And now a live report from the Champagne British Car Festival in Urbana,
Illinois.
The host hotel this year again was Jumer's Castle which is a hotel done up
in a mix of English Tudor and Bavarian styles. The theme for the festival
this year is James Bond, 007. And the folks have taken the theme to heart.
There were several fellows in kilts (ala "On Her Majesty's Secret
Service") , Greg Petrolati - ah, I mean Dr Blofeld - brought his white
persian cat (stuffed) and Goldfinger was there, too. The Friday night
mixer this year is a novel idea. Since the theme this year is James Bond,
007, there was a murder mystery dinner buffet in the library room of The
Castle but the butler didn't do it! A great time was had by all.
Well despite inclement weather the LBC's have turned out in hords of all
types and colors. MG's, Triumph's, Morgan's, Lotii (Lotuses or Lotus's,
whatever), and Jags to name a few, and folks were out there washing and
waxing despite the threatening weather. But that's the LBC spirit! The
driving funkana was called on acount of rain so an alternate event was
held. A gymkana course was set up in the adjacent mall and the contestants
were required to navigate it in a Radio Flyer wagon! In addition to
nagotiating the cones the contestants had to change the spark plugs in a
dismembered head (a TR4 head that is), light up all four lights on the
"Lucas Box" and mix a martini for James Bond. This was a timed event.
The rain held off long enough to allow us to do the driving tour and we got
back in time for "Tea" which included such traditional fare as scones,
petitfour's, trifle, and, of course, tea.
Well, I must sign off and get ready for the Pub Crawl. More news tomorrow
about the "Dawn Patrol" breakfast tour to Phoney Mahoney's for an authentic
British Breakfast and lastly the British Car Show.
From the British Car Festival in Urbana, Illinois, this is Dave Massey,
reporting.
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