Origin of “Gymkhana”                   Both the word “gymkhana” and the event it describes originated in 19th century India.  The word is probably an alteration on the Hindi “gedkhana”, which describes a ball playing area similar to a racketball court.             Early gymkhanas were displays of athletics and equestrian skill, but the 20th century varieties usually test car handling.  They are often held in parking lots, and contestants race over tight, twisting courses marked with cones or pylons.   Thanks to Steve Chirpich who found this interesting definition in Webster’s Dictionary!

Annual Planning Breakfast                                                                                 Dick Mathews                   The Minnesota Austin Healey Club planning meeting for 2003 was held on December 7th at The Machine Shed Restaurant located at Hwy. 94 & Radio Drive in Lake Elmo.  We had a very nice room in which to meet, and breakfast could be ordered off the menu or gotten from the buffet.                 A good crowd of twenty one people attended, including our fearless new President, Tom Hazen, new Vice President Dick Mathews, Steve & Sandy (new Treasurer) Rixen, Curt Carlson (Membership Chairman),  Barb & Gary (Editor) Ronning, Dan Wolters (2002 Pres.),  Chuck & Jean Norton, Nancy & Greg (National Delegate) Lauser, Dave Lee, Van & Susan Gooch, Jason Schmidt, Mike Martin, Jack Stein, Dale Martin, Steve Chirpich, and Andy Lindberg (Intermarque Delegate).  Special welcomes were extended to Van & Susan Gooch and Jason Schmidt who have not been to recent meetings.                 Many of our last year’s activities will stay in the 2003 schedule with changes and additions being made.  Pie with the President will continue to be held at Baker’s Square in Highland on the first Wednesday of the month.  There are two exceptions, however.  January Pie will be on the 8th (because of New Years Day), and February Pie will be held at Brits English Pub on the Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.                  Dick & Karla Mathews will host a Wine & Cheese tasting party at their home on January 25th.  On February 22nd, Jeff   Johnk will host a Tech Session where we will learn what it takes to make a Healey raceworthy.  Tom Hazen wants us all to get out and DRIVE OUR HEALEYS this year, so many driving events will be featured  (Hurray !!).                 Tom is also going to investigate the possibility of teaming up with the Illinois AH Club or other British car clubs so that we might try to co-sponsor a speed event at a racetrack (BIR or Blackhawk Farms).  Spring Awakening is tentatively set for April 26th, and the Thunder Bay Rendezvous Event is going to be  June 5th – 8th.                  All in all, this should be another great year to enjoy driving our Healeys and having good times together.  Let’s all try to support our MAHC Events !!