The Prez Box

by Ron Bone

You can usually feel the fall weather in the air by the time Labor Day rolls around. It ushers in a thoroughly delightful time of the year, albeit one whose days are numbered. Time to get that Corvette out for some premium cruising.

That was exactly what several of us did when we packed our bags and headed for Seattle in September 2004. It appeared at first to be an auspicious beginning as Dick and Trish Bargman and Peggy and I zipped along toward our first overnight stop in Boise. Suddenly the traffic on I‑84 ground to a stop in both directions, just a half hour before reaching Boise. After an hour of cooling our heels, we were finally shuttled onto a detour that degenerated into several miles of two-lane dirt road. The dirt in the air was so thick that one truck, unable to see the road, ran off it. When we finally arrived at our motel we were aghast of our cars, which had been transformed by the flour-like dirt into white apparitions. A wash

job was not optional, it was an absolute necessity.

After picking up Dale and Deena Larsen and Tommy and Allison along the way, we arrived at Seattle without further surprises. The star attraction of the Friday evening icebreaker was the valve cover races. For the uninformed, these racers are hand-built from scratch using engine valve covers as the base platforms. Two racers of the same class, based on weight, are pitted against each other on an inclined track. Both start down the ramp at the same time; the winner is the valve cover that arrives first at the finish line. If you think this sounds like an activity that 12 year-old boys would dream up, you’re partially right. Although the boys are older and they have more toys, this is way more serious stuff, all in the name of good fun. One team even had a pit crew, outfitted in identical shirts and hats, supporting a crew chief who had a motor mouth that would put funny car racer John Force on the trailer. Another had a racer piloted by Kermit the Frog, with potted flowers in the trunk.

Tommy Taylor and Dale Larsen did well in the face of stiff competition. But the surprise of the evening was Dick Bargman, who made it all the way to the semi-finals with his first-ever racer. Now, we all know that Dick can put together a pretty mean engine. But who would have guessed that he is also a world-class valve cover racer suspension wizard? Micro-fine wheel alignments, using nothing more than racing-class bailing wire, are his stock and trade. Move over Moog; a new sheriff is in town.

Saturday brought a poker run which routed us on a scenic tour of the small towns around Seattle. The last stop on the poker run was at a car dealer who specializes in muscle cars of all types and vintages. It was tough to get the guys out of there. A non-intensive driving event and a car show rounded out the daytime activities, with Dale and Dick making a great showing. Saturday evening we departed Seattle on a dinner cruise in the harbor. Watching the city lights come on from the bay was a unique thrill.

We won some very nice raffle prizes. The big win was by Dale: a set of new Goodyear Eagle F1 (Z06-style) tires! But we all came away winners because of the fun we had and the camaraderie we shared with the terrific folks in the Corvette Marque Club of Seattle.

Minutes of the September Meeting

by Peggy Bone

The monthly meeting was held on September 25, 2004 at Betty’s Café in Blackfoot, starting at 9:30 A.M. There were 22 club members and 7 guests in attendance.

Vice President Tommy Taylor called the meeting to order at 10:30 A.M. Tommy recognized the September birthdays and introduced our guests. He opened the floor to anyone who had announcements, comments or questions.

Linda Moore announced the specifics on the drive to Bear Lake that was to take place immediately after the meeting.

Bill Madsen gave a brief summary of Wild West Vette Fest 2004. It was a success, with 133 cars participating. Everyone had a good time and we made money, too. Renata Waters, our Treasurer, will give an expense report at the next monthly meeting. Bill Waters said that the participation by our own club members was disappointing.

Wanda Hughes said that four cars from our club went to the show in Elko and had a great time.

Tommy Taylor talked about the Seattle in September show. Four cars represented our club. Our club brought home the trophy for traveling the farthest. Ron Bone won the trophy for best vanity plate – RDRB8 (Radar Bait).

Tommy said that Richard Morris had agreed to stay after the meeting if anyone wanted to look at his new C6.

The next monthly meeting will be held at sponsor Me ‘n Stan’s restaurant in Rexburg on October 13, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 A.M.

October Birthdays

Rich Lyons 2

Wanda Pincock 3

Wendy Farmer 6

Wanda Hughes 12

Dennis Peterson 20

Jeff Staffon 22