Western States 2008

During the week of July 28 through August 2^nd several members of The Reno Jaguar Club attended The JCNA Western States 2008 meet held in Grand Junction, Colorado.  The week started off on Tuesday with a Sanctioned Slalom event, which Charlie Manchester placed first in class with his 1947 Mark IV Jaguar “Rosie”, and second was taken with an S-Type R Supercharged Jaguar owned by a family friend Jonathan.  The day continued with a Float Trip and BBQ held on The Colorado River and the night concluded with a Rodeo.  On Wednesday the group held a Rally/Tour through some breathtaking scenery and the night ended with a bus ride to a private Auto Museum that Charlie deemed one of the best to be found.  Thursday began with a Sunrise Breakfast at The Colorado National Monument.  The views and photo opportunities were endless and awe inspiring!  After some hours spent cleaning our cars back at the Hotel the group competed in a Croquet Match with Caroline Manchester whipping most all challengers!  A nice dinner and Old West Casino Night capped off the night.  A silent auction with many nice items up for auction and for purchase with poker chips ended a perfect day.  Friday began with The Western States Concours ‘de Elegance with some of the finest cars anywhere!  Friday nights festivities continued with the awards banquet and our Reno club did a fantastic job earning best in class two times and Charlie earned two awards for the slalom competition. Saturday’s events included The Rocky Mountain Jaguar Club’s Concours ‘de Elegance with many of the same cars from Friday.  This event was held at the Hotel making it easy relax a little and even take a dip in the pool as the temperatures were well into the upper nineties!  Again the club had a great showing winning two best in class awards!  A total of six pieces of hardware were given to club members Charlie and Caroline Manchester and Mike Glass.  Way to go club!  The night ended with the awards banquet.  It was a long journey of almost a 1600-mile roundtrip, but worth every mile as the scenery is some of the best in the west!   

Field Reporter Mike Glass

Never to old to Race

Here is a photo of Charlie, 70, driving Rosie, 61, at Western States. Note the cat trying to climb out the window. Charlie placed first in his class!
Carolyn Manchester

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Photojournalist Mike Glass

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