By Dwight Dawson

The Houston MG Car Club was represented at this year’s statewide gathering of MGs by Glenn and Fran Carpenter, Bob and Kim Chalker, Alex Chaykoski, Dwight and Candy Dawson, Rob and Shelly Ficalora, Bob and Kathy Schroeder, Ron Redding, Mike and Stephanie Woodward, John and Nancy Youens, and Jane and Cole LeMaster.  

About the GOF

(Pronounced Gee Oh Eff) Twice yearly since 1964 the members of the New England MG T Register have gathered to enjoy the magic of the MG marque and the people who own them. The first GOFs were billed as a "low key weekend to enjoy the cars and new friends." And it is much the same now. The GOF provides owners of MG T series and other early MG variants a chance to gather for a weekend of tours, talk and tire kicking.

Our Texas GOF has been coordinated by the Dallas club, Texas MG Register, for many years. To join them for the 2018 event, 3 Houston MGBs met at Hwy 290 and FM 1488 and caravanned 190 miles along the country roads to Waco. Drivers were Woodward, Dawson and Chalker. Greg Fleischer even made the trip out to 1488 in his B to see us off. Others from Houston arrived in Waco with their MGs safely secured in trailers.  

Upon our Friday morning arrival, there were various venues for beer, wine, burgers, and more. Dinner was organized for the Houston group at Outback Steak House. I was impressed with them for the food and because you could actually HEAR conversations at the table. Some good restaurant design at work that ensured a fun evening with good friends. 

 

Saturday morning provided light rain for the Show Parade on the hilly, twisty, tree-lined MG-style roads just out of town to Bosque River Park. For the first time, the show itself was held in a parking garage—different, but it worked out great and included a sumptuous box lunch. After the show there was an optional event to Balcones, a whiskey distillery in Waco. Ask Bob Chalker for details about it! He and Kim also toured the Dr. Pepper plant. Back at the hotel, with the rain picking up, several of us enjoyed adult beverages and snacks in the lobby.  

The Saturday banquet was at the Baylor Club in McLane Stadium. We enjoyed a great Baylor buffet dinner. The evening continued with awards and intermittent offerings of auction items. A very rare 1937 MG VA Salon owned by Wayne Kube from Plano, Texas won the award for Show Favorite. I had a short ride in it and can report it was a luxury ride in its day. The unique interior features, like the fold out windshield, are impressive.

It seemed that Honorary Member Flat Bernard had a high-time and was always where the action was. 

The following HMGCC cars were AWARD WINNERS: 

Ulrichs’ 1953 MG TD Octagon of Honor. 

Chaykoski’s 1954 MG TF 1st place Premier Class;

Redding’s 1975 MGB 4th place Premier Class;

Ficaloras’ 1976 MGB V8 1st place VARIANT MG; 

Chalkers’ 1972 MGB 2nd place Chrome Bumper

Woodward’s 1980 MGB 2nd place Rubber Bumper

Rob and Kathy Schroeder took 2nd place in the rally.   

The drivers from Houston accumulated about 430 miles traveling to and from the 2018 GOF.  

Houston MG Car Club members breaking bread together on Friday night

Ficaloras' MGB V8 took 1st place in the Variant class

Rain, rain go away....

A highlight of the show was this 1937 VA Salon.  

Glenn Carpenter spiffing up his 1954 MG TF

Bob & Kim Chalker with their 2nd place trophy in the Chrome Bumper class

Alex Chaykoski accepting his 1st place in the Premier class for his 1954 MG TF