John Sprinzel is keynote speakerfor the Rendezvous 2005 banquet
Underscoring its "Rally at the Rapids" theme, legendary rally and
Sprite driver John Sprinzel will be featured as the keynote speaker at the
banquet during Rendezvous 2005 June 16-19 at Ruttger's Sugar Lake Lodge.
Sprinzel is a renowned storyteller who will share his unique insights into the
development and refinement of the cars we revere. Vintage rally fans recognize
Sprinzel as one of the true legends of the sport who was attracted to speed in
any form. After training as an RAF pilot, he began racing motocross and crewed
for ocean-racing sailboats before initiating his rally career. He worked with
Donald Healey to fine-tune the competitive rally spirit of Sprites, and did
the same with a variety of British Motor Company vehicle marques. He began
rallying in 1955 and formed the firm Speedwell in 1957. He then joined the BMC
Abingdon works rally team. Sprinzel tied for first place in the 1958 British
Touring Car Championships and won the British Rally Championship and the
British Trials and Rally Drivers Gold Star Championship in 1959. He joined the
Donald Healey Motors Company in 1960, and campaigned in a Sprite at the
European Rally Championship - the forerunner of today's World Rally
Championship. He won his class at Sebring in a Sprite that year. He also drove
for the Triumph TR3 works, was captain of the TR4 team and competed
internationally in rallies driving MGs, Rovers, Fords (English and U.S.
versions), Puegeots and Saabs. After retiring from competitive motor sports,
Sprinzel became a TV commentator, author and a professional windsurfer. He now
lives in Hawaii and still owns a Bugeye Sprite. Those attending "Rally at the
Rapids" will have a chance to own a piece of Healey and BMC rally history
because Sprinzel is donating two trophies from his rally days that will be
featured items in the Rendezvous 2005 silent auction. So, get those pencils
sharpened for preparing your silent auction bid. Sprinzel's presence at Rally
at the Rapids will provide a direct link to the heritage of the vehicles we
enjoy driving. There may even be some opportunities to have your picture taken
with him. See you in Grand Rapids!
See you at Sugar Lake Lodge!
Greg Lauser
12349 694th Ave
Prescott, Wis. 54021
glauser@pressenter.com
Safety Fast !
Tom Belongia
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