Kansas City Barbecue

Under the Arch at St. Louis

Although it was 99 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday afternoon when we pulled into downtown St. Louis, it was only in the mid-80's this morning when I repacked Morris in the sweltering hotel parking structure. All of the cars were gathered near the base of the famous Saarinen-designed arch on the downtown bank of the Mississippi River while a group photo was taken from a helicopter hovering overhead.

Rallye participants

Some folks rode the elevator to the top of the arch, others enjoyed the historical museum, but I was anxious to get on the road.

The MG ran flawlessly although there may be a problem developing with the starter solenoid. Fortunately, until 1956 all MG cars came equipped with a starting crank. No lie! It gives one a real sense of security.

The run to Kansas City was through rolling Missouri countryside with most of the route being 2-lane highway circa 1960. Kansas City came over the horizon just in time for rush hour traffic and the usual metropolitan freeway clutter. The good news is that the Manley Ford-built XPAG motor did not over heat. In fact, it never exceeded 85 degrees centigrade-- a very good showing when the air temperature is close to 100.

Driving through Missouri

The Kansas City MG people and Victoria British, a major purveyor of parts for English cars, put on a wonderful catered spread of KC- style barbecue under a big tent on the VB front lawn. Everyone got a goody bag gift plus a 10% discount on over-the-counter parts. British cars seem to always be in need of parts so business was good for the folks at Vicky-Brit.

Tomorrow morning at 7:30 we set off for Heartland Park Raceway and an opportunity to drive the track and then have coffee and rolls at the renowned shop of MG racer Kent Prather who continued to surprise the "serious" racing community with his penchant for winning the SCCA National RunOffs in a 40-year old MGA. Night time should find me on Wyatt Earp Blvd. in-- you guessed it-- Dodge City. Make mine sarsaparilla, bartender... and leave the bottle on the bar.