Charles Lucas -
Boroughbridge, UK
The
greatest privilege of the GingerMan experience for me was to realize that,
even after all these years, there were weird folk out there who still
enjoy driving and caring for old Titans. The
thought never occurred to us, when Tom & the lads were building them
in Huntingdon, that they would still be giving pleasure and moments of
frustration, irritation and even fear 30 years down the line.
That successful business men like Fred Opert and Pierre Phillips were
prepared to spare the time to come to the event only endorses the fact
that we treasure our old enthusiasms that make this life worth while.
The great surprise of the weekend for which I now feel some shame and
subsequent respect was to discover that you guys will still race in
torrential rain such as I've seldom seen before, even in the UK where we
virtually live under water!
Apart from
that, finding one of the 3 Ausper Formula Juniors in the paddock that Tom
built 40 years ago was an added bonus.
So it was
memorable weekend for me, and I'm eternally grateful to Andy and all the
guys who took the trouble to stage the event & to make us feel at
home. It was the high spot of my summer to meet you all, and I have the
framed photograph of the Titan line-up on my wall as I write to remind me
of these happy days. Please keep those Titans rolling and drop those ride-hights!
Regards,
Charles Lucas
B.S.
Levy
Article
written about the Reunion in Vintage Motorsports Magazine
[Click here].
Simple
words never seem enough. Even winning a race
seldom provokes more than "Well
done". So in that tradition, I say to
Andy, Well Done Andy!
Due to his hard work entirely we all enjoyed a
superb weekend at the Titan Reunion held at
South Haven. The warmth of our reception was
overwhelming, and to see all those beautifully
prepared cars in one place, quite
breathtaking! Particularly for me, all those
years on since it's inception.
Many new friends were made, and many old ones
renewed. To see Fred and Pierre attend was
very rewarding, they both played a major role
in establishing the marque. Without them
selling what they believed in, success would
have been unthinkable.
For me, it was just great to see Charles Lucas
and Derek Lawrence again, although fellow
countrymen, we seldom keep in touch, but
within minutes, all the joy of those halcyon
years came flooding back.
Big thank you also to Titan Motorsport for
their trophy's, it was only pressure of
business that kept Diana and Oz away.
Following that fabulous weekend, Derek and I
became tourists, enjoying the spectacular
scenery of
Colorado
, ably guided by Andy and his charming wife
Victoria. What a week! Special thanks also to
Bob Alder, chauffeur, and guide to all the
best truck stops!
Tell
you the truth, when I first heard from Andy, I
thought, oh no, another one (Geek, Nerd,
Anorak!, Ed.)! Since then we have become great
friends, and he can be very understanding of
my fading memory, and how he needs to be! When
he first mooted the idea of a Titan reunion a
year ago, I was full of apprehension. How
wrong I was.
So back to simple words, Well done, Andy!
Fabulous job well done. And thank you too, to
all those who made our stay so memorable and
enjoyable.
Regards, Roy Thomas
Derek
Lawrence - UK
I
have still not come back down to earth from our memorable trip to the
Titan reunion. Even though I brought my first race car from Charles Lucas
Engineering when they were at Highgate I had never met Luke before. Tom
and I keep in touch by Christmas cards so it was great to see him again.
He’s lost a little weight but still the same OLD Tom. He never seems to
change.
Fred Opert looked and sounded the same as he did 25 years ago. He
used to have a beautiful secretary Patty. I wonder where she is now???? I
had never met
Pierre
so it was fascinating to sit and listen to Tom,
Luke,
Fred and
Pierre
and all the tails of things they did, drivers and cars they ran and
scrapes they got into.
I
was most impressed with the standard of preparation of the cars, many of
them looked brand new, and the racing was great. My lasting memories of
the reunion will be all the friendly people I met. Special thanks to all
the organizers especially Andy and Victoria for their hospitality, Vaughn
and Einstein for the photographs and Bob Alder for introducing me to
chicken fried steak (is 'Thank You' the right word for Bob?)
Regards, Derek Lawrence
Bob Alder
- Denver, CO
Andy asked
that I say a few words about the Titan Reunion that took place July 6-9 at
GingerMan. One word will really do — great! For sure it was
disappointing that only about 13 Titans were there, but it didn't distract
from the quality of the event.
Andy and I
put our Titans (And a goodly amount of Andy's other "stuff," but
that's whole 'nuther story) in a big enclosed trailer and shared the two
days of driving from
Denver
to
Michigan
.
While I'd
met Andy on a few brief occasions it was only during the trip that I began
to realize just how dedicated Andy is to this Titan thing. He's an amazing
guy. For those of you who don't know it, his commitment to the Registry,
to Titans, and to our chosen sport is truly unique. We should all be
thankful for his efforts.
Topping
those efforts was his actually getting the Titan VIPs to attend. Charles
Lucas, Roy Thomas, Derek Lawrence (all three from
England
), Fred Opert, and Pierre Phillips. Wow!
Prior
articles in the Registry newsletter will tell you details about these
guys, but leave it to say that they WERE Titan. And to realize that some
of them hadn't seen each other in 25 years was something. They had a grand
time catching up. And the stories they told!!!
The one I
love is how the MK 9 was being viewed here in the States as a "bad
car." So they send Derek
(their works driver) over here to run some events in the States. After
repeated track records, first place wins, and a general butt kicking in
the car, they returned home. "The car's fine. Thank you very
much."
As a matter
of record, Andy's MK 9 won the Clash of the Titans. Of course there was
some cheating that took place. First, he brings in a ringer (Todd
"Very Fast" Strong) to drive the car and then he bums some
bonafide rain tires that proved to be invaluable.
Yours truly
had NEVER run in the wet. I thought the guys from VSCDA and the VIPs from
England would split a gut when I told them that after ten years of FF
racing I'd never run in the wet. Hey, In Colorado it seldom rains and if
it does we just wait a while and it dries out. They thought that was
hilarious.
And rain it
did. Hopefully elsewhere the "Splash" of the Titans will be
documented. Let me tell you, it was one hell of an introduction to the
"wet!"
Back to the
VIPs. To get to meet them was not only an honor but also a treat. Roy and
Derek rode back to
Colorado
with us so Andy and I got to know them even more. The nicest guys. If
Roy
just weren't so damned devilish.
All in all
if you didn't attend, you should have. We had a great time at a wonderful
track and enjoyed the fine hospitality of VSCDA, John Welch, Keith Laney,
and GingerMan Raceway. Many thanks to all of them and to especially to
Andy. A job well done.
Regards, Bob
Alder
Todd
Strong, Torrance, CA
I wanted to
drop a note and pass on some thanks about an extraordinary event I
recently attended. It was the Titan reunion which was held in conjunction
with VSCDA’s South Haven Vintage Car Races at GingerMan Raceway July
7-9, 2000.
The event brought together the key players of Titan’s car building
history. Charles Lucas- founder of CLE and Titan Cars, Roy Thomas-
designer of Titan cars, and Derek Lawrence- factory works driver, all
traveled from
England
to attend the event. Fred Opert and Pierre Phillips-
US
importers for Titan cars also attended.
These
gentlemen provided a wealth of technical advice, historical information,
and entertainment reminiscing about the F3 and FF racing they were
involved in during the 60’s and early 70’s. This was truly a once in a
lifetime opportunity to discuss the history of Titan cars with the people
that created it. Of course the fantastically prepared Titan cars, ranging
from a 67 Mk3 FB car to a 75 Mk9 FF also made quite an impression.
I would like
to take this opportunity to thank the Titan VIP’s for their attendance,
and to Andy Antipas for the long hours and hard work he spent bringing the
reunion from a concept to a reality.
Thanks also
go to the VSCDA for their great hospitality in hosting the event. And
finally on a personal note I must give a giant thanks to Bruce and Cindy
Lindstrand of Lindstrand Motorsports. Bruce was a Titan driver from before
the cars were vintage, and currently runs a very professional preparation
business that cares for many of the vintage Titans in the area.
For the
Titan feature race the weather gods threw us a twist and the skies poured
down rain. As slicks were the only tires we had it looked as if we would
be sidelined until Bruce graciously offered the use of a spare set of rain
tires he had. The tires proved fantastic, and allowed me win the Titan
feature race driving Andy Antipas’ Mk9 FF in a torrential downpour.
Bruce and Cindy, thanks so much for the tires and the hospitality.
Very truly
yours, Todd Strong
Vaughn Rockney, Florida
I had a
great time at the Titan Reunion at GingerMan.
Everything was just as I had hoped it would be. I really enjoyed
meeting Roy, Luke, Derek, Pierre, and Fred, and then meeting Todd Strong
and Bob Alder.
The contacts we made will have value well into the future. Next
season, I need to make plans to get out to an RMVR event and meet up with
you and Bob again.
The Clash of the Titans feature race in the rain was also memorable.
I've absolutely never driven in such a downpour, but wouldn't have
missed it for anything.
The event T-shirt was another item that will have lasting meaning
for me. It was beautifully done, and every time I wear it, it will bring
back the memories of the reunion.
Regards, Vaughn Rockney
Andy
Antipas, Titan Registry and Reunion Guru
Luke and Roy
were surprised to find a 1960 Ausper formula junior in the paddock
belonging to Dr. Marv Primack. As it turns out,
Roy
built all three Auspers in existence. This particular car was once owned
by Bubbles Horsley and raced at the Nurburgring! To find this car at
GingerMan was a real treat.
We woke up Saturday to cloudy skies which was soon accompanied by rain,
and rain, and more rain, and wind. Even with the inclement weather, the
VSCDA kept the days schedules running on time. Fred Opert arrived at the
track around mid morning and was soon looking over Roger Karnopp’s
“brand new” Mk6.
By 5 PM on
Saturday it was time for the Clash of the Titans feature race. 9 Titans
lined up for the start (7 Mk6s, 1 Mk9, and 1 Mk3). Right before the start,
the rain let up a little bit and I was hoping that the track might dry out
a bit. However, right after the formation lap the heavens unleashed the
heaviest down pours of the day. It was raining sideways!
I have never
seen any race continue under such conditions, but the Titan drivers, kept
their heads down and pressed on with the job at hand. Cars were
hydroplaning and spinning off everywhere, and by some miracle no one came
together, damaged their cars, or got hurt.
Todd Strong
was driving my Mk9 and due to his skill and those previously mentioned
rain tires was able to win the race with Paul Schindlbeck in second and
Dave Jordano in third. However, let the record show that Todd fell off the
track several times and actually missed the last turn onto the home
straight half way through the race. Like I said, the conditions were
dreadful. This was a race for the record books!
Following
the “Splash” we headed for the track pavilion and had a wonderful BBQ
chicken and pork dinner with all the fixings prepared by track chef George
“my friends call me big but” who was General Westmoreland’s cook.
Following
the dinner, Keith and Barb Laney, Charles Lucas, Fred Opert, and myself
present awards to the deserving Titan participants:
 |
Titan
World Champion: Todd Strong |
 |
Second
place overall: Paul
Schindlbeck |
 |
Winning
Vintage F. Ford: Dave Jordano |
 |
Longest
Tow: Bob Alder |
 |
Titan
Car of the Meet: Roger Karnopp |
Keith’s race prep business donated three trophies to the top three
finishers. Charles donated an engraved pewter tankard for the Titan World
Champion, and Diana and Oz donated a lovely engraved pewter plate for the
winning Vintage Formula Ford. Fred Opert awarded the top six “Splash”
finishers with dark green shirts embroidered with the Titan logo. The
Titan Registry donated two engraved glass mugs for the Longest Tow and
Titan Car of the Meet. Finally, all reunion participants were presented
with the new Titan Cloisonné pin. The titan cars and owners in attendance
included:
 |
Mk3,
Brad Baker,
Oshawa
,
Ont.
,
Canada |
 |
Mk6,
Paul Schindlbeck,
Oswego
,
IL |
 |
Mk6,
Dave Jordano,
Chicago
,
IL |
 |
Mk6, Bob
Alder, Denver, CO |
 |
Mk6,
Roger Karnopp,
Egan
,
MN |
 |
Mk6,
Bill Stevenson,
Grand Rapids
,
MI |
 |
Mk6,
Dave Drake,
Grand Rapids
,
MI |
 |
Mk6,
Vaughn Rockney,
Rockville
,
MD |
 |
Mk6, Bob
Mayer,
Crystal Lake
,
IL |
 |
Mk6,
Dean Tank,
Chicago
,
IL |
 |
Mk6,
Gerry Tussing,
Lincoln
,
NE |
 |
Mk9,
Allen Ross,
Carrolltown
,
PA |
 |
Mk9,
Andy Antipas, Carbondale, CO |
Registry participants Todd Strong, Matt Sell, and Ian Hebblethwaite
attended the event without their Titans. Todd (
Torrance
, CA) as you know by now shared my car. Matt (Boise, ID) is currently
restoring a Mk3 Titan to FB specification, and Ian, the Registry
Historian, attended the event all the way from South Africa! Now there is
commitment for you!
Vaughn Rockney has created a
Reunion
web page which is linked to the Titan website with lots of information and
pictures. When you get a moment take a look and see what you missed.
Sundays
weather was perfect. Clear skies and low humidity. The track finally dried
out and it was another great day of vintage racing. The vintage formula
ford race was excellent with the Titans of Dave Jordano coming home in
first and Deane Tank in third. The club ford event was won by Titan
Registry participant and VSCDA Race Director John Welch in his (gasp)
Hawke! By Sunday afternoon folks had loaded up their cars and started the
long drive home.
The memories
will last for a long time...........
|