Triumphest 2002

We just got back from Triumphest 2002 in Laughlin, NV. Karyn & I took the eastern route from our home in Sutter Creek. We got an early start around 5:30am heading over 88 toward route 395. The early morning drive through the fall colors was spectacular (a possible overnighter for the club?). The trip took 10 hours of sometimes over the limit, but we arrived safe and without mishap.

Arriving at the River Palms hotel, we immediately met fellow Triumph Travelers. Jim Messinio, Bruce & Danette Waller, Bill Fisk, Bud & Cathy Morris, Roger Evans, Joe Cain, Jim, Pam&Olivia Cain, John & Lila Truttman (co-chairman) and Jim Bauder (recent transplant to Phoenix). The headquarters were centered in a large tent where the vendors, registration, Friday night 50’s dance party and contests were held.

Friday started early with the autocross and driving tour. The autocross was a well-planned course that allowed for low speed, lots of turns, and a minor tech session – no helmet needed. Each car was allowed 4 tries with a best time. It was entertaining to watch who could remember which way to go.

After all cars were done, the course was used
for a funkhana, blind driver contest. Karyn & I won the worst – longest time – I kept telling her that we were not moving! The Cain brothers won the best time. Karyn & I tried out the driving tour (same course as the Saturday TDS Rallye). The tour took us the the old town of Oatman AZ., on the historic Route 66. You wonder how anyone got around back then.

Roving donkeys roam the town to the tourists’ delight (just watch where you’re stepping). We had great hamburgers at the old hotel and then continued on. The Saturday night 50’s dance party was fun with most of the Desert Centre Club dressed in 50’s costumes. John & Lila Truttman won the best costumes and dance contest.

Approximately 118 Triumphs were on display Saturday morning featuring one of the first build TR2’s (#8 or 9), a Dorretti, and the TR3 on raffle. The TR3 was won by a gentleman from New Mexico. DCTRA spent 12 years restoring this car.

The TDS rallye began at 1pm, although, the pre run Karyn & I did, didn’t help us. But, we didn’t get lost. Saturday night’s banquet was held in the hotel. All our club members walked away with trophies.
The winners are;
Photo – Jim Cain
Autocross – TR3 Joe Cain
Autocross – TR6 Bill Fisk
Autocross – TR7 Colleen McKay
Funcours - TR3 Bronze
Bud & Cathy Morris
Jim & Pam Cain
Roger Evans
Joe & Laurie Cain
TR3 Silver - Jim Messinio
TR3 Gold - Jim Bauder
TR4/250 Silver
Mike & Diane Millard
Gold Pat, Dave & Marie
Pearson
TR6 Gold - Bill Fisk
Bruce & Danette Waller
John & Lila Truttman
TR7/8 Gold - Karyn & Rich Gibbon
Colleen McKay
The President’s award
Ibsen & Julie Dow

TR3People award
Bob & Pat Brock TR3

Next year’s Triumphest, hosted by Southern California Triumph Owners Assoc., will be held October16 – 19 at the Mission Inn in Riverside CA.