In a message dated 97-07-20 15:01:39 EDT, KC3565L@sprintmail.com (Dave Fain)
writes:
<< If they made it to the event in
the first place, they are good enough.
Dave Fain >>
Just a thought about this thread and a question or two.
I agree with Dave ( Hi, Dave). A Triumph is a Triumph and most of us enjoy
seeing every single one. It's not so much the actual car, but the story
behind each car that is interesting and fun. If you want to create a stir
and draw a crowd at a show bring a dismantled car on a trailer. You will get
more looks and comments than the concourse cars. The line of perfectly
finished cars are all directed at accomplishing perfection in sameness. (Sort
of like the aerodynamically developed body styles of today) With some minor
variations the cars coming off the production line were identical.
Personally, when I walk down the concourse line at TR nationals or
Triumphest I start to lose interest after looking at 10 or 15 gleaming,
perfect looking cars. I do admire their efforts and their cars but find
myself spending more time with unusual cars and daily drivers, although there
are fewer and fewer sidecurtain cars in this category.
Judging, or awarding trophies ONLY on the basis of accurate factory
specifications excludes too may Triumph lovers. There is an element of
elitism in this that discourages too many owners from participating. I drove
a TR2 in the early 60's and had buddies with AH's MG's and later TR's. With
the exception of one brand new TR3B none of them were factory original.
Everyone made modifications almost as soon as they bought them, it was part
of the individualism that went along with driving a 'Sports Car".
I don't know how best to open up the shows so any and all Triumph owners
feel comfortable participating, but I do think it is important to do so.
Maybe different classes of entry would help. Certaily an attitude of total
acceptance of every Triumph present is necessary.
Here's a question, and I am not being critical. What expenses do the entry
fees pay? I read $75 per car at VTR, was that correct? Is the National a
fund raiser for VTR?
Bill Sohl felt that allowing drop-ins onto the field would irritate regular
participants. Is this really the case? If others feel this way I would like
to understand why, an someone help me on this?
Bob Paul
TS45738L"O"
TS7280L
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