June 9th Stamtisch

Yes, Stamtisch is german and not Italian. Yes it is poor form to use foreign words; however, sometimes the exact word that fits the meaning does not exist in the language being used. That's why so many English words find their way into other langauages.

Stamtisch is aperiodic meeting of friens in Germany at a designated pub or restaurant for the purpose of socilizing, drinking and eating in a laid back athmosphere where nothing or nobody is taken too seriously. This seems to typify the mood of our "monthly meetings" only there are no minutes, no dues, no official business and the programs are all loew key and informal.

This month the gathering focused on Ruben Perfetti's Alfa Romeo Spyder and 156 brochures and his tales of Alfa Romeos stemming from his recent trip to Sweden. Thor Mirchandani felt right at home, since he is from Sweden, and is going to visit with Viktor and Indy this summer.

Blake Frazier brought his photos from his recent trip to Summit Point for the Sports Car races and discussed his rides in a variety of cars including a Ferrari F40.

Jim Clarkson shared with us his photographs and colorful stories regarding his trips to the Grand Prix of Monaco in May and the Grand Prix of Montreal in June. (Ferrari 1st and 3rd!!!)

Steve Karapetian filled us in on Foreign Cars Italia's involvement in the 355 Ferrari Challenge Series and their recent rcaing before the Formula One race in Montreal.

Jim Clarkson has opened up an account to deposit the European Car festival registration checks. The proceeds will go toward paying the expenses for the advertising, signs, printing and T-Shirts for the Festival.

At the meeting were Linda Hyatt driving her 1982 Alfa Romeo Spyder Veloce, Howell Dunlop driving his 1985 Alfa Romeo Spyder, Jim Clarkson driving his 1985 Alfa Romeo 164 and Ruben Perfetti driving his 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6. Also at the meeting were Thor and Viktor Mirchandani, Blake Frazier, Timm Simmons, John Hauser, Jack O'Brien, Steve Karapetian, jeff Berg and John Harrill.

Road trips were also the topic of conversation and it was suggested that we stay at the Balsam Mountain Inn oputside Asheville and run 276 from waynesville to Brevard on the ridges and mountaintops of the Appalachian one day, and run 276 from Waynesville north to Hot Springs through the gorges along the river the second day. Anyone interested call Steve Karapetian.

The next monthly meeting or Stamtisch is Tuesday July 14th. The second Tuesday runs a little later in July. Please come and bring some photographs, slides, a car or anything Italian and Automotive.

Ciao! John Hauser