2006 16th Annual Day of Triumph
By Matt Hogan
Sunday morning the oppressive heat and humidity broke and a beautiful day was in store for the
annual Day of Triumph at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. It was the first show I had coordinated
and there were a few pre-show jitters but the Zen-like advice of former show coordinator Chuck
Georgio stuck in my head. "The show just happens, it runs it self." Well, it wasn’t quite that
easy, but with the help of some key volunteers it went pretty smoothly. 68 cars took the field and
the variety was fantastic. They ranged from a 1954 Renown to a race prepared TR8. Lots of
familiar faces and cars along with some new ones made for a great time. Everyone has their
own take on the day but here are some of the moments that stuck with me:
While helping to register entrants I was surprised by all the smiling faces. I guess it should’ve
been expected. It was a great vibe to see Triumph owners, happily behind the wheel of their
pride and joy, about to spend a day with like minded folks. It’s a moment when all the
sacrifices and hard work pay off and you could sense the pride in ownership. It made all my
work behind the scenes worthwhile.
Bob and Diana Stanley’s magenta (purple) TR6 looked stunning. It captured a first in the late
TR6 class. Last time I saw that car it was in the paint booth at Alton Motorsports with the
engine and gearbox removed. I can only imagine the work it took to reach the winners circle.
Frank and Trisha Frett proudly driving their "new" TR6 which replaced the one totaled earlier
this year. A nice ending to a sad story and the new car’s shade of blue is great.
New member Charlie Costa proudly attending his first DoT in a red TR3. His enthusiasum
was infectious.
"Pinch" Polanchar telling me how he wrapped the carburetor on his Renown in an ice pack
from his cooler to overcome vapor lock during the trip to Brookline. What a beautiful
car he and Suzy have. It was rightfully voted Best in Show.
Ned Sparrow scheduling a "test drive" for a prospective buyer of his Spitfire during the
show. Maybe a sale was made?
Many long time members said it just wasn’t the same without Bob and Carrie Grove
there. We’ll just have to organize a drive to an Indiana show sometime.
Bruce Penttinen’s "scruffy" TR7. He had a photo display showing his other,
very nice TR7 after vandals had smashed it with a piece of construction equipment
while being stored for the winter. He was grateful to just be driving another
Triumph regardless of condition.
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of new members and "renewals" signed up
during the show and the strong interest in the club from many new faces.
Jane Nixon single-handedly raised almost $250 through the sale of raffle tickets.
The museum has had a horrible year with many shows rained out.
So as a good will gesture we (the club officers) have voted to donate 50%
of the money raised through the raffle back to the museum. I think you’ll all
agree that the money will go to a good cause. Thank you Jane. The raffle would
not have been as successful without your efforts.
Lastly, I want to thank the following club members and friends who stepped
forward to help. Day of Triumph wouldn’t have happened without them: Art and
Ann Ditto, Jon Liebold (and his son Rick), Tom Walkey and Art Baker.
If you want to share your experience at DoT feel free to submit an article.
This isn’t the definitive story, just one person’s experience.
Check out Paul Rego's DoT photo album.
Click here
See you all at next year’s show!
16th Annual
Day of Triumph
Results of Participant's Choice Balloting
TR2 Class
1
John Kundy
1955 TR2
TR3 Class
1
Al Cote
1960 TR3
2
Jane & Jack Nixon
1960 TR3A
3
Garry Hampton
1960 TR3A
TR4 Class
1
Wilson Colucci
1966 TR4A
2
Rick & Candyce Aust
1966 TR4A
3
Tom Boggiano
1964 TR4
TR250 Class
1
Rob Thomson
1968 TR250
2
Steve Lindquist
1968 TR250
3
Marilee Tilton
1968 TR250
TR6 Class
(early)1
Art Baker
1969 TR6
2
Dave Uttley
1973 TR6
3
Chuck Georgio
1973 TR6
TR6 Class
(late)1
Diana & Bob Stanley
1974 TR6
2
John Canto
1974 TR6
3
Robert Dilisio
1976 TR6
TR7 Class
1
Matt Hogan
1977 TR7
2
Mike Cuccurulio
1975 TR7
3
Charles Frink
1975 TR7
TR8 Class
1
Sandra & Anthony Cerbone
1980 TR8
2
Clint Cooper
1980 TR8
3
Jay Feigan
1980 TR8
Spitfire Class
(early)1
Robert McCullough
1969 Spitfire
Spitfire Class
(late)1
John Nugent
1979 Spitfire
2
Will Wiegler
1980 Spitfire
3
Peter Amondoin
1977 Spitfire
GT6 Class
1
Colin Davis
1970 GT6+
2
Hector Agostino
1972 GT6
Stag Class
1
Dave Cox
1973 Stag
Modified Class
1
Bob Totten
1964 Spitfire GT6
2
Todd Kishbach
1980 TR8
Special Interest Class
1
Suzy & "Pinch" Polenchar
1954 Renown
2
Ron Fornier
1972 TVR
Best in Show
Suzy & "Pinch" Polenchar
1954 Renown