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CBCF’s Route 66 Rally to Pontiac, IL

The 2023 Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF) will be featuring a self-guided rally, on Saturday morning, June 3, to Historic Pontiac, IL where the city parking lot will be reserved for our use. City representatives will welcome us with information packets and souvenir Route 66 pin. Arrangements have been made with Pontiac’s Tourism Department to provide us with special access to the Route 66 Hall of Fame exhibits & Museum and Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum. More Information.

Block 59 (the block south of the historic courthouse) will be blocked off exclusively for our group.  The City will have staff there to greet and pull barricades to let our cars in.  They will also have goodie bags for attendees that will include a VIP button (our Visitor in Pontiac program which lists discounts at various downtown retails and restaurants), a downtown map and a current list of restaurants in the area that will be open that day for lunch.

Currently, the restaurants that will be open within walking distance are listed below. The Welcome Staff will provide an up-to-date list the day of our arrival. The list will include restaurants, addresses and type of food

Tim Dye of the Pontiac / Oakland Automobile Museum is happy to offer special “Behind the Scenes” tours for CBCF ralliers.  The first tour will be from 12:00-1:00 and the 2nd tour from 1:00 to 2:00.  These tours are usually $5/person but he will offer them to our group for $3/person.  A sign-up sheet will be available to limit tour groups to 15 people per tour. 

We’re also working with the City to set up a time for drivers to pull their cars in front of the iconic Pontiac Route 66 Shield Mural on their way out of town.  We will have someone there to help facilitate that.

You’ll want to be sure to visit the Route 66 Museum’s first floor to see Bob Waldmire’s famous VW van and a mural he painted over several years.  Behind the museum, we’ve arranged for CBCF folks to tour his renovated 1966 school bus, commonly referred to as his “Road Yacht.” This is open only by special arrangement. The Welcome Staff will provide us with the exact time Staff will have it available for touring.

Don’t miss out on this GREAT RALLY! Register for CBCF TODAY!

Car Shows, Drives

Springfield Area Highland Games All-British Car Show and Cruise-in – May 20th

The IFLBCC has been invited again to attend this year’s Springfield Highland Games British Car Show – New Berlin, IL on May 20th.

Our group has attended this event twice in the past and has always been a fun day out.

FREE attendance requires submitting a British Car Show Application PDF Application is attached below. The IFLBCC Facebook Event can be found here: https://fb.me/e/wdFAYytC

IFLBCC Event Drive:  For those leaving from Bloomington, Brian Davis will lead our drive on Sat. May 20th, from Casey’s on 2017 Fox Creek Rd, Bloomington, IL 61701.  Departure time will be 9:00AM for an approximate arrival time of 11:00 at New Berlin, IL.   The drive avoids all interstate travel and skirts the North and West side of Springfield.  The route is approximately 83 miles, so we’ll need to leave Casey’s promptly at 9:00 AM.  Please note that the Car Show parking will be at Gate 3.

Please visit the IFLBCC Group Drive event page to RSVP – https://fb.me/e/wdFAYytC  so that we know how many will be cruising with us.

Post Car Show Meal: After the show, approximately 3 PM, we will be heading to Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield for a post-car show meal. 

Event Link: Springfield Area Highland Games

Event/Drive Questions:  Brian Davis – mailto:[email protected] 

Event Questions: You can contact Jordan Thomas-Summers by email at: [ [email protected] ] with any questions you have about the event. 

Additional Resources:

https://iflbcc.club/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-SAHG-British-Car-Show-Application.pdf

www.centralillinoiscelts.com 

https://www.facebook.com/springfieldhighlandgames

https://www.facebook.com/centralillinoiscelts

SAVE THE DATE!

2023-SAHG-British-Car-Show-ApplicationDownload
CBCF - Champagne British Car Festival

March CBCF Planning Meeting Update

It’s probably hard to imagine that the Champagne British Car Festival is only THREE months away! The March 7th meeting was our SECOND “working session”  and was critical in assigning sub-committee leaders and helpers in key roles.  Major decisions were made concerning sponsorships, insurance, voting and drives.

For 2023 we will continue the full 3-Day Festival experience and have already planned out a tentative schedule, venues, vendors and many of the details. Registration for CBCF opened on Feb. 15 and we’re well on our way to a successful 2023 event.  You can get an early preview of what’s to come by visiting https://iflbcc.club/iflbcc-home-page/    

What we need NOW is help with executing these plans!  That’s where YOU come in.  We will need additional Illinois Flat Land Car Club members to help during the weekend during the drive, evening events and the Sunday car show. These functions do not require a large commitment of time or effort. Want to help? Contact us at [email protected]

The next CBCF Planning Meeting is scheduled for April 4th

Newsletter - The British Marque

IFLBCC Newsletter Writers Wanted!

As you may already know, the British Marque is published eleven times a year in a 40-page, tabloid newspaper format, in both Print and On-line Editions. They have subscribers and
correspondents from Ontario to Texas and from Maine to California, plus a number in the United Kingdom.

As a Participating Club, the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club has been contributing articles to be published in the Marque for the past year. Along with our articles, notifications of our events are added to the Marque’s monthly calendar in the paper and on their website. This gives our club national and international publicity, helping build
the events and our club at the same time. In December alone, the Marque website boasted over 26,500 unique visitors!

When we send them articles to print, our club is given a section in the paper highlighted by our club logo and masthead. The person contributing articles is credited in the
Marque as a “Contributing Editor”.

Contributed article are also published in the What’s New section of the IFLBCC website. Click HERE to see some of last year’s articles.

Would YOU like to HELP?

There’s no ongoing commitment necessary!

  • Do you have a favorite event or car show story?
  • Share your project car restoration process/progress?
  • Memories of how you fell in love with British Cars?
  • Tech Tips? How To article?
  • Club related activities?
  • Digital images, illustrating your story, are encouraged

When you’re ready . . . let me know at [email protected]

Car Shows, CBCF - Champagne British Car Festival

Celebrate 100 Years of MG with John Twist

The Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF) is just around the corner, June 2-4, 2023 in Bloomington, Illinois. This is the 32nd anniversary of the Festival and you can expect an amazing weekend of British car activities. This all-British car show features over 125 brilliant British cars and motorcycles.

In 1923 Cecil Kimber, the Founder of MG Cars, designed, built, advertised and sold his first MG sports cars. To celebrate this 100th Anniversary, CBCF announced that MG will be the featured marque at this year’s car show on June 4, 2023. 

Friday June 2, 2023: Registered entrants “Start Your Engines” and your Festival weekend by joining us Friday evening, June 2nd for a Welcome Reception, sponsored by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club (IFLBCC). This informal Meet & Greet with fellow British car enthusiasts will be held from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. If you’re already registered for Sunday’s show, you may pick up your Welcome Packets at the reception.

Saturday June 3, 2023: The fun continues Saturday morning, June 3, with a self-guided rally to Historic Pontiac, IL where the city parking lot will be reserved for our use. City representatives will welcome us with information packets and souvenir Route 66 pin. Arrangements have been made with Pontiac’s Tourism Department to provide us with special access to the Route 66 Hall of Fame exhibits & Museum and Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum.

Join the self-guided rally to historic Pontiac, IL

The automobile museum offers rotating exhibits to ensure a new and exciting experience each time you stop in. As the only Pontiac-Oakland Museum in the world, they display hundreds of pieces of memorabilia alongside the selection of cars. CBCF has made special arrangements for multiple private “behind the scenes” staff-guided tours of the Pontiac-Oakland Museum.

I’m sure that many of you have seen pictures of Pontiac’s Route 66 mural at the rear of the Route 66 museum, but are you aware two dozen other Wall Dog murals are scattered throughout Pontiac?  Enjoy Pontiac’s walking tour of the murals as you shop and enjoy lunch in several downtown Pontiac restaurants. You’ll also want to be sure to save time for a selfie with your LBC in front of the iconic Route 66 mural!

Here’s your chance to take a LBC selfie at the iconic Route 66 mural.

Saturday Evening, June 3, 2023: Saturday evening’s banquet will feature this year’s Honorary Chairman and Guest Speaker, John Twist. John Twist is the MG guru behind Michigan’s University Motors who has helped countless people maintain, restore, and understand their MGs. He has run a successful shop, has an informative video series, and now is an international speaker. Twist was inducted into the British Sports Car Hall of Fame in 2017. 

Sunday June 4, 2022: Early Riser?  Join other Dawn Patrollers onSunday June 4 at the David Davis Mansion for some Pre-Show camaraderie.  Our food vendor, Redbird Catering, will be on the grounds by 8:30am with a menu of biscuits & gravy, a breakfast sandwich, pastries, coffee and water.

The weekend culminates on Sunday June 4th, 2023 with the Champagne British Car Show on beautiful Clover Lawn of David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, IL.  The David Davis Mansion provides a wonderful backdrop to display over 125 British cars.  The festival includes music, vendors, food and beverage options, and tables and chairs to enjoy your meal and drinks.

John Twist’s famous Rolling Tech Sessions will be available during Sunday’s car show.

In keeping with the show’s recognition of 100 Years of MG, CBCF is hosting John Twist, nationally renowned MG mechanic and expert for a “Rolling Tech Session”.  In addition to owning and operating University Motors LTD since 1975, John has been performing his famous rolling Tech Sessions at MG-related events throughout the country for decades. While John is an MG expert, this event is open to and appropriate for the owner of any British car as the mechanical systems are generally identical. 

This year, Redbird Catering will be adding a British favorite, Fish & Chips, to their typical menu. Gramma Nanna’s will also be on hand with delicious cookies, ice cream, shakes and floats.

You can register electronically on our website using PayPal. There is a discount for early registrations so get your form submitted by May 28. We look forward to seeing you and your car at CBCF!

Please visit the CBCF website and Facebook pages for more about the Festival and weekend activities.

The CBCF receives significant support from the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site.

For more information, visit www.cbcf-bloomington.com  or the IFLBCC Facebook Event – Click Here

As with most car shows, the enthusiasts who volunteer their time and  efforts have made the CBCF what it is today. The Champagne British Car Festival has become an annual event fo

Newsletter - The British Marque, Special Events

8th Annual Halloween “Mystery” Cruise – British Marque

8th Annual Halloween “Mystery” Cruise

By Brian Davis

The final IFLBCC driving event of 2022 featured a Fall drive down some of Central Illinois’ scenic back roads to Haynes on Main, Mackinaw Valley winery PLUS a “Surprise” stop at a private collection of cars, neon, trains, toys and MUCH more!

The 8th Annual Halloween “Mystery” cruise began just west of Bloomington, on October 29, where owners of approximately fifteen British vehicles gathered for the day’s Drivers Meeting. Alan Kleinschmidt was the event organizer and led the Drivers Meeting and the drives throughout the day.

Cruise organizer, Alan Kleinschmidt, holds the Cruise Drivers Meeting

Our first destination was a “Mystery” location until that morning.  Alan had arranged for our group to drive to an unidentified location where members were treated to a vast collection of vehicles, man cave memorabilia and a train layout with 1,050 feet of track.=

The owner of the collection had his friend act as the Conductor for the various scaled trains that traveled through many villages and Disney themed vignettes.  The layout included 92 buildings, 232 characters, 6 monorails and 2400 miniature lights. This beautiful facility was spacious and allowed out group to leisurely browse the collection or sit and visit.

Leonard Lee and Rudy checking the Web as the Elimons, Judy Bess, Mike Shuck and Carol Brown take a break from touring the beautiful private collection.
A small corner of Dr. Kruger’s vast collection of cars, memorabilia and collectables

The next stop on our adventure was Haynes on Main, 108 S. Main St., Mackinaw, IL for lunch.  It was a beautiful Fall Day, so to add to our experience we traveled along Old Peoria Road and a variety of twisty scenic roads.

Haynes is a wonderful smalltown tavern that set aside a private dining area just for our group.  Several members that could not make the start of the drive joined us for lunch.

Mike Shuck, Todd Reid, Rudy Mortimer, Gary Brown and Alan Kleinschmidt making the tough decisions on what to have for lunch.

After lunch, the group continued on to Mackinaw Valley Vineyards for a little taste of the grape. The winery features a large variety of wines for tasting as well as an extensive gift shop and beautiful grounds.  After selecting our beverages, the group retired to the large deck that overlooks the expanse of grape arbors.

Alan Kleinschmidt and Gary Brown wine tasting at the Mackinaw Valley Winery

Late that afternoon we bid goodbye to our friends and IFLBCC group cruises for 2022.  We still had our November and December Natter ‘n Noggin to look forward to and to take a moment to look back on all of the terrific Club activities that 2022 had to offer.

By the time you’re reading this the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club will have begun planning our premier event of 2023, the 3-day Champagne British Car Festival.  The featured marque for 2023 will be All MGs.  We’re delighted to announce that John Twist will be speaking at the Saturday banquet and hosting his popular “Rolling Tech Session” during the Sunday car show at David Davis Mansion.

Car Shows, Newsletter - The British Marque

Flatlander Road Trip to Georgia’s Southeast British Car Festival

By Alan Kleinschmidt

Wednesday September 14th 2022 was a beautiful day for traveling. The Sun was bright and the temps were in the low 70’s.

We met friends, Greg and Chris Oakes, from Roscoe Illinois, at their Hotel in Bloomington and started our journey to the Southeast British Car Festival, sponsored by the Peachtree MG Registry in Dillard Georgia.

We would be driving “Black Betty’ the 1980 MGB LE and Greg and Chris would be in “Buttermilk” the 1972 MGB. Our goal for the day was to overnight in Sevierville Tennessee which lies 562 miles Southeast of Bloomington.

Buttermilk and Black Betty

We got onto Interstate 74 in Bloomington and traveled East through Indianapolis Indiana and on to Cincinnati Ohio where we picked up Interstate 75 and traveled South to Knoxville Tennessee before turning East on Interstate 40 to Sevierville.

Greg and I both prefer secondary roads when traveling in the MG’s, but sometimes you just have to get on the Interstate and go. We both have Overdrive, so cruising at 70 to 75 is not a problem. The cars ran great and about 10 hours later we rolled into the Hotel at Sevierville.

Thursday September 15th was another beautiful day. We headed South through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN before heading up the mountain at Smoky Mountain National Park. The road through the park is very twisty and affords some spectacular views. We came down off the mountain and arrived at Cherokee NC just in time for breakfast at Peters Pancakes. There was a 45 minute wait, but it was well worth it.

We arrived in Dillard Georgia, early afternoon and went to Dillard House to check in and get directions to the house we had rented for our stay. We got the cars unloaded and enjoyed a cold adult beverage on the veranda with Nigel & Jane who had come down separately from Bloomington trailering their MGB.

Friday we were up early and on the road. We traveled to Highland NC for breakfast and then Route 64 to Franklin stopping to view the various falls and rapids along the way

The Peachtree Registry put on a “Low Country Boil” Friday evening at the main banquet hall at Dillard House. The menu included Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, and of course the famous Dillard House desserts.

Saturday was Show Day! There were many gorgeous cars in attendance. The show runs from 9 until 1 affording more time for cruising the back roads around the area.

Georgia’s Southeast British Car Festival

We traveled South this time and made a run around Lake Rabun before heading to Tallulah Gorge and then up Black Rock Mountain. We finished the afternoon at 12 Spies Winery, in Dillard with friends Greg and Chris and Nigel and Jane. The wine was very good and we picked up an extra bottle to bring home.

Another good meal was provided by Dillard House at the Saturday night Banquet and award ceremony. Nigel brought home an award for his modified 1980 MGB.

Sunday found us saying good bye to Georgia and heading home. We traveled to Lawrenceburg Indiana to spend the night. Our Hotel room provided beautiful views of the Ohio River which ran just on the other side of the Levee. There was a floating restaurant a short distance from the Hotel that we walked to for dinner. We were treated to a float equipped plane flying in and tying up for dinner. Pretty cool!

Monday morning found us back on the road, heading for home. The most challenging part of the trip was navigating our LBC’s through traffic in Indianapolis. With I-65, I-70 and I-74 converging there, traffic is always heavy.

We arrived home around noon on Monday. We traveled 1561 miles total for the trip and Betty averaged 31 mpg. Not bad for a 42 year old with 150,000 miles on her odometer.

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IFLBCC’s 3rd Annual Harvest Days Cruise-in & Picnic – British Marque

IFLBCC’s 3rd Annual Harvest Days Cruise-in & Picnic to be published in the November issued of British Marque Car Club News. By Brian Davis

Temperatures were inching their way down into the mid-fifties and the leaves were starting to turn brilliant red, yellow and orange as the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club members gathered for their 3rd Annual Harvest Days Cruise-in & Picnic.

Each year the Club sponsors the cookout at the Sugar Grove Nature Center’s (SGNC) firepit and pavilion.  Alan Kleinschmidt made all of the arrangements and somehow even managed to reserve a perfect evening for sitting around the blazing oak fire.

The SGNC is in a beautiful sugar grove, near Funks Grove, IL, off historic Route 66.   The Grounds, Trails, and Imagination Grove are open daily from dawn until dusk, as are the Picnic Shelter, Corn Crib, and Privies.

The Flatlander’s arrived around 4:00 in a nice collection of LBCs including MGBs, Jaguars, an Aston Martin and a Mini.  Alan already had the firepit blazing as folks started catching up and finding seats on the stone ring that borders the firepit. 

Everyone brought their favorite cookout goodies and plenty to share.  Jane Chamberlain came prepared with a “boxed beverage” and Denny Elimon provided all of the Smore’s fixings.

As the fire started to die down around 7:00 we made our plans to meet again in a couple of weeks for the 8th Annual Halloween “Mystery” Cruise on Saturday, October 29.  This year we’ll be visiting Haynes on Main, 108 S. Main St., Mackinaw, IL for lunch. The group will also caravan to the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard for a glass of wine and excellent views from the veranda. Along the way, that MYSTERIOUS private collection they do NOT want to miss!

Upcoming Events

October 29 – 8th Annual Halloween Cruise. Details at https://iflbcc.club/schedule-of-events/

November 8 – IFLBCC Natter ‘n Noggin. Details at https://iflbcc.club/schedule-of-events/

Drives, Special Events

8th Annual Halloween “Mystery” Cruise – October 29, 2022

WHAT: A Fall drive down some of Central Illinois’ scenic back roads to Haynes on Main, Mackinaw Valley winery PLUS a “Surprise” stop at a private collection of cars, neon, trains, toys and MUCH more!

FOOD AND DRINK: We’ll be visiting Haynes on Main, 108 S. Main St., Mackinaw, IL for lunch. The group will also caravan to the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard for a glass of wine and excellent views from the veranda. Along the way . . . . that MYSTERIOUS private collection that you do NOT want to miss!

WHERE: The cruise will begin forming at the Circle K station, 2302 W Market St, Bloomington, IL 61705, Saturday, October 29th at 10:00 am. We will depart Circle K promptly at 10:15 am. If you can’t make the cruise, please feel free to join us at Haynes on Main for lunch!

After lunch, a group will drive to Mackinaw Valley Vineyards for a little taste of the grape. When leaving the Vineyard, those who want to head back can take Rt 9 to Bloomington. Those who want more adventure, you can follow us back along Old Peoria Road and more scenic roads.

WHEN: October 29th, 2022. Lunch at Haynes on Main, Mackinaw, IL will begin approximately 12:00 PM.

WHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, our “Surprise” private collection stop, lunch and then our final stop at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, 33633 State Rt. 9, Mackinaw, IL with a glass of wine and good friends.

RSVP: RSVP is important so that Haynes on Main can get set up for us. If you have any questions or comments about the event please email Alan Kleinschmidt at [email protected] or call Alan at 309.824.6490

Haynes on Main Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HaynesOnMain/

Mackinaw Valley Winery: https://www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com/

Special Events

3rd Annual IFLBCC Harvest Days Cruise-in & Picnic – Sugar Grove Nature Center (Funk’s Grove) – Sat. October 15th

WHAT: Join us for the IFLBCC Cruise-in and Picnic at the Sugar Grove Nature Center in Historic Funks Grove! The Sugar Grove Nature Center (SGNC) pavilion and firepit provide the perfect Fall setting for a safe and “socially distanced” gathering.  

  • The pavilion has lots of picnic tables and can be partially sheltered if necessary.
  • SCNC provided privies are available nearby. 
  • Please bring whatever you would like to eat & drink, along with table service for yourselves.
  • Weiner roasting sticks will be available for use at the FIRE PIT!  
  • Limited seating on the fire pit ring. (Tip: Bring camping chairs?)

From the SGNC website:

The Grounds, Trails, and Imagination Grove are open daily from dawn until dusk, as are the Picnic Shelter, Corn Crib, and Privies. Imagination Grove will not have nets, containers, or toys available for public use. You may bring your own, but please take them with you, along with any trash or other items that you have brought. We suggest you bring your own hand sanitizer and please practice social distancing.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15th, 2022 from 4:00PM to 7:00PMWHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, an afternoon lunch and some Natter ‘n Noggin around the fire with good friends.

BONUS:BRING THOSE BRITISH CARS!

RSVP: If you think you’re coming, please click GOING on the IFLBCC Halloween Weiner Roast event:

https://fb.me/e/1PDffBae7
Sugar Grove Nature Center:https://www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org/

Harvest Days.jpg

CBCF-IFLBCC Logos.png
Illinois Flat Land British Car Club

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