TOprotege - Looking Back at 2005

[Spyder01]

In 2005, the Toronto Protege Club continued to grow. This has been a great year for all members with many meets throughout the summer. Meets during the coolest temperature around exam week did not stop the dedicated members from coming out either. The Toronto Protege Club continued to be one of the largest automobile clubs in Toronto with over 2500 registered users. This year, with the addition of new officers, the club started the club membership to continue the great success. With nearly 60 donating members so far, the Toronto Protege club has attracted the attention of many new sponsors, and will be able tocontinue to do so with the support of new Donating Members to come.

Lets all look back at the successful year of 2005...


The year started off with the winter cruise by Myk on February 27th. The event was unforgettable by the 7 participants, this event was one the first meets in 2005 where members tested the limits of their Proteges
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http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/4375/post1851036dscf0031small2ys.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16345)


On March 20th, a handful of members got together for a game of laser quest. Due to the cold temperature (and unexpected freak snowfall), only 4 members ended up playing the game. However, it was very enjoyable since the 4 members each represented their own "sides", and the clan battle was put to war. The results were as follows:
1st) Scooter
3rd) Blue Zoom
5th) Pro2nr
6th) TheKid
Here is Scooter's score card.
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/9281/post1866999eastside1cd.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16787)


One of the first main TOprotege meet of 2005 was on April 28th. It was the Eastside Spring Meet. The pre-meet started at STC Jack Astor's parking lot, then cruise to Destiny Bubble Tea on Silver star and Steeles, finally cruising to Woodbine and Hwy7 for dinner. Approximately 25 Proteges participated in this event.
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http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/5707/10004955vf.jpg http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/4364/10004976cl.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17712)


It is not often we see Friday the 13th during the year, however, it just so happens that May 13, 2005 was a Friday. 4 members of TOprotege got together in less than 24 hours for a mini-meet at Warden + Hwy7. This was the very first of the NightTime Photoshoots setup by Spyder01.
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http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6485/10006074jk.jpg http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9223/10006230vh.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18066)


The Toronto Protege Club's Official May Event was held in conjunction with Toronto Mazda3's monthly meets at Kennedy Commons in Scarborough on May 28. This meet turned out very well with approximately 40 Protege and Mazda3 in attendance.
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The Creemore Brewery Tour was the first of its kind done by the Toronto Protege Club. Combining a cruise around the area and a private tour of the brewery, a handful of members enjoyed that June 17th day. Members had fun calculating the number of bottles each tank can fill.
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http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6838/dscn00255yn0mv.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3346/dscn00242uo2qo.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18507)


For TOprotege's June Event, the club was lucky enough to be invited by Dave Wood Mazda for a BBQ at their dealership. Not only were their race and show car there, DWM had setup a sneak preview of the MazdaSpeed6 for TOprotege club members. A few members had little trouble reaching the dealership, but soon came to the meet, even with a tow truck. After the BBQ, a photo taking opportunity was seen around the dealership and with the help of Kevin at Dave Wood Mazda, 4 members went around for some photos.
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http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/8075/10009118my.jpg http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/3315/10009364vy.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18647)


June 25th marked the Toronto Protege Club's 3rd annual rookie meet. Dinner was eaten at Shoeless Joe and afterwards in the parking lot, a couple of members participated in the rookie initiation.
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http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1420/post1811930122cq.jpg http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/9240/post181147335dr.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19224)


A handful of members participated in the Compact Dreams show in Trenton over the weekend of July 9th. Although there was rain, members still enjoyed themselves. Congratulations to Scooter, CrazyCaker, and Pro2nr for taking home the top 3 awards in the "Mazda" category
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[Spyder01]

Since 2004 when TOprotege won the car club of the year award at Darknights6, TOprotege were not going to miss Darknights7. With nearly 30 Protege participating Darknights7 this year, praises were received from Darknights officials for a good showing although the Club of the year title was not won this year. All 30 members enjoyed themselves at the show, from pure stock to fully modded, all kinds of Proteges showed up to represent the club. Congratulations to the following TOProtege members on their respective awards:
Kwykryde - 1st Place "Mazda Protege Hatch" Category
Johnny5 - 2nd Place "Mazda Protege Hatch" Category
OneFlipp - 3rd Place "Mazda Protege Hatch" Category
Kz9 - 1st Place "Mazda Protege Sedan" Category
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/4477/10010903zu.jpg http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/6761/dkn70396vw9gz.jpg
http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/5959/dkn70296ij4gt.jpg http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/7433/dkn70259zz3nk.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19442)


Meeting of the Mazdas 2005 on August 13 was an event that could not be missed. One of the largest event each year for TOprotege. With nearly 30 Proteges participating, TOprotege achieved some great attention from other Mazda clubs. With over 100 Mazda on the conservation park area, Meeting of the Mazdas has become the largest Mazda meet in Canada. Congratulations to the following TOProtege Members on their awards:
KZ9 - "Baddest Protege Sedan"
Oneflipp5 - "Baddest Protege Hatch"
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9327/10011670xg1lb.jpg http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6720/10011845ks0ec.jpg
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/1507/dsc42849ed.jpg http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5254/dsc42964rw.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19820)


During the weekend of September 10, members from TOprotege participated in the 2005 Solo Sprint Nationals at Shannonville. Congratulations to thekid winning 3rd place and sky_high winning 4th place.
http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/6283/494573407ha.jpg http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/7536/494573590mz.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20478)


After skipping 2004, the Toronto Protege Club Familia Picnic was brought back this year on September 24th. With nearly 20 cars showing up for this event, it is safe to say this event will continue into 2006. Draws were setup and prizes were donated by members and club sponsors. It was a fun day with MP5rYda's godson and J_u_s_t_i_n's dog - Oscar.
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http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5093/10014226xu4on.jpg http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/7750/toprotegepicnic010da6qi.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20557)


On October 2, TOprotege members participated in the 2005 CASC Ontario Autoslalom Championship. This marked one of the last auto-x track event of 2005. Congratulations to the following TOprotege members for their achievements...
3rd Place Overall - thekid
7th Place Overall - 7plymaple
1st Place D Stock - thekid
3rd Place D Modified - wesman
2nd Place F Super Stock - superdave
5th Place F Super Stock - sjdmp5
3rd Place G Stock - Rowan
4th Place H Stock - 7plymaple
3rd Place Novice - Gen1GT
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http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/2081/rs2005tlmc1vf.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15882)


The Shannonville track is known to TOprotege members and other car enthusiast. October 15 marked the end of the season track day at Shannonville and TOprotege members (3 Mazdaspeed Protege + 1 Mazda P5) participated in this event. Members new to the track were taught how to properly drive the course by more experienced members. The Shannonville track has attracted more and more attention of TOprotege members this summer and will surely have more participants in 2006 track days
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8290/kl86070xh.jpg http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4170/kl86321ak.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?p=215219#post215219)


Importfest is one of Canada's biggest car shows; held at the Skydome/Rogers Center each year. This year, TOprotege members participated in the event during the October 22nd weekend. The floors were filled with very nice modified cars which included those from TOprotege. Members left their cars on the floor for one day and waited for the awards. Congratulations to the following TOProtege Members on their awards:
MP5rYda - 2nd Place "Mazda Protege" Category
kz9 - 3rd Place "Mazda Protege" Category
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/9659/dsc007949cp.jpg http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/8959/dsc007984at.jpg
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/9415/dsc008633qh.jpg http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/6982/dsc008845sk.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20999)


Cayuga is the Toronto Motorsports Park where for approximately the price of a speeding ticket, automotive fans are able to race their cars with the proper timings and equipments. On October 29th, a handful of members participated in this event nearly the end of the season. Pro2nr was able to achieve a speed of 14.901 @ 93.35mph while Tiwing achieved 14.407 @ 97.97mph.
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8034/protrackday0031ua9rh.jpg http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5078/protrackday0115lt7vy.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21095)


The 2005 fall cruise which was held on October 30th was one of the greatest cruises held by TOprotege. Organisers start with a map and found the perfect drivers road near Orangeville, Ontario. Over a period of weeks, the organizers drove the planned route and noted hazards such as pot holes, washboards, and gravel. Changes were made to ensure all participants would have a safe and unforgettable drive. This professional organization method made this year's fall cruise one of the greatest events. Participated by a limited number of members due to safety and organization, this event went very well. With 350km of driving, all participants enjoyed themselves.
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http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/909/10016053jd3nx.jpg http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3382/10016097tt3to.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21105)


December 1, 2005. Over 35 members of the Toronto Protege Club got together for the annual Christmas dinner at Vinnie Zucchini buffet on Dufferin and Steeles. The club sponsors had all offered great donations for this event. Prizes ranging from Mazda pens to hundreds of dollars of gift certificates to intake systems. Members got to get to know each other much better because of this event. Stealthily sneaking into the dining area to put down their secret santa gifts, one after another, each member participating in the secret santa gift exchange received their own surprises. After trying the great selections of food at each counter, members were ready for the sponsors prizes draw.
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http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4329/10018403mn0rq.jpg http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6689/10018417rc2we.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21628)

[Spyder01]

Lets not forget all the mini-meets TOprotege had during the summer...Eastside, Westside, Weston rd to La Paloma, they were everywhere!


May 19 mini-meet at STC Jack Astor's Parking lot
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http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/161/10007065jl.jpg http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/5060/10006850kt.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18203)


June 23 Weston rd/401 meet
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http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9251/10009788ko.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3706/10009841jh.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18901)


August 26 End of Summer Weston rd/401 meet
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3240/10012076ap.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6862/10012250uu.jpg
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3073/10012157nf.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6025/10012086pp.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20070)


September 1 La Paloma Meet at Hwy7/Weston rd
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http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/176/10012767rp.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7485/10012519tf.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20186)


September 16 La Paloma Meet at Hwy7/Weston rd
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8962/10013281be.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1420/10013311ys.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20418)


October 2 Eastside mini-meet
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http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4647/10014672nh.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3483/10014629pw.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20684)


October 8 Nighttime photoshoot 1
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http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8739/10015255du.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9546/10015102kh.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20803)


October 13 Eastside mini-meet
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http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8441/10015498fp.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20789&page=2)


November 4 Nighttime photoshoot 2
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http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2695/10017000hg9pv.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1778/10017146mg2zk.jpg (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21188)


Nighttime photoshoot 3
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9535/10017507yo0yd.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9435/10017625xx9gx.jpg
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/535/10017790me6og.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2614/10018036qm6aj.jpg
(http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21289)

[kz9]

Great thread. Well done!

[Freestyle3313]

Very good right up. Love the pics, to bad I didn't have a Protege till now. Im looking foward to the upcomming year.

[RicecookerP5]

ahhh the memories! great write up!!!

[shibby]

yah sorry i havent been able to make many meets this year

[Mike_Moss]

Wow. This thread is badass. Wicked reporting!

[Spyder01]

And I'd like to thank all the admins/officers of TOprotege for giving me the chance to be the TOP Reporter. :) 2005 has been one great year for me. Joining TOprotege in January after months of lurking around, this club has taught me so so much about my car I never knew. I still remember the first mini-meet I went to back in March. Since then, everything has been so much fun, the people, the cars, the meeting places, etc.

And thanks to all the members of TOprotege too! Without you here, there would be no point in taking pictures at meets and writing about them. Great 2005 :)

[TheMAN]

kick ass writeup

TOP is still the best north american protege club in my book! the DFW crew is far from being truely organized yet

...still planning on driving my pro to TO again one summer...

[ChopstickHero]

awesome thread! makes me really miss home.... it's awesome how much stuff you guys did over the year!

[nfprotege]

Man that is an awesome thread. For someone that is not able to actually see you guys face to face, it is cool to see all the pics. Damm, I got to get up to Ontario next summer so I can meet a bunch of you guys!!

[Junior]

Great Write up Eric. Thanks to all the members for making these meets possible and showing up for more than just a "mini-meet", this should spark some more enthusiasm for the upcoming year, and participation in these events should also increase. Can't wait to see more of the newcomers in the new year.

05 has been a Great Year! Good work everyone.

[tiwing]

Man that is an awesome thread. For someone that is not able to actually see you guys face to face, it is cool to see all the pics. Damm, I got to get up to Ontario next summer so I can meet a bunch of you guys!!

Darknights!

Excellent writeup!!! Makes me glad I attended all the things I did, and I wish I'd come out a little more. Looking forward to next year!!

My favorite pic:
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/4717/10006987ft.jpg

[Sprout]

Hopefully I'll be able to make it to a meet next year, nicely done.

[sstuart]

Well done. Looks like I'm gonna have to organize another cruise next year. Don't know if I can live up to the fall cruise though, that great write up makes me a little nervous. Well, help from Myk and tiwing will always make the cruises great.

Can't wait for next year!!

[Fai]

Good job Eric!! nice post!! add oil...
Too bad i am busy with school missed many great meets

[rdmello]

That was well done. Looks like a lot of fun. Being a new member, I look forward to 2006.

[dead_cactus]

Good job, lots of great photos.

Looks like 05 was a blast.

Next year I hope to be able to make a few meets and if everything works out I would like to start showing with the rest of the top show crew.

[R_J_3]

Great job man!!! Hey I actually saw my car beside yours in the weston meet... Much respect to you and the club. We hope to join you guys more in the summer.

[Gen1GT]

Hey, who's got that Rogue Squadron pic? Can somebody send it to me? djjosh75@hotmail.com

[hamidrizvi]

Thats it. I gotta start coming to more of these events. The only one Ive been to is the rookie meet...

That's it...a new new years resolution, lol

[Scooter]

Thats it. I gotta start coming to more of these events. The only one Ive been to is the rookie meet...

That's it...a new new years resolution, lol

Great. You can start by signing up for this --> http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22539 :D

[Spyder01]

For members that are interested, I noticed that some of the video files here no longer work as they were uploaded to putfile. In the coming few weeks, I will slowly go through each one again and search my files to re-upload the files to youtube this time so newer members will be able to watch the video clips :)

[Perma]

Can you up to Google Video?

I hate YouTube with the firey passion. :)

[Spyder01]

^Humm, I could...I've uploaded a few edited video clips to Google videos but its not as user friendly as youtube.. the videos also takes a few days before its shown to the public since an actual google person has to see the video first to approve it

[Perma]

Ah, I wasn't aware. Well, it's up to you man. I'd suffer the loading times of a YouTube page to watch the vids either way.

[Mike_Moss]

YouTube rocks!