HOUSTON MG CAR CLUB

Inside this issue:

2014 Pinewood Gran Prix

1

Poker Rallye 5

News from Holland 6

Member Sightings 7

Points Standings 8

25 Years Ago 9

Classifieds 10

August 2014

Volume 43, Issue 8

www.houstonmgcc.com

THE ROARS

(MX5) track racer to compete on a na-tional level in the Playboy Cup series. Alara currently has two cars in the top five points standings including the own-er/driver Ara Malkhassian.

Against this backdrop of exotic automo-biles, the HMGCC proudly set up the track to run our pinewood creations. Ron Snider, who arrived at home from a

2014 Pinewood Gran Prix

We kicked off the second Pinewood Gran Prix at Alara Garage at 9:00 a.m. with coffee and kolaches. If you have not been to Alara Garage, it is a climate controlled car storage, detailing, and maintenance facility located at 3233 West 11th St. They also provide high-end car service specializing in Lambor-ghinis, Ferraris, and Miatas. Yes, you read that correctly. They can equip you with a brand new, cutting edge Miata

Rob Snider acted as track builder, time clocker and flag girl, and for that we are grateful.

business trip around 1:00 a.m. that morning, once again provided the track. Ron and his son Keith manned the track and made sure everything was working properly. There were twelve Pinewood entries this year and many more folks that showed up to spectate and cheer on the contestants.

When the racing was done and the smell of burned graphite was fading from the air, the top speed rank-ings were as follows:

1. Wayne Hardy

2. Isabel Hardy

3. Ray Holtzapple

4. John Youens

5. Steve Cochran

6. Gordon Bard

The trophies awarded were:

Speed Demon: Wayne Hardy

Alara Garage Pick: Ray Holtzapple

Sportsmanship Award: Brett Cimo

Craftsmanship Award: Dave Renner

People’s Choice: John Youens

Kudos to those who drove their MGs to the event on such a hot day include Dan Asbury in his1962 MGA, Roger Sykes in his1969 MGC/GT, Greg Fleischer in his1971 MGB, Dwight and Candy Daw-son in their 1973 MGB, Gordon Bard in his 1973 MGB, and Greg and Stephanie Woodward in their 1980 MGB LE.

- Dave Renner

2014 Pinewood Gran Prix

AT A GLANCE

2014 Houston MG Car Club Events Calendar

August 9 - Poker Rallye

September - Bayou cruise (tentative)

October-Fall GOF / All Brit Car Show

2014 Pinewood Gran Prix

At The Drive-In

The Abingdon Poker Rally will be run this Saturday, August 9, 2014, beginning at 10:00 am at The Stag’s Head Pub, 2128

Portsmouth Street (in Shepherd Plaza, corner of Richmond and Shepherd).

This is an OPEN MARQUE poker rally for all vintage British and European cars. The MG, Austin Healey, Triumph and

Morgan clubs have been invited.

Donuts from River Oaks Donuts and Starbucks coffee will be served promptly at 10:00, and we will leave shortly thereaf-

ter. There will be three stops before returning to Stag’s Head for lunch, drinks, awards, darts and racing movies!

We will rope off parking spaces at Stag’s Head for an impromptu car show, so shine up the wheels!

SEE YOU SATURDAY!

Plan on enjoying a hearty meal and libations at The Stag’s Head around 12:30 pm. They serve over 50 draft beers as well as

English and Southwest breakfast on Saturdays until 3:00 pm. Darts will be available, and the 1955 film, The Racers,

(starring Kirk Douglas) will be playing.

First Stop - 10:00 am Stag’s Head Pub (donuts and coffee served)

Second Stop – Speed and Sport Chrome Shop on Broadway (they are one of the premier chrome shops in the USA,

and have many celebrity customers including Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage)

Third Stop – Reserve Supply Company on Washington Ave. (clothing and gear for “gearheads”)

Fourth Stop – Foyt and Co. Machine Shop off Long Point (Joe Foyt Sr. is a cousin of A.J. Foyt. They have been in

the specialty machining business since 1954)

Fifth Stop – 12:30 pm – Stag’s Head Pub (awards, drinks, food)

For questions, contact the Rallymaster:

Cragg Eubanks – eubanks@barrierresources.com

or (281) 467-1874

Poker Rallye!!!

News from Holland

I've recently had a note from Jaap Verkaik in Holland. He is a long time friend of the Houston MG Car Club, occasional correspondent to the ROARS and has attended our monthly meetings a few times. Jaap is on the planning committee for the MG Car Club of Holland's 60th Anniversary in June 2015. They have named this upcoming event 60 Years of Adventure. To go along with the adventure theme the event location will be the famous De Beekse Bergen Sa-fari Park in the South of Holland. There are holiday house rentals available at the park and many other local accommodations. The date for this International MG Event of the Year is June 11-14, 2015. If you are considering at-tending, see details on the MG Club of Holland website at http://www.mgcarclub.nl/ or contact the event website at lustrum@mgcarclub.nl Here's the safari park website http://www.safariparkbeeksebergen.com/ . The MG Car Club of Holland is full of welcoming friendly folks who love to have a good time. 90% of the Dutch speak English so if you attend you won't have to worry about any language issues. Elke and I and another MG couple from Round Rock spent a couple of weeks in Hol-land this spring when the tulips were blooming. While there, we had dinner with Jaap and Don (another MG friend from Holland) and really had a fabulous time talking with them. Bob Crow Houston MG Car Club

Member Sightings

Anyone who would like to host an event in 2014, please contact Dave Renner to discuss and get on the calendar as soon as possible. 2014 is shaping up to be a very busy year!

The club needs a new events coordinator for 2015. If interested, you can help

Dave plan the Nov. 2014 event. Dave Renner cell phone: 713-301-7620 email: drenner@sbcglobal.net

From Bob Crow:

Two photos of a 4 door MG sedan parked near the Museumplein in Amsterdam, Holland in April 2014.

Quite a handsome car.

And Greg Ulrich up to no good in

Minnesota.

Driver(s) Events Points

Bard/1973 MGB **), 2), 3),4), 6), 7), 8), 9), 10), 11), 13), 14), 15), 16), 18), 19), 20) 25.05476

Sykes/1965 MGB/1969 MGC/GT 9, 12), 13), 16), 17), 20) 14.2672

Fleischer/1971MGB 2), 4), 6), 11), 13), 14), 18), 20) 14.0643

Woodward/1980 MGB/LE 1), 2), 4), 5), 6), 9), 11), 13), 20) 13.51394

Snider/1976 MGB **), 2), 3), 4), 6), 7), 11), 14), 19) 10.57308

G Smith/1964 MGB 2), 4),11), 13) 10.45668

Aguado/1979 MGB 9), 11), 13), 18) 7.9249

Ryder/1959 MGA 6), 11), 17) 5.4314

Hausmann/1948 MGTC 2), 9), 12) 5.049

Schiller/1972 MGB 6), 9), 11) 4.3296

Mollere/1973 MGB 4), 6) 3.576

Asbury/1962 MGA 6), 20) 3.5386

Littlefield/1962 MGA 9), 12) 2.977

Rosenquist/1955 MGTF 9), 12) 2.8

Sandy/1971MGB/Jag XKE 2), 12) 2.6432

Rook/1974 MGB 7), 19) 2.2

Myers/1971MGB 11) 1.9056

Moran/1964 MGB 6) 1.704

Kelley/1967 MGB 11) 1.6896

B Wiggins/1953 MGTD 2) 1.4

Dowty/1953 MGTD 11) 1.4

Ulrich/1953 MGTD 13) 1.4

Redding/1952 MGTD 13) 1.4

R Colwell/1960 MGA 11) 1.3

LaMaster/1980 MGB/LE 9) 1.2848

Robbins/1973 MGB/GT 2) 1.2

Laman/1967 MGB 11) 1.2

Cannon/1971 Midget 16) 1.2

Biggerstaff/1974 TR6 11) 1.1

Dawson/1973 MGB 2), 4), 6), 8), 9), 10), 11), 16), 20) n/a

Holtzapple/1974 B/GT 2), 4), 6), 16) n/a

Youens/1947MGTC 4), 11), 13), 18) n/a

Events to date: **) bonus points 2014 Christmas Party, 1) January Coffee and Cars, 2)

Tech Session, 3) February meeting, 4) Sweetheart Rallye, 5) March Coffee and Cars, 6) Hemi Hideout, 7) April meeting, 8) April Coffee and Cars, 9) Prez Social/Fajita Party, 10) Arrow of Light Ceremony, 11) Spring Thing, 12) Trinity Episcopal Car Show, 13) Spring GOF, 14) Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, 15) June meeting,16) 90th Anniversary Movie Matinee, 17) Wheels and Keels, 18) Concours Conroe, 19) July meeting, 20) Pinewood GP

Points figured using The Sykes Formula.

Distances figured using mileage reported by drivers or Google/Mapquest maps and published addresses of drivers.

2014 MG Driver Standings The Sykes Formula

Each event is worth 1 point (Average of 25 miles round trip from the driver's house) Each additional mile will be worth .01 points (mileage per GPS routing to null out speedo error and/or circuitous roads) To compensate for car age, assume the following coefficients: TC or older 1.5 TD or TF 1.4 A or Magnette 1.3 CB - B, C, Midget 1.2 RB - B, C, Midget 1.1 We can then construct the following examples based on the formula:

(BEP + MC) x AC = TPV (Basic Event Point + Mileage Correction) x Age Coefficient = Total Point Value

Example: 2010 GOF/ Palestine Roger Sykes (MGB) vs. John Youens (MGTC) Roger’s Distance (miles per GPS) 255 (140 each way = 280-25) x .01 = 2.55, so (1 + 2.55) x 1.2 = 4.26 Total value for that event

John's Distance (miles per GPS) 265 (145 each way = 290-25) x .01 = 2.65, so (1 + 2.65) x 1.5 = 5.475 Total value for that event

Formula created by Roger Sykes for the Houston MG Car Club 01/10/11

A few days ago I received a very nice letter from Mike Woodward thanking me for attending the 24th Hou-ston British Motor Vehicle Expo. He further in-formed me that the 25th HBMVE would be held on Saturday, October 25. at the “Fountains on the Lake” in Stafford, Texas.

WHAT??? The 25th?? Good grief! Has it been that long? Maybe so, maybe it really has . . . . . Anyway, I still remember the first one.

In 1990 Dixie Moore was President of the Hou-ston MG Car Club and I was the Events Chairman. In those days we tried to hold one event a month plus the business meetings. As Chairman, I would approach various members of the club and ask them to sponsor an event. I would even suggest what month that event might occur and to further help out I had all kinds of ideas – rallyes (night or day), picnics, drives in the country, Halloween parties, swap meets, etc., etc., etc.

I decided to approach Dan Narsh and ask him to sponsor a spring event. To help out, I suggested a picnic at one of the county parks along with a small interclub car show. Dan, being a great guy, readily accepted the challenge. He told me not to worry that he, Mike Bales, and Pam Deibert would take care of everything. Sure, I thought! I really did wor-ry.

Two weeks later Dan called and told me every-thing was set. What? Yes, the event would be called the “All Houston British Motor Vehicle Expo” and it would be held at Traders Village. He, Mike, and

Pam had invited, among others, the Triumph, Jagu-ar, Rolls Royce, Austin Healey, Sunbeam, Morgan, Aston Martin Clubs and even the British Motor Cy-cle Group. My terrific threesome had arranged for food and drinks (and even a keg of beer) as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards. Traders Village readily chipped in on a public choice award.

Guess what? We even had a local television celebrity help with the awards. I wish I could remember her name (ask Gary Watson – it was a TV personality he knew and had worked with). Oh well, that’s the way the first and very successful HBMVE started. Thanks, Dan, Mike and Pam.

Wayne Moore

PS: It was a very hot day!

25 Years Ago

Classifieds

1950 MGTD

Left hand drive. Partial restoration (interior, rag top, dashboard, paint, wiring harness, minor mechanical in 1994). Beautiful vehicle needing minor TLC. Best reasonable offer takes her home. 713-523-7352.  wmurray.air@sbcglobal.net

For Sale

1970 MGB $4500 obo

Good daily driver. 93,000 miles, but the speedometer was not working when I got the car. Runs good. The brakes were re-done several years ago along with clutch master cylinder and radiator. Cosmetically, much of the car was re-done. Paint redone (originally a mus-tard yellow color). More photos available on request. Durant, Oklahoma Boyd Nickels 580-916-6146 Boyd212@dishmail.net

For Sale

1969 MGB

In the family since 1971. Needs updates but engine and transmission work fine. Asking $3000. Includes tonneau

cover, all tools and manuals.

Richard Ramon

713.248.3443

For Sale

1954 MGTF

4th Owner from new (current owner for last 44 years). Garage only, never seen rain. Frame up repaint to original red, red leather interior. 500 miles on rebuilt engine since 2011. $21K worth of work performed by well known British resto-ration shop in last 4 years. New crankshaft, brakes, tires, fuel pump, steering, battery, radiator, cable, hoses, etc.

$30K or chrome bumper MGB in good condition + cash.

For Sale

1976 MGB, 76K miles Recently inherited, two owner MGB (original owner:1976-1986; second: 1986-2013); from Bonney Lake, WA and garaged entire time (transported to Texas). Runs well, licensed and insured in Texas (as of May). Detachable hardtop has some deterioration, but vehicle is excellent (no rust or body issues) and is ideal to be restored to showroom. Available to be seen in Friendswood--asking $9200.

Mike Smith-- Office: 713-750-1780 Cell/Text: 281-381-7310 mfremontsmith@sbcglobal.net

For Sale

1956 MGA $14,500 Runs well but needs some paint work. New interior and Tonneau cover available (not installed). It has been part of my life since 1978 and a continuing work in progress. With too many moves and another one in the works, it is just time to part ways. Please call 281-676-4330

For Sale

Classifieds

’70 MGBGT 90% restored (Engine, Gearbox, paint, etc), BRG, $2500 ’74 MGBGT Disassembled (rolling body) but mostly complete, with a very large variety of spare parts, $1000. All together $3500.

John W. Bergeron Cell (281) 481-4379

For Sale

1953 MGTD 5 speed transmission installed by Ron Redding. All Mainte-nance records since Nov. "69. Nice weekend driver. Ask Ron

about its condition. $14,500. Bill Cook elizycook@comcast.net

For Sale

1971 B Very nice condition. 8000mi since complete restoration in 95/96. Lots of spares. Used as a daily driver for several years. It now has an-

tique plates. Located in Sargent, TX. Matagorda city. mcculleymj@att.blackberry.net

For Sale

1952 MGTD BRG with tan interior. Restored in 2001 by Bill Jones’ Vintage Sportscars (LaGrange).

Housed in A/C garage and driven sparingly. Left hand drive. $22,500 Randy Suhl 713.520.2915 randysuhl@texasaromatics.com

For Sale

1965 MG-B Daily Driver. New interior in 2008 in great shape, wire wheels, chrome bumpers, pull handles, new radiator, new gas tank and general engine overhaul. Needs to be painted and some body work. Needs a new home. Will consider any serious offer. Contact Bill at: 713-582-7756

For Sale

Classifieds

MG Midget offered from estate sale in Markham, TX. All original, with original engine. Not running. $800 Also, 1500cc engine, separate. $250 Louis Kopnicky 979.843.5418 loukop@ykc.com

For Sale

1958 MGA $13,500.00 Owned about 5 years. Not pristine but a shiner and easy to upgrade. Motor is strong with new tune up, upgraded oil filter system and oil cooler. I have original wheels, steer-ing wheel, and oil filter system. Some new chrome and parts with mini light wheels and Falken tires. New accessories that are not installed (carpet, carb kit, radiator kit). Kept in the garage and covered. Harvey Votaw 281 796.3767

For Sale

The Houston MG Car Club is an open marque club dedicated

to the promotion and enjoyment of motor sports in all aspects.

Meetings are held at 7 pm on the first Wednesday of each

month at Christie’s Seafood Restaurant, 6029 Westheimer, Houston.

Membership dues are $30 per year. Applications can be ob-tained from our website and mailed to the club address or to the membership chair. Renewals, change of address and other membership-related correspondence should be sent to:

Gordon Smith

8022 Agora Circle

Sugarland, TX

Houston MG Car Club

John Youens President

Keith Ryder V. President

Angie Bard Secretary

Nancy Youens Treasurer

2014 Club Officers

Ray Holtzapple, Chairman

Larry Rook

Mike Woodward

Greg Fleischer

Fran Schrage

Board of Directors

Dixie Moore Hospitality 281.342.5722

(Vacant) Events

Gordon Smith Membership

Don Lantz Regalia 281.341.7033

Dwight Dawson Webmaster

Stephanie Norris ROARS editor

Committee Chairs

MG Car Club, Ltd. Abingdon, UK

MG Owners Club Cambridge, UK

MG Car Club Holland The Netherlands

New England MGT Register Ridgefield, CT

North American MGA Register Portland, OR

North American MGB Register Akin, IL

American MGB Association Chicago, IL

Club Affiliations

THE ROARS

You can advertise in The Roars to reach cus-tomers. Advertising rates are listed. To post an ad in The Roars, please submit your payment with your ad in an electronic format to: Larry Rook Editor, The Roars l_rook@yahoo.com

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Rates Stephanie Norris Editor 713-449-0964