The origins of the HCOC was way back in late 1998 when two TOVA readers KL Tan and Pira both approached me separately with the idea of forming a Honda Club for Malaysia. Subsequently in January 24th 1999, we organised the initial gathering of a group of Honda enthusiasts at Taman Tun Dr Ismail in KL. Nine enthusiasts turned up with 8 Hondas and the gathering lasted almost 4 hours ! This was the beginning of what has now become the informal Honda Car Owners Club (HCOC).

The next gathering was planned to attract potential members. Held on February 28th 1999 at the Awan Besar rest-area in the Kesas highway attracted almost 30 Hondas.

 

The pioneers had a whale of a time experimenting with many varied activities, even a Civic convoy for a member's wedding ! However, for a long time, because we were still unsure of the viability of the club, we did not actively embark on any membership drives.

Subsequently as we originally feared, due to inexperience and over-ambitions, the running of HCOC over time began to suffer hiccups. Attendance to meetings/gatherings began to fall off as they become boring and predictable. Track-days were reasonably successful but we had no desire for HCOC to become a mere 'racing club'. Being a member of the HCOC no longer brought excitement to the members after the initial novelty died down and regretably a small number even left the club.

Nevertheless towards the end of 2000, with the benefit of experience, KL Tan's always capable assistance, and the emergence of many new very enthusiastic members, the HCOC experienced a resurgence in life !

Now, for 2001, the club committee, with the blessing of the members decided to renew efforts to bring excitement and life back into the club. HCOC Kick-Off 2001 was a gathering+track-day at the Batu Tiga Speedway Circuit. More than 35 Hondas turned up for this meet, including many new potential members. Flush with this success, and with the benefit of experience and experimentations, I have great confidence that the Honda Car Owners Club or HCOC will grow from strength to strength in 2001 and into beyond.

Objectives of the HCOC

My original vision for the Honda Car Owners Club remains intact to this day. In brief, the most important amongst them are to:

1. create fellowship and a community of Honda Enthusiasts in Malaysia
2. promote a sense of responsibility and sensibility amongst Honda owners
3. up-lift the technical knowledge of Honda owners
4. provide a resource for anything Honda

Some Activities of the HCOC

The HCOC organizes the following activities on a regular basis.

1. Informal Gatherings - Once or Twice a month
2. Formal Meetings - Once per quarter or Half-Yearly
3. Track-Days at the Sepang F1 Circuit - Once per quarter or Half-Yearly
4. Convoys (Day or Overnight trips) - Once per Quarter or Half-Yearly

In addition, HCOC frequently organizes other activities on an impromptu basis especially when an opportunity arises. Some of the more interesting activities we have held in the past includes

1. Attending the Grand-Opening of a new Speedshop in KL
2. Many Dyno-Days
3. Group Purchases of parts, eg Honda oil-filters

We are always planning many new innovative activities as time goes by.

HCOC maintains a private members-only listgroup (or email forum) where all members are automatically subscribed to. All announcements of activities or other important matters are posted to this list. The list is also a focus point for frequent very active discussions amongst the members.

HCOC used to have a home-page but it has since died a natural death due to lack of maintenance. Plans are however in place to create a new one soon.

Joining the HCOC

All genuine Honda enthusiasts are invited to join the Honda Car Owners Club. There is a nominal joining fee of M$50 for new members. The membership process is an informal one. However, potential members are required to satisfy a few basic criteria.

1. Must own a Honda or drive one on a regular basis - type/model NOT important.
2. Must not be an illegal road racer/earns money by participating in illegal races.
3. Be eager to share with and contribute to a community of like-minded Honda owners.

Interested parties start by sending their personal information to either one of the following persons via email:

1. WongKN - Acting 'President-1'
2. KLTan - Acting 'President-2'
3. KhuYM - Administrator

Information to send are your name, the area where you stay (general location is sufficient, eg Subang Jaya), your car model and the registration plate, and preferably a contact number.

After the initial contact, the interested potential new member will be invited to attend/join the next open HCOC activity, most typically a gathering or meeting. By joining the gathering, the new member can assess the HCOC (and vice-versa). If agreeable, the new member will be formally invited to join the HCOC and the final decision will be entirely up to the person.

We at HCOC look forward to welcoming many new members.