Exhaust Notes Newsletter of the St Louis Triumph Owners Association Vol 14, Issue 5 May 2012

Exhaust Notes Newsletter of the St Louis Triumph Owners Association Www.SLTOA.org Vol 14, Issue 5 May 2012

Gear Shift By Tony Panchot Missouri Mini-Endurance Rally

Greetings all SLTOA and They came, they saw, they drove, all over the place, including several teams from SLTOA, other LBC owners, drivers and one team from Chicago in a TR6 plus a large MG contingent. The teams departed the Hooters passengers! in Maryland Heights on Saturday 21 April starting at 6:30, with the Mini-Endurance competitors returning 12 hours later and the full-tour Endurance drivers having until 8 AM to run the course Here we are just that closer with the lowest possible miles. to the sweltering summer. A few weeks back I attended the In the end, Mark Michalak and Mark Wenger from Chicago took the 24-hour Rally with a total Boeing autocross, John mileage of 734.77, a total of only 5.46 miles over (under?) the second place MG Club of St Menke, Chris Kressler and Louis team of John Mangles and Robert Rushing. The team of Ranney Dohogne/Bob Strath- Crieg participated and we had man took the shorter event with 398.67 miles, having covered the route 12.4 miles “quicker” a great time, I would like to than runners-up Janel Demick and Carol Mangles of MGCstL. encourage readers to come on out and drive your car, As for the rest—including the Triumph faithful—here are the results: learn the ins and outs, you Missouri Endurance Rally (place/driver/nav/miles): can drive your LBC or daily driver. It’s just good clean fun 1. Mark Michalak/Mark Wenger: 734.77 and you will drive away just 2. John Mangles/Robert Rushing: 740.23 3. Keith Mangles/Steve Higdon: 742.68 (Continued on page 5) (Continued on page 4) Forest Park Redux In Memoriam Alan Mann By Kathy Kresser part of ‘The Plan.’ Let the Triumph club win a 1936-2012 few times to feel good, then snatch it. Now, if It is official—MGs 28 vs 23 Triumphs! we can only keep it!” The first ever win for the MGs in this annual On the other hand, while eating crow, Craig Easter Car Show competition for the most Madsen, organizer for the Triumph club, said, MGs or Triumphs. A gorgeous day for cars “When you snooze, you loose.” and people whether you were showing or admiring classic cars and hot rods. Parking John Mangles accepted the trophy from the was in short supply for the spectators as re- SLTOA President, Tony Panchot, at the cord crowds enjoyed the display of cars. monthly meeting in April. Tony commented, “It took three years but the MGs finally found John Mangles, President of the MG Club enough MGs to win.” Mangles responded, “It said, “Thanks to the MG and Triumph owners Ford of Britain is easy to have a static display of the cars; the for participating. To quote Bob Bentzinger of Alan Mann Racing the MG club, ‘The MGs triumphed!’ It was all (Continued on page 4) 1

Calendar

27 May 2012—Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor 15 May 2012—SLTOA Monthly meeting, Speedway, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com. Mike Duffy’s, Woodsmill Plaza. 30 May 2012—British National Car Week Welcome/ Jun 2012—SLTOA Annual Drive/Picnic, date Kick-Off Event, see page 3. and location TBA. 30 May-3 Jun 2012—British National Car Week Na- 20-23 June 2012—TRA National Meet, Little Switzer- tional Meet, Hot Springs National Park, AR. See page land, NC. See pg 3. 3. 27-30 Sept 2012—Triumphest 2012, hosted by Desert 1-2 Jun 2012—23rd Annual Heartland MG Regional Centre TRA in Flagstaff, AZ. Host hotel is the Little America, , Historic Square, Independence, participating clubs include Southern California Triumph Own- Car Show & Swap Meet ers Association, Triumph Register of Southern California, Tri- MO. Primarily MG related, but show classes established for umph Sports Car Club of San Diego and Triumph Travelers Triumphs and Austin Healeys. Information available at Sports Car Club. More information including registration ma- www.heartlandmgregional.com. terials at www.triumphest.com. 1-3 Jun 2012—21st Annual Champagne British Car 6-9 Sept 2012—2012 TRials, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Can- Festival, on the lawn of the David Davis Mansion State His- ada, sponsored by 6-Pack, www.6-pack.org/j15/. toric Site, 1000 Monroe Dr, Bloomington, IL. Aston-Martin is the featured marque; contact Dave Hauman (309)838-4707 or 21-25 Oct 2012—VTR National [email protected] for more information. Convention, Galveston, TX. The th Texas Triumph Register is hosting, 3 Jun 2012—25 Annual St Louis Euro- event hotel is the San Luis Resort. pean Auto Show, presented by Bentley of St Info at http://kingswayrc.com/txtr/ Louis. Plaza Frontenac, $25 per car in advance, index.shtml. $35 day of show, call up www.stleuropeanautoshow.com/euroshow/ default.aspx. 11-13 May 2012—Springtime in the Smokies, at the th Tally Ho Inn, Townsend, TN. Open to all British cars and 8-10 Jun 12—6 Annual Euro/British Motor Extrava- bikes; awards, tech sessions and banquet, featured marque is ganza, Sand Springs, OK. Sponsored by the Jaguar Club of the Triumph Spitfire. Proceeds to the Blount County Children’s Tulsa, benefits the Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma. Home, info at www.blountbritishcars.org. Events included a tailgate party, autocross and awards banquet. For more information see www.eumoex.com. 19 May 2012—Classic Cars & Coffee, Starbucks at Man- chester & McKnight, Rock Hill Plaza (9616 Manchester), 8:30- 9 June 12—Lawrence All British Car 11:30 AM. Show, at Bambino’s, 15th and Wakarusa, Law- rence, KS, 10 AM-2 PM. “No prizes, no judging, 19-20 May MG Club of St Louis Fling in the Spring. just British fun!” For info, contact Bill Fisher at Join us for lunch in Fulton, MO, at Winston’s, followed by des- [email protected] or (785)760-1747. sert at the Central Dairy in Jefferson City. We have a 3:30 reservation at the original Missouri State Pen (1836-2004), 412 10 Jun 2012—Boeing Sports Car Club per person; dinner will follow at Madison’s Café. Rooms Autocross No. 3, Family Arena, St Charles. Contact Racer booked at Baymont Inn & Suites for those who want to spend Steve at [email protected] for info. the night, possible stop at Hermann for lunch on Sunday. For info and questions contact Mike Fishman at sul- 16 Jun 2012—Mid-Iowa Car Classic, held in conjunction [email protected], or call (314)453-0331. with the Johnston Green Days Festival in Johnston, IA, proceeds to Youth Homes of Mid America Festival runs 14-17 th 20 May 2012—5 Annual Concours d’Elegance, June, includes live bands, a parade, carnival, beer garden, rib Kemp Auto Museum, 16955 Chesterfield Airport Rd, 10 AM cook-off contest and much more. Fore more info and registra- to 3 PM. tion, call up www.midiowacarclassic.com. 21-23 May 2012—British V8 2012, in Palestine, TX. Six- 17 June 2012—11th Annual Cars With Class Fathers’ teenth annual meet with rally/poker run, tour of the Texas State Day Car Show, Museum of Transportation, St Louis, spon- Railroad Museum, tech/dyno sessions, autocross and more. sored by the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri. Gates open For information, monitor www.britishv8.org/British-V8- at 8 AM, for registration/info call up www.hccmo.com or call Meetings.htm or call Wayne Kube at cell (214)236-0232. (314)991-HONK. th 26 May-3 Jun 2012—13 Annual British Car Week. 24 Jun 2012—25th Annual Michiana Brits Car Show at Watch here for regional events, for information/nationwide St Mary’s College, South Bend, IN, across the street from events contact Scott Helms at [email protected]. Notre Dame. Featured marque is the Jaguar E-Type, bring a can of food for the “Help Michiana Brits Drive Out Hunger” do- 27 May 2012—Boeing Sports Car Club Autocross No. nation to the Food Bank of Northern Indian. Info at 2, Family Arena, St Charles. For info or to sign up, contact www.michianabrits.com. Racer Steve at [email protected]. 2

th 15 Jul 2012—25 Annual British Car Day, Harbin Park, Cue the bagpipes! 1800 Hunter Rd, Fairfield, OH. Hosted by the British Car Club of Greater Cincinnati, info at www.bccgc.com. 1-2 Sept 2012—Kansas City All British Car & Cycle National Show. Sponsored by Victoria British, Ltd., will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MGB, Spitfire, Lotus Elan and AC Co- bra. Details to follow at kcallbritish.com. Meet 15 Sept 2012—31st Annual All British Car & Cycle Show, Creve Coeur Lake Park, http://allbritishcarshow.com/ Tue 29 May—SLTOA caravan to Little Rock, time and default.aspx. location of departure to be determined at the 15 May SLTOA Full listing at meeting. If you haven’t made your motel reservation yet, rec- www.sltoa.org/events/2012/events12.htm ommend you do so ASAP. “Club hotel” is the Comfort Inn & Suites at the Clinton Library, 707 I-30 (501)678-7700, plenty of others available in the area.

Wed 30 May—British Car Week 20-23 June 2012 National Meet Kick-Off Event, at Little Switzerland, NC, at the Switzerland Inn on the William J. Clinton Presidential Li- the Blue Ridge Parkway brary & Museum, 1200 Presidential Clinton Avenue. Event sponsored by Moss Motors and hosted by the St Louis LBC clubs with 12 cars in the “Circle of Honor,” led by a TR2. There will be a lunch with speaker as well as The World Champion St Louis Cardinals traveling display at the Museum. Two caravans will depart from the Clinton Li- brary for the main event at Hot Springs, led by a couple of squadrons of Spitfires. 30 May-3 Jun 2012—British National Car Week Na- tional Meet, Hot Springs National Park, AR. Meet and greet at the Arlington Hotel Wednesday night hosted by the British Motoring Club of Arkansas with a Contact TRA National Meet coordinator John Huddy at full slate of activities to follow, including mass drives; [email protected] or see the TRA events page club/marque lunches and events; speakers; competitive at www.triumphregister.com/newsevents.html. events; tech sessions; casino night; “Kilts, Bagpipes, Cigars & Scotch Whiskey;” local tours; slalom/autocross organ- ized by the Heart of America Jaguar Club; funkhana; and the All Things British Concours d’Elegance at Hot Springs Vil- lage, plus much, much more. See you in Arkansas! http://www.britishcarweeknationalmeet.org/

St Louis Triumph Owners Association

Member, St Louis Sports Car Council Www.stlscc.org 3

Forest Park (Continued from page 1)

Triumph owners should try driving their machines such as in the endurance rally.” Tony sported his new MG T-shirt – nice! Thanks to all – see you next year. Proofread by Anice Etz

Photos by Don Huber

Missouri Endurance Rally (Continued from page 1) 12. Dave Massey/Jeremy Dearing (SLTOA), TR6: 476.67 13. Bob Smith/Steve Schneider: 492.17 4. Abby Washburn/Josh Pesek: 752.57 DNF: Todd Brown/Bob Kramer (electrical issues) 5. Cameron Butz/Brian Viezbicke: 784.13 Mini Endurance Rally: Thanks to Lee Fox and Bruce Hamper. 1. Ranney Dohogne/Bob Strathman: 398.67 2. Janel Demick/Carol Mangles: 411.07 3. Simon Dix/Glen McMillin: 413.71 4. Adam Key/Kevin Stewart: 415.92 5. Creig Houghtaling/Phyllis (SLTOA), TR8: 427.58 6. Joe Honor/Joel Finkel (Chicago), TR6 438.1 7. Lee Fox/Bruce Hamper (SLTOA), TR6: 439.86 8. Peter Westbay/Carolyn: 455.9 9. Walt Murphy/Bob Bentzinger: 457.42 10. Bob Horzmann/Christian Sora: 457.46 11. Tom Bridges/Ashley Schaefer: 457.97

More Ed Debrecht Courtesy of the Debrecht family The family of Ed Debrecht (see the March 2012 Exhaust Notes) had one of the more entertaining displays at this year’s HCCMO Forest Park Concours, celebrating his life and legendary exploits as a St Louis import car dealer and autosports sponsor. Among the photos on display was the one at right, showing the dealership on Watson Road. Note the makes offered at the time: Triumph, Hillman/Sunbeam and Volvo. Hmmm...Triumphs and Volvo PV-544s? Could almost pass as an SLTOA meeting. Our thanks to the Debrecht family and for the use of the photos. .

Event Results: BSCC Autocross No. 1 Team Standings (total events: 1) Driver/points: Kresser, K, 9; Houghtaling, C, 6; Maneke, 4; Panchot, 3; Houghtaling, J, 2; Morgan, 0 The TR250 contingent. Photo by Tony Panchot

Sun 22 Apr 12, Family Arena, St Charles Overall Indexed Driver Car Class Finish Time Kresser, K PV-544 H Stock 13th 41.560 Houghtaling, C Yaris HS 29th 43.522 Maneke TR250 Street Touring C 33rd 45.339 Panchot TR250 STC 34th 45.378 Houghtaling, J Yaris HS 37th 46.606 Morgan TR6 ------DNS ------

Gear Shift (Continued from page 1) I like alive and well Club members the best! So hey, don’t al- low yourself to be distracted out there! Take a moment while I that much a better vehicle operator and that carries me to my put my soapbox away... next bit. Let’s have a great turn out at our next meeting as I would like to How often has someone’s poor driving caught your attention see everybody’s smiling face — Tony and then you see the cell in use? My point, we all are subject to distraction when driving, from the touch screen climate con- trol, to texting. It’s hard to remember the objective was to drain the swamp when you’re up to your ass in alligators, the old saying went. It’s now hard to remember the objective is to SLTOA’s on Facebook! drive when you’re up to your eyeballs in technology. Www.facebook.com/home.php? sk=group_134416839926824&ap=1 5

Group 44 (Continued from page 10) Trans-Am in 1988, serving as a factory team with Audi 200 Turbo Quattros; between them, drivers Hurley Haywood, Hans lowed with Stuck and Walter Roehrl took eight of the eleven races, class wins prompting the SCCA to ban all-wheel-drive vehicles in future at Watkins competitions. Re- Glen and markably, in 1989 Tul- L a g u n a lius and Group 44 even Seca. After went NASCAR racing, the SCCA running a Pontiac slapped the Grand Prix driven by TR8 with a Jim Sauter. The car weight pen- placed 9th at its initial alty, Tullius event, the Bud at the and Group Sebring 1980. David Kutz photo. Glen (Watkins Glen), Source: Canepa Design 44 shifted to but pretty much fin- IMSA competition in the GTO category, placing first in March ished at the back of the pack through six subsequent races. 1980’s Sebring 12-hour and August’s Molson Canadian 1000 During this period, Bob Tullius effectively retired from compe- at Mosport near Bowmanville, Ontario. tition driving. His record? A total of 234 races over 25 years Despite the demise of Triumph in 1980, the team continued with 33 wins and 39 class wins; the team, in total - all cars, all to race the TR8 with Canadian Bill Adam as the driver, while classes - notched over 300 victories. In an interview, Tullius periodically rolling out the XJS. However, the next big step commented on both his career and Group 44’s success: forward followed a decision by Jaguar Managing Director John As for the success of Group 44 it is like any business, Egan to support his company’s return to long distance proto- it takes a number of things to make a success. The type racing. The Lee Dykstra-designed XJR-5 resulted, built at companies that rise to the top have strong leadership. Group 44’s shops in Winchester, Virginia. Driven by Tullius Leadership by example is the best thing for any com- and Adam, the new Jag marked its first class win at the August pany big or small. I was a better than average race car 1982 500-mile race at Road America; it scored its first outright driver, but picking the right people at the right time to do victory at Road Atlanta in April 1983, followed by wins at the right job was my forte, and I was very successful in Mosport’s Labatt’s GT six-hour race in August and the Pocono doing that. It was that group of people who over the Camel GT 500 in September. years won races and satisfied our sponsors. The alli- In 1984. two Group 44 ance with British Leyland was workable because I XJR-5s competed in le wanted to win, and they were willing to support us. The 24 Heures du Mans, result of our collaboration lead to success on the race marking the first Jaguar track which lead to Group 44 selling cars for Jaguar and factory appearance at selling oil for Quaker State, so we were quite satisfied the circuit since the D- with that. We started out with about three or four peo- Type victory of 1956. ple in our shop and we ended up with 45 people and Regrettably, neither Jag 40,000 square feet of shop space for the race cars, finished the legendary tractor trailers and airplanes. French race, won by Henri Pescarolo and The Mitty, Road Atlanta, 2009. Klaus Ludwig in a Por- Source: marchives.com sche 956B. XJR-5/006, driven by Tony Adamowicz, John Wat- son and Claude Ballot-Lena crashed while chassis No. 008, driven by Tullius, Brian Redman and Doc Bundy saw its race end when the transmission packed it in on lap 291. However, a return to le Mans in 1985 resulted in a class win for the XJR- 5 and an overall 13th place finish for Tullius, Chip Robinson and Ballot-Lena. At the end of 1985, Group 44 introduced the improved XJR-7 and continued racing in the United States, but Tullius and his teammates never returned to le Mans; Jaguar decided to shift its full support to the team of Tom Walkinshaw, who took the 1988 race with an XJR-9. Still, Group 44’s XJR-5 made a name for itself with 12 IMSA GTP victories as well as a single win for the XJR-7, at Palm Beach in 1987. This further bur- nished the team’s record of 13 SCCA national titles and 2 Trans-Am championships. Other efforts included a 1987 stab at Indy cars with a former Sadly, in September 1993, Brian Fuerstenau died in the Roger Penske March 86C-Cosworth. The team only ran four crash of his North American T-6G near Berryville, Virginia, not CART events, with Chip Robinson taking 6th at Long Beach, far from Group 44 headquarters in Winchester. Jaguar later 25th at Meadowlands and 15th at Nazareth. Tom Sneva took instituted the Brian Fuerstenau Trophy in his memory, awarded the open-wheel car out on its last run, scoring an 8th place the Miami Indy Challenge in November. Group 44 returned to the (Continued on page 7)

Group 44 (Continued from page 6) annually to the brand’s number one Master Technician in the United Tullius taxis in during the 2003 Tico Airshow, States. While now semi-retired in Virginia, “Lanky” Foushee still Florida. Source: thomasoneil.com. maintains contact with the racing community and played a role in Classic Motorsports’ acquisition of the former Group 44 GT6+; VTR added him to its hall of fame in 2011. After leaving Group 44, Dick Gilmartin raced Datsuns and served as the first publicity director for IMSA. In 1972, he drove a Mercedes-Benz 250SE with Jack Cowell and Pete Brock coast-to-coast in the initial Cannonball Baker Sea-to -Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. Dressed as priests, the “Flying Fathers” still managed to garner several speeding tickets while finishing third. In 1997, Tullius moved to Sebring where, as mentioned previously, he shifted his attention to aviation. He still flies a lot, usually in the Beech King Air around Florida or down into the Caribbean. In addi- tion, he regularly hosts tours of his facility where visitors can get a close look at several of the vehicles which set the reputation of Group 44 in sports car racing. Several other former Group 44 cars survive elsewhere, including the GT6+ recently restored and run by Classic Motorsports magazine. However, Tullius has noted there seem to be more Group 44 cars around now than he and his team actually built and raced. Funny how that happens with legendary teams and equally legendary drivers.

Meeting Notes—17 April 2012

SLTOA had a good turnout tions for several parks in the at the 17 April gathering with a region, expect more discussion good assortment of cars - in- and a decision at the May meet- cluding John Mangle’s legen- ing. AND, concerning that dary MGA-V8 (there was a meeting, Tony recommended reason for John’s attendance; Mike Duffy’s Town & Country read on) - and 23 members. location, at 1024 Schnuck’s In and around chowing down Woodsmill Plaza, west of MO on those good Chuck A Bur- 141. It has a patio, central loca- ger, er, burgers and fries, new tion and what with the good president Tony Panchot kicked weather St Louis enjoys at this off the meeting at 7:20 PM. time of year (periodic donder, blitzen und tornado warnings notwithstanding), should prove a Quickly announcing his administration’s goals, el president good locale. Nuevo recommended modifications to the SLTOA web page including the shifting of new issues of Exhaust Notes to a At this point, the Prez handed off to Vice President Creig with password-protected, members-only page. The intent is im- the question: “What’s on your mind?” Creig’s response, as he prove the club’s “service content,” ie, members who pay their wolfed down an ice cream: “FOOD!” He then commented on dues annually will get the benefit of immediate access to the his efforts to install a gear reduction starter in his green TR8. A newsletter on a monthly basis. “In effect, our members are couple of members including Treasurer Joe noted TRF has a subsidizing those who don’t pay their dues, who now have full pretty good deal on the starters right now (list $419.95, now access to all of the club’s benefits,” Tony commented. He $299.99, http://trf.zeni.net/featureT78/3.php). Tony noted the stressed the main web page will continue to include open company is also offering a special on chrome wheel trim rings: content, including general information on SLTOA, activities/ “You have to take the wheel off to get the trim rings installed, events, photos of members’ cars (expect an effort to update but once you do, they’ll never come off, particularly during hard that page, sooner rather than later) and something new: a cornering.” Triumph tech tips library. John Mangles took the floor, mentioning he had a Spitfire in Tony said he’d meet with the webmaster to see about get- his shop and needed guidance in removing the hood. Answer: ting these initiatives underway; the long-term goal is to tighten pull of the over-riders and then pull the hood hinge pins. -up and build-up the club treasury which will in turn make it New treasurer Joe Guenther stood up next and gave the club possible for SLTOA to expand its activities: “We can hold financial report. He apologized to the assembled multitude for more, bigger and better events during the year, have more fun not having a hard copy of the monthly budget update, stating it and build up the club.” apparently blew out of his Spitfire on the drive to Chuck A Bur- Next up, discussion of the annual club picnic/drive, usually ger (response from the floor: “Don’t you mean your dog at it?). scheduled in June. Tony’s looking for suggestions and rec- Anyway, he stated the SLTOA coffers stood at about $2328 ommendations from the field on possible drives and meal last month and now we had $2352 in the till, adding, “We are locations to the east, south and west (or even north, although going in the right direction, just not far enough or fast enough.” the Prez admitted he didn’t know what was available in that direction). A spirited discussion ensued with recommenda- (Continued on page 8) 7

Meeting (Continued from page 7) and cars competing; the editor announced his Joe also presented a list of members who are delinquent in intent to publish the their dues (a fairly long list) and reminded everyone of the abil- event results in the Ex- ity to renew using PayPal on the club web page. And yes, the haust Notes as well as PayPal function allows members to pay increased amounts to Triumph team stand- cover special events, such as registration for the annual Forest ings, with some sort of Park Concours. trophy presentation at the end of the year. Getting back to the SLTOA web site, member Lee Fox noted Finally, a discussion on the MG club posts recent issues of the St Louis Metro Gazette the end of May British on a delayed basis, with the older issues archived (a quick National Car Week Na- check of the MGCStL web page shows the most recent news- tional Meet (try saying letter available online is the February 2012 edition). If MG that five times fast), enthusiasts want to see the latest publication, they have to join commencing with the the club and keep their dues up to date. The response from event in Little Rock on the membership to Lee’s comments was positive. 30 May. Again, Next, John Mangles again, SLTOA’s participating in who initially queried on the the opening car display and host duties; as of the meeting, it location of one Craig looked like five club TRs would go on display, with the possibil- Madsen, most recently ity of a sixth. Expect details at May’s meeting on the departure SLTOA’s Forest Park Con- location and time for the drive to Little Rock; in the meantime, cours Triumph turn-out coor- club members who are making the trip need to go ahead and dinator. As Craig was MIA, set up their motel reservations. Tony stepped up and gra- And now, a statement: ciously stood by while John Bella Berger proudly Bob Berger photo announced “We FINALLY announced her father Won” and offered the loser’s Bob’s ’78 Spitfire just consolation prize, a bright went over 90,000 miles. screaming red MG t-shirt, Cheers and applause which Tony donned. The followed. final count for the Easter concours came in at 28 MGs and Following a brief dis- 23 Triumphs, ending cussion on a for sale ’76 SLTOA’s three-year run with TR7 “Victory Edition” wedge coupe by Steve Vohsen of the MG the trophy…but, in the spirit club, John Mangles announced that planning and committee of Chicago Cubs fans every- meetings were already underway for the 2012 All British Car & where, wait ‘til next year. Cycle Show. He noted this year’s featured marque would be a specific Triumph model; the logical candidate is the Spitfire, in Moving into events, John M provided details on the upcoming recognition of the type’s 50th anniversary. SLTOA can select Mini-Endurance Trial, the 12-hour event runs about 480 miles the model it wishes to feature as well as the location for the with an emphasis on safety (the full 24-hour endure covers Triumph parking area. John stated the featured marque nor- nearly 800 miles). British cars only and no modern nav aids mally parks along Marine Ave facing the lake, but if the club such as GPS; as Mini-Endurance vet Lee Fox put it, “You use members wish to park in their traditional spot near the pavilion the technology available when your car was built.” This year it (and the club food concession), that’s fine, just let the organiz- looks like SLTOA will have four teams competing, plus - report- ers know. edly - a couple of Triumphs down from Chicago. Tony successfully concluded his first meeting as president at The discussion then segued to Sunday’s first-of-the-season 7:50 PM, to cries of “Four more years! Four more autocross, hosted by the Boeing Sports Car Club at Family years!” (Response by one observer: “Shoot, he’s just trying to Arena in St Charles. It looks like the club will have 5-6 drivers get through this year”).

Missouri Tartan Days—St Charles, 14 April

Well, it wasn’t quite the deluge we saw at last year’s Forest Park Concours, but close enough: pounding rain into mid-afternoon, which limited the crowds in old St Charles and kept activities to a minimum. Reportedly, Dave the Piper did manage to slosh his way through the Tartan Days Parade. Still, six LBCs turned out for display at The English Shop on South Main and the partici- pants had a large time. Our thanks to our Larry Gipson’s immaculate ‘75 hosts, Eileen and Scott. on the left 8

SLTOA Classifieds

59 TR3A—Project car, complete, Vohsen (314)620-5206 or [email protected] significantly disassembled, (1205) many new parts. See add for —Garaged for 20 years, all original, same details; car is in Columbia, MO, 78 Spitfire 1500 I’m getting stationed overseas family since ‘78, not driven since 1992, needs restoration. and would really like to see $2300, Florissant ( C r a i g s l i s t , q q m 3 z - somebody restore the car. [email protected]) (1204) Have extra parts from another For Sale—72-80 Spitfire 1500 parts, large assortment TR3, asking $4600 (Craigslist, included 2 transmissions, bumpers (front and rear), doors, [email protected]) (1204) windshields and window glass, 1 full hood with fenders/ 66 Spitfire—Has 2.8-liter lights/brackets, box of electrical parts (speedometers, Ford V6 and auto transmis- gauges, turn signals, etc). Contact K Tibbs for details, sion, not a show car but gets [email protected] (1112). looks and comments every- For Sale—Two air (Crossland No. 855) and one oil where I go. You will not find (Crossland 676) for the TR6. I would also love to sell sev- another one around. Need eral items for a TR3A because we’re moving to Florida: to sell, make offer, asking spare tire on narrow rim, made for trunk; heater core; hub $6700. Call James (417) caps in VG condition with rims; gas tank sender; oil, 317-4214, in Springfield, MO speedometer, temp, electric gauges; starter but- (Craigslist). (1205) ton ;original oil filter container; plus a few other items. 71 TR6—As seen at the 2011 ABCCS, outstanding condition, Best offer for all, Rick Greaves, Jerseyville, IL (618)639- $12,500. Call Julie Madsen (314)494-7054 (1110) 4978 (1205)

73 Stag—Retrofitted with 350 small block and it will We Get Letters... fly! New tires, chocolate brown I miss you all dearly, it's tough being one of paint with saddle like two Triumphs in all of North Las Vegas! I brown interior, have been driving the "Yellow Curse" almost Steve aluminum intake daily to and from work, about a 16 mile com- and Edelbrock carb, electric water pump and electric fan, mute and I have had to replace a bunch of HEI ignition, Jaguar rear end. In Marion, IL, cash price stuff including a new brake master that just only, no trades, $20,500. Call (618)364-6192 (Craigslist) leaked constantly and brake pads, calipers, (1205) shocks, water pump, fan, speedometer cable, 73 TR6—Porsche Red, runs great, all together save for the temp gauge, fuel sender unit and the head instrument panel and the console which need installation, gasket!!! But it is a delight for now driving in has new top, not installed. In Lake St Louis, make a rea- 70 to 80 degree temps!! sonable offer. Tom Lansdale (636)561-2452 (1111) I am learning alot in my new job which is 73 TR6—90K miles, rust free with many new parts including pretty damn cool, even if I can't talk about it! ; quick steering rack and pinion, new interior, new top and -) Also, I am going to Witchita Falls , TX for matching tonneau, new electric fuel pump, alternator, bat- sevenweeks at the end of May for more train- tery, coil and distributor, chrome wheel rings. Dash is ex- ing, unfortunately I can't drive there so I will cellent, brakes are excellent with no cylinder leaks. This be without an automobile the whole time...oh car is looking for a home where it can be driven, $9500, well, lots of studying is going to be required Shawnee, KS. Call Leonard for additional information at anyway. (913)449-9790. (Auto Trader) (1205) Tell everyone I said hi and that I am think- ing about them, miss you all! –Steve Hunt 73 Spitfire—Engine and transmission good, needs some work. In Brighton, IL, $800. Call (618)971-7421 (Craigslist) (1205)

76 TR7—Coupe/DHC, green “Victory Edition,” with extra engine and gearbox, other parts. Pretty much completely rebuilt but has been sitting for a while, no longer have the room and want to find the car a good home. $150, Steve

SLTOA Monthly Meeting Tues 15 May 12

Mike Duffy’s Pub & Grill 1024 Schnucks Woodsmill Plaza (636)394-8855

Muster around 6 PM, graze on the patio, consume mass quantities of food that’s bad for you, meeting at 7 PM or thereabouts

Backwards Glance: Bob Tullius & Group 44, Pt II

Continued from last month In 1978, the team returned with a lighter, more powerful In 1976, following its (560hp) XJS and took first place at Portland, Oregon; Le Circuit success with the V-12 E Mont-Tremblant, Quebec; Watkins Glen, New York (where Tul- -Type in B Production, lius co-drove with Fuerstenau in the 6-hour race); Brainerd, Min- Group 44 debuted a nesota; Mosport Park, Ontario; Road America; and Laguna Jaguar XJS in Trans-Am Seca. He led every lap at the latter race and repeated the feat competition. With Tul- on 5 November 1978, solidifying the TA-1 championship with yet lius driving, the team another win at Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. scored firsts in class at Group 44’s association with Triumphs had continued through Source: farm4.staticflickr.com Kent, Washington; this period and, in the spring of 1979, the team hit the tracks Westwood Motorsport with the “ultimate Triumph,” a hardtop TR8 with a punched-out, Park, British Columbia; Hallett, Oklahoma; and Road America, four-liter engine. The car did well out of the box, with Tullius/ Wisconsin. Tullius took the TA-1 class driver’s championship Fuerstenau winning first place in the GT class at the 8’s debut but unfortunately the manufacturer’s crown went to Porsche, event, July’s Watkins Glen 6-hour Trans-Am race. Tullius fol- primarily due to the higher points total of 911 SC driver John Bauer. (Continued on page 6)

And Finally….

St Louis Triumph Owners Association’s new officers arrive for April’s meeting at Chuck A Burger (in an LBC, natch…)

(Meeting notes on page 7)