MG Motoring 2018 November 2018 WEB-opt | Page 26

MG Car Club of South Australia worked part time he introduced his pas- senger as his sister (again) . We made arrangements to go to the Wonderland ballroom that night , Fine! .Jim and his partner took off and danced a few num- bers , then he appeared to just leave her and went off with others . Well I thought that a bit rude and asked if she would like to dance ( I cannot dance just wobble around) so off we went eventu- ally asking “how long have you known Jim” after a delay that felt like an eter- nity the reply was “quite a while , he is my brother “ . when I collected myself from between the gaps in the floor boards Christine, my now wife was in my arms and there to stay !!! Lanac Park still called which found me fitting an MGA 1600cc engine gearbox and steering box (to go around the en- gine) to the TF. Competition was what it was all about and success followed at Mallala race meetings , sprints ,mud trials English type trials, motorkhanas , hill climbs in Victoria and the club entered a team in the 6 Hour race at Calder .( not a regu- larity run) , this was a full on race. I thought time to get some good rubber at .N/E tyre co. and fit the latest Pirelli Cinturato tyres . Off to Calder Raceway Grande Auto Garage on Anzac High- way. Although it was 10pm at night I think but that did not stop me from shooting straight down there and press the residence bell. An unhappy Roger Yates came to the door but soon real- ised he had a hot prospect .We agreed to meet the next day and the deal was done . Around this time ,Lanac Park was evolv- ing and an outlet for testosterone and beckoned my involvement . although not very successful with the 1250cc engine of the TF (more later). My life was beginning to revolve around MGs everywhere . a growing number of MGs and all manner of sports cars started gathering at times taking over Rundle street as it was the for a “long John” drink at Sigalis bar , a burger at Burger King on Anzac highway or catch some sun on the sea wall at Glenelg (old car park) It was at one of these gatherings ,the direction of my life would change . I met Jim Forrester driving his light blue MGA roadster and we hit it off . I met all of the family including his sisters not realising how that would change things . Some little while later I caught up with Jim at the service station where I 24