Waking up at 4.30am isn't always the most fun, but motivation isn't lacking when off to a hillclimb. While I don't drive Kemp Rd myself (yet, just wait until I have finished Raven), I still get quite a buzz from seeing everyone else have fun while trying to help keep things running from the start line.

This year the weather was looking good on the trip out to the end of the Awhitu peninsula. And it was a perfect day, not too hot, for either the competitors, organisers or cars.

Everyone turned up for the compulsory documentation and scrutineering on the side of Kemp Rd nice and early. It is always great to see Geoff Wilson and his TC ripping up the tar, but this year he was joined by Rex Bentham in his gorgeous XK150. OK, it is not an MG, but it sure sounded good! Of course we had all the regulars out there too and I can't leave them out. Any MG out on a hillclimb is a pleasure to see. We were also joined by a few other competitors from Pukekohe Car Club and the Sportscar Club NZ.

Unfortunately Kemp Rd doesn't provide many viewing opportunities because of the geography. But Ian and Jill Forbes kindly took some great photos (see the Gallery page). I recall asking them to make sure they took a photo or two of the XK, but Ian later informed me that he was going to quickly to get a clear shot!

The day went without incident, apart (of course) from Adrian Hayman doing a bit of cross country work through the garden at Hamiltons front gate and dragging our timing wire a few hundred metres up the road. No damage done, and we were soon underway again.

Another year down on an excellent hillclimb road. While a bit short on numbers this year, perhaps due to the first round of the National Hillclimb series being held the day before, this event still has a place in our calendar and we will be doing our best to ensure we have the numbers for future events. MG has a long history with this road, hopefully many more to follow.

Many thanks to the helpers; Mike McCowan, John Campbell, Mike de Wit, Nick de Wit, Tim de Wit, Ian & Jill Forbes, Peter Dunlop, Ryan Orr.

Darryl Bretherton