John Taphorn reports on his experience with the BBORR this year: 

The race went well for us and we added the complexity of different drivers 
in each direction.  I say it is more complex because your initial run is 
learning and getting comfortable with your role as either driver or 
navigator.

You're sitting quietly at the head of the Board Room table.  At the other end is a whiny executive giving the latest income figures, profit and loss and general financial condition of the company.  Chrysler's gone bankrupt, your bank wants the mortgage paid and here you sit worrying about your company.

Oh the heck with it..... You open your cell phone, dial your mechanic and utter one simple word...

GUMBALL

It may not be -exactly- how the movie started, and it may not exactly be like the race in the movie, but Bob and Justin Levitt are taking part in the 2009 Gumball 3000.  This is a road rally between Los Angeles California and Miami Florida.  Along the way are overnights in several cities, parties, activities and the like.  The event is being attended by many celebrities and other characters of note.  How Bob managed to get in on this action, and with a Pantera no less, we don't really know.  What we do know is he's a good old fashioned pitchman from New York; I suppose that helps.

Many folks who frequent the deTomaso email forum will know of Bob's adventure already.  It started with a posting asking for help with carburetor trouble.  Through a series of emails and some local help, Bob managed to get the car sorted out enough to satisfy sponsors and get the Pantera shipped to California.  There it received a good once-over from Pantera International, getting anything taken care of that might later prove to be a problem.  All along the way Bob continued to ask for advice from the Pantera crowd.  He became very impressed with the camaraderie found among owners and wants to make them proud by running and completing this Gumball 3000 rally.

Even though it's not a speed event, Team Pantera Racing is proud to see the deTomaso Pantera well represented in this rally which pays homage to the old movie and spirit of competition.  You can catch up on the goings-on with the Gumball 3000 at http://www.gumball3000.com/

We'll be posting more photos in the Gallery as they become available.

I was over at Dick Drenske's shop today with him cleaning out his race trailer. He's decided to sell both his 72 race Pantera as well as his C Sport Racer and looks to fully retire the shop and cars as soon as he can sell them to a good home.

The GR4 is the ex Warren Tope car ( VIN 2344) . I wanted to buy the car ( 
then belonging to Alex Quattelbaum III) but was discouraged by its 
"butchered" condition, after Guy Trigaux  went to inspect the car on my 
behalf. Guy lives very close to Alex, and suggested I'd buy another factory 
car.
2344 now has been totally restored by Philippe Olczyk, and is in prime 
condition throughout. Still, the car is far from being FIA legal in Europe 
( Windsor engine, rear drive train...). Guy and I have inspected the car 
together in Brussels about a year ago. We noticed that very few original 
factory GR4 parts remain on the car, as the car was severely damaged on all 
sides, on several occasions... Still, the restoration is well done.
The advertized two other GR3 cars are replica, probably well done, but with 
a little effort, you can buy a real one...
There are two original factory GR3 cars for sale in Europe at present : 
strangely, they are both located in Belgium. One ( unrestored, VIN 1070 ) 
that I have seen, is a very good base for future restoration ( see this link ).

This car has been on Ebay on several occasions, and never sold. May be the 
reserve price is too high, but I confirm, it is a real GR3, and a sound car 
that needs some attention. It can be back on a track at reasonable costs, in 
a very short while.
The other real factory GR3 car belongs to Gerard Marcy ( VIN 5006 ) I have 
test driven this car, it is the best street-race-rally car you can buy, in 
concours condition, FIA historic passport, ... this car has it all and is 
just perfect, but it IS expensive for a GR3 car... ( unsold at Bonham's 
Rétromobile six weeks ago ). If someone needs Gérard's email or telephone, 
please let me know.
Dave Adler's Group C car is becoming a more and more attractive investment, 
and for sure, a great car to race, but maybe better in Group 5 Le Mans trim 
( where it was raced in 1979) .
I take this occasion to announce that my "Warhol" car ( VIN 2342 ) has now 
been sold to a gentleman driver in Germany, Jorg SCHWARZE, who intends to 
continue racing the car in the months to come. Let's wish him a warm welcome 
( email address above) and a lot of success. ( That will make an additional 
Pantera entry at Le Mans 2010... get your tickets now ) . My car has been 
sold through the help of Jan Luehn, who did a very good job. ( 
www.janluehn.com ) and who has some very interesting race cars for sale.
Patrick
2862-9628-3679