A-Series Family Reunion

On Sunday, January 20, 1997,the natural amphitheatre known as Catalina Park (Katoomba, NSW) again echoed to the crisp exhaust sounds of high-revving "A-Series" engines (plus a few ring-ins) as members of the Mini Car Club, MG Car Club, Morris Minor Club, Nepean District Morris MInor Club and Sprite Car Club took the opportunity to pedal their vehicles, perhaps for the last time, around the now (sadly) largely derelict track. The occasion was the first "A-Series Family Reunion", organised by the Sprite Car Club, which encouraged owners of A-Series engined cars to get together to discuss common issues (oil leaks, electrical problems, recurrently blowing head gaskets, slipping clutches, etc.) and to have a good time in a family atmosphere, at a location with a great deal of historic relevance for such vehicles.

More than 40 vehicles set off, from 8.30 am onwards, from the now regular Parramatta Park jumping-off point, for an Observation Trial encompassing large slices of the Outer Western Suburbs, and the Lower and Upper Blue Mountains,where they were joined by another 20 or so vehicles (except for the Morris Minor people, who are reported to have stopped along the way for traditional tea and scones, before arriving fashionably together in a dignified "en masse" entrance.

At Midday, the track was opened to allow a liesurely drive around, behind a Pace Car (the one I was following was doing in excess of 100KMH on occasions; now that's what I call a "Pace Car"), and spectators were treated again to the sights and sounds of fifties and sixties vehicles circulating around the tight and twisting circuit (including a "low light" side-valve Morris Minor and an Austin Freeway - I haven't seen one of those on a circuit since John Smith used to race one in the early sixties).

(For those of us with real speedos that measure speed in proper units such as miles, 100 kph equates to 63.5 mph. Hmmm, that must have been one of the slower pace cars then..... - Ed.)

Alas, the track time was all too soon ended, and after presentations to the winners of the Observation Trial, and thanks and congratulations all around, the formal part of the day was completed. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the conviviality among all those present, regardless of their Club affiliations; it was great to see Sprite Club going around the track in Minis, Mini Club people going around in MG's, Minor Club people going around in Spridgets, and all the permutations and combinations thereof, together with a sprinkling of MGA's, MGB's, Triumphs, Holdens and Falcons. Thanks to all of those who unselfishly allowed others the use of their vehicles, and who were happy to take passengers around the track; without this, the day would not have been nearly as much fun, nor as successful.

The star of the day, however, was undoubtedly the Catalina Park circuit, which was great fun on which to drive, particularly in a Spridget or two (Thanks, Colin and Greg!). It would be a great shame if the circuit were to be closed down, as seems likely unless there is a change of heart from Blue Mountains City Council.

The Sprite Car Club can be justifiably proud of the success of the day. All the Organising Committee, and all those who assisted on the day are to be congratulated, particularly Eriks Skinkis, who took the germ of an idea (from Jim Elphick) and nurtured it into one of the most successful Sprite Club functions of recent years, no doubt the first of many such "Reunions".

Report: David Healy (Club President)

Reprinted from Sprite Torque - February 1997