[DeTomaso] RRORR vs. Mangusta 8MA898 - Epilogue

[Gary Bartley]

Last Friday we met with Michael Frazier and Jim Cooper in San Antonio 
for dinner and some cafe racing.  Sylvia presented Michael and Jim with 
framed pictures of the four of us along with a RRORR dash plaque and 
some words of appreciation.  They seemed to appreciate the gesture.  We 
also discussed the '08  BBORR and Michael already has commitments from 
several Panteras.

We returned home on Saturday to find a UPS box waiting.  Inside was the 
Ellis Woumnm Memorial Iron Man Award for 2007.  It is stunning! 

Last Monday a letter arrived from Dennis Antenucci.  Dennis explained in 
the letter about the history of Lt. Commander Ellis Woumnm and the 
significance of the Iron Man Award.  To be considered for this award is 
truly a humbling experience.

Also included with the letter was a check for our entry fees.  Sylvia 
immediately took the check and went shopping.  I'm pretty sure she is 
shopping for a new clutch or maybe a set of headers but we will have to 
wait and see...

Today I noticed that John Taphorn had some very nice things to say about 
us in  the November Newsletter's President's Message.  Thanks John!

Mike Drew is waiting on me to send him pictures so he can put an article 
in a future Profiles.  I, in turn, am waiting on "official pictures" 
from Fort Stockton.

We feel very honored to have received the Ellis Woumnm Memorial Iron Man 
Award and all the attention.  It is much more than we expected when we 
set out to learn about open road racing and our Mangusta.  We feel we 
accomplished our objective and made a lot of new friends along the way.

For those that aren't burned out about this by now, some general 
pictures are posted here; links are on the left:
http://www.rrorr.net/2007/2007results.html

And here is a good video showing the starting grid, a great shot of 
Michael Frazier leading us to our grid spot, several cars taking off and 
some in-car footage from the #73 Opel with the rotary engine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX8P_1z7TLU%20

Again, our thanks and appreciation to Mad Dawg, Team Pantera Racing and 
all who have sent their comments, suggestions and support.

Best regards,

Gary Bartley