SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB NEWS

VOLUME 3 NUMBER 1 january 1998 A CHAPTER OF THE MIATA CLUB OF AMERICA

Upcoming Events From the Editor

January 4—Sunday Chrysler Classic Speed Festival Enthusiast hanksgiving seemed to be a week early this year as the inaugural running Hangover Run of the Chrysler Classic Speed Festival was held at North Island Naval Air Station on Coronado, November 22 and 23. Classic and vintage cars from January 17—Saturday T years past raced around some of the air station’s taxiways and access We Survived roads alongside the blue water of San Diego bay. The noises echoing across the the Holidays Run flight line were a little different. Instead of the usual roar of jet engines and thumping helicopter blades, the January 22—Thursday warm fall air was filled with the shriek of four-cylinder Meeting engines reaching redline in each gear and the chest- Boll Weevil pounding thunder of V8’s and V12’s pulling from near idle in each corner to wide open throttle down the long straights. February 8—Sunday The cost for the event was in the bargain category. A mere $15 per person for Rancho Santa Fe– two days. It was easy to see why SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB members snatched up over Fairbanks Ranch Run 50 free parking passes. These passes, which were part of the usual organizing magic performed by STEF GOULD, allowed members to park together in the Car Club February 14—Saturday Corral. A wonderful club logo banner provided by JERI JONES on an artistically Fall In Love designed frame by TOM GOULD identified the SDMC parking. Everyone who came All Over Again— later, either in a Miata or not, knew that the SAN Re-Light DIEGO MIATA CLUB had invaded the island in force— An Old Flame* easily the most represented car club in attendance. 1999 Miata Showing An E-type Jaguar even joined in, hoping to pass as a Miata by displaying a Miata script decal on the nose February 18–22 and a MX-51⁄2 label on the trunk lid. San Diego Once inside the track, everyone began scouting the best places to watch the International action. Some headed for the main-straight grandstands, while others tried out one Auto Show of the corners. Those members with motor oil in their veins went straight to the paddock to watch the cars line up, or pre-grid, before heading out on the track. When the cars started their engines everyone stopped to listen and watch as history rolled out before their eyes. From an Aardvark to a couple of designs by Zagato, with several Cobras, Corvettes, Ferraris, and Lotus in between. Interesting, signifi-

*Tentative event ILDE

Membership Renewal ” W OB B If the month/year found on your mailing label matches the month/year EVADA “N of this newsletter, this is the last issue of the newsletter you will receive unless you renew your membership. NTHONY : A Don’t miss a single issue...renew today! PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 1 Board of Directors rest of the group over the bridge leading If I Have a Pass, President Do I Have to Pay? to Coronado. We’re good so far, the MARK BOOTH bridge at night is a little scary but if you (619) 670-3789 [email protected] November 22-23, 1997 close your eyes it isn’t too bad (just Vice President oy, did I have a fun time on checking to see if you’re still with me). RAINER MUELLER Coronado Island at the Classic I’m driving along solo behind all these (760) 439-0067 [email protected] Speed Festival. Having not been deuce drivers right into the carpool lane B Secretary/Events Coordinator there in a long time, I was sur- and through the toll booth at the NATALIA RISSOLO prised that a toll was required for solo entrance of the island. I’m thinking... (619) 287-7582 [email protected] drivers. Paying tolls is so rare here that ”I’ve got the pass right?”... ”Base Pass = Treasurer one usually never thinks of it. Now, I No Money”... I’m good. Then it dawns TONY BEECHER have had to pay a toll on the new “Toll on me the moment I drive through the (619) 549-6660 Road” (the 73 in Orange County) so I’ve gate... this is for carpoolers, I’m not car- [email protected] Membership got that one down and they have pooling “DUH!!!” (The lab called, your “VOODOO” BOB KRUEGER indoctrinated all of us about the Fast brain is not ready.) Afterward, I sat there (619) 486-4711 Track on the 91 and the 73. And no, thinking about what I’d just done, [email protected] Autocross I don’t have that. I don’t need that wondering how long it’ll be before I get RAINER MUELLER “part” on my car— surprised some of a nice high-dollar ticket mailed to my (760) 439-0067 you, didn’t I? home. [email protected] Club E-mail Postmaster Now, I am lucky enough to have Well the good news is I haven’t got- CINDY PALOMA friends in high places like JOHN and ten a ticket, not yet anyway. And since (619) 534-0969 GERRY CONN and BILL and BARI HYDE I’m sharing this little story among my [email protected] who can get the “rank and file people” good and trusted Miata friends like all of Webmaster ROBERT “JTBOB” HOLLAND into privileged accommodations, like you reading this now, I hope you don’t (619) 549-4011 the Navy Lodge for example. As some turn me in to the authorities. It is my [email protected] of you may know, a special pass is hope that you all get a giggle from my Newsletter Editor required by the military if you enter the “blond moment” and it is my wish you ANTHONY “NEVADABOB” WILDE base as a civilian so they know you’re have as few of your own as possible. (619) 693-8095 [email protected] not some “ordinary person” who wan- My advice, don’t go in to the carpool Design and Layout dered on to the base. And you all know lane if you’re driving alone. Although it TOM & STEPHANIE GOULD the Navy runs a very tight ship. Pun may be a way to meet a cute officer (619) 298-8605 [email protected] intended! like all the ones I’ve met, I don’t advise With this in mind, my question to it. And I don’t think my famous tried Notices Gerry Conn upon receiving my “Base and true excuse of “Officer, my THE SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB is an official chapter of the Miata Club of America. We are a nonprofit Pass” at the guard gate was: “If I have speedometer broke after I got my organization whose purpose is to promote the the pass, do I have to pay?” A legitimate transmission repaired.” will work for enjoyment of —and enthusiasm for— the Mazda question I thought, at the time anyway. the carpool thing. Miata. Gerry’s reply was “No.” — “Cool!” I, Happy Miataing! SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB NEWS is the monthly thought to myself. So, after meeting the —KATHIE MCCLELLAND newsletter of the San Diego Miata Club. Use of gang for Pizza we all caravaned back to articles or stories by other MCA chapters is hereby granted, provided proper credit is given. the base and like a duck, I’m following Across the bay from downtown San Diego, the Chrysler Classic Speed Festival roars Submissions to the newsletter are welcomed John and Gerry, Bill and Bari and the into action for two days of historic racing. and encouraged. Did you just add a new acces- sory to your Miata? How about writing a review and submitting it to the newsletter? Where possible, please send your electronic submis- sions to the newsletter editor. Submissions can also be faxed to the club’s dedicated phone line or mailed to the club’s post office box. Submission deadline is the 15th of each month. Internet: The San Diego Miata Club has estab- lished a dedicated World Wide Web Home Page at http://mmdshare.ucsd.edu/sdmc.html. The club has also established a members-only electronic mail list for those members with E-mail capability.

OODHOUSE Dedicated 24-hour voice/fax phone line: W (619) 670-7948

OODY San Diego Miata Club : W P.O. Box 2286 HOTO

P Spring Valley, CA 91979-2286

2 Meeting Places

Enthusiast Hangover Run tained and restored classic cars— Upcoming (joint run SDMC/SOCALM) mostly convertibles, old kitchen National appliances, Coke machines, TV’s, Date: Sunday, January 4 and Regional radios and Barbies...let’s just say, Time: 10:00 a.m. there’s a lot to see here. Events Place: Ortega Business Plaza, (If you plan on doing a lot of wine San Juan Capistrano tasting, please take along a designated February 7, 1998 Directions From I-5, exit on Ortega driver.) Highway (74) and go East approxi- Autocross School Please RSVP to Kathie McClelland if you’re mately one-half mile, turn Right on Santa Maria Airport, near Vandenberg planning to meet for breakfast. Rancho Viejo. Make an immediate Left Air Force Base Hosted by: Cal Poly Sports Car Club . into the Ortega Business Plaza. We will Meeting at Boll Weevil Inexpensive and fun— you must have meet at the far end of the parking lot. Date: Thursday, January 22 your own Snell 85 or newer helmet. Run Leader: K. Zack Broadbent, Time: 6:00 p.m. (714) 525-9065 Contact Bill Rosensteel (805) 773-0331 Place: Boll Weevil, 9330 Clairemont Mesa E-mail: [email protected] March 27–29, 1998 Blvd. (At Ruffin Rd.), San Diego Miata Performance Driving School Web site: http://members.aol.com/ (619) 571-6225 racerzack/miata.htm Willows, CA (one hour north of Always a good turnout (averaging 35- This will be a fun run along Ortega Sacramento) $300 registration, 40 Miatas each month!). One of the Phone (510) 370-8262 before 8:30 p.m. Highway to Lake Elsinore. After a brief best ways to spend some quality time stop, we will head South toward socializing with your fellow members, April, 1998 Temecula. The run will end with stops getting to know them and their Miatas Ladies-Only Autocross School at a couple of the Temecula Valley a little better. Come have fun! Watch this space for exact date. wineries, and will leave you near May 22-25, 1998 Interstate 15. This will be a smooth, “Moon Over Miata” civilized drive along Ortega Highway Autocross at Golden Gate Getaway ‘98 and some of the Riverside County/ the Murph Pleasanton Hilton in Pleasanton, Ca. San Diego County twisty roads. Hosted by: BAMA Drivers are asked to remember the The following autocross events Room rate: $73.00 per night laws about drinking and driving. take place in the “Qualcomm Event Registration: $195 per couple, We Survived the Holidays Run Stadium at the Jack Murphy $165 solo. Date: Saturday, January 17 Sports Complex” parking lot. Included: Friday Night Wine & Pasta Welcome Dinner, Awards Banquet, Time: 10:00 a.m. breakfast — Sunday, January 18* . . . . .practice day Monday “Getaway” Breakfast, Photo 11:30 a.m. run Sunday, February 8 ...... race day Rallye, Autocross, Funkhana, Fun Run Place: Jose’s Baja Grill and lots of vendors. Also special 4509 Adams Street, Carlsbad Saturday, February 21 . . . .practice day Saturday Night Dinner Extravaganza: (760) 729-3003 Sunday, February 22 . . . . .race day “Evening at Blackhawk” Behring Auto Directions Exit I-5 at Tamarack Avenue Museum. The finest attire you can and head inland, turn Right on to Saturday, March 14* . . . . .practice day pack is encouraged. Adams Street. Jose’s is about one mile Sunday, March 15* ...... race day Contact Ken at (510) 484-4174 from Tamarack on the right side, down or E-mail at [email protected]. a steep driveway. They have a great March 21, 22 SCCA National Tour June 30–July 3, 1998 view of the lagoon and friendly prices Sunday, April 5 ...... race day ($5 to $10.) They offer some breakfast “Miata Mountain Madness” items and a full lunch menu. Sunday, April 19 ...... race day ‘98 National Event Split Rock Lodge in the Poconos Run Leader: Kathie McClelland Saturday, May 2 ...... practice day (714) 644-4345 Hosted by: Delaware Valley Miata Club E-mail: [email protected] Sunday, May 3 ...... race day DelVal is working on putting together the best National Event ever! Following breakfast, we’ll take a nice Sunday, June 21 ...... race day Web: miata.net/madness98 scenic drive on some great back roads *tentative that Rainer showed me. There will be September 18–20, 1998 a break at the Deer Park Winery and Autocross information sources: “Rock Around the Clock” Auto Museum in Escondido. Once San Diego SCCA Hotline: (619) 441-1333 9th Annual Gold Rush there, we can enjoy wine tasting, Cal Club SCCA Hotline: (818) 988-7223 Sheraton Hotel, Rancho Cordova, CA gourmet deli— (great choices if you Rainer Mueller (760) 439-0067 Hosted by: SAMOA missed breakfast) and a gift shop. The John Godden (619) 538-6165 Driving events, speakers, dinners, tour of the spectacular car museum is vendors and lots of fun! $4.00 per person. The collection fea- (916) 646-4435 or [email protected] tures more than 112 beautifully main- Web: miata.net/SAMOA

3 Shambala — It’s So Wild!

Saturday, November 15, 1997 t can never be said that Miata Club Members aren’t hardy. Who else Iwould brave the threat of bad weath- er, drive hours to arrive at a meeting spot just to have to fend for your break- fast at a crowded Denny’s in (almost) the middle of nowhere and ultimately arrive at a place that warns: “TRES- PASSERS MAY BE EATEN!” (Just kidding, they won’t really eat you; you’ll just be a cat toy for a while.) A group of adven- ture-seekers from both SOCALM and SDMC ventured out of the “Burbs” to the back country of Los Angeles. Their des- tination was Acton, located about 45 minutes north of downtown L.A. and

Shambala, actress ’s wild ANGMAID L animal sanctuary. It is, truly, an amazing D : E place which she has created and built

over the past 20 years. Shambala is PHOTOS home to about 60 wild cats of almost health. A few, like Daisy, a who $5,000 — these kitties like to eat, no every variety as well as elephants, birds suffered permanent paralysis due to Friskies for these guys. All the com- and snakes. Staffed mostly by volunteers neglect, get physical therapy. Daisy pounds provide the animals with a nat- and funded wholly by donors and spon- resides in a comfortable compound by ural habitat and plenty of space to walk sors; it felt good to see where my dona- Tippi’s kitchen where she gets a few about. It is so much better than any tion was going and to visit with its ben- treats from the window. It comforted me I’ve ever been to. eficiaries. All of the animals there were to see how much she had improved The four hour tour was extremely once owned by private people, who, like since my first visit a few years ago. informative and conducted by knowl- Mike Tyson (for example) think it’s cool The Roar Foundation, which spon- edgeable staff members who made the to have a tiger as a house cat. Sadly, sors the Shambala preserve receives an time just fly by. The prize for the many are abused, mistreated or aban- average of eight calls per month from wildest kitties with the most doned by these people who discover people seeking refuge for some wild “Catattude” goes to the servals! These that exotic animals aren’t the pets they animal they’ve found abandoned or were the feistiest little guys I’ve ever thought they’d be. Great pains are taken can no longer keep themselves. They seen, they were hissing and growling to return these beautiful animals to good have a daily operating cost of about up a storm. This place must also be the

4 safest place to live since any tres- passers could be eaten. Another thing that I found interesting is that tigers like water— no wonder I’m always finding my tiger kitten (Timmy the Tongo Boy) in the tub! They also use bowling balls for cat toys. During our visit they had a gift shop and lunch available as well as a photo- op with one of the tigers. It’s fun to see all the brave people who got so close to that big kitty. We were pretty lucky considering we made it through most of the tour before it began to drizzle. my list of the courageous members who, with their guests, joined in on the adventure: My mom LYNN and my friend Teresa LaBorde, Brian Bousman, ZACK BROADBENT, JOHN and GERRY CONN, JULIE and BOB DAVIS, STEPHANIE and TOM GOULD, Michelle Hall, BARI HYDE and her mom Marvis Kushnick, CYNTHIA JONES, SCOTT and JOANN LANGHOFF, ED and MICHELLE LANGMAID, Michelle Louie, FRANCIE and PAUL POLLOCK, MIKE and SHERRI SIMMONS, and Phyllis Weiter. Please forgive me if I omitted anyone. I’d like to thank everyone who par- ticipated, especially Paul and Francie who live in the area and led the group and to Zack Broadbent for his support riding sweep. I appreciate all your efforts and hard work. These folks are always ready to lend a hand and con- tribute to the club and to me personal- ly, I truly appreciate all your assistance. You are all gems! —KATHIE MCCLELLAND Typically, November is known for traffic and being colder but that is a really good made it to the time to visit Shambala since the ani- John Bull mals are far more active in the cooler English Pub times of the year than they would be in and enjoyed a the warmer spring or summer months. nice meal I must say that SAN DIEGO MIATA together. CLUB member ED LANGMAID took some I had a lot of the most outstanding pictures I’ve of people tell ever seen. Ed makes the National me how much Geographic look amateurish. Ed, have they all you ever considered going pro? enjoyed and Following the tour Francie and Paul how interest- Pollock led a fun-run over the Angeles ing they found Crest Highway. We also got to “experi- Shambala to ence” the famous L.A. traffic— we be. Maybe arrived in Pasadena following a big we’ll do it football game at the Rose Bowl. Hardy again some- souls that we are, we toughed out the time. Here’s

5 From the Editor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to North Island. Member MIKE SIMMONS made the breakfast even though he had just driven from his home in Agoura Hills, northwest of Los Angeles. The consensus on Saturday was that the best spot to watch from was the grandstands in turn three. The early arrivers on Sunday took the high ground, literally and figuratively, by capturing the top rows. Members took OODHOUSE

W shifts holding the turf, but BARB and ELLIOT SHEV made sure everyone would OODY

: W group there in the afternoon by bring-

HOTO ing along their portable delicatessen. P Miata club members were thrilled to see the small-displacement cars hold their own, and sometimes win, against the much larger and more expensive machinery. Everyone knows that the Ferraris and Cobras are fast, but when the 1952 Aardvark (with only 850 cc under the hood) won the opening race on Sunday afternoon, every Miata owner cheered. It was interesting to note that when the “Fabulous Hudson OODHOUSE

W Hornet” lumbered past, it was travers- ing some of the same tarmac that the OODY

: W Navy F-18 Hornets usually ply. The racing was close, as close as it HOTO P can get with irreplaceable machinery. Top: Cobra and The cars would scramble out of turn Shelby Mustang. two headed straight for the radar tower Above: the little outside of turn three. After negotiating Aardvark lifts a the turn (where many passes and one wheel on its way to a class win. minor collision occurred) the drivers Left and Right: Pre-grid. Opposite page— Top: Legendary

RUEGER drivers Phil Hill RUEGER ” K ” K

OB and Bruce McCaw OB B B chat in pre-grid. Bottom: 1924 VOODOO VOODOO

: “ Warnock Special : “

HOTO Model T Ford. HOTO P P cant and some just plain odd automo- biles took to the temporary circuit to keep the era of sportscar racing alive, and return it to San Diego. After a full day of the sights, sounds and smells of vintage racers, most ILDE ” W members caravanned to the Round OB B Table Pizza on Claremont Mesa EVADA

Boulevard. “N Sunday dawned with plans for a new assault on the air station. Some NTHONY : A members joined MARK BOOTH at an HOTO early morning breakfast prior to going P 6 Doing Laps virtual driving experience with Indy Car at Laguna Seca II on my PC. Laguna Seca is a great track, and I November 20, 1997 think it is well suited to Miatas. Almost had my first on-track experience at all the turns are tight enough that you Laguna Seca, near Monterey. All I have to do a little braking, or at least let RUEGER can say is I want more! The first off the gas. This makes the Miata’s han- ” K

OB I

B thing I have to do is thank and con- dling a great asset, and its lack of power gratulate Aaron Tachibana of BAMA for a little less noticeable.

VOODOO the wonderful job he did of organizing And the corkscrew is a blast! You : “ this event. crest the top of a hill just at the braking HOTO P I drove up the day before the event, point for a sharp 90 degree left. As you would aim for the tip of Point Loma, and arrived at the hotel at around 5:30. clip the apex the road drops away, which looked to be at the end of the There were already several other drivers almost 60 feet in less than 200 feet of long back straight. Straining to hear there— after checking into my room I road. The exit point of the left-hander is the track announcer describe the went out to the parking lot where a the entry point to a 90 degree right turn, action as the cars negotiated the rest of small group had gathered to admire at the apex of which the track levels off. the circuit, members stood in anticipa- each other’s cars and gossip. From the apex of the left-hander you tion of seeing which car would be lead- At dinner— lots of bench racing and floor it, as the additional weight your car ing the next time by. The final race of discussion of what people had done to picks up from the road leveling off gives the day offered some of the greatest their cars. I was amazed by the number more traction than you can use. racing with a Boss 302 Mustang beat- of people who had added turbo- or The next turn, turn 9, was the scari- ing a Z28 Camaro at the finish line. super-chargers, but then I think the est for me. It is a loose left-hander that After the event, member WALLY sampling group was a bit biased. I was taking at about 60-70 mph. The STEVENS hosted a potluck at his beauti- I got a good night’s sleep before the turn was fast enough that my car was ful home just off the base. The event so that I could get up bright and edging just a little into over-steer territo- panoramic view of the San Diego early to make the 20 minute drive to ry, and it always felt like the rear tires evening skyline, the waters of the bay Laguna Seca by 7:00. were barely hanging on. But each time lapping at his back door, and friendly We rolled into the paddock and around I pushed it a little faster and camaraderie made a beautiful ending immediately began the registration and never lost it. to a fantastic weekend on Coronado. tech inspection. Nearly 60 cars took a At the beginning of the last session, I The organizers of the event promise little longer than scheduled. There was had an instructor, Dana Keen, drive my to make it bigger and better next year, a brief driver’s meeting where we were car around the track a few times to with three days of racing and more introduced to the instructors. They gave show me the correct line and give me a wonderful vintage racers. Hopefully a quick overview of how to drive the few pointers. I found out, that while they will, because it’s a great way to track. The instructors then took to the close, the line that I had been driving have fun and dream of the day in 2020 course for a few warm-up laps. could be improved. I had been braking when the Miata will qualify for vintage We were divided into three groups by too much and turning in too early. racing. our driving experience. Each group got My remaining time for that last ses- —ANTHONY “NEVADABOB” WILDE approximately 20–minutes on the track. sion was the most fun I had all day. Each group would get four sessions Seeing how far Dana could push my car over the course of the day. (with stock Bridgestones no less) In our first twenty minute session we inspired me. Each time around the track were supposed to run a relaxed follow- I pushed it just a little farther. Finally, the-leader, with two instructors, each towards the end of the session I went a one leading a group of ten cars. We little too far. Coming around turn 3 the were to use this session to learn the back end came around and I ended up correct line for the course. I started sliding backwards into the gravel. towards the back of the line, but the I am looking forward to my next drivers in front were supposed to fall chance at an on-track session. I will back following each lap so that every- take all the lessons I learned at Laguna ILDE one would have a chance behind the Seca on the road with me. I think the ” W

OB instructor. Our group failed to do this, most important thing I learned was just B and I never even saw the instructor’s how far my car could be pushed under EVADA car the whole session. ideal circumstances, and how it “N I thought I had a pretty good idea of behaves. I think this is something every-

NTHONY the line to use, though, as I had done one should know about his car. : A quite a bit of reading about Laguna Seca —NEAL HOWLAND HOTO P beforehand. I also had gotten some 7 Laura Roman with her Montego Blue Miata New Members! and her boat at Oceanside Harbor. The following are the new members since the last newsletter: I was sad to see the red Miata go, Larry Barousse but when I arrived at Cush Mazda (who Escondido told me about SDMC), I fell in love with 1990 White A the new Montego. I signed another lease which ends in 1999. I look for- Andrew & Kristin Busschau ward to signing another lease on the San Diego restyled 1999 Miata. I have owned 1995 White PEP many vehicles, including three tractor Brian Byrne trailers, which I have driven over a mil- San Diego miles, two Harley Davidsons, and 1994 White A even a 1989 Lamborghini replica. I Monique & Dirk Dijkstra have happily said good-bye to them Encinitas and now enjoy living on my motor- 1996 Red PEP yacht in Oceanside Harbor with my dog "Chipper." Michele Flud I am going to school full time at Ramona Member Profile Palomar College. I am looking forward 1997 Red LAURA ROMAN to graduating in May, 1998. I also enjoy Eldora J. Harris Hi! My name is Laura Roman. ministering on Sundays at St. Mary's San Diego I currently drive a 1996 Montego Blue Catholic Church in Oceanside. 1991 Red Miata. She is not my first Miata. In 1993 See you on the next run. Marcia J. Lacey I took over my ex-husband’s red —Laura. Del Mar Miata’s lease. I was happy to take over 1991 BRG LE the lease, but she came with trouble. First was a ticket for my ex’s neon Dave & Lois Martin San Diego license plate frame. Next was a traffic To be included in our on-going series 1993 White C ticket, and when I asked why, the offi- of Member Profiles, write a short cer told me it was safer to pull over (200–300 word) introduction and mail Tim Ngo two girls in a convertible than other (or E-mail) it with a photo (your face Escondido cars. The final straw was when I was should be large enough to be recog- 1996 Red sitting at a red light and the owner of nized) to the Club P.O. Box or give it Jim B. Thyden & Tiger Hutton a Jeep decided he wanted to meet me to a board member at an event. — San Diego by putting his vehicle in reverse and Your photo will be returned. 1991 Silver Base hitting me. Richard & Mary Tibiatowski La Mesa So You Want to Go Free for Members: 1990 White Online? E-Mail Software The following members have renewed The SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB urges You DON’T need to be on the Internet to since the last newsletter: members to go online. There is a use this! Randy Camp & Susan Tousi wealth of information on About 70% of the SAN DIEGO MIATA Michael Carrillo & Andrea Pulido the Web about Miatas. The CLUB is already on the Club’s special club maintains an impres- E-mail list. You can be too! Don’t miss Ricky Covarrubias sive Web presence and a out on last-minute events, changes, Shelley & Bruce Hotz private, members-only E-mail list for or Tech Days! Michael & Susan Pasterkiewicz exchange of Miata-related information Requirements: Dan Reichel and updates of club activities. IBM-compatible computer, 9600 Alan & Aleica Silver Reprints of the club’s informative baud (or faster) modem, and access to two-part article are available from Stef any phone line. This program does NOT William Sloan Gould at most club events. tie up your phone line for longer than Richard A. Smith two minutes per session, and is Joyce Wells extremely easy to use. Bob & Kathy Welty Call Frank Shine at (619) 582-9280 (before 9 p.m., please!) There are now 186 memberships consisting of 275 members.

8 President’s Message

For They’re A Jolly Good Couple!

y heartfelt thanks to problem! Thanks, and keep up the good members BOB and work! DEBBIE LLEWELLYN for M Eventful New Year? their gracious hosting of our Second Annual Holiday Party. SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB members inter- WOW!!...what a turnout! Sixty six of ested in hosting a fun run, rallye, tour or you took time from your busy sched- other event are encouraged to contact ules to share the Holidays with your fel- Event Coordinator Natalia Rissolo or low members! Thanks to everyone that other board member with your ideas attended! The food was delicious and and/or suggestions. If everyone tackled the evening unforgettable! A special just one event per year...well, we would- thank you to Bob and Debbie for the n’t have room on the calendar for every- ANGMAID L

wonderful idea of the tree collection D thing! Let’s keep the San Diego Chapter and engraved rock for members RUTH : E as busy and active in 1998 as it has OU TARK and L S ! The look of surprise PHOTOS been for the last two years! and appreciation I saw in their faces is MNAO CEO Richard Beattie greeted Miata Here’s wishing everyone a Safe and something I will never forget! Club members with enthusiam as he Happy New Year! announced Mazda’s plan to support some Until next month — keep that top 1999 Miata club activities. Below SDMC and SoCalm down! The new Miata is not expected to be members in front of the draped ‘99 Miata — MARK available in dealer’s showrooms until at the North American Debut of the new late February or early March. The local Miata at the Los Angeles Auto Show. general public will get a chance to see the car at the San Diego International Auto Show on February 18-22. As a special treat for SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB members, Jim Jordan, district sales manager for Mazda Motors, is working on plans for a special advance club showing of the all-new Miata! Tentatively scheduled for Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, the event is affectionately titled, “Fall In Love All Over Again, Re-Light An Old Flame”. We are hoping to hold the event at the San Diego Automotive Museum in Dear Miata Friends, Balboa Park. The event details are still About a year and a half ago our San Diego club was born. Little did we know being worked out and everything is that we would make so many friends and meet so many great people! tentative at this time. Complete infor- We are absolutely overwhelmed by everyone’s support and caring during mation will be found in the February the last year. Everyone was so generous in October 1996 when our house issue of the newsletter. burned down. We realized how lucky we were to know all of you. Those of you who attended the holiday party at the Llewelyns know that Goodbye 1997, Hello 1998! we were totally surprised by the Tree Fund and rock. We never expected Another year gone by! And what a anything else as many of you had already given us plenty. We look forward GREAT club year it was! Thanks to to looking at our tree and remembering the SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB forever. everyone’s enthusiasm and club Words can’t even describe how we feel in being so fortunate to be part of bragging/tagging efforts we are fast a group that is so supportive and caring when tragedy strikes. But even more, approaching the 200-Miata mark! The we really enjoy being with a group of people who, like us, enjoy having fun in new memberships continue to outpace our little Miatas. the few members that fail to renew. Will We wish you all of you a great holiday, and hope that 1998 is a fantastic we be approaching the 300 mark by this year for all. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home. Thank you time next year? Time will tell! If every- so much for everything. one continues to evangelize and adver- —Ruth and Lou Stark tise the club, 300 cars should be no

9