Saturday, June 19, was a rare "free" weekend on our schedule, so we decided to make our first trip to Thunderhill Raceway in Willows for the Shelby Mini-Nats.  We knew that CP members Rick Carlile and Carl Stein would be running their track cars.  The drive to Willows was an easy one with light traffic the entire distance.  We were in the Capri mainly due to fuel economy (a 250 mile round trip to Thunderhill) and carrying capacity.  We get double the mileage on regular gas and had enough trunk space for two chairs, a cooler, and other track survival gear.  Once at the raceway, we located the Sacramento Shelby group by finding the USA and Australian flags.  We thank them for allowing us to set up camp under their big blue tents.  Carl was busy readying the Trans Am Mangusta with the help of CP member Rick Moseley.  Rick Carlile was out on the track breaking in his new engine.  Rick told us that the Mercury Cyclone took first in its class at the Friday car show!  This was his best showing ever.  Roger Andresse, of the Sacramento Shelby Club, also won his class.  That probably turned out to be the high point for him since his Mustang  blew a head gasket on Saturday and had a very short race day as a result.   Fortunately, he had brought a second track car, a right hand drive Lotus Cortina, so the weekend wasn't a total loss.  Rick and Carl both had a good day at the track on Saturday with no major mechanical problems.  Rick did manage to get a black flag on one session for some spirited passing and Carl spun out the Mangusta (no damage).  Don't feel too bad Rick, event Juan Pablo got black flagged this weekend!  Rick also had the "fun" experience of having his throttle struck wide open.  The quick use of the kill switch prevented an off track excursion.  We were able to drive the raceway during the noon open track session.  It was a fun experience in the Capri with the top down.  Jim did a fine job following the line of the course, but it would have been more fun to drive the course at speed, instead of following a Honda and a pickup! 

We left Thunderhill for the drive home stopping for dinner at Murillo's in Vacaville for Mexican food. The restaurant is right off Highway 80.  It has plenty of parking, a large dining area,  and quick service.

 

 

 

 

 

Our POCA membership is now at 17.  Glen Cramer has rejoined POCA, welcome back Glen.

 

The topic of local CP dues for non-Pantera owners was discussed.  There was general agreement that an annual dues of $20 would be agreeable to those non- Pantera owners that are regulars at the CP meeting.  In fact, the dues plan was suggested by Ken (DeLorean) and agreed with by John W.(Bricklin). The ownership of an exotic car would be required for this type of CP membership.  It was pointed out that the $75 POCA dues were a bit steep for an non- Pantera owner, but they would like to contribute financially to the club, thus the suggestion of non-Pantera owner local dues.  We would like all members to think about this idea.  We will have  discussion and vote at the next CP meeting.  The only thing that I think needs to be considered is that because we are a POCA Chapter, their by-laws require that chapter officers be POCA members. That would mean that these non-POCA, non-Pantera owner CP members could not be officers.  We might also want to have a built in provision that if a non-Pantera owner member should become a Pantera owner, then they would no longer be eligible for that type of CP membership.  We are not considering any other type of local dues at this time.

 

 

Rick M. was not present to report of what is happening with the River Cats outing.  As information is received, it will be passed along to the membership.

 

 

 

 

Oct 10- 17th Annual Italian Car & Motorcycle Show - Lincoln Middle School, 1250 Fernside Blvd., Alameda - 10am to 3pm, no entry fee for exhibitors!