Oh my goodness, it’s nearly Christmas already and in the chaos of the last month I have completely forgotten to remind everyone that we have our Christmas Party on Sunday the 3rd of December.
The plan is to meet at Loftus Oval at 8.00AM for an 8.15 departure. We will then head south the scenic way for coffee chez Ed and Kath Burton near Kiama, before taking the fun roads to Peppers Craigieburn in Bowral. There, we will park, eat, drink (for those not driving) and be merry. If you would prefer to join us there you are, of course, most welcome!
We will book your place upon confirmation of payment to the CLA bank account. Please deposit $55 per head as follows by Friday the 24th of November:
BSB: 633 000
Account: 1442 79056
Name: Club Lotus Australia Inc
Payment ref: Xmas Joe and Joanna Bloggs (your name)
Caroline and I are very much looking forward to seeing lots of you to close out what has been a tumultuous and busy, but ultimately fun and amazing year – we do hope you will join us for a lovely day out.
In other news, I am delighted to see that we continue to dominate the CSCA series. Many thanks to the Motorsport Committee for this month’s report and the glorious photos already on our website from Gino and Mel Valdes.
Personally, I must apologise for not having participated in as many rounds this year as I would have liked. Having retired the Elise from track work, and broken the Eleven, I find myself missing a car suitable for the last couple of rounds!
As I am writing this, the third of this year’s Simply Sports Cars Lotus Only Track Days (LOTD) is wrapping up at Winton. All reports suggest another fabulous event, so many thanks to all involved in the organising. I’m very much hoping that next year I can get to more than the one I managed in 2017. These days are what Lotus ownership is ALL about – plenty of track time, lots of friends having a great time, and the whole thing running like a Swiss clock thanks to SSC’s organisation. Can’t wait!
Following fast on the heels of LOTD is Targa High Country in two weeks time (10-12 November). This year we have a record 26 Lotus teams participating, with representation all the way through the field and plans for a lot of fun over the long weekend. Giles and I are using Targa to start accruing some cabin time while the Healey we’re prepping for Peking to Paris 2019 is still in pieces – we’ll let you know how we go.
And before you know it, it will be our Christmas party, and then everyone will be parking up cars for the festivities of December, when driving is generally a bad idea 🙂
Sad news reached me this week that Peter Lumsden, who famously piloted the well known Elite WUU 2 to victory at Le Mans, passed away earlier this month. Another great driver has headed to the great racetrack in the sky. While this is terribly sad news, on the subject of Elites, it is heartening to read that several Elites have changed hands in recent months, including Richard Fewster’s, which is now in the hands of CLA member Frank Foster. Similarly, one sold shortly after being passed in at Motorclassica in Melboune recently, so hopefully the next generation of owners will bring them out to play!
Righto, I’d better get this to Tom so I don’t hold up yet another Chunkie’s Chatter. Looking forward to seeing you all at Craigieburn in Bowral! In the meantime, take care, stay safe and keep it upright and on the blackstuff,
Pip pip,
Ashton
