The January 12th meeting at our new site offered the best of Mimi’s cooking and more variety from which to choose. More important is the company of Pantera owners listening to Dave Rudderow outline the year with the next three events being Rod’s Tech Session 15th, SpeedZone run 29th, and his own Superbowl Party on Feb 6th. New members in attendance were Paul Westberg and Mark Hesford. Paul drove his silver blue Pantera while Mark must wait for his car to arrive from back east. Paul commented that this group made him feel welcomed and likes the idea of badges to help the newcomers (also old timers like myself).
The Tech session was held to replace my tired engine with a spare engine and trans. The morning began at 9 at my request but was marked with outstanding progress. Pull team of Dave, Roydon Huges, Gary Mitchem, Bob Culpepper, Rick Flores, Bob Singer, Rich Cyr, Steve Webster, Bill Wright, Gary Hirschberg, and Gary Kiebel did a great job. Even former President Jim Kucera came by to check the progress. Old engine and transaxle were out by noon; just in time for Phyllis’ special chili. This time I did not mess up the French Fries cause we didn’t have em. Optimism was dashed as we swapped the parts from one engine to the other and ran into those little gremlins placed before us by those mischievous Italian fabricators. By the end of day one, we had the Pantera on the lift with the major issue being an engine that sat 1/4 inch from the norm meaning that the front pulley would not fit. Sunday, day two, ended with everything in place but with adjustments needed for clutch slave cylinder, shift linkage and timing. Many thanks to all of you!
Join us at Speed Zone on January 29th for family fun Drag, scale Indy and Kart racing or electronic games and mini golf. We’ll meet at Donut Derelicts Magnolia & Adams HB at 9AM, have breakfast at Zubies, leave for 17871 Castleton St., City of Industry at 10 for arrival at 11AM. Special parking has been set aside for our cars. Let me say that I love the karts but there is nothing like the sensation of driving a 300HP dragster. The offer is a $30 gift card for $25 if we have at least 10 people when we sign in.
Remember the next meeting is Wednesday February 9th 2005 at Mimi’s 7:00PM Brookhurst & Ellis in Fountain Valley near 405. Volunteer to direct/host a monthly event by contacting Dave at 714 969-1301.
Can you say FUN? Dave knows how and promises tons of it at
his home in Huntington Beach. 20322 Sea
Circle is the site of this true artist.
Those of you who enjoyed his BBQ last summer will understand me. Even so, more surprises are in store for you
as you see what he has accomplished these last few months. His eclectic taste is shown throughout. Oh, come to watch the game if you wish but
do come to see everyone and everything.
Bill Harris and Cindy will host the TPOC Temecula Wine Tour on Saturday March 12th. They scouted out 20 wineries and selected 6 wineries which have Pantera friendly parking. We will have a lunch at one of the wineries, tour another, maps, and several photo opportunities for a great magazine article (maybe a cover photo?). The Adlers (Dave & Linda) have graciously offered their "Pantera Groves" Avocado ranch and home as our last stop. This will allow our group to rest and relax before the ride home. Twenty-five dollars should be budgeted for wine tasting fees which run $5-$6 at most wineries. The plan is to start at Donut Derelicts (optional breakfast at Zubie's), depart at 9AM for the 405 Fwy southbound. Then we’ll go southbound on the 5 & take Hwy 74 "Ortega Highway" through the mountains to Lake Elsinore. Head southbound 15 to Temecula. At the end of the day, we’ll travel south on 15 to 76 and west back to the 5 and north to Orange County. We will need to RSVP a head count for the restaurant so call Bill at 714 903-4471 wlhpantera@aol.com.
TPOC Racing invites you to
run your car at speed on the Willow Springs Track in Rosamond. Jim and Cherie Saxton host both Pantera and
Ferrari clubs for this two day event twice a year. TPOC helps registration on the 5th as a fund raiser
(please volunteer). So, bring your car
and experience the fastest track in the west (often the site of new car testing
as seen on Speed Channel). Or, come and
make the TPOC treasury grow by helping the registration and enjoy watching some
very fast, expensive cars race. In any
case, both Jim and Cherie will make you feel right at home.
Mark your book for the annual
POCA Las Vegas Fun Rally and/or Track event in April. The year is especially troublesome for the
organizers so if you do plan to attend please make your reservations early at http://www.panteraclub.com/
.
Be aware of a major change
from previous years' Fun Rally registration:
you will be responsible for making your room reservations at The
Orleans. Mention "POCA" when
you contact The Orleans for accommodations.
Our rates start at $59 per night Sunday through Thursday and $109 for
Friday and Saturday plus tax. These
special rates expire on SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2005 when unreserved rooms revert
back to the hotel. Do it now because
can always cancel with a full room refund up to 48 hours before your scheduled
arrival. The toll free number for reservations is 1-800-675-3267. The Orleans' site www.orleanscasino.com will give you
descriptions of its rooms and suites.
PCNC has booked this year’s track event at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. Located about 51 miles from the Orleans Casino Hotel, the Fun Rally has used this 2.2 mile road course in years past. It is under brand new management and they have gone out of their way to accommodate us on Thursday and Friday, April 28 and 29. You can visit their website at www.springmountainmotorsports.com to learn more about the course. Many like this road course better than the one at LVMS. Sign up before February 1 to get a bargain price of $150 or $200 for one or two days, respectively. From February 1 until March 31, the prices are $175 and $250. If you wait until after April 1, the cost becomes $200 and $300. The PCNC web site - http://www.panteraclubnorcal.com/track.htm has online information, registration and payment.
Dave and the Board are
working on possibly hosting a concours
in late summer. What do you think? Will you help? Let any board member or me know your
thoughts at rkunishige@hotmail.com
714 374-8177..
Reminders:
January 29 TPOC
Drags & Karts at Speed Zone, City of Industry. Rick Flores 714 953-5948.
February 6 SuperBowl
party noon at Dave Rudderow’s.
Can you name what is nailed to his wall?
February 9 TPOC Meeting 7PM Mimi’s on
Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your
car and your significant other.
March 5-6 Willow Springs Open Track put your
car at speed safely. Call Jim Saxton
626 285-2024.
March 9 TPOC Meeting 7PM Mimi’s on
Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your
badge.
March 12 Temecula Winery Run meet at Donut Derelicts Magnolia & Adams HB. Bill Harris 714 903-4471.
April 8-10 LB Grand Prix fun for those who
enjoy more than left turns.
April 27 LasVegas Fun Rally & Pahrump Track Days. A must thru May day.
May 11 TPOC
Meeting 7PM Mimi’s on Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your & your significant other’s
badge.
June 8 TPOC
Meeting 7PM Mimi’s on Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your or your significant other’s car.
TPOC members try your club site at
www.ocpanteras.com. You’ll find everything there as we transition from
Yahoo group to our new home. Contact
Roydon Hughes at GR8KAT@OCPanteras.com
.