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Colorado
Pantera
Club |
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Club History
Well we have finally come up with some history of the Colorado Pantera Club in the form of notes and highlights from years past. It is presented here in chronological order. If you have anything to add, especially pre-1981 stuff, email it to matt@coloradopantera.com.
1981:
- President: Ron Schmidt, VP: Frank Skradski, Secretary: Dave Fisher, Treasurer: Wynn Coomer.
- Continental Divide Raceway was re-opened after being closed for about 20 years. The first CECA event there hosted 42 cars.
- Al Whittaker's famous (or infamous?) Christmas party.
1982:
- Dues were $10
- CECA officially formed, consisting of Pantera, Cobra, Ferrari, and Lamborghini clubs
- First Las Vegas run, March 12-14. Participants were Skradski, Fisher, Jacobson, Snyder, and Roepke.
- In April, Dennis Quella and Fred Martin open Pantera Performance Center, Inc. in Aurora.
- President: Frank Skradski, VP: Dave Fisher, Secretary: Terry Snyder, Treasurer: Wynn Coomer.
- In June Allen and Laura Balczarek bought an orange '72.
- Ken Casey bought a yellow '74 and got his first ticket within 5 days. The car was painted black in August.
- July 10-11 was the first annual Aspen Open CECA event.
- Kip Partridge buys a blue 1971 Pantera.
- Fred Fossett went to Italy to see the DeTomaso factory.
- October 1st - Dyno test at Walt Hane's shop. At the rear wheels: stock Mustang - 100HP, stock Pantera - 145HP, S/C Shelby - 180 HP, 289 Cobra - 170 HP, Fred Martin's Pantera - 240HP. Note this was at about 8500 feet elevation.
- Blaine Clever joins the club and opens Rocky Mountain Excaliber Enterprises.
- Christmas party hosted by Dale and Dixie Bargman.
1983:
- In Februrary, new members were: Don Basinger, Doug Hill, Don Klier, and Jim & Deanna Slaugh.
- In March, new members were: Don Anton, Fred Hansen, Mike Landess, and Paul Maurer.
- April meeting hosted at the Planetarium courtesy of Bob Wallace.
- The Governor of Nevada makes the official proclamation naming April 23 and 24 "POCA Weekend".
- 14 cars make the run to the POCA Las Vegas convention. Chuck Allison wins the Hard Luck Award with his Mangusta.
- President: Dave Fisher, VP: Frank Skradski, Secretary: Marilyn Young, Treasurer: Wynn Coomer.
- Dick Hughes sells his Pantera.
- In June Kip Partridge joins Pantera Performance. Dale Bargman builds a timing device for the club.
- CDR track event in June hosts 41 cars.
- In August the club buys flags and vests for corner workers at track events. Wynn Coomer drives his 427 Pantera to Newport Beach for a concourse event.
- In September, Second Creek Raceway opens for its first event.
- In October, the club participates in the Colorado Springs Fling sponsored by the Ferrari club.
- Ken Casey passes away on October 19.
- October 28 - Black tie dinner at Jonathan's Restaurant. 6 cars attended.
- Colorado Pantera Club joined the Old Car Council.
- In December, Dale Bargman shows prototypes of rear window scoops to be sold through Pantera Performance Center. Cost is $295/pair.
- The Bargmans, Fishers, and Jacobsens go on a 12-day Caribbean cruise.
- Christmas party held at the Bargman's.
1984:
- New members in January were: Gerald Roberts, Michael Ross, Sonja Faller, Drew Schaefer.
- New members in February were: Jim and Susan Nowlin.
- Dues increased to $18 per year.
- Otto Werlin hosted a ski day at Loveland Basin on March 4.
- Dale Bargman purchases a 1972 Eagle 15 Indy car originally driven by Dan Gurney.
- 6 Panteras participate in the Tri-State car show.
- 20 Panteras and 2 Mangustas from the Colorado Pantera Club participate in the POCA Las Vegas convention, thus winning the award for Largest Club Participation. Dave and Christie Fisher get the plaque for all that they have done for the club. Chuck Allison wins the Hard Luck award for the second consecutive year.
- President: Dave Fisher, VP: Frank Skradski, Secretary: Jeff Nicholson, Treasurer: Wynn Coomer.
- For Father's Day, Jeff Nicholson arranges for group tickets for the Beach Boys and fireworks show at Mile High stadium. 26 members attended.
- Continental Divide Raceway closes down.
- Chris Jacobsen invites the club to the grand opening of the Cooper 7 Theater at Pierce and Coal Mine Road.
- In August, several Panteras are for sale, including those of Fred Martin, Frank Skradski, Al Whittaker, and Bob Olds.
- 12 Panteras participate in a summer run to Evergreen, Echo Lake, Blackhawk, Nederland, and Boulder.
- In September the club participates in the Cobra Club challenge with CECA at Bandimere Speedway. Dave Fisher had the second fastest overall time of 14.2 seconds at 99 mph.
- M. Ross/S. Fallers Pantera is repaired at Pantera Performance Center.
- Halloween costume party at Allen and Laura Balczarek's house.
- Christmas party hosted at Dave Fisher's.
- Gary Johnson purchased white '72 Pantera from Glen Worth.
1985:
- New members in February: Rod and Shirley Carnel/Cook.
- New members in March: Brad and Judy Apple (who bought Bargman's red Pantera). Bargman purchased a 1971 Group IV Pantera.
- Dennis Quella purchased '77 McLaren Can-Am racer. 302ci Ford V8, 550 HP and 1500 lbs.
- POCA Las Vegas run had 14 cars participate, winning the award for best club participation (two years in a row). Kip Partridge's car is wrecked on the run. The club recieved 7 speeding tickets on the Vegas trip.
- Dave Fisher wrecks his car.
- Jim and Iona Nash sell their Mangusta.
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Allen Balczarek, Secretary: Gary Johnson, Treasurer: Wynn Coomer.
- In May the club purchases a banner and name tags.
- Pueblo track event in May hosts 38 cars.
- June 22-23 - first Automezzi Italian Car Festival.
- New member in July: Bob Seeman.
- August had the famous Caledonia's meeting.
- New members in September: Richard Johannsen and Randy Whitt.
- September is the first Jackson Hole run.
- Gary Johnson sells his Pantera.
- In November, Chris Jacobsen purchases tube chassis Pantera from Bargman.
- November 8-10: OCC Car Show - 4 Panteras participate including Dave Fisher's rebuilt blue Pantera, Allen Balczarek's orange Pantera, Gary Johnson's white Pantera, and Tom Roepke's blue '72 Pantera (former Landess car).
- CECA adds the Tiger Club and Alpha Romeo Club.
- Christmas party hosted at the Jacobsen's.
- New member Ron Stevens.
- In 1985 three Panteras slid under other vehicles...remember to check your brakes!
1986:
- Jim Nowlin comleted club name tags.
- Pueblo track event hosts 14 Panteras, 1 GT40, and 1 McLaren Trans-Am car.
- In June, Bob Wallace treats us to a laser show at the Planetarium.
- New members in July: Jay Popp and George Melander.
- Aspen CECA event in July hosts 70 cars. Kip took 1st in show with his GT40 and Dennis Quella set fast time for the track.
- EJ Poss (club member in Nebraska) went to the POCA drag races in California and won best time with 10.76sec @131.5mph.
- August meeting was held in the parking lot of the swim club that Frank forgot to schedule.
- In September, Mountain View Motor Sports Park opens in Mead.
- A run to Mt. Rushmore has 10 cars and yields 5 tickets with 18 Wyoming state troopers watching the group.
- In November, Dan Fisher purchased Frank Skradski's Pantera.
- Bob Wallace to sell yellow 1971 Pantera with 27k miles.
- Christmas party was held at Dave Fisher's house.
1987:
- In January, the Broncos lose the Super Bowl.
- New member: Bill Reynolds.
- The club becomes a chapter of POCA.
- In March, CECA purchases first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Walt Haynes agrees to be the CECA driving instructor.
- President: Drew Schafer, VP: Paul Maurer, Secretary: Bob Seeman, Treasurer: Wynn Coomer.
- Free pizza at Pantera Pizza.
- In June, new members were: Rick Rosier and Rodger Harrison.
- Aspen CECA event hosts 13 Panteras.
- In October, 7 Panteras run to Telluride and Moab and back.
- Sunday run to Mt. Evans.
- Christmas party was held at Dave Fisher's.
1988:
- Dues increased to $20 per year.
- President: Drew Schafer, VP: Paul Maurer, Secretary: Dave Fisher, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- Mark Johnson and Dave Fisher make a 5100 mile road trip in 13 days in June.
- The club purchases a computer for the Secretary.
- At the Silver State Challenge, Ron Stevens ran 162mph average over the 97 mile course.
- Dave Fisher shows his completed 1969 Mustang Mach 1 at the World of Wheels show.
- Christmas party was held at Bob Seeman's.
1989:
- Al Lockheed offers his Engine Expert computer program to design your next engine.
- In March, Rome Chelsi with Capital Pantera Club from California attends the Colorado Pantera Club meeting.
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Paul Maurer, Secretary: Dan Fisher, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- A Sunday run in May is made to the Stanley Hotel. 12 Panteras participate.
- New member: Larry Lippert.
- In July a run to South Dakota is made with 5 Panteras.
- A water ski and picnic trip at Stanley Lake was hosted by Fisher and Marcellus.
- Ron Stevens and Paul Maurer run the Silver State Challenge in September.
- Christmas party was held at Paul Maurer's.
1990:
- New members in January: Rome and Julie Chelsi.
- In March, the club attended an open house at Mike's Performance Headquarters to see Ferraris, Cobras, and Maseratis being restored. CECA provides the pizza.
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Paul Maurer, Secretary: Dan Fisher, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- The club purchases its own radar gun.
- In June the club participates in the All Italian Car Show at the Digiorgio Hotel.
- June meeting held at Pantera Performance Center. Gary Bryan's Pantera is in the bare metal stage of restoration.
- Dave Humphrey restored his Pantera and showed it off.
- A June run to Stanley Hotel has 5 Panteras, 1 BMW M5, and a Nissan Maxima.
- In July, the club ends its chapter association with POCA.
- 3 club members participate in the Silver State Challenge in September: Mark Johnson, Ron Stevens, and Paul Maurer. Paul is 5th overall in the historic division with an average speed of 154.069mph for the 35:38 duration.
1991:
- February meeting is hosted at Pantera Performance Center. A tape of the Silver State Challenge is shown that features a Pantera setting a record time through the speed trap at 212mph.
- April is the 10th anniversary of the annual POCA Las Vegas convention. 240 total cars attend. Colorado Pantera Club has 22 cars represented. Alejandro DeTomaso attended. Tom and Jeff play cops and speeders with old police cruiser.
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Paul Maurer, Secretary: Bob Seeman (and Rome Chelsi, starting in June), Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- June 15th is the first annual Automezzi Italian car festival, held at the Arvada Arts Center. Three Panteras attend - all yellow. The yellow cars are owned by Jay Popp, Randy Vincent, and Dave McDermott.
- July meeting was held at Blaine Cleaver's Excalibur shop. The club gets to race on Blaine's slot car track (65 feet of track overall) with 1:24 scale cars.
- Bill Vaness starts the DeTomaso Registry.
- Don Anton has a stroke and recovers.
- Three Panteras take the podium in the 10th annual Aspen Open. First: Jim Lynch ('74 Pantera), Second: Paul Maurer ('74 Pantera), Third: Rome Chelsi ('72 Pantera).
- In the September Silver State Challenge, Paul Maurer crashes. In the 150mph class, Ron Stevens runs 158.75mph and Mark Johnson gets 157.68mph (3rd overall).
- New member: Ken Hegy.
1992:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Paul Maurer, Secretary: Rome Chelsi, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- The club sponsors a rafting trip in June in the Royal Gorge.
- Automezzi II takes place at Arapahoe Community College in June.
- 15 Panteras participate in the Aspen Open.
- September meeting held at Pantera Performance Center.
- New members: Gary Mowad, Richard McKay, Kevin Crites and Bob Becker.
- Ken Hegy buys red '72 from Al Langlaar.
- Christmas party held at Ron Stevens'.
1993:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Paul Maurer, Secretary: Rome Chelsi (later Bob Brooks), Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- February meeting (joint with the Shelby Club) took place at Unique Mobility in Golden.
- 10 Panteras participate in Automezzi III.
- Christmas party held at Ron Stevens'.
1994:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dennis Papin, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- Club dues are $24 per year.
- New members Dennis Papin, Andrew Tynkin, Mark Amato, Mike Gutru.
- Pantera Performance Center moves from Aurora to Castle Rock. The club tours the new facility for the September meeting.
- Christmas party held at Mark & Amy Johnson's.
1995:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dennis Papin, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- New members: Michael Skretteberg, Jeffrey Scott, Adam Gallagher.
- Bob Brooks wins Best In Show at Automezzi V.
- 6 Panteras make the annual breakfast run over Berthoud Pass to Winter Park in July.
- Rome Chelsi retires as Events Coordinator for the club.
- Christmas party hosted by Dan & Wendy Fisher.
1996:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dennis Papin, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- New member: Jim Newell.
- Dave Hall does a run of Colorado Pantera Club T-shirts and golf shirts.
- 8 Panteras participate in the Tri-State Auto Show.
- 15 members of the club make the trip to Italy in May for the 25th anniversary of the Pantera.
- Several cars make a run to Montana in September for a weekend trip.
- Christmas party hosted by Dave Fisher.
1997:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dennis Papin, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- New members: T.H. Cochran III, Jerry Scott, Alan Lockheed, Kenneth Reynolds.
- Pantera is the featured marque at Automezzi VII.
- Jay & Marsha Popp host the Christmas party.
1998:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dennis Papin, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- New member: Brian Hemenway.
- 10 Panteras and 1 Viper make the run to Vegas in April.
- Dennis Quella wins the Chevrolet Vintage Grand Prix at Stapleton in June with his Pantera.
- Mark Johnson organizes a fun run to Devils Tower in July.
- Dave Fisher begins selling off massive quantities of spare Pantera parts.
- Christmas party hosted by Jay & Marsha Popp.
1999:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Connie Hebda, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- The club tours the Matthews collection in April.
- New member: Ken Tisdale (who bought Mike Gutru's white '72).
- Christmas party at Dave Fisher's.
2000:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Connie Hebda, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- Tiger Club invites the Pantera club to their annual Daytona party in February.
- New members: Dorsey Comeau, Dave McDermott, Keith Mann, Jeff & Catherine Toby.
- 3 Vipers and Fisher's Mustang run to Roswell, NM in June in hopes of finding more intelligent life forms.
- Several Panteras make it to Automezzi X.
- CECA Aspen event is cancelled because they could not get the track.
- Jay & Marsha Popp host the Christmas party.
2001:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dave Hall, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- New members: Michael Skretteberg and John Lauerman.
- February meeting held at the Cobra Museum in Boulder.
- Dave Hall takes over as Secretary in June.
- Two Panteras attend the Automezzi show in June.
- The club tours Clive Cussler's collection in July.
- Two Panteras participate in the 9th Annual Firefighter's show in August.
- September 11th meeting cancelled for obvious reasons.
- Dave & Cindy Hall host the Christmas party.
2002:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dave Hall, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- New member: Matt Hannes.
- Dave Fisher presents his online dating advice at the February meeting.
- Two Panteras, three Vipers, and Gary Bryan's Lexus SC430 make the run to Vegas.
- Three Panteras attend Automezzi.
- The club tours the Cussler collection in July.
- 10 cars make the Sunday run to Dan Fisher's hangar near Canon City in October. One Viper has an off-track incident, and half the group gets lost along the way. Everyone eventually makes it there OK.
- Dennis Papin passes away in the fall.
- Christmas party hosted by Dave & Cindy Hall.
2003:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dave Hall, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- The Colorado Pantera Club goes online in January with the launch of www.coloradopantera.com.
- New members: Ken Brown (with a brown '73), Mike Rock, Dave Hunter, Cary Webster.
- Two Panteras attend the Automezzi show in May.
- Wynn Coomer passes away May 25.
- Tom Roepke purchases the Coomer 427 Pantera and sells his '72 to Jeff.
- Matt arranges a go-karting session at Action Karts. Dave and Dan Fisher, Kip Partridge, Chris Jacobsen, Joe Dozzo, and others participate. Lots of carnage ensues.
- 8 Panteras make it to the Arvada Firefighters show in August.
- Christmas party hosted by Dave Fisher.
2004:
- President: Jeff Nicholson, VP: Jay Popp, Secretary: Dave Hall, Treasurer: Tom Roepke.
- New members: Tom DiIulio, Barry Draeger.
- Several cars make the run to Vegas in April.
- 10 Panteras and a 1970 Mangusta attend Automezzi XIV, which is now held at the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design in Lakewood.
- CECA Aspen event is back!
- 3 Panteras make it to Mike & Trish Rock's place in Westcliffe on a Sunday in October.
- Christmas party hosted by Dave Fisher.
2005: