CAPITOL PANTERAS 
July 2004
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We would encourage everyone to become
a POCA member, if you aren't already a member. Your membership in the
national club helps fund your local chapter. You can download a
membership application at http://www.panteraclub.com Please help our club grow.
Thunderhill Shelby
Mini-Nats
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.
Carl burning up the track in his Qvale Trans Am
Mangusta
Rick's mighty Mercury Cyclone
Meeting Notes, July 13, 2004
We had 9 people at Mimi's for
the July meeting of the Capitol Panteras. The weather was great, so we
were out on the patio. Next month, if the weather allows, we will be out on
the patio again for our meeting. This view of the parking brought up
the topic of cones. It was agreed to have the club purchase a half dozen
small cones to be stored at Mimi's. The restaurant will set them out for
each meeting to reserve a parking block for our use. Jeff volunteered to
do the cone shopping. So bring your club car to the next meeting to take
advantage of the new cones.
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.
Treasurer John McNamee was not present at this
months meeting, but we did collect $10 from George for the club website. We
still need to collect the annual $10 fee from some other members to help
support our website. Please pay John M. at the next meeting.
Remember that this fee was voted on when we voted to establish our Capitol
Pantera website.
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.
Wanted: Articles for CP
Newsletter
If you have attended a car function of any
type, please write about your car adventures and send it to jes@rickadee.net to be included in the next Capitol Pantera newsletter.
If newsletter articles are not received, then it will be more of Jim &
Emilia's automotive adventures.
2004 EVENTS
CALENDAR
July 25 - Hot Rods and Harleys Car
Show - Lodi Lake
Aug 10 - Capitol Pantera meeting at
Mimi's
Sept 14 - Capitol Pantera meeting at
Mimi's
Oct 9 - Rio Rendezvous Car Show - Rio
Vista
Oct 10- 17th Annual Italian Car & Motorcycle Show - Lincoln
Middle School, 1250 Fernside Blvd., Alameda - 10am to 3pm, no entry fee for
exhibitors!
Oct 12 - Capitol Pantera meeting at
Mimi's
Nov 9 - Capitol Pantera meeting at
Mimi's
Dec ?? -Capitol Panteras Christmas Party (no
meeting at Mimi's this month)
Suggestions for other activities in the
coming year include;
Great Pantera back road getting
there!!
Please keep us informed of other dates and
activities.
Jim & Emilia
Seiferling
Pantera #1575