January 22, 2005

What a gas! Dave Rudderrow drove his 33 Willys gasser to Donut Derelicts on 10/7/06 proving that Pantera folks also like cars that go in a straight line very fast as well as road track cars like those at Willow Springs this month. Oh, we even like those funny cars that prefer left turns only races. The point is that we are car enthusiasts not just European sports nuts. Dave’s extended garage also houses an American Austin for those who know what this 1930’s icon is. For me, I remember its brethren called American Bantam on the 60s drag strips powered by blown Hemis. Other TPOC members ride Model As, 57 Bel Airs, MGs, Hondas (bikes), Avillas, Harleys, and Triumphs

POCA votes are needed by Dec 15^th. Both you and your associate may vote so indicate the number of votes for each position. As always, we want everyone to vote.

Willow Springs Open Track was a great event held throughout a warm sunny day. Photos by Bill Harris.

TPOC members signed in over 130 drivers while others performed tech inspections. Paige Adler prepares for the track.

Larry Stark from Reno NV and PCNC ran his car in the race after blowing his brains out (Duraspark). A loaner got him back on the track in time for the race. Race winner was a Challenge Cup Porsche with a professional driver.

Cherie Saxton hosted an outstanding lunch for the workers. It means that this writer will be joining weight watchers now.

Is that Al Chelini showing what he thinks of Panteras? Cindy Parsons seems to agree as she prepares Bill Harris’ car.

Larry announced a new track in the Reno area while Jim Saxton asked for $50 deposits for a Button Willow open track.

Sign up with Jim Saxton 626 285-2024 now for next Willow Springs on Mar 4-5. Let him know if you want to run on the Button Willow track too. It is sometimes used by PCNC so they are surely invited. ORR guys can sort out their cars.

TPOC’s Christmas Party will be very special with a new upscale site at Mesa Verde Country Club that promises to be even more fun than last year. The dress code demands no denim clothing and appropriate dress. Special parking will be reserved for 30 DeTomaso cars. Why not wander among these cats while holding that favorite drink in your hand? Chat with about 75 of your closest friends from throughout California. Contact Gayle Huff or Bob Singer for more info. Arrive at 10am to help us for the 11:00 opening.

Gondola Cruise in Naples is a touch of Italy right here in Long Beach. See flyer. Call Bob Singer to save a spot. Were you one of the 11 who voted at the last meeting? Candidates Dave Rudderow President, Rod Kunishige VP, Bill Wright Secretary, Bob Singer Treasury, Gayle Huff, Bill Harris & Gary Hirschberg at large won seats on the board. Join us in January to set the events for next year.

Reminders: from rkunishige@hotmail.com. Please email needed corrections/additions to me.

Nov 18 Pantera International hosts their Mex feast 10-3PM open to all. RSVP 714 744-1398 sales@pim.net.

Nov 26 Long Beach Swap at Memorial Stadium.

Dec TPOC Mtg Cancelled.

Dec 3 TPOC Christmas Party RSVP to Dave Rudderow or Bob Singer to join this SoCal chapters yearly $35 event.

Dec 10 Long Beach Swap at Memorial Stadium.

Dec 30        Gondola Cruise in Naples Alamitos Bay at 5437 Ocean Long Beach 5:45PM.  $25.00 p/p  or 20+  $20.00 p/p plus tip.  Bring beverage of choice - they provide snacks.  Call Dave for reservations 714-969-1301.  Dinner at Domenico’s 5339 E 2^nd St Belmont Shore afterwards.

Jan 10 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your suggestions for club events.

Jan 15? Palm Springs to enjoy the sun led by Judy McCartney. Possible tram ride to the top, see the plane museum, gambling, follies or sightseeing.

Feb Superbowl Party at Dave’s.

Mar 4-5 Willow Springs Open Track sponsored by Jim Saxton 626 285-2024. West Coast Racing featuring Panteras and Ferraris invites you to run all makes & models at speed on the Willow Springs road racetrack 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 4^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 TV). 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.

Mar 14 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your fund raiser ideas.

Apr 10 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your favorite tool recommendation.

Apr 25-29 POCA Las Vegas Fun Rally

May 9 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your best TPOC story.

Jun 13 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your associate.

Jul 11 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your associate.

Aug 8 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your associate.

Aug TPOC BBQ

Aug Monterey

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

Sep Belmont Shore

Oct 10 TPOC Mtg 7PM Mimi’s 18461 Brookhurst & Ellis FV. Bring your associate.

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

Nov Willow Springs Open Track

Dec TPOC Mtg Cancelled.

Dec TPOC Christmas Party

Newsletters are posted on the web site in its own section for those who would like to see these color photos contained herein.  Mailed newsletters are typically in b/w to reduce costs.  Please let Judy know if you’d like to get your newsletter via email, by post or both.

Please send any changes to Judy McCartney at jpoca2@hotmail.com ‘cause we’re considering sending a TPOC roster to you. Check your phone numbers, email address and most importantly your associate’s name. Oops, it’s not normally listed but we do want it for our database anyway. Then tell us what info you’d like to include or exclude in the roster to all our chapter members. I’m considering placing all the info into a TPOC directory for you.

Just ask Phyllis if you would like a free TPOC badge. We urge each of the 93 members to wear them proudly.

Write an article of your own and submit it to Mike Drew, or Jack Deryke.