We have had a busy and successful start to the year with two significant events, being the MSCA picnic (reported in the last Fastrak) and the All British Day at Echunga Oval of Sunday 3rd March. Both events had a great turnout of Triumphs, and again thanks to Roger Lange for his work with “Triumphs in the Pits” at MSCA, and our ABD committee members, Geoff Ellis and Stephen Wade, for helping organise such a great ABD event.
We had great weather, and no repeat of the 2023 gazebo disaster, albeit that this year, everything was tied down to vehicles, just in case. Stephen put a lot of work into arranging our display in model order, and we had an impressive row of TR2 to TR7 inclusive in the front row. The TR Register and the Stag Club were adjacent, so there was a very strong and visually impressive Triumph presence. Special thanks also to all those who assisted with marshalling, to make sure we were one of the most organised groups at the event.

A small but jovial group joined Lawrie and Kay Placing at The Junction Bar and Bistro, Camden Park, for a mid-week lunch on Tuesday 12th March. There was great food and company, and thanks Lawrie and Kay for arranging these get togethers.

Our March meeting was well attended, although Secretary Duane was missed. Vice President Richard Sellars did a great job deputising for Duane. Due to various mechanical issues with the two scheduled cars on stage, I organised for Bob Kretschmer and new member, Hayden Burge to bring their cars along when I was at the mid-week lunch. Due to having a senior’s moment, I had forgotten that I had also asked Dino Vettese to bring one of his fleet along whilst we were both at the ABD. As a result, we had three vehicles on stage.

We heard about Bob’s long association with his TR4A, from when he first owned in in the 1960’s, to repurchasing it after restoration by Richard Sutherland around 2015. Hayden has recently purchased his immaculate Stag from NSW, having been a Stag owner in his younger days, and had only got it though Regency Park a few days prior to having it on stage. Dino’s magnificent TR6 was also on show, and Dino retold the tale of purchasing it from the owner of Classic and Sports Car Boutique, Geoff Mockford. Thanks to Bob, Hayden and Dino for bringing their cars along, and sharing their stories with club members.
The Weekender is being held on the 17th to 19th May, based at the Goolwa Motel. Bill and Margie have an exciting program organised, and it is now close to being fully subscribed. I urge anyone who has not booked their spot already, to contact the Berlemons (Bill ph 0409 894 314 or Margie ph 0438 836 837) to get your name on the list. By the time you read this, all places may have been taken, however it would still be worth being on the waiting list, as the Weekender is always one of the highlights of the club year.

Natalie Farrell has got two excellent social runs planned. We will be heading to Riverbend Park at Clarendon on Sunday 21st April, for a club-sponsored BBQ. We meet at 9.45am for a 10.00am departure at the Burnside Town Hall car park. Bring out your Triumph for a great Adelaide Hills drive to a most picturesque destination and enjoy a great BBQ on us. Phone Natalie on 0455 250 990 for more details and to confirm you are coming, as we need this for catering purposes. On 16th June, we are going to the Beach Road Winery at McLaren Vale for lunch – Pizzas and/or salads will be on the menu. See the TSOA Calendar for more details.

The Sporting Car Club of SA has its 90th Anniversary “Old Crocks’ Run”, starting at Victoria Park Grandstand and proceeding down to Wigley Reserve, Glenelg, on Sunday 5th May 2024. A display of vehicles along with food and drink stalls and other entertainment for the whole family and car enthusiast is planned at Glenelg. There may be an opportunity for TSOA to be involved in this event. More to come shortly.

Regards
Alex Smithson
President