On Saturday, November 15th, MotorMouth and Mrs. Goudge were guests at the Annual General Meeting of The Upper Canada Region – Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada, held in Kingston, Ontario, at the invitation of Al & Brenda Barden (Great Race 1995).

The Club endorses the restoration and preservation of various examples of the older automobiles and trucks, and associated memorabilia, encouraging enthusiasts of antique cars and trucks, and those who enjoy the classic and modified automobile and truck models that were manufactured twenty years ago and earlier. Celebrating its roots, members were recognized for longstanding membership. The club, founded in 1962, honoured members of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and….50 years of membership!

The restoration, preservation, and exhibition of antique and classic older model vehicles is a highlight of this club’s annual activities. The photo tribute of member activities over the past year demonstrated a tremendous variety of vehicles and events, including their annual car show.

The second weekend of June is the established date for the Odessa Car Show, held near Kingston, Ontario. (www.uppercanadaregiona4c.org) . It is an adjudicated show with sixteen categories ranging from Production Through 1949 through Modified, Special Interest Vehicles, British Vehicles, Foreign Vehicles, Military Vehicles and Pedal Cars.

A highlight of this particular visit was the opportunity to reconnect with past Great Racers…from my very first year, The Interstate Batteries Great North American Race (1995). Past Great Racers, Al & Brenda Barden (1936 Packard) and Doug & Jean Lester (1929 Durant M4) are still driving and showing the cars in which they competed 19 years ago. Doug and Jean had all of their daily instructions on display, beautifully saved along with their memories.

After viewing the banquet video presentations from 2013 and 2014, club members hoping to compete in the 2015 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty were disappointed to learn that next year’s event is already a sellout!

With the interest expressed and questions asked, MotorMouth knew as he was leaving that future Great Racers would surely come out of the Upper Canada Region!