2025 Roundup Show

By Morris Garagian

The VBAC Steering committee met on 9/19/2024 to prepare for the 2025 British Car Roundup. We all knew about the demise of Jaguar producing any further I.C. engines, so the decision was made to have Jaguar as the featured Marque and, of course, the shirt color would have to be black.

Traditionally, the Roundup starts with our tour through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains just east of Clovis.  Bro Martin & Morris had checked out the route and the morning of March 29 saw a fine turnout of British iron at our jump off location. After a short presentation by Pres. Jon and a few safety tips it was “clutches out”. Skirting the perimeter of Pine Flat Lake, all were treated to a myriad of Mother Nature’s colors from the white capped Sierra in the background to the purple lupines and the California golden poppies along the hillsides. After the 70 mile journey to warm up the ‘beasties’, the group settled in to partake of some grub & grog and to get acquainted and reacquainted. 

Once again, Sis Deborah had done an outstanding job of getting her JAG group together for our show; there were a sizeable number of Minis from the Bay Area; and San Jose pals Scott, Cathy, Joe & Sue; were able to attend, along with NAMGAR Registrar Mike from San Francisco.

The following day was showtime. Unfortunately, the heavens opened with some precipitation, but about 9:00 a.m. the rain ended, replaced with cloudy skies. Due to the wet conditions, our Oil Spot Contest was canceled. 

Drat! Another year where Green Goblin was deprived to demonstrate the artistic endeavors of leaky lubricants. The Crank Off Demonstration was accomplished, however. Thanks to Bros. Jay & Richard for getting the MGA & TR-3 fired up within a half turn of the hand cranks.

Not only did we have a fair share of classic Minis, Triumphs, MGs, A-Hs, and Jaguars, (close to 40% of the vehicles on the show street were Coventry Cougars) there were also 2 DeLoreans and 2 McLarens. Bro Martin made many trips past the latter vehicles.

Due to the close proximity of the British Car Roundup to the Clovis Vintage Market  Antique Faire, there were quite a bit of visitors (the crowd was estimated to be ~ 1000) to our event that purchased raffle tickets that contributed to the Valley Veterans. As of this writing, it looks like we will be able to equal last year’s contribution to the Vets. Many thanks to all the sponsors of our show: Norgards Automotive contributed greatly to all the awards presented, Hagerty Insurance, Sis Gwen & Joanie for manning the raffle booth, Gwen & Jay for helping Pres. Jon with PA duties, and to all others.

One final note: Past President Warren drove his immortal E-type, FrankenJag, from northern Cal to attend our show. Unfortunately, he had an FTP on his way home. In like manner, Bro Kurt, the original innovator of the Clovis British Car Roundup, also had an FTP in his E-type coming to the show from So. Cal. Both of these gentlemen will be pleased to know that Morris will be soliciting the VBAC membership for funds to purchase MGs so they will be sure to make the Roundup in 2026.

Safety fast!