[DeTomaso] NPC SV: Kirby Racing the Saturn V

[Mikael]

" 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." I love it. I
remember when starting to save up for my first V8, a guy had a 1970 Chevelle
SS with a wild SBB. Apparently he had spent all the money on the engine, he
couldn't afford to get much mufflers on it. I worked evenings at a gas
station, one night he came by, I could hear it long before I could see it.
And when he let it idle outside, approx. 1500 rpm, all the goods on the
shelves in the store vibrated and rattled :-). My Triumph Spitfire seemed a
little inadequate that evening...

The Chevelle was totaled soon after by a little old lady in a Saab
rear-ending it :-(

Mikael

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: John Taphorn [mailto:jtaphorn at kingwoodcable.com] 
Sendt: 28. juli 2013 03:15
Til: detomaso at poca.com
Emne: [DeTomaso] Kirby Racing the Saturn V


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