Another great fall driving season is upon us and several members of the EMC are out and around basking in the cooler temps and gathering in the wonderful colors.

Tech session three was held at the Johnston’s household on October 20, 2007. The crowd was down a little this year and there was more talking...and eating than wrenching but everyone in attendance was glad to see Jake Weaver out in his 1967 TR-4A. It was a great day for a LBC cruise!

Dennis Loftin and Keith Anderson made it out of state over the same weekend to the SVRA races at Road Atlanta. Here are Keith’s notes from their trip.

Dennis Loftin and I enjoyed 3 days of sunny weather in the mid 70’s when we traveled to Road Atlanta for the SVRA vintage car races.

On the way we stopped at the Talladega Grand Prix racetrack to watch my son, Brian, run laps around the road course in his Toyota Supra at the Supra Shoot-out with a bunch of other Japanese cars.

Then we got to Road Atlanta where there was plenty of action on the track with an abundance of British cars mixing it up with all the other makes from the 60’s and 70’s. There were MG’s in abundance with Austin-Healeys and Triumphs as well. We enjoyed seeing a blue Marcos 1800 GT that was racing which was similar to the one Bill Silhan brought to our car show.

The Lister team brought out their Lister-Maserati, Lister-Jaguar and Lister-Corvette much to everyone’s delight. The Jaguar E-types ran with the big boys as well, nipping at the tails of the front running Corvettes and Shelbys.

It was interesting to see the loud cars sliding at high speed around the corners and then come into the paddock after the race with grey haired men in their late 50’s and 60’s climbing out of the cockpits with big smiles. There were also a few of women out on the track that really showed their competitive driving skills.

Dennis and I enjoyed talking to the drivers and owners as well. They all invited us to spend some time talking about racing cars and adventures. We found most of them to be in our age group, since it takes a lot of time and money to enjoy this expensive hobby. Many had arrived in 18-wheelers and huge motor homes; others were on a shoestring budget and sleeping in a small camper. But they all treated us like family and made the paddock area feel like a big family reunion. We can’t wait to go back again next year.

Martha and I made the short run down to Fairhope for the 2007 edition The South Alabama British Car Club’s British Car Festival. The 2007 Friday night meet and greet was once again one of the best to be attended in the Gulf area.

The food was plentiful as always with bar-b-que being the mainstay of the meal. It was nice to visit with the folks there, as some friends we see in the spring in Pensacola then don’t get another visit in until The Fairhope Show.

Pat and Barbara were in attendance rolling down to the sea in their fine Jag 420G. Martha and I were chauffeured to the Friday night gathering in the Jag and felt like real royalty arriving in the utmost of style and sophistication.

The weather on Saturday was fine down by Mobile Bay with rows and rows of some of the finest iron released from across the waves. There was a turnout of a little over 60 cars for the show; all spruced up, they were a sight to see along the shoreline.

Pat and Barbara took home a second place for the Jag. Congratulations to the three of you.

For more information about the SABCC visit http://www.sabcc.org <http://www.sabcc.org/>

Here’s a photo of a portion of the B Line-up from Fairhope. Long time members may recognize the B in the forefront as being the restoration work of EMC member Wilbert Easom. Now owned by Tom Schmitz the car was awarded first place in class.

While some members were out of state the EMC was well represented at the Scare Crow Car Show held in Madison MS on October 26 -27 with members Ronnie and Diane Coleman from Batesville Ms taking Best Import in Show with their 1951 MGTD "My Babe". Ronnie and Diane were given support by EMC members Asa and Loree Tucker also from Batesville.

Just prior to the 2007 edition of Brit's By The River Terry and Merideth Trovato took ownership of their new 1959 Triumph TR-3A. It was en route at the time of the show but I wanted to show off the latest EMC member acquisition.

It’s about time to wrap-up the 2007 edition of the EMC’s calendar. There are only two club gatherings remaining in the year, so please make plans to join us. We really look forward to seeing everyone at our gatherings. The more the merrier.

Here are the remaining gatherings for 2007:

November 17 - Tech Session IV - Eddiceton MS

Please note change number 2! Dennis and I’ve seen the preview. Jim and Faye’s knock me down if it ain’t yellow MGB GT is coming together. Jim just needs a couple of extra hands to help with the final pieces. Join us for a nice day in the Mississippi center for all things LBC and a great meal to boot. Wrenching begins at 11:00am, lunch break about 12:00pm. Details: Jim and Faye Enzman (601) 532 - 6293

DECEMBER 1, 2007 - EMC Christmas Party / Vicksburg MS

Make plans to kick-off the 2007 holiday season with the EMC. As always expect a great time in the garage of Pat and Barbara and all the members of the EMC. Bring a dish and have a wonderful time to close out the 2007 season. Starting time will be 12:00pm. Details: Pat or Barbara Cashman (601) 638-3240

That takes us thru the end of 2007. Here’s to great rides during the rest of 2007!

Happy Motoring

Gene Johnston