SE050605.html

SOUTH EAST PAST EVENTS

MR2 BRIGHTON RUN - SUNDAY 5th JUNE 2005

I believe we can confidently say that the ‘MR2 Brighton Run’ is now firmly established as the biggest annual MR2 event in the South East. When the idea was originally conceived some 4 years ago, never in our wildest dreams did we imagine how popular it would become.

Again, my brother Steve drove my car with Mark in the passenger seat. Thank goodness he didn’t wear that silly hat again that he wore last year although I believe it disappointed many who came to last years run as they were looking forward to making some more jokes about him.

We arrived about an hour before the run was due to start and there were a lot of MR2s already there. A continuous stream of MR2s arrived throughout the next hour. I lost count how many cars turned up take part but I know Pete went around with a guest book for people to sign, so I’ll leave it to him to say how many attended.

We heard that some MR2s had met-up earlier in the day and driven on to Pease Pottage in convoy. There were some who had met up in Southampton to join the run. MR2s from all the MR2 clubs were present together with quite a few non club owners who came to join in. I hope everyone felt welcomed and enjoyed the day as much as we did.

Steve forgot to bring his pork pies with him this year so he had to buy a jumbo burger instead. Unfortunately for Steve we got the photo! However, to save Steve any embarrassment we have decided not to show the photo this time.

ALAN CAYZER

All in a line near Lewes, a wrong turn was taken by the leading car and all the cars following turned into the Paradise Park car park to turn around, there were many surprised visitors to Paradise that day seeing over a dozen MR2s driving round their huge car park, all in a line.

MARK CAYZER

It wasn’t the nicest weather for the run but no one was deterred and we had a huge turnout, 44 in total. Many thanks to the IMOC, Drivers and Owners clubs and everyone else for coming along. I wish I had my car back but nonetheless I brought the Mica Minx for her first run with the club since being back on the road.

A fantastic turn out at Pease Pottage before a leisurely drive (if you minus Steve) down to the traditionally windy Beachy Head, where everyone had a catch to have a drink in the warm and grab something to eat. Some people including myself parted ways at this point due to feeling unwell.

Overall it was an enjoyable day for all for which we have received some excellent feedback about how they wish to join us in the future. Many thanks to everyone who turned up and helping to make it one of the biggest runs ever.

Please don’t forget if you came along to the Brighton Run and enjoyed it, that there is the Kent Run in August taking us along the coastal routes – further details are on the events page. Even if you didn’t come along to the Brighton Run but are free in August for the Kent Run please come along and join us, as it is great to get the opportunity to have a chat and the more the merrier.

PETE and KEL MASON

What a great day it was! It does seem to be becoming bigger and bigger each year, maybe next year we will get above the big 50 mark. It is a fantastic sight seeing so many cars trying to stay in convoy, obviously with so many cars it was very difficult to stay together but we did try!!

With so many cars, it was obvious that we would have a few wanting to show how fast theirs where. I tried to keep the MK1s good name up and gave it a little blast here and there! The only problem I had was my new but used gearbox has a very similar problem to my old box and it grates in third gear. Pete Kyte did mention to me when we stopped about the sound of my gearbox so I now have another one waiting to be fitted. Hopefully this time I will have a bit of luck!

Thanks must go to everyone who turned up and we look forward to seeing you all next year!

PS don't forget about the Kent run, that is also getting bigger each year!

STEVE KINGSNORTH