Our First National Rally

Easter 2009 was our first experience at a National MG Rally.  Eager to get there we left Adelaide on Wednesday.  We met Bev Waters, Laurie Houghton and Jo Sheward for an overnight stay at Horsham and lovely meal.  Next day we took an easy drive to Geelong for our first taste of M.G’s on a national scale.

Proudly wearing our SA green shirts we spent arrival night on Thursday with Bev Waters helping the Adelaide team stuff sample bags to promote the 2010 Adelaide event.

Staying at the Geelong Conference Centre was handy.  Even though Friday was a hectic day we couldn’t help be struck by the friendliness of organisers, members and participants.  Everyone involved in the MG Car Club of Victoria and Geelong did a “bloody good” job of organising registration and scrutineering.  They made us feel very welcome.

Another first time experience, we went along to the Friday night “Noggin & Natter”.  Held at Deakin University, this was a fantastic opportunity for us to meet fellow members.

Bright and early Saturday morning we were off to Rippleside Park for the “Concours”.  Seeing so many M.G’s, let alone eight Twin Cams in one spot was a real buzz.  Quickly descended upon by other Twin Cam owners, we did learn our overriders and rear bumper are upside down.  But our story is we are right and all other MGA owners are wrong!  Despite the judges not noticing we won first prize in Class H MGA Twin Cams.  This was a real highlight of our day.

Saturday night was the Theme Night at Deacon University, a great meal, great company and good music particularly for us “old farts”.

The Hillclimb at Camperdowns, Mount Leura track on Sunday was another great day with two possible exceptions.  The venue is 120 km from Geelong and there was limited viewing of the event.  Members who were competing in the morning session had to leave Geelong at about 5.00 am.

Monday we drove in the Kimber Run.  It was a beautiful, scenic day driving around the Bellarine Peninsula.  We even swapped cars with Dan (Mr. Twin Cam) Casey from Queensland.  His Twin Cam may not be the best looking but it goes like the clappers.  He certainly is not afraid to drive it long distance.

As a newcomer to M.G. Rally I wonder why there are so many classes in the MGB category.  At my count there are nine classes of MGB in the Concours, Observation Run, Motorkhana and Hill Climb. Whereas there is no distinction in other classes for example TC’s or TD’s.  MGB’s have the following classes:

MGB MKI Roadster Pull Handle
MGB MKI Roadster Push Handle (and probably twist and turn handles)
MGB MKII Roadster
MGBL & Later Roadster
MGB Rubber Bumper
MGB GT MKI & MKII
MGB GT BL and Later
MGB GT Rubber Bumper
MGB GT V8 (including Costello)

Nine classes to me is overkill for one model of car.  Particularly when there is no distinction between the MGA 1500, 1600 and Deluxe Model class.  All the extra classes made for a long presentation at Monday night’s dinner.

Due to an early start for home on Tuesday morning unfortunately we were unable to attend the farewell breakfast.  As first time attendee’s to a National Meeting we were very impressed with the smooth running of the whole event.  We congratulate the organizing committee for their efforts to make 2009 M.G. National Rally the success it was. This will not be our last National.  We really look forward to participating in Adelaide 2010 as entrants and helping the Adelaide organising team.

A special thanks to Willshire Motor Trimmers for making our new soft-top hood.  We received many compliments.  Also thanks to Prestige Crash Repairs for their last minute paint touch up.

Allan and Raelene Semmler (winners)