The club AGM was held at the August 21st meeting and so the new club year begins, I would like to thank all those club and committee members who helped make the last year so successful.

Special thanks go out to retiring committee members Peter Davidge and Sue Gibson who after many years service on the committee have seen fit to sit back for a while and just enjoy the club activities, but knowing both of them, I am sure they will be only too willing to help out in some small way as time goes on.

I would like to welcome both Duane Kaak newly elected Vice President and Alex Smithson who was elected as Treasurer, to the committee for the 2012 – 2013 year.  I know they are both enthusiastically waiting to take on the new challenges that they have chosen. Bill Berlemon was successful with his nomination for Social Secretary and I am aware he is keen to make some fine tuning improvements to the already successful formula.

Our AGM was also a special event celebrating the 50th birthday of the TRIUMPH SPITFIRE. The stage was suitably decorated by Rick and Maree Staehr and there were two highly polished great looking examples of SPITFIRES for the full house to admire.

Also on stage was a surprise visit from an past club member Jon Williams from W.A. with his “very recently prepared” MK1 PI. Saloon. Jon and co-driver Ken Bryant were here to complete in the “Targa Adelaide” starting the next day. Jon’s car had a total of 250Km on the clock when he started in the prologue on Wednesday evening, we wish them well in the event.

Thanks to Kyle Lill and Mark Gibson for bringing their Spitfires for the stage display on the night and joining in the celebrations.

Two dates to mark in your diaries for upcoming events,

1)      The Bay to Birdwood breakfast Sunday the 30th on Dequetteville Tce.  @ 9.00am – BBQ provided but BYO food.

2)      The Day of Triumph Sunday October 28th  – Not only is this a great picnic day for all members to attend and mingle with fellow Triumph owners, but it is a tremendous opportunity to promote our marque at this fantastic venue, so polish your car and come and enjoy the day.    For full details refer further in the magazine.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I would remind all members on Conditional Historic Rego. and prescribed LHD vehicles schemes, who yet to pay their membership dues and have their log books stamped for the coming Club year (starting AUG 15TH 2012) are deemed by the Registrar to be driving unregistered vehicles and will not covered by third party insurance. For your own sake please attend to this matter before you take your car out on the road.

Till we meet again      John Sampson

This is Geoff Bills (Hon TSOA SA Life Member) in full flight at this year’s MSCA 6-Hour Regularity Relay. Doesn’t the TR3A look just wonderful?

Well funny things happen at AGM’s, including myself taking on the role of Social Secretary.  See what happens when no-one else puts their hand up!

I must say I am happy to take on the role from Sue who has done a sterling job for the past 7 years and has left the portfolio well managed.

Gee, the club calendar is already organised till the end of the year, so at least it will be a good start to the job!

So what about next year? I intend to make some minor changes to our main monthly Sunday runs by focusing more on the run itself, rather than the “eating venue”, therefore finishing our runs with simple BBQ’s or such. Sure we will still have the “fancy” outings, but probably less.

I will be looking for someone to manage the “mid week” runs, as I am still working full time. Please contact me if you are interested or watch out for that tap on the shoulder!

Upcoming events are listed in the back of TRAK as well as promo advertisements inside. Thanks to Rod Dent for organising the august run to the Military Museum, which I believe was enjoyed by those who attended.

Socially Speaking,

Bill Berlemon

The sporting calendar has been full of activity this month starting with the All British Day at Wakefield Park and finished with Modern Regularity at Mallala on the 29th.
As I mentioned in last month’s edition, Neil Martin was our sole representative at the All British Race Meeting. Duane Kaak accompanied Neil to Wakefield Park and took on duties as Team Manager, sole pit crew member, head mechanic, time keeper, dishwasher and general roustabout.
The trip to Goulburn seemed to be without drama that is until Neil and Duane arrived at the track only to find that the tow vehicle had thrown up a stone and punched the radiator of the TR7. This required a trip to the local auto parts shop for some radiator stop leak. Scrutineering found some play in the front wheel bearing which needed attending to before Neil could compete in his regularity event. Neil had set a time in practice of 1:20:76. His best run for the weekend was round 4 which he placed 3rd. Overall both Neil and Duane had a good trip away and we thank them for representing SA.
Racing four weekends in row proved a little too much for even a keen competitor such as Neil, who decided to sit out round 3 of the Super Sprint Series at Mallala held on the 8th of July. Roger Lange’s GT6 engine is still in pieces but he entered again in his mate’s quick Datsun 240Z. The double entry proved too much for this car’s brakes which were fading badly. This must have made for some interesting times heading into the northern hairpin Roger!
Duane Kaak was also entered and had a consistent run in his TR7V8. Competitor numbers were down for this meeting suggesting harder economic times maybe having an effect on some competitor’s pastime. This meant the three runs were completed ahead of schedule and gave everyone the opportunity to compete in an extra 2 runs for the day – Good value for money.
The 12th of August is the next round for the Sprint Series and is our club’s turn to perform flag duty. Flag marshals are imperative to any motor sport event and the last event had difficulties starting due to the lack of flag marshals. It also proved embarrassing to the rostered clubs who didn’t provide the necessary volunteers. I’m certain that the TSOA members who have volunteered to help out will have a fun and rewarding day. The time to meet is 8.30am at the Scrutineering Shed. Did I mention that lunch and morning tea is provided?
Until Next Month
Cheers
Rick Staehr
Coming Events
5th August Hillclimb Wintercup Round 4 Collingrove
11th Rover Scout Tailem Bend Tarmac Challenge Cup Rd 2
12th August MSCA Super Sprint Series Rd 4 Mallala
18th & 19th August SA State Road Racing Rd 3 Championship Mallala
19th August Willunga Swap Meet
22nd – 26th August Supaloc Classic Targa Adelaide

The visit to David Armstrong’s shed attracted a lot of people on 11th July.   David had a number of cars on display and I am sure all those who attended enjoyed looking at David’s treasures.

Thanks from TSOA to David & Yvonne for inviting us to their home and for providing a lovely BBQ lunch.  Thanks also to Wendy & Tony for organising the day.

The Jolly Jaunt through the Adelaide Hills on 15th July ending up at Tranquilo in Stirling was very well attended despite the shocking weather.   Thanks to Chuck & Dianne for organising.

The next Sunday run is on 19th August meeting at Eagle on the Hill Lookout at 9.00am and we will then drive to the Military Museum at Salisbury for a tour.

Sue Gibson

I would like to thank club members who organised the club runs during the period Barb and I were away overseas just recently, I understand that they were well supported again showing the strength and fellowship of our club. My thanks especially go out to Margie and Bill Berlemon for organising the weekender to the Riverland, again I understand that the event was a great success, with many interesting activities planned, and a good time was had by all members who attended.

While I am on the subject of club events, I would like to put in an early reminder that the “2012 DAY OF TRIUMPH” will be held again this year at the Tea Tree Gully Civic Park opposite the TTP.

Again this year we would like to put on a special display at this great venue and promote our marque and club to the public, but more importantly this day is a good opportunity for club members to picnic and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere with fellow like minded Triumph enthusiasts.

There will be several adverts for this event in the magazine over the next couple of months which will be held on Sunday the 28th October, and while there is still plenty of time before the event it may be time to put a note in your diary as a reminder, and start making some preliminary plans in readiness for this important event on our club Calendar. So now may be the time to start brushing the cobwebs of the car and start checking over your vehicle in readiness for all those great summer months ahead.

August again “Heralds” the club AGM which will be held on Tuesday the 21st at the SCCOSA club rooms at 8.00 pm. As is the normal practice all club committee positions are declared vacant and elections will be held. I believe it to be a sound practice to change the mix of the committee from time to time to encourage new ideas and keep the club fresh, if you also believe in this principle and would like to get involved in some small way in assisting in the running our successful club, give me or one of the other current committee members a ring and discuss how you may be able to help.

The Concessional Historic vehicle and prescribed LHD Registration scheme code of practice has been issued and several articles have been presented in the past magazines for your information. Just to update a little further the code requires the clubs to set up and maintain a series of records which are required to be kept for a period of 5 years, these will be subject to audit from time to time by the DPTI. The code also requires each vehicle to be inspected every 3 years and we as a club need to commit to complying with these conditions by the end of December 2012.

The committee and our three authorizing people will be working through and tying to understand the new requirements, and from time to time we will issue statements of our understanding or clarifying the code to the membership as required.

In the mean time our team were very happy with the membership’s acceptance of the new requirements for a Stat Dec. and log book sign off at the July meeting and remind members that club subscriptions and log book sign off are required to be completed by the AGM or your historic vehicle will be unregistered and not covered by insurance.

That’s all for now

John Sampson

The run on Sunday 17th June was organised by Peter & Julie.   Thirty five people gathered in the carpark of the Victoria Hotel at O’Halloran Hill before setting off for Croissant D’Or at Lonsdale for croissants/Danish pastries and coffee at the factory.  The owner of the factory, Danny, showed us the bakery and gave a short spiel on how croissants are made.  After everyone had had their full of these delights we headed off along the coast travelling over the Myponga Dam wall and down into Carrickalinga then to Normanville and our destination Lady Bay for lunch.

The mid week run on Wednesday 11th July to David Armstrong’s “shed” has a meeting place of Endue Cnr Grand Junction and Nelson Roads Valley View from 10.00am onwards for coffee, departing at 11.00am.  Tony Harvie has put a run together and David & Yvonne are very kindly putting on a sausage sizzle for lunch.

Sunday 15th July is a Jolly Jaunt through the Adelaide Hills ending up at Stirling for coffee/brunch or whatever you want to make it.  Meeting place is Burnside Townhall at 9.00am for a 9.30am departure.  The run is being organised by Chuck and Dianne.

The run on Sunday 19th August will head to the Military Museum at Salisbury meeting at the Eagle on the Hill lookout (about 250m beyond the old Hotel site).

Sue Gibson

Our Sporting Triumphs have had another busy month of motorsport activity. Starting with Modern Regularity on the 20th of May. Both Duane Kaak and Neil Martin competed in this event with Neil finishing 5th outright.

Rod Carey took his Spitfire interstate to the Winton Historic Race Meeting on the weekend of the 26th& 27th of May, which this year celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Triumph Spitfire. Rod entered his car in the Alan Jones Trophy for Sa/Sb/Sc class of cars. He qualified his Spitfire in 29th position with a time of 1:41:46 but improved his times at each run finishing with a time of 1:16:66. The faster pace must have been a little too much for the Spitfire as it DNF’d in its last run.

A number of club members also made the trek to Winton as spectators. This meeting is one of the best historic race meetings in the country with plenty of static displays and other activities over the weekend. Well worth the trip.

Last weekend was Round 2 of the MSCA Supersprint Series. Three club members entered this event, Neil Martin – Triumph TR7V8, Duane Kaak – Triumph TR7V8 and Roger Lange – Datsun 240Z. Roger borrowed/hired the drive as his GT6 engine is still being rebuilt. We’ve been a bit down in numbers at the last few events because other Team Triumph competitor’s cars are in the same position as Roger’s. Hopefully our numbers will increase in coming months.

Both Neil and Duane produced personal best times on the day. Neil recorded a best lap of 1:28:93. Duane continues to improve at each outing recording his best time of 1:34:39. Just when Duane thought he was starting to close the gap between Neil and himself, Neil improves his times. It’s great to see a new competitor pushing established drivers. Roger’s best time in the Datsun was a quick 1:27:41.

Neil is competing in the next round of Modern Regularity as I write this report (24th June) before heading off to Wakefield Park to compete in the All British race meeting. Last year we had six competitors representing the club at this meeting, but due to the fore mentioned car problems of some of our other drivers, Neil is our sole representative.

Round 4 of the MSCA Supersprint Series on the 12th of August is our club’s turn to do flag duty. This could be the last time we are asked to perform this duty as it is my understanding that lights will be installed later this year at each flag point eliminating the need for flag marshals. This is a great day and gives a great insight to how a race meeting is run. It also provides you with the best spots to see all the action. Morning Tea and lunch are provided. Please contact me if you wish to volunteer.

July is looking even busier than June with an event on every weekend as you will see listed in the “coming events”.

Cheers – Rick Staehr

Coming Events

1st July All British Day – Wakefield Park

8th July Round 3 Supersprint Series – Mallala

14th July Come & Try Hillclimb –Collingrove

15th July Round 3 Winter Cup Hillclimb – Collingrove

29th July Modern Regularity – Mallala

29th July All Make Swap Meet – Angle Park

Rory and Sue Gibson are rightfully proud of their TR6, even though it causes some grief occasionally – nothing Rory can’t handle of course.

Here it is looking fantastic at the Tiger Moth plane day down south a couple of months ago.

John Williams, a long time active member of TSOA passed away on the 5th May, and our thoughts go out to Angela and Johns’ family.

John was a long time motoring enthusiast and over the years had many fine examples of both Triumph and other marques in his collection. John will be sadly missed.

The Technical meeting organised by John Tuohy at Marque Restorations was brilliant, and those who couldn’t make it missed a great evening.

The owner Gerard Miller showed us around the range of vehicles currently under restoration and some of these included, a late 60’s Mazarati, an Austin 7 special, a mid 30’s Bugatti, Jensen 541, Aston Martin DB2 and a 1920’s ALVIS chassis which has been remade using a few bits of original chassis and a lot of hard work in developing the balance to suit.

We were given a demonstration of the Bugatti running, what a magic sound, that a lone was worth the visit.  Once we have viewed all the vehicles we were given a demonstration of Gerard’s skills in metal forming which he made look so simple. A great night, thanks to John for arranging.

Historic Registration update:
The final draft issue of the Concessional Historic Registration scheme was circulated in mid May and the night before our club general meeting I located a copy on the Federation of Historic Vehicle clubs’ web site www.fhmcsa.org.au

While we as a club have yet to take in all the 43 pages of this draft issue, our preliminary understanding is that for our club, the “Code” is very similar but with the new requirement that from 1 July 2012 all vehicles have to be sighted by a club authorized person once each 5 years for approval, but with a mandatory requirement that a statuary declaration be submitted at the log book sign off time every year, listing any modifications made during the last 12 month period.

Kevin Foster will have a report in more detail later in this magazine.

With the discussions held during the May meeting in relating to the Historic registration Code Draft issue, I omitted to advise the membership that during the balance of May and for the month of June, Barb and I will be enjoying a relaxing cruise in the Mediterranean with a few days in Barcelona, Paris, and Singapore.

During this time any matters should be addressed to Bill Berlemon, who will also be running the June General meeting and with all his experience I am sure that all will run smoothly.

Look forward to catching up with you in July,

John Sampson