UNIQUE HOMECOMING 2002

39 Cobras Attend

Story & Pictures by Jerry Rowley

Gadsden, Alabama May 8-11, 2002

Some Cobra replica fans started to arrive on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for the weekends activities. We dropped off our car and trailer at Unique and then proceeded to check in at the hotel. Thursday morning we arrived at the Unique Factory about 8A.M. to clean the car a bit before the poker rally scheduled to start at 10:30A.M. Five cars made the starting line and we proceeded out on the road in caravan style following Richard Dunn who planned this event.

The Poker Rally meandered around beautiful Alabama countryside for almost 85 miles. We drew our first card at the start. We made one stop at Guntersville Lake Marina for a nice rest stop under the shade of nice old trees. The scene was tranquil and cool along the bank of the lake. After a good leg stretch and cool down of our Cobras*, we went on our way with our fearless leader, Richard, still in front. He is to be commended as we never broke any speed laws, and the trip was a delight for all the "lady navigators/passengers" (some were men).

Finally around 12:30P.M. we arrived at the Ryan's Steak House in Fort Payne, AL., just in time for the afternoon thunder boomer. Some of us had our tops and side curtains along, some only tonneau covers, and one - you guessed it! Nothing! Michele didn't get much lunch as she protected her shiny steed by parking under a roof at the gas station across from the restaurant while we all ate our fill! Sorry, Michele! it rained pretty good, but, by the end of lunch it conveniently stopped as we took I-59 back to Gadsden. We drew the rest of the cards Friday night at Nocolula Falls during the evening meal/party.

It turned out Jerry & Trudy Rowley had the highest hand of five card to win the beautiful trophy Richard awarded after dinner. We were very pleased to receive this nice award.

Everyone got up bright and early for the Homecoming Open House at the Unique Factory on Friday morning. The Weaver had everything ship-shape before 8A.M. as people started to show up and parade their cars along the front in the factory parking area and in the side lot. Inside the plant replica cobra* kits were displayed in various stages of production from bare frames to finished chassis and shiny painted bodies awaiting mounting. Engines, transmissions and Jag rear ends were also on display awaiting the final assembly day when they will power another beautiful piece of machinery made by Unique Motorcars. The Weavers have a fine reputation as not only wonderful friendly people, but, also as skilled craftsmen turning out a wonderful replica of the old legends.

Many hours of bench racing, comparing details of accessory items and just plain bull sessions occurred throughout the day until about 4P.M. when all went to freshen up for the catered dinner at Nocolula Falls Friday evening. The affair started with the cars arranged again on public display in the parking area of the park. Many old friendships were renewed as new ones were made amongst the participants, wives, girlfriends and families in attendance. 

After a nice catered dinner, Richard Dunn, Linda (his wife) and Butch Capps handed out the dozens upon dozens of door prizes. Everyone got something and many people received many different prizes each. This year, there were special prizes for the ladies, which was a nice touch, and added to their enjoyment, thanks to Linda Dunn.

Saturday we left for the Little Talladega Gran Prix track at 7A.M., arrived trackside about 8:30. Tech inspection got underway until the drivers meeting run by the local S.C.C.A. group at 9:30. Then we started to run in classes; Ladies, Small block, Big block, Medium block, for twenty minute practice sessions on the track. We practiced in groups of five cars at a time until lunch time. Lunch was catered BBQ sandwiches and chips along with cold drinks. The timed runs got underway about 1 P.M. Then the real fun started! Now we were in competition for the brass ring, towards the Shoot-out for Fastest Time of the Day! Last year a small block (302) 289 Model car beat everyone. Would this be the year for the "Big Blocks"? I sincerely hoped so, as I sure had a big block at 464c.i.d. (stroked 427).

On my first timed run I tried letting 3 lbs/Sq. In. of air out of each tire. That was the wrong thing to do! I spun out on the first two timed laps! With only one decent lap I was second to Lee Dahmer (last years BB champ) by one tenth of a second. Later I got to rerun and added back the 3 lbs of air in the tires. I beat Lee by .4 seconds. Then Mike Denton got his run and turned 4 seconds less per lap and set a new track record (new track configuration) 69.65 seconds! This was Mike's day to be sure. Later, Ron Bonnell (Medium Block) came close with 70.13 seconds and got in the shoot-out for top honors with Mike Denton. It was no use, however, Mike held on to win with his time and save the day for the Big Blocks. Michele Lincoln turned in a 73.67 for best in Small Blocks and best Woman Overall (Lou Spinelli actually beat her time by 1.2 seconds with her car, however). 

There was one "small incident" announced during an otherwise great day at the track. Jerry Rowley, otherwise now known as, "Power Stroke Diesel Rowley",  killed a Mocking bird on his best lap during his rerun. The Audubon Society has issued a warning to ol' "Power stroke" that if he kills any more birds he will become AKA; "Power Stroke Birdman Rowley"! The actual incident that gained Jerry this nickname is unknown except in certain circles near Atlanta, Georgia it was learned. He has vowed not to kill any more birds with his Cobra*.

A terrific ending to a perfect day came to most competitors as they went to a local Mexican restaurant for the usual finale, Margaritas and Mexican chow. A great big thanks goes out to Linda & Richard Dunn for putting the event together for us this year. They planned and did everything except the Factory Open House and did an excellent job. We can only hope they will see fit to do it again next year. I'll be ready to go!

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