NEWSFLASH
| Gruppo Rompiculi Corsa's Michael Frazier has been working with a group for a new Open Road Race in Texas: The Marfa Presidio Open Road Race. Read more about it on their new web site and sign up. |
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 01 August 2010 16:35 |
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The Sandhills Open Road Challenge is coming up fast. Team Pantera Racing took a few minutes with TPR member Bob (Rowdy) Radefeld to learn more about him, his Pantera and the race:
TPR: Bob, you've been entered in the Sandhills Open Road Challenge before. How many have you attended?
Bob: This year will be my third time competing at SORC
TPR: What speed class have you entered in previously versus your class this year?
Bob: I've always competed in the 90 MPH class as the restrictions requiring roll bars & other safety equipment increase dramatically as one increases speed in the higher classes. My car, being mostly stock, would have to be modified quite a bit to move up in class & I am unwilling to do these modifications at the present time. Besides, the under 100 MPH classes are still a real HOOT to run in and the whole experience boils down to having fun and meeting new Pantera owners (and competitors) from all over the US.
TPR: Tell us about your Pantera; year, model, stock and modified items.
Bob: My car has a December 1972 build date according to its VIN #, however it has always been titled as a 1973. It was a Pantera L model when I purchased it but I have since ditched the original large front bumper in favor of two smaller fiberglass bumpers from AmeriSport which are painted body color. Engine was rebuilt about 5 years ago after I dropped a valve (sound familiar?) at our local road course here in Topeka, Ks. Different and more aggressive cam, forged pistons, bored 30 over, two cylinders needed to be sleeved, 2V closed chamber iron heads to replace the 4V open chamber heads that were on it, Armando 10 quart oil pan, Demon carb, Wiend X-celerator manifold, Accusump engine pre-oiler among other things were installed thanks to expert advice from Dan Jones. Engine runs MUCH better now! Engine already had Jet-Hot coated GTS headers, DeTomaso polished valve covers, polished and safety wired ZF, SS surge and overflow tanks as well as fully smoothed and painted engine bay.
TPR: What kind of safety equipment do you run?
Bob: In the lower speed class that I'm in, about the only requirements are factory seat belts in good condition, helmet, leather shoes and driving gloves, and non-flamable cotton clothing or racing suit (which is not technically required ).
TPR: What motivated you to get involved in Open Road Racing?
Bob: That dirty DAWG did!! I got tired of being called a SLACKER when I actually wanted to run in any ORR. Then when I found out about SORC being only 485 miles from Topeka I decided it was time to go meet Dawgy and give him a ration of Sheeeit like he loves to dish out! :o)) As well as accomplishing my goal I ended up having a blast and haven't missed a race there since. As a matter of fact, last year I took another Pantera owner (Bud-#3400) that lives 45 miles North of me along so he could observe the race and he got so excited that he immediately started working on his car when we got home to get it in shape for this years' race. YES!, another convert.
TPR: Tell us about the SORC event.
Bob: The race is held in Arnold, NE. which has a population of approx. 600 and is located South of North Platt, NE. The whole town gets into this yearly event BIG TIME. The population easily doubles or triples on race weekend. They hold a parade down main street on the Friday afternoon before the Saturday race. Each entrant drives their car down Main and an announcer gives the drivers' name, hometown and year, make and model of vehicle they're driving. They then lead all entrants to another main type street and you park your car for several hours for a public car show that overflows for a 4 block area with admiring, friendly people from everywhere - GREAT FUN!
TPR: Are there any "team" events and will Panteras participate?
Bob: Team Pantera is getting closer every year to the required number of cars to actually form a "Team" according to the rules. If we can get one more car to race with us next year I think we'll hit the mark.
TPR: Where do you stay?
Bob: We normally stay in a "hunting trailer" several blocks from downtown which is graciously donated by a local hunting guide by the name of Cory Peterson. It is used mostly during the Fall and Winter by folks from all around the US that come to Arnold and engage Cory as their guide. During the August race it is not occupied so Cory donates it to Team Pantera and has done so at "no charge" for the last 4 years. It is a 3 bedroom trailer with kitchen and large front room with AC, cable TV, etc. and Cory even stocks it up with grocerys a day before we arrive. Needless to say, we keep him up to his eyeballs in free beer at Jim's Bar every evening - the local hangout for all the racers!
TPR: Are there any other Panteras in the race this year?
Bob: Happy to say we will set a new record for Pantera participation in the race this year!! :o)) The team will consist of:
Myself, Bob (Rowdy) Radefeld with my son Russell as navigator.
Bud Hower (Bud#3400) from Whiting, Ks.
Frank (Godfather) Cirrincione from Hendersonville, Tn.
Mark Skwarek from Connecticut & his navigator Jim Wallace from Boston
TPR: How long is the course? Is it run one way or two ways?
Bob: The course runs North about 27 miles out of Arnold and then we turn around and run 26 miles back South on the same road.
TPR: What are the typical weather and road conditions like?
Bob: Weather has been great the last two years with an overcast sky and not excessively hot. Hopefully, this year will continue that trend but it could be very hot and humid as it has been here in Kansas the last several weeks. Crossing our fingers! Road itself is a "chip and seal" type surface such as you find on many small rural highways and you need to be somewhat careful in the turns due to the possibility of loose gravel. Best part of the whole driving experience is, however, the fact that you have both lanes to drive in throughout the race and never normally encounter the car ahead or behind you.
TPR: What does it take to get entered in the SORC?
Bob: Just fill out an entry blank and mail it in the very FIRST day they tell you it can be postmarked - normally the first Monday in October. I can't stress enough how important it is to have it mailed on that day!! There are only 65 spots available to us racers that are not "Lifers" as they call them. The lifers number 65 or half the maximum of 130 spots for entrants and they are automatically in the race EVERY year unless they choose not to attend. People on the waiting list then have a chance at any of these vacated slots as well as slots that open up from other accepted entrants who for one reason or another can not make the race and withdraw early. This year Bud got stuck at #12 on the waiting list and Mark ended up at #28. Luckily, they both got in this year but normally they wouldn't have been that fortunate. Last year I was #8 on the waiting list and didn't get called and told I was accepted until 10 days before the race! Good thing I had everything ready to go as it turned out I was the only Pantera there.
TPR: Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today, are there any other thoughts you'd like to leave us with?
Bob: Great town, great people and GREAT FUN!!! What else can I say??
We'd like to thank Bob for his willingness to talk with us and wish him and the others a good time and good luck. |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 01 August 2010 19:10 |
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SSCC Pre-Race Update 2010 |
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Written by Asa Jay Laughton
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Saturday, 31 July 2010 07:48 |
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News Updates from Registration
Silver State Classic Challenge – September 16-19, 2010
Media:
In September, the Japanese will be well represented again by Kazuhiko Kono and Junichi Okada from “Supercar Net”.
Pal-Avrid (Polly) Blytt will be participating in his 1986 Pontiac Firebird in the Unlimited Division. “Amcar” magazine of Norway put out a tour package at the beginning of the year, that sold out within 48 hours, for fellow Norwegians to watch Polly in his race down Hwy. 318
Also attending will be Norwegian Broadcasting for a television show called “Folk” as well as German TV Broadcasting, GRIP.
Sam’s Town Hotel, Las Vegas:
Time is running out to get the great rate at Sam’s Town Hotel in Las Vegas! The all inclusive rate of $45.00 per night is guaranteed until August 31, 2010. After that you will be subject to hotel availability and the going rate. Contact the Room Reservations Department (877) 593-5993 between 7:00am – 9:00pm PST, and indicate that you are part of the Silver State Classic Challenge Group – Call-in Code: SILI10A
News Flash:
The 23rd running of the SSCC takes place just one week after Patriot Day and we will honor all military, both past and present.
Let me know if you are or were military, when you served and how you became involved with the SSCC via email.
This event we have Captain William Keogh as our Grand Marshall.
Capt. Keogh is a first time participant who first heard about the SSCC from an old racing DVD, “Best of J.D.M Option International” when Daijiro Inada ran his Nissan 350Z. Since then, he has wanted to compete in the SSCC.
The University of Colorado at Boulder graduate became a commissioned officer through the ROTC program. He has served in the US Army for three years. In 2008 he was an infantry platoon leader in Southern Bagdad and is now on his second deployment in Afghanistan for the past 8 months. He is currently the Executive Officer for Forward Support Company, 3-187 Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division based out of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He will be attending the event on his much needed R&R.
When asked who is preparing his 1995 Acura NSX while he is overseas, Will says “My dad is currently taking it out on Sunday drives to keep the oil running. I will be putting together the rest of the interior and engine mods myself when I get back beginning of September so that it’s all ready to go for SSCC!”
All Inclusive Package:
Remember our low entry fees are an all inclusive package!
Driver, navigator and crew are welcome to the Thursday Press Luncheon, Thursday Cocktail Party, Friday Welcome Reception.
The entry fee also includes two (2) t-shirts and admits two (2) to the Sunday Awards Banquet at Sam’s Town Hotel, Las Vegas. Additional tickets may be purchased.
Car Numbers:
All entries received and processed by August 31, 2010 will have pre-printed car number decals. After that you will receive decals and numbers separately and have the time consuming task of placing the numbers on the decals then onto the car. So send in your entries and save your time for visiting friends, checking out the competition and the fun stuff!
Merchandise
We have t-shirts, hats, embroidered patches, 20th Anniversary Posters, and embroidered duffel bags for sale.
NEW this year are Embroidered Logo Polo Shirts (pre-order only).
You can either pre-order your merchandise (form attached) or purchase at registration on race weekend.
If you would like any of these items mailed to you we will add $5.00 for shipping.
See you all real soon!
Gail Waldman
SSCC Registration
PMB 131
3230 E. Flamingo Rd. #8
Las Vegas, NV 89121
Office (702) 631-6166
Fax (702) 436-1589
Email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.sscc.us |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 20 May 2010 19:32 |
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Who says Mad Dog's are bad for Babies?
A Little loving cuddle at the 2010 NORC Banquet
by Team Pantera Racing's own Dennis "Mad Dog" Antenucci. |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 20 May 2010 20:05 |
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2010 NORC: Another Good Run |
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Written by Asa Jay Laughton
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Sunday, 16 May 2010 12:24 |
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Update from the desk of Team Pantera Racing
Dateline --- sometime after the NORC 2010 Banquet ---
Dennis "Mad Dog" Antenucci gave us a call to update some results after attending the banquet.
First, he gave us information on the other gentlemen who came out and ran the Pantera. Langdon Claypoole (Driver) and Donald Kavanagh (Navigator). For their first time ever in an Open Road Race, they placed third with an average time of 99.9601 in the 100 class. WAY TO GO!
In the 150 class, where the Dog was entered, a Viper took first with an average time of 149.9944, closely followed by a Corvette Z06 at 149.9906. Dennis knew he'd be slow today but he did average more than he thought earlier, with a 146.106 (time for all the slacker comments)
I'm told Charlie Friend did 169.9854 in his Corvair entered in the 170 class. No Unlimiteds entered or ran today. It may have been due to construction on the road. Due to it being incomplete, it caused some folks to slow down a bit. Still, it should be in great shape and completely done by September.
Besides the two Panteras and Charlie's Corvair, the only other Vintage car there was Bob Schilling's 1973 Barracuda. He ran a 166.47 (if my note here is correct), and Mad Dog wanted me to mention Bill is an honorary member of Team Pantera Racing.
Our Viking friends, Bjoern & Inger
finished with a 109.95 in the 110 class, not enough for a top three, but geez how close can you get? (We'll chalk it up to jet-lag from flying in from Europe -and- too much late night Viking raiding.) Congratulations to them on a good run.
As Grand Marshal, Dennis got to lead the Parade. He was also honored with an American Flag and Steve Waldman had some words to say about him as well. Unfortunately, this reporter wasn't present at the banquet so I can't really say what else happened.
Prayers for a safe and uneventful run of the 2010 NORC were answered, no accidents, no injuries and a good time had by all.
Asa Jay
PS. No news on any of the other suspected/reported breakdowns as yet
Dateline --- Prior to the 2010 NORC Banquet ---
Just got a phone call from Dennis (Mad Dog) Antenucci.
First in his class to leave the starting line, and First in his class to cross the Finish line. When nobody passes you... it's been a good day. :) Dennis reports he was followed by Steve Waldman, one new Corvette ZR1 and a squadron of Z06's but nobody could catch him. He was entered in the 150 class and figured he may have averaged just under that as the road is going through some improvements and most drivers were more cautions during this years NORC, more on that later.
I'm told there were two cars, a Grand National and a Mustang both with high dollar race prepared engines, which failed to complete the race due to blowing up those nice race engines somewhere along the course. No accidents to report and no other breakdowns at the moment. Nice to know a nearly 40 year old Pantera can still make it down the road in one piece. Another shout out to Russ Fulps who once again provided a rock solid engine to get Mad Dog to the finish line.
The Vikings put in a good show, I'm sure Dennis will tell you more about that later.
The NDOT is repaving portions of Highway 318 and it should all be complete by the September running of the Silver State Classic Challenge. For those who have been keeping track, most of the top professional drivers in the Unlimited division have said this race won't see a 200 MPH record again until they re-pave 318. Sometimes wishes do come true. This September may see a new record speed posted on the Silver State route. Wouldn't it be nice if you were there?
Dennis had a name to go with the other Pantera that showed up. Clay Pool (not sure if the spelling is correct). He owns a fairly stock Pantera (not much detail on this part) and it's for Sale. He was slated to run the 100 class but Dennis had left the finish line before any of the slower classes began showing up. No word on if Clay ran or not, finished or not.
More news as it becomes available.
Asa Jay |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 16 May 2010 21:29 |
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Mad Dog to be Grand Marshall for 2010 NORC |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 06 May 2010 07:48 |
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Steve Waldman who is the Director of the Silver State Classic Road Races has named Dennis "Mad Dog" Antenucci as the Grand Marshall for the 2010 Nevada Open Challenge. Since the Dog has accepted a deployment opportunity overseas for the next couple of years, this will be his last Open Road Race in the U.S. for some time. Dennis has been a fixture at both the Nevada Open Road Challenge and the Silver State Classic Challenge for years.
Based on the starting order of classes, and the class Dennis enters his car in, he has been in a position to be the first car off the line on several occasions, many times being closely followed by Steve Waldman himself. This quiet rivalry goes back years and for Dennis to be selected as the Grand Marshall for the weeks activities is a great honor for both him and the Vintage Pantera.
We caught up with Mad Dog recently and asked him about this great honor:
TPR: How many times have you run in the SSCC events, both NORC and SSCC?
Mad Dog: Together 26 times but 43 times counting Texas, Nebraska and Mexico.
TPR: Can you tell us about your Pantera and what the major modifications are?
Mad Dog: Street Legal stock body with vented front hood and decklid - Carbon Fiber. Engine is a Russ Fulps 381ci stroker with 302B heads, Mike Trusty IR-EFI system, Tommy Hodges 180 headers, ZF was modified with 3.77 ring gear and taller .655 5th gear. For cooling I run a Ron Davis 2-pass race radiator, Fluidyne heat exchanger, and a modified cooling system. Dick Drenske upgraded or strengthened the chassis and modified the the cooling and suspension systems which includes Aldan double adjustable shocks, delrin bushings, Wilkinson Springs, C4 brakes and the usual bump-steer and sway bar upgrades. For safety it has a Deist fire suppression system, a Drenske 6-point roll cage and 5-point harness. For open road races only I run a bolt on modified air dam and side skirts. Still it is not a dedicated race car and I still drive it to work sometimes or to the beach on weekends.
TPR: What kind of power and top end speeds are you making with that combination of parts?
Mad Dog: We made 503RWHP on chassis dyno but stopped the dyno pull at 6,000 R's so it may pull more power but 6,000 R's equates to 180 Mph with the gearing and tires I am running. The driver is the weak link. <laughs>
TPR: What kind of speeds are you running at these open road events?
Mad Dog: Depends on the event. At the NORC/Silver State I am averaging 150-155 mph but hitting 175-180 in the straights where the road surface on those 2-lane roads is good. In Nebraska or Texas I am content to run 100-125 average because these ORR's are a lot more challenging. Idea is to have fun and not get so far out on the edge at speed that you will lose control and crash.
TPR: I understand you were selected to be this years Silver State Grand Marshall for the 2010 NORC?
Mad Dog: I appreciate the honor. I don't think anyone else driving anything else has run more open road races but I think it has more to do with my leaving the country then it does with anything else....(laughs)
TPR: What is your plan for returning to Open Road Racing after your 1-3 year deployment overseas?
Mad Dog: I'd like to restore the pantera to near stock condition when I return....slow the speeds down and have more fun supporting the veterans who will return or any new blood coming to the events with De Tomaso cars.
TPR: Why do you think you and your Pantera have been such a recognizable fixture at these events?
Mad Dog: I just kept coming back. <laughs> |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 06 May 2010 18:57 |
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