2003 August - Go Roger, California Speedway Success - writes Sherrie

From: Sherrie  (Original Message)

Sent: 7/08/2003 12:46 p.m.

We have thrilling news to report from our neck of the woods this week. After painstakingly restoring the one-of-a-kind Triumph to better than it's former glory, a task that took Roger hundreds of hours over the past year and a half, we made our racing debut this past weekend at California Speedway in Fontana, California! This was the car's initial ride since being driven by the son of Paul Newman's secretary (Sean Smith) back in 1978! After Newman's dream team of engineers poured $80,000.00 worth of custom work into the car, it was driven twice by Sean, and then donated to Chaffey College, where it languished in a hanger for the next 24 years, waiting for fate to bring it to its next owner. The log book now sports a third race, with driver signature Roger Fenton!   With our van recently out of commission, the reentry of the Triumph onto the racing radar depended on the help of family and friends, who came through with flying colors. My sis Yvonne and her husband Larry towed the car to the track, and my parents loaned us their motor home to add a touch of comfort to the pit area. Roger and team (Sherrie and Rangi) arrived by 7 am all three days, leaving just before 9 pm at night. Friday's practice session left Rog on the hook for tow back to the pits, due to overheating, and clutch problems. He diligently adjusted the clutch until it was driveable, consulting other Triumph owners for input, and offering advice in his areas of  expertise for their cars. We even had the benefit of input from Kas Kastner, one of the engineers who had worked on the Triumph, as he was a guest of the Triumph Club for the weekend. At the Saturday 8:30 am session Roger finished the session, returning to the pit area triumphantly. After more adjustments and checking of all systems, he ran the 1:00 pm session with another finish! These sessions incorporated actual racing with test-driving the car, since it hadn't been driven more than a few blocks following renovations, which included a transmission overhaul! Relatives who showed up to share in the excitement included Yvonne and Larry, and sis Brenda and Joe, and Terra. The car had run well, although in need of further adjustments. Roger coped admirably with clutch problems, even covering parts of the track in neutral when the car wouldn't go into the next gear. The car ran hot in each session, giving us concern until we solved the mystery by discovering a leak in the radiator, which announced itself Saturday night while Rog was hammering on a brake duct in the front left wheel well. Emergency treatment with Stopleak failed to correct the leak, so we didn't race on Sunday. But luckily, a photographer had captured Roger during one of the Saturday sessions, and we were able to buy a copy of Le Taxi in action!   Since I have been with Roger, he has maintained his passion for racing and never given up his dream of racing one of his own cars. Many the time he has put that dream on the back burner while other priorities came first, and I can't think of anyone more deserving than him to see all of his efforts produce results! He has always been such a team player by pit-crewing for others and helping them win, that he was a winner as far as we are concerned before he even reached the track! Rog, I know your family is as excited as mine in your success, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for this car, and for you. Congratulations!!!