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It was that time again:
Dennis (Mad Dog) Antenucci gave a great summary of the Silver State Classic Challenge and Team Pantera Racing's participationg this year from his perspective. We'll star there. Scroll, down for more details and photos.
"Morning Brothers!
Think I am still a little high on SPEED after this last week. But as I sit here it is a reminder of how blessed I feel to have had Asa by my side in Ely in the worst weather conditions I have seen in all most 30 years. And in spite of the rain and cold I could not help but appreciate that Asa was under or inside the Pantera getting it not only ready but making it all come together. He finally finished just as the parade at the HS started and we got down on main street just in time to see Mark, Lisa, Tony and the rest of the guys and gals roll down the street in the rain, laughing and having a good time throwing candy to the kids......yea AWESOME!
Also we really, REALLY needed some new blood injected into TPR and Tony and his family and his crew brought that in spades....Just out of Tony's showing up we already have two more rookies and possibly the first woman Pantera owner who is also the chapter prez of POCA in Arizona who may also join us next year......Yea only Laurie "Ferrari" Basile is the only woman to run a Pantera and Cheryl is friends with Laurie and said, "I love Laurie so much I just do not want her to feel back if I go faster".....I immediately contacted Laurie and she immediately said, I will talk to her but please tell her I want her to bring it on....and Laurie may even be there next year as well with her brother like she was 20+ years ago. This enthusiasm has ignited the team. Mark at 81+ may only have a year or so as a competitor (so he says) yet he drove his Z06 all the way from Connectect and raced and averaged 140+ and then drove it back across the country....Yea AMAZING.
I could not be prouder then I am right now. Asa pulled it all together and as I think I mentioned before I was averaging 144 mph at mile 50 and had to slow the hell down as I was only teched for 130! HAHA
In spite of the very well placed anti-rust coating of the rear main seal I now have an opportunity to rebuild WOTWILD into what it used to be with more HP and allot more noise......I don't even care about HP numbers....but as a old school hot rodder and V8 in a Pantera or ANY CAR outta make you shiver with love and pride....that is my action now....interviewing 4 potential builders...and will have more on that a bit later when I have interviewed them all and also have Asa talk to them....
And DAVE, not forgetting you either....there was a reason and a very good reason why Asa and I admire you so much....you have been a wealth of encouragement and your own lessons learned but it is your ENTHUSIASM for guns and fast cars and life that makes me appreciate you as a friend and yes, a team mate....while you were not there physically with us you very much were part of the team this last year like you have been on the sidelines for years. Yes very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Okay, back to regular programming."
For the past few years, Team Pantera Racing has also welcomed our members driving new C8 Corvettes. Blasphemy? Maybe, but when it comes to mid-engine fun at a reasonable price, not much can come close. In 2025, the team fielded two Panteras and two Corvettes. Here at the car show on Saturday of the event, we see Tony Ortiz custom Pantera, followed by Dennis Antenucci's famous Pantera, then Team Pantera Racing member Mark Skwarek in his C8 Corvette, following by Lisa Biedenkapp in her C8, formerly belonging to Dennis (in that weird year he drove a C8).
Tony's Pantera is a custom build in a modern Ford GT motiff. The bodywork is well executed merging the best elements of both models. The car is truly beautiful.
An image not seen except maybe once a year; two Panteras fueling up in Ely, Nevada.
The business end of two awesome C8 Corvettes.
The overflow parking lot behind the Hotel Nevada. Mad Dog's Pantera is having ride height adjusted, while Mark Skwarek applies sponsor decals with Lisa's C8 right next door. Not pictured is Tony's Pantera parked further back behind the trucks.
Dennis' Pantera required an updated alignement after final coilover shock adjustments for ride-height. Not pictured are the alignment pads used under the wheels when making the adjustments.
Here's the man who keeps Team Pantera Racing coming back every year. Dennis (Mad Dog) Antenucci. Here he relaxes at the Pharmacy and old fashioned soda fountain in Ely. And they make heck-for-stout sandwiches; just look at the size of that thing!
And here's the man himself at pre-grid, ready to go racing and run fastest in his class (which he did).
And for his enduring dedication to coming across country for years in his Pantera and now his C8 Corvette, Team Pantera Racing awarded Mark Skwarek a Lifetime Achievement Award.
These folks and more are already looking forward to 2026 when the team believes even more Panteras will be showing up.
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