It all started out so swell! Martha and I had completed most of the packing the night before the scheduled early morning trip down to Brookhaven to meet Jim and Faye Enzman and Pat and Barbara Cashman. Everything was set for us to make an unusual on time arrival at the rendezvous point.

We were all headed down a day early for the British Motoring Club of New Orleans British Car Day which would kick-off the 2009 car show season. Everyone was looking forward to the trip down and Jim had a favorite restaurant on line for our Friday lunch.

Leaving home at 9:00am on March 20th would put us into Brookhaven right on time. We had a smooth trip down and arrived almost 30 minutes in advance of the appointed time. Next to arrive on the scene were Jim and Faye in their GT accompanied by a cloud of smoke and a mis-fire.

Jim popped to hood only to find an oily barely percolating mass of British iron under there. After poking and prodding a few minutes it was mutually agreed that this was not the car to take to New Orleans. Jim and Faye headed back over to their home base in Eddiceton for a replacement LBC while Martha and I waited for Pat and Barbara who arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. An hours delay with Jim and Faye in their '76 MGB the three some departed for New Orleans arriving in time to meet Mike Glore and engage in a Friday afternoon Fiesta.

The Friday evening social put on by the British Motoring Club of N. O. was another great one with lots of great food and company. Saturday was a great day for the show with 130 cars on the show field. As usual the members of the host club did a great job of organizing the field and activities throughout the morning and into mid-afternoon. A large crowd of onlookers made it to the show during the day.

Winners, we got them. A whole slew of 3rd places going to Jim and Faye Enzman, '76 MGB. Did someone say silver lining? My better half and I, '71 MGB and recently joined EMC'ers Ronnie and Terri Fairchild, '57 MGA. The real trophy snagger for the club were Pat and Barbara for their '67 Jag 420G taking the British Heritage Award. Barbara was dressed to the 9's while Pat turned out in his groovy 60's threads.

A great way to kick off the 2009 mid-south car show circuit and thanks BMCNO for your hard work and dedication. It shows in the level of car prep year after year.

The DSARC/EMC Fun Rally

On the calendar next was a joint effort with most of the organizing and arrangements falling to the Deep South Alfa Romeo Club for the 2009 Fun Rally. It didn't fall on April Fools Day but is was so close it catch several folks including Brother Clay and I out as we wandered about 33 total miles out of the way to the best of my recollection on Saturday April 4 in the 2009 Fun Rally.

Close to 20 cars of all makes and vintage showed up in downtown Raymond and just after 10:00am Rally Master Andy Menapace started sending cars off at 3 minute intervals. This year’s rally had three stages lasting from one and a half to two hours in duration. That's of course if you managed to follow Andy's cryptic instruction and didn't do too many out of the way excursions and duh's along the way.

Brother Clay and I managed to get off course on stage one and two but did manage to stay on course for the final stage. We weren't the last to arrive but we were close. Other lost EMC'er's? The Dennis Loftin, Keith Anderson EMC team, late in the day managed to get a cell tower and called from somewhere in the out reaches of Smith County stating that even after opening the escape envelope couldn't find their way back for the closing ceremonies. OH MY!

The DSARC arranged a great closing location in Downtown Canton. They got a street closed off for a mini car show and awards gathering and included a bluegrass band and red beans and rice for participants. It was a great ending to a really fun event for the second year running.

After taking two of the top three places in 2008 the EMC was shut out in 2009. I'm sorry I missed a podium spot this year as Michael Hemsley gave out some of his very nice framed automobile photos. Would have been nice to post one of those on my wall.

Thanks to the members of the DSARC for organizing the event it was first class!

Oh! Back to the issue of Jim's smoke and external oiling on his arrival in Brookhaven on our way to the New Orleans Car Show. Something generated a burned piston in the number four hole. Jim reports that the damage was not too serious and the GT should be back in service soon. You can chuckle if you want but even with his back-up ride he scored in the points at the New Orleans British Car Days Show. Congratulations Jim!

Well, that's it for this month's Off-Side Undo. Don't forget that we're always looking for new and renewing members. Dues remain at $25.00 and the benefits are better than ever. Check membership and events out at www.msemc.org along with the other areas of interest.

One other reminder. If you not getting the club e-mails which include the Off-Side Undo and other notes please let me know either by e-mail or telephone call and we'll work to get that corrected.

Here's the calendar of upcoming events:

APRIL 30 - May 3, 2009 - Walter Mitty / Road Atlanta GA

If you haven’t made The Mitty in a few years and you’re a LBC fan this is your year to attend. The guest of honor is Bob Tullius and a large collection of his famous Group 44 cars. Dennis is coordinating so give him a call if you’re interested. Details: www.grassrootsmotorsports.net Dennis Loftin (601) 992-5227

MAY 16 - 17, 2009 - EMC Drive Thru History / Canton MS

EMC’s Drive Thru History has been a great way to get the top down and that far away look in your eyes as we travel the highways and byways of the state. Look forward to a great drive, then overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Philadelphia, near the Silver Star Casino - call 601-389-6600 to reserve a room - group rate $94. Details: David Crawford (601) 317-0569

Happy Motoring

Gene Johnston

EMC