[DeTomaso] Kirby Racing the Saturn V

[Julian Kift]

Great to hear that Kirby is having fun, he sent me some photos a while back and it sure looked the part.
On a similar but NPC note we ran the Reynard 90H Formula Atlantic at Reno-Fernley at a test/tune day on Friday, its first outing after a 10 year hiatus in someones collection. My good friend and SCCA racer Bill put almost 100 hours into restoration, preparation and shop setup. It ran flawlessly, the only adjustments we made were in ride height and after lunch with a couple other participants broken we had the track all to ourselves, but by 3:30 the heat had us beat.
Julian

> Date: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 22:00:28 -0700
> From: asajay at asajay.com
> To: detomaso at poca.com
> Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Kirby Racing the Saturn V
> 
> 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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