1971 Red Baron Run

And you thought the term "ART CAR" was something new? In the late 60s and early 70s The Tyee Triumph Club held the annual RED BARON RUN autocross. It was a big hit with SAMOA autocrossers as it was a chance to decorate their Minis too!

In May of 1971 the event was held at North Seattle Community College and SAMOA participants met early at the Denny's just west of I-5 on Northgate Way. In this group of photos you'll see Jim Kirbach's Cooper S (ex-Dick Penna) being prepared for battle, Dave Merkel's custom MkI (note the MkII tail lights!) and at the event, the huge crowd is rivited on Chris Miller's Cooper S and Chuck Heleker tightens his helmet strap just prior to a run in "The Grape" (check out that ultra-groovy paint job!). Northgate is barely recognizable in the background of the Kirbach photo and try not to shed a tear when you see the gas prices in the background of the Merkel photo!

70s autocross booty

I was up in the shop attic today and ran across this SAMOA Trophy from 1972...It brought back many memories!

I remember being in charge of trophies for that event and putting together probably 50 trophies total. The class designation on the roof was done with press on letters as was the place, 1st, 2nd or 3rd, on the door. I can't remember if the letters were then clear coated...maybe. The die cast cars were available at the time in bulk (collectors items by now!) and the walnut base came from Athletic Supply via their trophy department. The dash plaques were ordered from one of the specialty suppliers and came with double back tape.

Thought you might enjoy seeing some more "Stuff" from the '70's.

- Bert Lobberegt

Another rarity from 1970

Here's a tough one for even the long-time members to guess. It looks like this photo was taken at the same autocross at Tacoma Community College as the Ellen Dawson photo below. And by now just about everyone should be able to guess that's Jeorge Patience (or maybe Judkins by then) sitting in the Mini. But do you know the name of the young gentleman standing in front of the car? Extra bonus points if you remember the fellow who owned the VW yet autocrossed as a SAMOA member.

A most maneuverable Moke

Gerry Everett had a better idea. If a Moke is a great autocross car then shorten it a foot and it will be a REALLY great autocross car! Behold “Son of Mighty Moke.” Add to that a 1275cc Austin America motor and automatic trans.(!) and Firestone racing tires and the result was a Mini that was guaranteed to grab your attention.

Appearing here are two photos from 1970. Ellen Dawson prepares for the ride of her life as (from left to right) Gerry, Charlie Cravens and Bill Stebbins (at least we think that’s Bill) impart a few last words of wisdom. Bonus points if you can identify the site. It’s Tacoma Community College. Awfully rural looking for being in the middle of town.

In the other photo Mike Woodcock gets serious at another unusual autocross location, The Tally Corp., another site that has no doubt changed greatly. A rear sway bar is visible in this photo. Shortened wheelbase AND a rear sway bar? Whew! According to Mr. Heleker's records, this was a practice autocross held in March of that year. Mike set top time of day in SoMM and Jerry, also driving SoMM and Chuck tied for third fastest time.

Long-distance RSVP

With an rsvp attached to the second mailing to past members it's encouraging that most responses have been positive so far. One of the few regrets came all the way from Illinois:

"This is my Moke in 2003. Not much has changed since then. It’s a 1965 English Moke with a Cooper 998 engine. I’ve owned it for about 25 years. I was a member of SAMOA back in the late '60s after meeting Jeorge Judkins in a Sears parking lot in Key West, Florida where I lived at the time. (Jeorge was probably looking for an autocross -ed.) At the time I had the honor of being the furthest-distant SAMOA member. Even though I am a starting member of MINIS IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS, I have always had a spot for SAMOA. All the best and hope to see some of you at future Mini Meets…." Dick Range

Rare 1967 SAMOA autocross photos unearthed

We're trying to get out of the 60s, really we are! But when a SAMOAn from back then sends two classic photos like these how can they be left off the blog?!

If Eric Meislahn ever owned a Mini it wasn't for long but that didn't stop him from being in the club. Eric probably identified with us Mini misfits since he was a bit of a misfit too, autocrossing a Corvair at the time.

The Mini is thought to be Jerry Everett's (later sold to Mike Howze) and it looks like Jeorge Patience at the wheel. Eric guesses that the photo was taken at a Northgate autocross in 1967 (shopping malls weren't open on Sunday back then). The other photo is of Eric sitting on the hood (trunk) of the famous "Super Skunk" that he autocrossed prior to starting a long road-racing adventure (including two trips to The Runoffs at Road Atlanta) with a Yenko Stinger.

Eric sends his regrets that he won't be able to attend the reunion in August (he'll be riding his bike to Vancouver, BC that weekend) but wanted to share these memories and let all his friends in SAMOA know he's thinking of them.

SAMOA Minis autocross in Bremerton, circa 1970

This obscure old print and caption info is courtesy of Bert Lobberegt.

Autocross somewhere in the Bremerton area, maybe at the airport. Best guess is the photo was taken on a cool morning in March of 1970. And what was going on out on the course that had a few of us so amused?

Left to right, Martha Norwalk, unknowns in the distance between Martha and, Jim Kirbach partaking of some sort of morning beverage (Red Bull?), Jeorge Patience (enjoying an egg'a'muffin), Mike Woodcock, Marcia and Larry Arnold partially hidden by Mike. Jim Dawson on log, Ellen Dawson in striped coat and partially hidden behind Chuck Heleker, and Steve Ludwig on log. Don't know any of the kids.

Car on far right is The Grape. Car immediately behind kid with his back to the camera is Bert Lobberegt's Cooper S.