecompanies toascertain the public liabilityinsurancesituation should there be an incident at an MSCA event. ContactPat Miller on 0421 289 706 or nanmiller@adam .com.au
The April meeting of the Sprite Club of SA was held at the clubrooms of the Sporting Car Club in Unley, as we have done for the past few years. This special night allows the display of member’s cars on stage and a chance to find more about the featured members and their cars with a Question and Answer on stage.
Members arrived at the earlier start time and were provided with two tickets, one for the door prize raffle and the other for a complimentary drink from Stan the barman. There was also an array of pizzas to sample prior to the meeting.
President Gordon Boyce conducted an edited meeting covering the required basics of minutes, finances, coming events and reports from the various representatives.
Then the attention turned to the four vehicles displayed on stage, 1958 Bugeye Sprite of Jim Schubert, 1963 Sprite Mk IIA of Miles Jackson, 1965 Sprite Mk III of Kerry Fisher and the 1968 MG Midget of Russell Schmarr.
President Gordon asked each member different questions about the history of their car, why they chose a Spridget and some of the enjoyment of ownership they have had with their vehicles.
Starting in order with Jim’s Bugeye, which is the oldest in the Sprite Club as it turns 60 years in August this year, and was one of the early cars imported during 1958. Jim has owned the Sprite for over 30 years, purchasing the car from club member Don Williams. These early cars have several structural changes from the later Bugeyes and a different windscreen.
Miles’s Mk IIA was next in order, which started as a left-hand drive project car that need a large amount of work before returning to the streets. Miles outlined the parts restored during the process and some of the minor issues he has had since. Miles has used the Sprite on Interstate runs and is heading to the 2018 Sprite & Midget Nationals this month.
The Mk III of Kerry provided a chance to talk about why he bought a Sprite, to which he replied, “it was in the paper, it was red, it did not have a hood and the price was right!”. Kerry has completed only minor repairs and upgrades during the either years of ownership, although had to repair a broken throttle cable only recently. Kerry uses this Sprite regularly to work, having used it almost daily in the week preceding the meeting, but is yet to reach the 90 days allowed under Club Registration!
Finally, Russell’s fifty-year-old Midget was the final car to be discussed. Russell has been a member of the Sprite Club for 10 years, and displayed a magazine showing the first meeting he attended, and how some of the current members and committee were still involved, including Miles who was librarian in 2008! Russell has driven and attended several Sprite and Midget Nationals and Interstate Rallies with the Midget.
Each of these Spridget owners also had an interesting non-Spridget point of interest that was discovered during the Q & A:
Jim Schubert has an interest in woodturning and had produced the finial that tops the Sporting Car Club clubrooms
Miles has had a previous history in motorsport, racing Sports Sedans against Pat Miller at Adelaide International Raceway and Mallala
Kerry left the Navy and bought the Sprite
Russell took an interest in Sprites when he would see Richard & Mandy Stokes plus two kids pile out of their Midget at hockey matches many years ago!
Thanks to sponsorship from Penrite Oils and Pedder’s Suspension there was approx. 20 door prizes to giveaway! President Gordon invited Mary Dutch and Jan Symonds to assist with the raffle draw. Once the prizes were handed out, husband’s Ken and Alan were also invited on stage, where President Gordon talked with each about their years of membership (the Symonds joined in 1984 and the Dutches in 1990), and displayed photos of the Sprites they had both owned over the years, totalling approx. 7 Sprites, and a Mini Cooper S & MG Magnette, between both couples!
Then President Gordon announced and awarded both couples with Life Membership of the Sprite Club of SA for their services to the Club over the years, presenting all with certificates, name and lapel badges.
The meeting then concluded with members continuing to chat and mix with others, inspect the cars on stage and talk specifics with each owner. This has been a successful meeting over the past few years, and one that I think will remain on the calendar.
Special thanks must go to the Sporting Car Club for use of the venue, Michael McClaren for arranging the use of the clubrooms, and supplying the drinks and pizzas, Penrite and Pedder’s for their sponsorship and giveaways and particularly to Jim, Miles, Kerry and Russell for supplying and talking about their Sprites and Midgets.
Monday 9 April – General Meeting – Stars and Their Cars – 7.00pm for 7.30pm.
Sporting Car Club, 51 King William Road, Unley.
Please note a different date due to the Easter Long weekend, the earlier start time, and the different venue.
Saturday 14 April – Sprite Club Autumn Classic Sports Car Cruise – Meet at 4.30pm – Depart 5.15pm
Meet at IKEA Car Park, Donald Bradman Drive, Adelaide Airport
This cruise will head towards the coast and then head for Outer Harbour and returning to the Port Canal shopping centre car park at approx. 6.30pm
Sunday 22 April – The McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic Car Event – Parade starts at 11.00am
The McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic is a great family day celebration of vintage and classic motoring. A fantastic mix of food, wine, music and the arts together with the energy and passion of motoring enthusiasts.
Wed 25 – Sun 29 April – 2018 Sprite and Midget Nationals – Wodonga, Victoria
This National event has something for every Sprite and Midget owner, Sprints, Regularity, Motorkhana, Show ‘n Shine/Concours, Social Drives and Dinners
Sunday 29 April – Hillclimb – Winter Cup Round 2 – Collingrove Hillclimb
Sunday 6 May – MSCA Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Regularity Relay – Mallala Motorsport Park
The annual 6-Hour Regularity Relay will see teams of Sprites and Clubman’s mixing with approx. 20 other teams in the regularity relay.
THE SPRITE CLUB OF SA. AUTUMN 2018 CLASSIC SPORTS CAR CRUISE.
The sprite club of SA will be running our third classic sports car cruise in the evening of April 14th. The drivers of all sports car, clubman, replica sports car or any car that fits the general description, are most welcome to join us. The event will not take up much of your time, it is an informal low key cruise along some of Adelaide’s popular coastal thoroughfares. The idea being to be part of a spectacle that spotlights on special interest classic sporting cars and to generally have some fun.
The gathering place will be the very western end of the IKEA car park on sir Donald Bradman drive in the Adelaide airport precinct. Gathering for a bit of mingling and inspecting all the cars from 4:30 pm for a departure at 5:15 pm. Driving west on Sir Donald Bradman drive, turning right on Seaview road and following through to Grange road, a quick right left onto Military road, A left turn at Bower road onto the Esplanade/ Lady Gowrie drive, going all the way to the roundabout at outer Harbor, returning along this road to make a left hand turn onto Semaphore road. At the end of Semaphore road turn right onto Causeway road, then turn Left onto Bower rd, followed by a left onto Port rd travel about 500 meters and turn left into the Port Canal shopping centre car park immediately behind KFC where there will be a short presentation. This should be at approximately 6:15. There are a good number of eating places in this area should you wish to make a night of it.
Sunset on this day is at 5;53 pm
As would be expected everyone joining us take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicle.
Driving standards should as always respect our road rules and the safety of yourselves and other road users.
The weather has been ultra kind to us on previous cruises and I hope we will be similarly blessed, however if the bureau predicts a temperature over 36 deg C or greater than 20% chance of 5mm or more rain the cruise will be postponed till a later date.
MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – Mallala Motorsport Park
Please Note: The Sprite Club of SA is required to supply officials to assist with running of this event. This would involve flag marshalling and other assorted duties. There is a safety briefing at 8.30am, and lunch will be supplied.
There will also be an opportunity to have some Parade Laps of the circuit during the lunchbreak.
This a great opportunity to get up close and near the on track action.
For the competitors it is time to dust of the helmet and gloves and head to Mallala for the first time on the racetrack for 2018. Come along and support our competing Sprite and Clubman driving members. Did all their adjustments and modifications over the break lower their lap times. Free Spectator Entry. Practice from 9.00am On track action from 10.00am
Wednesday 14 March Sprite Club Mid-Week Social Drive to Langhorne Creek – Departure at 10.00amAn enjoyable mid-week run to the Bridge Hotel, Langhorne Creek for Lunch.
Departing Hazelwood Park North Carpark, Burnside at 10.00am.
Monday 5 March General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Sunday 11 March MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – Mallala Motorsport Park
Time to dust of the helmet and gloves and head to Mallala for the first time on the racetrack for 2018. Free Spectator Entry. On track action from 10.00am
Wednesday 14 March Sprite Club Mid-Week Social Drive to Langhorne Creek – Departure at 10.00am
An enjoyable mid-week run to the Bridge Hotel, Langhorne Creek for Lunch. Departing Hazelwood Park North Carpark, Burnside at 10.00am.
Saturday 17 March Twilight Hillclimb – Winter Cup Round 1 – Collingrove Hillclimb
Come and enjoy this twilight event in the Barossa Valley
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
Come along and find out what has been happening with the Club and what is coming up over the next few months
Enjoy a chat and coffee after the meeting, check out our Sprite Club Merchandise Specials or borrow a book from the library.
If you need an Historic Vehicle Inspection, please contact Don or Gordon, and your vehicle can be inspected on the night.
Club Registration owners please note that your rego expired on the 31 December if you are not financial, so please bring your Log Books, Rego Papers and Membership Fees.
With 11 vehicles on display the Sprite Club of SA was well represented with over 800 other British vehicles at Echunga Oval. With the Sprites of the Brines, Boyce’s, Jacksons, Lows, McClaren/Lescius and Cardone’s, MG Midgets of Peter Dineen, David Fitzner and Russell Schmarr, and the MGBGT of the Brocks and the MG Magnette of the Dutches, the club was able to represent some of the fine BMC vehicles.
This year was the 70th anniversary of the Land Rover and all models, shapes, sizes and variations were displayed in the centre of the main oval. These also included Range Rovers as well as fire, ambulance, tow truck and other specialised versions. The famous Leyland Brothers West to East Land Rover form the Birdwood Motor Museum was also on display.
Many Trade stalls helped fill the two ovals as well as most British Car and Motorcycle clubs on display. As one walked around the oval, stopping every 10 paces to talk and meet with someone you knew through the car club or motoring scene, there were many comments like “Dad owned one of them”, “I learnt to drive in one of them”, “Yes kids that was like my first car….” And so on.
Many past Sprite Club members were there as well, Bugeye owners Steve and Di Kent, Mk III Sprite owners Les and Lorraine Felix and previous Mk III Sprite owners Brian and Joy Grant with their Austin Healey 100/4 Le Mans. Gerard Miller had the privilege of bringing the Jaguar XJ13, which also won Car of the Day Award.
Other than a few drops on oil on the grass (and cardboard sheets under the cars) the McClaren/Lescius Sprite developed clutch issues and had a comfy ride home on a trailer, while the Dutches MG Magnette refused to start due to a couple of Joseph Lucas’s gremlins. After a prod and a poke it started, only to stop on the way home.
This little problems and the various designs, shapes and models make up what British Vehicle ownership is all about and the All British Day is the perfect way to display these traits to the public. Well done to the organising committee, the Echunga Oval is an ideal venue and look forward to the 2019 event.
Could allSprite club members who are attending our Classic sports car cruise6:30pm, Saturday next 17th Feb (see previous newsletter for full details ) please contact Pat Miller at the final gathering point (Castle Plaza shopping centre ) with their choice of”the most appealing car” and“the car with the best patina” ie well used and well loved.
Judging by the noenquiries we will have an excitingturnout.The weather manalsopromises aideal evening.
There will be route maps available at the departure point, Bunnings car park on Port rd Woodville
Hope to see you there. Any questions you may have please give me a call on 0421 289 706.
Please find below the details fo the event, one of the best of the year!
On Australia Day the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic Event was named the City of Onkaparinga’s Community Event for 2018. This is a great achievement for the organising committee and recognises it as a highly regarded event for the area.
This is just a reminder to get your entry in for the 2018 McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic Event.
The first General Meeting will be a special event with a Guest Speaker, Dr Martin Belusko, Senior Research Fellow at UniSA. (Our guest speaker is Dr Martin Belusko, Senior research fellow at Unisa He will be speaking on matters relating to our energy situation, mainly electricity as it is at the moment and most interestingly how it will look in the not too distant future. I have asked him to speak for 15 to 20 minutes and I am sure there will be many question after.)
While not on a motoring subject, he will be speaking something that affects us all, matters relating to our energy situation, mainly electricity as it is at the moment and most interestingly, how it will look in the not too distant future.
Our thanks to Pat Miller for arranging this.
Also if you have a Club Registered Vehicle you subs are due, as if you are not currently financial your vehicle is deemed unregistered.
Subs can be paid on the night, or by EFT – details are on the website.
Membership Forms must also be completed so we have correct email address and contact details -also on the website.
Don and Gordon will be available before the meeting if you Club Registered vehicle requires inspection.
Please bring your current registration papers and the log book (plus $5.00 if you require a new book) for signing and stamping.
Members of the Sprite Club of SA are having their first sports car cruise for this year on the evening of February 17th. We welcome any sports car or clubman drivers to join in on what is intended as low key an informal way to enjoy hopefully top down motoring. We are not too fussy about the definition of what is a sports car.
Once again we will emulate Grant Zipple’s cruising format and gather in Bunnings car park on the corner of Port Rd and Cheltnam prd in Woodville at 6:30 pm departing at 7:15. The trajectory being to drive along Port Rd to Port Adelaide turn left at the Black Diamond corner onto St Vincent st. right turn onto Nelson over the Birkinhead bridge left onto Semaphore rd. Left onto the Esplinade, left Bower rd. right Military rd. at the Grange rd. intersection cross through to Seaview rd and follow. At Wesbeach Rd. cross through to Military rd past the golf links and the Patawalonga river. Across the King st bridge onto AdelphiTce. Then follow the Anzac Hwy vere right onto Cross Rd. right again onto South Rd. The finish point being Castle Plaza on the corner of South Rd and Ragland Ave at 8:30 pm ish. Where there will be a short presentation.
While we do not expect entrants by the hundreds we are advised to notify Sapol. Waye to the crowds by all means but do drive carefully.
As would be expected everyone joining us take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicle.
Further info on the evening contact Pat Miller 0421 289 706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au.
Weather If the bureau predicts a temperature over 36 deg C for the afternoon or greater than 20% chance of 5mm or more precipitation the cruise will be postponed to a later date
The Sprite Club of SA will be continuing the tradition of celebrating Australia Day with a BYO BBQ at Gary and Faye Brocks at 10 Ebenezer Place Gumeracha.
The event start from 11.00am onwards and will also host the 2018 Throng Throwing Competition.
Please BYO BBQ Meat, Drinks and Chairs.
Can you also bring either a Salad or Sweets to share.
Phone the Brocks on 83891141 if you need directions, or so we do not get too many coleslaw’s or pavlova’s!
A reminder that membership renewals are now due, it is especially important if you have conditional registration through the club to attend to this ASAP! Remember you must be a member of a club to access the conditional registration scheme. Also note the change to the fees, $50 for yearly membership for single, couple or family.
HONOURING 60 YEARS OF AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE – JOIN THE ACTION
Historic Winton cordially invites your members to ‘Join the Action ‘ and display their vehicles at our 2018 event which will be held at Winton Motor Raceway on May 26 & 27. Complimentary entry tickets are available for owners of early AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE vehicles – plus the opportunity to participate in Sunday Parade laps. A dedicated display area has been set aside for your vehicles and camping is available at the raceway @ $25 per head per night. We are especially on the lookout for unrestored vehicles / hidden treasures and interstate visitors
In fact, why not make it a three-day event and join the Benalla and District Classic Car and Motorbike Tour on Friday, May 25th.
Please contact Noel Wilcox – 0354282689 – noelwilcox@rocketmail.com for further details
Follow us on Facebook / Twitter or www.historicwinton.org
For those members who were at last year’s 2016 Sprite Club Display Day at the Wigley Reserve will remember it was a cold,windy and very wet Sunday. So wet and windy that those who made the early morning journey gave up and went home by about 11.30.
But for 2017 it was a very different story at Wigley!
The sun was shining,the sky was blue and the temperature was heading up to the mid 30’s. I arrived at about 8.30 and Glenelg was starting to come alive with the usual mixture of cyclists,dog walkers and joggers.
On my arrival in the Magnette I was directed by Gordon to park next to Michael and Pat’s rather stately Rover P5B V8 saloon in the associate vehicle section. I set up my new MG Magnette display board on the excellent metal stand made by Gary Brock. Then,with Don and David’s assistance we erected the club banner. By now about fifteen cars had been already lined up by Don,Gordon,Gary and Michael. A steady stream of Sprites and Midgets and a wide variety of club members other cars continued to arrive over the next few hours.
The associate cars included an assortment of Big Healeys and Clubmans, as well as a Ford Capri GT,an MG Magnette, Rover P5B, Rover P6 V8,Alfa Romeo,Waler race car and an MGB GT.
A highlight of the day for me was to see that my red Sprite MK 2a that had been brought along by Bridget,the current owner.
It was the second Sprite I had owned and I hadn’t seen it for over ten years. I bought it at the 1990 Grand Prix auction held at Wayville and sold it ten years later in 2000.When the final hammer fell on my winning bid a young chap in front of me called Gordon Boyce turned around and asked me if I wanted to join the Sprite Club!
We had our usual voting slips for favourite Spridgets and favourite associate car. Don’s Sprite Mk.1 took out the Sprite & Midget section and Ian Hay’s Austin Healey 100/4 took the associate car award.
Total number of cars on display was forty one. Twenty six Sprites & Midgets and sixteen associate cars.
Thanks to the excellent turnout of cars from our club members and the Healey Club the 2017 club Display Day was a great success. We had great weather and plenty of interest in our cars from the public. Thanks to Don Cardone and all who played a part in organising a very enjoyable day at Wigley.
We discussed at the Committee meeting of having a monthly reminder at the start of the Month to inform/remind all of what is coming up.
Will follow up with individual post for events as per normal via email and the website calendar and also a PDF copy will be available here Bugeye Burble Dec 2107
—
Thanks Gordon Boyce
Bugeye Burble – December 2017
Coming events for the next month
Dec 4th – Christmas BBQ Meeting – Fullarton Park Community Centre – 6.00pm
BBQ ready from 6.30pm BYO Chairs and Drinks -Meeting starts at 8.00pm Subs are now due.
Dec 8th – Classic Adelaide Street Party Viewing and Dinner – Gouger Street – 6.00pm
Meet at the Dragons in Chinatown – View the cars then Chinese dinner from 7.00pm
Dec 9th – 10th – Adelaide Motorsport Festival – Victoria Park
Dec 17th – ClubbiesSA – Christmas at the Rezz – 9.00am
Rezz Hotel, 20 Hamilton Terrace, Newton (directly opposite the Thorndon Park Reservoir).
The 2018 SA and NT Cams Calendar has now been finalised. Our club events for next year are listed as below
25/02 Presentation Day
11/03 Supersprint Round 1 and Come and Try
06/05 Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Regularity Relay
17/06 Supersprint Round 2
15/07 Supersprint Round 3
26/08 Supersprint Round 4
28/10 Supersprint Round 5
The first Sprite Club Classic Sports CarCruiseevent hit Adelaide’s streets on Saturday last. With a turn up of 14 cars of various marques. The weather turned onidyllic conditions for top down motoring. The odd wave coming from dinners at curbside eateries. Our convoybecame temporarily scattered as we had to navigate around closed off roads due tohorse trials in the east parklands. We regroupedon Anzac highway and did a reasonable job of clogging the road withsports cars. After a 1 hour drive we gathered at K mart on Tapleys Hill road where Sprite club members voted Trevor Hawkins immaculate Triumph TR6 the most appealing car and duly presented him with a trophy.The whole thing was low key, informal, very friendly and most enjoyable. We learned from the experience andeveryone asked about next time which we willorganizefor a Saturday evening in February. Watch this Space. A big thank you to all who attended.
At the AGM the Subs for the 2018 Sprite Club year were discussed and the following was put to the members, and was adopted by the members.
There has been an increase and decrease of the fees, depending upon the membership type.
The Subs for 2018 will be the same for Single and Family. These will be $50. Therefore members will now effectively join as a Family which covers member, spouse, and any children under 18 years.
This will streamline the membership options and allow all members and partners to benefit from any Club subsidies at events, as well as insurance coverage, etc.
The joining fee will also be $50 for both member categories.
These subs will be due at the December meeting, and must be paid by 31st December if you have a vehicle on Club Registration
So this leads to marking your diary for Monday 4th December for the Christmas BBQ Meeting. This will commence at 6.00pm in the grounds of the Fullarton Park Community Centre.
The club will provide the meat and salads, please BYO Chairs and drinks.
Thanks to those who attended the Display Day on Sunday 5th of Nov and the AGM on the 6th Nov.
Thanks to members for my nomination for the role of President, and all other nominations and volunteers for the other committee positions.
We all look forward to “steering the wheel’ for another Spritely Year.
Here is the 2018 Committee:
President: Gordon Boyce
President Elect: ????
Secretary: ????
Treasurer: Darryl Hanna
Social Co-Ordinator: ????
Clubman Rep: Barry Edson
Web Master: Chris Brine
Library: Miles Jackson
Club Registration: Don Cardone & Gordon Boyce
Regalia: Ken Dutch
Competition Rep: Pat Miller
FHMVC Rep: Don Cardone
As you can see there are a couple of vacancies.
Due to low numbers at the AGM, these position are still vacant and we will be looking for nominations at the December BBQ meeting, to help with the operation of the Sprite Club of SA.
If you would like to nominate or have any questions about what is required of these roles, please feel free to contact me or any of the committee.
For those members who were at last year’s 2016 Sprite Club Display Day at the Wigley Reserve will remember it was a cold,windy and very wet Sunday. So wet and windy that those who made the early morning journey gave up and went home by about 11.30.
But for 2017 it was a very different story at Wigley!
The sun was shining,the sky was blue and the temperature was heading up to the mid 30’s. I arrived at about 8.30 and Glenelg was starting to come alive with the usual mixture of cyclists,dog walkers and joggers.
On my arrival in the Magnette I was directed by Gordon to park next to Michael and Pat’s rather stately Rover P5B V8 saloon in the associate vehicle section. I set up my new MG Magnette display board on the excellent metal stand made by Gary Brock. Then,with Don and David’s assistance we erected the club banner. By now about fifteen cars had been already lined up by Don,Gordon,Gary and Michael. A steady stream of Sprites and Midgets and a wide variety of club members other cars continued to arrive over the next few hours.
The associate cars included an assortment of Big Healeys and Clubmans, as well as a Ford Capri GT,an MG Magnette, Rover P5B, Rover P6 V8,Alfa Romeo,Waler race car and an MGB GT.
A highlight of the day for me was to see that my red Sprite MK 2a that had been brought along by Bridget,the current owner.
It was the second Sprite I had owned and I hadn’t seen it for over ten years. I bought it at the 1990 Grand Prix auction held at Wayville and sold it ten years later in 2000.When the final hammer fell on my winning bid a young chap in front of me called Gordon Boyce turned around and asked me if I wanted to join the Sprite Club!
We had our usual voting slips for favourite Spridgets and favourite associate car. Don’s Sprite Mk.1 took out the Sprite & Midget section and Ian Hay’s Austin Healey 100/4 took the associate car award.
Total number of cars on display was forty one. Twenty six Sprites & Midgets and sixteen associate cars.
Thanks to the excellent turnout of cars from our club members and the Healey Club the 2017 club Display Day was a great success. We had great weather and plenty of interest in our cars from the public. Thanks to Don Cardone and all who played a part in organising a very enjoyable day at Wigley.
1961 MG Midget in excellent condition. Fully restored (including engine rebuild, transmission, cooling system, suspension and more – too much to list) to original specs with receipts. Less than 19,000 miles since rebuild. 948CC motor, matching numbers, in excellent condition and on historical registration. It has Mini lite rims, new top and new paint job (Signal Red). Fun to drive and gets a lot of thumbs up. Registration number COOL 61. $16,500 ono. Call Luther on 0478308028.
To add a little interest to proceedings would all Sprite club members attending the classic sports car cruise on this Saturday evening please make a note of the participating car they find most appealing. Please let me know your choice upon arrival at our destination at Fulham shopping center as we have a small trophy to present to the driver with the most votes.
Does attendee have a spare seat in a sports car as my anticipated ride has dipped out and I do not think the constabulary would take kindly to me using my racing sports cars. Pat Miller 0421289706
Members of the Sprite club of SA are arranging a sports car cruise around Adelaide on the evening of November 18th similar to the cruises run by Grant Zipple for American cars. The cruise is informal, low key, sort, sharp and won’t take a lot of time. It is simply a chance to enjoy classic sports cars, provide opportunity for a chin wag, and generally check out the scene. We welcome any classic sports car drivers to join in.
We intend to gather in the vicinity of K mart Firle Plaza on Glynburn Road from 6:30pm departing at 7:30pm, driving on Magil rd turning onto Fullarton rd, negotiating the Victoria roundabout onto Wakefield st through the center of Adelaide, West trce, then driving along the Anzac highway turning on to Tapleys Hill rd. arriving in the vicinity of Target Fulham Gardens, corner of Tapleys Hill road and Valetta road Fulham Gardens 8:30 pm ish for a final gathering.
As a courtesy SAPOL will be advised of our activity. Driving standards should reflect the utmost respect for safety and our road rules.
As would be expected everyone joining us take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicle.
Further info on the evening, contact Pat Miller 0421 289 706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au While we would prefer the cruise to be for cars that are genuine classic cars or replicas of classics and of course clubman type cars we do not wish to be too fussy.
The object of the exercise is 1: To have fun. 2: Create an awareness of our cars and maybe generate a little potential long term demand for them. 3 Hopefully promote Adelaide as the go to place for tourists who like cars.
Weather if the weather bureau predicts a temperature for the day over 36 deg C or a greater than 20% chance of 5mm or more rain, the cruise will be postponed to a later date.
I am pleased to report that many entrants have utilized our new on-line registration facility. As a result, entry numbers are looking promising compared to this time last year. So, if you are one of the many entrants that are all signed up and entered thank you. You can go back to preparing your vehicle. And we look forward to seeing you at Echunga for All British Day 2018. However, if you have not entered or you know of a fellow British vehicle owner who has not entered yet please read on.
We have fielded correspondence from some past entrants asking when they may expect their entry form by email for ABD 2018. The answer is you will not, we only emailed past entrants last year as a last resort, as our new website was not finished. The new website has been operational since 1/10/2017.
In the interests of being fair, there may be a few entrants who might have misunderstood what the entry process is for ADB 2018, so we will keep registrations open for another week. So, you now have until the November Wednesday 22nd to enter for All British Day.
To register you must go onto the ABD website and either print, fill in and post an entry form, or, alternatively fill in the online registration form which will redirect you to a Pay Pal site for credit card payment.
Please click on this link below for entry information.
Registrations for All British Day 2018 close in just over two weeks! To register you must go onto the ABD website and either print, fill in and post an entry form, or, alternatively fill in the online registration form and submit it with credit card payment.
Please click on this link below for entry information.
Sprite Club Display Sunday 5th November. Cars ready on display 9.30am to 3.30pm
Wigley Reserve Cnr Anzac Highway and Adelphy Terrace Glenelg.
Remember to bring a piece of cardboard to place under cars to catch dripping oil.
This is the Club’s main day of the year and we have incurred significant costs so we want as many cars displayed as possible. Please make every effort to come and display your Spridgets and associate cars .
You can turn up on the day but would be preferable to let Don know before hand if you intend bringing your car for display. Email your name, phone number and car details to doncardone@adam.com.au
The Austin 7 Club of SA is hosting “Austins Over Australia 2019” and we are endeavouring to ensure all owners of Austin vehicles in SA know about it.
Following is a message to those owners
Attached is an Expressions of Interest Letter along with an Expression of Interest Form for Austins Over Australia 2019.
If you would like to join us on the 5 days of camaraderie in the Barossa Valley in September 2019, please read the EOI Letter then complete the EOI Form and return it to me. Your details will then be added to our database which means you will be kept up to date by receiving periodic newsletters. Also it is time to think about what type of accommodation you would like so you are able to book it when the venue of choice is taking bookings – see EOI Letter.
On September 23, 2017 Kobbled Together Aussie Kangaroo Karts, Rust Buckets, Misfits, Mistakes and the worst of the automotive world will be on display in the sleepy little city of Adelaide.
To be held at Edwards Park on West Terrace in the Adelaide parklands from 10AM until 3PM
We’ve had a few non starters this year so there are couple of spots left, payment by tomorrow will secure your place!
Payment: Payment of $35 ph direct to the Club’s bank account will be used as your booking confirmation. (This will also make finance arrangements easier on the night and so thanks for your co-operation and understanding.) If you can’t manage that let us know that your coming and we can sort it out on the night! admin@spriteclub.com.au
We are getting pretty close to capacity at The Unley Hotel, for any of you still wanting to come along we need to give the Pub final numbers, so if you can pay today via EFT that will secure you a place!
Payment: Payment of $35 ph direct to the Club’s bank account will be used as your booking confirmation. (This will also make finance arrangements easier on the night and so thanks for your co-operation and understanding.) If you can’t manage that let us know that your coming and we can sort it out on the night! admin@spriteclub.com.au
Now the Crows have won, you can all come to the Annual Dinner, numbers are down a little, so please support the club and get some return for your membership fees!
We will be upstairs in the Unley patio restaurant. Please note that there is no lift, only stairs.
Date: Saturday 16th September, 2017
Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm. The bar will be open upstairs at 6pm.
What: 3 Course sit down dinner. If you have special dietary requirements please let the staff know when you arrive.
Cost: The cost is $35 per head. This is after some sponsorship from a friendly accounting firm “that sounds like a car company ” 🙂
Drinks can be purchased from the Bar.
Payment: Payment of $35 ph direct to the Club’s bank account will be used as your booking confirmation. (This will also make finance arrangements easier on the night and so thanks for your co-operation and understanding.) If you can’t manage that let us know that your coming and we can sort it out on the night! admin@spriteclub.com.au
Account Name: THE SPRITE CLUB OF SA INC.
BSB: 085-005
Account Number: 20-743-2628
Michael McClaren
the Menu is fantastic
Share Plate;
– Roasted red pepper & Paprika arancini w Gremolata
– Chicken satays w spicy coconut sauce
– Haloumi Cigars w Brik Pastry & Salsa verde Housemade dip with chargrilled artisan bread
Attached please find all the details for the 2018 McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic event in April with the links to enter and pay for the event and charity dinner.
It has been confirmed that Allan Moffatt will be the guest at the Charity Dinner on Saturday 21st April and information about this is also attached.
The new Function menu is as follows:
Share Plate;
– Roasted red pepper & Paprika arancini w Gremolata
– Chicken satays w spicy coconut sauce
– Haloumi Cigars w Brik Pastry & Salsa verde Housemade dip with chargrilled artisan bread
We will be upstairs in the Unley patio restaurant. Please note that there is no lift, only stairs.
Date: Saturday 16th September, 2017
Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm. The bar will be open upstairs at 6pm.
What: 3 Course sit down dinner. If you have special dietary requirements please let the staff know when you arrive.
Cost: The cost is $35 per head. This is after some sponsorship from a friendly accounting firm “that sounds like a car company ” 🙂
Drinks can be purchased from the Bar.
Payment: Payment of $35 ph direct to the Club’s bank account will be used as your booking confirmation. (This will also make finance arrangements easier on the night and so thanks for your co-operation and understanding.)
For those of you not entered in the Bay to Birdwood…
Good afternoon,
With the assistance and support of the Adelaide City Council, SAPOL and the DPTI, the Bay to Birdwood route this year will deviate through the centre of the city.
This is a huge opportunity for entrants to show off their vehicles to the general public in a way we have not been able to before.
The DPTI and Altus will ensure a smooth flow of vehicles, by managing the traffic lights, and giving priority to B2B traffic.
They will also provide pedestrian control at the crossings Grote St and through Victoria Square.
We are seeking 5 volunteers, who are not entered in the event, who can give up a few hours of their time on the morning of Sunday 24th September, to provide assistance and support to the Altus controllers. Specific experience is not necessary, and guidance will be provided by the designated controller.
We would appreciate circulating this to the club members, and anyone who would be able to assist, can contact myself in the first instance.
Kind regards,
Kevin Noel
FHMCSA Partner | Bay to Birdwood | M: +61 (0) 439 501 911 | W: baytobirdwood.com.au
Please find attached Bulletin No 2 which has cost details and further information.
The attached Registration Form MUST be completed along with your payment details to ensure your placement and returned to me please.
For those interested in joining the Post Rally Tour, I have attached details and information pertaining to this and you will need to contact/liaise with John Fowler directly as per his details on the attached.
There is a maximum number limit of 20 couples (Motel rooms) so first in best dressed, and in fact the first 16 will be all together with an overflow of 4 at an almost next door venue at Jindabyne.
Please stay tuned for further Bulletins and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me or Greg Corbin.
Sue Stephenson needs a little assistance at the August 27th Super sprint meeting at Mallala. Help is required at the driver sign on desk and at the timing desk in the tower.
If any club members can oblige would they contact Sue as soon as possible on 0408 858 046 or email comp@msca.com or they can phone Pat Miller on 0421 289 706 email nanmiller@adam.com.au
The Mallala August 27 super sprint meeting includes a come and try section which has proven very popular and is fully booked with 30 entrants. The MSCA is appealing for drivers with some experience to act as mentors on the day. There is some pre event instruction is available. If you can assist please contact the MSCA as above phone numbers or emails.
Previous mentors report that this is a rewarding and worthwhile experience.
Time is running out for people that want to attend the Pea and Pie night.
Its on Saturday 26th August at 6.30 pm at Don and Elaine Cardone’s home
Cost is $6.00. BYO drinks and a sweet or nibbles to share.
Don’t miss out as this is always a great club night and if you intend coming please let Don know promptly by email (doncardone@adam.com.au) or phone 0411 876 067 and Don will take your details and give you the address.
A reminder that early-bird entries for the 2017 Bay to Birdwood Classic close next Friday 4 August. To avoid paying a late entry fee please email or post your entry form or enter online atwww.baytobirdwood.com.au.
Kind regards
PAULINE RENNER Event Coordinator & Bay to Birdwood Finish Manager and Entry Director
We will be upstairs in the Unley patio restaurant. Please note that there is no lift, only stairs.
Date: Saturday 16th September, 2017
Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm. The bar will be open upstairs at 6pm.
What: 3 Course sit down dinner. If you have special dietary requirements please let the staff know when you arrive.
Cost: The cost is $35 per head. This is after some sponsorship from a friendly accounting firm “that sounds like a car company ” 🙂
Drinks can be purchased from the Bar.
Payment: Payment of $35 ph direct to the Club’s bank account will be used as your booking confirmation. (This will also make finance arrangements easier on the night and so thanks for your co-operation and understanding.)
Pea and pies supplied and cost is $6.00. Please bring a desert or nibbles to share.
Don lives in a central metro location so its easy to get to.
We need numbers to know how many pies to buy. This is great fun night so don’t miss out.
Please let Don know if you intend to come at the next meeting or if you cannot attend the next meeting then by email doncardone@adam.com.au.
Display Day;
Display day is on the 5th November at Wigley Reserve Glenelg. We have ordered a fine sunny day so please start getting your Spridgets and associated cars ready for fantastic display day.
This day is our yearly premier display event and costs the club a fair sum of money so we would like as many cars as possible to attend and make it a great success.
The added bonus for attending is that your car can be inspected for club registration.
Back by popular demand is the Sprite Weekend Away. Normanville and Fleurieu Peninsula Check out the website. http://www.beachside.com.au/
So, decide now to be part of this event. Get the dates in your diary and let President Michael by this Sunday – 09 July 2017.
We have booked 10 rooms and should be able to get at least a couple more so don’t hold back.
We’ll finalise a program with as much or as little as people want to do, but as a bit of a guide.
Friday Leave Adelaide 1pm for Normanville.
Camp Kitchen BBQ Dinner
Saturday morning run, morning tea and fish & chips lunch taking in some of the nearby towns.
Afternoon run back to Normanville, taking in some Classic Adelaide stages.
Dinner at a nearby pub.
Sunday checkout. Lunch at somewhere like Smiling Samoyed Brewery then homeward bound.
We have booked Deluxe cabins. They are $118 per night.
They do have Executive cabins dotted through the Park at $130 per night.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Get on board as quick as possible and let Michael know by email, that you will be attending and he will get your accommodation locked in. Time is of the essence, so don’t dilly dally. ( Places are limited to what is or will be available at the Park ).
Just a quick reminder that we have a jammed packed meeting on Monday 3 July 2017, the including Wine and Cheese Night, Sporting Car Club of SA presentation on the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, Michelin tyres presentation and an update on the changes to conditional registration and what this may mean going forward to broadening the cars that can take advantage of this scheme.
Anyone wanting to join in on a spritely drive through the hills Sunday morning, 02 July 2017, are welcome to join in at The Haus, 38A Main St, Hahndorf, for coffee/breakfast from 8:30, then to an hour or so of the best of the Adelaide Hills roads!
Don’t forget our mid winter meeting next Monday 3 July 2017!
To try and encourage you to come out in the cold we always throw a bit of wine and cheese your way to make it worthwhile!
We’ll also have a couple of guests, one from the Sporting Car Club whetting our appetite for the upcoming Adelaide Motorsport Festival and the Michelin Man coming to the meeting to talk tyres.
Please see below information on next year’s Sprite Nationals
Hi everyone,
Well it is that time again when the Austin Healey Sprite Drivers’ Club are promoting the 2018 Sprite & Midget Nationals.
Please find attached (via this link) Bulletin No 1 with all the initial information. Ongoing Bulletins will be distributed with more informative information and details.
If you wish to Register your Expressions of Interest please let me know by email and please pass the word to Save the Date and to start planning your visit in 2018.
If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Don attended a Federation of Historic Car Clubs meeting and there was a Motorfest rep there who advised that the Museum and a Shed or Two run on 20th September (this is the one Don (and several other club members) have entered) is 56% full.
Any interested Sprite Club members wanting to attend this event of any oft others, they need to do something about it quickly otherwise if they put off entering until the last minute they will miss out. Full details on the Bay the Birdwood website.
Don has entered the Museum and a Shed or Two run on 20th September and would like to invite other Club members to join him and form a Sprite Club group. At least 6 or 7 Spridgets (or more) would be optimistically nice .
Entry forms and details are available on www.baytobirdwood.com.au and click on the Motorfest window.
If members want to talk to Don they can ring him on 0411 876 067 or email doncardone@adam.com.au
We are pleased to announce that entry into the 2017 Bay to Birdwood Classic is now open. The event will be held on Sunday 24 September and all substantially original 1956 – 1981 vehicles are eligible to enter.
We encourage you to enter online via the website to save on printing and postage. This method of entry will also guarantee you receive a return email acknowledging your payment and entry.
There has been a change to the entry fee structure. If you are a member of a Club which is associated with a State body that is a member of the Australian Historic Motoring Federation the entry fee is $10 less than the standard fee. If you are unsure, please contact your Club before submitting the form.
All entries must be accompanied by a photograph depicting the vehicle as it will be on the day of the event.
Entries close Friday 4 August or before if the limit of 1750 vehicles is reached.
Please feel free to share this email with anyone else who may have an eligible vehicle.
We look forward to receiving your entry.
PAULINE RENNER Event Coordinator & Bay to Birdwood Finish Manager and Entry Director
The Sprite club would like to participate in a few of this year’s Bay to Birdwood Motorfest activities. These events are open to all other car clubs so the numbers are limited, we need to enter and pay our fees as soon as possible.
If a member wants to talk to Don about attending these events phone me on 0411 876 067 or email doncardone@adam.com.au.
Hope we get a few interested parties.
Welcome to Motorfest 2017
For over thirty years, Motorfest has been providing a selection of events showcasing South Australia and providing entertainment and fellowship for enthusiasts from every corner of Australia and sometimes the world.
The Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs SA invites Bay to Birdwood entrants and other motoring enthusiasts to join us for a fortnight of interesting and fun events. We hope you will enjoy taking part in our various events and at the same time see a little more of Adelaide and its surrounds.
This year’s events have been organised by some of South Australia’s great historic car clubs and will certainly be of interest to our Interstate, Country and local enthusiasts.
Again the various day outings will take you to many well known, and some not so well known places of interest. For this Motorfest Classic we have some very different never been done before destinations which range from the lower mid north to the Fleurieu showcasing so much of our great state of South Australia.
We trust that as many of you as possible will take advantage of this wonderful programme and avail yourselves to as many Motorfest Classic events as possible.
Please be aware that you do not require a specific vehicle to enter any of these events. You may use any vehicle you wish to, including your current model family car or Mum’s taxi.
To enter simply download the entry form, fill it out, and it send it back via mail with your payment.
Happy Motoring.
Graham Tonkin
Motorfest Classic Director
Motorfest 2017 Events
Below is a summary of the events, and to download the detailed program CLICK HERE,…
Day 1 – Monday, 18 Sept – Flour Mills of the Adelaide Hills
Day 2 – Tuesday, 19 Sept – A Day at the Flicks
Day 3 – Wednesday, 20 Sept – A Museum and a Shed or Two
Day 4 – Thursday, 21 Sept – Ariel Viewing of Chevs
Day 5 – Friday, 22 Sept – Classic Cars & Fine Art
Day 7 – Sunday, 24 Sept – BAY TO BIRDWOOD CLASSIC
Day 8 – Monday, 25 Sept – Wheels and Tracks
Day 9 – Tuesday, 26 Sept – A Grave Experience
Day 10 – Wednesday, 27 Sept – Biggest Morning Tea & Y P Field Day
Day 11 – Thursday, 28 Sept – Fleurieu Coast Beckons
To book a seat for any of the events, download the entry form by CLICKING HERE. Complete the entry form and post it with your payment, back to the following address:
Motorfest Classic Entry Director
3 Bain Street, Christie Downs
SA 5164
17th May 2017 : Sprite Club’s Great Grape Mid-week Run
Fortune favoured the brave. Eight cars. Fourteen members. Weather holding. Everything that was needed for a wonderful day. We met at the Woolworths Cumberland Park carpark and headed south at 10.30am.
It was a run that had a bit of everything – smooth suburban driving and spirited country roads. We headed south along Marion Road then through Flagstaff Hill. The first goal was to pick up Chandlers Hill Road and head to Clarendon. No over-heating; no hold ups. The roads from Clarendon to Kangarilla & McLaren Flat reminded Russell Schmarr of rural France and who am I to argue.
We stopped for an early bakery lunch at McLaren Flat. We were well looked after and got fed up. Don Cardone is still wondering how it is that every bakery in Australia can have Award Winning pies. My answer: who cares, it was all pretty good.
Then it was a quick drive to d’Arenberg Winery for our look at the d’Arenberg Cube – our tip is people are going to come from miles and indeed interstate to see this little wonder. Penny, one of the family,
hosted our wine tasting. We were walked through 4 whites and 4 reds in the hour and then treated to 2 older (2009) reds as a comparison to the later releases. We hope Miles Jackson’s sister from Victoria was impressed.
A push to get the McClaren / Lescius team started, a final photo shoot and then about 3pm we all headed for home. Everyone would have got their cars safely shedded before the day’s light sprinkle wafted down.
In short, an enjoyable day was had by all; we learned a few things, grabbed some wines, talked cars and didn’t get cold or wet.
Great Grape Run 2017
Thanks to Don & Elaine Cardone, Chris & Tina Brine, Russell & Judy Schmarr, Jim & Shirley Schubert, Miles Jackson, Michael & Pat, Garry Beaton and Curt Heinrich.
Please find the May 2017 minutes linked here or under the club member info pulldown on the website.
The weather may be a little inclement tomorrow, for the planned Great Grape Mid Week Run , however drag the soft top out, or at worst bring the tin top!! and join us for a great drive and company from 10am.
Right, Michael has organised a great run next Wednesday through the McLaren region – we need a minimum of 16 people to make the tasting at d’Arenburg a great success! (its paid for!!) Get your car out!!
The weather forecast is brilliant, ie
17th May
20°High
Precipitation 50%
Intervals of clouds and sunshine with a stray shower in the afternoon… what more could we want and in any case tin tops are welcome if the weather is really dodgy.
For an annual sub, of not much, this is a way to get a return on investment.
When your rego falls due just remember there was a Club, our Club, that went into bat for members.
If wine is not your thing there are always folk who can seriously talk cars and solve problems
Meeting place: Northern side carpark at Woolworths Cumberland Park, corner Goodwood Road and Cross Road.
Time: 10am for a 10.30am depart (in an effort to miss some early morning traffic).
This run will take us through the hills and Southern Vales, deep into the heart of wine territory.
We’ll stop for morning tea / a bakery lunch at approx. 11.45am at the Mclaren Flat Bakery.
Then it’s on to d’Arenberg Winery. We have booked a hosted tasting at 1pm.
Club members Judy & Russell Schmarr have alerted us to the architectural goings-on at the winery so we’ll look out for those as well.
When the tasting is over you will be able to stay at d’Arenberg ( we’ll get 15% off their wine prices ), drive to some of the other great wineries in the Southern Vales region or head on home; the choices are yours.
Bring your tin top if the weather is dodgy or if that’s what you want to do; but simply don’t miss out.
Back by popular demand is the Sprite Weekend Away. Normanville and Fleurieu Peninsula Check out the website. http://www.beachside.com.au/
So, decide now to be part of this event. Get the dates in your diary and let President Michael know as soon as possible.
We have booked 10 rooms and should be able to get at least a couple more so don’t hold back.
We’ll finalise a program with as much or as little as people want to do, but as a bit of a guide.
Friday Leave Adelaide 1pm for Normanville.
Camp Kitchen BBQ Dinner
Saturday morning run, morning tea and fish & chips lunch taking in some of the nearby towns.
Afternoon run back to Normanville, taking in some Classic Adelaide stages.
Dinner at a nearby pub.
Sunday checkout. Lunch at somewhere like Smiling Samoyed Brewery then homeward bound.
We have booked Deluxe cabins. They are $118 per night.
They do have Executive cabins dotted through the Park at $130 per night.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Get on board as quick as possible and let Michael know by email, that you will be attending and he will get your accommodation locked in. Time is of the essence, so don’t dilly dally. ( Places are limited to what is or will be available at the Park ).
Ken has organised a direct purchase arrangement with the suppliers of our club’s merchandise – Corporate Image more details see the clubs Merchandise page
Does anyone know where I can get a good fibreglass spridget front for my Midget?
I want to add a tilt front and prefer to keep the original Midget look.
If you attended the meeting at the Sporting Car Club last night and you’re missing your phone/wallet it at the front dest of the sporting car club – Ph 8373 4899
Hi The meeting minutes are available for your perusal via this link or on the website via club member info>minutes from the drop down menus.
To speed up the ‘special’ general meeting to be held at the Sporting Car Club, Monday 3 April from 7pm. please pursue the minutes as we we take them as being read.
Although the photo shows clouds, luck was with us for most of the day.
The roll call included 5 Sprites, 1 Alpha, 1 BMW all the way from Queensland and 1 tintop.
A quick phone to the Pub to confirm lunch numbers and then we set off from Gepps Cross and headed north on a very scenic run and one with a bit of everything: straight urban roads, hills, country curves & a roundabout thrown in for good measure.
The halfway pitstop was at Kersbrook and the chance for some local shopping.
We rolled on through Williamstown, avoiding the bakery and the bikers. The weather was holding up and so were the cars. Plenty of admiring looks, particularly from younger people.
From Williamstown, we picked up the pace a bit; onto and Springton and then to our destination: Totness Inn at Mt Pleasant.
Gary & Faye Brock came back from their holiday so that made 17 for lunch. I think the publican was happy and the kitchen was busy. We started with nibbles and wine – driving can be hard work remember. A menu and wine list that had something for everyone seemed to be welcomed by the diners. One couple did find it necessary to make a bakery purchase for ron !!
About 2.30pm it was time to head for home in with the hope of beating the rain. We hit the rain around Charleston / Woodside and it stayed with us for the rest of the trip, but there were no problems that your scribe knows about. It seems a good day was had by all.
For those of you that have entered the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic – yep it on tomorrow! I forgot, so might have many of you, the years speeding past! Sprites will be at Penny Hill Winery after the parade down the main street of McLaren Vale.
Sunday 12 March 2017 – Sprite Club is the rostered club to provide volunteers to act as flag marshalls on our one day per year rostered commitment.
Come along and help the club with our MSCA obligations by being a flag marshall for the day.
You need to be at Mallala by about 8.30am make sure you bring hats, sunscreen and the like…or an umbrella. During the day you will be flagging at one of the covered flag bunkers, you will given refreshments during the day, at lunch break you will have a lunch comprising a meat or cheese and salad roll with a piece of cake and a piece of fruit and a drink AND if you have your Sprite or other interesting car (or even your tin top) you will have the opportunity to do some parade laps at lunch time. This is a good opportunity to experience the track and the ‘parade’ laps are actually at quite a ‘spirited’ pace
You will be finished for the day by 4.00pm as the last event has to be completed by that time, You will also have the undying gratitude of all who organise and take part in the MSCA Sprint Series.
Hope to see as many members as possible help out Tomorrow, Sunday 12 March 2017.
Just a reminder that entries for 2017 McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic close on Friday 10th March.
Entering by this date will enable us to process your entry and to send your information pack in time for the event (these will be mailed on March 14th). It will also ensure that your entry is included in the booklet and that you receive your “goody bag” and metal plaque on the day of the event.
If you have already lodged your entry we look forward to seeing you on Sunday 2nd April.
Excellent day out at Virgara winery at Angle Vale for the Marque Sports Car Association Presentation. Great restaurant and cellar door with lovely lawned areas surrounding the winery.
Really great turn up of competitors and car clubs affiliated with the MSCA.
Patrick Kukla and Kym Ninnes, both Sprite club members stood out from the crowd. Kym winning the DD (Clubbies Class) and Patrick had a double header, with a win in class K and also Sprint driver of the year – well done to both of you!
These two results must have boosted the overall Club result, with the Sprite Club of SA taking out the unexpectedly the Sprint Club of the Year. Thanks to our clubbie members and the assorted gaggle of Sprites and moderns that club members compete in during the season, under the Sprite Club banner.
Great result all round, here’s to another successful sprinting year in 2017!!
Sunday 12 March 2017 – Sprite Club is the rostered club to provide volunteers to act as flag marshalls on our one day per year rostered commitment.
Come along and help the club with our MSCA obligations by being a flag marshall for the day.
You need to be at Mallala by about 8.30am make sure you bring hats, sunscreen and the like… During the day you will be flagging at one of the covered flag bunkers, you will given refreshments during the day, at lunch break you will have a lunch comprising a meat or cheese and salad roll with a piece of cake and a piece of fruit and a drink AND if you have your Sprite or other interesting car (or even your tin top) you will have the opportunity to do some parade laps at lunch time. This is a good opportunity to experience the track and the ‘parade’ laps are actually at quite a ‘spirited’ pace
You will be finished for the day by 4.00pm as the last event has to be completed by that time, You will also have the undying gratitude of all who organise and take part in the MSCA Sprint Series.
Hope to see as many members as possible help out on Sunday 12 March 2017.
A free Community Event, the Gathering aims to encourage owners of Historic Vehicles to display their vehicles; and for enthusiasts and members of the public to view them.
We are pleased that some Clubs have designated the Gathering as a Club Run.
If you require any further information, please contact Ian or Rodney. Their numbers are on the attached brochure. Alternatively, please call me.
Keep Smiling, Wayne Wood
Honorary Secretary The Vintage Sports Car Club of SA Inc. 0412 086 587
The next two meetings include the following speakers
Monday 6 March – Fullarton Park Centre
Don Cardone invited our club’s insurance broker to come and give a talk about the club’s insurance cover etc at our next meeting. I think its important for us to understand how the club’s insurance affects all members so it should be of interest to all all of us.
MONDAY 3APRIL,
SPRITE CLUB DISPLAY NIGHT, 2017 AT SPORTING CAR CLUB ROOMS, KING WILLIAM ROAD, UNLEY
TIME: 7pm for 7.30pm
ALL WILL BE REVEALED : NOT TO BE MISSED:
Pizza, a drink at the bar. 4 cars, 4 interviews. Q & A Put it in the Diary & Plan to be there. All welcome
Time to get those Sprites, Midgets and Clubbies out for a Friday Night Cruise and an Ice Cream
Meet at Bunnings Mile End, Railway Terrace side of the car park by 6.45pm for a 7.00pm departure.
We will cruise via Port Road to Port Adelaide, head over the Birkenhead Bridge, and continue to Outer Habour via Victoria Road, then follow the Esplanade past North Haven, Largs Bay, Semaphore, Grange and Henley Beach, enjoying the slowly setting sun.
We will finish about 8.00pm at McDonald’s at Harbourtown for your choice of ice cream, cake, tea or coffee.
If you cannot make the start, you are welcome to meet us en-route, just let me know either before or on the night so we can plan a meeting spot or two.
All we need is a balmy summer evening and a great sunset! Plus an ice cream or two………
Regards Gordon and Narelle………..and the kids cause they do not want to miss out on an ice cream!
Gordon 0417897905if you need to arrange en-route meeting spot.
Just a reminder that the first general meeting of 2017 in on this coming Monday Night 6 February 2017 at 7.30 Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road Fullarton
Also memberships, log books and inspections can be done from 7pm
Sprite Club membership expired on the 31st December 2016.
If you have a Historically Registered Vehicle the requirements for this registration system are:
You must be a Financial Member of a recognised Car Club. Membership forms
You must have your Log Book signed and stamped to show you are a Financial Member.
You must have had your vehicle inspected within the past three years
You must sign a Statutory Declaration stating you have not modified or changed the vehicle within the past 12 months
You must have the current Registration Paper Signed and Stamped to state that you have a Log Book and you are a Financial Member.
Without these completed you are deemed to be driving an Unregistered and Uninsured Vehicle.
The Current Fine for this offence is $750.00.
Logbooks can be signed at Monthly meetings by either GORDON BOYCE or DON CARDONE.
Please Bring the Following Items:
Membership Subscription
Current Log Book
Current Registration Papers
Signed Statutory Declaration
$5.00for the New Log Book (If required)
Subs can be paid at the meeting or alternatively you can EFT your Subs to the Club’s Bank account. See the website for details.
The National Motor Museum in the Adelaide Hills is the home of the Rock & Roll Rendezvous, an annual full day of fun and entertainment celebrating everything to do with rock and roll that takes place in April.
With hundreds of classic vehicles, music and dancing, children’s activities and the fashions on display, it is a great day out for fans of rock and roll of all ages.
You can get up to date info by following us on Facebook.
After some delays the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic website is now “live” and you are able to enter your vehicle, or book tickets for the charity dinner, on-line.
We believe that the wait was worth it so that we could ensure that the process to enter was easy to do. We have tried to make the site as comprehensive as possible with full information about the event.
Australia Day at Gary and Fay Brock’s – 10 Ebenezer Place, Gumeracha, at 11:00am. BYO drinks, BBQ meat, salad or sweet and chairs.
IMPORTANT
The North East Road is blocked off (and will be for some time) between the Kersbrook turn off and the Gorge Road just before Gumeracha.
People coming from the South should come up the Freeway to the Hahndorf outlet and then through Verdun, Balhannah, Woodside etc. Those coming from more Northern areas can come up the North East Road, take the Kersbrook turn off and then Checker Hill Road (about a kilometre or so on the right) and this will get them close to Gumeracha.
The December Meeting always has a BBQ supplied by the Club prior to the General Meeting.
Time is 6:30 pm at the Fullarton Park Community Centre grounds. the Club will supply the meat and salads. So Bring chairs and drinks. The general meeting will follow and Subs are now due along with Historic Registration updates.
REMINDER TO ALL HISTORIC REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS
Sprite Club membership expires on the 31st December 2016.
If you have a Historically Registered Vehicle the requirements for this registration system are:
You must be a Financial Member of a recognised Car Club. Membership forms
You must have your Log Book signed and stamped to show you are a Financial Member.
You must have had your vehicle inspected within the past three years
You must sign a Statutory Declaration stating you have not modified or changed the vehicle within the past 12 months
You must have the current Registration Paper Signed and Stamped to state that you have a Log Book and you are a Financial Member.
Without these completed you are deemed to be driving an Unregistered and Uninsured Vehicle.
The Current Fine for this offence is $750.00.
Logbooks can be signed at Monthly meetings by either GORDON BOYCE or DON CARDONE.
Please Bring the Following Items:
Membership Subscription
Current Log Book
Current Registration Papers
Signed Statutory Declaration
$5.00for the New Log Book (If required)
Subs can be paid at the meeting or alternatively you can EFT your Subs to the Club’s Bank account. See the website for details.
If unable to attend the meeting the above items can be posted to the Club Register for processing.
If mailing Please enclose a Stamped, Self-Addressed Envelope for Return Mailing.
Log Books, Statutory Declaration and Registration Papers can be posted to:
GORDON BOYCE 46 AYTON AVENUE FULHAM SA 5024 PH:83564594
Due to the 60 Log Books currently in the Sprite Club these are the only methods for Processing Log Books and Registration Papers.
Roy King, father of one of the Sprite Clubs founder members Dean King, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 18, aged 92 years.
“Loving husband to Vi. Dearly loved father of Dean, Janet, and Stewart. Best mate to brother Brian.”
Extract from Funeral Notice :
KING, Roy Leonard. FAMILY and FRIENDS of the late Mr. ROY LEONARD KING are respectfully informed that his Funeral Service will be conducted in the Florey Chapel, Centennial Park 760 Goodwood Road, Pasadena on MONDAY, November 28, 2016 at 2.30 p. m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the City of Adelaide Lions Club would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the Service.
As a previous Bay to Birdwood entrant, we are asking for your help in a special event planned for Friday 20 January, when the Tour Down Under (TDU) passes through Birdwood.
In partnership with TDU and the Adelaide Hills Council, the Bay to Birdwood and the National Motor Museum plan to showcase Birdwood’s connection to motoring history through a large gathering of historic vehicles in the town.
Our plan is to line the main street (Shannon Street) of Birdwood with historic vehicles from approximately 10.30am until the Tour passes (after midday). Although the Tour passes through quite quickly, we anticipate that the gathering of a large number of historic vehicles as a backdrop to the bikes and the town will become a highlight of the day’s coverage for Australian and international media covering the event.
Once the Tour has passed, you are invited to bring your vehicle into the Museum grounds and enjoy a thank you BBQ lunch provided by the Museum. You and any in your group are also welcome to look through the Museum as our guests and receive a family pass to the Museum for future use or to pass onto friends and family.
We are hoping that up to 120 vehicles will make a wonderful spectacle. Please indicate your interest in participating in this event via a return email to Pauline Renner at prenner@history.sa.gov.au by Friday 6 January.
We wish you all the best for the Festive Season and say thanks in advance from…
Michael Neale Paul Rees Kevin Noel
Chair, Bay to Birdwood Director, National Motor Museum Federation of Historic Motor Clubs
PAULINE RENNER Event Coordinator & Bay to Birdwood Finish Manager and Entry Director
………………………………………………..
Shannon Street Birdwood SA 5234
T: 08 8568 4022 M: 0481 392 888
The National Motor Museum.
A discovery at every turn.
Just a reminder to book your tickets. See previous web site listing for full details. Do it now as time is running out.
We need to put up a good display of Sprites, Clubmans and Classics. This is a very good way of promoting our Club. It is also a great entertaining day out. We had 4 cars last year, this year surely we can do a lot better.
In April 2016, John Fowler, from the Sprite Drivers Club of Victoria, held another Gippsland Tour similar to the 2015 Tour. This year the Victorian Club is celebrating their Golden Jubilee. So John brought forward this years run from 2017.
Last year the run , was highly successful and enjoyed by all the those who entered. A suggestion put forward by a few, was that the run finish earlier each day, around 4:00 -4:15pm. This John addressed this year and added another great idea. It was that we stay our 4 nights in the one Motel. No packing and re-packing the Sprite boot. A difficult task in a Bugeye.
John likes to start each day with a Drivers briefing. Here he goes through the days activities, covering any likely problems and other details. Then we have an early start usually getting away by 8:30AM. This allows a lot to be done and still finish by about 4:15pm.
26 cars entered, most were Spridgets, but a couple of exceptions. From SA we had David and Di Low in their Bugeye, Dean King in his Mark 3 and Don and Elaine Cardone in their Toyota Kluga. Don took the Kluga along instead of his Bugeye, because a very close had died just before the run, and Don was concerned the Funeral would be on during the run and need to be able to respond quickly and return to Adelaide. As it turned the funeral was well after the run.
Don and ourselves travelled over to Melbourne together, with us towing the Sprite. Dean King drove his Sprite alone to Melbourne. We stopped overnight at Beaufort at the Motel. From there it was an easy run into Melbourne and on to Narre Warren to unload the Sprite and park the car and trailer at a Victorian Sprite Club members home. From there we went back to our Motel at Glen Waverly. Here we met Graham Hately from Sydney. He Margaret had driven down to Melbourne in their MG Midget. We had lunch and I asked Graham to check out my car, it was not running quite right. Graham adjusted the carbies and all seemed fine. The next morning we needed to be at the start quite early. On the way my car spluttered, back fired, farted down the freeway. We had go almost 40k’s to the start and I was quite worried, as were surrounded by B Double trucks and heavy fast moving traffic. We missed our turn off, and took the next turn off and was trying to find the start, when the Sprite just stopped. So Graham now was checking the electrics, and after a process of elimination he changed the points, the condenser and finally success. We caught and joined the rest who had now started the run. At morning tea we met some of the new faces. Then Graham Hepburn from Cairns turned up, but his Bugeye sounded as bad as mine did earlier. So again Graham Hately to the rescue. This time the problem was dirty fuel. After some time Graham sorted it out. Then later that day Don Cardone’s Kluga broke it’s power steering belt, so once again Graham Hately came to the rescue. Three recues in one day.
. TheDay 2 greeted us with a very heavy fog. So you wipe windscreen and it just re fogs. We did a quick tour to Mirboo North, great scenery once clear of the fog.
Wahalla
Then we had to drive to Walhalla and catch the train by 10.45. The Mirboo drive took a bit longer than planned, so really needed to push to catch the train. Well we really did push, but it is a great road, just repaired from last year. This road goes in, but you must come back out the same way. The town is very small, but very interesting and the train ride was short, but fun.
We had lunch at Walhalla , then on to Moe to the Old Gippsland Town. Then a scenic run back to the Motel at Morwell for nibbles and drinks.
DAY 3 Another foggy morning, and a brisk walk to the Anzac Dawn Service. A very moving and well presented service, then back to the Motel for breakfast, drivers briefing and off to Bulga National Park. Here we took some good photos of the cars lined up. Most had scones at the Lyrebird Café. Then on to the Gippsland Maritime Museum at Port Albert. A very interesting well run Museum. He we all Fish and Chips pre ordered and paid for earlier. From here a twisty drive to the Agnes Falls. Here was a large waterfall, we also saw a fair sized black snake. Some of our group left us during that day to head home and back to work.
Don enjoying scones
Day 4 No fog, but now a few less in our group, as this day was an option. After our briefing, we drove straight to the Bryant Park Hill-climb. Here most did a few parade laps of this very technical track. Great fun! The facilities for a Hill-climb are possibly the best in Australia. Since last year several improvements to the pit area have been finished. The next stop was the Trestle Bridge.
This year we climbed the path up on to the bridge, and took advantage of the view with all the cars parked below. Then on to the Noojee Heritage Centre. Here we saw a short movie of how a steam engine was transported by a truck, then lunch. Next stop was the Jindivick Cricket Ground. A large ground, only used for Cricket, no Football, with a full outdoor gymnasium and Club House. A couple more stops including an Historic Bakery and then we said our good byes and headed back to our motel at Glen Waverly. Next morning we loaded up the Sprite and drove with Don and Elaine Cardone to Beaufort and stayed there and returned to Adelaide the next day.
This was a trip exceptionally well organised and was so enjoyable, and we were able to pack a lot in to each day, we still finished in time for drinks and nibbles, minor car repairs, time to re-fuel. Each day we drove close to 300k’s.
Of course if John does another trip we will most certainly be going, the opportunity is just too good too miss.
It seemed to work we had a great turn out of cars.
Attending were:
Chris and Tina Brine. Bugeye.
David and Di Low Bugeye
Garry Beaton Mark 3
Russell Schmarr MG Midget
Gary and Fay Brock MGB GT
Clive Spreadbury Mark 2
Peter Dineen MG Midget
David Dineen MG Midget
Paul Mitchell Mini Gem
Jim and Shirley Schubert Bugeye
Don and Elaine Toyota Kluga
The Pub’s most regular customer.
This has to be the best roll up of Sprites and Midgets for several years. The run began at Hazelwood Park and wound up through the Adelaide Hills. Some great ‘Sprite” roads were found and tested. We stopped at the Lenswood Oval for morning tea. From there we proceeded to the Stanley Bridge Hotel at Verdun.
Inside Chris and Tina’s Bugeye
Here we had some great meals, especially the Spare Ribs.
So with such as great day a question is then posed. Who is going to organise the next Mid Week Run? This opportunity must not be let slip.
As an organiser I would like to thank all that attended, as a day such as this is most rewarding for the organisers.
Last year we had 23 Sprites , we need the rest of you to bring along your Sprite or MG Midget.
Also welcome are other Classics, Clubmans, Racing Cars,
This is our big chance to show case our Club to the general public.
Please contact Don Cardone on email: doncardone@adam.com.au or phone him on 0411 876 067 to advise that you bringing along your car. Planning for the event has begun.
The all British Day Committee wish to thank all those volunteers that helped out this year.
After 20 years of service 3 committee members are retiring and must be replaced. So they are asking Clubs to think about forwarding replacement committee members.
This year the Sprite Nationals were held at Goulburn in NSW and hosted by the Sprite Club of Australia. From our Club the following attended : Helen King, Sue, Grant and Helen Stephenson, Clive Spreadbury and his son Jason , Miles and Bev Jackson, Peter Dineen, Don & Elaine Cardone and David & Di Low. The Spreadbuy’s, the Low’s, and the Jacksons all took their Sprites and competed on the track. Peter Dineen and Don Cardone took their cars , but did not compete on the track. Peter however drove his Sprite to Goulburn and back. Goulburn is over 1200k’s from Adelaide, so no mean feat.
Driving over took two full days plus about 2 hours. So we arrived about 10:30am on the 21st and were expecting to be the first to arrive, only to be beaten by a couple of Queenslanders that had been there for two days already. That night was given over to a ‘Meet and Greet’ in the grounds of our motel, after the cars had been unloaded and the trailers parked. Our Motel was booked right out and every vehicle had a parking spot , but not one extra. An arrival that created great interest was the ‘Austin Healey Frite‘ that Colin Dodds from NSW brought along. Would believe a Sprite fitted a Jaguar 3.5 litre engine of about 350 HP, a Jaguar gearbox and rear end held up by a Lotus rear suspension, all built way back in 1963 and now full restored by Colin. The rest of the group were at another motel with extra parking provided by a business next door. The food that night was a sausage sizzle with plenty of drinks provided. (Beer, Red wine, white wine and soft drinks)
DAY 1 Good Friday 25th March 2016.
The Friday morning the 38 track competitors had to be at the Marulan track by 7:00am for 7:30am scrutineering. So we left the Motel at 6:30am. As we were doing the paperwork and the Scrutineering it started to rain, yes rain. We were then called up for a drivers meeting, and it decided all drivers should walk the track. Not sure whether that helped . Miles Jackson and I were together, you could call us the’ Pensioners Racing Team’. We were placed in to small groups or 4 or 5 cars according to your class. Miles went out first and seemed to manage OK, nobody was going very hard.
Ready now!
Miles, also ready.
Then it was my turn and rain was now quite heavy. So I had a few problems, my visor fogged up, so did my mirrors. I did not realise I was holding up a car behind me, he tried passing me on the straight but I kept him at bay. Next time I let him go in front of me along with all the others. The second run of 4 laps was still wet, but from the third run on it had dried out. From here I tried to work out how to improve. I certainly went faster, but so did every body else, but I had enormous fun. Miles was unfortunate as his car was ok some of the time, then playing at other times. He thought he had blown a head gasket, but the usual symptoms were not showing up on the Friday, but did later in the weekend and his suspicions were confirmed. I got in 5 runs and car was running perfectly all day.
The SA Rocker cover team
the winning Rocker cover Racer from NSW.
That night was Rocker Cover Racing night at the Soldiers Club. Here we had a large room to ourselves, with a bar and a stage. The food was served here and was really good. The various teams from each state lined up. We had 4 entrants and was later given one extra from Qld. The Racers were called up 2 at a time, with one from each State. This continued to all were eliminated. So we were left with Fay Brock’s ‘Quilted Lady’ piloted by Don Cardone against a very high tech Racer from NSW. The NSW Racer just pipped ours. The Rocker Racer technology has moved forward in 2 years. The Quilted finished 3rd.
Day 2 Saturday 26th March 2016
This was the morning of the Concourse. It was a sunny day and we arrived the Goulburn Historic Waterworks, which was next to a lake, a really beautiful venue. We arrived at 8:30am and judging started at 9:30am. 8 judges from each state worked to come up with scores for each car entered. Not all cars entered. A great morning tea and lunch was provided by the local Rotary Club. A Sprite that competed at Le Mans was there along with a ‘ Sprinzel’ Replica.
The winning Concourse car.
Then the judges started their work, checking all aspects of each car. Results were held over to the last night when all prizes were given out. Finally a SA entrant had success. Don Cardon’s beautiful Bugeye was awarded the best Bugeye prize and then also the best overall Sprite. Well done Don. Now we cannot wipe the smile off Don’s face.
After lunch we assembled at a service station for an economy run to Bungendore about 68k’s, and then return to refill and hand in your fuel docket with the litres used. Some tried really hard to win,others just went for a drive.
That night off to the Goulburn Soldiers Club for dinner and a quiz night. Also we were asked to provide an early photo of ourselves. Our task was to identify the person in the photo. Later several photos were put up on the big screen and the owners were asked to stand up. So you saw what a 65 year old looked like at 20. Also there were covered boxes with a sprite part in a cotton bag. The idea was you had to by feel the object and work out what the part was and write it down. Great fun!
DAY 3
Sunday 27th March 2016
This was the final day and we found ourselves ready for an observation run of about 280k’s. It was divided in to 3 sections. The first section ran us around the Goulburn City. We had to find our way using the provided instructions and answer questions and observe the special signs nailed to trees. To confuse us different instructions were issued for different cars, so following somebody, may or may not be wise. Finally we wound up back at the start for morning tea.
Next was section 2 which was to finish at Gunning for lunch. So normally it is a straight drive down the Hume Highway to Gunning. Well we took a very alternative route which tested of navigation and observing skills. At Gunning we checked in our score papers and then had a BBQ lunch, put on by the local Lyons Club. After lunch we received our route instructions for the run home. There were a lot of confused Sprite drivers and navigators parked in the street working out what to do next. The return route was quite different, but finally we all got back to the Motel by about 4:30.
Our team. Don and Elaine with the concourse trophies
On this night, the final night the presentations of trophies would take place and all were encouraged to dress up in fancy dress , the theme being ‘Hollywood Movies’. So plenty of scope, and some took full advantage. There were some really clever outfits. So now it was time to farewell new and old friends.
It is very necessary to thank the organising Committee for a really great Sprite National. These events take a lot of hard work and thought to produce a good result. The attention to detail was fantastic, most of the time this goes unnoticed, but if it is missing it is noticed. It was obvious that Greg and Leah Holden put many hours in to this event, and it great to see they had good support from their team of helpers.
So if did not go, please make the effort to go the next Sprite National to be held by the Sprite Drivers Club of Victoria. Put in on your ‘Bucket List’. Make a holiday out of it, but please don’t dismiss it as too hard, it’s not too hard, just takes a bit of organisation like any other holiday. You owe it to yourselves. Remember your Sprite was designed to be Driven.
Please remember our Club objective is to PROMOTE, FOSTER AND PRESERVE AUSTIN HEALY SPRITES AND MG MIDGETS.
A Reminder That entries are closing at the end of March !
The sprite Club has been invited to participate in the Annual McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic Parade on Sunday 17th April 2016.
To officially enter this event, all entry forms can be down loaded from the web www.vintageandclassic.com.au and need to be submitted with a $25.00 entry fee no later than Wednesday, 1st April 2016. If you areally quick you can get a late entry in, but you must do now!
Make your own way to Serafino Wines (Mclaren’s on the Lake) no later than 10:00am. Breakfast, tea and coffee are available on site. All entrants receive a goodie bag and plaque. Then the day proceeds with a parade down the main street of Mclaren Vale where thousands of people line the street to see our cars and other interesting cars.
After the Parade you proceed to Fox Creek Wines where food and drinks will be available.
If you go to bugeyeguy.com you will find 3 very interesting articles .
They have developed a removal steering wheel for Sprites. Great for getting in and our of Sprites, as well as an added security feature.
For Sale is a DVD on how to build a concourse Bugeye. They have just one a Gold medal at the USA Austin Healey National Concourse. Having one of these judges explain to me how they take many hours to judge a car and to get a gold medal is a great effort.
Sunday 21st February was the first Super Sprint for 2016. We awaoke to a very hot day with a hot northern wind, and a forecast of 38 degrees. Not ideal !
However it was the Sprite’s Club turn to help out on the flag points. So given the bad weather forecast we still had 6 brave souls turn up for the flaggies task. They were : Paul Doube, Chris Brine, Dean King, Gordon Boyce, David Dineen and David Low. The Club wishes to thank those people for turning up and drivers also appreciated our efforts. I had drivers from another Club thank me, so the effort was well appreciated.
Kym Ninnes
Those who did turn up were able to see 6 of our members competing . Those being :Barry Edson, Kym Ninnes, Pat Miller, Clive Spreadbury, Patrick Kukla and Helen Stephenson.
Helen Stephenson
Clive Spreadbury. Note the smoke from the front wheel.
Barry Edson
Patrick Kukla was their for his maiden track appearance in his newly acquired Suzuki Swift GTI. His was understandably nervous. At the end of the day he achieved a best time of 1.34.7 which was very good for a first effort. Patrick can see mistakes he made and can now work on improving his times. At the days end you could not get the smile off his face.
Helen Stephenson continues to improve and show real skills driving the Hyundai Excel. Barry Edson seemed to be the fastest from our group, although Kym Ninnes was close. Pat Miller had a fuel pump problem near the end of the day. Clive Spreadbury was not in his Sprite, but in a Renault Clio.
The day was over by mid afternoon and some called in to the Mallala pub, on the way home, for a cooling down drink. Despite the conditions it was a very enjoyable day, so if you missed the fun make sure you grab the opportunity next time. We need to support these guys that are having a real go at enjoying their cars.
Have just visited the Sprite Museum in Bairnsdale Victoria. Ray English created the Museum over many years. The Museum has over 20000 files consisting of Magazine cuttings, press releases and all manner of information on Sprites, but mostly Bugeye’s. In addition to that their are objects such as, model cars, badges, photos, unusual Sprite bits.
Ray also publishes a quarterly magazine known as ‘Marque One’, this is always great reading.
In the Museum each item that you look at comes with a story, which is usually more interesting than the object itself. Ray is only too pleased to relay these stories. In our case we were there 3 hours and could of stayed double that easily.
His shed along with Sprite room, (the Museum) are spotlessly clean and very tidy so it is a pleasure to see it all in it’s new address. In his shed, is his very early build Bugeye and more unusual parts and more great stories. We saw it many years ago, but now he has more room and the area has been purpose built for the Museum and the shed.
So if you are planning a trip to Victoria, I do strongly suggest you vist the Sprite Room. You should contact Ray and let know you are coming and arrange a time.
Ken Dutch left his blue wooden steamer chair at the All British Day. If you found it could you please bring it to the next meeting and we will make sure Ken gets it, as he will be away and miss the next meeting.
Now is the time to enter this really good event. Go to the above link and down load your entry form.
Entries close 1st April 2016, but ENTER NOW. Late entries are excepted but, you may not be parked with our Club, and no goodie bag, or plaque.
The day starts with all Clubs gathering at the Serafino (McLarens on the Lake) around 9:00am . At about 11:00am cars start to move in their Club groups, proceeding down the main Street of McLaren Vale. Large crowds gather to see the Classic cars. Then on to the Clubs allotted winery. Our winery is the ‘Fox Creek ‘ winery. Cars are parked and then it is time for lunch and wine in a great setting.
Many yea rs ago the Late John And Judy Bowering decided to organise a celebration of Australia Day for the Sprite Club of SA. Originally we had a run through the Hills finishing at their home in Mitcham.
On arrival we would start eating, drinking and checking out John’s cars. Then we would have BBQ , in some cases turning protein into carbon. After that the Thong Throwing contest would begin. A pitch roughly similar to a cricket pitch would be measured out, so about 22 yards. Now this has been reduced to about half the length, which is in line with our advancing years.
The club recently decided that in respect to the Late John and Judy Bowering , that the trophy needed upgrading. So a new trophy has been made complete with a new thong, and on the back are brass plates listing the past winners, better than a texta colour marker that was rapidly fading.
Soon the day with perfect weather arrived and about 25 people arrived at Fay and Garry Brock’s home, armed with food and drinks. Normal chatter took place for an hour or so, then it was time to BBQ. Once again I could see protein turning into carbon, but nobody complained. Most ate to excess, but with such a choice of salads and sweets, what else could you do. Sprite Club members are good eaters and drinkers.
Then came time for the Thong throwing. A bucket was placed in position, and Barb stood as wicket keeper. This involved finding a lot of lost thongs thrown into the bushes. Many styles of throwing were used, and most were totally useless. The thong has unusual aerodynamics which none of us can explain.
Nobody actually got in to the bucket, both Fay Brock and Ken Dutch had it bounce out of the bucket. So we decided a ‘Throw Off’ would take place. This seemed to take for ever, and we were prepared to wait all afternoon if required, then Ken finally threw in to the bucket. Fay was given her chance to equalise, but Ken had it in the bucket.
Looking around our gathering I noticed about one third of the people would have known the Bowering’s really well, another third would have met them and rest would not of met them.
So many thanks to fay and Gary for throwing open their home to continue the tradition,for us to enjoy.
Please come along to the Annual Thong Throwing contest. This is to celebrate Australia Day and to remember the Late John And Judy Bowering that started this event many years ago.
FULL DETAILS ARE LISTED ON THE WEBSITE UNDER THE EVENTS SECTION.
Now is the time to practice your thong throwing skills. We accept back hand, fore hand, under arm, over arm, flat side up, flat side down, overarm, under arm, but no cheating. The throwing distance is not far, and seems to have reduced over time.
The prize is a thong mounted on a plinth suitable for hanging with pride in your home.
The Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club of Victoria have had made a Calendar for 2016 to commemorate the 50th year of their Club. See attachment.
It is a double A4 size calendar for each month. Has pictures of Sprites, mainly from Vic , but some interstate photos. A bottom page allows for your notes.
The back page had a collage of photos, and the calendar runs into 2017, so 2 calendars in one.
Cost $20.00 plus postage, so a bulk order is best. Let me know if you want one, and when we have final numbers I can find out the postage cost and then you can pay me before I order.
Please note I made a mistake with one event. All are now correct on the website. To summarise :
April 2016 Tour Through the Gippsland area of Victoria. Again organised by John Fowler from the Victorian Sprite Drivers Club.
23rd to 25th Eastern tour of Gippsland area at a slower pace than last year. This time the run will be in the reverse direction. Accommodation will be at the Morwell. These runs are fantastic, commercially run events of this standard usually cost between $3000-$5000 just to enter, and we being offered this for free, just pay for your accommodation , food, drinks and fuel.
September 2016
My Bryant Hill Climb. Just go to it !
October 2016
Friday 28th Western tour around Ballarat. Unfortunately does clash with our display day.
These events our club has been invited to by the Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club of Victoria, so lets get behind these events, after all they will be great fun.
DON’T FORGET TO REPLY IF YOU ARE ENTERED FOR THE ALL BRITISH DAY.
Please find below some more info on the national challenge for next year as well as the Entry Form here
WHERE – GOULBURN, NSW – 180km Sth of Sydney
WHEN – Easter – PM Thursday 24th March to
AM Monday 28th March 2016
WHAT’S ON –
Thursday 24th March – Welcome BBQ Dinner
Friday 25th March – Scenic Coastal Coach Trip
OR
Track Day at Marulan Driver Training Centre – Sprints, timed laps etc.
Evening Dinner at Goulburn Soldiers Club – fun, frivolity, tappet cover races etc.
Saturday 26th March
Concourse
Evening Dinner at Goulburn Soldiers Club – slide show, etc.
Sunday 27th March
Observation Drive – see the sights, guess the answers etc.
Presentation Dinner at Goulburn Soldiers Club – Fancy Dress – more fun and shenanigans.
Monday 28th March – Farewell Breakfast
COST – ALL INCLUSIVE
SOCIAL – $650 per person – Accommodation – Thurs Night 24/3 to Mon AM 28/3 (4 nights), Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners and ALL organised social activities.
COMPETITOR – $750 per person – Includes Track Day at Marulan Driver Training Centre
(NOT Scenic Coastal coach trip)
BOOKINGS – Early Bird – CASH UP FRONT by 15th Dec 2015 to receive a $50 DISCOUNT
OR Lay-by – 15th Dec $200 per person
15th Jan $200 per person
15th Feb $200 per person
15th Mar $50 SocialOR
$150 Competitor
Banking Details – Commonwealth Bank – Sprite Car Club of Australia
BSB: 062 452 A/c: 10228025
MUST Include Reference: 1st Initial / Surname NAT16 eg. G Holden NAT16
The run started badly for me on the Saturday afternoon.
Having just fitted and adjusted the new front grill & surrounds to my Mk2A, I then commenced a full clean, polish, minor service, wheel & tyre black. I then headed off to the local service station to fill up with 98. Bang, a loud noise from the rhs rear somewhere. Initial investigation revealed nothing, then decided to return to the workshop to check it out.
Formal investigation revealed that the rear bracket holding the shock absorber to the diff housing had broken the weld and the shocker was just dangling down. Run in the Sprite reluctantly aborted. No time to fix, have to take the Fairlane.
Arrived at the Victoria Park circuit via the Northern entrance, and enjoyed the thrill of driving into the Pit entrance & down Pit straight to where the other Sprites had accumulated.
Around 10 Sprites, an MGBGT, an MX5, an Alfa Sports, a Clubman and a Fairlane had made the trip. A good turn out of enthusiasts.
Gordon Boyce began by giving us an informative talk about the History of the event, both the Political problems in staging the event, and the costs & benefits to Adelaide. We learnt of the 2 rain effected race days in 1989 & 1991, and that Adelaide held the shortest Grand Prix in history due to the rain in 1991, and how as soon as the race had been cancelled the rain cleared up. We also learnt how hot the first event in 1985 was, and that the 1995 event was the biggest of any GP anywhere in history.
Gordon then explained the route to us and we all took off, beginning with a drive around as much of the old circuit that was still available to drive on.
Heading up Wakefield street, we drove past the old Wakefield corner and turned into Hutt street, heading down to Stag Corner apposite the Stag Hotel. Gordon had previously explained to us that the paint was still on the kerbing left from the old Grand Prix days. This part of the circuit was not used in the Clipsal 500 circuit, and had not been used since the Adelaide LeMans Race 0n 31/12/2000.
Continuing down Bartels Road, we turned right onto Dequetteville Tce, and marvelled at the fact that the F1 cars were doing 300kph down Dequetteville Tce, heading down to the Fosters Hairpin, at the Wakefield st corner.
Gary Beaton decided to carry straight on and head towards Belair. Maybe his brakes had failed. I myself like a sheep had followed him, the 2 of us only to get some practice in U turning on Fullarton rd.
We caught up the pack, heading down Wakefield st and turning left up Hutt street. We then headed up Glen Osmond rd along the Route previously taken by the Climb to the Eagle participants.
I so well remember working on Glen Osmond road and coming out every year to watch & cheer the participants as they made their way to the Eagle.
Arriving at Devil’s Elbow, I could not resist and gave the Fairlane a squirt around the corner, catching up to the pack. The Sprites were motoring pretty quickly up the hill at this stage which was most enjoyable. Passing the Old Eagle on the Hill Hotel, which is now a private residence, we stopped at the Park just beyond the old Hotel.
Gordon then gave us an interesting talk on the History of the Climb to the Eagle, and Don Cardone explained that he had raced and stayed in front of Sir Jack Brabham in the 1995 Dutton Grand Prix Rally which was the final event.
Driving further we turned off the freeway and headed on the Piccadilly rd. I then turned away from the pack and headed along the back road to Uraidla to show my passenger the ES&A bank agency that I used to run as a young teller back in 1970.
To my surprise, Gary B arrived down the road at Uraidla, and we again headed off to catch the pack up to head towards Lobethal.
Arriving at Lobethal, we than commenced a full circuit drive of the original 1939 Grand Prix Circuit, which was 14 kilometres in length. The lap was long with 2 very sharp hairpin curves. Gordon later explained that the original 400 kilometre 1939 race was completed in just over 2 hours, the winner’s average speed being a staggering 80 mph average speed in an MG TA sports coupe.
We then carried on through Lobethal and stopped at the Bushman Park for some lunch.
The spot was very pleasant with a lake, barbeque spots and toilets on hand.
Following the stop for lunch, Gordon explained to us the history of the 1939 event.
Barb thanked Gordon for the time and effort spent in organising and researching the day, as many of us have very fond memories of the 11 years that Adelaide hosted the Grand Prix.
We than headed off to Balhannah for afternoon tea, ourselves getting stuck behind a stray dog at Mt Torrens. We headed off to catch the pack up, but then drove straight past the turnoff and arrived back in Lobethal. Unable to find the pack we headed back to Cudlee creek for a coffee.
Can anyone recommend someone to rebuild my 1275 Midget engine?
I finally worked out why the PCV valve keeps filling with oil and consequently the old girl blows huge clouds of smoke. Compression test shows number 2 cylinder is about 20% lower than the others and the blow-by is causing the ventilation system to suck large quantities of oil. It looks like my rings are shot…
It is with great sadness that we must advise members of the sudden and tragic loss of one of our long term members, Ros Brittain, who passed away on Friday 12 June 2015 in Daw Park Hospice after a short battle with illness.
Ros was an active member of the Club, and was a regular attendee at many club events, always in company with her partner Peter Dineen, who is also one of the club’s longest serving members.
Her enthusiasm for the club and it’s activities was infectious, and her presence will be very sadly missed by all members.
On behalf of all members of the Sprite Club of South Australia, I convey our deepest sympathies to Ros’ family, and in particular offer our sympathy and support to Peter Dineen, in this his sad hour of loss.
Attention of members is drawn to the funeral for Ros, which is to be held in the Church of Christ, Porter Street Goolwa, on Friday 19 June 2015 at 11.00am.
Please find below some info on next year’s Sprite National Challenge
Hi all,
It is now slightly less than twelve months before Easter, 2016.
Good Friday 25th March through to 28th March, 2016.
At the last challenge we where asked if the Sprite Car Club of Australia will host the 2016 event. The cost of hosting track days and the availability of tracks was a major concern for us and moves where made directly after the 2014 meet to secure a venue.
We could not even get a booking or idea of cost at that point. In fact it was only in the last few weeks that we have been able to sort out a suitable venue.
So the answer is YES the SCCA will be hosting the 2016 National meeting.
Where will it be and what can we expect.
It will be based around Goulburn NSW (Approximatly 2 hours South of Sydney) we will have a mix of competition and social activities throughout the weekend.
We have a sub-committee working on details at present and would hope to have some more to you in the next month or so.
Please get the message out to all members as soon as you can.
At this stage we are running with similar number as Queensland achieved in 2014 which were Approximatly 110 in total.
It would be good to get some rough number ASAP which would help with the organising.
Perhaps you could put some names around those who would come and make contact with me on this email address
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me
A brisk start – but fine and mild day greeted the participants in the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic. Yet another well organised event and luckily the paddock wasn’t sodden at Serafino’s Winery for the start!
A great collection of over 500 cars but the standout for me were the beautifully restored ’31 Packard next to the ‘original’ early small window VW and of course the Hippo on the Landy! And you couldn’t miss the hot pink Eureka!
The participating Sprite Club members, John and Briony Whitburn, Chris and Tina Brine, Luther Nunnerly, Dean King, David Dineen, Ray and Jenny Kinlay and Kym Ninnes enjoyed fine lunch and a few very tasty vino’s at Woodstock Winery with the large MG club crowd.
All in all a great event – don’t miss it next year!
Location: SIMAX Engineering, 49 George Street, Parkside
Audience: ClubbiesSA members & friends, Sprite Club members
Come and help us celebrate the opening of the Old Farts Garage. This is the enterprise set up by Simon Taylor and Alan Austin based at Simax Engineering, to deliver bespoke engineering solutions for classic and race cars. Bits and pieces from a Bugatti to a Sprite, a Jaguar, a clubbie or an RCR can be repaired or re-made. Come and see what they can offer you.
On the night, we will revisit the development of the twin cam heads for the Model T, plus Simon’s latest acquisition, the RCR. Alan will talk about living with a Riley & other English machines. Together they will recount their work on Escorts & the BDA & BDG engines. There will be a range of great cars on display.
To help the night go well (thanks to Paul Doube & Gordon Boyce), I have arranged Tony Walker, the winemaker from Minnow Creek to be there for a wine tasting of his latest products, plus have bottles available for sale. This will be supported by products from the Cheese and Bread section of Regency Campus. Tea & coffee available on night. Bring your Clubbie or Sprite. Limited parking next door, on footpath & on road.
Don’t miss this night. It will be fascinating. I need to know numbers so email me if you can come.
Just another reminder to come an join us for the meeting at the Sporting Car Club of SA 51 King William Road Unley – at 7pm for 7.30. The club (Sponsorship from Michael McLaren – Bentleys Accounting) is providing a light meal (pizza, pies, nibbles etc) and a drink from the bar on arrival.
For the meeting regulars – something different and for those of you who haven’t been for a while and incentive to attend.
Spridgets and Clubbies on stage, a Q&A session and a report on last year’s Goodwood Revival that some of the club members who attended the event.
Please support this event it has taken a bit of organising and sponsorship!!
We will be holding the March General meeting (Monday 2 March) at the Sporting Car Club of SA, 51 King William Road, Unley, at 7pm for 7.30pm start.
This one off event will allow us to do a few things out of the ordinary, in particular showcase several members cars on stage, of course several sprigets, but also a clubby for all our clubman owing members.
Also there will be a couple of presentations on recent events attended by our members, the Goodwood Revival and also the Lap of Tassie event organised by Tony Bennetto of the Bugeye Barn.
There will be a complimentary drink on arrival, full bar facilities will also be available. We’ll even spring for a few nibbles – pizzas and some party pies and pasties!!
Please make an effort to attend – Bentleys Accounting (AKA – Michael McLaren) has put considerable effort and sponsorship to make this happen!
Hi We’ve lost the list of those people who needed new name badges – if you need a new one please email admin@spriteclub.com.au and we’ll get them organised!
Hi just a reminder about the Australia Day activities – Fay and Gary want to host the Australia Day BBQ and throng throwing comp. Starts at 11.00 am. Bring your own meat for BBQ drinks and chair and a salad or dessert to share. Check the Events Calendar for full details.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year from the Sprite Club of SA.
Also a heads up on the epic day of the thong – Fay and Gary want to host the Australia Day BBQ and throng throwing comp. Starts at 11.00 am. Bring your own meat for BBQ drinks and chair and a salad or dessert to share. More updates to come in the new year!
It’s that time of year again – Annual General Meeting to be held at the Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton 7.30pm for meeting start at 8pm
Please consider where you can not only attend this important meeting but also what you may be able to offer the club in terms of a position on the committee!
Also can ALL trophies please be returned to the club to enable awards to be presented at the December meeting – and don’t forget the Xmas Party on the 6 December details to follow – Thanks!
It’s that time of year again – Annual General Meeting to be held at the Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton 7.30pm for meeting start at 8pm
Please consider where you can not only attend this important meeting but also what you may be able to offer the club in terms of a position on the committee!
Also can ALL trophies please be returned to the club to enable awards to be presented at the Xmas function – Thanks!
If Kate Moss has time to get her midget out so can you!!
Kerry from Pitstop Motors at Echunga has posted some old footage of an early Sprite Club Challenge at Hume Weir and another at Hay. To view look into U-tube an enter Pitstop Motors Echunga.
We thank and acknowledge Kerry for doing this and allowing us to put this notice on our website.
The organisers need to know how many are coming to the Display Day. This is needed for catering purposes. Some 9 couples have already replied , but we need 31 more.
So if you coming could please reply NOW to this message.
Full details of the display Day are on the website.
FOR CATERING REASONS PLEASE REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE IF YOU ARE COMING.
BYO: CHAIRS,DRINKS , PLATES, KNIVES AND FORKS.
This is our Annual Display Day where we get to show case our cars and our Club to the public. All our Sprites/Midgets are now over 40 years old. One of the main aims of our Club is to Foster, Preserve and Promote Austin Healey Sprites and MG Midgets. We need to promote our cars to younger generations, otherwise our cars gradually lose their value.
It is important we present our cars and our club in a positive manner. Last year a few people turned purely for their annual inspection then promptly left. As it is a display first and foremost it essential the cars remain on display TILL 3:00PM. The Club is paying for your admission on to the venue.
Cars can be inspected on the day for Historic registration, and if your cars needs inspection this is a great time to do it.
So come along with your Sprite, Midget, Classic or Clubman and makes this a really great day.
What happens when owners of a Spridget, an MGBGT-Sprite, an Alfa-Sprite, an MG Magnet- Sprite and a Clubman-Sprite get together for a Sprite Run, on a perfectly beautiful Sunday in September ….. a lot of fun, that’s what!
After meeting at the Mt Barker Homemaker Centre- a navigational challenge for the Magnet; a pit stop in Nairne for an over committed Clubman (three functions in one day) we toured through great springtime scenery to Mannum- a route including challenging corners, sweeping bends and long straights- well planned by Peter and Ros.
We were greeted at the lunch destination by another couple who announced themselves as “someone’s nephew.” After some tactful investigation Mary discovered the “someone” belonged to a different club, which was also booked in for lunch. We invited them to join, in fact sign up immediately, but although they liked our friendly approach declined the offer. In the confusion of two clubs in one pub the other club had their booking cancelled!
Anyway we all had an abundant lunch (great salad and vegetable bar) looking out over the Mighty Murray. A stroll up the main street and excellent coffee al fresco at an old stone bank building completed the day.
Thanks to Peter and Ros, Ken and Mary, Gary and Faye, and Paul for a lovely day.
Don and Elaine
To-day 35 people gathered at the Feathers Hotel at Burnside for a great lunch.
This was to celebrate the 42nd birthday of the Sprite Club of SA Inc. Barb Ridge did a great job making sure the whole occasion ran without a hitch.
The food was great and plentiful, no need for dinner. Garry Brock entertained us with a quiz, which at first seemed easy, but clearly tested all of us. Using your mobile phone to cheat was frowned upon. You could ask a friend because the whole of your table was consulted to find an answer. The smartest table took the prizes of fine wines donated by Michael McClaren.
It was good to see some faces not seen for a while.
So all in all it was a great lunch and a great way to spend your Sunday.
You are invited to attend our Club luncheon with your fellow members, a carvery lunch, which includes soup, entrée, main course, dessert, tea and coffee.
Drinks can be purchased from the bar at your own cost.
Any enquiries to Barb your Social Conveynor, on 83879983
RSVP: NO later that 7th September
Payment must be IN FULL to Mary our Treasurer.
We ask that if you do pay by direct bank transfer, that you email the Club to inform us of your payment, your name and for how many people.
Bank Details: The Sprite Club of SA Inc.
BSB No: 085-005 Account No: 207432628
OR
Cheque/Money Order with your name/names to be sent to:
The Sprite Club of SA Inc P.O. Box 21 Fullarton S.A. 5063
If you have any special food requirements, please let Barb know on her home phone number, or you may ring the Feathers Hotel direct on 83326133
Six cars met at Haywood Park at 10.00 for 10.30am start. Gordon and Narelle Boyce set a new improved Don Doug Run. Over the year this event has caused driver/navigator tension, but this time peace reigned.
Run sheets handed out and a small clue of what was about to set the tone for the day. How many railways lines do we cross. How many different yellow animal advisory signs can we find. This should be easy we think.! But there is always a twist.
Those who braved the morning showers were,
The Organisers of the run Gordon & Narelle Boyce and their two children Kieran and Tiarna.
David & Di Low, our Sprite is engineless at the moment so we took our MX5.
Gary and Molly Beaton in their tin top, Gary’s car is also off the road.
Don & Elaine Cardone in their Alfa, Sprite ?,
Clive Spreadbury & Cheryl Pitt in their tin top, Sprite ?
Chris & Tina Brine in their Bugeye, a bit of rain didn’t deter these avid sprite drivers.
Apologies from Ken & Mary Dutch and Gary & Fay Brock, both on the sick list.
After a great drive we had lunch at the Oakbank Hotel, Gordon and Narelle had prepared a short Quiz and after much discussion and using our run sheets for clues, the winners were Chris & Tina , the rest of us also won a small prize. A excellent idea to revive one of the oldest annual runs of the Sprite Club.
So where were the rest of you, good food, good company and great roads. Gordon and Narelle took extraordinary trouble with two small children to put a great Sunday run together and it must be disheartening to have so few attend.
I know we all have busy lives but being a member of the Sprite Club isn’t just about attending the monthly meeting or joining to get historic registration, or as a stepping stone to motor sport. We have a number of members who motor race under the Sprite Club banner , Patrick Kukla has a small band of followers on a Sunday morning breakfast and run through the hills, but where are the 90+ members who we never see.
John Whitburn organised a fantastic shed visit about three weeks ago, So who went to this event, something different and by all accounts from those members who went, a experience not to be missed. I would have thought there would have been at least 25 or more may have gone.
We have our Birthday Lunch on the 14th September and it would be wonderful if those members who have been missing in action attend. Details on the website.
So next time perhaps you might consider getting the car out and joining a social event . It is like who can first the chicken or the egg. Its is hard to get members to organise a social event or weekend away. If you do take the time to organise a social event and it is poorly attended you won’t put up your hand again.
I suppose the bottom line is, has the Sprite Club of SA lost it’s relevance in today’s society, I hope not, over the year we have had some wonderful car experiences, lots of laughter and a few tears along the way, made some long term friends and the Sprite has been always been there.
At Easter our little red Bugeye has been in David’s garage for 30 years and it has had some amazing adventures. While we were in Queensland at the challenge we met two interstate members that have had their Sprites for 50+ years. Imagine what stories those little cars could tell.,
What I am saying is this is your club, you vote with your attendance at events. It is up to you.
Don’t forget to get out for Gordon’s run tomorrow!
Hope you have marked your calendars for the “revised” DonDoug Pub Run.
Previously this run has been a cryptic navigation and observation run that has left many drivers, navigators and marriages in tatters!
The new format will be an enjoyable group run through the Adelaide Hill, finding nice Sprite roads, picturesque scenery, and “observing” important points of interest during the run.
We will finish at a country hills hotel for a warming Sunday Lunch.
Here questions will be asked of what you noticed and remembered from the run, to test your observation skills.
This will be a fun run, not a test of your ability to count fence posts, letter boxes or decipher where you ought to be.
Meeting Point:
Sunday 10th August 2014
10.00am for a 10.30am departure
Heyward Park (Southern end of King William Road)
Enter of Grove Street, Unley Park – Car Park, toilets and Play ground
You should have all received a password reset email from me – please follow the link at the bottom of the email to change your password to one you can remember – hopefully this will solve the spam problems
Due to an unprecedented amount of spam comments to the website – almost 20,000 last month – you will have to either log into the site on the front page or put in the Captcha code (one of them funny little number/letter thingos…) supplied on the comments page when making a comment!
Hope you have marked your calendars for the “revised” DonDoug Pub Run.
Previously this run has been a cryptic navigation and observation run that has left many drivers, navigators and marriages in tatters!
The new format will be an enjoyable group run through the Adelaide Hill, finding nice Sprite roads, picturesque scenery, and “observing” important points of interest during the run.
We will finish at a country hills hotel for a warming Sunday Lunch.
Here questions will be asked of what you noticed and remembered from the run, to test your observation skills.
This will be a fun run, not a test of your ability to count fence posts, letter boxes or decipher where you ought to be.
Meeting Point:
Sunday 10th August 2014
10.00am for a 10.30am departure
Heyward Park (Southern end of King William Road)
Enter of Grove Street, Unley Park – Car Park, toilets and Play ground
From David Low.. for all of you out there who can’t fit in a Bugeye anymore… but for those of us who went to Winton can vouch for an Aussie – Troy – from Qld who i think would out do this!!
You just have to love a simple, tiny sports car that can also accommodate a 6’3″
tall person. Bugeyes don’t discriminate! Here our visitor ponders his new potential garage-mate from his 6’3″ vantage point, and viola, he fits! Click “read more” to see a few more images of a tall man inside a short car. […]
You are invited to attend our Club luncheon with your fellow members, a carvery lunch, which includes soup, entrée, main course, dessert, tea and coffee.
Drinks can be purchased from the bar at your own cost.
Any enquiries to Barb your Social Conveynor, on 83879983
RSVP: NO later that 7th September
Payment must be IN FULL to Mary our Treasurer.
We ask that if you do pay by direct bank transfer, that you email the Club to inform us of your payment, your name and for how many people.
Bank Details: The Sprite Club of SA Inc.
BSB No: 085-005 Account No: 207432628
OR
Cheque/Money Order with your name/names to be sent to:
The Sprite Club of SA Inc P.O. Box 21 Fullarton S.A. 5063
If you have any special food requirements, please let Barb know on her home phone number, or you may ring the Feathers Hotel direct on 83326133
Thanks to the good graces of John Whitburn in arranging the visit, the 14 members who attended were treated to a fantastic afternoon at Ian Gear’s home on Sunday 27 July.
It is a wonderful and varied collection of road cars, racing cars both circuit and speedway, as well as an enormous collections of memorabilia and models spanning the decades.
Of particular interest was the Alec Rowe Supercharged Peugeot engine speedcar from the 60’s, that was driven so capably by the late Bill Wigzell. It has been beautifully restored, and is a tribute both the Alec for his amazing engineering and ingenuity, and to Billy Wigzell who got the very best out of the car as a driver, consistently beating the favoured and vastly more costly Offenhauser engine cars. It was particularly poignant though, as Bill donated the trophies and winner’s sashes in his collection, to stay with the car.
This was one of four speedcars in the collection, which also included a TQ and a Jawa 500 speedway bike. To put the speedway riders in to perspective in terms of bravery, the specifications for the bike are as follows – 493cc single, direct drive (clutch but no gearbox), 55 bhp on methanol, and no brakes!!!
While the collection of road and circuit cars also attracted much attention, Ian’s modeling skills made a few feel quite inadequate, as evidenced by his building a very accurate replica of his UX1 Torana historic racer car.
Add in Ian’s great ability as a story teller, and all were treated to much laughing across the afternoon, while marveling at both the size of the collection and the variety of the memorabilia in his sheds.
Perhaps the funniest part of all, was Ian pointing to his framed report card from primary school, which suggested he would never amount to much. I hope that teacher who wrote that report was made aware of the success Ian has and continues to enjoy.
As noted, a fantastic day and a very big thank you must go to both Ian for his hospitality in opening his home and garages to us, and to John for arranging the visit. Thanks must also go to Chris for arranging the drinks and nibbles.
I on the other hand, contributed very little, other than to bring some red wine for those attending to share and a couple of bottles as a gift of thanks to Ian. I then made a glutton of myself by hogging as much of Ian’s time as possible to explain almost every single item in the collection.
Main North Renault
75 Main North Road
Nailsworth, SA, 5083
Tel : +61 8 8309 5055 – Mobile: 0401 625 498
Fax : +61 8 8309 5077 www.mainnorthrenault.com.au
Mark your calendar now. This will be a leisurely Adelaide Hills drive ending at a cosy, warm pub for lunch. You will need your observation skills and a sense of humour. More details to follow.
Due to popular demand and with help of the Confederation of Australian Motorsport the RallySOS group are again presenting a free information session for the rally community and all are welcome;
WHEN: Saturday 26th of July 2014, 2-4pm.
VENUE: The Sporting Car Club SA
51 King William Road, Unley. Adelaide
Safety and First Aid at a Rally AccidentScene. By
Declan Dwyer. Metropolitan Fire Service Officer and 2012 South Australian Rally Champion.
Thien LeCong. Anaesthetists, Retrieval Dr, Rally Chief Medical Officer.
v A rally car accident scene practical demonstration.
v The importance of safety systems and equipment; a firsthand account.
With support from Naomi Tillett, Josh Doyle, Tristan Catford and Kate Catford.
Please feel free to forward and promote this event within your clubs, organisations and the rally community.
Winter Weekend in the Barossa Valley in July by Ken Dutch
Our annual weekend away in July is the club’s way of reminding us there is always somewhere colder than Adelaide! We are booked for two nights in the Barossa Motor Lodge at Tanunda and driving through the morning fog in the Adelaide Hills.
Visibility is about twenty metres and progress is a bit slower than usual but after fifteen minutes or so we leave the fog behind. We arrive at Tanunda about two o’clock and get settled in our room. When the other club members arrive they are invited to our room for afternoon drinks and nibbles, this takes us up to about six o’clock when we all head off to the Tanunda Hotel for dinner. After a very enjoyable dinner all of us head back to our room at the motel for drinks, a few laughs and watch the Crows lose,then to bed around 11.30. It’s Saturday morning, it’s cold but sunny and people start to head over to the dining room for the included breakfast.
After breakfast we go to the Farmer’s market in Angaston. There’s always something good to buy there and we all did our bit for the local economy. It was then back to Tanunda for a browse in the well known Wohlers home furnishing store. After coffee and a snack we return to the motel until we leave at about 2 o’clock to go to Anne & Mike Schmidt’s house in Tanunda for afternoon tea and drinks. Anne put on a marvellous spread, there was plenty of homemade muffins, cheeses, dips etc to satisfy everyone. We were joined here by Gary & Fay Brock & Barb Ridge. Anne & Mike have a very nice house just off the main road, of particular interest to the men was Mike’s garage. There are four bays with roller doors and it’s high enough for a hoist to be installed!
Back at the motel some of us changed for dinner and then saw Paul and Ruth’s room. Their room, we were surprised to see was twice as big as the other rooms, after many jokes and mention of ‘honeymoon suite’ it was thereafter known as the ‘Presidential Suite’. Barb had us booked in for dinner at The Vine Inn at Nuriootpa for 6.30. At The Vine Inn we were also joined by Clive Spreadbury, he came direct from competing in his Sprite at the Collingrove hillclimb. The food there is excellent, I can recommend it to anyone. Leaving
The Vine we headed back to the motel to relax and chat in the ‘Presidential Suite’ for the rest of the night. Sunday morning and it’s bright and sunny so after breakfast a group of us go to Angaston to have a poke around in the big antique/collectables shop in an old church on the main road. After our goodbyes Mary and I head for home.
I think everyone enjoyed the weekend, good food and drink and a lot of laughs. Our thanks on behalf of everyone who attended the weekend go to Barb for organising and to Mike & Anne for our afternoon tea. Those attending were: Paul & Ruth, David & Di, Peter & Roz, Don & Elaine, Gary & Fay, Clive, Barb and ourselves. Ken & Mary Dutch
HI, here is a little snippet from the final sprint on sunday at Mallala – thanks to Ruth Doube and Gerard Miller for some advice to improve my poor driving skills got me under 1.40!!
Sunday 20 July 2014 – Sprite Club is the rostered club to provide volunteers to act as flag marshalls on our one day per year rostered commitment.
Come along and help the club with our MSCA obligations by being a flag marshall for the day.
You need to be at Mallala by about 8.30am and dress in something warm if the day is cold (it will be). During the day you will be flagging at one of the covered flag bunkers, you will given refreshments during the day, at lunch break you will have a lunch comprising a meat or cheese and salad roll with a piece of cake and a piece of fruit and a drink AND if you have your Sprite or other interesting car (or even your tin top) you will have the opportunity to do some parade laps at lunch time. This is a good opportunity to experience the track and the ‘parade’ laps are actually at quite a ‘spirited’ pace
You will be finished for the day by 4.00pm as the last event has to be completed by that time, and often given similar weather conditions, you may be finished a bit earlier. You will also have the undying gratitude of all who organise and take part in the MSCA Sprint Series.
Hope to see as many members as possible help out on Sunday 20 July 2014.
PS – (from Paddy) I have just added some new / old pics on the Facebook page. So visit the above link, “like” the pics and content, make comments, and help promote the page.
Eight cars, mostly family cars, with 14 people in total, met at Fullarton Centre before the run organised by Ken and Mary Dutch for Sunday 22nd June. Paddy was at the start but wasn’t able to go on the run with us as he had to head for home to prepare for an event that required his attendance in the afternoon.
Just as we about to start Paul received a call that meant he would be a late starter but would try to catch up.
The rest of us headed off to the Old Belair Road, up through Upper Sturt to Ironbank then Mylor and Echunga. From there to Meadows, Kangarilla and Clarendon and a couple of re-grouping stops meant that we were all together before heading to Aberfoyle Park where Jan and Alan Symonds were preparing a barbeque lunch. We were joined here by two other Club members and a little later by Paul who had completed the run, following the run sheet, in his Clubby and on his own but just far enough behind us to be out of our sight.
Then we ate – what a spread – nibbles, cheese, barbeque followed by sweets. Well done Jan and Alan.
The weather was kind to us on the run and the route provided some magnificent views and roads that the more dedicated Spridget owners would certainly have enjoyed. We must thank Ken and Mary for a well organised outing.
This is the way to spend a Sunday – a great run – a top class lunch – and lots of laughs and tales told about our motoring prowess. If you can make it on the next outing in whatever car you can put on the road, you will see how good it can be.
One of our members, Ken, put his hand up and decided to map out a run for us all and with a luncheon.
You have your car, so brush the cobwebs off, shine it up, fill the tank up and lets see it on the road.
If you feel it is too wet, cold etc, still come along in modern day car.
It is your Club, so please come along, support the effort Ken is putting in to do this and Jan and Alan who are putting the lunch on for us – contact Ken Phone, 83817714 or email ken.dutch@bigpond.com
– get that inch of dust off of them and get your cars out – you know they run better in the cold weather!! Please let Ken know if you’re coming – see details below!
Title: Sunday lunch run through the hills ending with a BBQ Location: Meet at the Club Rooms,Fullerton Park Centre,411 Fullerton Rd.Fullerton. Time. 10.30 for an 11.00 start. SUNDAY 22/6/14 Description:
Sunday lunch run through the hills ending with a BBQ at Jan & Alan Symonds house in Aberfoyle Park.
Meet at the Club Rooms,Fullerton Park Centre,411 Fullerton Rd.Fullerton.
Time. 10.30 for an 11.00 start. SUNDAY 22/6/14
What to bring. The club will supply & pay for the lunch! BYO Drinks. Tea & coffee will be supplied.
Please let me know asap if you are coming for catering purposes. Phone, 83817714 or email ken.dutch@bigpond.com
Start Time: 10:30 Date: 2014-06-22 End Time: 15:00
1971 MGMidget (1275 cc; Left hand drive).VIN: GAM5UB97077GApprox 96000 miles
Brought back from the US but owner lives interstate and needs to reluctantly sell due to no time/space to restore. Low km on tires, new brakes, down draft Weber carbs, roof canvas (not fitted) and tonneau cover, manual and numerous other extras. Body and interior needs some work, new windscreen and mirrors, but mechanically wouldn’t require too much effort to get it back up and running to roadworthy condition (currently unregistered and hasn’t been run regularly for some time).
Car is located in Murray Bridge. Transport at buyers cost.
22nd June – Sunday Run organised by Ken Dutch
7 th July – Club Meeting with Cheese and Wine
11th – 13th July – Barossa Weekend away
27th July – Garage Visit – organized by John Whitburn – details for follow
10th August – Winter Solstice Pub and Don Doug Run organised by Gordon Boyce
14th September – Club Luncheon – details to follow
21st September – Sunday Run organized by Peter Dineen
As some of you may be aware, our Club Captain Paul Orton sufferred significant injuries last Sunday when he left the circuit at Eastern Creek Turn 3 and hit the concrete wall. Paul has suffered broken nose, cheek bone, ribs, and lacerated knees, as well as multiple bruising. Fortunately he is recovering well, and when I spoke to him this afternoon he was “at the check-out counter” at Westmead Hospital. He will be home tonight.
Paul confirms that many of his injuries were as a result of him “submarining” under the lap section of his seat belt. His head hit the steering wheel, his knees hit the firewall. He agrees that these injuries may have been minimised if not avoided with a six-point seat belt incorporating crutch straps.
Six-point belts are a requirement for all race cars, even Historic race cars. Are our fast road cars really travelling much slower if they hit the wall at a club sprint meeting?
So perhaps something good can come out of this.
I have put in a bulk buy from a reputable supplier, and have a quantity of FIA approved 6-point harnesses here, for sale to Club members, both NSW and interstate, at my cost price. They are the same belts that I have in my own race car. They incorporate two thigh (crutch) straps and are fitted to the car with clip-in buckles which attach to eye-bolts which you fit to the body shell. You can use your ordinary lap-sash seat belt for road use, and in under a minute fit the 6-point harness for SuperSprints etc.
Retail price for belts of this type can be well over $300.
Your price (my cost price) is:
$150
$ 10 freight to anywhere in Australia
$160
$ 16 GST
$176 total
If you want one, just email me with your address, credit my bank account, and it’s on its way.
The club has organised a Sunday run to Clayton Bay culminating in a quick visit to Curt’s “toyworld” and lunch at the great riverfront cafe – Sails.
We will meet at the Meadows Hotel Carpark
(can we do better than this mob??)
at 10 for a 10.30am departure, following a route through Macclesfield, Strathalbyn and Milang and returning to Meadows via Finnis, Ashbourne and the fabulous Bull’s Creek road.
For catering please let us know if you intend getting the sprite out of the shed! Especially all you people down south!!
It was great to see you at the recent Sprite National Challenge,.
Thank you for making the effort to attend. Also, please pass on our thanks to the others in your Club that attended. Attached is the Special Edition Sprite National Challenge Newsletter that I have put together. I would appreciate if you could pass this around within your club.
I also would like to mention that I read your article about the Challenge that is on your website. Very entertaining. A great read. 🙂 I hope you enjoy.
Cheers
Karen Gordon Newsletter Editor The Sprite Car Club of Qld Inc.
Kevin’s red BugEye [lovingly restored by both he & Dean King] is for sale for $22,000 ono? Details/photo on Carsales.com.au but Kevin would be happy to answer any questions on 85550456 most days
The club has organised a Sunday run to Clayton Bay culminating in a quick visit to Curt’s “toyworld” and lunch at the great riverfront cafe – Sails.
We will meet at the Meadows Hotel Carpark
(can we do better than this mob??)
at 10 for a 10.30am departure, following a route through Macclesfield, Strathalbyn and Milang and returning to Meadows via Finnis, Ashbourne and the fabulous Bull’s Creek road.
For catering please let us know if you intend getting the sprite out of the shed! Especially all you people down south!!
2014 SPRITE NATIONAL CHALLENGE AT WARWICK QLD.
For those who are unfamiliar with what a Sprite Challenge is, briefly it is a National gathering of Sprite owners from the various Sprite Clubs from around Australia, held usually over 3 days at Easter.
The activities are social runs around the district, Regularity and Sprints on a race track, Concourse judging and a Motorkhana. All these events are optional. Points are awarded for each discipline.
So on return from the 2012 National Challenge in Wangaratta I thought every effort should made to encourage more of our members to attend the 2014 Challenge. For the past 10 years our club has largely ignored this event. If you join any other one make car club the National event is always a high point in the Club’s list of events. So we were missing out on the fun, and really it is great fun, and you meet some really nice like minded people.
The morning of departure arrived and we met at Tailem Bend on Monday 14th April with our cars on trailers. We had Don and Elaine Cardone, Garry and Molly Beaton, Chris Miller and Barb Ridge, Gary and Fay Brock, Clive Spreadbury and Cheryl Pitt and David and Di Low. Chris and Tina Brine left the next day and took the Broken Hill route. Also attending were Sue, Helen and Grant Stephenson and Helen King, but they were flying up. First problem Garry Beaton failed to listen to Molly’s navigation instructions and was seen heading down the Expressway towards Adelaide, however he caught up the time and found us.
First stop for morning tea was Lameroo. The baker shop had just bought an espresso machine and we were it’s first customers, so that took a long time. Lunch was at Ouyen and then on to Balranald Caravan Park through Tooleybuc arriving mid afternoon. We broke out the nibbles and wine then walked to the RSL for dinner. The meal was tasteless and we vowed to find a better place when returned to Balranald on our way home.
Day 2 we headed for West Wyalong stopping at Hay for fuel and coffee. Just out of Hay we saw and large group of cattle grazing on the side of the highway, a great Aussie sight. We bought our lunch in Hay at the baker shop and stopped at Goolgowi. Here Clive Spreadbury caught up to us, he had motor home towing his Sprite, so his cruising speed was lower than ours. However did not stop as much as we did, so we named him the ”tortoise” as per the story about the tortoise and the hare. As were eating our lunch a Police car stopped and asked had we seen a small boy using the public phone. We said yes, and pointed to house he came from, apparently he playing with the phone and had dialled 000. By mid afternoon we arrived at West Wyalong caravan park. Shortly after arriving two vintage Morris cars arrived on trailers. We introduced ourselves only to find one of them was once a Sprite Club SA member and was about to sell his Mark 2. They were off to a Morris Club National Rally in Forbes.
Day 3 our destination was Narrabri. This took us to Forbes, Parkes, and at Peak Hill we stopped for morning tea. This is a small run down little town. Saw some old cars in a disused Holden dealership and found nice coffee shop/ antique shop. Then on through Dubbo, Gilgandra and lunch at Coonabarabran. Chris Miller an ex-truckie suggested the BP truck stop, but when got there it had been demolished so we head back to Shell and had a petrol station lunch. Soon we had arrived at Narrabri and found we had booked a really nice caravan park with close parking for our trailers. We ordered Pizzas and Chris and Tina Brine called in and had a couple of drinks, they had travelled from Broken Hill that day about 900k’s. Chris Miller had noticed the trailer Gary Brock had borrowed was swaying so we checked the tyre pressures only to find the tyre valves were shot. So around to the Tyre shop for new valves.
Day 4 was Warwick. So up to Bellata for fuel and coffee then on to Moree and lunch at Goondiwindi at the BP. Finally we arrived at Warwick about mid afternoon, and found our respective Motels all adjacent to each other. Cars we unloaded and the trailers parked behind one of the motels. Rooms were of a good standard. A welcome BBQ was held and we were given a bag of goodies which contained a book with all the info we needed, plus a smart jacket and a clutch alignment tool.
Friday we awoke to an early breakfast of good quality. About half the group went out to track and the rest went on a social run of about 200k,s. Garry Beaton came out to track with, but sadly his car had low oil pressure and he could not get 2nd gear in his new gearbox. Not wanting to risk further damage he chose not run in the Regularity. So that left Chris Brine, Clive Spreadbury and David Low to run in the Regularity.
Once the paperwork, scrutineering and the drivers meeting was over we were almost ready. All had to find a fit some padding to our roll bars. Garry Beaton and Chris Miller helped with this, then we we split into 6 groups of 6 cars. Before any competition took place we drove around the track for several laps behind a guiding car, and this enabled us to learn the racing lines.
Then we were called up in our groups. I approached this with some fear I would very slow, but gradually confidence and pace grew during the day. A coupe of corners I found the exact racing line, and on one occasion I went off the track. My times were slow, then as tried harder they became even slower, then gradually they began to improve. My final result was 15th, Chris Brine was 24th and Clive Spreadbury was 25th,. I was however, the slowest car. A lady from NSW, Wendy Gibbs was the winner.
Dinner was at the track and later that night the Rocker Cover racing took place. Much to everybody’s amazement, except the South Australians, Fay Brock won with complete and growing crowd support. The interstaters could not believe she kept beating all comers. Shortly afterwards it was the Scalectrix Model Car racing here Clive Spreadbury, who is right in to this, showed them all how it’s done.
On the Saturday my car had been in my ownership 30 years, but I was to find a couple of the cars had been owned for over 50 years. Chris Brine went out again to the track and competed in the Sprints and came back with a big grin on his face having had a great day. Clive wanted to go out but had car trouble. The rest of us went on 200k question and answer run having lunch at Stanthorpe. That night Dinner was at the close by Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre. Here we all dressed in Western Clothing and had a nice meal then were entertained with camp drafting and a stock whip demonstration. Yee Haa!
Sunday morning was concourse day. So we drove a short distance up to Leslie Park in the town centre and lined our cars up in model groups. Our great hope here was Don Cardone’s beautiful Bug eye. Don had very carefully trailored his car up having wrapped it in cling wrap and covered it with fitted car cover. Other cars there were a Sprinzel replica, Peter Clarke’s supercharged Bug eye, a street legal turbo charged Bug eye with 260 Hp from an A series motor. Don came 3rd, we were sorry to see him disappointed, technicalities in originality beat him. That night we went to the RSL club dressed in sixties clothing. Here the trophies were presented. SA came 4th, NSW 3rd, Victoria second and the winner was Qld. .
I was asked on many occasions by Qld, Vic and NSW members would our club host the next challenge, but I explained this was not all possible, and went on to fully explain the reasons.
Many times I found myself sitting at the motel having a beer with the friendly interstaters. One drove his bug eye with his wife down from Cairns, almost as far as we had come. On the way he had a flat tyre and as he was using outback roads, and he had to wait ages for help. He sent his wife off with the flat tyre about 200ks to the nearest town to have it repaired.
Monday came and we had breakfast loaded then up our cars, said our good byes and headed off to Moree. Don and Elaine stayed with friends at Goondiwindi and we went on to the Caravan park at Moree. Here we took to the Artesian spring waters at the caravan park, a very pleasant experience for our aging bones. . Ate at the local pub, which was in walking distance.
Next morning Don and Elaine re-joined us at 9:00 am and see set off for Gilgandra. Had morning tea at Narrabri in a good baker shop. Every Aussie town now has a good baker shop. Lunch was at Coonabarabran again at the baker shop. Graham and Margaret Hately from Sydney were travelling with us , they suggested we go and look at the Warrumbungle ranges , so did that and went on to the giant telescope. Leaving there I found that my Roo Shoo’s’ I fitted to my Forrester worked, as we saw a Kangaroo hopping away from our cars. The sceptics were still not convinced, but I can now point out we did not hit any Kangaroos on the trip despite seeing a few. Accommodation that night was at a motel with a room for each couple . Up till now on the trip up and back we had been sharing. Graham and Margaret took us to a great little pub run by a mother and daughter. Here the two Garrys tried to out hustle each other on the pool table.
More good weather, every day so far had been perfect, we drove to Peak Hill for morning tea, then on to the Parkes Telescope. Here we said good bye to Graham and Margaret Hately and drove to the Forbes Motor Museum. Here we had lunch and then did tour of the Museum. The owner enjoyed telling us car stories, as he quickly realised we were car people. Quite a lot of money was spent in the excellent gift shop, then on to the West Wyalong Caravan Park. Ate that night in the same pub as going up. Beds we a bit hard and sharing with only a curtain to separate the beds is not ideal, but you can’t always have everything.
Left West Wyalong heading for Balranald Caravan Park. Stopped at Goolgowi for morning tea at a little shop in a back street. Then lunch at the Hay baker shop. Spent some time wandering around the town. Noticed the Menswear shop sold huge knives. The we hit the Hay planes and stopped mid way for a stretch as we were all feeling the need to stretch. Finally arrived at Balranald Caravan Park. Our cars always attract people, and soon a guy appeared with photos of his classic cars. Then a MGTD drove in followed by a massive car trailer that parked close to use. Quickly we asked to se what was inside the trailer, and we shown an MGTF that had just won a national MG club concourse. The TD had come second. However we soon became engrossed in this fully enclosed car trailer, it was an amazing trailer built from aluminium and soft opening doors and roof and to aircraft engineering standard. Don was seen taking multiple photos of hinges and fittings. This time we ate at a great little Italian restaurant Café Cassaro in the main street of Balranald.
Finally the last day we stopped Ouyen for morning tea, at the recently up graded baker shop. Then to Lameroo for lunch. At Tailem Bend we said our good byes and headed home to unpack the usual mess.
Was the trip worth it ? Yes it was and I am sure at least most would go to the next one.
So should you!
The NSW club, the Sprite Club of Australia will be hosting the next one, so distances will be easier for us. But really if you have not been to a challenge and you rate yourself as a Sprite enthusiast then you owe it to yourself to make the effort. You won’t be disappointed. So put aside Easter 2016. You can do what we did, make it a holiday combined with the challenge.
David Low.
The Barossa weekend is coming up on 11th July to 13th July and we now have a vacancy for accommodation. We have activities planned and a great afternoon tea arranged at Ann and Mike’s home so if you would like to attend, please reply to me via email a.s.a.p.
Just a quick reminder that the May General Meeting is to be held next Monday 5 May at Fullarton Park Centre from 7.30pm.
Also that the Pot Luck dinner is being hosed by Chris and Barb on Saturday 10 May plase see the previous posts or the event calendar for further details
Clearance Sale of Sprites/Midgets and parts. The cars and parts are located at Goolwa. The house has been sold and I would rather sell the cars than move them! Get in quick!
Accordingly, here is the list re-visited, with discount prices if sold before April 11th.
· “Rubber nose” MG Midget, 1500 engine, left hand drive, complete, very straight, original and free of rust, motor and gearbox need to be re-installed. $4500 ONO
· “Round arch” MG Midget, left hand drive, straight, free of rust, no motor or gearbox. $2500 ONO
· Bugeye body shell, accident damage in front, but straight from fire wall back. $750 ONO
· Set of 5 historic racing composite wheels, designed by ASP racing, suit Sprite, 13 X 8. $500 ONO
· Pantech full of parts (Pantech not included) $3250 ONO
WEEKEND AWAY
11th -13th July.
We are heading up to the Barossa Motor Lodge for a get away weekend. We are going to Anne and Mike Schmidt’s home on Saturday for afternoon tea and then out for dinner. We secured 10 rooms and 5 have all ready gone, so if you are interested in coming along, $100 per night including breakfast, please get in touch with me though the website and put your name down. $50 deposit is required either at the next meeting or over the net with an email to let us know you have paid. If you decide to do it that way, please put your name and Barossa Weekend on the statement text so Mary can see it easily.
DONT MISS OUT. Have a break and give your car a run
Due to change of dates the Pea and Pie night is cancelled
This year we are heading to the Barossa Valley for our weekend away. We have secured 10 rooms at the Barossa Valley Lodge in Tanunda, with the cost being $100 PER COUPLE PER NIGHT including BREAKFAST every morning. Anne and Mike Schmidt have kindly offered to open their home for afternoon tea on the Saturday afternoon, and further details will follow in the near future.
Come and support your Club and have a good time. First come, first serve basis, 10 rooms are booked, so don’t miss out. Email the club website straight away to secure a room. Deposit needs to be made to Barb at the meeting in April. You are required to pay at this stage $50 per couple. Give your sprite a treat and bring it out for a drive and show it off.
33 members of the Sprite Club attended a BBQ at the Doube’s house that had everything, good food, good friendship, great cars to view and beautiful grounds to have them on. Once again thank you to Paul and Ruth for opening up their home for us all to enjoy
Seen at the MSCA Club presentation picnic at Bethany was the Late Judy and John Bowering’s Sprite. Dean King is now the owner, and has tidied up the car which has not been seen for several years . Note the reversed steering mounted wheel and the lockable hand brake, features John added to the car.
Older members of the Club will remember this car and it will always be known as Judy and John’s Sprite
1275 cc Block, 40 thou oversize, port n polished cast iron head, modified suspension both front and rear (telescopic Shocks, panhard rod, and front sway bar). Ribbed case gearbox 1 meeting since overhaul, Lightened flywheel and Hillman hunter equivalent clutch. Upgraded front discs and Wolesley 1500 Rear Drums. Speedwell triple master Cyl pedal box, steel fuel tank replaced with Poly urethane mounted through Boot Floor,.
Body is mostly fibreglass, walker bonnet fitted min 4 inch flares allround, doors and boot lid are steel.
Wheels are superlights 13inch 7inch width, fitted with formula ford rear tyres. Two spares complete included
The sell this has been a AHSDC racer for over 35 years.
It is a good club racer, ideal for the Challenge, or for a beginner
On a very hot Adelaide City Saturday night 40+degrees, 25 Sprite club members enjoyed a very pleasurable evening at the Hong Kee Restaurant to celebrate the year of the “Horse” and the start of the Lunar New Year.
Judging by comments passed during the evening, the food was declared very good, and service by the staff was very pleasant, conversation and laughter went on during the night culminating in a big Roar when Fay Brock!, yes its that woman again, confirming that like good wine she gets better with age was awarded 1st prize for the best Asian dressed woman, closely followed as runner up by Barb Ridge, a great effort by all ladies to impress their Yobbo shirted gentlemen.
The Mens Worst Shirt award went to David low and again very close runner up was Ken Dutch, many thanks to Michael McClaren representing Bentleys with 4 great prizes.
The owners welcomed our attendance as much as we enjoyed their restaurant , even though the lion was still in the Jungle, it was good number of members for the night and thanks to everyone who made an effort to be part of the night, so put on your thinking caps and lets make the next club dinner even better and the more members that come along to events like this can only strengthen our club’s appeal.
Please be aware that at the next meeting Gordon will be available for inspections from 7pm onwards – please let him know if you are intending to have you vehicle inspected by contacting him on 0417897905
You will need to have the following documents for historic registration – follow the link for the documents
Sprite Club Membership Renewal Form including Membership Subs or a Receipt for EFT Transfer.
Signed and Witnessed Statutory Declaration Form – and the vehicle inspected!
Current Log Book – $5.00 if a new Log Book is required.
Current Registration Certificate (Blue Registration Certificate – NOT the Registration Renewal Form)
For those of you that have entered this years event – don’t forget to get your cars out and blow the cobwebs off of them!! For those of you that haven’t, it is a great event well worth the trip up to the new venue at Echunga.
On a side note, I am now unable to attend this year’s event and I have an entry available if anyone wants it – email me
The weather was made to order what I call a ‘Purler” a good to be alive day with good company and fun had by all. Our guest of honour Gary had just received a well deserved Civic award from the Adelaide Hills Council for His very important part in the Men’s Tinker Shed project at Gumeracha’s a Volunteer yesterday at the local Australia Day Ceremony. Fay did a sterling job and won the thong throwing contest in a 3 way play off with Mike Schmidt and Barry Edson. We had a special performance by one of our new members Gerry playing the didgeroodo which very special being Australia Day gave ‘a true blu’ feel to the day.To add an extra international flavour we had Alan & Jan’s rellies visiting from the UK.
Kind regards
Anne Schmidt
from Barb
Our Australia Day was a great success. 24 people enjoyed the trip up to Gumeracha to the Brock’s enjoying a traditional BBQ, food and friendship. Food was a plenty and wine beer and spirits were downed.
Fay Brock kept the the girls a float by sinking the target twice and winning the Bowering Thong Throwing trophy, beating 2 other men. Well done Fay.
As if the day couldn’t get any better, we, as a club would like to congratulate Gary Brock on receiving the Citizen Award at a ceremony earlier in the day for his outstanding contribution for the organising and running of the Men’s Shed.
Attached at the link above is the third flyer with a little more detail and the request for payment. The Challenge Bank Account details have been provided, please ensure you put you name as the transaction reference details.
Spread it around pass the word let’s make sure everyone with a Sprite / Midget know it’s on!
If you have any questions. Please don’t hesitate to call or email me.
I have just been advised by the owners of the “Hong Kee” Restaurant that the Lion Dance Company who were going to perform the Lion dance on Saturday night have closed down and no longer available for this years New Year celebrations, no other options are available for the restaurants owners.
I have contacted other Restaurants who are putting on the New Year Lion dance and prices range from$69 to $88 each!, which is very expensive for a Dim Sim!
The Hong Kee Restaurant will still be having the $30 Banquet on Sat 1st Feb we can still have a very good dinner with good company.
Please email by Monday 13th if you would still like to go for dinner only.
Wanted – late model 1275 midget/sprite gearbox in good condition. And also if you know of anyone in the club who has a Morris 1000, I have a Morris minor ribbed gearbox for sale, a 22G171, $300.
Many thanks to Chris and Tina for a great evening last Saturday night. The weather was perfect, and 30 members were lucky enough to enjoy a three course meal thanks to the Brine’s. Even Father Xmas found time to come and visit us. To all those members who supported the evening, Im sure you had a good time, and to those who didn’t come, well there is always next year. Again, thanks to the Brine’s.
I am, after many years, selling my collection of Sprites/Midgets and parts. At this stage I am looking for a buyer who would take the whole collection. Alternately, if someone offered enough for either or both of the Midgets, I would throw in all of the parts. The cars and parts are located at Goolwa.
Here are the major items :-
· “Rubber nose” MG Midget, 1500 engine, left hand drive, complete, very straight, original and free of rust, motor and gearbox need to be re-installed.
· “Round arch” MG Midget, 1275 engine, left hand drive, straight, free of rust, no motor or gearbox.
· Bugeye body shell, accident damage in front, but straight from fire wall back.
· Fibreglass front, new, E-type style, suit all models.
· Fibreglass front, bugeye shape.
· MG Midget gearbox, very low mileage, gears in excellent condition, cracked casing.
· Several other gearboxes, Mark 1 to Midget, varying condition.
· Several half shafts, Mark 1 to Midget.
· Wire wheels, solid wheels.
· Set of 5 historic racing composite wheels, designed by ASP racing, suit Sprite, 13 X 8
· Bonnet, centre cowl section, mud guards, boot lids, doors.
· New rear mudguard, LHS, MG Midget
· Racing 1275 motor, hill climb winner from the seventies.
· Straight cut racing gearbox.
Note that even without the Midgets and the Bugeye shell, all of the rest of the collection (wheels, gearboxes, panels and parts in boxes would fill a small pantech. The LHD cars come with all parts required to convert to RHD
If I am not able to find a buyer for the lot I will need to consider selling individual parts. I will let you know if that happens.
A ballpark figure for all the cars and parts would be around $14,000. Failing that I would consider offers around $6,000 for the Rubbernose, $3,000 for the Roundarch, $2,000 for the Bugeye shell (including fibreglass front), and $5,000 for all the parts.
After a lifetime of great classic car memories, Rod decided it was high time he own a Bugeye, and at 86, he didn’t hesitate to contact us to send him a car in Florida. That’s Rod in his new baby, “Howard,” a 1960 Bugeye we went through and shipped to his door.
I salute Rod real viagra online without prescription living an ageless life, and for climbing in and out of his Bugeye as part of his daily ritual to stay young!
The Xmas meeting (BBQ supplied – byo drinks and chairs!) will be held Monday 2 December from 6pm at the Fullarton Park Community Centre 411 Fullarton Road.
Memberships are now due please fill out a new membership form so we can keep our records up to date. Fees remain unchanged.
N.B. You must which is better viagra or cialis be a financial member before 01 January 2014 to maintain historic registration!!!
Annual inspections of Conditionally Registered Vehicles and log book renewals – (Historic). Inspections will be carried out from 6pm on Monday night at the Fullarton Park Centre -please make a booking with Gordon Boyce to have this done!
You will need to have the following documents for historic registration – follow the link for the documents
Sprite Club Membership Renewal Form including Membership Subs or a Receipt for EFT Transfer.
Signed and Witnessed Statutory Declaration Form
Current Log Book
Current Registration Certificate (Blue Registration Certificate – NOT the Registration Renewal Form)
$5.00 if a new Log Book is required.
All in very cheap discount viagra good condition and surplus to a MG TC project none I understand have been used for racing, all harvested from road cars
· 1 x 4.555 – $200 ex UK from David Smith spares bin (he club races a sprite in the UK)
· 1 x 4.2 – $200 ex UK from David Smith spares – Sold
If you were intending to enter the All British Day 2014, but have not so far entered then you need to do so URGENTLY. Entries close on Friday pfizer viagra 50 mg online 15th November. Entries after that date will not be accepted. Entry forms can be downloaded from the All British Day website.
A reminder that the Annual General Meeting of the Sprite order levitra canada club will be held next Monday 4 November at 8pm Fullarton Park Centre, Fullarton.
Also trophies are to be returned so that they can be engraved for presentation at the December meeting.
The mid week run has been cancelled because it clashes with the Melbourne Cup.
Please consider helping out on the committee, without volunteers the club wouldn’t exist and the benefits we all glean would be lost!
Location: Target Rifle SA 132-134 Wingfield Road, Wingfield
Due to ongoing road works at the northern end of South Road the easiest route is to get onto Hanson Road and proceed north over Grand Junction Road, Cormack Road and after the railway line take the third on the right (Hines Road) which is the last street before you go up to the Port River Expressway.
At the end of the road turn right and Target Rifle SA is the first building on the left. There is off street car parking available.
Please bring photo ID and if your bringing your own rifle the appropriate licenses etc. discount cialis and viagra The cost is $20/shooter and lunch BBQ for $5 and tea/coffee/cool drinks are also available to purchase.
I wonder if the Sprite Club founders thought we would still be celebrating the club’s birthday forty one years later? To be honest I doubt whether the question was even thought of. They were probably too busy driving, racing, thrashing and fixing Sprites!
This year The Forty First Annual Dinner was held at the Royal Coach Lodge on Dequetteville Tce, Kent Town. We had the generous sized dining room all to ourselves and set up with eight round tables. The tables were decorated with a red, white and blue theme. Four helium balloons spouted from the centre of the table with mystery numbers on them,1,5,4 & 5. The Lodge supplied us with a chef for the night who organized the meal and served the buffet.
At about 6.30 people started to arrive, after half an hour or so our fifty five expected members had arrived and the buzz of conversation filled the room. During the breaks in serving the soup and entree President Kevin drew the ‘lucky spot’ prize, the lucky spot was in fact stuck under your chair so there was a frantic upending of chairs and groans of disappointment. The only thing I found was a rock hard piece of chewy with teeth marks in it.
When we had all settled down after the chair inspecting Gary Brock gave out his ‘Quiz’ question sheets. One per table for a combined table effort to answer the questions. Gary had an interesting range of questions, one of which was “what do you call the little thing on the end of a shoelace”? I wonder how many people who didn’t know can remember the answer. One of the founding members, Richard Stokes, gave a brief welcome and a thank you to the organizing committee, it was then time to find out who had won the quiz. Kevin stood up, he paused, Eddie McGuire style and announced that the winner was…. ‘The founding members table’. Cheers on the table erupted and all on that table received a prize. Raffle tickets had been given out for the remaining prizes, these were drawn and a number of people went home with chocolates or a bottle of wine.
By now it was dessert time and a delicious array of Pavlovas, éclairs, cakes and fruit salad were waiting for us. The Royal Coach put on a lovely meal and the function room was very nice. After coffee, tea, cheese and biscuits and some chatting it was time to head for home.
Thanks must go to Kevin & Rose, Barb & Chris for organizing the dinner and to Gary for setting the quiz. Thanks must also go to Michael McLaren for his donation to the canadian pharmacy viagra club. Unfortunately Michael and Pat were unable to attend.
Title: Target Shooting come and try day! Location: Target Rifle SA 132-134 Wingfield Road, Wingfield Link out: Click here Description: The club has accepted an invitation from Target Rifle SA to attend the State Range on Sunday 27th October 2013 and try small bore (22) target rifle shooting on their 50m range. A number of their members will be how to buy viagra in canada in attendance with their target rifles for us to use.
The cost is $20.00 per person which includes range fees and a box of 50 rounds.
We propose that everyone shoots 10 “sighting” rounds and then shoots 40 bench rest competion rounds.
We have been told that you are welcome to bring along your own 22 as long as you are licenced and the gun is registered and that you need to bring the appropriate documentation to support that. It will need to have a scope as the targets at 50 metres are very small.
You CANNOT bring your own ammunition.
The state Range is situated at 132-134 Wingfield Road, Wingfield and start time is 10:00am
Tea, coffee and cool drinks can be purchased at the range. Depending on numbers they will put on a sausage sizzle with salads at $5.00 for us which would be a small fund raiser for them.
Please email me by 7th October (general meeting) if attending at kevincaire@live.com
So for all of those that wanted to be either Roy Rogers or Dale Evans when they were kids come along and have a go and see if you would have survived in the wild west!
Kevin Caire
Ph:0409828385 Start Time: 10:00 Date: 2013-10-27 End Time: 15:00
Kevin and Rose Caire, Michael McClaren , David and Diane Low, Peter Stanley and Garry Beaton met up at Gepps’s Cross to start off on the Northern Run organized by Michael McClaren. Michael took an extended morning tea and lunch break and came straight from his office to honor his commitment to the day and returned to his office at the end of the run, thanks Michael for that effort.
Only two Sprites braved the anticipated bad weather, Peter Stanley and Garry Beaton have Sprites made of Sterner Stuff and civilian vehicles made up the numbers. It was nice to welcome Peter back again after a long absence in his repainted M2 Sprite complete with racing numbers etc, Peter is a keen Hill Climb competitor in his Sprite. We proceeded up the Northern Highway to Gawler avoiding the many Huge Semi trailers that came past us to Gawler where nature overtook Garry Beaton’s self control and a wee break was needed, its a long from Lenswood on a cold morning. Next stop was at the Local Winery at lyndoch where we sampled various wines which must have been appealing as some of us purchased some bottles, I personally find it hard to balance a bottle of wine on my knees whilst driving a Sprite, that done off to the Williamstown for a prebooked lunch and I think everyone enjoyed their lunch.
Much frivolity and discussion took place and we all got to know of the Endearing terms Garry Beaton’s 93 year old mother calls him (cannot be posted on our site). After the long lunch we proceeded to the Cudlee Creek Area and Corkscrew sections
Corkscrew Road
of the Tarmac Rally and finally all made our own way home buy viagra cialis levitra home. The weather was very kind to us and the sunshine was great , good company, nice lunch again thanks to Michael for organizing this Midweek run , Garry Beaton
SPRITES ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY & MURRAY RIVER 2013
A few months ago the Sprite Club of South Australia was invited to send members overto Victoria to participate in the upcoming High Country run. This was being planned by John Fowler from the Victorian Sprite Drivers Club. Our Club responded by David & Dianne Low, Chris & Tina Brine, Garry & Molly Beaton, Russell & Judy Schmarr and not from our club, but from South Australia Peter & Rhonda Fietz.
The event was to be over 5 days touring the high country of Northern Victoria and Southern NSW. All good sealed winding roads, perfect for our Sprites. List of accommodation were sent out and we made our own bookings. Constant emails kept us informed and excited. Eventually we had 21 starters from VIC, NSW and SA. Three groups were formed, LIVELY, SMART PACE and SCENIC OR VERY FAST, FAST AND BRISK.
Back in SA, Russell & Judy Schmarr had decided to drive to Melbourne a few days before the start; Peter and Rhonda Feitz were driving to Bright, both in their Sprites. Gary Beaton and Chris Brine and I were going to trailer our Sprites to Melbourne. We would then start the run at the official start at Coldstream.
However before each of us started out, certain things needed to happen. Gary Beaton had decided to build a tilt car trailer from plans given to him by Neil Scott from Sydney. Neil was also entered on the run. Garry worked week in week out on this trailer, finally finishing it on midday the Monday prior to the start on Wednesday. Then he set for Melbourne arriving at mid night. He then had to find the Lilydale Caravan Park, with 35 year old street directory and without Sat Nav. Being a resourceful fellow, he and Molly found it, and were then able to relax. Chris Brine had decided to fit a new motor to his Bug-eye as the old 948ccc motor was quite tired, and not liking hills. As we would go up some very steep and long hills, fitting a fresh motor seemed a good idea. This was completed the week before and then tuned. After a quick road test the car was loaded on the trailer and he and Tina set off on the Sunday prior the start for Melbourne. Then it was my turn. I had arranged with Bug-eye Barn proprietor Tony Bennetto to supply and fit Mark 3 Sprite disc brakes to my Bug eye. Not only were going be climbing big long steep hills, we would be coming down long steep hills, so 7 inch drum brakes were seen as a liability. We set off for Melbourne on the Saturday prior to the start, planning to have car at Tony’s workshop on either Sunday afternoon or Monday Morning. As it turned out we dropped off on Sunday Afternoon. On Monday morning work commenced on removing the old drums. Progress was slow as Tony had customers calling and phoning in, but this was not a problem as we still had Tuesday. Again more interruptions, but that is how small business works, so eventually the job was finished late Tuesday PM. I was sort of helping out during the process, trying to save time where possible. So all three were now in Melbourne so we decided along with Tony and Kerry Bennetto go for a meal. Tony chose a pub a fair way out of town. By now we were all staying at the Lilydale Caravan Park. We booked a taxi and the ladies went in the taxi first, then it returned took us. When we arrived at the Hotel I asked the driver to collect us later. After the meal we rang the cab company and they explained a cab was on the way. Meanwhile Tony and Kerry dropped the ladies back at caravan Park. We had a beer and waited for a cab, but the barman said, he had never seen a cab come back at that time of night. So we rang Tony to come back and collect us
Next morning we awoke ready for the start, I got fuel and took a look at Garry Beaton’s trailer. What a great job he had done! Then it was off to the start, Chris and Tina we not quite ready, but would catch us up as he was running a little late. Next a phone call, Chris could not start his car. So Garry and I made a dash back to help Chris. At first we thought he had flooded it. After trying a few things I rang Tony Bennetto who gave us some more suggestions and we finally got it going, but it was not running very well.
At the start we were given a bag containing all manner of goodies including a windscreen sticker of the event, but most importantly our book showing our route instructions for each day, plus the allocated times for each stop. First reaction was that it was too organized, but as time went by it became obvious John had a well thought out plan, so we could do a lot each day, but still arrive at our destination between 4:00 and 4:30pm.
Next thing we were off in our groups. Lachlan Fowler was driving John Fowler’s car, our lead car, which is a quick car, so I had trouble keeping up, but they kept track of us all. The first section took us around Lake Eildon, on a newly sealed road. What a great road, as well as a great introduction to the run as a whole. At Eildon we had morning tea lasting 20 minutes, then on to Jamieson for lunch. Here we fuelled up, and John had a list of petrol stations along the route that had 98 octane fuels in our route book. From there we travelled through Mansfield, towards Benalla on to Milawa. Here we met up with Geoff and Eileen Graham, the real characters of the whole group. Then on to Bright. At Bright Graham and Margaret Hately, Neil and Lorina Scott, Peter and Rhonda Feitz joined us, along with Karen Postill and Rod Pratt who caught us at Mansfield. We walked up to the Alpine Hotel for a great meal. Then we retired to our cabins. We were sharing with Russell and Judy Schmarr in a family sized cabin. On checking our cars I found my horn and blinkers not working. A horn wire had come a drift and I needed a new blinker can and a top up of engine oil. Russell had needed a blinker bulb and an exhaust strap. All sorted by the next morning. That day we drove 365km. A fair way in a Sprite, but what great fun.
Geoff Graham’s unusual hardtop.
Day 2 was Anzac Day so several of us went to the dawn service in Bright. After that we grabbed some breakfast ready for the drivers meeting, which we had each morning prior to departing. At these meetings John explained the day’s activities, and pointed out things we should watch out for like rough patches of road. This morning he mentioned a landslide that had taken out the road, and was being re-built. So we off for Mount Hotham, but soon we were stopped at the landslide. Well it was about the size of a football ground. A bushfire followed by a storm had made the hill very unstable, so down it came. Eventually we got going and drove some very twisty Sprite roads, most cars had the tops down, and the wind factor must have been about -10-15 degrees. So you needed to be buying viagra from canada well rugged up. Snow on the roadside.
Mt Morning tea at Hotham.
From there we went to Omeo, re-fuelled and looked at the old Goal. Then continued on to Anglers Rest, which is a motel for trout fisherman, but is attached to an old hotel called the Blue Duck Inn. He we all had great lunches some had trout caught that morning from the adjacent stream.
A parrot tried to steal my bread from our table, knocking over glasses and cups in the process. After lunch we headed to Falls Creek, another great road. Here it was very windy and cold, and was about to start raining or snowing. One left hand corner went around almost 360 degrees. Then a treat awaited us at Mt Beauty, a fudge factory. A Police patrol stopped and asked about all the Sprites, and was quite interested in our run; however he was amazed that we had the tops down. From Mt Beauty we headed back to Bright. This day we travelled 245 km. Chris Brine’s car was misfiring and he was having trouble getting gears. So to the rescue came Graham Hately and Lachlan Fowler. Lockie bled the clutch, while Graham adjusted the pedal and re-tuned the weber carbie. Soon Chris was smiling and the car was near perfect. Dinner was out at Rae and Alby Turner’s property just out of town. So we went into Bright and bought meat to BBQ, wine and nibbles. I bought a long sleeve T-Shirt as I was not quite warm enough on the mountain runs. Out at the BBQ the Turners had prepared a campfire, BBQ, Pizza oven. They went to enormous trouble to make us all welcome.
Day 3 we travelled up to Mt Buffalo to see the old chalet. This has sadly been closed as it does not meet modern health and safety regulations. Great views from up here, at the top of a challenging drive up the mountain. Morning tea was at the historic Homestead Estate Winery at Happy Valley. A truly beautiful property, which is also a winery.
So scones and jam with cream, wine tasting, olive tasting and tour of the homestead. A group photo was taken on the front steps of all of us. Lunch was at Tallangatta. The baker shop sold out of pies, but they made great sandwiches. Then with a couple of stops we arrived at Corryong for our night’s stay. After a tour of the local museum we retired to the motel. We had completed 275km. out came the nibbles, wine, beer, etc. and very soon a group formed. Then a short walk up to the local for dinner. John had organized a discount special set menu. Geoff Graham entertained several of us at the bar. Sometime during the day I lost my reading glasses, but bought a pair at the hemist.
Day 4 the first destination was morning tea at Cabramurra, the highest town in Australia. Another great drive to get there. Here we bought fuel from a self-serve pump, took me a while to figure how it worked. Morning tea had been pre-arranged to save time-great idea. From here we headed back down the mountain to Southern Cloud Memorial lookout. From the lookout you see a huge mountain. Signboard here gave details of a plane crash into mountains in the 1930’s. Lunch was at the Walwa pub, which was again pre-arranged. $18 for a roast beef lunch. They were selling caps and stickers with ‘Where the F#*? Is WALWA PUB on them. In mid afternoon we stopped at the Wymah Ferry to cross the Murray River. After last year crossing the Murray 10 times in South Australia this was an extra crossing, but at the highest level of the Murray. Another stop was made at the site of the old Hume Weir Racing circuit. Tony Young told us about the track, re-calling an early Sprite Challenge. Soon we arrived at the Boathaven Holiday Park. After some confusion we all found our cabins, and out came the nibbles and drinks. Then we all assembled at the central Hall for dinner. The previous night John had taken our orders for Pizzas, and Harry the Seik Indian complete with Turban and Aussie ascent delivered 44 boxes with our names on each box. Pretty soon we were all eating and making a huge noise. A few thank you speeches were made, and the night concluded. That day we drove 294 km.
Day 5 The final day. A few good byes were done before we left as people were starting to go in various directions. Our first stop was Yackandandah, just for a look as this a very interesting town, with some quirky shops. Then on to the famous Beechworth Bakery. Here you can have and I did a ‘Ned Kelly’pie, which is a meat pie with bacon, egg and cheese on top, a complete breakfast. Here along with Garry and Molly, Chris and Tina we decided to head back to Melbourne, as Tony Bennetto would we waiting to let us into his factory to load our cars on to the trailers. So we said our good byes and headed off. This we did arriving at Tony’s only to find the trailers were hitched to the tow cars, all we had to was load them on. We then headed off stopping a clear of Melbourne. The rest of the group had a slower trip back to the Yarra Glen for a goodbye gathering, then on to Lilydale for the official finish.
In total we drove in 5 days, 1539 km. You may think that’s not far, but the roads were very technical, but such fun. In my group were three hot 1275 Sprites, a very hot 1098 Sprite and a 998 Sprite and my 948 Sprite. However I did find keeping up hard work, and long periods at high revs in second gear. Some hills were 70% third gear, 25% second gear and only 5% fourth gear. Everybody was enjoying themselves, and the size of the groups seemed to work very well, and John Fowler’s organization worked perfectly. Car problems were minimal, Garry Boyd needed at starter motor repaired and David King needed a re-placement generator , the auto-electrician in Bright fixed both of these problems very quickly. John is thinking about doing it all again in 2015, all things equal Di and I we will be there along with many others.
PS. Photos were from David King’s list of photos combined with some of mine.
Today we had the pleasure of attending a very well organized run, a feast of beautiful scenery in our local hills area, really sumptious foods, nice wines, cheese platters and fantastic company. The run was organized by Pat and Michael who took us along some roads many can i buy viagra of us had not travelled on, from the club rooms along the back way in the fog to Mount Barker where we had a very nice coffee and comfort stop, to Echunga, through Meadows to nearly Strathalbyn and then on a different route to Echunga where we had lunch at the Hagen Arms Hotel. 18 members attended and along with champagne upon arrival, it all added up to a really wonderful day.
For those of you who wanted to know how the clutch was fairing after the problems I had viagra available in india on the High Country trip this is what’s happened… oops a bit too far
RSVP Monday 24th June, to Michael McLaren we can confirm our lunch booking.
The weather prediction is for a fine day and that’s a great reason to get the Sprite out for this this Club event. We have planned an interesting route through the eastern hills and have road tested the lunch venue.
:
Meet at the Fullarton Park Centre at 9.30am for a 10.00am depart.
If you are coming from Gumeracha or Goolwa give Michael McLaren a buy canada viagra call for an alternative on-route pick up.
We will wind our way through the hills, and yes there will be a pit stop, in the general vicinity of Mt Barker, Echunga, Macclesfield.
Lunch at 12.30pm
On arrival we will have bubbles, it is New Year’s Eve after all! There will be a 20 question New Year’s eve quiz so brush up on the trivia. There is a good range of menu selections and we’ll finish with cheese and crackers.
For clarification – you will need to pay for your main meal and any extra drinks you might want.
Numbers have been down at the last few social events with one even being cancelled in May for lack of numbers!
A generic levitra canadian healthcare club is only as strong as its membership and I ask that you give serious consideration to coming along and supporting your club, we guarantee you will have a good time.
This Saturday night at Chris Millers house at 95 Sherbrooke Boulevard, Woodcroft 6:30pm for a pot luck dinner.
Bring along a hot pot of stew, mornay, casserole or even a curry to share.
To-day we held the first mid-week run for our Club. Attending were Garry & Fay Brock (MGB GT), Garry Beaton & Molly (Sprite Mk3a), Miles & Bev Jackson ( Sprite Mk2a) and ourselves in our Bug-Eye. Two couples had to cancel, so it was a small group. Our President joined us for lunch. The weather was not buy viagra overnight delivery great, but we managed to dodge the worst of it.
The run started at Hazelwood Park winding it’s way through the hills to the Mount Torrens Hotel. On the way we stopped at Johnsons Cordial Factory at Balhannah for morning tea and cordial tasting. While there a huge down pour occurred, but we missed driving through it.The route we took was not direct, but we used some great roads which were mostly deserted. No motor bikes, no cycles.
While the attendance was small I feel we should persist with the concept of the mid-week run, as all agreed it was a good idea. The Hotel great and we had all to ourselves. So when we do it next time please try it out.
Some members of the club are attending the Moonta Cornish Festival on 24th – 26th May and are having dinner at the Seagate Bistro 171 Bay Road, Moonta at 7p.m Saturday 25th. If you viagra professional pfizer are coming up individually and would like to join us will you please phone the Bistro yourself on 88253270 and add your name to the list. The booking is under the Sprite Club.
The start now is 10:15am for a 10:30am start. Start is at the Hazelwood Park on the Cnr of Howard Tce and Davenport Tce.
The following have indicated by email then intention of attending. Russell & Judy Schmar (pending repairs to their springs) Garry and Molly Beaton, Chris & Tina Brine, Miles & Bev Jackson, David & Di Low and Kevin Caire for lunch. If natural viagra pills your name is not listed, but you wish to go could you please email to dslow@tpg.com.au your numbers.
The Nota IV Fang is also a fantastic sports car built and also restored at Nota Engineering At DuraL in Sydney. Our car was totally restored by Chris Buckingham, Guy’s Buckingham’s son, back in 1997. The car is fully road registered and with full compliance by Regency in South Australia. Reluctantly the car is for sale and offers over $17000 will buy cheap viagra online be accepted. The purchaser can drive this car to their residence or it can be delivered at cost on our trailer. In 14 years of amazing driving, racing, and total enjoyment this car has never ever let us down, mechanically or otherwise.
Regards and guaranteed happy motoring to all.
John & Nola Seymour.
1 Sprite, 1 MG and 1 bugeye along with 3 modern day cars ventured through the hills for Kens Pub Lunch run.
After leaving the Club rooms we wound our way through Blackwood, Coromandel Valley and up into Mylor generic viagra soft tabs on a beautiful morning. We travelled through very picturesque roads with the autums leaves just turning, and luckily it was one of the runs where we did not have the lycria’s on the road. Heading towards Echunga we turned to Flaxley and made our way to Mt Barker ending up at the Bridgewater Hotel, where Chris and tina joined us. It was lovely inside the beautiful old hotel and the food was to die for. After a few refreshments and an enjoyable luncheon, we all headed off our different ways, some to shop while others, although they said they were babysitting dogs, we figure it was really to watch the Showdown. Anyway, congratulation to Port and thanks to Ken and Mary
Go to the Bug-eye Barn website www.bugeyebarn.com. and check out ‘Whats New’. and See the the artícle, ”The Countdown has started” about re-assembly of a Bugeye in 16days.
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Take a look at www.distributordoctor.com This site explains the problems associated with the current rotors available and how some new technology can eliminate the problems. This is the result of an article in the latest edition of the Sprite Drivers Club of Vic magazine.
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Australia Day
23 members wound their way up to Gumeracha to Fay and Gary Brock’s home for the traditional Australia Day BBQ and what a day it turned out to be. Adelaide put on wonderful weather for the event. Lots of nibbles, including Molly’s wonderfully exhilirating prawn crackers, and along with the barbie food and sweets, which were mouthwateringly delicious, none fattening of course, ha ha ha!, and with all the alcoholic beverages one could imagine, make it an enjoyable day.
The Australia Day Trophy, renamed the John Bowering trophy, in remembrance of John, was won by one of our newest members, Gerry Thompson, who assured us that he would cherish and care for the trophy until next year.
Thanks again to the Brocks for opening up their lovely home for a really enjoyable event.
Dont forget the thong throwing and Australia day BBQ at the Brock’s
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Details
Title: Australia Day – Thong Throwing Contest Location: Fay & Gary Brock’s10 Ebenezer Pl Gumeracha Description: The traditional Sprite Club Australia Day event and we will continue holding the event as a memorial to John Bowering at the Brocks. BYO drinks, BBQ meat and salad OR sweet to share Start Time: 11:00 Date: 26-01-2013 End Time: 16:00
High Country & Murray River Tour – Anzac Weekend Update
Fantastic driving & scenic roads have been chosen for all sections of this 5 day tour at an average of 300km / day.
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The drive from Lilydale / Coldstream up to Bright, and the return home from Hume Weir to Lilydale all form part of the event over selected ‘Spritely’ touring roads with scenic stops along the way.
TOUR SUMMARY:
Wednesday 24th April: Travel from Lilydale/Coldstream to Bright overnight via Thornton, Jamieson, Benalla and Milawa.
Thursday 25th : Travel from Bright to Mt Hotham, Omeo and Anglers Rest, Mt Beauty and back to Bright overnight again.
Friday 26th : Travel from Bright to Corryong overnight via Mt Buffalo, Happy Valley and Tallangatta.
Saturday 27th: Travel from Corryong to Ebden on Lake Hume via Cabramurra, Elliot Way, Walwa and Bell Bridge.
Sunday 28th: Travel from Ebden to Lilydale via Beechworth, Oxley, Whitfield, Mansfield and Yea.
ACCOMMODATION:
There has been a huge response to this event, and it is almost full, with 18 couples already booked in with their deposits paid for the accommodation. We have 5 couples from SA, 2 couples from NSW, and the rest from Vic.
In fact there is only one room left at the Corryong Mountain View Motel (we have all the rooms and phone numbers in the previous listing) so any extra folk will have to try the Corryong Country Inn (02 6076 1333) over the road back towards the centre of town a few hundred metres. (The Corryong Hotel Motel (02 6076 1004) booked for the evening meal, is about half way between, and has cheaper ‘basic’ workman type cabins out the back too.).
However at the other o/n venues there are a couple of cabins left that are still reserved for us.
MEALS: All the evening meal venues have been booked as well as a couple of lunch venues, but meal choices will be yours, and pay as you go.
NUMBERS:
I will ‘cap’ the numbers to about 21- 24 couples, as otherwise we will have too many at the venues and on the road, even though I will split everyone into 3 touring speed groups.
ROUTE:
There has been a small modification to the routes that will not affect those coming from NSW. The group has voted to modify the route up, to include the Thornton-Jamieson run, and do the Whitfield-Mansfield run on the way back. I have further details if you need them. All else is the same as listed earlier.
BOOKINGS:
If you do want to make a booking (at all 3 venues) please let me know so I can keep a track of numbers, and for catering purposes etc, and for further contact about updates.
It is all very exciting, and the Second Newsletter with more details for those attending is about to be e-mailed out.
If you have any further queries contact John Fowler on 0400 278 375 or jfowler@dcsi.net.au
“WOW WOW WOW” those who chose not to attend last nights mid week run missed out on an event worthwhile going to.
On a very warm evening, 15 members met at Pat and Mike’s home for drinks and nibbles and then we all wound our way down to the Sailmaster at North Haven, via Glenelg, West Beach, Henley Beach, Semaphore, Fort Glanville, noting many wonderful sights of Adelaide along our journey. Some members met us there, while others like John made hasty urgent repairs on the side of the rode to continue his journey.
The meals were fantastic, the drinks were brillantly cold and the conversations were riviting and very informative. Thanks again to the McLaren’s for taking the time to prepare, book and make an enjoyable run/evening for those who attended.
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Don’t forget the Australia Day thong throwing and BBQ will be held at the Brock’s in Gumeracha this year. Please bring drinks and bbq food plus either a salad or sweet to share. See the events calendar for full details!
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This year after five years of asking by the Sprite Drivers Club of Victoria the Grand Prix board is allowing Bugeye’s to parade the drivers prior to the running of the Formulae One and the V8 races, on the Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March.There will be 27 Bugeye’s on parade. So make sure you don’t miss this TV coverage.
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Take a look at the latest issue of The BMC Experience (Issue 4 January-March 2013) at your Newsagent. Page 23 is a full page article on the 5 Ferries Run. Also page 12 is an article on our Vic cousins Club, The Sprite Drivers Club of Vic.
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Garry and Molly have had an exceptional cherry season and they would like to let club members know that there are still plenty of the best organic cherries available to pick over this weekend. This is one of the best seasons for years so if you have a hour or two get up to Lenswood and get a bucket or two! Special $5 per kilo for sprite club members!
Paul and Ruth Doube were delightful hosts for our final end of year Xmas Sprite Club party.
29 people attended and all had a wonderful time. Even Father Xmas arrived and seemed to enjoy himself. (may have consumed a little too much Xmas cheer, however).
Merry Xmas to your all and your family and a happy New Year.
Hi fellow Sprite drivers, We had a great day at the Felix’s garage with many cars getting a carbi tickle. Some were not that bad but it was good to see them performing better. Some needed attention and one even gave me grief with the fast idle screws from the choke causing some issues. Needless to say the audience were merciless. Thanks to the chefs we had a nice lunch and fellowship. I hope all had a good time.
The Conditional Historic Registration Scheme has been developed to allow vehicles manufactured before 1st January 1979 (of either right or left hand drive) to be registered conditionally so they can be used for a maximum of 90 days per year.
The Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs and Transport SA has granted the Sprite Club of SA the authority to approve Conditional Registration for Austin Healey Sprites and MG Midgets. Gaining this authority requires the Sprite Club and it’s officers and members to abide by a Code of Practice that outlines the responsibilities for all people using this registration scheme.
For a detailed description of the ‘NEW’ processes and your responsibilities under the amendments to the scheme please refer to the club letter below and the other documents attached. Or the club Historic Rego Page.
Go into Google and type in ”My Sprite John Fowler”. Up will come a series of very interesting articles about Sprites and lots of technical information. Well worth the read.
Saturday 20th October
We’ll also have a couple of guests, one from the Sporting Car Club whetting our appetite for the upcoming Adelaide Motorsport Festival and the Michelin Man coming to the meeting to talk tyres.
ALL WILL BE REVEALED : NOT TO BE MISSED:
![2016-05-18 12.52.19[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.spriteclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2016-05-18-12.52.191.jpg?resize=314%2C236)
po on the Landy! And you couldn’t miss the hot pink Eureka!
Hi just a reminder about the Australia Day activities – Fay and Gary will host the Australia Day BBQ and throng throwing comp. Starts at 11.00 am on Monday 26th January. Bring your own meat for BBQ drinks and chair and a salad or dessert to share. 
