The meeting was called to order at 8:05 by John Schroeder. In attendance were 35 members and 2 guests:
    - Bret Bartland of the Ill./Wisc. Border (a ’60 MGA project car)
    - Dick Saylor of Buffalo Grove (a “B” 66 body with a Buick V8).
These members have worked / will work on the following projects:
    - John Schroeder (floor pans in his “B”)
    - Russ Mehaffey (changed rod bearings in his MGA, improved oil pressure to over 60 psi
    - Seth Jones (a proud owner of a ’71 Midget - that’s in pieces)

Past Events

    Jim Evans reported on another successful Swap Meet (2/27/05). -101 vendors (vs. 103 in 2004) -860 visitors (vs. 900 in 2004) -some out-of-state vendors (incl. the Ohio & K.C., Mo. MG clubs) -financially beneficial for the Club - $4,000 in proceeds.
    Dean Swanson & “Cowboy” reported on the 3/13/05 tech session “What to look (or look out) for when buying an MG” hosted by Club member Paul Watts at United Classic Motors. -approx. 15-20 were in attendance. -cars reviewed/evaluated were 2 “B”s, an “A” (Barney’s) & a “TD” for the mechanicals, engine, interior, & frame/chassis that were unique to each model. -this tech session may be repeated in the future (in 2 or 3 years)
    John Schroeder reported on the 3/19-20 Mo. Endurance Rally. -John & his son drove, as did Wade & his dad. -the rally was 762 miles & took 22 hours. -in the rally, 18 cars participated (9 in the mini-rally)
    Russ Mehaffey & Barney reported on the 3/20/05 tech session where Barney’s ’58 MGA received new seats. -10-12 Club members were present. -the seat kits were bought from Moss Motors

Future Events

    Doug Clark said on 4/9/05 a model show (mostly 1/43 scale) will be held in Countryside - he brought flyers on it.
    “Cowboy” reminded everyone that the Spring Tune-up Party will be on Sun., 4/17/05 in Darien. -please let him know in advance of any non-routine work to be done on cars - for time planning purposes. -MGs only, please (that means no Jaguars)
    Wade reminded everyone that the season’s first autocross will be at Cantera Theatres on Sun., 4/24/05 (9:00 a.m.).
    Wade said the Spring Tour will be on Sat., 4/30/05, starting on the West side of Aurora - heading out toward Starved Rock.
    Russ said that he & Bill Hedrick will be organizing the Spring Chicken Rally (to be held on Sun., 5/15/05).
    Members were reminded of the Champagne Car Festival (5/27-29).
    Members were urged to drive their cars as much as possible during British Car Week, which starts on 5/28/05.
    Dave Lieb suggested checking on the status of the 5/29/05 Austin Healey autocross, since that’s the featured marque at this year’s Champagne Car Festival.
    Dean Swanson mentioned that on Sat. 6/4/05, a “Woodward Ave.” style cruise will be held in Chgo on the outer drive, with antique or collectible cars (plus a car show will be held near Soldier Field - details on the cruise & the show will become available through the Chgo automotive media).
    Blackhawk Farms will host vintage racing 6/19/05 (Father’s Day).
    Doug Clark reminded everyone of the GOF (Central) hosted by the VMGCC at the Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale (7/6-7/9).
    NAMGBR will be held in Olympia, Wash., from 7/6-7/10. -it’s likely two or three Club members’ cars will make the trip. -Dean Swanson said that David Deutsch is planning to drive there from N.Y. state - and other MG drivers may join him en route.
    Bob Schultz, who has kindly agreed to spearhead the planning for the Abingdon Weekend, gave an initial report. -the chosen weekend will be Fri.-Sun. 10/7/05-10/9/05. -a color tour likely will be organized.

Other Business

    Doug Clark announced that the MG marque will be featured on the television series Great Cars, on WYCC Ch. 20 on (Easter) Sun., 3/27 (1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.). -Dave Lieb said that the Club library has a DVD of this episode - and he warned of some inaccuracies in it. -still, set your VCRs to record it in case you can’t watch it
    Fees for rallys will reduce to $10, and fees for autocrosses will remain at $15 (because of the effort to run them).
    Trophies for the first, second, & third place finishers this year in the rallys & autocrosses will be replaced with framed photos of drivers (& navigators) and cars.
    Wade mentioned that if anyone hasn’t received the Driveline, it is because that person hasn’t paid dues.
    John announced that those members who didn’t pick up a roster at the All British Swap Meet last month will have their’s mailed.
    Dave Lieb said that an addition to the library is a British Leyland Tuning manual for Midgets (not sure if for round wheel arches).
    “Cowboy” said that the Club is looking for an additional member to serve as a representative with him to the British Car Union (for which the likely time requirement will be one night/month).
    Setb Jones indicated that he’d be willing to host a tech session (rebuilding Midget doors) sometime in 2005.
    “Cowboy” reminded everyone that in 2005, fewer tech sessions during the driving season (Apr. - Nov.) will be planned, but if anyone will be working on a car project anyway that might good for a tech session, it could be considered.

    At 8:55 the business portion of the meeting ended and the 50/50 raffle tickets were sold, with the winners being Maynard Hirsch ($21), Amy Mehaffey (2004 Ill. Vehicle Code - yawn), and Russ Mehaffey (MG signs).

Program

    At 9:20 our guest speaker of Associated Tire and Battery Co. Inc. addressed the Club.
    -Erik Stolzer’s presentation covered tire safety and tire care.
    -those in the audience asked many questions which were answered by Erik or his Goodyear sales representative
    -we showed our appreciation to our visitors with a round of applause at the conclusion of their enlightening presentation

    The program and meeting ended at 9:55 p.m.

Respectufully submitted,
Doug Clark