ummer really didn’t arrive in central NY until late August this year, but at least it continued through September, endowing the ’04 edition of the Pasta Fazoom Rally with beautiful sunshine and warmth, in stark contrast to last year’s start under black skies and intermittent drizzle. This great tops-down weather brought the cars out in force, from as far away as Virginia, Connecticut, and Ottawa, Canada to join in on the fun. So many, in fact, that a new attendance record was set—34 vehicles, representing Alfa, Fiat, Ferrari, Lamborghini and the all-powerful Autobianchi Bianchina. This record turnout also resulted in a new precedent—the entry fees actually covered the costs. Hopefully, this trend will continue and the Bank of Crouch will no longer have to make up a registration income shortfall. Yippee!!!

In preparation for Sunday’s rally, 24 participants gathered at PFR participant Terry Pensabene’s Parkside Restaurant near Syracuse to fuel up on the wonderful Italian buffet he had spread out for us. Truth be told, many of us had a hard time leaving the parking lot for the food inside, as we were nourishing our souls on the cars in the parking lot that included Mike G’s Maserati Quattroporte, whose previous owner was the "Chairman of the Board", Frank Sinatra. Mike changed cars for the rally, so quite a few missed out on this example of extraordinary Italian luxury.

Sunday arrived with glorious weather, and the participants came chomping at the bit (really the gas pedal) to go. Completing registration early, we left a half hour earlier than normal, which would result in a more leisurely lunch stop. Instituted last year was a yearly commemorative pin for the event for each registered vehicle. This year’s pin design featured an Alfa Giulietta Spider in recognition of its 50th anniversary. A certain D. Pratt was registered to attend this year and I hoped to pleasantly surprise him with the design, as the pin car is red like his Giulietta. Unfortunately, Dave canceled out a couple of days prior. So much for the bribe to get you here, Dave! [I am gonna make it next year, dammit, even if the pin features a Yugo.—Ed.]

So off we went. I’ll leave it up to the reader’s imagination as what it was like to watch 34 beautiful Italian cars roar off, doing what they were designed to do, on the empty back roads in the glorious weather.

For lunch we again stopped at the Boathouse Restaurant, situated on a picturesque lakeshore, whose owners had opened that day especially for us. The owner thinks that having all the Italian cars in his parking lot is neat. This is my kind of people! Again, what can you say? Sun, a beautiful lake, Italian cars, and great food. Our gracious host provided us with selections that included fried fish, open steak sandwiches, and the local specialiy, Speidies.

Stomachs full, it was back on the road for the best twisties and even better scenery. One of the "highlights" of this section was a local female resident who happens to live on a very sharp corner, screaming at the cars as they passed by to "Slow Down". Why is it that we owners of Italian cars have to continually contend with this misperception? Just because our cars look like they are going fast even when at a standstill! Some people just don’t appreciate the visual and aural beauty of our cars.

Our finish stop was again at a county lakeside park that provides plenty of paved parking, picnic facilities, and real building restrooms. This year, the parking area was embellished with several flags representing Italy’s finest, to add to the atmosphere and color. 

As everyone was enjoying the pass-around goodies and fresh squeezed cider, the drawing prizes, so graciously provided by Vick Autosports, Meguiars, Classic Motorsports magazine, and Sports Car Market magazine were set out for all to see and hope to win. At the end of the drawings was the announcement of the recipient of the fabled Founder’s Choice Award. I still can’t get anyone to attempt to bribe me for the favor. In keeping with Alfa’s 50th Giulietta celebration, the award went to Diane and James Brown, who continue to use their beautiful Sprint as it was intended. Diane also drove her car to the Alfa Nationals this year in New Hampshire.

On the mechanical side, the only problems encountered were a sticking thermostat in a Fiat Spider, whose driver removed it and kept on driving, and an errant exhaust cover on a Lambo Jalpa. Luckily, those following noted the mileage mark where it was seen flying off into the weeds and we were able to find it after the event.