2026 Roundup Run & Show

By Morris Garagian

 

Finally! After at least two years, the VBAC was able to get two brilliant weather days for our Clovis British Auto Roundup. The weekend of March 28 & 29 was the nicest weekend we have had for a car show since the club made the decision to switch from a fall to a spring venue.

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The Roundup started with the traditional tour/run through the foothills of eastern Fresno County. This year the route went through the citrus groves (got lots of positive comments about the scent of orange blossoms) northeast of Sanger, onto Trimmer Springs Road, alongside the Kings’ River, then over it, and onto Elwood Road until CA180, then back to Clovis. With 40 cars signed up, it was deemed necessary to divide the participants into two groups for safety’s sake. A great big thanks to Bro Bill Van Deelen for being the guide for the >2.5 liter LBCs. I hope the higher horsepower Jaguars & DeLoreans had as much fun as the MGs, Minis, and Triumphs did straightening out the curves past Wonder Valley.

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With the staggered arrival of the caravan at Bobby Salazar’s, the restaurant staff was able to make sure that everyone was served in a timely manner. It was great fun visiting old and new friends before leaving for ‘on your own’ time. It was lots of fun to welcome back friends from both the Bay Area and the L.A. Basin, and all points in between, and we even got visitors from the Reno Car Club!

Bright and early the next morning was set-up time for the Roundup Show. By the time Morris & Goblin pulled into the lot, early arrivals Pres. Jon, Jay, Nick, and a few other club members unrecognizable in the predawn light, had the pop ups and information tables erected. Soon barricades, signage, and Union Jack banners were up and by 7:30 show entries were starting to arrive. Morris must give accolades to Sis Tammy & new member Tom Kozera for their help in getting the vehicles into our show area. Tammy had to remind Morris to ‘tuck in his backside’ before getting clipped by an arriving LBC on more than one occasion.

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Along with the usual good turnout of Triumphs, MGs, Jaguars, & Minis, the Roundup had an interesting array of ‘different’ vehicles: 4 DeLoreans, 2 McLarens, a 2025 Morgan Plus 4, and a right-hand drive TVR Chimaera 400.

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With the nice weather, the Oil Spot Contest was reinstated. The winners were as follows: 1st Irene Felbinger, 1959 Morris Traveller; 2nd Brian Bliven, 1959 A-H Bugeye Sprite; 3rd Jan Rucker, 1980 Triumph Spitfire. I thought for sure Green Goblin would at least place after messing up Bros Jay & Martin’s driveways while visiting earlier in the year, but the paper was as dry as the Mojave. The crowd-pleasing Crank Off Demo was also more pleasant this year due to dryer conditions and Richard and Jay did their usual ¼ turn revolution starts. Newcomer Matt Moore joined in the fun with his 1967 Land Rover.

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Bros Nick & Jay continued their exemplary tasks of getting everyone registered, Pres Jon & VP Martin performed their admirable work on the PA system announcing information about the raffle prizes and the show in general, Sis Joanie & Gwen performed gentle persuasion getting folks to purchase raffle tickets – a real team effort by all to make the show a success.

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The show finished off with the class awards:

1. Best Vintage: 1960 MGA Roadster, Mike Jacobsen, San Mateo

2. Best Classic: 1967 Land Rover, Matt Moore, Auberry

3. Best Modern: 1993 TVR Chimaera 400, Binder Grewal, Fresno

4. Best Ultra-Modern: 2025 Morgan Plus 4, Craig & Lori Wagoner, Clovis

5. Best Sports Car, Peter Patriquin Memorial: 1955 MG-TF, Bud Alkema, Visalia

6. Show Committee Choice: 1961 Triumph TR-4, Joel Justin, Camarillo

7. Participants Choice: 1960 MGA 1600 Coupe, Donald Herrick, San Jose

8. President’s Award: 1959 Morris Minor Traveller, Bill Czerwinski, Ventura

 

The VBAC was honored to have Helen, Peter Patriquin’s sister, on hand for our show. Helen spoke a few touching remarks about Peter’s love and involvement in the club. His loss is still being felt.

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One final observation: Aja Conn had an FTP issue with her 1997 XK8 Jaguar as she was getting ready to depart the show. Fortunately, Aja had won the raffle for one of our major sponsors – Norgard Automotive. When last seen, the XK8 was being hoisted onto the back of Blaze’s Norgard’s flatbed for technical observation. Good luck, Aja. Hopefully a minor issue.

 

Til the next gathering,

 

Safety Fast!