It is with sadness that I wish to inform the Sprite Club Members of the passing of Victorian Sprite Member Tony Young. Tony was aged 80 Years.
While Tony (and wife Nancy) were long term members of the Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club (Victoria) they had a strong association and friendship with the Sprite Club of South Australia and its members.
Tony, Nancy and family were always present at the Annual Bordertown Motorkhana between the Victorian and South Australian Sprite Clubs, with Tony’s keen and clever driving of his Mk II Sprite often putting him towards the top of the competition, winning many trophies at this event over the years.
Tony and Nancy attended a number of Sprite Club of South Australia anniversaries and special events over the years including the various milestone years, as well as the Five Ferries Run in 2014.
They also formed many friendship’s with SA Members during the National Sprite Meetings and the Pre and Post-Touring Events.
Tony also served on the AHSDC Committee in various roles including President in 1980, 1999 and 2000. He was also awarded Sprite Champion in 1998 and Life Membership in 1988.
The members of the Sprite Club of South Australia would like to pass on our condolences to Nancy, and the children Bryce, Ranald, Warrick and Penelope during this time.
Images courtesy of the Sprite Club of SA and the AHSDC websites.
Thanks to the work of David and Carole Tye, the Sprite Club of South Australia was invited to display some vehicles at the September Meeting of the Classic and Modern Section of the Sporting Car Club of South Australia.
With three vehicles chosen to be on stage, last minute changes, car problems and work commitments saw the Bugeye of Gordon Boyce and the Spridget of Peter Dineen grace the stage the SCCSA Clubrooms.
The Sporting Car Club has been busy with some background research and displayed a couple of videos showing the 75th Goodwood Revival Race that featured many Sprites and Midgets, and a great clip from Shannon’s showing the history and features of the Sprite and Midgets.
After the meeting formalities President Robin Dunk was invited to the stage to talk about the Sprite Club. Robin outlined the Club’s activities and the membership cohort, and put in a plug for the upcoming Display Day and 2026 Sprite Nationals.
Peter Dineen was next to join the stage, where he talked about the ownership of his Spridget, its previous history and the fun he has had during his ownership. He also related the story of his recent trip to the 2024 Sprite Nationals and the mechanical issues he had to endure during this road trip. He also described the fridge that he fits to the passenger space for these extended interstate travels.
Then it was an opportunity for Gordon Boyce to talk about his 1958 Bugeye. Gordon outlined the history of his 42 years of ownership, the restoration, its competition history and the events that the vehicle has attended, including 1998 Bathurst, National Meetings and other events.
There were a number of previous and current Sprite and Midget Owners in the audience, so at question time there were a number of questions about the cars, the joys of ownership and the specifics of each vehicle.
Once the meeting concluded the members were free to view the cars in detail and speak with the owners about their vehicles.
Our thanks to the Tye’s and the Sporting Car Club for the invitation to join them for their meeting, and thanks to Robin, Peter and Gordon for taking the time to bring their vehicles and talk about Spridgets.
PS: The Sprite Club has been invited back for the 4th October Meeting where a new Maserati and Alfa Romeo will be on display for viewing.
Brian Davies from the Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs is looking for a 1098cc A Series engine to suit his Morris Minor.
He is after a minimum of a short motor, i.e. block, crank & camshaft, pistons & rods but anything up to a complete closed engine would be fine. If the engine is in need of repairs he can refurbish or overhaul it if required.
If you have a suitable engine please contact: Brian Davey. Mob 0400 826 969
Each year during February the Marque Sports Car Association of SA celebrates the winners from the previous season at it’s annual Trophy Presentation Day.
This year the event was held at the Mount Barker Oval on Sunday 25th Feb. It was also a chance to celebrate 50 years since the MSCA was formed.
The Sprite Club was one of the early member clubs, including MG, Alfa Romeo, MX-5, Triumph and Hot Bricks Modified Mini club.
There were trophies for Best Display (won by the Truimph club) and Club of the Year based on competitors and officials from the club, This year Alfa Romeo was the successful club. Trophies for Sprint Driver and Sprint Champion were awarded, as well as the overall driver in each class.
This year our own Lee Kernich was the winner in Class CC – Clubman 1600 – 2000cc in his Tiger Clubman – Congratulations Lee!
Thanks to all for making up the display of Sprite vehicles.
Also note the first Supersprint of the 2024 Calendar is this Sunday 3rd March at Mallala Motorsport Park – all are welcome.
A warm Summers night, an ice cream on offer at the end of the run and suddenly there were 22 cars arriving at the Fullarton Park Community Centre for the start!
With Bugeyes (6 in total), Sprites Mk II , Mk III and Midgets plus an Aston Martin, MGF’s, MX-5, HQ Holden and Mercedes Benz the convoy was quite a sight.
After the usual briefing the cars headed along Fullarton Road to “Ring” the City arriving at Port Road – still in some sort of convoy -having been separated by various roundabouts and traffic lights.
Once on Port Road there was a regroup and the Sprites/Midgets/Assorted vehicles headed to Port Adelaide, over the Birkenhead Bridge and off to Outer Harbour before turning southward via the coast, Largs Bay and Semaphore.
A quick deviation up Grange Road had the group arriving at the Fulham Gardens Shopping Centre and 48 Flavours Ice Cream Shop!
Soon many were devouring their favourite flavours, including Helen Stephenson’s dog Wynne, who was enjoying a tub of ice cream as well.
Most had a chance to chat and compare the flavours, as well as inspect the vehicles. Once the cones were finished, most said goodbye and headed off into the twilight.
Thanks to Tiana Boyce (assisted by Mum and Dad) for setting and typing up the Run Sheet. Another great night, so keep an eye out for the next event.
Summertime, Spridgets, and a Soothing Sorbet or two!
Join us for our annual Ice Cream Run on Saturday 24th February.
Meet at the Fullarton Park Community Centre Car Park (the main one off Fullarton Road) at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm departure.
We will depart from the leafy Fullarton and travel via Ring Roads past the iconic Adelaide Parklands, Botanical Gardens and North Adelaide, where we will head to The Port!
After a wander through Port Adelaide we will continue to Outer Harbour to enjoy a sunlit Costal Drive through Largs Bay, Semaphore and Grange – ending up at the Fulham Gardens Shopping Centre at around 7.00pm.
We will enjoying the produce from 48 Flavours, where we can sample one of more of the ……………………………………………48 flavours of ice cream!
The run is approx. 30 miles (45 Kilometres) and takes about one hour.
If you cannot join the run, meet us at the destination.
For more info please contact Gordon Boyce – 0417 897 905.
We would like to inform the Members of the Sprite Club of South Australia of the passing of Life Member and previous Committee Member Julie Williams.
Julie became a member of the Sprite Club during early 1980 with her Red Bugeye – SNT-113 and joined her sibling Sprite Club members, Don (deceased) and Rick.
She quickly became associated with many aspects of the Sprite Club attending General Meetings and Social Events, including hosting these social events at her Fairview Park home. Soon Julie joined the Sprite Club Committee, volunteering as Social Secretary (1981 & 1991) and she held the role as Treasurer for six years (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1992 & 1993).
Julie was awarded Life Membership of the Sprite Club of SA during the 30th Birthday celebrations in 2002.
Julie also attended many Bordertown Weekends for the Annual Motorkhana vs the Victorian Sprite Club, quite often driving her Bugeye to Bordertown after work on Friday Night. During the motorkhana Julie would drive the courses setting very competitive times, often faster than many of the male drivers! She would also feature in the Ladies Team, winning for SA and also was awarded the Sprite Club Lady Driver of the Year on numerous occasions.
The other event that Julie took seriously was the Don-Doug Observation Run. This run, initially set by brother Don and fellow Club member Doug Gordon, tested your cryptic and observational skills while travelling some of the picturesque roads of the Adelaide Hills. Teaming with nephew and Sprite Club member, Dale Halling, this combination were successful in winning this event numerous times.
Julie’s Bugeye had sat idle for a number of years and is now maintained and cared for by nephew Dale who drove the Bugeye in the 2023 Bay to Birdwood last Sunday.
The members of the Sprite Club of South Australia would like to pass on their condolences to all of the William’s family at this time.
Please note that a Funeral Service is to be held in the Carr Memorial Chapel, 1 Morphett Street, Mount Barker, on Tuesday 14 November 2023, at 2-00pm.
Thanks to Reiner Walker, Robin Dunk and Gordon Boyce for the images used in this article
The British Motor Corporation (BMC) always looked at various ways to promote and sell it vehicles. MG and Austin Healey used record breaking at Bonneville in the USA to help sell its vehicles in the ‘States.
Here is the video of the special streamlined Sprite breaking the 138 MPH speed on the salt flats.
At this end of the Spritely Year we have a number of gastronomic events on the Sprite Club Calendar – the Annual Dinner is one of these – have you booked your seat yet?
To start this culinary journey the Annual Pie ‘n’ Pea Night is the perfect entrée to enjoy.
Saturday Night on the 26th August saw over 30 Sprite Club members head to the Fullarton Park Community Centre for this tasting event,
Hosted by Don and Elaine Cardone, the evening started with a range of pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, while the aroma of warming pies and pea soup lingered from the kitchen.
Soon the announcement was made and there was a Spritely Line to the kitchen where members collected their pie topped with warming homemade pea soup. A dash of tomato sauce and/or vinegar to add to the flavour, and a hush fell over the room while the meal was devoured.
Seconds were available for those who were still hungry, but most found the meal fulfilling! And at $6.00 per pie it was an economical night.
After a short break, the range of desserts was displayed and enjoyed by all, with a coffee or tea.
To add to the night Gary Brock had provided a copy of his “Gary’s Quiz”, which was game mastered by Des Chabrel – with chocolates provided to the winners – Thanks to Gary and Des.
A raffle, with win prizes kindly donated by Phil and Mary-Anne Kies, added to the night.
While members chatted about Sprites, Midgets, Social Chats, and everything else – there was a small team in the kitchen cleaning up, washing dishes, and putting things back in order.
Our thanks to Don and Elaine for the co-ordination and organisation of this great evening. Also special thanks to a range of helpers who set up the venue, assisted with the food preparation and serving and the clean-up. And thanks to all for providing nibbles and sweets.
The Sprite Club of South Australia has been contacted by MSCA Member and MG Midget owner Steve Bowra, who is after some assistance.
Steve has purchased a 1969 MG Midget which has suffered some front end damage over the past years. This damage is to the beam that supports the steering rack and the front shocker mounts – due to indiscretions with pot holes and other fixed objects – these items have seen better days!
Steve is looking for a Sprite Club member who has a dismantled Spridget so he can take some measurements of the steering rack support, front shocker mounts and other front end brackets, so he can sort the geometry of his Midget.
Please contact Steve on 0417 829 864 or shbowra@bigpond.com if you can assist.
The April General meeting of the Sprite Club of South Australia sees the members head to the Sporting Car Club clubrooms for the Stars and Their Cars night. This annual event is a chance for the members to showcase their vehicles and allow us to enjoy the benefits of automobilism.
This year President Robin had chosen Non-Sprite and Midget vehicles as an opportunity to view other vehicles from members garages.
The vehicles on display this year included:
Grant Stephenson’s Ford Capri GT 3 litre V6
Don Cardone’s Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV
Phil Kies Triumph TR4A
Paul Mitchell’s Mini Jem
The meeting commenced with pizza and drinks to start the night, then some general meeting items before the opportunity for the “Stars” to talk about their “Cars”.
Gordon Boyce interviewed each member about their involvement with the Sprite Club and some details of their ownership of their cars. Each of these vehicles had been through some form of restoration from minor to major and these stories were discussed during the talks.
Here are some of the highlights:
Grant’s Capri has had a number of engine rebuilds over his 40 years of ownership, the latest providing a very sweet sounding and driving package…and no he will not sell the car!
Don and son Joe described the simple “lets just tidy up the engine bay Dad!” that ended up with a full repaint, retrim and subtle upgrades to the Alfa…another vehicle that will remain in the family for years to come!
Paul’s Mini Jem – based on a fibreglass kit from Taylors of Medindie plus Mini Cooper S running gear has transformed from a road to track use vehicle and back to road use vehicle – Paul even drove the vehicle to Mackay, QLD!
Phil’s’ TR4A also started a a few cosmetic repairs at Member Gerald Miller’s Marque Restorations and has ended up as the beautiful vehicle we see today – winning Associate People’s Choice at the 50th Anniversary Display Day in 2022.
Members were then free to mingle with the “Cars” and talk with the “Stars” about their vehicles.
The Sprite Club would like to thank Grant, Don and Joe, Phil and Paul for bringing their vehicles along and sharing them with our members.
Also like to thank Michael and Pat for organising the pizzas, drinks and the venue.
With sadness I would like to inform the Members of the Sprite Club of South Australia of the passing of previous member and past President Don Williams.
Don joined the Sprite Club of South Australia during the mid 1970’s with his MG Midget. Don enjoyed all aspects of the Club from the Social side to the various competition events at Mallala and Collingrove Hillclimb.
Don then purchased an early 1958 Bugeye Sprite, which he used for a number of years, then restored for use at Collingrove hill climb. This vehicle is still in the Sprite Club under the ownership of Jim Schubert. Don’s wife Christine was also a Sprite owner with a nice BRG MkIII Sprite.
Don and fellow Technical Studies Teacher and MG Midget owner Doug Gordon schemed and planned the famous Don-Doug Observation Runs. These events used many cryptic and complicated clues for drivers and navigators to find various items, answers and route to get to the finish point. Questions like “What’s the number on a Dobie Dico?” and “How many CC’s and hoops at the Community Centre?” kept many couples driving in circles looking for the answers.
Don held many Sprite Club Committee positions including President during 1978, 1981, and 1983, Secretary, Editor, and Competition Secretary.
While Don and Christine were active members, so were Don’s brother Rick and Life Member Sister Julie. All were Sprite owners at various stages. Julie’s Bugeye is still in the Sprite Club being cared for by nephew Dale Halling.
Don purchased a 1966 MG Midget during the 2016 and enjoyed the vehicle on various club runs and displays. The MG Midget was a feature car at the 2019 Stars and Their Cars meeting.
The members of the Sprite Club of South Australia would like to pass on their condolences to Christine, daughter Sally, and the William’s family.
With the current flooding of the River Murray and the impact to the communities and infrastructure supporting these people, it is timely for the first “Flashback Friday” of 2023 to remind ourselves of when the Sprite Club was involved with the Riverland district and particularly the River Murray Ferries.
This is important at this point in time as most of these ferries cannot be used due to the current flood flow rates and high water either stopping the ferries from landing or cutting access roads to the ferry crossings.
During 2012 it was planned to celebrate the Sprite Club’s 40th Anniversary with a tour of the key areas of the State. Starting in Adelaide the “Five Ferries Run” toured the Barossa Valley, Clare and Burra – with stop overs at each site, and enjoying the various produce of each of these regions – mainly wine!
Then the convoy of approx. 21 Sprites, Midgets and Associate vehicles from SA, Vic and NSW headed to the river port of Morgan. Here the “Five Ferries” part of the tour started. The plan was to cross the River Murray on five different ferries. Like all plans this changed along the way and a total of 10 ferries were used to transverse the River Murray.
These included the Cadell ferry – upstream from Morgan – as this was under pressure to be closed in 2012, due to minimal use – ironically the Cadell is currently the only ferry in the Riverland area that is still in operation – all the others having been closed due to the flood conditions. Cadell was the last ferry to close in the famed 1956 flood!
The other highlight was the mass loading of Sprites and Midgets – three-abreast, on the Swan Reach Ferry. This provided an ideal photo and video opportunity – refer to the YouTube clip below.
The run continued downstream crossing the river at Walker Flat, Purnong, Mannum, Jervois (Tailem Bend), and Wellington ferries. The bridges at Blanchetown, Murray Bridge and Goolwa were also used.
The convoy finished off staying at Goolwa for a few days before returning to Adelaide for the 40th Anniversary Dinner and associated celebrations.
The Sprite Club’s thoughts are with those impacted by the current floods and we hope to be able to journey to these areas in the near future to support the local businesses – as we did after the bushfires a number of years ago.
For more details of the “Five Ferries Run” here is the link to the detailed article on the Sprite Club web site and also the You Tube clip of the Swan Reach ferry crossing.
For the last 8 years I have been going to Mt Gambier for the Legend of the Lakes hill climb as part of the Goolwa Ford crew . This year it was my turn to drag out the Escort, after it had a major up grade . We arrived at the track on Thursday afternoon , well its not the usual track . Most of the year it is a public road down to a beautiful grassed picnic area next to Valley Lake, with approximately 150 cars entering the three day event .
Friday – is classic day so entries are down to about 80, so plenty of runs; which is a good thing as the only track time I have had before this stage was in the passenger seat of a 30 year old Landcruiser. Scrutineering went well as the car was all new and clean . The first run I had a bunch of nerves, so easy does it on he accelerator. New car, New track made it to the top in 1.47 , nothing to be proud of, but the car ran well . Only four runs for the day, but I was happy and finished with a 1.32 .
Saturday – after a few tips and a rev up by the team, and I was ready to go again . Still no tyre warm ups as the axles , diff , gearbox are a bit fragile I don’t think they will take 200 HP . My times kept getting quicker with each run, with Saturday finishing with a 1.29 . Unfortunately an oil spill on half of the track from another driver and rain put an end to the day two hours early . Our accommodation was at the caravan pk at the top of the track, so nice and close a the end of the day.
Sunday – back down to the track again at 7.00, soggy wet grass due to the over night rain, so no service crew vehicles in the pits . A quick check of the car and a run to scrutineering, all good to go. So its day three I haven’t broken the car yet, and all the parts I need to make the Escort bullet proof are on order. Still couldn’t bring myself to a burnout [ tyre warm up ]. My confidence is growing, so on day 3 I am looking for a 1.20, but the rest of the team said NO, aim for the teens so I had better pull my finger out. On the start line and the Green light means go. 1st gear – 2nd gear, hit the rev limiter and pushed the car, only two runs to pull this off, left hand into the bus stop turn, then right hand down jabbed the hand brake perfect slide on the rear [ all those hand brake turns at Border Town paid off ] power slide out, hit the rev limiter again and across the finish line 1.17-32. Made it one and a half seconds quicker and my fastest time for the weekend . I’m happy, the team is happy, but still one more run to go for the weekend. Final green light, GO nothing to loose, hit the rev limiter even harder this time using most of the 200 HP. Don’t bin it Grant, a little voice in my head said. Left hand into the bus stop, right hand down jabbed the hand brake [ you guessed it, over committed] only supposed to be 180 degrees, I went at least 220 degrees. Damn it, by the time I got myself sorted there goes a second or two finished the day on a 1.19-90.
What a fantastic three days of motor sport with a new car, and all I did was turn the key and put fuel in it, didn’t even put a spanner on the car . I can not recommend this event enough, and will be back next year . The South Eastern Auto Club do an amazing job every year.
Here is the November Bugeye Burble and Coming Events for the next few months as the weather starts to warm and on opportunity to withdrawal your Spridget from the shed………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
11th/13st Nov Legend of the Lakes Hillclimb – Mount Gambier – Entries have Sold Out!
20th November Collingrove 70th Anniversary Hillclimb – Barossa Valley
Another change to the enjoy the Barossa Valley and the iconic Collingrove hillclimb
24th/27th Nov Shannon’s Adelaide Rally
The Adelaide Rally is back with a revised format and course and open for Classic and Modern Vehicles.
A variety of Adelaide Hills roads will be used for the Rally.
Street Party on Friday 25th Nov in Gouger Street and Finale Party at the Victoria Park – Adelaide 500 circuit on Sunday 27th Nov.
27th November Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron “Back to the Squadron” Car Display – From 10.00am
The RSAYS is pleased to invite all South Australians who have a connection to the past, or an interest in the future to the “Back to the Squadron” day on Sunday 27 November.
Owners of Classic Cars are invited to display their vehicles and to have them parked on the eastern lawn overlooking the Squadron pool to add to the nostalgic atmosphere of the “Back to the Squadron” day. Any vehicle manufactured prior to 1997 will be eligible to participate in the display. The cars can arrive and depart at any time during the day between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
To register your interest in being part of the Classic Cars display please contact Libby Ottaway on M: 0408 672 444
5th December Christmas General Meeting – BBQ in the Park – From 6.00pm – Meeting from 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
To celebrate the end of another Sprite Club year and the festive season we will be having our BBQ in the Park prior to the General Meeting, starting from 6.00pm.
The Sprite Club will be supplying the meat, salads, and bread – as well as an assortment of wine and soft drinks.
Members will need to provide chairs, glasses and picnicware, etc.
Plus, the Committee has booked the perfect, early-summer evening: not too hot, not too cold and no flies or mozzies!
The General meeting will commence at the usual time of 8.00pm
Monday 7th November, 8.00pm at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park
The Annual General Meeting is soon upon us and a time for the members to decide the 2023 Committee for the Sprite Club of SA.
The current Committee has been together for five years and has maintained and run the Sprite Club through a number of major events and challenges. These include working through bushfires in the Adelaide Hills, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated cleaning, social distancing and lockdowns.
Therefore some of the Committee members have elected not to stand once again for their positions. This provides an opportunity to join the Committee and help with the running of the Sprite Club for the next 12 months.
The positions that will be vacating are:
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Web Master
So if you would like to be involved with running the Club, planning events and helping to Promote, Foster and Preserve Sprites and Midgets here is you opportunity.
Please contact one of the Committee to discuss further or if you have any questions, etc
With the Internet and the digital age there is a fantastic opportunity to capture, store and share images, pictures and videos that would have previously been sitting idle on the shelf in a back room cupboard, cardboard box or lost in the shed!
A few of these videos popped up on an Facebook feed this week so thought it would be good to share them with you. These movies/videos were posted to YouTube by previous Sprite Club member Kerry Sarandis.
During the early years of the Sprite Club of SA the club was involved in motor racing, motorkhanas and generally driving the life out of these Sprites and Midgets. This was described at the recent 50th Anniversary Annual Dinner by Richard Stokes and Reiner Walker – well here is some more proof of those early days……….
In 1974 the Sprite Clubs Nationals between SA, NSW and Victoria Sprite Clubs was a motorkhana that was held at Hay, Victoria. There were 16 SA Sprite Club members attending this event. This video features many of the SA contingent that won this event outright!
Vehicles and members include Richard Stokes with his green Bugeye, Kerry Sarandis’s Red Mk III Sprite, Dean King’s Purple LC Torana XU-1, Phil Brown’s orange Bugeye, Doug Gordon’s Renault TS16 and the white MG Midget of Jill Gouck. It also shows how manoeuvrable a Spridget can be in an motokhana with use of the handbrake and the throttle.
In 1977 the Sprite Club’s Nationals headed to Hume Weir circuit, once again in Victoria. In this video feature a “racecam” lap of the circuit, showing the differecen in track safety to todays, motor racing circuits. It shows a number of interstate Sprite Club members vehicles, including Mike Dore’s (VIC) white Bugeye, Ray English’s (VIC) red Mk III Sprite Lenham Coupe and the SA Super Sprite (Datsun 1600 powered) of Simon Aram.
In the second Hume Weir video it features the first outing of the Datsun 1600cc powered “Super Sprite” that was built by SA Members Simon Aram and Mark Chown. This vehicle was later owned by SA Club Members, Dean King (then Toyota 2-litre powered), Rob Peckett and Don Taylor (Mazda Rotary Turbo – powered).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHlu9_EV9rA
And the last video is the start of a Sports Car Race at Adelaide International Raceway with the famed Glen Dix dropping the National Flag to start the race.
Many interesting sports cars feature including the Boral Ford, Elfin 360, numerous racing clubman’s and the Bugeye Sprites of Richard Stokes (Green) and Dean King (Blue SUS-600). It is interesting to see the speed difference between all of these various vehicles. also great to see a good crowd standing on the mound under the Control Tower.
Thanks to Kerry for posting these to You Tubefor all to see, and for NSW member Scotty Gibbs for locating them.
Here is the October Bugeye Burble and Coming Events for the next few months as the weather starts to warm and on opportunity to withdrawal your Spridget from the shed………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
16th October – Bay to Birdwood – Starting at Barrett Reserve, West Beach. The Bay to Birdwood is one of the world’s great historic motoring events and has been an iconic fixture on the South Australian events calendar since 1980. Entrant vehicles will depart Barratt Reserve, West Beach from early morning (8.15am) and arrive at Birdwood anytime from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
23rd October – MSCA Supersprint – Round 5 – Mallala Motorsport Park The final round of the MSCA Super Sprint is back at Mallala Motorsport Park Please support our competing Sprite and Clubman driving members – On track from 10.00am
29th October – Classic Sports Car Cruise – Twilight Beach Run – 4.00pm for a 4.30pm departure Our stating point will be the Brighton Railway Station car park, western side off Cedar Ave. The drive will be basically following the coastline all the way through to the marina off Lady Gowrie drive. While it is great if you can come in a sports car or clubman don’t be afraid to roll up in your daily driver and enjoy the comradery.
28th/30st Oct – South Australian Hillclimb Championships – Collingrove Hillclimb.
4th November – John Blanden’s Climb to the Eagle The tradition continues! Gathering in Victoria Park in front of the grandstand and the run will be Climbing to the Eagle, then the tour will head to morning tea with a guest speaker at the Blackwood Football Club oval. Entries and information: https://www.sportingcarclub.com.au/
7th November – Annual General Meeting – 8.00pm Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park. All committee positions will be declared vacant, so if you would like to assist with the running of the Sprite Club, please contact a committee person now!
During the 50th Anniversary Display Day at Wigley Reserve you may have noticed Sprite Club member and Bugeye owner Malcolm Ludgate wandering around with with a selection of camera equipment.
Malcolm has put together a video of the day – providing a great overview of the day – Thanks for you efforts Malcolm!
Malcolm and wife Mylene have been involved with cinematography for many years specialising in underwater and nature documentaries, plus a number of other interesting projects – check out their web site for more information:
Due to the Long Weekend the October General Meeting will be held on Monday 10th October at 8.00pm at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road.
if you have ordered a 50th Anniversary Car Badge the have arrived and will be available for collection on the night.
To finish off the 50th Anniversary events, Club members Russell and Judy Schmarr planned a Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble, providing members a chance to drive a range of roads to the North of Adelaide.
I will let Russell and Judy inform you of the day of Spritely Motoring….
“Starting out in the rain from Tilley Reserve at Surrey Downs, the 11 cars assembled faced a damp start to the 120kms Northern Meander.
Progress was a little slower than the last time we drove on the One Tree Hill Road, along the pot holed Humbug Scrub Road to cross the South Para River Ford and into Williamstown.
Looking out to the west we could see a glimmer of light in the otherwise grey skies as we drove through the Barossa Valley to our morning tea destination at Bethany by 11am. The shelter was welcome but still cold enough to just have time for a warm up tea or coffee before taking to the roads again.
We wandered up the Valley avoiding the large towns and traffic, turning off to enjoy the well loved Seppeltsfield Drive, then on to the little town of Greenock where we seemed to have come out of the rainy grey to see patches of blue sky.
In the rolling paddocks to Kapunda, Tarlee and Stockport the gaudy golden canola crops offered bright contrasts to the other staid green oats, beans and wheat plantings.
Coming out of Stockport our planning for no dirt roads came to grief as the road was being upgraded – wasn’t there on the test run – luckily only about 200meters to turn off the dirt to Hamley Bridge , still in sunshine, to enjoy a tasty lunch at our destination – the recently renovated Hamley Bridge Hotel.
Despite the cold and uncomfortable conditions our participants today were in good spirits, making the best of the day.”
Thanks to those members who braved the conditions at the start, glad to see the skies clear and provide a nice finish to the day.
Our thanks to Russell and Judy for planning the Mid-Week Meander – looking forward the next Meander.
Thanks to Russell and Judy Schmarr for the words and photos and the Hamley Bridge hotel for their photos as well.
To complete the Sprite Club of South Australia’s 50th Anniversary Weekend, the Club members washed and polished their Sprites, Midgets, Clubman and Associate Vehicles and headed to Wigley Reserve, Glenelg for the 50th Anniversary Sprite Display Day.
The weather held, and while cloudy and cool there was no rain to spoil the day.
The only hiccup was the Sprite MkIIIA of Des and Penny Chabrel that decided to have an electrical gremlin that slowed their progress to the display – assistance from the RAA and a bit of a tweak under the bonnet soon had the Sprite back on the road.
With 33 Sprites and Midgets and a similar number of Associate vehicles which included eight “Big” Austin Healey’s from the Austin Healey Owners Club – it was an impressive display of vehicles.
There was also three racing versions of Sprites on display – Chris Brine’s Bugeye, Clive Spreadbury’ s and Peter Stanley’s Sprite Mk IIA’s.
Once the cars were aligned there were many conversations and looking under bonnets as well as the usual “I had one of them many years ago” conversations with members of the public.
The People Choice Awards were popular with over 100 votes for both the Sprite/Midget and Associate vehicles. The voting was close, but the deserving winners were:
Sprite/Midget – Chris and Tina Brine – Supercharged Bugeye Sprite
Associate Vehicle – Phil and Maryanne Kies – Triumph TR4A
Chris and Phil both thanked those who voted and Phil also acknowledged the work the fellow club member Gerard Miller and the team at Marque Restorations had put into the TR4A over the past few years during it’s restoration.
We must also note thanks to those members who were able to bring more than one vehicle for the display – Chris Brine, Michael McClaren, Don Cardone and Marcus Booth – and thanks to their family members for assisting with the transport logistics.
As the temperature dropped and a slight mist of rain appeared it was time for the clean vehicles to head home.
Special thanks to Don Cardone for his co-ordination of the day, ably supported by Elaine Cardone, Ray Kinlay, Des Chabrel, Angela Wicks, Gary Brock and assorted helpers on the day.
The members of the Sprite Club of South Australia would like to thank the Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs SA Inc for their support of this special event.
Thanks to Robin Dunk, Steve and Di Kent and Gordon Boyce for the photographic images of the day.
The Sprite Club of South Australia’s 50th Anniversary Annual Dinner was held at the Lion Hotel, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September 2022.
This dinner was attended by 73 past and present Club Members, and ironically was only a few kilometres from the site of the 1st Sprite Club Meeting, which was held in the Staff Quarters above the National Bank in O’Connell Street , North Adelaide.
The Cellar Room provided the Members a private area to enjoy and celebrate the forming of the Sprite Club 50 years ago. With a delicious three-course meal there was an opportunity to talk and chat with fellow Club Members and the memories of the past 50 years.
With a rolling slideshow of past photos, a memorabilia table displaying older photos, merchandise and trinkets from the past – there was an opportunity to view what the Sprite Club was like in the early days.
President Gordon Boyce welcomed all to the evening and introduced founding members Reiner Walker and Richard Stokes, who spoke about the days with Sprites before the Club formed on Tuesday 13th September 1972. Richard outlined how the Club went through the formalities of incorporation and constitution to set the foundations for the Sprite Club we know today.
Initial Sprite Club members – L to R – Dean King, Helen King, Richard Stokes, Reiner Walker, Mandy Stokes, John Clarke, Marilyn Warren
There was even seven members present who were there at that inaugural meeting, plus a number that joined during the the first 10 years of the Sprite Club
President Gordon then talked about the 1980’s to present day and the memorable and major events the Sprite Club has been involved with, from social drives to dinners, motorsport to National Challenges and of course the famous Bordertown weekends competing against the Victorian Sprite Club (AHSDC).
There were also anecdotes from Don Cardone, Steve Kent and Di Low.
The night was also an opportunity to award the Trophy Winners for 2022 – these included:
Sprite of the Year – Darrel Hanna
Club Members of the Year – Gary and Fay Brock
Tony Bennetto “Spirit of Sprites” Award – Don and Elaine Cardone
Congratulations to the Award winners!
Soon the night was over and many continued to chat and discuss Sprites, Midgets and a range of other topics late into the night.
Special thanks must go the Michael McClaren for arranging the venue, pre-dinner drinks and the menu and for Pat Lescius, Chris and Tina Brine for assisting with the room decorations and special placemats.
Thanks to Steve and Di Kent and Narelle Boyce for the photographic images of the night.
The Sprite Club of South Australia celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary General Meeting on Monday 5th September.
With 34 members present, this event was the start of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations planned for the coming week.
Once the Meeting Agenda had been completed it was time for President Gordon to lead a roaring chorus of “Happy Birthday” followed by a few choice words and then the cutting of the birthday cake.
There was also a range of assorted sweets, treats and “bubbles’ to wash it down.
Thanks to Michael McClaren and Pat Lescius for arranging the cake and supper.
Wednesday 14th September – 9.30am for 10.00am Departure
Fifty years and one day after the Sprite Club of South Australia was formed in 1972, Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander to get your Sprites, Midgets, Clubman’s and Associate vehicles out of the shed for a social drive to celebrate this occasion.
Meeting at 9.30 am at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale Road, Surrey Downs for a 10.00 am departure this Mid-Week Meander will head through a range of varying roads in the regions to the North of Adelaide. In usual Mid-Week Meander style we will transverse different roads and many roads some will not have travelled before.
There will be a stop over for a BYO Morning Tea and a stretch of your legs.
The final location will be a Country Pub for a hearty lunch which should help to bridge your appetite from the morning tea break!
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
5th September General Meeting – 50th Anniversary General Meeting – Starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10th September 50th Anniversary Sprite Club Annual Dinner
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable evening.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment. http://www.spriteclub.com.au/?page_id=1313
11th September 50th Anniversary Display Day – Wigley Reserve – Cars on display from 9.30am
The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
With cars on display from 9.30am, this will be an opportunity to showcase both our cars and Sprite Club to the General Public and help celebrate 50 years of the Sprite Club.
14th September Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble – Meet from 9.30am – Departure from 10.00am
Meeting at 9.30 am at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale Road, Surrey Downs for a 10.00 am departure this Mid-Week Meander will head through a range of varying roads in the regions to the North of Adelaide. There will be a stopover for a BYO Morning Tea.
The final location will be a Country Pub for a hearty lunch which should help to bridge your appetite from the morning tea break!
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
25th September MSCA Super Sprint – Round Four – The Bend Eastern Circuit
And for those competitively minded there will be the MSCA SA Super Sprint at The Bend East Circuit. This Super Sprint will allow drivers to tackle the 22 twists and turns of the East Circuit, covering 3.9 kilometres of the circuit. Most drivers cannot stop smiling after competing at this event.
Saturday 10th September – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September.
To assist with the catering and final planning for the event, can you please inform Gordon Boyce or Michael McClaren (by Thursday 1st September) if you have any special dietary requirements that the caterers may need to consider.
Wednesday 14th September – 9.30am for 10.00am Departure
Fifty years and one day after the Sprite Club of South Australia was formed in 1972, Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander to get your Sprites, Midgets, Clubman’s and Associate vehicles out of the shed for a social drive to celebrate this occasion.
Meeting at 9.30 am at Tilley Reserve, Yatala Vale Road, Surrey Downs for a 10.00 am departure this Mid-Week Meander will head through a range of varying roads in the regions to the North of Adelaide. In usual Mid-Week Meander style we will transverse different roads and many roads some will not have travelled before.
There will be a stop over for a BYO Morning Tea and a stretch of your legs.
The final location will be a Country Pub for a hearty lunch which should help to bridge your appetite from the morning tea break!
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Over thirty Sprite Club member’s attended the Pie’n’Pea Night at the Fullarton Park Community Centre on Saturday 20th August.
Instead of using a member’s home for the event the organiser’s decided to use the Centre’s facilities and kitchen. This allowed plenty of space to prepare and serve the food, as well as space to catch up, talk and mingle with other Club members.
Starting with nibbles and Angela’s yummy home made mini quiches, the taste buds were soon activated. Don and Elaine Cardone were busy in the kitchen warming pies and stirring the home made pea soup.
After a quick welcome, the Club members lined up at the kitchen for a warming bowl of a Vili’s Pie topped with the pea soup. Don and Elaine were assisted by an assortment of kitchen staff including Carole, Jenny, Ray, plus a few others. Some member’s even lined up for seconds!!
With Gary Brock’s Alphabet Quiz and Phil and Maryanne’s Wine Raffle (which raised nearly $100 towards the night) there was enough to keep all busy. Thanks to all of you for these activities on the night!
Sweets was next on the agenda, and with plenty of cakes, tortes, and assorted tasty treats – there was plenty to go around.
The winners of Gary’s Alphabet Quiz were announced – there was a tie between two tables – and the drawing of the wine raffle concluded the night.
In usual Sprite Club style, all member’s helped clean up and pack up, so it was not a late night.
Our thanks to Don and Elaine for their organisation and catering of the night – and also special thanks to those who helped behind the scenes, with either providing food, serving or cleaning – this all helped to make this event a great night!
As part of the Sprite Club of South Australia’s 50th Anniversary Weekend, The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
This will be a display of Sprites, Midgets, Clubman’s and Members Associate Vehicles.
Car will be on display from 9.30am, and this will be a chance to showcase both our vehicles and the Sprite Club of South Australia to the General Public and help celebrate 50 years of the Sprite Club of SA.
There will be People’s Choice Awards and there will be a coffee van on the site.
Please bring along your Sprite or Midget, we would like to see a many vehicles in restored, original condition, race or competition, or under restoration.
Please note that Clubman and Member’s Associate Vehicles are also welcome as well.
We have had Club Members come forward to volunteer as either a Fire Warden or First Aider (Thanks Gary and Angela) but if you have these skills and can assist these individuals with these duties on the day please contact at your earliest convenience either:
Don Cardone – DonCardone@adam.com.au
Gordon Boyce – gordon.boyce98@andrew_lord
Please note that the entrance to Wigley Reserve is via the roundabout at the end of Anzac Highway – please follow the Marshalls Direction.
Also please bring a piece of cardboard or similar to put under your car to capture any oil drips, etc – to prevent damage to the grass.
Saturday 10th September – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September.
To assist with the catering and final planning for the event, can you please finalise any dinner bookings by Sunday 28th August.
Also if you are aware of any past members that may like to join us for this celebration can you please forward this invitation.
Starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable three course meal.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal + pre-dinner drinks.
To assist with the catering for this event can you please finalise your Dinner payments by 28th August 2022.
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Sprite Club of South Australia a special car badge has been commissioned, with the design selected by the Sprite Club members this year.
This full colour badge will be available at a cost of $30 per badge.
Please include and additional $10 if you would like the badge posted.
The Sprite Club will be ordering theses badges soon, so if you would like one badge (or two) please place your order as soon as possible.
You can order these badges via EFT Payment which can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please refer to the details below.
Please note your Name and Number of badges in the Description with the EFT Payment.
As part of the Sprite Club of South Australia’s 50th Anniversary Weekend, The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
This will be a display of Sprites, Midgets, Clubmans and Members Associate Vehicles.
Car will be on display from 9.30am, and this will be a chance to showcase both our vehicles and the Sprite Club of South Australia to the General Public and help celebrate 50 years of the Sprite Club of SA.
There will be People’s Choice Awards and there will be a coffee van on the site.
Please bring along your Sprite or Midget, we would like to see a many vehicles in restored, original condition, race or competition, or under restoration.
Please note that Clubman and Member’s Associate Vehicles are also welcome as well.
To assist with the running of the event if you have either Fire Warden or First Aid Training and can assist with these duties on the day please contact at your earliest convenience either:
Saturday 10th September – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
With 2022 being the 50th Anniversary Year for the Sprite Club of SA we have a number of special events planned to help celebrate this achievement.
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September.
Starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable three course meal.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal + pre-dinner drinks.
To assist with the catering for this event can you please finalise your Dinner payments by 28th August 2022.
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
Saturday 20th August Fullarton Park Community Centre
This year we have been having a rather cold Winter, with very low temperatures.
One of the best ways to warm up is a bowl of Pie ’n Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make for a warming night.
This year as a change the Sprite Club will hold this event at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park from6.30pm for 7.00pm Start
$6.00 per pie ’n peas and please BYO drinks and nibble/sweets to share.
Please note that the payment for the pies will be in cash on the night – do not EFT to the Club’s Bank account
To finalise catering numbers can you please let Don and Elaine Cardone know if you are attending and if you are bringing either nibbles or sweets by Monday 15th August
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
14th August – MSCA Supersprint – Round 3 – Mallala Motorsport Park Next round of the MSCA Super Sprint is back at Mallala Motorsport Park On track action from 10.00am
20th August – Pie ‘n Pea Night – Fullarton Park Community Centre – 6.30pm for 7.00pm Start With Pies ’n Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make for a warming night. This year we will hold this event at the Fullarton Park Community Centre. $6.00 per pie ’n peas and please BYO drinks and nibble/sweets to share. Please let Don and Elaine Cardone know if you are attending and if you are bringing a nibble/sweets – by the 15th August – DonCardone@adam.com.au
5th September – General Meeting – 50th Anniversary General Meeting – Starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10th September – 50th Anniversary Sprite Club Annual Dinner The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable evening. This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment. http://www.spriteclub.com.au/?page_id=1313
11th September – 50th Anniversary Display Day – Wigley Reserve – Cars on display from 9.30am The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
14th September – Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander – Northern Ramble heading from Yatala Vale through the Northern Regions ending up at a country pub for lunch – Thanks Russell and Judy!
25th September – MSCA Super Sprint – Round Four – The Bend Eastern Circuit And for those competitively minded there will be the MSCA SA Super Sprint at The Bend East Circuit.
With the various COVID-19 restrictions, it has been over two years since the Sprite Club General Meetings have had a Guest Speaker, so the 4th of July General Meeting was a special occasion.
Our Special Guests were Ian and Wendy Gibbs from the NSW Sprite Car Club who were stopping over in Adelaide on their “A Spritely Adventure” tour of Australia. Having mechanical problems ( a burnt exhaust valve) when arriving in Adelaide, the repairs were completed in time for Ian and Wendy to bring along their 1964 Austin Healey Sprite “Esme” and specially-built camper trailer “Shirley” as Guests of Honour.
With nearly 50 members present (including Gerry and Bib van Oosterom – Victorian Sprite Club members) there was an opportunity to listen to Ian and Wendy’s journey so far.
Leaving Grafton nearly 100 days ago Ian and Wendy headed north to Queensland, travelling to Cairns, turning left towards the Northern Territory and Darwin, Esme and Shirley travelled the outback roads with road trains and Grey Nomads. After Darwin, the team headed further West towards the blue waters of Broome, and the Western Australia coast. After Perth, they headed through the Tall Timber forests of South-West WA towards Kalgoorlie before heading east across the famous Nullarbor Plain.
Ian and Wendy talked about their travels and the experiences and fun that they have had so far. Arriving in Adelaide only a few days before the meeting, a burnt exhaust valve had a number of local workshops assist with the repairs to get Esme “back on the road”!
Ian and Wendy also discussed the specifics of Esme, having been used as a road, race and rally car during their ownership. Esme (with Wendy at the steering wheel) has also competed in the Austin Healey challenge in the USA and the 1998 International Healey Commemorative Race at the Bathurst 1000. With upgrades of torquey 1275cc engine, 5 speed gearbox, telescopic shock absorbers, modern seats, plus the addition of several creature comforts, Esme has proved herself as a strong tow vehicle throughout the journey so far.
Then it was Shirley’s turn in the spotlight. Having purpose built the trailer Ian discussed the build process and the use of as many common parts to Esme, so Shirley could also be a mobile spare parts department if required. Shirley contains twin lithium batteries for lighting and to power the fridge, solar panels in the tonneau cover, food storage and battery powered fridge, fuel tank plus electric pump to refuel Esme as required, as well as the rooftop tent, chairs, tables and associated camping paraphernalia.
Many questions were asked and one of the topics was reliability of the Sprite. Other than a broken timing chain (due to a loose bolt – as A series engines usually do not break timing chains) a weeping rear wheel hub (more on this later) -, a cracked inlet manifold and carby issues on the WA leg of the journey, there had only been a few issues along the way that had slowed their progress, but all were easily repaired. This carby issue of varying rich and lean would probably lead to the burnt valve on arrival in Adelaide.
Not only was this the first chance for a Guest Speaker (or two) but thanks to Chris and Tina, Michael, and Pat we had a great spread of nibbles, platters, and a varying range of wines to sample after the meeting. Members chatted with some they may not have seen at a meeting for several months, while some ventured outside where Ian and Wendy had set up Shirley in “Camping Mode” for all to see.
Our thanks to Ian, Wendy, Esme and Shirley for entertaining the Sprite Club members and President Gordon handed them a bottle of Sellick’s Chills Shiraz (grown from grapes by Club member’s Dean and Suzie) and some SA goodies to be added to Shirley’s food container for later on the road!
Also, thanks to Chris, Tina, Michael and Pat for assisting with the supper.
Postscript
Esme and Shirley (with Ian and Wendy) turned in an Easterly direction on the Tuesday after the meeting, heading to Penola and the Coonawarra district (for more supplies!), Mount Gambier, Warrnambool, Lorne, the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne. Leaving the Vic Capital, they headed across the Gippsland area to Lakes Entrance, and up the Easterly Coast to Eden.
A run in with a Kangaroo put a dent or two in Esme’s grille and lower panel on the scenic coast run to Bermagui, continuing up the coast to Mollymook, Kiama to Sydney. Here a few rest days and a chance to catch up with NSW Sprite Club members. A visit to Colin Dodd’s – Sprite Parts – helped sort a few parts and issues that had occurred on the way.
After some searching, the sources of the leaking rear hub was located. Since Katherine, NT, where wheel and hub nuts and moving axle bearing were found to be loose after the local mechanics had checked the brakes and had not retightened everything correctly. Ian had initiated a number of repairs, but the leak persisted during the various legs of the journey through WA and SA. It was found that the rear axle flange had several cracks causing the oil to leak. How this did not break in the numerous miles that had been travelled since, is a testament to the British Engineering, particularly with the added load of the camper trailer and assorted bits’n’pieces.
With just a few days left in the “Spritely Adventure” we look forward to Ian and Wendy’s (and Esme and Shirley’s) next journey and thank them once again for stopping by and sharing their Spritely Adventure with the Sprite Club of SA.
Sadly this week we note the passing of the Irish race and rally driver Paddy Hopkirk.
While Paddy was famously recorded a winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in a Mini Cooper S, he started rallying for the Standard Motor Company.
Joining BMC as a work driver in 1963, Paddy was to compete in a range of BMC products including Austin Healey 3000’s, Prototype Sprites and MG Midgets, as well as the famous Mini Cooper S.
Paddy completed in various rally events including Targa Florio, and numerous English and European Rally’s.
1964 Austin Healey Sprite that Paddy drove in the Targa Florio
Paddy in the pretty Dick Jacob’s MG Midget Coupe in the 1965 Targa Florio
Paddy has also an Australian connection competing in Mini Cooper S’s at the Bathurst 500 during 1965 -to 1967 – finishing 6th outright in 1965.
He also competed in the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon in an Austin 1800, where he finished 2nd to Andrew Cowan’s Hillman Hunter.
Paddy was also recognised in many competition events, even having a motorkhana course named after him – “Hopkirk”.
And every 1960’s -70’s sporting driver had to have a Paddy Hopkirk Throttle Pedal on their Mini. Morris Minor or MGB!
Our thoughts are with the Motor Sport Family at this sad time.
There are always many urban myths about particular cars, motor sport and events – none more famous that the Sprite Mk II that drove under the barrier at Checkpoint Charlie between East and West Germany.
Member Barry Edson reminded us of this event recently so here is the interesting read.
It is also well know that the same Sprite was successfully used twice for the same escape……..
With 2022 being the 50th Anniversary Year for the Sprite Club of SA we have a number of special events planned to help celebrate this achievement.
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide on Saturday 10th September.
Starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable three course meal.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal + pre-dinner drinks.
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
Saturday 20th August Fullarton Park Community Centre
This year we have been having a rather cold Winter, with very low temperatures.
One of the best ways to warm up is a bowl of Pie ’n Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make for a warming night.
This year as a change the Sprite Club will hold this event at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park from6.30pm for 7.00pm Start
$6.00 per pie ’n peas and please BYO drinks and nibble/sweets to share.
Please note that the payment for the pies will be in cash on the night – do not EFT to the Club’s Bank account
To finalise catering numbers can you please let Don and Elaine Cardone know if you are attending and if you are bringing either nibbles or sweets by Monday 15th August
In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Sprite Club of South Australia a special car badge has been commissioned, with the design selected by the Sprite Club members this year.
This full colour badge will be available at a cost of $30 per badge.
The Sprite Club will be taking orders and have the first batch produced after the August General Meeting – so if you would like a badge or two please place your order by this meeting.
You can order these badges via EFT Payment which can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please refer to the details below.
Please note your Name and Number of badges in the Description with the EFT Payment.
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
4th July General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
24th July Collingrove Hillclimb – Winter Cup – Round 3 Enjoy a great day out at the famous Collingrove Hillclimb in the Barossa Valley
1st August General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
14th August MSCA Supersprint – Round 3 – Mallala Motorsport Park Next round of the MSCA Super Sprint is back at Mallala Motorsport Park On track action from 10.00am
20th August Pie ‘n Pea Night – Fullarton Park Community Centre – 6.30pm for 7.00pm Start With Pies ’n Peas and splash or two of your favourite drink will make for a warming night. This year we will hold this event at the Fullarton Park Community Centre. $6.00 per pie ’n peas and please BYO drinks and nibble/sweets to share. Please let Don and Elaine Cardone know if you are attending
5th September General Meeting – 50th Anniversary General Meeting – Starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10th September 50th Anniversary Sprite Club Annual Dinner The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable evening. This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
11th September 50th Anniversary Display Day – Wigley Reserve The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
14th September Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander – Northern Ramble heading from Yatala Vale through the Northern Regions ending up at a country pub for lunch – Thanks Russell and Judy!
25th September MSCA Super Sprint – Round Four – The Bend Eastern Circuit And for those competitively minded there will be the MSCA SA Super Sprint at The Bend East Circuit.
In September 1972 a group of like-minded Sprite and Midget enthusiasts met in the staff living quarters above the National Bank in North Adelaide. From this meeting 50 years ago the Sprite Club of South Australia was formed and has continued to grow and evolve into the Club that we know today!
Friendships have been formed, Sprites and Midgets have joined, been driven, restored and changed various owners over this period, while the Sprite Club has continued to “Promote, Foster and Preserve Austin Healey Sprites and MG Midgets”.
Please join us for a number of special events during September to help celebrate this milestone 50th year.
Monday 5th September – General Meeting
The General Meeting will be a special birthday event in recognition of the 1st Sprite Club Meeting.
Saturday 10th September – 50th Anniversary Dinner
The 50th Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Cellar Room at the Lion Hotel, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide.
Starting at 6.00pm for 6.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, this will be followed by an enjoyable three course meal.
This will be a subsidised event – the cost will be $50.00 per head for a three-course meal + pre-dinner drinks.
Payment can be made via EFT to the Sprite Club’s Bank Account – please note your name and the number of people in the Description with the EFT Payment.
The 50th Anniversary Display Day will be held at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg.
With cars on display from 9.30am, this event will run like previous Display Days with Sprites, Midgets, Clubman and Associate vehicles on display – there will be People’s Choice awards for various classes of vehicles.
This will be an opportunity to showcase both our cars and Sprite Club to the general public and help celebrate 50 years of the Sprite Club.
Wednesday 14th September – Mid-Week Meander – Northern Celebratory Ramble
Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned a Mid-Week Meander which will be a Northern Ramble heading from Yatala Vale through the Northern Regions ending up at a country pub for lunch – Thanks Russell and Judy!
Sunday 25th September – MSCA Super Sprint – Round Four – The Bend Eastern Circuit
And for those competitively minded there will be the Marque Sports Car Association SA Super Sprint at The Bend East Circuit. This Super Sprint will allow drivers to tackle the 22 twists and turns of the East Circuit, covering 3.9 kilometres of the circuit. Most drivers cannot stop smiling after competing at this event.
Entry Forms and Supplementary Regulations will be available via the MSCA SA web site.
4th July – General Meeting – 8.00pm – Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road
At the next General Meeting we will be joined by Special Guests Ian and Wendy Gibbs from the NSW Sprite Club of Australia.
Ian and Wendy are currently on “A Spritely Adventure”, circumnavigating our wide brown land in their 1964 Austin Healey Sprite (Esme) towing a specially built camping trailer (Shirley).
Leaving Grafton on the 1st April they have heading in an anti-clockwise direction across the top of Australia and down the WA Coast. They are currently on the journey across the bottom of the continent heading for Victoria and the run up the East Coast.
Ian and Wendy will have a talk about their adventures so far, places they have been and hopefully Esme and Shirley will be there as well.
You can follow their journey with a daily update at:
Many people in the Sprite Club ,motorsport and car clubs will know Steve Schmidt from Warragul: enthusiast, friend, editor and owner/driver of Cooper ‘S;’ Bugeye Sprite; FIAT 124AC coupe and Spyder. It is with great regret, shock and understandable sorrow that I am informing friends that Steve passed away suddenly at home last night.
Steve competed at various National Challenges, particularly the 2001 National Challenge at Mallala. His 948cc Red Bugeye was very competitive, including competing in the International Healey Commemorative Race at the 1998 Bathurst 1000.
Our thoughts are with the family and the Sprite Community at this time. RIP, Steve.
The April General Meeting for the past few years has been held at the Sporting Car Club rooms and has allowed the Sprite Club to display members cars on stage and have a chance to talk with their owners about the cars, their history and any special stories.
This years “Cars and Their Stars” night started with alarm bells and a police presence! Once the correct PIN code had been entered into the alarm system we could get the members and the cars into the venue. With the bar open and a few pizzas, the night started with members mingling and talking Sprites, Midgets and associated discussions.
President Gordon took to the stage and completed an abridged version of the Monthly Meeting. Once these formalities were completed it was time to get the “Stars” on stage to talk about their “Cars”. This year there was a 50th Anniversary theme, and cars that have had a long association with the Sprite Club were on show.
The Blue Bugeye of the King’s was first on stage. Starting as a Sprite body with a Holden 179 engine, and associated odd parts, the Sprite was restored in to a 1098cc powered Bugeye. Used for daily commutes, racing, motorkhanas the Bugeye was around from the very early days of the Club, and still attends various runs and events these days.
During its life SUS-600 has also has some transformations including the fitting of a Galant engine and gearbox, plus a few other creature comforts. It has also had the duties as a Learner Driver vehicle and featured in the 1977 SA Film Corporation movie “The Sound of Love”, starring John Jarratt (of Wolf Creek fame!). It even travelled four up (2 x adults, 2 x kids, plus camping gear) to Bordertown for the annual SA vs Vic motorkhana.
Next on stage was Des and Penny Chabrel and their Green MK IIIA Sprite. This also started off as a white vehicle which was used for a few years in the Riverland by a mate of President Gordon, and was also part of the Sprite Club during the mid-1980’s. Later dismantled for painting, Des and Penny purchased the Sprite and restored to it’s current glory. A coat of British Racing Green and a general tidy up has seen this Sprite attend many Sprite Club runs and All British Days over the past 35 years.
Des also described his and Penny’s other interest in motorcycle trails having competed and now official at the 24 hour Motorcycle Trial in the lower-mid North of the state.
The yellow Kestrel Clubman of Sean Power was the next car to review. With Clubbies SA having it’s 21st birthday last year, Sean explained the similar story of the early years where like minded people got together to talk all things Clubman. From this simple beginning grew Clubbies SA. Sprite Club members the Doube’s, Tye’s and Edson’s were part of this group and continue to own their Kestrel Clubman’s to this day.
Sean described the build of the Clubman, it’s first outing in the Grand Prix Rally , the speed events at both Mallala and Collingrove hill climb and other associated competition events. Being a SA designed car, Sean discussed the various engine configurations used in a number of the Kestrels (generally Toyota powered) and how each owner has added their own personal touch to their car.
Last on stage was the Red Bugeye of Grant Stephenson. Grant followed the usual path as a young man buying a sports car that was in need of restoration. He outlined the process of working with his fastidious father to form body panels and other parts to complete the body work before painting.
Joining the Sprite Club over 40 years ago (something he said he should have done during the restoration) Grant started attending various events including Sprints, motorkhanas and various social drives. The National Challenge was an important event on the calendar with Grant driving to the interstate event, competing, cleaning the Bugeye for the Concours, and then driving home!
Grant also outlined the latest engine rebuild and repainting of the engine bay which has taken longer than expected, but the Sprite is driving better then it ever did!
There were two other Sprites that unfortunately were unable to attend due to various issues. The Green MK III Sprite which has been in the custody of Reinhard Walker during the early 1970’s and was one of the very early cars to form the Sprite Club. Later John and Judy Bowering and now, Dean King have had the pleasure of owning this Sprite. Unfortunately dental problems prevented the Mk III from attending – days before the meeting – it lost teeth on first gear and decided to throw gear teeth out of the differential housing!
The other early Club vehicle was the Mk III owned by Kevin and Marilyn Warren. Kevin sold this Sprite to Dean Harty who used the car in the club for a few years, before transferring to Western Australia , where he still owns the Sprite. Dean was able to supply a few photos, with the car still displaying it’s Sprite Club of SA sticker on the windscreen, and the WA version of it’s original registration number – a nice touch to add to the history of this Sprite.
After a quick raffle draw, with an array of fine wines as prizes, the evening concluded with the President thanking the owners who brought their vehicles along for the night. Thanks were also passed on the Michael and Pat for arranging and serving the pizzas, and others for helping on the night,
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
4th April General Meeting – Stars and Their Cars Sporting Car Club of South Australia clubrooms
15th-18th April Easter Long Weekend
23rd/24th April All Historic Race Meeting – Mallala Motorsport Park A true showcase of nostalgia celebrating 40 years of running this event.
1st May MSCA Peter Hall Memorial Six-Hour Relay Sprint – Mallala Motorsport Park The Annual 6-Hour Regularity Relay attracts teams of cars from all MSCA Clubs, as well as interstate. There will be two Victorian Sprite Club teams joining in as well.
2nd May General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
7th May Collingrove Hillclimb Challenge Trophy – Round 2
18th May Mid-Week Meander – Eastern Encircle Missed the last one? – Mark your calendar NOW – Note revised date.
Russell and Judy Schmarr have organised the first Mid-Week Meander for 2022. This time it will be a planned “southern” run to enjoy the best the South can offer – great roads, great scenery and in the usual Schmarr style – we will take the long way there and the short run home!
Starting from Blackwood Railway Station East Side parking area, turn left just after crossing the railway line if coming from Blackwood, to arrive 9.30 for 10.00 am departure.
BYO Morning Tea.
Russell and Judy have also ensured there are no dirt roads this time!
Will end up at a lovely mystery lunch venue that will be suit all, particularly the female members of the Club.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
The Sprite Club of South Australia has had an affiliation with both the Marque Sports Car Association (SA) and Mallala Motor Sport Park for many of the Club’s 50 years. Therefore the Round One Super Sprint on Sunday March 20th was an ideal time to celebrate this affiliation.
With the Sprite Club down for flagging duties on the day, Club Members Grant Stephenson, Marcus Booth, Barry and Lyndall Edson and Gordon Boyce made there way to Mallala early for their briefing and duties. Grant and Marcus went to Turn 2, Barry and Lyndall to Turn 3 and Gordon assisted the Starter throughout the very warm day. There was a slight breeze, but all stated it was certainly warm trackside.
As part of our 50th Celebrations the Committee had contacted the MSCA about having a Car Display and Parade Laps. Meeting at the Cavan Hotel were Russell and Judy Schmarr, Robin Dunk and Steve Kent. Unfortunately Miles Jackson had some late minute Sprite issues so joined later in his “modern”. They all enjoyed their run to the circuit and added their cars to the display.
On the competition side, with over 80 cars entered, the Sprite Club was well represented with the Sprites of Chris Brine and Clive Spreadbury, the Plymouth Special of Gerard Miler, the Irukandji Clubman of Pat Miller, the Lotus Elan of David Tye and the Tiger Clubman of Lee Kernick. While the heat of the day put some added issues to a number of cars, various mechanical ailments affect the Sprite Club Team.
Chris Brine had fuel and clutch issues, Clive had starter motor troubles (it ended to two pieces) and loss of power, Pat and David had various issues with their cars, while Gerard and Lee continued to circulate throughout the day.
At the Lunch time break the Sprites assembled on the Start Finish line for some photos. While the number were less than expected the overall image was great. After the photos the members were given a chance to do some parade laps behind the Safety Car, For those who had not been on the circuit it was an opportunity to see the track from the drivers seat, Marcus Booth was also able to give his son his first real ride in his Mk III Sprite!
The Flag Officials returned to their posts for the afternoon session, some headed back to Adelaide and the competitors looked and tinkered or put their broken cars on the trailer for next time.
The Sprite Club would like to thank the MSCA for allowing and assisting with the display, Start Finish photo shoot and corresponding parade laps.
We would also like to thank those who helped Flagging on the day, it was certainly hot, but your services were appreciated by the competitors and the MSCA……….Thank You!
Thanks to Robin Dunk for some of the photos for this article.
As previously advised we will be have a run and display at the MSCA Super Sprint Round One on Sunday 20th March.
We will be having a display of Sprites, Midgets and Associate Vehicles on the lawn behind the Control Tower and some parade laps of the Mallala Circuit during the lunch break.
There will be an opportunity to have the cars line up on the Start/Finish line for a group photo.
The run will meet at the Cavan Hotel Car Park, Port Wakefield Rd, Cavan at 10.00am for a 10.30am Departure.
Or you can head directly to the Mallala Circuit. We will be arriving approx 11.30 am
There is Canteen Facilities at the circuit or in Mallala or BYO Lunch, etc
Please note that there is to be no alcohol consumption in the Pit or Paddock Area.
As a number of the Committee are either on Flagging Duties (or in COVID Quarantine) we are requiring the assistance of some members to help on the day.
We need the following:
Someone to lead the Run from Cavan to Mallala.
Assit with marshalling the vehicles for the Parade Laps, etc
Can you please let President Gordon Boyce know on 0417 897 905 if you can assist with either of these
Also if you are intending to come for the Display and Parade laps an you please text Gordon on 0417 897 905 so we can gauge the numbers we are expecting. This will assist with our liaison with the MSCA Organisers.
The Sprite Club of South Australia has had a long association with both the Marque Sports Car Association and Mallala Motorsport Park.
As part of our 50th Birthday Celebrations we will be having a Sprite Display at Mallala on Sunday 20th March in conjunction with the MSCA Super Sprint – Round 1.
The Sprite Club is also on flagging duties on the day so either:
Come and help with flagging and display your Sprite/Midget/Associate vehicle
Or drive up the late morning and enjoy the day – bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the competition –Please note there is to be no alcohol consumption in the Pit or Paddock area
The display will be located behind the Control Tower
We have also arranged some parade laps of the circuit at the lunchtime break and having a photoshoot on the Start/Finish Line – Subject to the MSCA and the organisation on the day
Meeting at 10.00am for a 10.30am departure – Meeting Venue to be confirmed
More details will be provided for the meeting venue for the Morning Run next week
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
7th March General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
20th March MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – Mallala Motorsport Park The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close. Officials briefing at 8.30am. You will be supplied lunch and basic training. Please support our competing Sprite/Midget and Clubman driving members as they compete. On track action from 10.00am
27th March The 10th Anniversary British Classics Tour 2022 – Old Noarlunga to Victor Harbour For more information and entries: https://britishclassicstour.com.au/
27th March Collingrove Hillclimb Challenge Trophy – Round 1
30th March Mid-Week Meander – “Southern Saunter” – 9.30 for 10.00 am departure This time it will be a planned “south” run to start from Blackwood Railway Station East side parking area, to arrive 9.30 for 10.00 am departure. BYO Morning Tea. Will end up at a lovely mystery lunch venue.
4th April General Meeting – Stars and Their Cars – “50 years of Sprites and Midgets” Sporting Car Club, 51 King William Road, Unley. – 6.30pm Start Please note a different venue and the earlier start time. We will have some 50th member’s cars on stage and have a Q & A with the owners.
Welcome to the 50th Year of the Sprite Club of SA – let the celebrations begin!
Here is the February Bugeye Burble and Coming Events for the next few months………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
12th February Summer Beach Sports Car Cruise – 5.15pm
Summer is here and the perfect weather for a twilight beach cruise!
Our stating point will be the Brighton Railway Station car park, western side off Cedar Ave at 5.15pm for a 5.45pm departure.
The drive will be basically following the coastline all the way through to the marina off Lady Gowrie drive. While it is great if you can come in a sports car or clubman don’t be afraid to roll up in your daily driver and enjoy the comradery.
13th February 37th All British Day – CANCELLED
27th February MSCA Trophy Presentation Day – 11.00am
This year we are being hosted by the Mount Barker Football Ground, Howard Lane. BYO picnic lunch, drink, chairs, etc.
Assemble from 11.00am, Judging Display – 1:00pm, Presentation of Trophies – 2:00pm
7th March General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
20th March MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 1 – Mallala
The Sprite Club have been rostered for flagging duties at this Round so please come along and get yourself trackside to see some motorsport action up close.
Officials briefing at 8.30am. On track action from 10.00am
27th March The 10th Anniversary British Classics Tour 2022
2022 will add a number of challenges to the Sprite Club and the Australia Day Picnic was to be the first. Minimal people at private residence were the rules, so the Committee and organisers had various discussions looking at alternatives. But as all good Sprite Club owners know we can work our way through the various problems that face us.
The venue chosen was the grounds at Fullarton Park Community Centre, the weather was warm and humid, but no rain, 28 people attended, and there were a number of Sprites and Midgets in the carpark – so far so good!
Finding a spot under a shady tree the various members soon became involved in conversations around the three “C’s” – COVID, Christmas and Catching up! While the sun did cause many to move their spot during the day, the shade and cool breeze added to the enjoyment of being outdoors.
Soon people were diving into Eskies for lunch and a cleansing beverage ! This was followed up by a dessert of Adelaide Hills produce – Strawberries from Naine, Cherries supplied by the Beaton’s (yum!!) and ice cream.
A few bonnets opened and many took a chance to have a look!. One vehicle that added to the Australia Day theme was the Holden EH Premier Station Wagon of Mike and Anne Schmidt -a lovely vehicle and a reminder of what many drove way back then. There was also Bugeyes of the Brines, Boyce and Cardones- without a roof for a change, the Mk II of the Leane’s, Mk III’s of Dean King and new member Gary Dodd, and the Midget of the Schmarr’s completed the Spridget entourage. The Rover P6B of the Michael and Pat added a British flavour to the car park as well.
A rustle of bucket and a flapping of thongs soon had the thong throwing competition under way. Very simple rules – stand at the appropriate mark, throw the thong, first into the bucket wins! Russel Schmarr did get it in the bucket on his first practice shot – but this was practice.
Many different styles, angles, adjustments for side breezes and attempts still did not get the thong into the bucket. After Round One and no winner – the bucket was brought closer. Round Two – same result – a few close contacts with the bucket – but still the thong would not go in!
Round Three and a quick flick of the wrist had Fay Brock score the winning throw! This was the third time that Fay has won the coveted John and Judy Bowering Memorial Trophy! Congratulations Fay!
Soon people were packing their gear. loading their cars and heading home after an enjoyable day celebrating everything Australian.
Special thanks to Des and Penny Chabrel, Gary and Molly Beaton and everyone else that helped on the day.
Our first event for 2022 will be the Australia Day Picnic and Thong Throwing Competition on Wednesday 26th January.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to host this event at a private residence, therefore the Committee has determined we will hold the event in the grounds of the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
We will be in the same area that we have the Christmas Picnic.
This will be a BYO Picnic Lunch, so please bring the following:
Picnic Lunch, Drinks, Chairs/table, etc
The Chabrels and Beatons will be provide some fresh Hills Produce for sweets.
An important and enjoyable part of the day will be the Thong Throwing Competition, which will be held in the early afternoon. The highly coveted John and Judy Bowering Memorial Trophy will be the just reward for the winning thong throw!
There are a few changes due to the COVID-19 requirements that we ask you to comply with:
Please BYO Chairs, Drinks, Sunscreen, etc
There will a COVID-19 Contact Tracing check-in – either via the QR code or Manual sign-in.
Please maintain the usual social distancing and personal hygiene requirements.
Please do not attend if you are unwell or have any of the recognised symptoms.
Thank you for your support of these requirements to allow this event to proceed.
Please RSVP to president@spriteclub.com.au , gordon.boyce98@gmail.com or 0417 897 905 if you are coming on the day so we have an idea of numbers attending.
Welcome to 2022 and the 50th Anniversary Year of the Sprite Club of South Australia.
This year will be a celebration of the formation of the Sprite Club and there will be special events throughout the year to commemorate this event.
Though with the the current restrictions and COVID-19 and Omicron still prevalent in the community the Sprite Club Committee will meet over the next month to finalise the 2022 Calendar.
Please note the next scheduled event is the Australia Day Picnic at the Chabrels at Oakbank on the 26th January, but will see what the latest restrictions are before posting further details ( currently 10 people at a private house event will impact on this event) More details to follow as they develop.
Just a quick reminder to all members with Club Registered vehicles. If you have not paid your membership by 31st December 2021 you and your vehicle are unregistered. You need to be financial for the vehicle to be registered.
Also you Log Book and rego papers must be updated as well. Please contact either Gordon or Don if you need these signed and stamped.
The Park alongside the Fullarton Park Community Centre is named Kumangka -which means “together” in Kaurna and “signifies a place of people coming together”.
So this is the ideal location to hold the Sprite Club’s annual Christmas Picnic prior to the December General Meeting. Nearly 40 people attended the perfect evening for a picnic and get together.
While people enjoyed their BYO Picnic dinner, the Club provided a vast range of beverages to lubricate the members. This spot with the eskies was a popular meeting place for the male members of the Sprite Club!
President Gordon interrupted the proceedings to Welcome all and make a small announcement.
During the coming week Life Member Gary Brock will be turning a Spritely 90 years old! Gary and wife Fay have been extremely active in the Sprite Club, and other community groups for many years.
There was a few kind words and Gary was presented with an embroidered Sprite Club jacket. A quick chorus of “Happy Birthday” and a range of speciality cup cakes appeared to finish off the picnic.
Soon it was time to head inside for the General Meeting part of the night. After the usual minutes, financial and associated reports, it was time for General Business.
President Gordon announced the competition trophy winners for 2021.
These winners were:
Sprite Driver of the Year – Clive Spreadbury
Associate Driver of the Year – Gerard Miller
Lady Driver of the Year – Helen Stephenson
Encouragement Award – Lee Kernick
Gerard was the only one present, so the the other trophies will be presented in the near future.
Pat Miller had calculated that all of the Sprite drivers had totalled over 680 laps of both the Bend and Mallala circuits during the year!
Congratulations to all of these deserving winners!
The evening soon drew to a close and the members said their goodbyes and passed on Christmas and Festive Season Greetings.
Thanks must go to the following for supplying the drinks, cup cakes, Gary’s gift and for transporting Gary and Fay from Gumeracha to the meeting and return.
With the Festive Season on it’s way and the Sprite Club having a Christmas break here is the December Bugeye Burble and Coming Events for the next few months………………………
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
6th December – Christmas General Meeting – BYO Dinner Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
25th December – Merry Christmas
1st January 2022 – Happy New Year The first day of the Sprite Club’s 50th Year Celebrations
26 January – Australia Day Picnic and Thong Throwing Contest-Oakbank Des and Penny Chabrel have once again offered to host the first event for 2022. A traditional Aussie lunch followed by the infamous Thong Throwing Competition will also be held supporting the spirit of Australia Day. Please RSVP to Des and Penny on 0457 206 946
7 February – General Meeting – Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
13 February – 37th All British Day – Echunga Oval The annual All British Day is a chance to display our Members car and view over 750 British vehicles. This year the All-British Day is returning to Echunga in 2022 with a range of interesting vehicles. If you have entered, entry to the ovals is from 9.00am. Excellent Catering, Displays and Trade Stalls are available as well.
27 February – MSCA Trophy Presentation Day The MSCA Presentation will be held at Mount Barker Oval. Trophies for the Supersprint Rounds, Driver of the Year, and Club of the Year will be presented. More details to follow.
Well anther Sprite Year has passed and provided a range of challenges once again for the Sprite Club Committee. The plan for 2021 was not to put the Club or its members at risk with the effects of the COVID pandemic still present in the community.
The calendar at the start of the year had some type of event scheduled for each weekend, a good program considering the past 12 COVID months. These events went off without any issues and the Club had good representation at all of these.
As the various development and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic changed, so did the Sprite Club and the events. The QR code continued to be used and the meetings soon included the use of masks for inside events, something that continued for most of the year.
With borders being locked down the previously rescheduled 2020 National Challenge became the 2021 event, which was then postponed once again as interstate travel became a thing of the past.
Though for SA the lockdown did not occur, and life seemed to continue as “semi-normal” as it has been. Events continued to be run, peopled attended as required and followed the appropriate requirements.
The motorsport calendar continued with good Sprite representation at all events, both at Mallala and The Bend. Even the Peter Hall 6-Hour had excellent local and Victorian Sprite Club member making up nearly a quarter of the entrants.
Socially, other than a few hiccups due to various weather and COVID issues, all events were well attended, with the Mid-Week Meanders and Classic Sport Car Cruises popular with the members. The Ice Cream Run and the Sunday Run to The Elephant Door at Sellicks Hill was a success. The Annual Dinner was well represented with 50 members attending, great to see so many members together at one time enjoying the social camaraderie.
The General Meetings provided an opportunity for a monthly chat and also to welcome several new members over the year. With overseas travel on hold there was once again a number of “new” Sprites and Midgets on the market, with prices increasing over the past few months. A number of these cars and their owners have now joined the Sprite Club and we welcome them to the Club.
I would like to thank the Sprite Club Committee for their help and assistance over the past year. With this support the Club has continued its business and provided the members with a number of events, Club Registration and a chance to enjoy their vehicles with like-minded people. I also thank the members for their support of the various events that the Committee has conducted and organised this year.
In closing 2022 marks the 50th year of the Sprite Club of SA and look forward to the Club celebrating its Silver Jubilee. Some events have been planned and these will be revealed in due course.
Yours Spritely Gordon Boyce President and the Committee – Sprite Club of South Australia
Sonya Flynn form the The Modified Mini Car Club is selling tickets to the Penfolds Grange Lottery. There are only 100 tickets at $20 each.
The prize is a 2013 vintage Grange valued at $810.
The money raised goes to Dave Vaughan who is one of the Motorsport Australia Chaplains. Once again he has been doing extraordinary work this year in the motorsport community. He doesn’t tell many people about all his volunteering involves or means to him but take it from me he’s been really busy with visiting people in hospitals and counselling.
So if you’d like to support him please buy a ticket or two. If you just like great red wine please buy a ticket or two. If you’d like to get a loved one a brilliant Christmas present please buy a ticket or two.
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
To celebrate the end of the Sprite Year General Meeting we will start with a BYO Picnic Dinner in the park alongside the Fullarton Park Community Centre from 6.00pm.
The Sprite Club will be providing a range of drinks, but please bring your own BYO Picnic dinner, chairs and glasses.
This will be followed by the General Meeting at 8.00pm.
Please note subscriptions are due by the 31st December.
If you have a Club Registered Vehicle please bring the following:
Membership Fees ($50)
Membership Form
Log Book and Current Registration Papers
$5.00 if you require a new log book.
Competition Trophies for 2021 will also be presented at this meeting.
Twenty one years ago, under the co-ordination of Sean Power, a group of South Australian Clubman owners/builders/interested people met at the Skillogalee Winery in the Clare Valley. At this meeting were a number of people who still own or are associated with Clubman vehicles. From this enjoyable lunch on a hot November day in 2020 let to the formation of Clubbies SA
So why am I telling you this on the Sprite Club web Site? A number of these people later joined the Sprite Club of SA, and are still associated with the SCSA to this day. These include the Tye’s, Doube’s, Edson’s, and Sean himself.
To commemorate this 21st birthday, Sean and the Clubbies SA team organised a breakfast at the newly refurbished Rezz Hotel. With 50 people present, and over 21 Clubman’s on display, it was a perfect morning for the celebration.
Sprite Club member’s were invited to display their cars as well, so the Cardone’s, President Gordon and the MG Midget of Richard Sutherland supported the event. Phil and Mary-Anne Kies bought their MX-5 as well.
Thanks to Richard Sutherland for the photo
There was a huge breakfast buffet spread, with all the traditional fare, and Sean and Fred has arranged an “everyone wins a prize” raffle, with a range to goodies to give away. There were the usual speeches, and memories of the past. And a great time was had by all.
Thanks to Sean and the Clubbies SA team for the invite and the Sprite Club of SA wish you all the best for the next 21 years!…and beyond!
Throughout the year the Sprite Club of South Australia has conducted a number of Classic Sports Car Cruise’s. Our Co-ordinator, Pat Miller has used a number of different routes and venues for these Saturday Cruises. For this Pancake Cruise Pat suggested a different format.
Like the Monte Carlo Rally of the 1960’s there were various starting points for this run. Over 30 Members arrived at the various starting points of Marion, Firle, Tea Tree Plaza and Elizabeth and headed to Semaphore at the appointed time.
Midgets are GO!
Unfortunately overnight rain, a very windy beachfront and the threat of the occasional shower caused a change of plans. After a quick spot poll of those at the Semaphore Car Park, we headed to to Pat’s back-up plan venue, brother Gerard Miller’s Marque Restoration Workshop.
Spridget Reflections…………..
Soon the BBQ’s were fired up, the pancake mix was cooking and the lemon and sugar, jams and honey were being drizzled over the yummy pancakes!
Pancakes and Astons…………….
The pancake chefs of Pat, Gerard, and Julie kept the pancakes coming and as soon as your plate was empty, another pancake was placed on your plate. Add a tea or coffee and soon SCSA members were well fed and feeling comfortable.
It is all in the codes – DB5, DBR3, TR4
While indulging in the pancakes the Members were surrounded by a range of vehicles that are currently either having repairs or full restorations under the watchful eyes of Gerard. These vehicles included DB5 and DBR3 Aston Martins, Triumph’s TR (including member Phil Kies TR4A) Maserati, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes and Holden!
Gerard was happy for SCSA members to wonder around these exotic vehicles and see the various stages of their restorations. After the pancakes were finished and cleaned away, Gerard invited the Members to the Fabrication Workshop for a Sunday Morning Master Class.
Some of the rusted panels made and replaced on the Ferrari 246 Dino GTS
From a plain piece of flat aluminium, Gerard demonstrated a range of techniques, from basic hammer and soft bag to form the shape to the use of the English Wheel to help put a range of curves and shape in to the material. This flat sheet soon looked like a simple mudguard, with curves, shapes and swage lines to add shape and strength to the piece.
Those that had not visited the workshop before were impressed at the various vehicles and the skills that are used to form the panels and components to return these vehicles to “better than new” condition.
President Gordon thanked Pat and Gerard (and associated helpers) for the morning. There were presentations for the Best Patina to Brenton Schaumloffel’s Midget and Most Desirable Car to Ray Kinley’s Cobra Mustang ( a change from the Clemente Clubman – heater, air-cond and radio!!). Don Cardone had his new Jaguar XJ-S, and the range of moderns included returning members – Steve and Di Kent’s MG HS.
Soon the morning was over and members headed their various ways home, with a full belly and a knowledge of some of the skills that are used in the Marque Restoration workshops.
Special thanks to Pat Miller for organising the Pancake Run and the pancakes. And thanks to Gerard for opening his workshops for the breakfast and for the Master Class that was appreciated by both the male and female members.
Thanks to Robin Dunk for the great photos that captured the morning.
The first Friday in November is iconic for those of us that remember the F1 Grand Prix’s that ran at the Adelaide Parklands Circuit. While it was a fantastic motorsport event, there were many extra events that helped make the Grand Prix a week long party!
The Climb to the Eagle was one of those events. John Blanden organised a run from Hutt Street to the Eagle on the Hill hotel for special interest and historic racing cars to drive on the city streets up the “old” road to the Eagle on the Hill for a morning tea.
This event has continued since the Grand Prix left our state and has become a great motoring morning.
This years event started at the Victoria Park Historic grandstand (due to the COVID testing station on the old Grand Prix Main Straight) with approx. 250 cars. The entrants headed via Hutt Street, Glen Osmond road to the South Eastern Freeway, turning off at Devils elbow for the old road , past the Eagle on the Hill hotel, and headed to Hahndorf for Morning Tea.
The second part of the day includes a run and lunch at Victor Harbour in respect of the previous Grand Prix held at the Victor Harbour circuit.
This year Sprite Club and Clubbies SA members joined in with a range of Classic and Special Interest Vehicles.
Thanks to Robin Dunk and Chris Brine for the photos of the event
Nineteen people, 11 cars, some Spridgets and a number of other classic vehicles left Hazelwood Park for Russell and Judy Schmarr’ s latest Mid-Week Meander. While the weather started ok, the clouds rolled in and rain threatened, and finally fell from the sky, so hoods were erected for the journey.
Heading up Greenhill Road towards Basket Range, Swamp Road and Fox Creek Road the Meander followed some of the traditional Hills routes. A loop around the Gorge Road soon had the Meanderers heading north, over Checker Hill and out towards Kersbrook for the refuelling stop.
After a morning tea, it was through Williamstown and on towards the the bushfire remains of Humbug Scrub and into the Barossa Valley. Menglers Hill and Barossa Valley Way ended the drivers and their passengers at the South Australian Company Store. This café/restaurant is nestled between grape vines and rolling countryside, and provided a backdrop for the cars on the run. The food and service were outstanding, as as usual, no-one went away hungry.
Thanks to Russell and Judy for organising the meander and we look forward to similar runs in the new year.
Thanks to Steve and Kathie Leane, and their Blue Mk II Sprite, for the great images used in this article.
14th November Classic Sports Car Cruise – Monte Carlo to Semaphore! – Departure at 9.00am
Classic Sports Car Cruise with a difference, starting at various sites around the city – north south and east, we will all end up at the Semaphore foreshore for a pancake breakfast around 9.30 -10.00 am.
For catering reasons please contact Pat Miller 0421289706 email, nanmiller@adam.com.au
21st November Clubbies SA 21st Celebration and Car Display
The Rezz Hotel, Hamilton Terrace, Newton.
The Sprite Club of SA has had a long relationship with Clubbies SA and we have been invited to their 21st Birthday.
27th November MSCA Super Sprint – Round 4 – Mallala Motorsport Park
The final round of the MSCA SuperSprint Series will be at Mallala.
NOTE: this will be held on Saturday 27th Nov.
Please come along and support our Sprite and Clubbies SA competitors.
6th December Christmas General Meeting – BYO Dinner – 6.00pm – Meeting – 8.00pm
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
To celebrate the end of the Sprite Year General Meeting we will start with a BYO Picnic Dinner in the park alongside the Fullarton Park Community Centre.
The Sprite Club will be providing a range of drinks, but please bring your own dinner, chairs and glasses.
Competition Trophies for 2021 will be presented at this meeting.
Due to the postponement of the Annual Sprite Display Day, at the October General Meeting was a Sprite Display – with a difference!
Members had coloured in the Sprite paper cut-out models that were posted on the web site recently and displayed them at the meeting.
Comments ranged from where they had found some coloured pencils, to how they had glued the models together, and how much sticky tape was required.
Some were personalised to look like the owners own vehicles, with number plates, body colour, trim and even mag wheels! Some even made roads and cobblestone driveways – with the mandatory oil drip or two!
Winner of the night was Steve Kent’s Blue Bugeye, with the David and Di Low’s grand-daughter’s Rainbow Sprite in second place.
Thanks to all who participated with the Sprite Display – with a difference!
Here is the download if you would like to make one of these models.
29th/31st Oct Legend of the Lakes Hillclimb – Mount Gambier – Entries have Sold Out!
1st November Annual General Meeting
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
All committee positions will be declared vacant, so if you would like to assist with the running of the Sprite Club please contact a committee person now!
14th November Classic Sports Car Cruise – Monte Carlo to Semaphore! – Departure at 9.00am
Classic Sports Car Cruise with a difference, starting at various sites around the city – north south and east, we will all end up at the Semaphore foreshore for a pancake breakfast around 9.30 -10.00 am.
For catering reasons please contact Pat Miller 0421289706 email, nanmiller@adam.com.au
21st November Clubbies SA 21st Celebration and Car Display
The Rezz Hotel, Hamilton Terrace, Newton.
The Sprite Club of SA has had a long relationship with Clubbies SA and we have been invited to their 21st Birthday.
From our recent committee meeting, I am pleased to advise that we are still proceeding with our plans to host All British Day next February. To date we have not had any feedback from SA Health regarding our application, therefore as previously advised we will keep forging ahead. However, we do not know what decisions we may or not make between now and next February.
A change for All British Day 2022 will be to the format of the program, as we have had to re allocate our resources to ensure that we can do our best to be Covid compliant. We are proposing to publish an abridged program and all the entrant’s data normally published in the hard copy program will be loaded on to our website instead. Rest assured; the content of the data will be no different to what we have previously published in the program.
By introducing this change we can release labour to help run the event. With five feature events, there will certainly be interesting articles to read!
• British Working Wheels • 60 Years of the E Type Jaguar • 100 years of the Austin 7 • 120 years of Norton • 120 years of Triumph
As is our usual custom you can book your Sporting Car Club British Breakfast held at Mylor via our entry form. We do also have memorabilia for sale for the avid collectors amongst you.
Looking ahead to the day, if you have a vehicle that you would like to be considered for one of the feature displays, please indicate this to us.
Britain’s Working Wheels could be represented by push bikes, small motor bikes, larger capacity motor bikes (eg police) or outfits, or small runabout company cars, middle management and upper management saloons up to vice regal and commonwealth cars. The armed forces and business and agriculture have all been supported by British engineering as well.
We will be opening the website for entries 27/9/2021 and closing it 1/11/2021 so please get in early. We do have a limit on how many vehicles that we can park within the grounds, and we would hate you to miss out.
There have been changes to our terms and conditions since 2020 so please visit our website.
The committee and I are looking forward to All British Day 2022.
Please note due to the October Long Weekend the next General Meeting will be held on Monday 11th October at 8.00pm.
The usual COVID-19 restrictions will still be in place, with QR Codes and sign-in at the entrance. At this point in time masks will still be required while in the Fullarton Park Community Centre.
As the usual Display Day will not be going ahead at the end of the month we will have a Sprite Display ……… with a difference.
Online and Interactive for 2021 – click on the link below.
https://baytobirdwood.history.sa.gov.au/
On Sunday 26 September our digital front door will be open for an online celebration of the Bay to Birdwood. Jump on the Bay to Birdwood website Sunday morning and watch, play and read to your heart’s content. Don’t forget our special 40th anniversary documentary Life in the Past Lane airing live on Ch44 in Adelaide at 8.00pm ACST and Ch31 Melbourne at 8.30pm AEST.
Life in the Past Lane – 40 years of the Bay to Birdwood
Follow the fabulous journey of one of the world’s great historic motoring events as it celebrates over 40 years of four-wheelers, two-wheelers, fashion and fun. Life in the Past Lane will take you back to where it all began and give you an exclusive look at the Bay to Birdwood in all its glory.
Premieres on Ch44 in Adelaide at 8.00pm ACST or Ch31 Melbourne at 8.30pm AEST. Or watch anytime on-demand on CTV+ at www.ctvplus.org.au.
Behind the wheel – the people of the Bay to Birdwood
Check out a selection of interviews and mini-documentaries on some of the entrants who would have been in this year’s event. Take a ride with them as they show off their special vehicle and share some insights into why they would have been in one of the world’s great historic motoring events. Available to view online via the Bay to Birdwood website on 26 September.
And the winner is!
Get an exclusive look at the new Concours d’Elegance trophies. Designed by artists from the renowned JamFactory, the new trophies (and the retiring Run and Classic trophies) will be revealed through this documentary exploring design inspiration and the manufacture of these new and exciting awards. Available to view online via the Bay to Birdwood website on 26 September.
Test your engine
Get your engine running a special free-to-play Bay to Birdwood Online Quiz created exclusively in collaboration with Quiz Meisters. Do you know your Model T from FJ? Do veterans get you going or are you an outright classic? Pull a team together and compete to be the event’s biggest fans for a chance to win a special Bay to Birdwood prize pack. Available to play on the Bay to Birdwood website from 8 am ACST on Sunday 26 September, with a winner announced at 7:30 pm ACST.
Tune your motor skills
Word search, jigsaw puzzles and jumbled words – Have fun online with games specially made for the Bay to Birdwood.
Programs, get your programs here!
Each year since 1980 the Bay to Birdwood has produced a special event program. Collected by many and some now hard to find and rare, we are launching our eBook collection of Bay to Birdwood programs. These are a marvellous resource and in themselves contain much information that will have you taking a journey back in time. Available to view for free from Sunday 26 September on the Bay to Birdwood website.
The Bay to Birdwood has become an icon in both the South Australian motoring calendar and the SA Major Events List. With the cancellation of the 2021 event it is time to “flashback” and have a quick look at the Sprite Club’s association with the Bay to Birdwood.
The original 1980 Bay to Birdwood was developed to replicate the London to Brighton Run in England. Within a few years the B2B became one of the largest motoring events in the world. Initially for veteran and vintage cars up to 1945, half of the challenge was getting to the start at Glenelg, let alone the journey to the National Motor Museum at Birdwood.
The Bay to Birdwood was then run every two years for a number of years for the Veteran and Vintage Cars. In 1997 there was enough interest to run an event for Classic cars. This provided an ideal opportunity for a number of Sprite Club members to join the field of nearly 1200 vehicles. The Start was at Wigley Reserve, Glenelg and members met at Anzac Highway so we could be together at the start.
To add to the spectacle, the Adelaide Crows had won their first grand Final the day before, so many cars were displaying the states tri-colour, and many of the spectators were still partying from the win, which added to the whole event.
From the success of this event, the Classic was held every second year, as an alternate to the traditional B2B run. Due to the number of cars the starting venue was moved to Barrett Reserve, West Beach. This venue has since been the starting site for all B2B events.
The route taken has changed, but generally heads via Anzac Highway, Greenhill Road, Dequettiville Terrace, and North East Road before heading through the hills. For some years these hills roads were closed to oncoming traffic, and was made a two lane road to Birdwood, great piece of road to drive on the wrong side of the road!
At the Birdwood Mill there were Concours, rock’n’roll dancing, food, wine plus a great display of cars, fashions and activities.
For 2020, the traditional and Classic events were combined, allowing for a vast range of motor vehicles of all ages, and a differing spectacle for the many spectators that line the route from the Bay to Birdwood.
Hopefully the event will return when things get back to normal, post-COVID, so both entrants and spectators can enjoy this special event.
Over the weekend of the 3rd/4th July (Donald Healey’s Birthday Weekend) there was a special event held in England.
A Blue Plaque was unveiled at the site of the Donald Healey Motor Company in Warwick. This was a converted cinema and was opened as the International Sports Car Centre on 3rd July 1963 and closed in December 1974.
A blue plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place in the United Kingdom and elsewhere to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, event, or former building on the site, serving as a historical marker.
A display of Healey and Austin Healey’s was conducted on the 4th July at the British Motor museum at Gaydon. Here many unique and historic vehicles were displayed.
In recognition of this event a Souvenir Brochure published by David Matthews and a number of items were added to the Goodie bag by the Team from AH Spares.
While 400 were produced there is approx. 80 remaining. if you would like to purchase one they are available by emailing to warwickhealeycc21@btinternet.com.
Cost is 5.00 UK Pounds with 9.30 UK pounds postage.
Since I last wrote to you there has been much happening internationally, nationally and locally. COVID-19 and its devastating mutant strains are still very much with us and unfortunately continue to affect us either directly or indirectly. But, life must go on! In my last letter I advised that we would submit the necessary documentation to Health SA for permission to host All British Day in 2022 and once we had received a reply, we could then assess the feasibility to proceed. We have submitted the documents, but we now find that we must review this strategy.
In these ever-changing times SA Health has many priorities, and we find ourselves like many others in the community all craving for concise definitive information that is simply not yet available. We understand that to get permission from SA Health, now, for an event to be held next February, is unlikely, as the department will assess each application closer to its opening date. The conundrum we currently face is, if we wait until we get permission there will simply not be enough time to organize the event. The only course of action open to us to us if we want to host ABD in 2022 is to keep proceeding on what we know and can find out in a responsible manner. We are confident that we do have the resources to stage the event. I must, however, emphasise that our primary goal of keeping everyone safe has not changed.
Our intention is to open the website for entries later this month, on Monday 27/9/2021, closing it five weeks later on Monday 1/11/2021. We have not increased entrant or spectator or pricing from 2020. Operationally we want to keep the day as close as we can to its proven successful formula whilst incorporating the necessary changes to ensure that we comply with our Covid obligations.
The entry process to the Ovals has had to be reviewed to ensure that all drivers, riders and passengers can either QR scan, or fill out the mandatory contact tracing information prior to parking on the ovals. To keep the queues down and the roads clear Gate B cars will be directed to the public car park for Covid check in and Gate pass checks, Gate A cars will undertake these same checks at Gate A. We do ask for your patience as we introduce this necessary change to entry arrangements. We are conscious of timing and therefore we will be allowing vehicles to arrive from 8.30 am until 10.30am. Additional staff will also be rostered on the day to ensure that we can get you onto the Ovals quickly and safely.
If you have a vehicle suitable for our British Working wheels feature, we would like to hear from you. We will also be celebrating 60 years of the Jaguar E Type, 120 Years of both Norton and Triumph motorbikes, as well as 100 years of Austin. If you have a vehicle that you would like to be considered for any of our feature displays, please let us know via our entry form or contact us.
I will send another newsletter just prior to the website opening with the latest information available at the time. Kind Regards Jamie Sandford-Morgan
With Spring in the air and the Winter Solstice well in the past, it was time for Russell and Judy Schmarr to dust off the previous Meander that did not occur due to poor weather.
So in bright sunlight our Spridgeteers and a few others gathered in 10 cars at Blackwood Railway Station to set out at 10 am on the Sprite Club’s Mid-Week Meander – Southern Sojourn.
Our route passed through the beautiful green paddocks and gold flowering wattles in the Adelaide Hills via Ironbank, back of Echunga on back roads less travelled, through Paris Creek to Strathalbyn. Here we stretched out in warm sunshine for morning tea at 11.00am.
Leaving Strathalbyn on the Ashbourne Road, we had clear views to Lake Alexandrina and the Southern Coast from the top of the range then down to Ashbourne, past Cox’s Creek, through Mt Compass then down Old Willunga Hill Road to enjoy a tasty pub lunch at The Alma Hotel.
Special thanks to Russell and Judy for organising this Meander. Please keep an eye on the calendar for the next one!
Thanks to Don Williams, Steve Leane and Russell and Judy Schmarr for the great photos!
Well after 12 months we finally sat down at the Namaste Nepalese Restaurant for the Annual Dinner! With the COVID impact and sudden State lockdowns, it was great to be able to get nearly 50 Sprite Club members in one room!
The evening started with a range of drinks and an assortment of tasty entrees to sample. President Gordon Boyce welcomed all to the 49th Annual Dinner and outlined a few of the requirement for the evening. The conversations and social interactions were an important part of the evening, as many members had not seen each other for a number of months. And the traditional “Gary’s Quiz” kept many thinking throughout the event – Thanks Gary Brock!
As the meal was a Nepalese Banquet, the main meals soon arrived and there was a vast assortment of flavours and dishes to choose from. Chicken, Lamb and Prawns, supplemented with pumpkin, vegetables, mustard leaves, plus rice and naan bread made the meal a gastronomic event.
Due to the differing year and only two motorsport events at this stage, the Committee has withheld some trophies at this stage. These will be presented later in the year, probably at the December General meeting after the various motorsport competition has concluded.
The President took over the floor and presented a small gift to the newly engaged couple, Scott and Helen Stephenson. The answers to Gary’s Quiz were divulged and there was only a few points between the Stokes/Hallings and Edson/Dunk teams, with both taking home the choccies!
The Tony Bennetto “Spirit of Sprites” Award is presented in recognition and memory of Tony and his enthusiasm for Sprites, their enjoyment and continued use. Based on this criteria President Gordon presented this trophy to a deserving couple who have for a number of years, ensured that the Mid-Week Meanders allow Members to get out and enjoy their Sprites/Midgets/Associate vehicles as Tony would have intended. The deserving winners were Russell and Judy Schmarr.
Michael McClaren presented small gifts on behalf of the Club to Narelle – for allowing Gordon to preside over the Club for the past few years, and to Gordon for assisting in keeping the Sprite Club on an even course with all of the changes and challenges that are being enforced upon us.
After a few door prizes were presented, dessert followed and the conversations continued around the room. This was the progress of the rest of the evening till the last party -goers headed home late into the night!
Thanks must go to Michael McClaren for his organisation of the evening and support of the dinner drinks. Don Cardone made a small presentation to Michael in recognition of his work behind the scenes on these events.
Thanks to all members for support of the evening and look forward to the 50th Sprite Club Annual Dinner in 2022!
WEDNESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER –MEET 9.30AM FOR A 10.00AM DEPARTURE
While the Winter Solstice has been and gone the Southern Solstice Sojourn will return having been postponed due to bad weather in June.
The Winter Solstice marks that point in the year when there is the least amount of hours of daylight. Many ancient civilisations have acknowledged this event – There are feasts, celebrations, rituals – even the Druids have held built monoliths in recognition of this event in the calendar year.
The Sprite Club of SA usually has a social drive……………………
and now that Spring is hear the days are sunny and clear just the weather for getting that Sprite, Midget or Clubman out of the shed!
Russell and Judy have planned a Southern Sojourn for the next Mid-Week Meander with the usual Schmarr Style Twist , where we will take the long way there and shortest route home.
Meet at the Blackwood Railway Station Carpark – Eastern Side – cross over the railway line if coming from Blackwood Roundabout and turn left into the car park.
BYO Morning Tea.
After the usual interesting drive, we will end up in all directions for the lunch venue.
Please note these may be a kilometre or two of good dirt road.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
11th/12th Sept SA Hillclimb Championship – Collingrove
11th September 49th Sprite Club Annual Dinner
Namasté Nepalese Restaurant – 41 George St, Parkside
Please arrive at 6.30pm – Pre-Dinner drinks.
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head.
The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
15th September Mid-Week Meander – Southern Sojourn
Russell and Judy have planned a Southern Sojourn for the next Mid-Week Meander.
Meet 9.30am for a 10.00am departure at the Blackwood Railway Station Carpark – Eastern Side – BYO Morning Tea.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
26th September Bay to Birdwood and Motorfest – Cancelled due to COVID
3rd October Barossa Vintage Collingrove Hillclimb
11th October General Meeting
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park. Note: Meeting is not the first Monday of the Month due to the Long Weekend.
16th October Classic Sports Car Cruise
Now that daylight saving is back it is time for an evening cruise with our Classic Cars! More details to follow.
31st October MSCA Super Sprint – Round 3 – The Bend East Circuit
Next round of MSCA Super Sprint Series will head to the 3.9km and 22 bends of The Bend East Circuit . Last year the drivers who entered enjoyed the changing elevations and challenging corners of this circuit at The Bend Motorsport Complex.
Just a quick reminder we will be having the General Meeting at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road on Monday 6th September at 8.00pm.
Due to current COVID restrictions you will be required to sign in to both the Centre and to the Sprite Club meeting via the QR Codes available on site.
Also due to activity restrictions you will be required to wear a mask at all times. As masks (covering the mouth and nose) are required in high risk settings including shared indoor public places.
This will also be you last chance to book and pay for your seat for the Annual Dinner which is to be held on Saturday 11th September at the Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside.
Time is ticking quickly until the Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation at Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside.
If you are planning to come to this gastronomic event, we need your dinner payments to be completed by Monday 6th September, so we can advise the restaurant of the attending numbers.
Cost is $40 per head.
Starting with pre-dinner drinks, the Annual Dinner will consist of an excellent way to sample the favourite dishes of Namasté, comprising of mixed pieces of entree, 4 main selections, 3 vegetable accompaniments, Roti (naan style bread) and basmati rice.
The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
This weekend (28th/29th August) is the 60th Anniversary Race and Supersprint meeting at Mallala and all cars and drivers that have ever competed at or visited Mallala are invited to join in the celebrations.
The Sprite Club of SA has had a strong association with Mallala, being the main race circuit used for Supersprints and Race Meetings over a number of years.
There will be Mallala Masters Race Event, Super Sprint and open track sessions for those that want to go fast, and display + cruise sessions for those preferring to soak in the memories at a more relaxed pace.
There will also be historic Mallala memorabilia displays, displays from the SA Aviation Museum as a nod to the significant RAAF history and the RAAF Centenary in 2021, and a “Mallala Legends” Q&A panel lunch on Sunday.
Competition starts at 9.00am each day with a range of on and off track activities.
We have booked Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside for the Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation.
Starting with pre-dinner drinks, the Annual Dinner will consist of an excellent way to sample the favourite dishes of Namasté, comprising of mixed pieces of entree, 4 main selections, 3 vegetable accompaniments, Roti (naan style bread) and basmati rice.
Cost is $40 per head.
The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
Please note that recent COVID-19 Lockdown and Restrictions have had an impact on some of our planned Events. Please keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
15th August Slot Car Run and BYO Picnic Run – POSTPONED
28th/29th August 60th Anniversary for the Mallala Motorsport Park
As part of the Anniversary all cars and drivers that have ever competed at or visited Mallala are welcome to join in the celebrations.
Monday Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
10th/12th Sept SA Hillclimb Championship – Collingrove
11th September 49th Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation
Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside – 6.00pm for 6.30pm – Pre-Dinner drinks.
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head. The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
15th September Mid-Week Meander – Northern Ramble
Spring is in the air and it is time to Ramble North for the next Russell and Judy planned Mid-Week Meander
Just a quick reminder to advise you that due to the recent lockdown and various activity restrictions put in place by SA Health, the State Government and the Fullarton Park Community Centre, the Sprite Club Committee has decided to postpone the August General Meeting.
The main reasons for this decision are:
Changes to the number of people we can have in the Meeting Room
Need to wear face masks at all times
The Committee and I would like to thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these new restrictions and their impact on our events.
Please keep a look out for information updates on the Website, email and Facebook page.
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce – President and the Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
We have recently received this communication from David Baigent, President of the Sprite Club of Australia (NSW Sprite Club).
Another major event affected by the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Dear Sprite Club Presidents,
As you are all aware the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 Pandemic is causing major disruption to the way we go about our lives. Recent outbreaks in both Sydney and Melbourne have resulted in lockdowns and restrictions on travel. It looks like we are going to have to live with this uncertainty until we have sufficient people in the community vaccinated and our whole approach to living with COVID-19 changes to something like we are now seeing in the US and in Europe. As has been well publicised, Australia has been somewhat left behind in this exercise and we are looking at the end of 2021 as the earliest possible date for this to occur.
This has obviously had a great deal of disruption to the efforts of the SCCA team who have specifically been tasked with organising the Sprite National Challenge for 2022. Normally by this time we would have visited a number of venues and started roughing out our plans however this just has not been possible and we have become extremely nervous about where we are up to in planning but also the potential for further disruption between now and Easter 2022.
The SCCA committee has deliberated on this matter for considerable time and have come to the conclusion that it remains too risky to run an event in 2022 and are therefore cancelling our plans to host the Nationals in 2022.
We realise that this may come as a shock to some of you and your members but we believe that until the country becomes stable and united in all States with regards to living with Covid, the risks are too great to run an interstate gathering. With this in mind we would like to leave the organisation of the Nationals for future years open for discussion. By this I mean, we should decide if we want to try and run an event in 2023 or leave it to 2024 to maintain the ‘even year’ We, SCCA, are also open to who should run the next Nationals, which we are happy to do but are also open to others if they wish to step in.
I would like to advise you that due to the recent lockdown and various activity restrictions put in place by SA Health, the State Government and the Fullarton Park Community Centre, the Sprite Club Committee has decided to postpone the August General Meeting.
The main reasons for this decision are:
Changes to the number of people we can have in the Meeting Room
Need to wear face masks at all times
We will circulate the next Bugeye Burble and Coming Events once the Committee has determined these events and the requirements of the new activity restrictions.
The Committee and I would like to thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these new restrictions and their impact on our events.
Please keep a look out for information updates on the Website, email and Facebook page.
Yours Spritely
Gordon Boyce – President and the Committee of the Sprite Club of SA
During this lockdown period it is a chance to Flashback and have a look at the some very Spritely Sprites!
When the 948cc Sprite appeared on the market during 1958 it’s performance was reasonable compared to the vehicles of the time. But as usual some people just wanted to go faster…..
While there was a thriving aftermarket industry with performance parts, some people performed engine transformations on their Sprites and Midgets. These included the Jack Brabham Coventry Climax engined Midgets, the fitment of Jaguar 3.8 litre engines, Australian’s Own Holden, and Valiant engines plus various other Japanese, English and American Iron of varying capacities.
A V8 engine has always been linked to power, and I guess a quite night in the shed, a few beers and soon V8’s appeared under the bonnet of Sprites and Midgets. Quite often these were intended for the drag strip. Here is a few of the examples from both Australia and around the World.
Australian Darren Veal’s 454 cubic inch Bugeye “Frrite” has over 600 bhp and has topped the time sheets at 9.1 seconds for the quarter mile at a speed of 148 mph and looks impressive on the track!
Englishman Philip Herrick’s Bugeye started with a 970cc A-Series, replace with a 2.6 litre Alfa Romeo engine and finally a Rover V8. The Sprite went faster from 15.1 to 13.1 to 11.6 seconds @ 125 mph. It was rebodied as a TR7 and went slower!! Phillip then wen to to build another V8 power Sprite road car.
Queenslander Jeff Watson’s Giant Killing Sprite Mk II was a sensation during the early 1990’s. Quite often lining up in semi and finals with Victor Bray and his ’57 Chev Super Stock/Door Slammer! As a lot of these were run under a handicap start the Sprite would get the jump on the Chev and still get to the finish line first.
With a turbo-charged Nissan FJ20 and about 520 bhp the little Sprite would stop the clock at 8.18 seconds @ 163 mph.
And when it comes to outright speed not many can compare to Gail Phillips and her 258 ci powered Bugeye Sprite Salt Lake Racer.
Gail and husband Al competed at both Bonneville and at Lake Gairdner in South Australia. Gail was able to reach a top speed of 205.538 mph on the salt lake during 2001- joining the famed 200 MPH Club and the first woman to reach this speed at both Bonneville and Lake Gairdner. The Sprite then, with a 350 ci engine, went on with Doug Odom at the wheel to reach 220.237 mph that same year.
Gail and husband also visited the South Australian Sprite Club stand at the Adelaide Motor Show during 2008, when they were visiting for another run with the Dry Lakes Racing Association. Unfortunately wet weather caused this event to be postponed.
So when tinkering under the bonnet of your Sprite and Midget you might get caught up thinking of power upgrades like many have before……..
We did not get there last year, so will try once again!
We have booked Namasté Nepalese Restaurant, 41 George St, Parkside for the Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation.
Starting with pre-dinner drinks, the Annual Dinner will consist of an excellent way to sample the favourite dishes of Namasté, comprising of mixed pieces of entree, 4 main selections, 3 vegetable accompaniments, Roti (naan style bread) and basmati rice.
Cost is $40 per head.
The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
5th July General Meeting
18th July Multi-club Hillclimb – Round 3 – Collingrove Hillclimb
2nd August General Meeting
Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton Park.
14th August Come’n’Try Hillclimb
15th August Collingrove Challenge Trophy Hillclimb – Collingrove Hillclimb
15th August Slot Car Run and BYO Picnic Run – Meet at The Rezz Hotel
Challenge each other to slot car racing using Bugeye Sprite and other Scalextric racers.
Meet with the Clubbies SA either at 9.00am for Coffee and Breakfast or for a 10.45am departure for a short hill’s run to Club Member, Clive Spreadbury’s Scalex World, 3 Paul Street, Ridgehaven. BYO Picnic lunch.
28th/29th August 60th Anniversary for the Mallala Motorsport Park
As part of the Anniversary all cars and drivers that have ever competed at or visited Mallala are welcome to join in the celebrations. For More information and Entry Details: www.mallala.com/60th-anniversary
29th August MSCA Mallala Super Sprint – Round 3 – The Bend East Circuit.
For those who went last year, these drivers are still smiling after 3.9 Km and 22 corners with elevation and camber changes as well. Come for the drive, grab a coffee or meal, and support our Sprite and Clubman driving members. On track action from 10.00am
11th September 49th Sprite Club Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation – Namasté Nepalese Restaurant
The format will be a catered banquet with an interesting range of dishes for each of the courses. Cost is $40 per head. The meal and drinks will be subsidised by the Sprite Club.
Either pay the Treasurer or use the Sprite Club’s EFT feature – please note your name and number attending in the reference box.
Wednesday 23rd June – Meet 9.30am for a 10.00am departure
The Winter Solstice marks that point in the year when there is the least amount of hours of daylight. Many ancient civilisations have acknowledged this event – There are feasts, celebrations, rituals – even the Druids have held built monoliths in recognition of this event in the calendar year.
The Sprite Club of SA usually has a social drive……………………
In recognition of this event (and that the days are going to start getting longer!) Russell and Judy have planned a Southern Sojourn for the next Mid-Week Meander to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
In theming with the shortest day of the year there is the usual Schmarr Style Twist and we will take the long way there and shortest route home.
Meet at the Blackwood Railway Station Carpark – Eastern Side – cross over the railway if coming from Blackwood Roundabout.
BYO Morning Tea.
After the usual interesting drive, we will end up in all directions for the lunch venue.
Please note these may be a kilometre or two of good dirt road.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
During 2020 the Sprite Club was invited to visit Club Members Dean King and Suzie Burgher’s The Elephant Door B’n’B, Wedding Venue and organic vineyard at Sellicks Hills. Due to COVID-19 this was put on hold.
So on Sunday 30th May 2021 thirteen vehicles (Bugeyes, Mk II’s, Midgets, MGB GT, MX-5 plus a couple of moderns) met at the Victoria Hotel on beautiful sunny morning. New members Craig Frost and his Mk II Sprite and Adrian Faulks and MG Midget also joined for their first Sprite Club run, Adrian having driven down from Whyalla the previous day!
The convoy headed off in the direction of Black Road towards Clarendon, enjoying the winding roads, minimal traffic and also a lack of the “lycra brigade”!
From Clarendon the cars headed to Kangarilla, turning off for the drive towards Mclaren Vale, climbing the winding Wickam’s Hill Road, and touring the ridgetop Range Road to Willunga. Crossing the Victor Harbour road the open Pages Flat Road allowed the Sprite and Midgets to “stretch their legs” and enjoy this flowing open run to Myponga.
After a regroup and a “pit stop” , a detour into the Myponga Reservoir, crossing the dam wall and return stopping at the lookout to view the surrounds. This road also provided some scenic views of the coast looking north towards Aldinga and Port Noarlunga, glistening in the sunlight.
The flowing Sellicks Hill descent and the final run to The Elephant Door allowed the convoy to provide a spectacle as they arrived. Named for the large wooden door on the front of the property, surrounded by various artwork, windsurfing and skiing memorabilia, the autumn tones of the vines provided a glorious backdrop for our lunch venue.
Dean and Suzie have a number of 1960’s grave vines (grenache, cabernet and shiraz) which have been certified using organic growing and cultivation methods. These include hand pruning and picking and use of no chemicals. They have produced a number of limited release wines from the grapes and these were sampled by the members with their picnic lunch.
Most members chose to sit in the sun, enjoy the surrounds and views, and sample the local produce. And the weather was certainly on our side of this event.
Our thanks to Dean and Suzie for hosting the event and to those members who enjoyed the drive and the day.
For more info on the Sellicks Chills range of wines check out:
John Sprinzel was an all round Sprite gentleman. He was involved with racing, ralling, tuning, selling and authoring with Austin Healey Sprites.
John started racing an Austin A35 with much success. This lead to the formation of Speedwell in 1957, a tuning company that sold go-fast parts for Austin A35’s and Morris Minors. They also developed the Speedwell GT , a coupe version of the Austin Healey Sprite. John drove a number of vehicles for various manufacturer, including BMC and the Donald Healey Motor Corporation.
John sold off his share of Speedwell to Graham Hill and joined the Donald Healey Motor Company as Manager of “Special Equipment” ~ modifying Sprites for race, rally and for fast-road use. After a few years, this part of the Healey business closed and John set up his own business, John Sprinzel Racing, in Lancachester Mews in London.
Here he would sell Austin Healeys, Sprites and assorted vehicles. Many people joined John at the business, including Australian Paul Hawkins. Liaising with a number of specialist companies, they developed the very pretty and successful Sebring Sprite Coupé.
These vehicles were very successful in all forms of motor sport and raced at circuits all over Britain, Europe and at Sebring in the USA. Here they were driven by noted drivers Stirling Moss and his sister Pat.
John then went on to drive other vehicles for various manufacturers. John was also an author, writing many books on rallying, racing and vehicle modifications.
John’s last foray into International motor sport was to drive a MG Midget in the 1968 London to Sydney rally. On the final leg of the rally from Broken Hill he was in the Top 10 and was the leading privateer. Unfortunately a broken stub axle caused the Midget to lose valuable time, causing the Midget to be retired from the event.
John moved to various countries, finally settling in the Hawaiian Island of Molokai, with wife Carly. Here he continued his interest in windsurfing and owned a Bugeye Sprite, wearing his signature number plate PMO-200.
John passed away peacefully aged 90 years last week.
Our thought are with Carly and the Austin Healey community at this time.
Sunday 30th May 2021 – Lunch Run to The Elephant Door – Sellicks Hill
The Sprite Club has been invited to visit The Elephant Door for a BYO Picnic Lunch. Run by Club Members Dean King and Susie Burgher this venue, set in historic vineyards, is used to host weddings, Bed’n’Breakfast and other gatherings. With views of the vineyards and the local surrounds, the open decks and enclosed areas will be a fine venue for our Picnic Lunch.
The property is surrounded by grape vines that were planted during the 1960’s. These Shiraz, Cabernet and Grenache vines are hand pruned and the grapes are also hand picked. The grapes are used to make a limited quantity of certified organic Sellicks Chills wines.
Meet at the Victoria Hotel Carpark, Main South Road, O’Halloran Hill at 10.00am. We will departing at 10.30am.
The run will transverse a number of range and ridgetop roads through the Southern Vales, finishing up with an open run through the flat grazing lands, visiting Myponga Reservoir and the Sellicks Hill descent.
Please BYO Picnic Lunch, drinks, etc.
As a courtesy can you please advise Gordon Boyce if you are attending.
As the cars line up on the grid at Mallala Motorsport Park for the start of the Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Regularity Relay. Club member Helen Stephenson in her racing Hyundai Excel on pole with 3 other female drivers make up the “Driven Women” team. Behind them 22 other teams were eager for the flag to drop.
In the field over a quarter of the teams have a Sprite Club association. The Red Heifer Racing team with Gerard and Pat Miller, the Clubbies SA team “We’re in it for the Beer” , with David Tye, Rob Van Rob van Wageningen, Lee Kernich and Paul Rix making up the SA Sprite continginent.
With a change of COVID-19 and border restrictions allowed four Victorian Sprite Club Teams. Including “Darkside”, “All Brands”, “AHSDC Sprite Team 2”, and “Spritely Gentlemen’s Racing”. These teams included Sprites, Midgets, Sprite with funny motors, and other branded vehicles making up the numbers. Club Member Clive Spreadbury joined these teams with his Mk II Sprite.
Now some of these Victorian cars had their age creep up on them, with various diff and clutch issues. Two of the the team also celebrated their 75th birthdays as well on the Saturday.
11.00am – the flag drops and away they go!!
The cars have to try and lap within one second of their nominated time to gain a bonus lap, go too slow you only get one lap, go too fast you loose the lap, stay within the time window and you gain two laps! so smooth consistent driving helps consistant lap times. Traffic, faster cars, slower cars, and swapping the sash from car to car in the pits all add to the dilemma to maintain lap times.
To assist helpers from the Victorian and SA Sprite Clubs assisted over the weekend. This assistance is recognised by many:
Hi there SA Sprite Club,
I would like to place on record our sincere thanks for the support given to our AHSDC teams at the Peter Hall Memorial 6 hour relay recently. In particular David and Di Low, who assisted us on Sunday, and provided our volunteers to the MSCA for the event, and Dean King who was tireless in the garages helping with our numerous mechanical challenges on both Saturday and Sunday. We almost recruited him to one of the teams at one stage on Saturday!
Running our spritely cars in these long events is challenging for both the cars and drivers and the crew, and we appreciate the support we get from you.
We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Ruth Norris – Team Manager for The Spritely Gentlemen’s Racing Team and Team Goblin.
As usual the six hour throws all sorts of challenges to the teams, fuel, brake and clutch issues started to plague the teams. Strategies go out the window and just trying to work out what cars are running and ready for the circuit kept the TEam Managers active during the event.
Soon it is nearing 5.00pm, the bright sun had been in the drivers eyes for nearly one hour as they head down the start straight. This has kept the drivers on their toes for the last few minutes. Soon the clock ticks to 5.00pm, the chequered flag drops and the event is over.
Teams de-brief, crack a cold beer, put on a bbq and pack up the cars and equipment. The computer in the timing room starts it’s algorium processing and the results start to be printed for the Trophy presentation.
Well the Clubbies SA team was not last (and thats is good news), the Red Heifers were a few places higher. The Victorian teams were placed 2nd, 5th, 12th and 17th. The “Driven Women” ended up 9th overall. So the Sprite Teams recorded a great range of results, and now the Team Managers are looking to return for next year.
Wednesday 19th May – Meet 9.30am for a 10.00am departure
Russell and Judy Schmarr have planned another fantastic run for this Mid-Week Meander.
This time the route will be “dropping over the Eastern Edge” and touring some well and not so well used roads. As usual there will be a nice drive there and a return trip, including a hillclimb.
Note: there will be approx. 7 km of smooth dirt road on this Meander.
Meet 9.30 am at the Main Oval Gates, Onkaparinga Valley Road, Balhannah for a 10.00 am departure.
BYO morning tea/coffee, etc and Lunch will be at a local motoring named hotel.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
Keep an eye on the Sprite Club Website, Email Postings and Sprite Club Facebook Page for more information…………
19th May Mid-Week Meander – Eastern Edge Encircle
Russell and Judy have planned another run for this Mid-Week Meander.
This time the route will be “dropping over the Eastern Edge” and touring some well and not so well used roads. Note: there will be approx. 7 km of smooth dirt road in this Meander.
Meet 9.30 am at the Main Oval Gates, Onkaparinga Valley Road, Balhannah for a 10.00 am departure. BYO morning tea/coffee, etc and Lunch will be at a local motoring named hotel.
Please let Russell and Judy know if you are attending for catering purposes – 0403 151 715
23rd May Copper Coast Classic Cavalcade of Cars
This event is part of the weeklong celebrations for the Copper Coast Cornish Festival,
30th May Lunch Run to The Elephant Door – Sellicks Hill
We have been invited to visit The Elephant Door for a BYO Picnic Lunch. Run by Dean King and Suzie this venue host weddings and other gatherings, as well as the nearby vineyards are used to make a range of wines. We will be tasting these on the day and products will be for sale.
Meet at the Victoria Hotel Carpark, Main South Road, O’Halloran Hill at 10.00am – Departing at 10.30am
On the eve of the MSCA Peter Hall Memorial 6-Hour Regularity Relay it is timely to have a look back at the Sprite Club of SA’s involvement with this type of event.
During the early days of the Sprite Club, competition was a strong part of the Club’s events, so the 6-hours became part of this activity. The Triumph Sports Owners Association of Victoria ran very successful 6-hour races at Calder Park, north west of Melbourne .
These events were scored on a handicap system, to ensure the drivers could maintain a constant lap time, losing laps/scores for going to fast. This handicap allowed the slower cars and teams to compete for outright honours. Being a relay race, a sash was carried by the driver for each lap they completed and handed to the next driver before they entered the track. If there was a breakdown the sash had to be returned to the pits before the next car could enter the circuit.
Photo courtesy of Doug Gordon
These events during the mid 1970’s included the following cars and drivers – note some of these (members and cars) are still in the Club! Team was Richard Stokes – Lightweight MG Midget (ex-Surfers Paradise 12 hour car), Reiner (Joe) Walker – 1275 Midget (RGX-781), Dean King – Mk1 Bugeye with Galant motor (SUS-600) and Peter Smeets – Sprite MkIIA with a Corolla Motor.
Photo courtesy of Doug Gordon
The Austin 7 Club of South Australia organised similar events at Adelaide International Raceway during 1976-1978, and once again the Sprite Club entered a team. Working on the handicap system the Sprite Club was quite successful, coming second place in 1976 with 244 laps, and third place in 1977 with 245 laps.
There was a gap for a few years and during 1988 – 1992 Club members Dean King (and then Rob Peckett) in the Toyota Sprite and Gordon Boyce – Bugeye Sprite joined the teams of the Victorian Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club to make up teams for the Mini Club of Victoria 6-Hour Relay Races at Winton.
These teams had the various vehicle make-up of Sprites, Midgets and assorted associate vehicles. The team names included The Bent Brothers, The Twisted Sisters (all female team) and Roofless Racing. There was also a specific All Sprite/Midget team for the AHSDC’s 25th Anniversary Year in 1991. Other members joined in with the AHSDC for Winton 6, 12 and 24 hour events during the latter part of the decade.
MSCA President, Peter Hall had competed in these events in his Datsun 1600 and knew the importance of these events for the “Car Club Competitor”. He therefore, with assistance of the MSCA Committee a Plan to run a 6-Hour Relay Sprint at Mallala for the local car clubs and their members. This evolved into a Regularity Event, meaning competitors only required a Basic/Level 2 competition licence, and the speed of the cars could be limited. It was aimed at the usual road going or slightly modified cars that could compete, rather that the out and out racing cars.
And the concept grew, teams from all of the MSCA clubs became involved, Sprite Club, MG, MIni, Alfa Romeo, Fiat/Lancia, Bolwell and later MX-5, Lotus and Porsche. There is also a large support of club members who help with Team Manager, timing, lap scoring, general car maintenance and repairs, as well as feeding and watering both the cars and the drivers. This adds to the spectacle of the day and the event.
In recent years, members from the AHSDC have travelled over the border, entering teams in the event as well, with these team often placed in the top 3 teams, also worked on a the handicap system. For the 2021 event there are three teams from the AHSDC competing!
We must also include the Clubbies SA teams that are also a part of the Sprite Club and have been entries in most of the MSCA 6-Hours. These guys and girls have a lot of fun and the team name “We’re In It For The Beer” adds to this.
So if you heading to Mallala this weekend, either as a driver, official, supporter, timer/lap scorer or spectator, you are being part of an important chapter in the Sprite Club of SA’s competition history.
Sunday May 2nd is the annual MSCA Peter Hall Memorial 6-hour Regularity Relay at Mallala Motorsport Park. After a postponement , it is back on this year with a total of 22 teams competing.
One Quarter of the field has a Sprite Club association with the Red Heifer Racing with Pat and Gerard Miller and We’re in it of the Beer with Sean Power and the Clubbies SA team.
Add to that three teams from the Victorian Austin Healey Sprite Drivers Club, Darkside, Spritely Gentlemans Racing and AHSDC Sprite Team 2 make up a total of five Sprite teams.
As well as our 2020 Lady Driver of the Year Helen Stephenson has joined with four other lady drivers to form Driven Women.
Each team is required to supply a volunteer to help with the running of the event. Each team will also need support with the replenishment of both cars and drivers, so if you have few hours spare your assistance will be gratefully accepted by all teams.
The 6-hour will start at 11.00am and will conclude with a trophy presentation at around 6.00pm.
This is a great day of motorsport and is also a great Car Club day, please assist if you can, either with the teams or just as a spectator.
Kimberley Franklin hosts the “What the Hills” Community News and Current Affairs program on Lofty Community Media 88.9fm and lofty.org.au every Monday from noon. During the program she catches up with local Adelaide Hills events, activities and people.
During the recent Over COVID Rock’n’roll Festival at the Lenswood Oval, Kimberley interviewed event coordinator and Sprite Club member Garry Beaton and President Gordon Boyce about the festival and particularly about the Sprite Club of South Australia.
The program went to air this week and is available as a Podcast via the usual platforms, including Spotify, Google Podcasts and Audible.
The Annual McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic event was cancelled last year, so on Sunday 17th April, the 2021 event brought together new entrants as well as the seasoned regulars from all Car Clubs.
The cars met at Serafina Winery and paraded down the Main Street to the enjoyment of the many onlookers and members of the public who came out to enjoy the day.
Car Clubs are allocated to various wineries, and once again the Sprite Club of SA were on display at Fox Creek Wines. Here music, food and various wines were available.
The weather was favourable which allowed many people to inspect the cars on display and enjoy the event.
Thanks to Robin Dunk and Tina Brine for the use of the photos.
The 2020 Sprite Club Annual Dinner was put on hold last year due to COVID-19 , so a Re-United, Re-Union Dinner was planned for November, but it also was cancelled due to COVID-19. So the Committee, guided by Social Coordinator, Michael McClaren, planned a Re-United, Re-Union, Re-Visited Dinner at the Sporting Car Club at Unley.
