Disappointing News;

[junglejustice]

Well, I am sad to say that I have just had THE most disappointing message from Dawie... While it is extremely difficult for me to relay this information to all of you, there is a silver lining here...

Due to an unfortunate turn of events beyond their control, Dawie de Villiers from Glenwood Motors and Domingos from GoTech will not be attending the National Alfa Potlatch convention here in Seattle at the end of the month! (I know-I know...) I am VERY disappointed myself.

Heck, after all of the ground-work and setting it all up and talking about the wonderful Glenwood toys and telling everybody that they were coming, this is such a let-down for me personally that I can just imagine what it must be like for those of you - itching to meet Dawie and ask your many burning questions of him personally…

Ever since 9/11 South Africans in particular have come under severe scrutiny during the USA Visa application process; (apparently there is a high Muslim population per capita residing in SA), or angry Boere or some other stupid explanation… I don't know. :roll:

Among other things we are required to provide proof of property ownership, a letter from an employer assuring employment upon our return to SA, written invitation from the host(s) in the US - stating the purpose of the visit etc etc...! South African Nationals are also required to show proof of funds to cover 600 US dollars in expenses PER DAY of requested stay within the US - Just ridiculous!

The application can now ONLY be made via the internet, the fee is 700 bucks and a face-to-face, live interview is required FORE EACH applicant! Interviews are only granted once an initial screening has been completed and the timeline is more than 6 to 8 weeks at this stage. Unfortunately, the process did not leave Dawie with enough time between the date where he was able to commit himself 100% and the point where he would be able to fulfill all of the requirements in time to also make advanced airline reservations and to be here for the convention. (He started the process 2 months ago however they only granted him an appointment for June 28th – right in the middle of the convention!)

In either event, Domingos was my back-up as he could travel here on his European (Portuguese) passport and he works so closely with Dawie on mapping the engines. As luck would have it, Domingos has had some serious eye-problems and he is slated for extensive surgery in the next week or so (right before the trip...) - This much WAS known however, what we did NOT expect was that his doctor was going to restrict him from flying for a period of AT LEAST 10 days subsequent to the procedure. (Something to do with altitude, pressure etc…)

My sincere apologies; Dawie and Domingos are committed to do a mini-road show to the US in the near-future and will try to visit a few cities to visit with some of you personally later this year.

The good news is that Ron Simons from RSRacing is still slated to be here to talk about his amazing suspension package for transaxle cars! He travels on a European passport and has fewer issues to get here. He is registered. His flight reservations are made and he and I confirmed again today that he will be here. We look forward to welcoming him at the appointed time at the V6 Handling Dynamics tech session on Thursday afternoon at Group 2 in Seattle.

Also, Dawie and Domingos have prepared a laundry-list of notes and points to be conveyed on their behalf. I will have to do my best. We hope to have a slide-presentation rolling of some of their work. Jes' 3.7 running GoTech and the Glenwood engine will be there ready to fire up while we're all there! All unanswered questions will be noted and you can expect a personal response via email or phone once the convention has run its course...

I thank those boys for trying and we wish Domingos the best with his recovery.

Don’t forget that immediately following the session, the doors to 3 private car collections in the immediate area will be opened for us to enjoy some of the most unreal cars around!

My personal cell phone is open as always – please do not hesitate to call me with questions!

Sincerely,
John van Rensburg
Vice President NWARC
425.941.4747