During my time at the University of Notre Dame nearly 20 years ago, I purchased my dream car, a 1987 300SDL. Having been a member of MBCA for several years, and now with the keys to my own Mercedes in hand, I wanted to become more involved in the club. I attended a meeting of the Indianapolis 500 Section in the late 1990s. There, I met many wonderful people, including the section’s President Jim Gallimore – now deceased – and one other gentleman who greeted me and invited me to be an active member of the section: From the day I met Paul Bailey, he hooked me on all things MBCA.
After attending many local events, Paul insisted I run my car on the track. Ever the protective steward of my car, I was reluctant. He said, “You’ll have a blast. Just wait until you meet the people.” So, I decided to attend my first Gemütlichkeit in Detroit. I brought my car and borrowed Paul’s helmet for my runs. At that event, I met many people who are some of my best friends today: Frank and Mary Alice Cozza; John and Sue Morrison; Josie and Peter Lesler; Dudley and Joyce Smith; Bill and Jeannie Denton; and so many others. Trust me, one day I’m going to place a full-page ad in The Star to thank everyone for their friendship. Paul then insisted that I needed my own helmet to attend other track events. I reluctantly bought a $400 helmet that I then resolved must last 10 years. I was committed.
Terry Kiwala, center, with his close MBGA friends Paul Bailey and fiancée Joanne Hovanic at StarTech 2015.
Our driving group has now gathered for more than 15 years – at least once a year at MBCA events. Beyond driving, we have been there for and with each other during the ups and downs of life. Through the years, we have all accumulated an arsenal of stories, laughs, track successes and close calls, and we have driven hundreds of thousands of miles to enjoy the cars and – more importantly – enjoy each other, year after year after year.
I became involved in the leadership of MBCA with one pure mission: It is my obligation to ensure that this organization long outlives me. To do that, I quickly realized that I must engage with the membership nationwide because there is so much good going on in every section, and in these sections you’ll find the future leaders of this organization.
As I traveled around the country to those nine different holiday parties this past winter, I mentioned the importance and significance of MBCA’s 60th anniversary. Many of the conversations inevitably harkened back to each individual’s experience in MBCA through the course of his or her membership. During these conversations, I did a lot of reflecting on what MBCA means to me, and how important this organization has been in my life. As so many of us say, the cars are spectacular, but the people make the difference. And the people of MBCA are its best asset. In fact, MBCA has – without a doubt – the Best. People. In. The. World.
This is my story. My MBCA experience energizes me to see old friends and meet new friends as I travel the country. Together, we are about to write a very important chapter in the MBCA history book as we celebrate 60 years of fun together. We also get to embark on the next decade of MBCA history. This decade will have its challenges and highlights. We will continue to gather as friends, laugh and enjoy membership in our club. And fortunately, as I meet new people, my circle of friends is expanding exponentially – a good thing indeed.
I want to properly acknowledge and thank Paul for pushing me to be active in MBCA. I am just as thankful to my MBCA family (you all know who you are) for all the wonderful times we have had over the years – and for all the fun that is to come. I look forward to our celebrations together in 2016.