National meets are all about cars and  people but also about having a good time and parties...

One of the primary sponsor of the 2001 JCNA Challenge Championship, Jaguar Credit, is actually based in Franklin and played an important logistic role in the organization of the JCC; it was natural that the official welcome party held on Thursday evening would be held at their facilities only a few hundred yards from the Marriott. It was well within walking distance but event organizers had set up a bus shuttle to transport guests. Of course a few of us drove there...

A pair of all new Jaguar X-Types graced the entrance of the futuristic Primus Jaguar Credit building where guests were welcomed and led inside as the party originally planned outdoors had been moved because of a chance of rain.

It was certainly good news for the spectacular ice sculptures, in shape of a Leaper and of the Jaguar name, which wouldn't have lasted long in the heat of the Tennessee summer !

Speeches were kept to the minimum of a brief welcome by Jaguar Credit brand director Dennis Lassiter, as many JCC participants had just arrived especially those flying in making this the first occasion to meet the many people we know for neighboring clubs. Also present and talking to enthusiasts were retired Jaguar chief tester Norman Dewis and Jaguar North America former president Mike Dale.

The food was excellent and there was plenty to drink... As a souvenir, all the guests received a pair of Champaign glasses engraved with a Jaguar logo and entertainment was provided by a very good local Bluegrass group which provided a local flavour to this international gathering.

(pictures on this page Ginger Corda, JCOF)