[DeTomaso] Kirby Racing the Saturn V

[Asa Jay Laughton]

And now... if we just had some photos to go along with that.  :)

Asa

Asa Jay Laughton, MSgt, USAFR, Retired
& Shelley Marie
Spokane, WA
******************************     
http://www.racingagainstautism.com
http://www.teampanteraracing.com
http://facebook.com/racingagainstautism


On 7/27/2013 6:15 PM, John Taphorn wrote:
> What a terrific day.  Kevin Vincent, his son John and I left our homes
> this morning at 7am to crew for Kirby at Mercedes Motorsport Ranch in
> Angleton, Texas.  When we arrived at 8, Kirby was offloading the beast
> from the trailer with the aid of Alex Engles, Chuck's brother, who lives
> here in Houston.  Both Kevin and Alex are proud new Pantera owners.
>
> Rain postponed activities a bit in the morning and the day was designed
> to support a local charity.
>
> The Saturn V is a 700hp dedicated track
> pantera that has been refined over time by Gray and Dennis Quella; yet,
> has seen precious little track time.  For the past two months, Kirby has
> been giving the car the once over to ready it for some vintage racing.
>
> Locally, Tom Upton, has been a dedicated vintage racer with his
> Pantera.  He has finally recruited another to champion the Marque with
> him.  It really is terrific. The camaraderie will make the experience
> better for both of them. Hats of to Gray, whose busy vintage racing
> schedule with multiple Chevrons(16 & 23) prevents him from an effort
> with the Pantera, to allow Kirby to keep it exercised and exposed.
>
> The Pantera is called Saturn V as it was the loudest car that I have
> ever been on a racetrack with.  I couldn't even hear my car as it was
> coming up from behind.  My car shook and shuttered as it would pass by.
>
> Anyway, Kirby eventually got the opportunity to stretch its legs out on
> the track.  He impressed the instructors after a few short laps and then
> he was off soloing.  I have to give Kirby a lot of credit. It was so
> friggen hot and there he was running the car in a fire-suit.  I was
> exhausted just watching.  He really did well.
>
>
> His son Dylan, also a Pantera owner closing up a restoration, and his girlfriend came by to help. Then, Gray and his fiance,
> Heidi, arrived. Gray went for a few laps and showed the
> Pantera's backside to all comers. Unfortunately, the car eventually
> coasted to a halt.  We were thinking if the engine shed parts, thankfully
> Gray was at the helm. Fortunately, Heidi diagnosed the problem before
> anyone had an opportunity to even look at the car.  A 20 cent fuse.
>
> Before we left, it was imperative to try out the tracks impressive go-cart rentals and dedicated race track.  It was a blast.  Could be a potential destination at
> a future Fun Rally.
>
> I don't know how the rest of the afternoon concluded after we left at
> 2pm.  Today is my anniversary and I had obligations at home that I am
> delighted to attend to with the Mrs.
>
> I suspect Kirby and Gray will both sleep well tonight.  They will be
> exhausted - heat exhaustion.
>
> Good times in TX
>
> JT
>
>
>
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