Bikers urged to join Southport Cruisers on charity run

Members of Southport Cruisers on their last Christmas run to Clumber Lodge

A GROUP of motorbike riders from Southport are revving up plans to bring a bit of Easter excitement to the residents of a children's home in Formby.

Southport Cruisers said plans are underway for a ride across the West Lancashire countryside on Sunday, March 24 to the Clumber Lodge Children's Home in Formby, where they will donate gifts and Easter eggs to the young residents there along with the cash donations for the home itself.

Club spokesman Rob Myall said: "Southport Cruisers Motorcycle Club was formed in 2005 and have been doing the Christmas and Easter runs ever since. We meet at the Ring ‘o' Bells public house every Wednesday at 8pm.

"Anyone on a motorcycle, trike or scooter wishing to join us and give the children something to smile about would be made more than welcome."

If you'd like to join the cruisers on their run to Formby, meet them at 11am on the morning of Sunday, March 24 at the Ring ‘o' Bells pub in Lathom, where the run will start.

Southport motoring quiz raises £126 for the National Autistic Society

From The Southport Champion, November 21, 2012

A full-throttle fundraiser organised by one of The Champion's reporters managed to rev up more than £100 for charity last weekend.

The Petrolhead Pub Quiz, organised by our motoring correspondent David Simister, managed to raise a total of £126 for he National Autistic Society when dozens of car and bike enthusiasts took part in a motoring-themed quiz at the Cheshire Lines Inn, in Southport, last Sunday night (November 18).

David told The Champion: “It really was a great night, and not only did we a raise a lot of money for a very good cause but a lot of people came up to me afterwards and told how much they'd enjoyed the event.

"With several members of my family living with autistic spectrum disorders, it's long been a cause that's close to my heart and so it only seemed natural to use my passion for all things automotive to help raise funds for the National Autistic Society."

Several teams took part in the quiz and answered questions on everything from motoring-related music to driving and motorsport, with a team from the Alfa Owners North West taking the top prize on the night.

Rebecca Bohling, Head of Supporter Fundraising at the National Autistic Society, said: "We're so grateful to all the people who came together to make the pub quiz such a success. Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition that affects around one in one hundred people in the UK.

"Thanks to the fantastic support of fundraisers like David, the NAS is able to provide vital support and services to people with autism, their families and carers."

If you'd like to find out more about the quiz, and for an in-depth look at motoring news and events from across the region, check out David's blog at www.lifeoncars.blogspot.com

UPDATE: An earlier version of this article credited the winning team as "Alfa Romeo Owners Club" rather than Alfa Owners North West. This has since been amended.

Life On Cars raises £126 for the National Autistic Society

ANYONE who attended the motoring-themed pub quiz held in Southport this evening will appreciate why I've put a picture of Nigel Mansell with this article.

Despite the best efforts of a technical problem with a microphone and a slightly pissed Nigel Mansell fan, dozens of people took part in the event, with the total raised on the night for the National Autistic Society coming to a whopping £126.

It's only second motoring event Life On Cars has organised directly, after the not-entirely-successful Mini display and Italian Job cinema screening two years ago, but thanks to a great turnout at the Cheshire Lines Inn in Southport and some very generous contributions from the region's petrolheads, the night was a great success.

Congratulations to the winners, the Alfa Romeo Owners team, and the runners-up, Six Dons and A Ginger.

Best of all, not only was a lot of money raised for a very good cause, but quite a few people came up to me afterwards and said, despite the minor setbacks, that they really enjoyed it and had a great night out.

Should I do another one in the future, perhaps?

Life On Cars presents The Petrolhead Pub Quiz

A FULL-THROTTLE competition to help raise funds for the National Autistic Society is being put on for petrolheads of all ages next month.

David Simister, Champion motoring correspondent, is holding a pub quiz with a twist - all the questions are motoring-related - to help raise funds for the National Autistic Society. If you reckon you know your Maseratis from your Mitsubishis, or you've got an encyclopedic knowledge of historic motorsport victories, or just know a thing or two about driving, then you could be in with the chance to win some great petrolhead prizes by showing off your automotive knowledge.

The quiz takes place on Sunday, November 18, at the Cheshire Lines Inn, on King Street in Southport, and starts at 7.30pm, and costs £2 per person to enter.

If you'd like to find out more about the event, or if you can donate any prizes to help make the quiz a success, send an email to david.simister@champnews.com or call 01704 392404.

the Porsche 917, 24 hours of Daytona winner, will be at the Friends of Steve McQueen car show at the Boys Republic tomorrow

The fifth annual Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show will celebrate the character of Frank Bullitt as portrayed by the iconoclastic actor in the movie “Bullitt” as cars, motorcycles and fans arrive for the display on the campus of The Boys Republic.

But it is the role of Michael Delaney in the classic film “Le Mans” that raises the pulse, and no race car is more identified with Steve McQueen than the legendary Porsche 917.

 This year’s show is privileged to present one example of that legendary Gulf Porsche 917K, the overall winner of the 1970 Daytona 24 Hours.

This race was the debut of the J.W. Automotive Gulf sponsored Porsches and it was a complete triumph finishing 1st and 2nd. This particular 917 completed the race with no major problems and won by a margin of forty-six laps, a record that was intact for seventeen years.

The owner of 917-015, Bruce Canepa of Scotts Valley, Ca, is passionate about all things automotive and is pleased to share this passion with other like-minded enthusiasts by entering his Porsche in the Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show.

 All proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys Republic, 1907 Boys Republic Drive, Chino Hills, CA.

Parking is free and admission is $10.00 with children under 12 free.
For those wishing to enter the car show, please visit the website for registration.

 For more information: www.stevemcqueencarshow.com

Edelbrock's annual Revved Up For Kids car show and fundraiser is on the calendar! May 5th and 6th!

KISS autographed a signature line of MINI Clubman cars, and they were auctioned off to raise funds for a childrens charity.. very damn cool. One was just stolen from it's new owner, very damn uncool. Be on the look out for this one

photos from http://www.thecrimsoncrow.com/2011/06/kiss-mini-cooper-countryman-is-a-great-combination/ where there is a bigger gallery of  the rest of the cars

HARRISON NY — A $5,000 reward is being offered after a one-of-a-kind KISS car was stolen from a driveway in Harrison.

The Mini-Cooper hatchback, autographed by the 1970s shock rockers and designed with the band's logo and other blue/teal Kiss artwork, was originally purchased at an auction benefiting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (or Unicef) . It was stolen Friday between midnight and 6 a.m.

The reward is for information leading to an arrest and conviction and/or recovery of the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call Harrison police at 914-967-5110 . All calls will remain confidential.
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/new-york-new-england/220452-kiss-mini-stolen.html

Via http://www.norcalminis.com/ 

Metal Of Honor... duece made of donated new parts to assemble an homage to the US military that have been awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honor, and signed by 46 living recipients

If you look under the duece, you'll see that it's parked on grass. Indoors. I've never heard of any booth having turf brought in... it's awesome. Great idea, terrific execution, and appreciated by the people stopping by to admire the car. No dirt was getting carried onto the surrounding carpet either.

the military footlockers and field desk were very cool too

great display

 Awesome military interior pieces, the ammo can for an armrest, the canvas courier bags for door pockets, duffel bag in the passenger footwell, and the gauges are superior to any I've seen that try for the military look, but go too far and use aircraft gauges. These are perfect... they have the look, and function, that people have tried for, but failed to achieve

  Above, I was photographing the steering gear. I haven't seen an adapter like this before

if this car sounds familiar, it's because I posted a bit about this last year http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-cause-for-donating-parts-and-time.html

Thanks to Chuck Caswell, Emperor until he retires... he says after retirement he'll be a sultan (I could be mistaken, he may have said maharajah)

Soldier Ride is happening on March 24 2012 here in San Diego, your chance to ride with wounded soldiers as they get the message out about their recovery from Iraq / Afghanistan damage

Soldier Ride is a WWP initiative that provides rehabilitative cycling opportunities across the country to help wounded warriors restore their physical and emotional well-­being. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for the public to participate in a cycling event that honors the men and women of our military who sacrificed so much. Soldier Ride offers the public a chance to ride alongside as our warriors promote their positive message of recovery. The event raises funds for WWP programs and initiatives that ensure this generation of wounded warriors is the most successful, well-­adjusted generation of wounded warriors in our nation’s history.

this is a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, registration is $50, then you have to raise $125

Registration Information for Riders:
Registration fee: $50
It is each rider's responsibility to raise $125 in donations by April 24.
Note: the credit card provided at registration will only be charged the balance due if we have not received $125 in donations by April 24.

Registration Includes:
Registration for Soldier Ride
Your own fundraising website
WWP's 2011 Soldier Ride National Tour T-shirt

For the rest of the info: http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1000465

Saddletramps MC blood drive at San Diego Harley, Kearney Mesa, to get blood donations for the Red Cross Blood Bank

SaddleTramps Blood Drive

11/19/2011 -
Come down to San Diego Harley-Davidson & give blood! Then enjoy our complimentary bbq and enjoy our live band, Ideas. Bring your friends & family! 5600 Kearny Mesa Rd. 92111. To make an appointment please visit: http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation-sponsor?field_sponsor_code_value=saddletramps

This isn't to get blood for the club, it's because when the club was in need last year, the Red Cross was there for them.

What happened?

Four bikers died in a brutal accident, five others were hospitalized. Those who lived have now lost their friends, and those who died left behind kids, brothers and sisters, parents and friends. They were members of the Saddle Tramps Motorcycle Club. It was the clubs 10th anniversary ride.


The club members were riding about 80 miles East of San Diego when a Gold Honda Accord came up from behind them and tried to pass them . Another car was in the oncoming lane, the driver tried to avoid the Honda by swerving off to his right, he lost control when overcorrecting when he hit the shoulder on his side of the road and crashed with the group of motorcycles. The driver of the Accord fled the scene, and were never found

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/11/person-in-gold-colored-honda-fled-scene.html

http://www.sandiegoharley.com/event_detail.asp?event=503292

If you recall Rocky Jones and the Silvercup Rocket from the 1950's space opera and tv show, you may want to donate to, or visit, the restoration of the rocket, at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo

It was raffled off in the 1960's, became a roadside attraction, was stripped and graffittied, then was bought by a salvage yard owner who let it rust and deteriorate farther, then finally was bought by the Kalamazoo Air Zoo (it is on it's way to becoming the largest air museum in the US) and is now in restoration by the museum specialists. http://www.mst3ktemple.com/silvercup_rocket.html and
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=283269640527

For more info http://www.duntemann.com/june2007.htm about halfway down the page

Pay it forward in real life, Scott Drake company (Mustang Parts) does a wonderful Mustang build to raise 42,000 for a battered womens shelter in Texas

http://www.drakeautomotivegroup.com/Store/NewsView.aspx?wid=141&nid=1

Speed Channel TV host called “one of the nicest 1966 Mustangs we have seen at Barrett Jackson.” When the gavel finally fell, $42,000 was raised for the East Texas Crisis Center (a shelter for battered women), and a charitable quest that began back in April of 2009 came to a fulfilling close.

It started with a desire by Scott Drake Enterprises to give back to Mustang enthusiasts, in thanks for the company’s success as the world’s largest manufacturer of classic Mustang parts. So they went directly to the grass roots heart of the pony car world — the Mustang Club of America — and offered to help their members do what they enjoy most. Giving back to their local communities.

“We called it the ‘Pay it Forward’ charity,” said company founder Scott Drake. “It was an opportunity for us to share the joy of helping others in need while doing something we all love,” he said.

The program started with a contest, and the rules were simple. Scott Drake would donate a ’66 convertible project Mustang and $10,000 in parts to the club that submitted the best proposal for a charity restoration. The finished car would be auctioned off by none other than the famed Barrett Jackson organization, who offered to donate all fees to the cause. The entries were phenomenal, and the judging excruciating. The winner was the Mustang Club of East Texas, who put 30 volunteers to work for an intensive 100-day Mustang makeover.

The club aimed high for additional sponsors, and got them. A motor from Quantum Performance. Audio components from Kicker Stereo. A transmission from Performance Automatic. Sandblasting, paint, and a variety of donations and services from local companies with big hearts. It all went to a happy new owner, and to a great cause. Just ask Lana Peacock, executive director of the East Texas Crisis Center.

“Like all non-profits, we’re really hurting right now, but the people who need our help are still coming through the door every day,” Peacock said. “This donation saved an important job position that was slated for elimination, and will be a tremendous help with our educational programs for women, which teach them how to become self-sufficient so they can support themselves and their children,” she added.

Proposing the Crisis Center as their charity for the Pay it Forward project was an easy decision for the Mustang Club of East Texas. “They’re our charity of choice,” said Project Chair Craig Chesley. “We put on a car show every year, and they’re always the main beneficiary.”

The club created a special website to document the entire project, which can be viewed at http://www.payitforwardcar.com/ This web site is a choronological history of the entire project with over 240 photographs

A woman with both daughters, husband, and brother are striken with cancer is making a 67 Mustang fastback to sell to raise funds for the American Cancer Society... all from donated parts

her story was sent to me by Hush Mat,

My name is Mary Jean Wesche. I am the editor of the Mustang Club of Americas (MCA) magazine Mustang Times. The reason why I am writing and asking for your help is:


My youngest daughter was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at age 24. She is now 33 and has been fighting this hideous disease for nine years. She is a beautiful woman with two beautiful daughters. The scenario is heart breaking for any parent. I couldn’t take this disease away from her, and I felt helpless. Just about the time I decided to take on this project to raise money to help find a cure, my oldest daughter was also diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She was is in her mid 30s. She is also a beautiful woman and has a beautiful daughter.

As you can imagine, as a mother I was devastated. My two daughters were the drive behind this project. It is something I feel can be accomplished and possibly will help further the research to find a cure.

My oldest daughter has been cancer-free for two years, while my youngest is still fighting.

Just recently I have lost my brother to cancer and again felt helpless through the entire ordeal, only to find out a few weeks after my brothers death that my loving husband, the heart and soul of my life has been stricken by cancer as well.

In an effort to cope with and provide hope to others in my situation, my dream is to build and raise funds for American Cancer Society through the Mystical Build of the 1967 Fastback Mustang that will be a chance drawing. We are presently seeking donations to complete the build.

Thank you for your time. Anything you can do to help is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mary Jean Wesche

http://www.hushmat.com/
http://www.mysticalbuild.org/

Dynacorn donated the body, and that is tremendous! I hope you want to be a part of this, I hope you take a moment and do what you can to help. I can spread the word.

Susan G Komen for the Cure Of Breast Cancer foundation is getting more car companies (Fiat and Symbolic Motors) to participate in raising Breast Cancer awareness and funds

 The Pink Ribbon is based on the top-of-the-line 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge. Adding the Pink Ribbon package gives the buyer the option of two paint colors–silver or white–and a deep pink stripe running down the side of the car. The stripe’s 500 logo also has a pink ribbon.

Inside, the Pink Ribbon continues to use pink accents, albeit subtly. The black leather seats get pink contrast stitching and 500 logos, the floormats get pink embroidery for the 500 logo, and the leather steering wheel gets pink stitching. To top it off, Fiat throws out the 500’s standard black key fob and gives the Pink Ribbon model a white fob with–you guessed it–a pink ribbon painted on the front.

Including destination fees, pricing for the Pink Ribbon will start at $22,500, which is about $2500 more over the cost of a 500 Lounge, but only $300 more than if you ordered similar content as stand-alone options. That isn’t bad, but the biggest hallmark of the Pink Ribbon comes from Fiat: the company will donate $1000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for each car sold, and has committed to donating at least $50,000 to the organization.

Fiat will make 250 Pink Ribbon editions http://www.fiatusa.com/en/pinkribbon/exterior/ and
http://wot.motortrend.com/the-2012-fiat-500-pink-ribbon-gives-back-to-charity-121015.html#ixzz1brYzgZEM

Passion Pink” Continental GT is probably the most important. Some of the proceeds from the car’s sale will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure non-for-profit to further breast cancer research.

The Passon Pink GT is allegedly bespoke, and has been commissioned by Bentley San Diego– through Bentley’s own in-house customization program, no less — to help increase awareness for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego.

To announce the car, Bentley San Diego and Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s San Diego chapter have teamed up to throw “a night out in pink” this Friday, October 28 at the W Hotel. The streets will be lined with Bentleys, pink cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and a pink carpet for guests to walk upon entering the venue. Charles Koll Jewelers will also be unveiling a new line of Komen-inspired jewelry, and the beer will be provided by Green Flash Brewing Company, owned by breast cancer survivor Lisa Hinkley.

“This is an event you absolutely don’t want to miss. While this car is stunning, it is going to save lives with the money that is raised and there is nothing more beautiful than that,” said Laura Farmer Sherman, the executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego and a breast cancer survivor.

The 2012 Bentley Continental GT is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 making 567 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The standard GT retails for $192,495 including destination charges, and it’s expected that the “Passion Pink” car will fetch a fair bit more. However, tickets for this Friday’s event only cost $20.

Symbolic Motors of La Jolla, California, has commissioned the only factory-built "Passion Pink" 2012 Bentley GT in the World. The New GT is being produced to contribute awareness of the Susan G. Komen
Foundation for the Cure. This vehicle's code name is "Cure". Royal Families and Celebrities over the years have commissioned special edition vehicles through a bespoke design division of Bentley Motors, located at the factory in Crewe, England where all Bentley's are born. The design studio caters to Bentley VIP's and offers exclusive services to meet the imaginations of these high profile clients. This Bentley is being offered for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the Foundation. Please join us in our efforts to raise awareness and contribute to the cause."
Those of you who like such machines and are looking for something quite different, need look no further. It might take a gentleman of strong confidence to drive such a car in public, or perhaps it might be the perfect gift for the lovely lady who simply has everything... everything that is except a Pink Bentley. Here is your chance, to beat Paris Hilton or Lady Gaga to the table and own something to make both jealous enough to breathe fire while helping a worthwhile cause all at the same time.

http://symboliclajolla.blogspot.com/ for the source of the commisioning (great company that I've featured several times here for their incredible annual open house, and the amazing showroom, plus the personal cars of Bill Noon, company pres http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/search/label/Symbolic%20Motors )

http://wot.motortrend.com/bentley-san-diego-commissions-pink-continental-gt-for-susan-g-komen-for-the-cure-128519.html and
http://www.komensandiego.org/get-involved/komen-activities/the-new-passion-pink.html

In 2007 they had a special Mustang made http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2007/03/ford-makes-special-edition-mustang-to.html