Quick Calendar

November 23rd, 2023. Submitted by Roger.

Dec 30th         (Monday) After Xmas “Apres” Run  – meet at Civic Park, opp Tea Tree Plaza by 10.30 am for a run through the hills with lunch at the              One Tree Hill Hotel – Details – Margie / Bill 0438 836 837

Jan 19th          (Sunday Evening) Ice Cream Run – Meet at Super Cheap car park, 69 Port Road Thebarton at 6.00 pm leaving at 6.15 pm with Ice Creams and whatever else you might like at Fasta Pasta, Commercial Road, Port Adelaide

Jan 21st           (Tuesday Evening) Unofficial Meeting at the Sporting Car Club from 7.45 pm – come along for a chat and catch up on all the Triumph News

Jan 26th         (Sunday) BBQ Lunch at Dino and Lisa Vettese home, 20 Vickers Vimy Parade, Northgate from 12.30 pm. Dino and Lisa are kindly putting on a BBQ Lunch – no need to bring anything but yourselves and a smiley face. RSVP Dino 0412 444 052

Feb 18th         (Tuesday Evening) General Meeting at the Sporting Car Club 8.00 pm

Feb 23rd          (Sunday) MSCA Picnic / Presentation Day – details t.b.a.

President’s Report – November 2024

November 28th, 2024. Submitted by Alex Smithson.

Christmas is fast approaching, and I hope all TSOASA members are looking forward to the festive season. I was unable to attend the November meeting due to being on a bushwalking trip in the Grampians, and I thank Vice President Richard Sellars, and Secretary Duane Kaak for once again holding the fort in my absence (two meetings in a row – acknowledged poor form on my behalf).

We have had two successful social functions since the last issue of Fastrak, being the “All Triumph Rally” Observation Run, and the Christmas Dinner. Both these events were well attended, and I am sure, were enjoyed by all members and guests who participated.

The observation run was through some less travelled roads via Humbug Scrub and Williamstown to Lyndoch where the first 10 questions were set. We then drove through the western part of the Barossa Valley to Greenock, for the balance of questions, and a barbeque lunch at Greenock Centenary Park. There were familiar names on the winners list, being Dean Berlemon and Lisa Macleod, who seem to win it every second year, and then run it in the off years. Well done once again Dean and Lisa.

At our club meeting on Tuesday 19th, we welcomed new members Charles and Carol Onody to their first meeting. They have purchased a Spitfire Mk 3, and we look forward to seeing it on stage at a future meeting. The new Life Membership criteria, the draft of which has been fine-tuned by VP Richard, is now to be given to existing life members for comment.  We have had some significant motor sport activity as advised by Duane, and Roger Lange gave a quick summary of the 2024 WA Nationals. I have provided a report which is contained in this edition of Fastrak. There we no cars on stage, however Bill Galler presented a photo slide show of the restoration of his Spitfire.

Our Christmas dinner held on Saturday 23rd November at the Royal Adelaide Golf Club. This is a terrific venue with great views, a spacious and very well-appointed dining room, excellent staff, and a first class, 3 course meal. We are very lucky as a club to be able have this facility each year. Social Secretary Natalie Farrell, and our regular Christmas Dinner organiser, Sue Gibson did a great job making sure everything went smoothly before, and then on the night, and I thank them for all their efforts to make it such a successful evening. We presented club awards, including the President’s Award to Natalie Farrell, Vice President’s Award to Dean Berlemon, and Clubman Trophy jointly to Bill and Margie Berlemon. All the winners at the Day of Triumph, Competition and All Triumph Rally trophies were also presented.

We have three further social event in December and January, being the After Christmas Run on 30th December and Ice Cream Run on 19th January, details of which are included in Fastrak. All club members have also been invited to Dino and Lisa Vettese’s house on Australia Day, 26th January for a lunch to be put on by Dino and Lisa. Address is 20 Vickers Vimy Parade, Northgate. More details will be circulated in mid-January, but I am assured that this will be an event not to miss.

As I will not see most club members until the New Year, I wish everyone an early happy Christmas and look forward to the club’s continuing success in 2025.

Alex Smithson

President

Social Speaking – November / December 2024

November 28th, 2024. Submitted by Roger.

Here we are again another year nearly gone. We had a wonderful time at the End of Year Dinner and the Trophy
Presentations went well. The food was good the venue excellent again. I would like to thank everyone concerned for
helping and making 2024 an enjoyable time for all of us. I call this club “My Happy Club” because it is. Everyone
helps everyone else.
Now the next thing is Christmas! I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy new
year. Enjoy the break with family and friends and we will see you in 2025.
The “After Christmas Run” will be held on the Monday the 30th December. Meet at Modbury Civic Park, at 10.30 am
for a run to the One Tree Hill Hotel.
We have the Ice-cream Run again this year but not ending at Noonies but Fasta Pasta at Port Adelaide where you
can have ice-creams as well as tea and coffee or you can have a meal if you like.
26th of January 2025, Dino and Lisa Vettese are hosting a BBQ lunch at their place 20 Vickers Vimy Parade,
Northgate. They are kindly putting on this BBQ, no need to bring anything just yourselves and have a great time. You
can bring your bathers if you so desire. There is plenty of room and shelter. Please RSVP with a text to Dino on 0412
444 052.
Hope to see you all at our Triumph events. Keep these dates in your Calendar.
Natalie Farrell
Social Secretary
0455 250 990

Coolest Spitfire Ever

November 23rd, 2024. Submitted by Roger.

Built and maintained by an enthusiast in Sweden, this has to be the the coolest Spitty EVER!

TSOA NATIONALS REPORT – ALBANY WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2024

November 14th, 2024. Submitted by Alex Smithson.

The 43rd TSOA National Meeting which ran from Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th October 2024 is over and once again, our compatriots in the West put on a great week which was enjoyed by all who attended this year in Albany. There were 82 registered participants (34 from WA) with SA having a smaller than normal contingent of 8 members. Due to limited accommodation and large venues in Albany, WA decided to keep numbers lower than the traditional 100 plus registrants of most National meetings.

My wife, Sue and I met up with three vehicles from Victoria on our first night in Ceduna. Unfortunately, another Victoria couple, Peter and Jennie Lane failed to get past Port Augusta, when the electrics in their near new Mercedes Sprinter camper van blew up, also locking it in “Park”. The Merc had to be loaded onto a flatbed truck (dragged up with rear wheels locked) and it and their TR6 and car trailer were brought to Adelaide. As I understand, the camper van could not be repaired in Adelaide, and so it was transported back to Melbourne. Getting both the TR6 and the trailer back may have been a further challenge for the Lanes, but we did not hear how this problem was addressed.

Portion of the NSW group met up with us en-route to Border Village, and we travelled with them and the Vics then to Balladonia and Esperance. Some of us stayed two nights in Esperance and were able to have a meal with Roger and Cherri Lange and Stephen Wade, who left after us and finally caught up with us in Esperance.

Albany is a great location with lots to do and see. TSOAWA, once again put on a great week with scenic drives, lots of sights to see, and great meals as well as traditional great camaraderie from the TSOA national family. Accommodation was at Motel Le Grande, a family run motel with lots of room and very hospitable staff.

Our first event was the welcome dinner at the motel on Saturday which was a great night, and has a “sea” theme, bringing out the best of the creativity of the rally delegates. No prizes were given, however Barrie O’Shea from Victoria dressed as a pirate, complete with parrot on shoulder, was one of the stand-outs.

On Sunday we all washed and polished our cars (albeit in light rain) and headed into town for a show and shine in the Alison Hartman Gardens, in the heart of the Albany town centre. We all agreed that this was probably the best show and shine venue in living memory, and there were many locals who came out to see our vehicles. No trophy was awarded, however there was a “people’s choice”. The winner of this was a very smart TR3A (curiously owned by a man from Esperance who was not a Nationals delegate or even a member of TSOA). The “peoples’ choice” places were dominated by WA cars, although I did manage to get 5th place with my TR5.

Monday was a “Funkhana” at Sounness Park, Mount Barker. Councils in WA seem to be much more amenable to motor sport than in other parts of Australia, and we were able to have a “there and back” drive through cones and longer straights, with everyone encouraged to participate. Times were recorded, and a certain red TR7 V8 driven by our own Neil Martin was (surprise) the quickest vehicle. There was initially a plan for multiple runs, however a combination of rain and complaints from neighbours ended this plan.

We had an evening meal at Albany Golf Club, and the first “ironman” event was held prior to the meal. For the uninitiated, there is an annual competition between the states, of essentially novelty events, with the winning state taking away the perpetual “Ironman” trophy. This is very large, quite unattractive, is hard to transport and must be brought by the winning state to the next Nationals. Naturally, it is keenly fought over, with each state hoping to win this highly sought-after national trophy.

The first round was a golf putting competition, and our crack team of Roger Lange, Neil Martin and Lawrie Placing were near unstoppable, being just pipped at the (flag) post by the Victorians.

Tuesday was the observation run, again to Mount Barker and then on to lunch at Boston Brewery in Denmark (WA, not Scandinavia). Again, SA did very well, with Sue and me winning the event.

We had a free day on Wednesday although there was a cruise on the good ship Kalgan Queen for those competing in the Quaranup Time Trial on Friday. This cruise was over Oyster Harbour and into the Kalgan River, with Captain Jack, the very knowledgeable and entertaining guide. The rest of us were able to visit various Albany attractions including the fabulous ANZAC Centre, and fort museum.

We had dinner at Le Grande that night, with a quiz after dinner run by sponsors, David and Jenny Markich. Questions were mainly either car (particularly Triumph) or history of Albany related. Those who had done the trip with Captain Jack had a definite advantage on the Albany questions, which I think explains our table’s dismal performance.

Thursday morning was a social run including morning tea at Porongurup and lunch at a function centre in an old shearing shed known as Henderson and Hwang near Mount Barker. After lunch, the second ironman event was held at H&H. This was a game of bocce, and our team was Sue Smithson and Stephen Wade. This pair was on fire (as it were) and won the competition comfortably.

The previously mentioned Quaranup Time Trial was on Friday. I did not attend this event as I was in the second group to do the Kalgan Queen cruise, however again, surprise, surprise, Neil Martin was the fastest car in the event, much to the chagrin of the organiser, Bruce Pollock who noted that whenever Neil competes, no-one else gets a look-in. It was agreed some years ago that the previous perpetual Competition trophy is no longer relevant, so Neil got the accolades but not a trophy. We had a meal that night at Rustlers Steakhouse.

Our final day was a brunch at Whalers Galley Café at the former Albany Whaling Station, and some of us then had a guided tour of the facilities, learning about the grizzly history of the whaling operations. In the afternoon, we had time to load cars on trailers and attend the National Delegates meeting.

There was a presentation dinner that night at Le Grande. The theme for this night was car related, and this gave attendees a broad canvas upon which to dress. The only perpetual trophy on offer was the Ironman trophy, which South Australia won after placing second and first in the two events. Our team celebrated this famous victory long into the night.

Breakfasts each day were at the motel (other than the day of the brunch), and we had evening meals most nights either at the motel (three) or at other restaurants/hotels/community facilities in Albany, all of which were of very good quality.

The week was fantastic, and whilst the interstate contingent was comprised mainly of people who are regular Nationals attendees, we met or renewed acquaintances with a lot of people from the WA TSOA club, which continues to grow and has a high participation rate. The organising committee, particularly convenors Ron and Leigh Marian did a great job of making sure the week ran very smoothly, and everyone in the club really pulled their weight to make it such a great event. Jeff van der Plas was MC for the week and did an amazing job of humour and efficiency which really added to the enjoyment of the week, as did Bruce Pollock who acted as Sergeant at Arms to point out any misdemeanours which delegates may have committed during the week.

On the last night, John Stokes from NSW gave a presentation on next year’s Nationals to be held at “The Anchorage” 5-plus star beachfront resort at Port Stephens in October 2025. This was very similar to the presentation John made at Margaret River W.A. in 2019 for the 2020 Nationals which were eventually cancelled due to COVID. The 2025 Nationals will be a great program in such a fantastic location. Registrations will be opening soon, and demand is expected to be high. Although there were no delegates from Queensland in attendance, we are informed that they are progressing well for 2026 with the event to be held in Toowoomba.

Lawrie and Kaye Placing flew to Perth and hired a car for the week, Sue and I, and Roger and Cherri Lange towed our Triumphs there and back on trailers and Stephen Wade drove his Stag each way. Our return trip was relatively uneventful, and we enjoyed the company of them and sundry other interstate participants at Norseman, Border Village and Ceduna over four days of long drives between overnight stops.

Thanks again to TSOA WA for putting on such a great week.

Alex Smithson

President’s Report – October 2024

November 12th, 2024. Submitted by Alex Smithson.

Greetings, all TSOA SA members from the TSOA National Meeting in Albany W.A. As I write my report, we are half way through a great week of camaraderie with fellow TSOA members from around Australia.
The South Australian contingent comprises, my wife, Sue and me, Roger and Cherri Lange and Neil Martin (all who towed their Triumphs here), Stephen Wade who drove his Stag, and Lawrie and Kaye Placing who flew to Perth and hired a car for the week. There are some 90 delegates in total, and we have enjoyed a great time so far, driving around the picturesque south western corner of our continent, and having great food, fellowship and fun. I will provide a more detailed report for next month’s Fastrak.

Thanks to Richard Sellars and Duane Kaak for running this month’s meeting in my absence. I look forward to seeing a great turnout of members at the observation run on Sunday 3rd November, starting at the Tea Tree Gully Hotel, after we make the big trip back across the Nullarbor.

Alex Smithson
President

Social Report – September 2024

October 2nd, 2024. Submitted by Roger.

The midweek run to the Uraidla Hotel. Was a great success. 20 people enjoyed the meal which was rather large and
a beautiful day and drive to Uraidla. A big thank you to Kaye and Lawrie.

September 22nd was the “Day of Triumph” at the Tea Tree Gully Civic Park. It was a successful day albeit the weather
wasn’t kind to us in the morning but cleared up in the afternoon. A big thank you to Dino & Lisa Vettese for their kind
offer of $10 breakfast voucher at Café Primo, which was very acceptable on this cold morning.

Don’t forget November 3rd is the Observation Run. I know you love this event, but you will have to be in your Triumph
to win. The winner will win a trophy and the honour of setting the run and obscure questions the following year. After
the run will be a Club sponsored BBQ. Just bring your dinks and chairs to the Tea Tree Hotel by 9.30am.

The end of year Dinner and Day of Triumph trophy presentation will be on the 23rd of November. Please could you
ring me to let me know if you will be attending and if you have any dietary needs. The Royal Adelaide Golf club have
available selections for Vegetarian, Vegan along with Gluten Free and Dairy free meals but you will have to let me
know a week before the event. Payment to be paid by the RSVP 12th November. Preferably on line BSB 065 006 No.
00902024. Or at the October meeting.

I was asked for the menu to be included in my report.

3 course dinner – choice of two entrees, choice of two mains, and a set dessert
ENTRÉE SELECTION
1. Grilled king prawns and jamon serrano, creamed avocado, potato rosti and petite herb salad (GF, DF)
2. Cider braised pork belly, sweetcorn puree, beetroot and radish remoulade, white wine jus (GF)
MAIN SELECTION
1. Grilled free-range chicken breast. Parmesan potato gratin, sauteed baby broccoli and blistered cherry
tomatoes, fresh dill and brown chicken jus (GF)
2. Grilled Coonawarra 180g beef tenderloin, chunky steak chips, wilted rocket, charred roots and pepper jus gras
(GF. DF)
DESSERT
Cherry and amaretto trifle, almond sponge, amaretti, vanilla mascarpone, shaved chocolate.

For people who cannot eat the trifle, there will be fruit salad available with ice-cream or cream or fruit salad alone.

More on the after Christmas Run next month.

See you there on the runs.
Natalie Farrell
Social Secretary

President’s Report – September 2024

September 27th, 2024. Submitted by Alex Smithson.

Firstly, I would like to thank those members who renominated for positions on the club executive. The club does not run itself, and without the small group being prepared to take on positions, we would not have a club, despite having over 200 members. Dean Berlemon has been elected to become an executive committee member, and Duane Kaak has taken on the role of competition secretary in addition to holding club secretary.

Members would have seen in the media the sad and untimely death of recently retired Supreme Court Judge, Malcolm Blue in a farm accident a week or so ago. Although Malcolm did not attend meetings or club events, he had been a member of TSOA for many years and owned two TR6’s which he had on the concessional registration scheme.

My wife, Sue and I were unable to attend the August run on Sunday the 18th to Kersbrook Hill Wines and Cider. I trust this was an enjoyable outing. We had a good turnout to the mid-week lunch at The Uraidla Hotel last week. Thanks again to Lawrie and Kaye Placing and everyone who attended this most enjoyable afternoon.

We had two cars on stage at our September meeting being Ian Young’s and Tim Wachtel’s GT6’s. Whilst both were Mark 3’s, they had come quite different journeys, with Ian having set his up for eventual racing, and with a 2500cc petrol injected motor, and Celica gearbox, and Tim having imported his GT6 from the UK, and having had many problems and challenges thrown at him during the process. Thanks to both Ian and Tim for sharing their different stories of each vehicle.

Our Day of Triumph on Sunday the 22nd September at Civic Park, Modbury looked like it was going to be a washout early, with persistent light rain through the morning, but clearing in the afternoon to a very pleasant day. Dean Berlemon, ably assisted by wife Lisa, as well as Bill and Margie Berlemon, Ian Rigby and others did a great job of organisation, and we ended up having a strong turnout of vehicles, despite the early inclement weather.

Congratulations in particular, to the top three cars in Concours, being Trevor Hawkins’ TR4A, Roger Lange’s TR7V8 and Lisa Vettese’s Stag, as well as all other class winners. Thanks to everyone to assisted with judging and other organisation. We are also grateful to Dino and Lisa Vettese who provided $10 vouchers for breakfast at Café Primo, Tea Tree Plaza, and which were enjoyed by many of the DOT attendees.

I will be en-route to Western Australia for the TSOA National Meeting at our next club meeting, but I am sure that Vice President Richard Sellars will do a great job chairing the October meeting in my absence.

Alex Smithson
President

DAY OF TRIUMPH 2024

September 26th, 2024. Submitted by Roger.

DOT Report 2024

Our Day of Triumph was held at Civic Park on Sunday 22 September 2024. While the weather wasn’t especially kind in the morning it turned into a lovely spring day.  Thanks to all those who bought your cars out for the day. We had 18 entrants and an extra  8 cars on display.

Winners on the day were remarkably similar to last year:

Overall:                                                              Trevor Hawkins (TR4A)

Second Overall:                                                  Roger Lange (TR8)

Third Overall:                                                     Lisa Vettese (Stag)

Michelotti Trophy (TR4,4A & 5):                   Trevor Hawkins

Harris Mann Trophy (TR7/8):                        Roger Lange

Concours

TR4/4A/5/250:                                                  Trevor Hawkins (TR4A)

TR7/8:                                                                  Roger Lange

Stag:                                                                      Lisa Vettese

Saloon:                                                                 Roger Lange

Spitfire/GT6                                                       Tim Wechtel (GT6)

Pride of Ownership

TR4/4A/5/250:                                                 Katherine Bradley (TR4)

TR6:                                                                     Ivan Powell

TR7/8:                                                                 Steve Ferguson

Spitfire/GT6:                                                     Nathan Parkes (Spitfire)

Stag:                                                                    Chris Marshall

Saloon:                                                                Rob Hanna

 

Big thanks to our judges and helpers on the day Alex Smithson, Duane Kaak, Lawrie Placing, Richard Sellers, Katherine Bradley, Garry Buckton, Nathan Parkes , Rob Hanna and Trevor Hawkins. Thanks again to Ian Rigby for his help and support (I might have progressed from my L plates to my P plates now) and Lisa and Margie for their help scoring. Thanks again to Dino and Lisa Vettese who provided a subsidised breakfast for members at Café Primo – all the reports indicated breakfast was delicious.

Dean Berlemon

2024 DOT Organiser

Dolly’s Day of Triumph

September 24th, 2024. Submitted by Duane Kaak.

Great to see so many members brave the early morning rain and bring out their Triumph’s on Sunday. Best part, all those hours in the shed for a fresh coat of paint paid off, and our Dolly won it’s Pride of Ownership Class. I did enlist the help of my 9yo daughter over the last weeks to help hold,retrieve and fit some parts, with finally her holding the bumpers CAREFULLY without scratching the fresh paint whilst I bolted them up.

Getting Ready for Day of Triumph 2024

August 24th, 2024. Submitted by Duane Kaak.

Due to oil leaking into Plug #3, my Sprint didn’t make last years event. (lucky I have spare cars!!).

This year, I’m currently getting my 1850 ready for the day. It’s had a fresh coat of paint in my garage, and now needs a lot of cut ‘n’ polish. A few years ago at the DOT some of you may remember this car for the two white doors and white bootlid. It’s now finally all the one shade of Carmine Red. If it’s not finished, I can always enter ‘under restoration’?