This is an interesting message. The very thought of risking an Italia out
on the track makes me cringe. The very thought of risking an Italia out on
the track is one embodiment of what vintage racing is all about.
mjb.
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From: "Mike Engard" <mikee@home.bellatlantic.net>
Organization: Ragtops & Roadsters
To: vintage-race@autox.team.net
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 12:46:55 -5
Subject: intro: me & my Italia
I'm new to the lists and to vintage racing. I'm Mike Engard and I
have a British car restoration shop in SE Pennsylvania. I am
purchasing a 1960 Triumph Italia 2000 GT which I would like to vintage race.
FYI the Italia is a TR-3A that was sent to Italy to be fitted with a
Michelotti designed, Vignale built coupe body. From the front it
looks like a Volvo P-1800, from the rear like a TR-4 (both Michelotti
designs).
My questions fall into two basic groups; How do I prep the car?
and where do I race, ie; which sanctioning body, what class, what
tracks, etc.? I realize the answers of each question affect the
other.
On prepping the car; since the chassis and drive train are
strictly TR-3 I would think that there is a wealth of information
concerning mods and improvements, but I don't know who to talk to
about it. Anybody currently racing one? Or who used to race a 3 or a
4? A possibilty would be to buy a 3 or 4 currently set up and just
swap the body. I'm not sure about what is and is not allowed by the
rules in the different groups concerning originality both from the
idea of a chassis that didn't belong to this particular car or an
upgraded chassis, ie TR-4 rack and pinion instead of TR-3 cam and
lever.
Since I have a shop I'm inclined to do the work myself (promotion)
but I would certainly consider buying a purpose built motor from a
reputable builder. Any suggestions? What about all those things I've
always heard of like Alfin brakes, close ratio gearboxes? What size
tires? Wire wheels are a strict no-no? Since this is a coupe do I
still need a roll bar? A roll cage? Obviuosly I would want something
required or not, but since weight is such a factor(it is isn't it?)
I'd like to know my alternatives. Which brings me to my other
question.
What are the different gruops and what do they allow/require? I
noticed at the Philadelphia Grand Prix (VSCCA ?) that there were no
Triumphs but there were several Triumph-powered Morgans ??? Nobody
races Triumphs? There are not allowed because of their age? Different
gruops run at different tracks(?) To start I would go to the nearby
ones, ie; Pocono, Lime Rock, Summit Point, Watkins Glen. What others
are nearby? What are they're schedules for this year? I figure that
having the car ready by the spring of 1998 is probably optimistic.
This will be mostly my effort so it will be part-time while I
continue to run my shop.
I will certainly appreciate any response to my questions.
According to Burt Levy this is a fine bunch of people and I look
forward to becoming a part of it!
Mike Engard
1980 TR7, 1970 Rover 3500S
Perkasie, PA (North of Phila.)
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