Catch up with our friends in South Australia with this latest edition of Lotus Torque for May 2019, thanks to Andrew Stevens.
SA Lotus Torque
An occasional contribution from our SA Correspondent
Images thanks to Andrew Stevens and Mark Tiddy
The back parking lot at Zagame was full / A Stevens
A Morning at Zagame!
No longer is that heading the exclusive province of the Victorian mob, with Glen Osmond Rd, Frewville now being the new home of Lotus Adelaide, and Zagame inviting the SA locals to kick off the May run with a tour of the dealership.
Zagame’s coffee lounge was popular / A Stevens
We filled both their carparks and then some with an array of Lotus, from Mike Bennett’s freshly rebuilt Series 3 Lotus 7 and Willa Wauchope’s Europa, to Lotus newbie Simon Stone’s freshly-acquired Exige 410. The hospitality of Sue, Matt, Vince, and their team in providing coffee and pastries for the assembled horde, and to Vince for the tour of their magnificent service area, and responding to the many questions, was much appreciated.
Well appointed service bays at Zagame Adelaide / A Stevens
Of course a few people couldn’t resist having a peek at some of the less desirable cars in the showroom, but they soon tired of checking out the McLarens, Lamborghinis and Bentleys, and joined the rest of the group for a run in the hills and another dose of coffee. The Uraidla Bakery was all primed to receive us courtesy of Tony Heard’s contacts, and the Lotus route took in Balhannah, Verdun and Bridgewater, ensuring that everyone got to properly enjoy the beautiful autumn weather.
Getting Ready to rumble at The Bend Motorsport Park / M Tiddy
Checking out The Bend
With the exciting new track at Tailem Bend being a magnet for those with a penchant for speed, Friday 10th May saw a five of SA’s finest running their Lotus at “The Bend”.
This was more than a shakedown and opportunity to gain an unfair advantage over the Victorians when they visit in early June, with some pretty quick laps being run. It’s an ideal Lotus track (aren’t they all), and the contingent of David (Exige 240 Cup), Mark (V6 Exige), Willa (Europa), Charles (SC Elise) and Scott (SC Elise) certainly enjoyed themselves. Rumour has it that Charles was quickest, with Mark exploiting his latest power upgrade to get fastest speed trap. For further details collar one of them at the next run.
The Bend has scheduled a number of open track days throughout the rest of the year.
Welcome to the SA Lotus Clan
Welcome to two new Lotus owners in SA. Simon Stone joined us at Zagame with his freshly-acquired Exige 410 that we’re sure will soon be seen on a track near you. Adam Jackson has finally made good on his long promised acquisition of his uncle Steve’s S1 Elise, just as soon as Steve takes it for one last trip.
Lotus 2019
Well done to Lotus Club Queensland for the running of Lotus 2019 based at Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. Beautiful weather, great people, fantastic support from Lotus Brisbane, slick organisation and a wonderful collection of Lotus. It was great catching up with old friends, making new ones, and getting a welcome hug from special guest Elisa Artioli (I’m still unsure what I did to deserve it but thanks Winno!). You can read all about it elsewhere in the latest Lotus Torque.
Happy motoring and I look forward to seeing you at the next run. After the diversion to Zagame for May, we’ll revert to the Sikh Centre as our congregation point.
Andrew Stevens
Looks like a showroom in need of a Lotus sign / A Stevens