Monte Shelton Northwest Classic Rally XXI

For those of you interested in a lovely high-end TSD-type rally, the NW Classic Rally on August 6-9 is not one to miss!  The early entry deal ends on July 8th, so be sure to get your entry in! Event chairman, Reid Trummel was a participant in the Spring Thaw this year, and we would love to come down for his event – alas, neither Dave or I have that weekend open in our calendar.  Here’s some more info…

“The Monte Shelton Northwest Classic Rally is a celebration of classic cars.  It is conducted over the course of four days in August and begins in Portland, Oregon.  It is organized around a traditional time-speed-distance rally and comprised of pre-1981 collector cars and their enthusiastic owners.  Organized by the Alfa Romeo Owners of Oregon and with Monte Shelton Jaguar as the primary sponsor, the event is a benefit for the March of Dimes.”

“The Monte Shelton Northwest Classic Rally is the oldest still-running classic rally in America.  For over twenty years we have assembled a rich variety of classic cars whose owners share a common passion – driving and enjoying them.  We do this in a spirit of friendly competition over some of the Pacific Northwest’s most-scenic roads, combined with delicious meals and always in an atmosphere of outstanding camaraderie.  Participants form a family who look forward to the event all year long.”

www.nwclassicrally.org

Stirling Moss at Westwood

With the Westwood 50th Reunion coming up, I recently stumbled across this great video on YouTube featuring a lap of Westwood with Sterling Moss. Westwood Racing Circuit was Canada’s first purpose-built road race track, and was located in Coquitlam. Sadly, the track is long gone, but you can still see vintage cars in action, and bench race with the Westwood veterans at the River’s Edge Road Course in Mission, BC on July 17-19, 2009. See you there!

Knox Mountain Hill Climb Day Trip

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The Knox Mountain Hillclimb in Kelowna is one of the longest running hillclimbs in North America, and is unique in that it occurs almost in the centre of town. A popular area for mountain bikers and hikers, the road normally has a 30km/h speed limit and harsh speed bumps. Once a year, those annoyances are removed, and racers blast up the narrow climb in an effort to win their class – or the overall King of the Hill time. The competitors range from rollbar-equipped Solo cars to all-out motorcycle engined hillclimb beasts – and everything in between. We jumped in Dave’s Beetle at 6am to go watch for the first time. Five hours each way, just to watch a race?  Sure…why not! Once in Kelowna, we met up with fellow Spring Thaw’er Ben Cheng, relaxed in the summer weather, and watched race cars all day! Not a bad way to spend a Sunday at all!  Here’s some photos of the vintage cars in the event…
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Vancouver ABFM 2009 Photos

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I stopped in at the Vancouver All British Field Meet today to drool over cars and play the “what will I buy when I win the lottery” game! I ran into some fellow Spring Thaw’ers there, some of whom were still sporting their Spring Thaw number plates – thanks!  In the vendor area, I picked up a period dealer brochure for my ’66 Mini (“…now with Hydrolastic suspension!”) and an old repair manual I had never seen before. With over 500 british cars in attendance, it was quite the show. Photos after the jump… Continue reading →

Vancouver Mini Club: Spring Thaw Stories

A big thanks to Steve Malins and Larry Sutton from the Vancouver Mini Club, who have written a couple of stories about the 2009 Spring Thaw Adventure for the club’s “Mini Scooper” newsletter. We’ve reprinted their stories for you below!

Spring Thaw Classic Car Adventure 2009
by Steve Malins

I must admit I’m a little sceptical of something new, I like to see something proven before I’ll jump in. This is due to the fact that I’ve seen some good ideas go in the toilet because nobody thought things through. Often our club will hear about a new event someone has just created but in the end it’s a big letdown. There are occasions though when I am pleasantly surprised (and even wowed) by the precision of a first-time event. The Chinatown Mini Dragon a few years ago was one of those times. The 2009 Spring Thaw was absolutely another. Continue reading →

What’s Next for Spring Thaw?

I think most would agree that the social aspect of the Spring Thaw was what made it so memorable.  The great roads and weather certainly contributed, but both Dave and I are still buzzing about all the great people we met! We’ve already announced next year’s Spring Thaw date, but that seems so far away and there is an entire summer ahead of us to enjoy our classic cars.

We thought the best way to keep the buzz going was to build an online ‘hub’ and invite all the Spring Thaw’ers and other crazy car friends to join in!  Another great aspect of the Spring Thaw was the variety of cars that entered. Many of us are already in clubs that are specific to the type of car we drive, but we think there is a great opportunity to bring people together as a whole.

Throughout the summer there are numerous historic races,  car shows, rallies, and other good excuses for road trips. We have started a discussion forum where you can talk shop, plan socials and road trips, and generally keep the enthusiasm alive!

First up, if anyone is interested in joining us, Dave and I are planning a day trip from Vancouver to Kelowna to watch the final day of the Knox Mountain Hillclimb on Sunday, May 17th. It is North America’s longest running hillclimb, and usually has a fantastic variety of cars.  Pack a picnic, fill up the tank, and let’s go!

Spring Thaw Coverage: Alberni Valley Times

Click for full sizeThe town of Port Alberni has long been following the motorsports escapades of Dave Koszegi – from his days competing in the Canadian Rally Championship to his Targa Newfoundland effort in 2007. Shayne Morrow of the Alberni Valley Times put together a great article about the Spring Thaw last week. He writes about the event itself, and also includes the story behind Dave’s Porsche 356!  Click “more” below to read the full story…

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