~ Event Archives ~

Joint Tech Session for MB & BMW Club Members

Thirteen members of the Chaparral Section joined with BMW club members on Saturday, February 27th, for a tech session on car detailing hosted by John Ranney at his European Auto Tech shop, 3340 North First Avenue.  Lenny Napier of SOUL IMAGE DETAILING shared his extensive knowledge of detailing with the group attending and demonstrated a number of detailing products available to do-it-youselfers who wish to perform an in depth detailing job on their favorite cars.  One of the BMW club members also provided a detailed description of the BMW Car Club of America (CCA) driving school to held the weekend of March 6 & 7 at Phoenix International Raceway.  For those wishing to view some video of the BMW club's event last year at PIR, go to their website, http://bmwccasonora.com.  People who have attended this in the past say it's been one of the most fun things they've ever done, and the invite is out to any Chaparral members who might want to participate next year. You can check the schedule on the BMW website late this year.  At the conclusion of the session, everyone was treated to John's delicious burritos, beans, chips, salsa and cake.

Chaparral Section Well Represented At The 16th Annual Collector Car Show On January 23rd, 2010, Chaparral Section members headed off at 7:00 AM in their Mercedes Benz automobiles to attend the 16th Annual Collector Car Show, held at the Tubac, Arizona Golf Resort. The show is sponsored annually  by The Santa Cruz Valley Car Nuts Club of Green Valley, Arizona.     The week prior to the show date of Saturday, January 23, brought very heavy rain throughout Arizona; threatening to lessen the enthusiasm for the show which usually boasts a registration of 500 cars in numerous categories. Indeed, many entrants; concerned about the possibility of rain on show day, decided to forego the risk, and participation was limited to about 250 cars.     The tide, however, turned on Saturday, and we were blessed with a beautiful day; partly cloudy skies, cool breezes and magnificent views of the snow-capped Santa Rita mountains. The Chaparral Section participants brought 7 Mercedes Benz beauties; ranging in age from 1972 to 2005. When we arrived we were informed we would be split up, and parked randomly. However, a little 'negotiating' resulted in our being parked all together; making for an impressive lineup. One highlight of the show was Andy, the roving 'Male Striper', a regular every year who was pin striping several cars during the day. The crowd followed him as if he were the Pied Piper, with two of our group making use of his artistic talent.     All in all, this year's Collector Car show was again a big success. We made many new friendships, got to know our fellow Mercedes Benz owners even better, and signed up some new Chaparral members. Those of you who were unable to attend - you missed a good one. We look forward to next year's show under clear skies. Mercedes Benz Uber Alles!              For more photos....click here!

Dearing Automotive Tech Session  November 21, 2009 Twenty members and guest of the Chaparral Section of the Mercedes Benz Club of America attended a workshop at Dearing Auto on Saturday, November 21st. Robert Dearing and his team hosted the meeting, provided more than ample  food and drinks, as the group gathered in the spotless work bays of Robert Dearing's Shop, to discuss Mercedes repair and maintenance.  The workshop, entitled:  "Everything you want to know about maintaining your Mercedes" reviewed items ranging from fluids you should or should not use, to cruise control, to extended warranties, to how to store your vehicle (if you should ever leave Tucson for an extended period of time). Following the mechanical side, Todd Hood of Hood's Automotive Refinishing, reviewed and demonstrated the fine art of cleaning, polishing, waxing and maintaining the finishes on your Mercedes. A BIG Thank You to Robert Dearing and Todd Hood.  You can contact them for service or advice at:  Dearing Auto:  520.798.1222  and Hood's Automotive Refinishing:  (520) 795-8044

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The Ride to Equine Voices at Jump’n Jack Ranch-Amado, Arizona On November 14th 31 members and friends of the Chaparral Section of the MBCA met in Tucson for a caravan to the “Pecan Store” in Sahuarita, AZ.   The short stop off at the Pecan Store gave all attendees an appreciation for the history of Southern Arizona’s pecan farm,  one of the largest pecan farms in the nation—as well as the chance to pick up fresh pecans for the holiday season.   After this short stop and chance to “load-up for the holidays” we all departed for Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary at Jump’n Jack Ranch.  At the Ranch,  we were met by Karen Pomory, founder and President of Equine Voices. Karen gave us a very interesting overview of the mission, challenges and successes of EV at then conducted a very enlightening guided tour of the Ranch operations.  We all had an opportunity to meet some of the recently arrived horses  from the Premarin farms in Canada as well as formerly abused or abandoned horses whom have gone through or are in the process of going through rehabilitation in preparation for permanent placement in loving forever homes. Unfortunately, we  had to “tear” ourselves away from the “ranch” to take the short drive to Amado-Territory Ranch for lunch at Stockman’s Grill.  Sitting under the shade of old growth mesquite trees along the Santa Cruz River we had the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of the Club members and talk about our day of discovery. Following lunch there was time available to browse the grounds of Amado Territories including The Amado Inn, featured in the October 2009 issue of “Arizona Highways” before heading off to enjoy other locations in southern Arizona.