The Mercer Automobile Co.

SCHATTENBAUM
REGION PCA
LEADERSHIP
DIRECTORY
President: Dave Kalokitis
Ph: 973-986-5448
email: [email protected]
Vice President: John Beidler
Ph: 609-309-5113
email:[email protected]
Treasurer: Jon Schepps
Ph: 609-275-9439
email: [email protected]
Secretary: Todd Simpson
Ph: 856-577-6337
email: [email protected]
In This Issue
Page
NEWS AND ARTICLES
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Monthly Meetings & Up-coming Events ...…………………………………
Lobster Run 8 …………………………………………………………………..
The Porsche 250………. ..…………………………………………………….
Simeone Car Museum Tour Photos …………………………………………
Member Anniversaries…………………………………………………………
REGULAR FEATURES
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Leadership directory………………………………………………………….
New members…………………………………………………………………..
Club calendar…………………………………………………………………..
President’s corner……………………………………………………………..
Petch Sez…………………………….……...……………………….………….
Swap n’ Sell………………………………………………………………………
Section Chairs
Concours: Robert Henuset
Ph: 215-369-8067
email: [email protected]
Dealer Relations: Dan Petchel
Ph: 609-298-2277
email: [email protected]
Drivers Education Chief Instructor:
Pete Tremper
Ph: 609-221-3854
email: [email protected]
Drivers Education Registrar: Pete Debusmann
Ph: 609-714-9049
email: [email protected]
Goodie Store: John Beidler
Ph: 609-309-5113
email: [email protected]
Membership: Bobby Chopra
Ph: 609-439-9099
email: [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Dan Merton
Ph: (use email)
email: [email protected]
Programs & Administration: John Beidler
Ph: 609-309-5113
email: [email protected]
WELCOME NEW SCHATTENBAUMERS!
Douglas Grant
Chantal Palmer
Jeffery Skolnik
Neil & Laura Sulish
Jeffrey & Susan Barnhart
David & Sally Finkelstein
George &
Jo Anne Jenkins
Michael & Gina Richard
Thomas & Scott Shults
Vineland, NJ
Princeton, NJ
Cherry Hill, NJ
Bordentown, NJ
Robbinsville, NJ
Cherry Hill, NJ
2008
2003
1988
2007
2002
2006
Cayenne
Carrera
944
997 C2S
Boxster
Carrera 4S
St. Davids, PA
McGuire AFB, NJ
Pennington, NJ
2009 Carrera
2005 911
2006 Carrera S
On the Cover
The psychedelic “Hippie” 917LH
caught our attention at the
Simeone Foundation Museum.
See more photos from the tour on
pages 10 and 11.
Photo by Dan Merton
Social Events: Claudia Debusmann
Ph: 609-714-9049
email: [email protected]
Tech Support: Robbie Provost
Ph: 609-298-3555
email: [email protected]
Tourmaster: David Dunigan
Ph: 609-472-4311
email: [email protected]
Track Chair: Dan Petchel
Ph: 609-298-2277
email: [email protected]
Track Safety: Kevin Marcus
Ph: 856-692-2083
email: [email protected]
Webmaster: Rob Cohen
Ph: (use email)
email: [email protected]
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Have a nice Porsche-themed
photo? Send it to the Editor and
it could appear in Schatten
Rappen’. Contributors will be
acknowledged.
Send to:
[email protected]
WWW.SCHATTENBAUM.ORG
Schatten Rappen’ is the official newsletter of the Schattenbaum Region of the Porsche
Club of America (“the Club”). Articles published herein are the opinions of the authors and
not necessarily of the Club. The Editor reserves the right to edit all materials prior to
publication. The Club, its officers, contributors and the Editor do not accept legal
responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made in this publication.
Porsche®, the Porsche Crest®, CARRERA®, and TARGA® are trademarks of Porsche AG.
Schatten Rappen’ is published monthly (Jan. – Nov.). The deadline for submissions is the
st
1 of the preceding month. Please contact the Editor for advertising rates. Advertisements
in this newsletter do not constitute an endorsement by the Club or its officers.
Copyright© 2010 by Schattenbaum Region, PCA
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MONTHLY MEETINGS & UP-COMING EVENTS
June Meeting Topic:
Wash and Shine Car Show & Appraisals
WHAT: Monthly Meeting
WHEN: Wed. June 23rd
WHERE: Bung’s
If its June it must be time for our annual Wash and Shine car show and
Appraisal Meeting. If you drive an older Porsche an appraisal is a must have
just in case you are unlucky enough
to have to file an insurance claim.
Our experts will appraise your car
and give you a written appraisal that
will document the real value of your
car. We will also have a low-key
wash and shine car show with prizes
awarded. We’ll meet in the parking lot
at Bung’s Tavern at 7pm.
This event is always well attended
and is a great way to spend a nice
summer evening. Clean-up your car
and join us for a beer and a good
time!
More details at www.schattenbaum.org
We’ll see you at Bung’s!
July Meeting Topic:
The Mercer Automobile Co.
WHAT: Monthly Meeting
WHEN: Wed. July 28th, 7:30pm
WHERE: Bung’s Tavern
Did you know that a race car designed, built and driven by people from Trenton was the first American car to win a Grand
Prix? A hundred years ago, cars made in Trenton, NJ were making racing history. Starting with the Sharp Arrow in 1908, then
continuing into the late teens with the famed Mercer Automobile Company’s Raceabouts. These cars created excitement across
the country in a series of nationally competitive races.
There was considerable talent and backing for the Mercer
Automobile Co.; The Roebling family had success with wire rope
manufacturing and suspension bridge design (eg, the Brooklyn
Bridge) so engineering was not new to them. The secretarytreasurer was John L. Kuser, who, with his brothers Frederick
and Anthony, had made a fortune from banking, bottling and
brewing. Washington A. Roebling, II was friends with William
Walter, who had been making a small number of high-quality
automobiles in New York City. The Kusers owned a vacant
brewery in Hamilton, NJ, and brought Walter and his car factory
there in 1906. By 1909 Walter found himself deeply in debt so the
Roeblings and Kusers bought him out in a foreclosure sale and
changed the company name to Mercer
(after Mercer County, NJ).
The Mercer Raceabout (shown above at the Simeone Museum) was one of the most admired
sports cars of the decade. It was a stripped-down, two-seat speedster, designed to be "safely and
consistently" driven at over 70 mph and capable of a top speed of more than 90 mph. It became one
of the premier race cars of the era, highly coveted for its quality construction and exceptional handling.
At our July meeting we’ll be entertained with a slide show of old, original images from that era, and
hear the exciting story of Mercer’s rise from a local car to a nationally famous brand. Schattenbaum
member Tim Kuser, a
descendant of the
Read more about the Mercer Automobile Co. here:
founding family, will be
www.oldandsold.com/articles01/article828.shtml
our guest speaker.
SCHATTENBAUM PCA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is our tentative calendar of events.
Please check the website and future issues of Schatten
Rappen’ for up-dates.
Date
Event
Location
June
9 (Wed)
13 (Sun)
17 – 18 (Thu - Fri)
23 (Wed)
Tech session
Lobster Run
DRIVERS ED
*Car show & Appraisals
Provost Motor Sports
Cape May
Thunderbolt / Lightning
Bungs
July
22 – 23 (Thu - Fri)
28 (Wed)
DRIVERS ED
*The Mercer Automobile
Thunderbolt / Lightning
Bungs
August
18 (Wed)
27 - 29 (Fri - Sun)
* Meeting Topic TBA
Club Race/Advanced DE
Bungs
Thunderbolt
September
15 (Wed)
27 – 28 (Mon - Tue)
*Meeting Topic TBA
DRIVERS ED
Bungs
Watkins Glen
October
14 - 15 (Thu – Fri)
20 (Wed)
DRIVERS ED
*Meeting Topic TBA
Thunderbolt
Bungs
November
6 (Sat)
17 (Wed)
DRIVERS ED
*Slide night
Thunderbolt
Bungs
December
4 (Sat)
Holiday Party
TBA
Tech Session ~ Get ready for the June DE!
Schattenbaum will hold a tech session on Wednesday, June
9th at Provost Motor Sports, 856 Rt 206 S in Bordentown.
For more info Call: 609 351 2068
Time: 6 to 9 pm Sandwiches will be provided
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Am I Covered While Driving On-Track?
By Dave Kalokitis
I frequently receive questions about insurance
coverage for Driver’s education events. This
information comes from PCA National
Each year Porsche Club of America Regions organize
many high-performance driver’s education events. Over the
years PCA has earned a tremendous reputation for putting
on educational, safe and structured events. These events
target what PCA members are most passionate about – appreciating the fine automobiles they own in a way that just can’t be
recognized in daily street driving.
For many years PCA driving enthusiasts had a sense of comfort knowing that their standard auto policies covered them while
participating in PCA Driver’s Education events. Most policies had language that only excluded coverage while participating in
“timed or competition events.” Since PCA DEs are educational in nature and untimed, most insurers would pay for damages
incurred at these events. Incidents causing damage to vehicles at PCA DEs are rare, but when they do happen the damage can
be significant.
Around the 2003-2004 timeframe, it seems that many insurance underwriters recognized the additional exposure presented
by individuals involved in DEs and modified their exclusions section accordingly. At the beginning, a few companies
implemented new language to exclude coverage “on a surface used for racing”, “in a performance driving event”, or even worse
“at a racetrack facility.” Since the initial rollout of the exclusions, it seems that the majority of auto insurers have followed suit
with these restrictive exclusions for individuals involved in DEs.
Many PCA DE enthusiast members have researched this topic in the past, prior to 2003, and believe that they are still covered
while driving in events. Enthusiasts must understand that insurers do have the ability to change policy terms at each policy
renewal. The typical policy holder receives their renewal, looks at the bill, and sends a check to renew their policy. In the pages
following that bill, insurers include a coverage update that details any policy changes. Unfortunately these changes often go
unnoticed by insurance consumers.
For individuals involved in DEs it is very important to review your policy before you go to your next track event. Many
insurance consumers don’t file their current policies, but insurance agents will always send a copy of the current policy upon
request. A quick review of the exclusions section of the policy typically reveals any language targeted at eliminating coverage
while participating in events held at racetracks. Enthusiasts’ vehicles are often the most treasured property they own, so it is
important that they do their research and understand whether coverage is included under their standard policy while
participating in DE events.
DE participants that do not have coverage under their standard auto policy and aren’t willing to take the financial risk of driving
on track without coverage do have options
Do not assume that you have coverage while participating in
available. PCA has partnered with Lockton
Affinity, the administrator of the HPDE Insurance
DEs. Before your next event, check your policy and go to that
Program. The PCA – HPDE Insurance Program
event knowing whether you will or will not be covered in the
offers single-event physical damage insurance
case of an unfortunate incident that causes damage to one of
at a very affordable rate. The premiums are
your most prized possessions.
based on value, and the average premium for
If you do not have coverage consider getting supplemental
our members is $205 per event. When applying,
insurance through the PCA – HPDE Insurance Program:
PCA members can enter their member number
http://pcahpdeins.locktonaffinity.com
to receive a 10% discount on their premium!
PETCH SEZ
By Dan Petchel
Giant Killer
0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of approximately 180 MPH –
this Porsche had performance comparable to the 965 3.6 turbo.
We were at Watkins Glen several years’ back doing a DE. I was hard on the gas up through the “S” and then on to the back
straight. This is a pure horsepower part of the course prompting an adrenaline rush like your first date. Then it is on the brakes
before entering the bus stop chicane. About half way up the straight I checked my mirrors, what do I see but a dot in my mirror
getting bigger. There is a car I don’t recognize and its closing fast. I can see it is not a Cup Car, GT 3 or even a 911. What kind
of car is this? It was a Giant Killer.
That Giant killer was a 968. This car was an evolution of the 944 built from 1992 to1995 and they got it right. This car was
powered by a version of the 944's straight-4 engine, displacing 3.0 L and producing 240 PS (236 hp/177 kW). This was the
biggest single cylinder displacement engine Porsche ever made. It had pistons as big as pineapples with torque, power, fearing
few. The two things that helped make this car fly were the new Vario Cam valve timing system (the same technology used on
Boxster and 996 models today) and a 6-speed transmission.
The 968 took over the entry-level position in Porsche's lineup from the 944. The car became the final model in the line that had
started almost 20 years earlier with the introduction of the Porsche 924. Porsche's 944 model debuted for the 1982 model year,
was updated as a "944S" in 1987 and as a "944S2" in ‘89. Production was moved from the Audi plant in Neckarsulm (where the
924 and 944 had been manufactured under contract to Porsche), to Porsche's own factory in Zuffenhausen -some say the only
place real Porsches are made.
The styling of the 968 was an evolution
of the outgoing 944 with elements
borrowed from the more expensive 928
model in an attempt to create a "family
resemblance" between models. The
swooping headlamp design was inspired
by the uber-rare 959’s. Like the 944, the
968s were sold as both a coupe and a
convertible. Much of the 968's chassis
was carried over from the 944S2, which
shared many components with the 944
Turbo (internally numbered 951).
Then there was 968 Club Sport built from 1993 through 1995. This model was only officially available in the Europe and
Australia, although grey market cars found their way to America. This light-weight offering was designed for enthusiasts
seeking increased track performance. Much of the 968's luxury-oriented equipment was removed, as was much of the sound
deadening material. To further lighten the car electrical windows were gone but upgraded stereo systems, A/C and a sun roof
were offered as options. In addition, Porsche installed manually adjustable lightweight Recaro racing seats, a revised suspension
system optimized and lowered by 20mm, 17" wheels within 225 front and 255 rear treads as opposed to the standard 205 and
245 respectively. Club Sports were only available in white, black, Speed Yellow, Guards Red, Riviera Blue or Maritime Blue.
Lastly, the 968 Turbo S, one of the most rare
of all Porsche’s with only 16 produced, were
sold only in mainland Europe. Tests conducted
in 1993 produced a 0 to 60 miles-per-hour time
of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of
approximately 180 MPH, This performance that
was comparable to the 965 3.6 turbo.
968 Production 1992 - 1995
Year
1992
1993
1994
1995
Total
Total
5353
3783
2484
1156
12776
RoW
3913
2701
965
532
8111
US
1440
1082
1519
624
4665 4389 Cabrios (2248 imported to US)
Due to the low production numbers and the
cars high performance, 968's have retained their value. Clean, low mileage cars command sales prices well above the $20,000
mark even going on 15+ years after the last example was produced.
PS. The price of the 968 at production end was $55,600 for a coupe and $60,000 for a Cab. A pricey 911 killer I would say…
PORSCHE 250 GRAND AM
The reality is that racing is more than just cars...
By Bob Helm
Funny thing about this year’s Porsche 250 at Barber Motorsports Park, there were not
many Porsches on the starting grid. In fact, there was just one (not counting the DP cars with
Porsche motors). Seems the rest of the Porsche teams sat this one out, including TRG which
missed its first Grand Am race.
Before Speed TV and widespread TV coverage you had to travel to see races in person.
The rules were established before the season started and teams searched for what Mark
Donohue called “The Unfair Advantage”. It produced some great cars and racing but big
Margins of Victory do not mean great TV where viewers tune out if the results seem certain
at halftime. Nothing is worse for TV than having a series where one team dominates so in an
effort to produce close finishes the organizers sought ways to keep things “exciting” by fine
tuning the cars to get close finishes. Exciting finishes, like the Porsche-Corvette battle to the
finish at Le Petite Le Mans last year are talked about for years and are great to watch.
The reality is that racing is more than just cars. Its drivers, pit crews, engineers,
strategists, planning and racing luck that determine the winners. Racing is also a big
business - a very big business to car makers - especially Porsche. In this year’s Grand Am Series the Mazda RX8s have
dominated the early races so the efforts to equalize the cars was intense. One can only assume that Porsche had some
influence in the decisions of the independent teams to go fishing that weekend. After the race was over there were some
changes announced. The Mazdas got 50lbs of ballast added and the GT3’s were allowed an upgrade to the 3.8ltr motor (from
the 3.6), a 50lb weight reduction, ½ inch lower ride height, larger air restrictor and re-introduction of some bodywork
enhancements. During last year’s series the drivers for Penske’s DP car commented that they never had the same car for two
races as there were constant rule changes. For some races they had a 5-speed trans while others a 6-speed, the air restrictors
constantly changed as did weight. Micro managing seems to always produce poor results and I am sure it has something to do
with the dwindling fields we find in many series.
The following race saw a return of most of the Porsches (but not all as the motor upgrade is reported to be $175,000+) and
one can only speculate on their future participation. There was talk of Porsche reducing their support for the Grand Am Series
last year and some teams that previously competed exclusively in Grand Am also have participated in select ALMS events.
It would be nice to see a dominant Porsche presence at the race they sponsored on the track rather than the Porsche Park
and the contingent from the Porsche Sport Driving School overlooking the course.
The Simeone Foundation Tour Celebrating the spirit of competition...
May 8th, 2010
Photos by Bob Helm, Dan Merton and Linda Niederoest
BH
< Museum staff member Harry Hurst
provided an incredible tour chock-full of
fascinating insights about each car.
Dr. Simeone’s father found this 1921 Duesenberg
racer on a used-car lot!
1966 Ford GT40 MK II
DM
DM
BH
DM
We had a secure area to park our cars in the lot at the Museum
DM
DM
The group gathered around
the only Porsche in the
collection - the famed
“Hippie” 917LH from 1970.
This 917 took 2nd place at Le mans in 1970
S-baumer Bob Malkin, >
a volunteer at the
Museum, helped
organize our visit.
The Watkins Glen diorama
DM
DM
The Targa Florio and
Mille Miglia dioramas>
DM
There were some great vintage car-themed
photographs on display.
The shutter-bugs had a field day!
LN
DM
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES IN
2010 ~ CONGRATULATIONS!
50 Year
15 Year
Norma & William Keller
Alfred Bedard
Heidi Brennan
Susan & Hessam Moheimani
Mark Rosso
Michael Thompson
35 Year
Joe Druding
Gustav Foster
Linda Foster
Carl Maio
Daniel Petchel
30 Year
Joseph Rosner
Pete & Betty Tremper
Sanford Schmidt
Darene Yersak
25 Year
Robert Henderson
Ron Orlando
Wendy Schmidt
20 Year
Peter Bahr
Chris Brown
Adrienne Capone
Andreas Christou
Deirdra & Ed Flax
Terrence Huff
Cathy & Jeff Leder
Jeannie & Kevin Marcus
Nancy & Mark Raccaro
Rose Schachter
Bud Schramm
Byron Veale
James Yoh
10 Year
Carol Banker
John Beidler
Julie & Charles Close
Mark Corl
Cindy & John Crable
Mark Curran
Lisa & Kenneth Dakdduk
Kay Delp
Matthew DiRenzo
Beth & John Friedberg
Lori & David Gejer
Zanita Griffiths
Craig Howie
Susanne & Charles Kuski
Amy Maricondi
Cheryl & Michael McDonald
Giselle & John McMullen
Ruth & Daniel Merton
Jeff Muller
Albert Prummer
Jennaro Riccardo
David Rosenthal
Lawrence Schmidt
Sharon Schwartz
Benjamin Watts
Ronald Strykowsky
5 Year
Diane Ack-Mitchell
Frank Angelo
Lori & Peter Bonanni
Richard Brown
Domenick Camisi
Carol Cecil
Fred Chang
Bobby Chopra
Lawrence Costello
Carl Cutler
Dennito Dafonte
Dean DeBroekert
Joann & Dennis Dusenshine
Michael Embler
Andrew Fallone
Mary & Daniel Feder
Norman Feinstein
Frank Gasparon
Patrick Gillin
Estella Gold
Michael Golla
Robert Hartman
Irving Horowitz
Nancy & Edward Hutchinson
Alex Jedlinski
Sharon & Rajesh Kaikini
Philip Lewis
Sheila & Kevin McCann
Michael Meringolo
Rossana & George Parsons
Lisa Saez
Joseph Sellitti
Judd Sky
Matthew Thompson
Denise Werner
Susan Wolff
Billy Yan
Priscilla Vimislik
SWAP N’ SELL
Classified ads are free to PCA members.
To place an ad please email the Editor
Dan Merton; [email protected]
SWAP N’ SELL
1990 964 C2, Track ready-Street Legal 93k miles runs strong, new Big Red
brakes, Carrera RS suspension-complete springs, sway bars, shocks
factory LTD Slip, DAS Roll bar M&R Harnesses-new, Sparco EVO Seats,
Autothority Chip, Cup Primary bypass, 2 Sets 17" wheels-track MPSC
Street Michelin PS, Cold 134a A/C, Alpine sound w/ipod interface $22000 offers considered or maybe Boxster S trade Call 609 247 5344,
[email protected] SR 6/10 3/3
2001 Boxster S Meridian silver, black interior and black top, Sports pack and 18" wheels, 31k miles, near perfect. $18,999
Dan 609 351 2068 Call Dan Petchel Cell: 609 351 2068
Sweet Pea - 1972 911 "RS" Track Car / Street Car Fully sorted & evolved into an awesome lightweight longhooded performer. Completely ready to
go, it needs nothing but a new driver. 3.6 Liter 993 Engine, dual oil coolers, fuel system, recently refreshed custom 915 gear box with close ratio gear
sets, racing clutch assmbly, big brakes, 3 sets of wheels and tires and much, much more. Vehicle currently stored and maintained at Performance
Automotive in Malvern, PA. Contact Sherwood Goldman for more details on this proven piece of history. 215.913.2644 [email protected]
1988 944S Red/Black, 120k miles. Dealer service & maintained since ‘08 by 3rd owner (me). Full service records avail back to ‘92. Frigid A/C, Koni
suspension, Bra inc. 16 inch 968 wheels, originals included if wanted. Runs like a charm. Pix avail. www.pbase.com/nyporschechik/red $5700.00
Avail for inspection. Located on Long Island. Buyer responsible for transport out of L.I. Email: [email protected] SR 6/10 2/3
Pankaj T Dayal
732-588-5229
[email protected]
Go to www.schattenbaum.org for all the latest updates and news
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From safety gear to fittings, suspension components to brakes.
All the resources, equipment and gear you need to go racing – from
autocrossing to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With over 36,000 square
feet of inventory and the most race-savvy sales staff in the business,
we are your single-source for “go fast!”
Call for our new 2008 catalog!
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WE WILL MATCH ANY LEGITIMATE DEALER PRICE ON EVERY PRODUCT WE SELL!
SCHATTEN RAPPEN'
1019 Sycamore Avenue
Laurel Springs, NJ 08021
JUNE
2010