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 John Kundy  1955 TR2
 
TR3 Class Al Cote  1960 TR3
Jane & Jack Nixon  1960 TR3A
Garry Hampton  1960 TR3A
 
TR4 Class Wilson Colucci  1966 TR4A
Rick & Candyce Aust  1966 TR4A
Tom Boggiano  1964 TR4
 
TR250 Class Rob Thomson  1968 TR250
Steve Lindquist  1968 TR250
Marilee Tilton  1968 TR250
 
TR6 Class
(early)
Art Baker  1969 TR6
Dave Uttley  1973 TR6
Chuck Georgio  1973 TR6
 
TR6 Class
(late)
Diana & Bob Stanley  1974 TR6
John Canto  1974 TR6
Robert Dilisio  1976 TR6
 
TR7 Class Matt Hogan  1977 TR7
Mike Cuccurulio  1975 TR7
Charles Frink  1975 TR7
 
TR8 Class Sandra & Anthony Cerbone  1980 TR8
Clint Cooper  1980 TR8
Jay Feigan  1980 TR8
 
Spitfire Class
(early)
Robert McCullough  1969 Spitfire
 
Spitfire Class
(late)
John Nugent  1979 Spitfire
Will Wiegler  1980 Spitfire
Peter Amondoin  1977 Spitfire
 
GT6 Class Colin Davis  1970 GT6+
Hector Agostino  1972 GT6
 
Stag Class Dave Cox  1973 Stag
 
Modified Class Bob Totten  1964 Spitfire GT6
Todd Kishbach  1980 TR8
 
Special Interest Class Suzy & "Pinch" Polenchar  1954 Renown
Ron Fornier  1972 TVR
 
Best in Show   Suzy & "Pinch" Polenchar  1954 Renown