Dear members,
Spring is here and September has been a mix of weather, but as I write this it is beautiful outside and it is looking promising for upcoming events.
3 September was Round 6 of our Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship, and as always, we had a great turn out with so many BMWs on the track. It just happened to be my birthday and Jo had arranged with a few of the members to do a surprise birthday at the track for me, which was lovely. Thank you especially to Lucy Walsh for the very decadent chocolate cake which didn’t go to waste. Unfortunately Jo was rushed into hospital with bowel obstructions earlier in the morning, so she was not there to celebrate, but with covid restrictions still in place I was told, very sternly by Jo, to attend as I would not be allowed into the ED and would only be sitting home worrying. Instead I worried at the track but had lots to keep my occupied through the day, and my kids and granddaughter all came to surprise me too. Thank you all for making my day special.
6 September was our AGM at the German Tivoli Club and so many attended which was fantastic. Our committee were re-voted in for another year and we hope to do you all proud.
On 17 September we had 30 beautiful cars attend our display for the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship Display at Sandown. The day started off cold but sunny and there was rain forecast, but we were all praying it would stay dry. Cars all set up, flags and banners up, people choice voting cards handed out and not long after, the heavens opened up. I can say I have not been this cold and wet at a racetrack for many years. I would like to congratulate Glenn Kenneday and Simon Lyne for taking equal first in the people’s choice award and also, I would like to thank Jay Lenos Garage Advanced Vehicle Care for donating 2 x $100 gift vouchers for the lucky winners. I would like to also thank Shannons Insurance and Motorsport Australia for putting on a great event, despite the rain, hail and frosty conditions, all who attended really had a great time.
Jo and I had arrived early as I was told we had to attend the officials briefing. I was wondering why because we weren't officiating. But I soon realised I was receiving an award, and I was humbled by being awarded a service award for Fabulous Official. These awards are handed out to officials who go above and beyond their duties and it was a great honour to receive this.
18 September was our drive to Shepparton BMW, who are our newest dealer and sponsor to come on board and our first regional dealer. We met early to find that the service station had no power so no fuel and no food. A quick re-think and we were all heading to Wallan for a refuel of cars and bodies. Another great drive by Peter Williams, who sadly did not attend due to feeling unwell, but as always, his instructions were faultless and gave us some amazing driving roads. On arriving at Shepparton BMW, we were met by some members who had taken the option of meeting us there, as they all lived close to Shepp. It was good to have a nice hot meal waiting for us and hot coffee to boot. Aaron Brain, the Dealer Principal, took us for a tour of the dealership and then showed us some of the new lifestyle merchandise, which went down well with most of our members, and it was great to see members buying new merchandise. This followed a quick drive south to the MOVE museum, which I must admit was better than I had expected. There was a great variety of cars, bikes, trucks, phones, radios, stereos, and a really eclectic collection of fashion which spanned over 200 years. If you are in the area, it is a must see. Don’t miss the chocolate apple shop too, there's great treats inside for everyone.
20 September was the regional Drop In Donuts night which always goes down a treat. Who doesn’t like coffee, cars and donuts? What a fantastic combination. Thank you Lawrence for arranging this event, it has really become a popular night.
23 September saw around 12 of our members racing at Philip Island at the VSCRC Round 5/E30 Racing Championship. This event is always light on for officials due to it falling on grand final weekend. Jo put out a call for help and it was so wonderful to see so many of our members put their hands up to help out. Some only did one day, some only half a day, but others did the whole weekend which made life so much easier for all the officials running this event. It was really hard, as being an extra long weekend with the day of mourning for the Queen on the Thursday, accommodation was scarce and we really appreciate all who came and helped out. Jo was in the secretary’s office and was exhausted at the end of the event. She thanks those who helped her, with out their help it would have been a very hard event to run. Want to help at an event, go to Working With Children’s Check and complete this application, nominate BMW Drivers club, Motorsport Australia and Victorian Flag Marshalling as your preferred volunteering clubs then go to Motorsport Australia and complete your general official licence. All of this is free and just takes only a few minutes of your time, then you are licensed to help out.
On 27 September we finished the month with a Zoom meeting for a call for more club helpers. Who would have thought what talent was going to be unveiled on the night! We have a circus coach amongst our members, and it will be great to see what we can get him doing at some of our family days.
Moving on to October, this month is going to be jam packed.
2 October we have the Euroa Car Show, which has attracted a lot of interest.
Some of us are also heading North to Bathurst to Officiate, so look out for us on TV! It was nice to know that Jo and my story about officiating at Bathurst in our latest idrive, generated interest in our members and spurred them on to register for this great event. We're looking forward to catching up with you all up there.
From 7-9 October we will be celebrating 50 years of ///M at Motorclassica with BMW Group Australia. This is going to be a fantastic event and I am really sorry that we will miss this. All the spots are now taken, and I am sure Lawrence will put on another fantastic display, along with the cars from BMW Group Australia.
On 11 October we are holding our swap meet at all Marque Storage Cheltenham. Be sure to register, bring along that dusty box in the corner of your shed, your junk is someone else’s treasure. Remember there is cash only on the night.
There will be a BBQ on the night, and we also have the Lux Coach there for those who want to sit back and just be spoilt. Bring your partners and let then enjoy the luxury of the Lux Coach.
16 October was scheduled as our Hill Climb, but due to very slow registrations we have cancelled this event. If you had entered, you will receive a full refund.
22 October is our Motum Simulator Challenge, which sold out very quickly and we are looking at holding another one very soon. Look out for the Motum Simulator Challenge cup in 2023, it will be a lot of fun.
23 October is the Future Vehicle Expo.
On 25 October we have a large group of members heading off to Tasmania for a week touring on some amazing roads and great drive days again coordinated by Peter Williams. Look out for some great photos from this event.
Events to look out for:
2022
2023
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne have started a new reward program which will give all members old and new the opportunity to win some great prizes. Each quarter we will do a draw of all members who have renewed their membership, joined as a new member and also referred a new member. How does this work? Well, if you pay your membership, your name goes in the running for a prize. If you join the club as a new member, your name goes in the running for a prize. If you refer a new member, ask them to put your name in the “Referred By” section of the application and your name goes in the running for a prize. Refer 10 new members, your name goes in 10 times. Simple.
We have been looking at new ways of rewarding our members and sponsors who have stayed loyal to us through COVID and this we feel is a great way of saying thank you. This will start from 1 October and run concurrently. All winners will be announced in the newsletter and on Facebook.
We have been working on an exciting new initiative with the AOMC to offset Carbon Emissions from our petrol or diesel driven cars. Keep an eye out for the announcement in the coming days and then jump on board to help the whole car movement become greener.
Day light savings kicks in again this weekend so that means a return of our very popular twilight drives. Keep an eye out on your emails for these to be added, they were very popular last summer, and we look forward to running them at all corners of Melbourne and surrounds through summer again.
Merchandise is selling well, and it is fantastic to see our members at events or out in the world wearing our Club merchandise. So, go here and order yours or come to an event and purchase some.
We also have some news regarding the Club ‘home’. Up until now the Club has been operating out of the office and workshop space of our business, Bell Motorsport, which is great, but at the same time has meant a lot of extra ‘stuff’ packed into our workshop and office. This extra load, as well as the growth in our business has necessitated an expansion of our business to a second location, a couple of hundred yards down the road at 213 Marine Parade, Hastings. There is a lovely office and showroom there, where Jo will be setting up and running the Club ‘office’. This will be the place to go for anything Club related, Club Permit Renewals, Merchandise, having a chat and a coffee… whatever. We will also be holding an event there in the coming months, to welcome everyone along for a look at what we are doing. Give Jo a call before heading down on 0412 661 900 to arrange a time and please head there first and only if not attended call in to the old workshop.
As always, welcome to all the new members, the club continues to grow and build upon everything we have done to date, which is fantastic to see.
Your committee is working on some great new events for 2023, along with all your favourites, so check in on the calendar from time to time and keep an eye out for the event emails.
Take care out there and I look forward to seeing you at an event somewhere soon.
Graeme Bell | President
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
PO Box 81, Tyabb VIC 3913
Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695G
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International Council
Motorsport Australia Affiliated Motorsport Club
