In 2009 the Johannesburg Centre of the MGCC embarked on a project to attract younger members to the club.  The club committed R60k over 3 years for two MGs to be restored & raced by young members.  The youngsters are aged between 14 and 25 years and come from all walks of life.

The one car was rebuilt by 10 youngsters every second Saturday during the last 8 months of 2009 under the direction of Roger Pearce at his EmGee Workshop in Randburg:

• It was a complete strip down and rebuild of Roger's famous London to Sydney / Johannesburg to Silverstone rally car.
• At their first outing at the “9 Hour “ race at Kyalami it not only finished in the top 15 ,out of 65 starters but it also competed in a sprint event which it also finished without any mishap.
• This car has subsequently raced in 2010 at Zwartkops and Midvaal as well as competing in a Regularity rally and always finished which says something about he quality of work that went into it.
  

The other car is a 1956 MGA which is being built under the direction of Nick Parrot out at his home in North Riding, also every second Saturday. However, this is not a strip down and rebuild.  This project is the recreation of a car from bits donated by members and friends

• The body had to be welded together from parts etc . Because of the enormity of the task the youngster are getting down to the real nitty gritty of rebuilding a classic car and learning skills like welding, panel beating, engine rebuild, etc. It is hoped that this car will be ready spring of 2010.
• As the car is taking so long to create, Nick found the enthusiasm waning so he lent the club a MG roadster body and the project cars engine and gearbox were used in this car which had its first race in March at Midvaal.
• It was driven by one of the youngsters who is 16 and who got himself a MSA racing license so that he could race the car at this event. He brought his car in second and we were all pretty proud of him as it was the first race he has ever entered. The MGB rally car also did well at this event.

While only one of the project team can drive, the others take turns in driving or doing pit work. It is envisioned that those too young to drive on a public road will act as navigators when the car is used for rallying.

For a selection of photos please see the accompanying page.

A challenge to other car clubs

It is interesting to note that at in all the racing events our MGs participated, the MGCC was the only club to enter a car/s. Hopefully other clubs will follow our lead. How about it Alfas, Lotus, Porsche - you guys have lots of racing history.

An invitation to join

The project is an ongoing one and while we do have members drifting off we are continually looking for youngsters who would like to join the club.  The annual membership fee is R21.50 for a student with benefits way over that value. Youngsters can join and leave at anytime.

Sponsorship

The club has committed the money for the rebuild.  However, as each race meeting costs at least R1000 per car we are continually looking for sponsors.  Sizanani Plastics has given the project R10k for the 2010 running costs and we thank not only them but all those who have donated parts, time and money to the project.  We are continually looking for sponsors as the cars have to be maintained and the MGA still needs to be finished.

Article submitted by Clive Winterstein in March 2010.  For further information please contact Clive by email.

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Last modified: 17-Apr-2010