[Healeys] Nikas wins at the US Mille Miglia in Grace, his "Drive Away Cancer" 53 - AH 100 BN1

[Bert Van Brande]

John Nikas won the Mille Miglia North America held in Southern California from
25-28th october.  During these 4 days he won all 7 stages outright and I heard
there were some fierce battles with a couple ferraris worth 6 and 10MUSD,
having 3x the number of cylinders and in particular with a 53 Corvette.  John
also won the participant's award and is invited to the "Mille" in Italy all
expenses paid.  

I went to the sunday Concours D'elegance in Santa Barbara on
sunday and met with Steven Kingsbury who is tirelessly following John and
capturing everything on video.  I saw "Grace" a month ago in Agoura Hills
after it's 7000+ mile run when Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi fame signed the car.
When John drove up the field at the Concours yesterday Grace seem to be
transformed with an engine rebuild, new exhaust, 100m carbs, cold air box...
 I don't know where exactly all credits are due so I hope Steven can help me
out here but I believe BCS and Moss contributed greatly to this cause as well
as a number of Healey owners.

The car now sports 3000 signatures from people
John encountered on the road.  This car became a symbol for people battling
cancer and a running memorial for people who lost loved ones to cancer.    
Check out the video of the start of the Mille at 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWwbFqZfOu4

or some great pics at 
http://www.facebook.com/driveawaycancernow

you can donate and support this
cause at 

http://driveawaycancernow.org/

I am closing with a prayer for all
currently battling cancer including my father in law and in memory of my own
father who passed away after a battle with cancer 6 years ago.

Bert