Hunter Chapter goes to Presidents Picnic 2014
18 September 2014 / Josh Fitzgerald
After what seemed like weeks of endless rain, the sun and cars were out & shining brightly as the Hunter Chapter gathered early Sunday morning at Morisset McDonalds, before making the trip down to the Lane Cove National Park for the 2014 President’s Picnic.
Busily we checked over each other’s cars, admiring the work put in and cheekily picking out any missed dirt. Enjoying a quick coffee and breakfast we were treated to meeting a prospective new member in a 25th Anniversary Edition NC. The car was in stunning condition inside and out having only been driven off the lot 4 days earlier.
With coffees downed we drove the direct route down the M1 Motorway for Sydney, actively avoiding any puddles, dirt and rock throwing trucks. Thankfully the roads were dry, however a big strip of muddy water waiting for us on entry to the National Park made for a slow and cautious entry to reduce splashing. Of course, we joked the earlier entrants were responsible, intending sabotage.
Once set in our spots those of us entering Concours d’Elegance and Bit and Bling set about wiping down and cleaning out any picked up dirt from the drive down to make the cars look stunning again.
With a large number of very well maintained and modified MX-5’s on show (a record 90+ cars) there was plenty of stiff competition. We spent the morning admiring all the cars on show, chatting with the many car owners and club members, and then it was time to choose our favourites and enjoy a delicious lunch provided by the club.
Out of the 5 cars put forward from the Hunter (all NB’s), all the extra effort put in paid off with Mark Gray winning Concours d’Elegance (now State and National this year) in his very clean & shiny Grace Green NB8A which has been used as a daily since Natmeet earlier this year and Lindsay Green and Josh Fitzgerald winning the People’s Choice award, plus a special mention in Bits and Bling in their Velocity Red NBSE with striking white rims as first time entrants. Other Hunter cars also recieved special mentions.
After a day of sun, great food and company it was time to head for home with two trophies to add to the Hunter Chapters growing collection.
Well done to all who entered their cars, assisted with judging and organising the day.
