resurrecting this thread (also posted this in another thread)
when I was around 11 or 12 yrs old / early 70's - I accompanied two neighbors to a buddy race in Grove City PA - Grove City marathon ... 4 hour buddy race I believe
I was the 'pit crew'' for my neighbors - I toted the fuel and tools etc to a check point area etc (?)
we were pitted next to Tom Penton - the famous Tom Penton of Penton motorcycles
we initially did not realize we were pitted next to Tom Penton - we pulled into an open spot next to a plain looking van if I recall correctly ... there might have been a small Penton sticker on a widow or body of the van ... not sure
when I walked near the van I spotted a note on a piece of paper that was taped to one of the van windows
can't recall the exact text on the note - but it stated it was Tom Penton and to wake him by a certain time ... apparently he was sleeping in the van
so I eagerly waited to wake Tom Penton ... can't recall if I woke him or he woke by himself - but I did get the chance to open the throttle a few times while he was finished with his gear as the bike warmed up
don't recall too much after that ... Tom Penton said very little
Tom Penton ran the race by himself - and I believe he won both his class and overall