by Frank Maldari

There were two inches of snow and a full winter storm in effect by the time we finished up around 11:00. But, as has been the tradition of late, this year’s Winter Party was another smashing success!

Guest speaker Chris Szwedo kept our group of more than 40 well-entertained. He narrated the outtakes from his production of “Lime Rock Park—the Secret Valley of Racing”, the beautifully-done documentary that appeared several times last year on PBS. He also showed us a video tribute to Sam Posey, the highlights of which included Posey’s first-place finish in a TZ1 with a truly superhuman effort at the end, and Horst Kweck’s Alfa GT Trans Am glory days. The in-car camera of a formula racer provided some entertainment with regard to the consequences of misjudging the proper line into and out of the front straight. Skip Barber’s analysis on why women potentially can be better race car drivers than men was also very provocative.

The skill with which Chris was able to blend music from the era into the race sequences superbly caught the mood of the times. Interviews with personalities such as John Fitch and Sam Posey also added color to the early days at the track. Chris divided the evening’s presentation into two parts, allowing everyone time to reflect on and discuss what they saw. The intermission gave us a chance to talk with Chris and to take away some promotional posters of the film. Chris recounted that, when he started the project, he had no idea what the sport was all about. But he was nevertheless able to capture the essence of Lime Rock. His ability to accurately portray grassroots auto racing means that this film is a must in every enthusiast’s collection, and several members purchased the DVD right then and there [including the Editor, who then bought a DVD player a few days later so he could play it]. For those who missed this event, you can still purchase Chris’s terrific documentary by calling him at 860-657-3637.

We’d like to thank Chris for providing a terrific evening’s entertainment! Special thanks also go to Jim Shorey of Mass AV, who never fails to provide our guest speakers with state-of-the-art audio and video projection equipment.

Alfa kingpin and AONE President Tom Lesko, our perpetual and affable MC for the evening, updated the faithful on the strong health of the chapter, and distributed an abundance of door prizes—mugs, shirts, umbrellas, calendars, Alfa models, literature, etc. Congratulations go to Michael Wrigley of Glynn Motorsports for winning the 50/50 cash raffle (where the winner and AONE each get half of the proceeds), inspired and executed by Kevin Murphy.

Before Chris spoke, Brian Shorey gave us a presentation about next year’s AROC convention, which our New England chapter will be hosting. The venues for the events are currently being sorted, and will include a first-ever convention drag race at Epping (don’t forget your nitrous oxide!).

We can’t fail to mention all of the marvelous food that everyone brought too! This gang knows how to cook! (And bake. And eat.) Also, everyone in attendance received a free copy of Enjoying Your Alfa, the reprint of a delightful little booklet published by Alfa Romeo circa 1963, with good advice to owners of Alfas of any vintage, compliments of Jim Hayes.

The club thanks all those who participated in the raffle and provided a donation at the door. The money will help the treasury build a war chest in preparation for the convention. By the time next year’s Winter Party comes around, the convention planning will be in full swing, so don’t miss it!  

[The club also thanks Frank Maldari, who makes all of the arrangements for our Winter Party and always sees to it that the affair is such a fun time for everyone.—Ed.]