www.ocpanteras.com

September 15, 2005

West Coast Racing invites you to run all makes & models at speed on the Willow Springs road race track in Rosamond, just north of Lancaster. Jim and Cherie Saxton host both Pantera and Ferrari clubs for this two day event twice a year. TPOC helps registration on the 5^th 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). The cars are divided into 4 classes based on your skill level from pro to novice (instructors provided) and car preparation. Or, come and make the TPOC treasury grow by helping with 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. This is a relaxed event to learn much while emphasizing SAFETY.

Paul Westberg Wins, as a first time participant, with his fresh 71 Pantera at the Concorso Italiano gathering both "Best Paint" and "Best of Show".   There were about 80 cars in the Pantera Class alone. Paul said, “I got to drive my car up on the show platform, get out and speak to the TV interviewer for about 10 minutes… (with) about 700 people in the stands.  I also had the great pleasure to meet … and compared notes with Tom Tjaarda (Pantera’s designer) about my car and the overall Pantera design.  I was concerned that he might take offense to my modifications of the original car.  He indicated that the scoops on the side were something they originally thought of doing but were held back by Ford.  He is also an Architect and we talked about many design ideas together.  He graduated from University of Michigan’s school of architecture.  He loved my new interior (we did it in the last two weeks). We worked on the car until 5am Thursday morning, put it on a trailer and towed it up to Monterey that day.  We attended the all day Concorso on Friday, the Rolex Historics on Saturday and mingled with the elite at the Concourse d'Elegance at Pebble Beach on Sunday.” 

The Neil Diamond impersonator entertained us in a style that is extremely hard to beat. Ron & Gayle Huff hosted a BBQ affair that sets a very high standard. The setting itself was perfect for this large crowd and clearly their home was designed specifically for our enjoyment. Perched atop the hills, we had vistas that stretched into the sunset. Closing for Neil was the fireworks show from Disney with its sparkling light aplenty. The open bar kept us all awash while the varied dishes insured that no one left unsatisfied. All agreed to beseech the Huffs to host our BBQ next year. Have you made your voice heard? Thank you Ron & Gayle!

Saturday found us at Phil Reed’s Museum eyeing his many cars. Among them are early century autos and motorcycles including a 1901 Winton previously owned by Gene Autrey, 04 Mitchell, 04 Olds, 02 Boyer (a French example 2 cyl 3 spd rear driver), 06 REO, 08 Buick Touring, a Stutz, 33 Rolls Towncar and 23 Studebaker touring that is occasionally driven by his wife Joy. More modern marks shown are 42 M38 Jeep by Ford, MGTC, a rare MGA Coupe and a very sharp 76 Morgan. Both are headed to England (Joy’s former home) to show three of their pre-05 cars. A Thor and 1914 Indian are the bikes on display with a hard to find James being restored at home.

Sunday was the annual Belmont Shores show in Long Beach. This year we did not get the desirable on street parking for the club. Instead we were assigned two side street zones and yet, because of Steve Wilkinson’s attractive Model A pickup, we got plenty of traffic to view our cars. The expected overcast day faded into full sunshine and rewarded me with sunburn.

Paul Westberg is preparing clean/safe/work garage space for our cars - scheduled late December at about $350/month.

Reminders: from rkunishige@hotmail.com

Sep 14 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your Pantera.

Sep 18 Palos VerdesConcours Richard Barkley hosts this upscale show.

Oct 8-9 Coronado Speed Festival check w/ Ron Novak for details 714 554-935.

Oct 9 LB Swap meet 6AM Long Beach Veterans Stadium $8 admission.

Oct 12 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your pictures.

Oct 15-16 Central Coast Wine run Paul Westberg (949) 721-1091 plans a caravan to some of the same wineries in the popular “Sideways” movie. We’ll be staying at Santa Maria Inn for $92.00/night w/secured parking.  Dinner will be at Santa Maria BBQ. 

Nov 1-4 SEMA LV Show http://www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=52905 - days of stuff to see. We get entrance reserved for car vendors and resellers only (no general public). This is a POCA perk.

Nov 5-6 Willow Springs Open Track featuring Panteras and Ferraris---Jim Saxton 626 285-2024. This TPOC event is on the fastest track in the West. It is often seen on Speed TV for car testing. Why not test your ride where the pros test? This event is for pro and novice alike classed in 4 groups. Register b4 10/16 for $225 or $250 thereafter ($25 for 2^nd driver).

Nov 9 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your stories.

Nov 12-13 Vara Finale Big Bore Bash Willow Springs Raceway. Hear the vintage ROAR.

Nov 12 TPOC Indoor GoKart Racing - real track time w/ Rick Flores 714 953-5948. How fast can you pilot one of these quick machines? Are you the best TPOC has to offer? Driving suit & helmet provided.

Nov 13 LB Swap meet 6AM Long Beach Veterans Stadium $8 admission.

Nov 27 LB Swap meet 6AM Long Beach Veterans Stadium $8 admission.

Dec 11 TPOC Christmas Party Meadowlark Golf in Huntington Beach 11-3PM for DeTomaso cars & cheer. Show your car in the special parking. Contact Bob Singer 714 960-2323 for tickets at $25 each.

Feb 11-12 Palm Springs Run Judy McCartney offers a ride on the Tram or Golfing.

Paul Westberg (949) 721-1091 needs your call if you plan to join us on our Central Coast Wine run. It is sure to be a great weekend for all. Call him now.

TPOC Indoor GoKart Racing - w/ Rick Flores (714) 953-5948. This is serious track time and an opportunity to test your skills against other TPOC members in a very safe setting. Will you be the “King of the Hill”?

TPOC Christmas Party at Meadowlark Golf Club in Huntington Beach is coming too. So, mark your calendars! We’ll be inviting all of POCA to join the fun. Let’s fill the parking lot with De Tomasos autos including yours. If you got em, drive em.

Do you have a Pantera project for a tech session? Call Rod 714 374-8177 to schedule it. I have two volunteer workshop sites. Is it time for us to have another fluid change tech session?

Rod, that’s me, lost the TPOC badges at the swap meet. So, if you or your associate would like one call me at 714 374-8177or email me at rkuishige@hotmail.com.

Please take the time to check your own info printed in the POCA Membership directory and forward any changes to Judy McCartney listed on the back cover. Check your phone numbers, email address and most importantly your associate’s name. Oops, it’s not listed but we do want it for our database anyway.