June 16-20th, 2010
Holmes County, Ohio

TRA 2010 National Meet

The Buckeye Triumphs club hosted the 2010 TRA National Meet.  The dates were Wednesday, June 16 through Sunday, June 20. 

Most of our driving events were within Holmes County, Ohio, and we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in Wooster, Ohio.  Holmes County is the home of many Amish families, and we took the opportunity to sample delicious Amish cooking and experience their simpler way of life. 

We had several driving opportunities to motor through Ohio countryside to quaint Amish towns such as Kidron, Berlin, Charm and Sugarcreek.  Lehman’s Hardware is a retail store located in Kidron, Ohio.  Originally specializing in products used by the Amish community, it has become known worldwide as a source for non-electric appliances.  The 32,000 square-foot facility bills itself as a “Low Tech Superstore” and a “Purveyor of Historical Technology.”  It is also a popular tourist destination for busloads of “English” (non-Amish) people.  Berlin is known for its unique gift shops featuring everything from garden crafts to children’s toys.  Charm is one of the largest Amish communities in the world and is known for its home style restaurants, inns and the Ole Mill Furniture Store.  (They even have a school there so you can tell your friends that you have been to Charm School.)  Tourism in Sugarcreek was the result of actual lifestyle evolution rather than planned marketing.  The strong German-Swiss heritage of Sugarcreek’s citizens resulted in the establishment of cheese factories throughout the area.     

We were also able to make arrangements to drive “parade laps” at the Mid-Ohio Racecourse on Thursday.   Once at Mid-Ohio, we were met by the 2009 SCCA E Production National Champ, Sam Halkias.  Sam led the group around the 2.4 mile race course for three laps during the lunch break for the Trans Am race.  A spirited session of TR Family Feud followed the Welcome Picnic on Thursday evening.

As we have done during the last several years, the Concours d'Elegance was held on Friday morning, followed by the TR Olympics and individual driving tours of the area.  In addition, Mark Macy taught a very informative workshop concerning TR interiors and proper gluing techniques.  The very lively and enjoyable parts auction took place Friday evening, and the TRA Membership Meeting, Photo Rallye and entertaining awards banquet took place on Saturday. 

TRA 2010 Participants' Choice Winners

TR2                 1st Place:         Jeff and Nancy Kelley
                         2nd Place:       Joe and Judy Paradis

TR3                1st Place:          John Jennings
                        2nd Place:         Mark and Tonda Macy
                        3rd Place:          Greg and Ann Gillman

TR3A             1st Place:          Tom Harrison
                       2nd Place:         Joe and Dottie Richards
                       3rd Place:          Jim Clark
 
TR3B            1st Place:          Stan Seto
                      2nd Place:         Jeff Krupp
                      3rd Place:          John and Becky Hartley
 
TR4              1st Place:          Mark Rollinson
                      2nd Place:         Rich Roenigk
 
TR4A           1st Place:          Chuck and Chris White
 
Other            1st Place:          Jim Shear
                      2nd Place:         Bill Reinheimer
                      3rd Place:         The entire Clough Family
 

TRA 2010 Concours d'Elegance Winners

TR2               1st Place:          Lou Metelko

TR3               1st Place:          Mike Scarpa

TR3A            1st Place:          Tom  Hessenauer
                       2nd Place:        Chris and Kathy Kresser
                       3rd Place:         Ray Hevner

TR3B            1st Place:          Darrell Floyd

TR4               1st Place:          Darrell Floyd

Modified       1st Place:          Ron Boals

 
Additionally, Greg Walker, Pat Davis and Jack Schmelyun were recognized for preserving their cars to the Gold standard.  They will (or have been) given Certificates to designate this high honor.
 
After all Concours awards were presented, the Best of Show award was announced and given to Mike Scarpa for his beautiful 1957 TR3.  Congratulations to all winners!

We greatly appreciate all the efforts of the Buckeye Triumphs club, especially John and Charma Huddy, Murry and Jacqueline Mercier, Jim and Gayle Van Order, and Bruce Miles in hosting TRA2010.  Thanks also to the team of judges led by Mark Macy and Nino Richards.  We hope that all who attended had a wonderful visit, and we hope to see you next year in Fort Wayne at TRA2011!

Click here for the complete TRA 2010 Schedule of Events.