Redline Report May/June 2008 - Central New York Porsche Club of

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The Official Newsletter of the Central New York Region
Celebrating Porsches and Porschephiles for over 50 years
http://cnypca.org
Porsche Club of America
Volume 51, Issue 3 - May/June 2008
Autocrossing in the Spring, a perfect start to a season!
The May-June 2008 Redline Report
Die Kalender and Related Happenings
Der Zone 1 Kalender..................................................................................21
Zone 1 48 Hours of Watkins Glen by Botho von Bose..............................22
Der 2008 CNY-PCA Kalender...................................................................45
2008 FALL TOUR by Joyce and Chuck Gladle..................................47
Brian Daley’s Official 2008 Track Schedule.............................................48
Features
The CNY-PCA Charity Committee by Cathie White................................10
Cathy and Dan do Sebring by Cathy Alberson..........................................15
Van Nordstrand Tech Session by Chuck Gladle........................................17
50th Anniversary Sponsorship Aprreciation Awards by Joyce Gladle......22
Weekend Journal Entries of a Track Junkie by Bill Kohnke.....................31
A Treasured Photograph by Bill Noroski...................................................34
“Porsche Almanac” by Chuck Gladle.......................................................35
John Hajny draws a Tech Session Crowd by Chuck Gladle......................36
Tops and Back Windows (from the Heat Exchanger) by Jeffrey Elmore..37
Finally, a Car Show for the Rest of Us by Gay Lynn Testut......................40
“Dancing with the Stars” – Oswego County Style by Brian Daley...........49
Departments
Life at 9K, The Editor Speaks.....................................................................2
Letters to the Editor.....................................................................................3
Lady at the Wheel by Joyce Gladle.............................................................7
CNYPCA Welcome Wagon by Ed Hurd.....................................................7
Meet the CNY-PCA Members.....................................................................8
PPP Thak by Thak Chaloemtiarana...........................................................10
Northern Sentinel by Bob Graham............................................................18
The Alternative Line by Joe Holzer...........................................................41
Redline Market..........................................................................................44
CNY-PCA Officers and Appointees...........................................................52
Advertising and Other Redline Report Administrivia................................53
The Redline Report is published six times a year by the Central New
York Region, Porsche Club of America, Inc.. Permission is hereby granted to
reprint original materials found herein provided credit is given the author
and The Redline Report. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily
those of PCA, the CNY-PCA, or their respective officers. The editor reserves
the right to and does edit all materials, just not well. The Redline Report
is distributed to approximately 53 dedicated Porschephiles and 400 who
joined the PCA because the CNY-AMC Club prefers bondo™ to Zymöl.
Cover: Photo taken at Sullivan Park in Gang Mills, NY, on April 30,
2000 by Nelson Wertman, photographer, at a Glen Region-SCCA event.
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
1
Life at 9k… by Skip Testut
Dear Editor, why was the 2008
March/April Redline so late in being
delivered? No one actually sent such a
letter or email to me, but admit it, you
were thinking about it, weren’t you?
If you were upset, well, you should
have been in my shoes. The CNY-PCA
and Zone 1 both had important events
scheduled for the last week of February
and the first of March. Knowing that
some of you would be interested in
these events I made certain that all of
my loyal contributors had their articles
to me well before mid-February,
even Joyce, and I submitted the final,
print-ready copy on Valentine’s Day
evening. President Joyce, knowing of
my determination, personally contacted
the printers on February 15 and found
out that the newsletter had been printed
and was awaiting delivery to the post
office. At this point I was very pleased
as it meant that some of you would
be receiving your Redlines by midweek around February 20-21. What
we hadn’t counted on was a comedy of
errors. First, the printer didn’t bother
delivering the Redline to the post office
until the following Friday (February 22).
The originating post office, Penn Yan,
apparently shipped out the Redlines the
very same day but unfortunately the
Rochester post office didn’t share Penn
Yan’s due diligence, which held up the
Redline for an additional week. Joyce,
of course, blames the government (i.e.,
the post office in Rochester), I blame
everyone starting with our printer,
but regardless, you didn’t get your
Redline in time to read about three
very important events and for that I
apologize. I’ll even offer to take a 50%
cut in my salary as newsletter editor.
2
The Redline Report
Make that 100%. Nothing is too good
for our readership.
If printers and the US Post Office can’t
be depended upon, well many of the
contributors to The Redline Report
can. I cannot express the gratitude
I feel for those of you who have
contributed something every month
or in the case of Chuck and Joyce,
several somethings every month.
Bob, Thak, Brian Daley, Ed, and Joe,
you’ve kept the newsletter going and
that’s no easy task. I should also thank
Mike, who’s given me someone to
tease in every issue. Mike, I couldn’t
have done it without you, either. And
you know what??! You’re still one of
my favorites, fake woodgrain and all.
There are also many of you who have
contributed quite often and email me
with suggestions and comments in the
between issues. If I can be “between
Porsches” you can be between Redline
contributions. So there is some good in
this world, even Mike.
Enough of what went wrong and right
with The Redline. 2008 started out to
be the “Year of the Porsche” and not
just on Rodeo Drive, either. We got
off to a slow start in late January at the
24 Hours of Daytona and Joe Holzer
seemed to think it had something to
do with atom bombs and Munich
Beer Halls, but whatever the cause,
Porsche reclaimed its rightful place in
the cosmos with a fantastic first place
OVERALL in the 12 Hours of Sebring
(and a whole lot of other podium
finishes). This was the first time since
1988 that Porsches did so well at
Sebring and it was clear that Porsches
had the talent and the talented had the
Porsches to keep a winning season
alive. In fact, Porsches had such a great
May/June 2008
start that a rumor floated around that
Porsche would be entering a modified,
solid axle Cayenne in NASCAR later
this year. Unfortunately, my only
source for that rumor was Carol, so I
was skeptical. Unfortunately, our new
found enthusiasm was short-lived
and we haven’t been doing quite so
well in ALMS, since, but I have faith.
Porsche remains atop LMP2 and we
Porschephiles could be on board for the
best year in competition in many a year
and that’s just plain great.
RL
Letters to the Editor
Thanks to CNY from CDOC
Thanks so much for the print [by
John Hajny, presented to CDOC
from CNY PCA in appreciation of
their sponsorship of the CNY 50th
Anniversary Celebration]! It is really
nice. We had it framed with a navy
blue mat and it looks fantastic! We had
the letter of thanks from CNY and the
profile of the artist framed also. They
are very cool.
Colin Dougherty
President/CEO, CDOC
Cabin Fever in Montrose
I am happy to report that my DE car is
all one color again and all the shiny bits
are pointing in the same directions as
originally intended. One nice salt free
day and we will be out for a test drive,
then off to the first DE of the season on
April 4 at Pocono.
Little bit of a poll here (I can’t spell
“consensus”): I am thinking of a name
change. The moniker of Mrs. Murphy
The Redline Report
seems to be tempting the gremlins to
show up and prove their powers. What
do you think? How about Kermit? I’m
pretty sure Thak told me not to go with
green paint, but what’s done is done. Does anyone know of a 100mph incense
burner that will pass tech? I need some
help here.
On checking my brakes I did find
some pretty heavy deterioration of
the seals in the front calipers, but
no provable dragging, or binding
when disassembling them. Skip will
be pleased... I have replaced the
front calipers with a set of freshly
rebuilt (professionally) dual-piston
Brembos. Alfa units no less, Skip. After
a bit of research I found that ones from
‘81 to ‘85 Alfa Romeo of a particular
model will work and they use the same
size pad as the BMW 320i, which has
the benefit of more surface area than
the Porsche M pads.
Yes, we are truly bored with cold and
rain. Let us go out and play.
On the way soon,
Bill Kohnke and Kermit?
“Anonymous” gets responses
or “Ramblers are NOT
the automotive apex... ?”
NOTE: In the last issue of the
Redline, “anonymous” asked if we
should focus more on Porscherelated content and less on nonPorsche stuff, something he
opposed. Here are the replies
you sent to his query.
I just got my latest Redline, and
was hit with the question posed by
“anonymous”: Should We ONLY
Include Porsche Stuff in REDLINE?
Continued on page 4
May/June 2008
3
“Letters...”
from
page
3
Cancel My Subscription! Launch an
airstrike on an unsuspecting Muslim
state! Give a couple more billions ($$)
to another insurance company so they
can afford to print the denial letters.
My daughter is the ONLY person I
know who was born to a Porsche. The
rest of us had to earn the privilege. You
can’t drive two blocks in LA without
passing one, yet few people out there
really appreciate them at all. They
have the lowest PCA membership, as a
percent of owners, of anywhere in the
USA. Why? Because in LA owning a
Porsche is a yawn, but not here. Are we
so jaded that we care only about where
we are right now and not a whit about
how we got here or where we might
be going? If so, we are a depressingly
boring lot.
If, though, there will be more writings
about what affects us and our ability to
enjoy our passion; debates about how
many Porsche Angels fit on the head
of a pin when driving, for example,
a Porsche Truck, and comments that
lend credence to our claim that we
actually have evolved, or at least come
to realize that Rambler was NOT the
automotive apex, then I’ll allow the
mailman to deliver my Redlines. But
I’ll be watching...
Joe Holzer
From the Internet
While reading the March/April edition
of the Redline I was quite surprised
by the “Only Porsches Need Apply”
letter to the editor. I must say that if
we have the mantra of “it’s not about
the cars it’s about the people” then why
would we limit the publication that is
funded by the people’s membership to
4
The Redline Report
only Porsche related topics? Being in
the corporate world for many years I
understand that there are always two
sides to every issue. If it comes to
be that “Only Porsches Need Apply”
works, by simply making a reference
to cars will probably get around the
matter (that’s how we get things to be
business related - say a banking word
and it is now a business expense!). For
instance, if I were to submit an article
that talks about my grandchildren and
their field trip to the zoo, I’ll include the
fact that a Porsche was in the parking
lot! (Skip - don’t be looking for this
article because it will never happen!). My point is, how much better I will
know you through your articles on
life’s journeys - even if they don’t
include Porsches. Heck, I’ve been with
Brian for over 11 years now and I never
knew he had a Rambler until I read his
article!!!!
Melissa Miller
From the Internet
As a fairly regular contributor (and
past editor) of this newsletter I thought
I’d add my two-cents worth. I agree
completely with Anonymous in the
March/April “Letters to the Editor.” To
exclude all non-Porsche related articles
or information would, in my opinion,
detract from the content and sentiment
of the newsletter. There is plenty of
Porsche specific information available
in magazines, online and through
corporate propaganda that one can get
lost in. Personally, what I want to hear
and read about are the life experiences
of the people I share common interests
with. Not only that but I would have a
hard time submitting articles to you if
May/June 2008
all I can write about is Porsche stuff.
They would read something like this
– “My new-to-me red 944S2 Cab is
really nice; I think it’s fast, too.”
Thanks for doing such a great job with
the newsletter.
Brian Daley
From the Internet
I want to respond to the questions
posed by “Anonymous” in the last
Redline Report. I feel that articles in
the newsletter should be centered on
cars or car-related activities. Porsches
should take precedence, but I also would
like to hear about other interesting cars
that members own or have owned. The
inclusion of personal information in
these articles is welcomed. I find that
gaining knowledge of a person leads to
respect, friendship and caring and that
differences ethnic background, religion,
politics, etc. fade into insignificance. I
have a wonderful, diverse, collection
of interesting friends as a benefit of my
membership in various car clubs. On the
question of club membership, I believe
that anyone with a passion for Porsches
should be admitted. This includes:
Owners, former owners, people looking
to be owners, and those whose current
economic situation prevents them from
being owners. Before getting irritated
because we have to associate with nonowner members, we should consider
that there are thousands of Porsche
owners who don’t care enough about
the marque to seek club membership.
Amen,
Dick Jeffers
From the Internet
The Redline Report
And now a word from our
spronsor...
This letter is in response to the Letter
To The Editor in the last issue of
Redline Report raising the question
of “non-Porsche owning” members of
CNY PCA.
The long-standing regulation of Porsche
Club of America is that you must own
a Porsche to join the organization.
This is witnessed by the necessity of
entering a VIN number on your original
membership application.
After initially joining PCA you are
allowed to continue your membership
as you wish. Should you temporarily
be “between Porsches,” you may still
maintain your membership. Since we
are a region within PCA, we follow
these guidelines.
Joyce Gladle
CNY-PCA President
CNY PCA OFFICIAL LOGO
CONTEST RESULTS
My goodness! It was nip and tuck right
down to the wire!!! [Thak, I think
I’m offended, should we be??!
Ed.] Thank you to all who voted in
the selection of an official CNY Region
logo. Ballots were received by post
card or e-mail. Many of you were
kind enough to take the time to register
your opinion. It was a very close vote.
The winning logo is the revised 50th
anniversary logo (45 votes), narrowly
edging out the crest-style logo (42
votes).
Joyce Gladle
From the Internet
Continued on page 6
May/June 2008
5
“Letters...”
from
page
5
I won’t write another article,
but...
Upon seeing my club anniversary
date in the last issue of REDLINE, it
reminded me of days gone by. Miss
Karmann, a signal red 1964 C coupe, is
my current Porsche and only my second
one; but I have been a member of CNY
three times. My first membership was
with my first Porsche, a yellow, used,
1970 914-6 with Fuch wheels. I joined
CNY then, around 1976. Although
I loved that car, it was in need of
some serious repair, so after a short
ownership, perhaps a year or more,
I sold it. I canceled my membership
when it came up for renewal not long
after that. The second time I became a
member was back in the mid ‘80s and
without a Porsche. I joined the club so
as to satisfy my desire for the marque.
That didn’t work. Can you say torture?
My membership again lasted only a
year or two, because it became painful
to hear about Porsche ownership and
the fun and happiness they bring to their
owners. My current membership (they
say “third time is a charm”), although I
cannot attend all of the events, has been
more active. I have gone to more club
activities this time around. Although
being an owner of an antique Porsche
doesn’t get the same recognition from
club members as newer models, it is
still fun. I look forward to those events
this year that I may be able to attend.
Kevin Ferris
From the Internet
6
The Redline Report
Thanking CNY-PCA...
The SUNY Upstate Medical University
is extremely grateful for your gift
of $2,737.50, designated to the Lori
Sullivan Memorial Endowment at the
Upstate Medical University Foundation.
We consider ourselves fortunate to have
the support of people who have a sincere
commitment to the Central New York
community. With your gift, we are able
to continue providing quality patient
care, medical education, and biomedical
research. Please accept my personal
thank you for your vital contribution.
Sincerely,
Eileen M. Pezzi, M.P.A.
Vice President of Development
CNY-PCA, Bringing people
together...
I saw the CNY anniversary article in
Panorama this month and it brought
back some very fond and special
memories for Teri and me - for a
different reason than the obvious.
Both of us had a wonderful time
with our CNY comrades on Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday morning. Great
weather, events that were fun and well
organized, and the beautiful Porsches
made the weekend memorable. Teri
and I had decided to stay an extra day
to get some extra R&R as well as to
do some sightseeing of the area. On
Sunday afternoon, we took a tour boat
to sightsee the Islands and it included
a stop at Heart Island. The day was
gorgeous and the timing was just right,
so I proposed to Teri under the gazebo
on Heart Island! She was surprised
but was thrilled and accepted my offer
May/June 2008
(the glitter must have impacted her
common sense). Needless to say, life
has been even more crazy for us since
that glorious weekend, with wedding
planning adding to our already busy
lives. I wanted to get word out to
the region to thank all involved for
providing a wonderful forum for what
is now a very special memory for both
of us. We look forward to seeing you
this summer.
Regards,
David Pitbladdo
Editor’s NOTE: See
photo on page 29
related
Lady at the Wheel
By Joyce Gladle, President, CNY-PCA
Good Day CNY Members!
The sun is out, the April showers have
subsided, May flowers are on their way
and Porsche drivers are ready to roll!!!
We have had a Zone 1 Tech Session
and two CNY Region Tech Sessions
(see coverage elsewhere in this issue)
to help us prepare for the 2008 driving
season. We have been garaged long
enough. All over Central New York
Porsches are being uncovered, dusted
off, tuned up, gassed up and are eager
to get on the road. Chuck and I have
already had the 356 and the 928 out to
stretch their legs—muddy driveway
and all!
In this our 51 year of Porsche
camaraderie, we do not have a 50th
anniversary celebration to plan and
st
The Redline Report
participate in. We do, however, have
many, many fun, interesting and
challenging events planned. For those
of you who enjoyed the 50th Celebration
in Alexandria Bay last September, we
have another weekend planned that we
think you will also enjoy.
We will return this year to our Annual
CNY Fall Tour. For those of you who
have not joined us for this weekend in
the past, please plan to do so this year.
We always have a wonderful time. It
is a weekend of truly enjoying your
PCA friends and driving your Porsche.
This year’s tour takes us via a scenic
route, east to Bennington, VT. The
3-day weekend will include great
touring, wonderful friends, good food
and partying and we will still have time
to visit the Hemmings Motor Museum
and the Bennington Pottery.
In the mean time there is an event in
store for everyone! Check the CNY,
Zone 1 and National Calendars in this
issue and you will find a host of events
to choose from. Concours, rallies,
autocrosses, driver education, picnics,
the 53rd Porsche Parade, PCA Club
Racing—you name it, it is available.
It’s just a decision away!! So plan to
join us, make new friends, renew old
friendships and enjoy driving in its
purest form!
Remember, it’s not just the cars, it’s the
people!!
RL
CNYPCA WELCOME WAGON
by Ed Hurd
Membership statistics (as of 03/31/08):
CNY Primary members: 251, Affiliates:
202, Total: 453
Continued on page 8
May/June 2008
7
“Membership Report” from page 7
Please join me in welcoming our
newest members and transfers:
February 2008
Andrew Wickline
Clinton, NY
2000 Boxter S, Black
March 2008
Melissa Caceres
Vestal, NY
2000 Boxter S, Black
Helene Shulkin
Rome, NY
1986 944, Black
Meet the CNY Members
Editor’s Note: A special thanks
to Norm Turbee for supplying
this issue’s bio. If you haven’t met
Norm, well, you haven’t been to a
meeting in quite a while and need
to join us. One of the “newer”
members, Norm hasn’t exactly
been shy, but why should he!?
Now it’s time for another one of
you to introduce yourself to the
membership and follow Norm’s
lead.
Norm Turbee: Journey to
My Dream
February–March Member
Anniversaries
Mike & Mary Darminio
36 years
Larry Lee
Al & Carol George
29 years
Sallie Jameson
25 years
Jim & Alyce Egan
21 years
Jack Ireton-Hewitt
Davie & Carol Long
John Miller
Skip & Gay-Lynn Testut
10 years
John & Barbara Duncan
Michael Hunter
Peer Soderberg
5 years
The Redline Report
I was born and lived in NYC for
18 years and was a sojourner of the
Rapid Transit System as a kid. I could
navigate the transit system to any of
the boroughs, which is where I spent a
lot of time. Cheap thrills for a kid on a
$1.25 weekly allowance. Cars did not
come into my life until the age of 20,
when I was stationed at Westover AFB,
in Massachusetts. My roommate, Jeff,
was a guy from St. Pete Florida who
knew a lot more about “Everything”
than anyone I had ever met. It was
through his acquaintance that my
automotive vocabulary and a taste
for the good life began to evolve. At
the base, Jeff had two cars. A Pontiac
Firebird with those big tires and chrome
rims with the little confederate guy on
the front plate. I always wondered how
that would go over when we went to
Harlem. Boss machine! And powerful.
The other car was a 220 SL Mercedes
with 4 on the column. Reminded me
of an imported version of the Checker
Cabs used, in NYC.
May/June 2008
8
One day while in Springfield, Mass,
we were cruising midtown and a
car caught my eye. It was a 1969
Red FIAT 850 Spyder convertible. I
wrestled with the possibility of having
my own car, at age 20. Price, $1,950
US$. In 1970. I bought my first car.
We “Booked” (an endearing term Jeff
and I used to reflect Heading out) and
head out we did. Two guys with 3 cars.
We liked choices. Jeff introduced me
to Automotive Quarterly publications
(I still have) and names I never heard
became impressed somewhere in my
subconscious. Ferrari, De Tomaso
Mangustas and Porsches to name but a
few. When I drove that 55hp Fiat with
the oversize rears and the Abarth free
flow exhaust system, I was filled with
thoughts of driving the exotic. I even
bought goggles while traversing the
interstate between Mass and NY when
the top was down. Yep, I was lapping
the boards, at speed, somewhere in
my mind. After returning to the states,
I found a FIAT 124 coupe, Twin cam,
5-speed and in need of some work.
No problem! I honed my mechanical
acumen on the simple yet forgiving
850 when I rebuilt the engine. The
Coupe served me well but there were
other cars to be had now that “the
whistle was getting wet.” Mind you,
the wallet was still kinda dry. Mortals!
Never satisfied!
While working at GE, a friend of mine
had a Porsche 914. Like Jeff, Vince
had considerable exposure to and
knowledge of the German propensity
for engineering and history. A new quest
began and after about a year of keeping
an eye out for something “German” I
happened to see a BMW 320i at the
Honda Dealer on Electronics Parkway.
The Redline Report
To sustain the appearance befitting a
credible shopper, Vince drove me to
the Dealer, in the 914. For the next
11 years the BMW was my friend.
Having a German tech/friend didn’t
hurt either.
During the later years of the BMW, I
started to notice Porsches. Could not
help it. While traveling to Rome, a
Porsche would be traveling the opposite
direction and they just screamed of
speed and success. That would be my
next goal and statement. I must admit,
I had other agenda’s that spanned an
even greater reason.
Then one day while driving from
Syracuse, a Carrera was in front of me.
I watched as the tail spoiler rose from
the rear deck. Ahhhhh, Porsche. Cool.
Oddly enough, the car was heading the
same direction as I. Through the village
of Liverpool, right onto Morgan, then
Speed and rising spoiler. I followed
the Porsche…right into the driver’s
driveway. It was Lynn Holzer. After
assuring her that I was not some Nut
[The editor wants all to know
how much it took for him NOT
to insert a comment here.
Ed.], we spoke as I told her of my
enchantment. Next thing I knew I
was at the Porsche dealership looking
over the selection of the Breed. The
salesman approached me and asked if
he could help. I said, “Before I die, I
want to own a Porsche but I have never
driven one.” That was on a Friday
afternoon. Saturday Morning, Joe
Holzer was hearing confession from
me and astutely assessed my quandary.
We agreed to meet at the Driver
Village Porsche dealership, Saturday
Continued on page 10
May/June 2008
9
“Meet CNY...” from page 9
morning. And Saturday afternoon,
I fulfilled “ My Goal.” Consciously
this message resonated throughout
my thoughts on this day: Note to self
”Norm, you have ARRIVED.” RL
The
CNY-PCA
Charity
Committee by Cathie White
The CNY PCA charity committee
consists of seven active club
members; Chris and Cathie White,
Dick and Viv Shea, Brian Daley, Missy
Miller and John Hajny. The idea was
developed by several people who
wanted to add another event to our
yearly club calendar to get together
with our Porsche loving friends.
This year the charity that met those
criteria was the Lori Sullivan Memorial
Endowment set up through Upstate
Medical University Funding. Lori
was an associate club member through
Steve and Connie Turco and Family. Lori participated in the 48 Hours at the
Glen some years back. The endowment
supports the families of children
hospitalized at Upstate’s Pediatric
Unit. The support can supplement
funds to a family to fix a flat tire or to
cover parking fees so that parents can
be with their hospitalized child. For
further information their web site is
www.upstate.edu/foundation.
This year our club members raised over
$2700 at our charity auction dinner! That was nearly double last year’s
donations. Thanks so much for all who
attended and give your selves a big pat
on the back. It was you who made that
possible.
The process by which the charity
RL
committee chose the group or See you at a club event soon.
organization seemed simple, at first. However, we all had opinions that
varied! This year when we asked
our members to submit their choice To DE or not to DE, that
of charity, group or organization, the is the question by PPP Thak
results thoroughly surprised us!
For most of us, Porsche ownership brings
We gathered all the applicants’ with it identity issues. If we are men, do
submissions and reviewed the material we want to don a large gold medallion
at hand or their website. We discussed and sport a false chest toupee when we
via emails, phone calls and face-to-face drive our cars? If we are women, do
gatherings. We looked for a special we want to put stickers of membership
something that stood out and grabbed in past car clubs on our Porsches? Or
us. For the past several years, the if we are truly insecure, should we put
common thread had been the personal a sticker that reads “Porsche support
connection of our club member’s vehicle” on our gas guzzling SUVs?
relationship or involvement with their
particular charity. This had made our The questions I raised above indicate
donations feel “real” and heart felt.
that owning a Porsche brings with it
10
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
the dilemma of identity. “You are what
you drive” is a quotation that is not that
clear when applied to those of us who
drive Porsches. During the tech stock
boom of the 1980s and early 1990s,
young people barely out of college
bought Porsches in large numbers.
They made their money from signing
bonuses, or receiving stock options in
many internet startup companies. Some
made money as lawyers in investment
banks. During this period, the general
public viewed these young Porsche
owners as spoiled rich kids who did
not deserve their wealth. They were
depicted as poseurs and not true car
geeks or sports cars enthusiasts. Many
among the older Porsche owners, a.k.a.
Porsche aficionados, looked down their
noses at these young upstarts. I must
admit that I, too, noticed that many
from this generation of owners did not
hold on to their cars for a long period
of time. They were more interested
in fads, the latest stereos, and other
doodads that looked cool but did not
make the car go any faster or allow it
to pull more Gs around corners. After
a few years, these ‘gold chain’ poseurs
would drop out of PCA, sell their
cars, and either buy Ferraris (if they
survived the tech bust), or WRXs to
follow the next but less expensive fad.
This leaves owners who are true
automotive aficionados. You should
know by now whether you are one of
these (remember my article about how
to calculate your Automania index?).
To be a real car nut, we try to show this
by sporting stickers that indicate that
we are members of the SCCA, PCA,
Trackmasters, BMW-CCA, MGB
Association, or even Lotus Limited. We
want to make sure that our identity as an
The Redline Report
automotive aficionado is long standing
and legitimate. To this end, I would
suggest that Carole sport an Austin
Healey sticker on her Cayenne, and our
editor should have a bumper sticker
that says “My last car was a Porsche.”
But owning a high-powered sports car
also means that at some level, we identify
with the marque’s racing heritage.
Many of us have no doubt an enviable
library of books about Porsches and
its racing history. I am also sure that
many continue to watch Porsches race
at Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans, Watkins
Glen, etc. And most of us would feel
proud when Porsche wins races as if
we ourselves were driving those cars.
After some period of vicarious
participation in Porsche car racing,
many of us even begin to believe
that we ourselves are capable to
driving our own Porsches at speed.
Understanding this need for Porsche
owners to assume a sporting identity
has led to an activity in PCA called
Driver’s Education, or DE for short.
This activity, which is open to all
members—young and old, male and
female, gay or sad—allows them to
fulfill their need for speed, to explore
the limits of their cars, and to experience
the exhilaration of racing. As you all
know, this means driving your own
Porsche (or Honda) as skillfully and as
fast as you dare go at real racing circuits.
This sounds like racing to me, so you
say. In fact, there are differences
between DE and racing. In DE, drivers
are not permitted to overtake another
car at will. The slower car has to allow
Continued on page 12
May/June 2008
11
“PPP Thak” from Page 11
the faster one to pass. Also there is no
passing in the corners where most of the
car to car contact takes place in a race.
Although the cars on the track may be
going as fast as racing cars, by calling
this activity high performance driver’s
education, PCA is able to purchase
insurance for the events. This blanket
insurance does not cover collision
of individual cars. You will have to
find out if your insurance will cover
this activity (emphasize the education
part). There are some companies
that sell insurance per event, but my
memory tells me that the premiums
are quite exorbitant. Most of us are
“self insured.” The other difference
between DE and racing is that drivers
are divided into classes based on
experience and ability and not by the
car model. The groups are ‘green,’
‘yellow,’ ‘blue’, ‘white,’ ‘black,’ and
‘red.’ Some events do not have ‘blue.’
Green and yellow are for the novices,
white is intermediate, black is advance,
and red is for instructors. All green
and yellow (including blue) have
instructors assigned to ride in the cars
to provide the drivers with instruction.
Soloing begins with the white group.
This series of articles will walk you
through the steps and considerations
you will if you are interested in
DE from rookie to instructor.
Step One: What kind of car should
I get?
If you already own a Porsche, this
will be a moot point. DE is really
for any car, new or old, as long as it
passes inspection. I’ll get to this later.
All Porsche cars from the earliest 356
12
The Redline Report
to the latest GT3 are capable track
cars. Although it is true that modern
technology can make even the novice
driver look like Michael Schumacher,
there is still the need to exercise
moderation and to get instruction in
the art of high performance driving.
Personally, I find that older technology,
low power Porsches are the best way
to learn how to drive a car properly
and fast. And for those of you who are
afraid to hurt your expensive new car,
there is always the option of acquiring
an older Porsche for track use. When
I first thought about DE, a veteran
member of our club asked me if I felt
comfortable about “writing off” my
car if something should happen on the
track. Although this is a possibility,
DE is relatively safe, if one does not
get carried away with a delusion of
competence. (For you novices, the
degree to which one gets “carried
away” at a DE, determines the
likelihood of your winning that
year’s “Darminio Award.” Ed.)
If one drives within one’s comfort
zone then there is no danger of hurting
one’s car. Novices rarely get involved
in track “incidents.” Most damage
to cars and egos are reserved for the
intermediate group drivers who having
been promoted from the novice classes
experience ego inflation that is not
commensurate with their real abilities.
So, the answer to the original
question: drive what you have now
or find an older, low-tech Porsche.
Step Two: Car inspection
If you own a newer car—I consider any
fifteen year old Porsche a new car—
there is usually no problem passing
May/June 2008
inspection. The inspection is required
for DE participation. The inspection
focuses on “safety.” The car should
not have rust that will undermine the
integrity of the monocoque chassis.
There should not be excessive fluid
leaks that would indicate an imminent
systems failure (brakes, bearing,
cooling system, etc.).
The front
suspension, especially the ball joints
and bearings should be tight. This is
checked with the car on a jack. Brake
pads should have at least fifty percent
pad material left and rotors should meet
factory wear specs. Other areas of
inspection include battery, brake fluid,
steering, brake pedal, throttle return,
seats, safety belts, mirrors, rims and
tires, lug nuts, etc. Before each DE, a
participant will receive an inspection
sheet that itemizes what is checked.
Our region has a list of approved tech
inspectors in every Redline, whom you
can contact. You will have to contact
one of the region inspectors to arrange
an appointment. Unless this inspection
is done in a shop or at the dealer, the
inspection is done without charge.
The reason I place inspection as step
two is to make sure whether your car,
especially if it is an older car, is safe
enough to track. If not, you will learn
how much it would cost to get it ready
for the track. If the car is judged to
be sound mechanically, and you have
received clearance from your spouse,
partner, mom, dad, etc. you can select
an event advertised in Pano, in the
Redline Report, or on our website.
Most regions will have applications
that can be downloaded on line. If you
decide to participate in DE, you should
let our Chief Instructor, John Hajny,
know. Either he or the tech inspector
The Redline Report
can pair you up with a member in your
area who is already active in DE. It
is best to show up with another club
member who will introduce you to the
etiquette of DE and to other participants.
Step Three: Buy a helmet
You will need to buy or borrow a
helmet. If you are a masochist, you
can call Joe Holzer to ask about what
helmet to purchase. Be prepared to put
everything on hold for at least forty-five
minutes if you decide to go this route.
Ask me how I know. Alternatively, you
can check suppliers in Pano. Their
sales reps are usually knowledgeable
and can give you advice about fitting
and specifications. You should buy
the best helmet you can afford (it is
your head you are protecting). The
helmet will have either a SA or M
rating. Most sanctioning bodies will
require the SA rating (for automobiles
with fire retardant lining) and not the
M or motorcycle helmet (designed to
withstand abrasion when the helmet
hits the pavement and is dragged 100
feet or more). Generally, SA helmets
are lighter than M models. You should
also buy the newest rating, which at
the moment is SA (or M) 2005. If you
are claustrophobic, buy an open face
helmet, the kind the Dale Earnhardt
and Richard Petty used. I started
that way, but ended up with a fullface helmet. I figure that dental work
costs a lot especially if one does not
have dental insurance. If you want
to look like a pro, several helmet
companies now offer models with
painted designs. If you want to go all
out, contact John Hajny who would
gladly design and paint one for you.
Continued on page 14
May/June 2008
13
“PPP Thak” from Page 13
A related question is whether to buy a
driving suit, nomex underwear, gloves,
and racing shoes. I would suggest that
when you start out don’t wear a driving
suit and the nomex underwear. First of
all, you may not like DE and decide to
quit after the second event. Secondly,
wearing a driving suit with many
patches suggests that you are some
hotshot driver. If you are really slow
on the track, the driving suit would
only make your sluggish pace the more
noticeable. The nomex underwear is
good if you are in a fire. In my years of
DE participation, I have yet to witness
a fire, so save yourself some money
and discomfort and forego the nomex
stuff. Driving gloves and driving shoes
are good to have. High performance
driving requires concentration and
some trepidation.
This translates
to clammy hands. The gloves will
help you maintain a good grip on the
steering wheel. Driving shoes are
usually narrower than sneakers and
have a stiffer sole. This is particularly
important if your pedals are close to
each other. There are driving shoes
that are not that narrow and are almost
like sneakers.
For those starting
out, I recommend the latter. I wear
Merrill slip-ons, which are narrow and
comfortable. The downside to wearing
the skinny cool looking driving shoes
is that you can develop inflammation of
your arches. By all means, do not take
the cheap route of buying wrestling
shoes instead of driving shoes. The
wrestling shoes have no arch support
and do not work well when driving.
You may have heard about the HANS
device that prevents injuries to the
spinal chord in case of a catastrophic
14
The Redline Report
crash. For a beginner, I would not
worry about this yet. But if you want
to be really safe and opt for the HANS
or other safety devices, you will have
to be ready to install racing seats with
slots made for a five or six point racing
harness. Also, if you want to install
racing harnesses, you will need to
install these on both sides in addition
to replacing the stock seats with racing
seats. To anchor the racing harnesses,
you will also need to install a roll bar
or a full roll cage. Harness guide bars
are no longer allowed in DE. So as you
can see, for beginners, you should trust
the factory safety belt system and it
stock seats that were designed as a unit
to save the driver in case of a crash.
Thus far: You are psyched to start
learning about high performance
driving and to probe the limits of
your Porsche’s capabilities as a sports
racing machine. Your car passed
inspection and is safe to track. You
have your helmet, gloves, and driving
shoes. You have been accepted to a
DE event. You have contacted John
Hajny or another CNY PCA member
who is knowledgeable about DE and
have made arrangements to meet at
the event or to go to the event together.
Hopefully, John would have directed
you to his website and required that
you read what he has written about DE.
And if your first event is at Watkins
Glenn, you should review those
driving tips that John has provided on
his website. The tech inspector, John
Hajny or your new DE buddy should
be able to give you advice about what
equipment to bring to the track. Don’t
over do this because most of the track
veterans will have ample equipment,
parts and tools you can borrow. If
May/June 2008
you have a 914, Wild Bill Kohnke has
been known to bring enough parts and
tools to fix anything that fails on a 914.
Next installment: How to interact
with your instructor? What can you
expect from your instructor? Track
etiquette. What is ‘red mist?’ How
fast is fast and is that important? What
improvements can I make to my car? RL
Cathy and Dan do Sebring!
parking lot. We bought $80 general
admission tickets. The tram dropped
us in the Paddock area behind the
main grandstand. Our tickets did not
allow us into the grandstands so we
crossed over the track into the infield
as the Star Spangle Banner played. I
spotted a small set of bleachers to my
left and found myself in the middle of
the Porscheplatz! We climbed up into
the bleachers and watched the start of
the race with a couple hundred Porsche
fans. We were sitting at the end of turn
17 right where the cars head to the start/
finish straightaway.
by Cathy Alberson
This article is aimed at anyone who is
thinking about going to Sebring for his
or her first time. You see, Dan and I
spent our last day of vacation this year
in Florida at the 12 Hours Of Sebring.
It was my first time at this racetrack.
Dan grew up in Central Florida. After
visiting relatives on the East Coast,
we decided to stay in Vero Beach the
night before the race. We stayed at the
shabby chic, Driftwood Inn. Waldo
Saxton, the pioneer of Vero Beach,
built this motel in the 1920s. It sports
wonderful architectural adornments
collected in the 1930s and has a great
outdoor beach bar/ restaurant called
“Waldo’s.”
We left Vero Beach at 7 am Saturday
morning. It was an easy two-hour drive
to the track. We did not see traffic until
we turned into the track property. We
did not purchase advance sale tickets,
so we bailed out of the traffic at the
overflow parking lot. Happily, parking
was free and there was a ticket booth
and a tram stop at the entrance to our
The Redline Report
This was our first Porscheplatz. I had
assumed incorrectly that we needed to
preregister. It was sunny and climbing
into the 80’s, so we were very happy
to find out we could register and enjoy
the comforts of a big tent, free icecold bottled water and a large screen
TV, with non-stop racing action (no
commercials). We even received tee
shirts! We were introduced to Paul
Ritchie, the new president of Porsche
Motorsports NA, the factory outlet
for parts and technical help to Porsche
racers. He was formerly the head of
the Porsche engineering consulting
company in the US. He took the
position from Uwe Brettel, who also
spoke to us. He is heading back to
Germany for a management post at
Porsche Motorsport after having been
responsible for growing the Porsche
Motorsport activities in the US during
the last four years. There were also
many raffles, the best item being a hot
pit pass! Sadly I did not win.
We spent the day walking the track. The
infield was packed solidly with people
Continued on page 30
May/June 2008
15
Business Card Bulletin Board
Your card here attracts our members (and many
lurkers on our web site). Our fees are very reasonable!
16
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
THE CNY REGION HOLDS
A TECH SESSION THAT
IS “AS GOOD AS IT GETS”
By Chuck Gladle
On February 23 Central New York
Region members Beth and Mitch Van
Nordstrand hosted a Tech Session at
their first-class facility in DeRuyter,
NY. Rick Dobush, owner of the
Bavarian Rocket Scientist Shop in
Albany, NY and his associate Andy
Daglis, made the technical presentation.
The main effort centered around a 1966
2-liter 911 engine service and tune up,
including reinstalling the motor and
transaxle and starting the engine.
With a real in your face to Mother
Nature’s rain, snow and freezing
temperatures, nearly 50 CNY members
attended the event and, to an individual,
expressed that all had a great time and
excellent learning experience from the
service demonstration.
What Mitch has put together in this
facility was truly amazing. Complete
with no less then four, service bays, a
state-of-the-art lift and a never-ending
selection of tools, we were all in
awe. The lighting in the building was
perfect and the heating system kept us
comfortable on a snowy winter day.
In addition to the early 911 for our
viewing pleasure, there was a fine 911
SC Targa, a beautiful 356 Roadster, a
great 914-6 race car in its early prep
stage, a GT3 and Mitch’s Club Race
car. There was so much more to behold
including four motorcycles, a Lotus
Europa and a Formula V.
Numerous questions from our CNY
participants on a wide variety of topics
were answered quickly and confidently.
The Redline Report
There was plenty of hands-on
opportunity for the crowd to participate
and watch the procedures up close and
personal. Several “trade secrets” were
discussed, as both Mitch and Rick
are active in PCA Club Racing and
vintage racing events. In addition to
911-service information, Andy offered
technical information on Boxsters and
answered questions from the Boxster
owners in the crowd.
It is definitely apparent that our region
has enjoyed a surge in attendance and
participation for over a year now. It
is an event like this that gives one the
impression of a true renaissance by
our members with renewed interest
and involvement. It echoes back to an
earlier time when you could take some
tools in hand and actually work on your
own car.
Mitch and Beth arranged for a superior
lunch buffet from Dinosaur Bar & Grill
that consisted of barbequed ribs and
chicken and all the fixings. Knowing
that a charity was to receive our outof-pocket offering for our lunch, our
attendees dug deep in support thereof.
To top that off our hosts announced that
they would match our donation, dollarfor-dollar, in support of their local
Food Bank.
Our tech session brought it all
together in that we had a truly primo
facility, a large crowd, talented and
knowledgeable presenters and a fine
meal to top off this cold February event.
President Joyce Gladle graciously
thanked our hosts and presenters and
all the attendees for braving the upstate
NY weather here on the frozen tundra.
It’s obvious that the “winter blues” and
Continued on page 18
May/June 2008
17
“Van Nordstrand Tech Session” from Page 17
“cabin fever blahs” can be held at bay while awaiting the coming driving season
by gathering Porsche people together to teach them more about their favorite
cars. RL
THE NORTHERN SENTINEL by Bob Graham (with additional
commentary by Dave Bates)
SEBRING 2008: WHEN THE BIG GUYS FALTERED . . .
Race Facts:
In March 1960, a tiny Sports 1600-class Porsche RS60 driven by Hans Herrmann
and Olivier Gendebien prevailed over the favored Sports 3000 Ferrari Testa
Rossas and Birdcage Maseratis, claiming a surprising overall victory in the ninth
running of the Twelve Hours of Sebring. Another RS60 finished second, and a 356
Carrera took GT 1600 honors, finishing 9th overall. A very good day for Porsche;
together with Targa Florio wins in 1956 and 1959 the dwarfs from Zuffenhausen
served notice that they were threats for overall wins.
In March 2008, an LMP2 Penske Racing Porsche RS Spyder driven by Romain
Dumas, Timo Bernhard, and Emmanuel Collard prevailed over the favored LMP1
Audi R10/TDIs and the Peugeot 908, claiming a well-earned victory in the 56th
running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Another RS Spyder was awarded
second place, and a Flying Lizards GT3 RSR took GT2 honors, finishing 12th
overall. A very good day for Porsche, adding fresh laurels to a badge whose racing
successes are now legendary.
The 2008 victory was Porsche’s 18th in America’s oldest sports car race, but
only its first in 20 years after dominating the 1970s and ‘80s, including a 13-year
winning streak (1976-88). The Germans’ closest competitor, with 12 wins, is
Ferrari. If some feared that Zuffenhausen had lost its racing chops during the
1999-2005 hiatus, recent events have allayed that fear.
Comments:
This was my first Sebring. I spent the day with my friend/northern neighbor/
fellow car guy Dave Bates, his son Jim and grandson Sam. Here are a few candids
and close-ups from the day:
* We had seats atop pit row, and spent much of the time there. Fairly expensive,
these accommodations gave us a roof, and thus shelter from the blazing Florida
sun -- or rain, had it occurred. We shared the area with an Audi team data station;
at first we were annoyed by their intrusion, but soon discovered that their large
computer monitors provided us with detailed, up-to-date lap charts and also
SPEED-TV’s race coverage. These were very helpful given the useless PA
system, invariably drowned out by the cars. At ground level we could look into
the actual pit boxes and watch goings-on, and also access numerous vendors’
18
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
establishments immediately behind
the pit complex. Food and drinks were
predictably pricey, but nicely varied
and highly acceptable.
*Basically, the Dumas/Bernhard/
Collard Porsche won because the
LMP1 Audis and Peugeot lost. The
latter was lightning fast but not ready
for prime time, falling behind with
various mechanical woes; I imagine
the Frenchmen saw the entry as a
LeMans dress rehearsal (certainly they
weren’t here to sell Pugs). Similarly,
the Audis were delayed by niggling
problems and a penalty on the #1 car.
While the #6 Porsche Spyder fell out
with cooling problems the #7 car ran
like the proverbial express train for 12
hours, never quite equal in lap times
but close enough to take advantage of
the big cars’ glitches.
*The LMP2 Fernandez Acura finished a
very close second to the Penske Spyder,
but was subsequently DQ’ed after
failing post-race scrutineering, giving
runner-up honors to the Leitzinger/
Franchitti/Lally Dyson RacingRS
Spyder. But the strong performance of
the Acuras suggests they will give the
Porsches some stiff competition this
season.
*In contrast to the shrieking Porsches
and bellowing Corvettes, the Audis and
the Peugeot were nearly silent as they
passed our viewing position, issuing
a dull, muffled hum more akin to a
blender on low setting.
*The social, or perhaps tribal aspects
of a big race meeting are invariably
entertaining. Large numbers of
attendees see little if any of the race,
spending their time instead partying,
which included riding around in jeeps,
The Redline Report
pickups, and golf carts. Being there
is what counts, apparently. If these
worthies are a bit rowdy as the beer
and other de-inhibitors kick in, they’re
always good-natured. In many trips
to Sebring Dave never recalls seeing
a fight, and chuckles over the Mardi
Gras-like atmosphere that prevails the
night before the race, with lissome girls
sporting necklaces “earned by exposing
certain body parts” (Dave’s words) for
appreciative male viewers.
*Camping is popular, with many folks
returning to the same spots around
the track year after year, and having
gala reunions. Some arrive a week or
more early to stake out their haunts.
But since there is apparently no rule
prohibiting how close campers can park
to the fences bordering the track, their
“elaborate and outrageous campsites”
(Dave’s words) interdict huge chunks
of prime viewing areas. Some squatters
even rope off perimeters around their
vehicles, arrogating the territory with
the obvious intent to deny entry to
all not of their choosing. This selfish
behavior deprives others of access that
they should be able to have.
*Sebring Raceway is a classic racing
venue, but no garden spot. The track is
pancake-flat -- no big elevation changes
or panoramas a la Watkins Glen. It’s a
matter-of-fact, lunch-bucket track with
bumps that can beat improperly set-up
cars into submission.
Without exception, at least in our
experience, track employees were
courteous and pleasant. Naturally,
law enforcement was in evidence, but
not in large numbers. Quite a contrast
with ‘60s and ‘70’s Watkins Glen,
Continued on page 39
May/June 2008
19
From our friends and sponsors...
20
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
Zone 1 and National News
Der Zone 1-PCA Kalender
May 2008
17-18 – Zone 1 Rally and Concours at Corning, NY
30-June 1 - Porsche Clash at Watkins Glen
June 2008
20-22 - Zone 1 48 Hours DE at Watkins Glen
PEOPLE’S CHOICE CONCOURS -JUNE 8TH
RAMADA INN LAKESIDE RESORT
GENEVA, NEW YORK
SAVE THE DATE!!
WILL [email protected]
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
21
Zone 1 48 Hours of Watkins
Glen, June 20-22, 2008
registration package, including a preevent technical inspection.
By Botho von Bose
If you have a Zone 1 Voucher,
the
registration
and
North America is fortunate to have a road complete
make
your
Paypal
payment.
Upon
course like Watkins Glen International. The facility is the continuation of a road acceptance, send your Zone 1 Voucher
racing tradition dating back to 1948, to the registrar and you will receive a
when sports cars raced on the 6.6-mile credit for the amount of the voucher.
course through the village of Watkins
Glen. The permanent road course was
built in 1956 and has been continually
upgraded since that time, now hosting
NASCAR, GrandAm, IndyCar, HSR, CNY
PCA
50TH
SVRA and PCA events. The Zone 1
A N N I V E R S A R Y
48 Hours at Watkins Glen is not only
a driving event, one of the longest C E L E B R A T I O N
running Driver Ed events in PCA, it is S P O N S O R S H I P
also a social event, bringing together A P P R E C I A T I O N
members from the Zone and beyond.
By Joyce Gladle
The driver education event will consist As most of you are aware, our Central
of nearly two hours per day at speed for New York Region received generous
each entrant on Saturday and Sunday. sponsorship from several nationally
Friday is our annual Zone 1 Instructor known companies for our 50th
Day, including PCA National Instructor Anniversary Celebration.
Training. This year, the entry fee will
include a Saturday evening reception During a conversation with Bill Noroski
at the Glen Club at the foot of the about how to show our appreciation to
“esses.” The cost of the event is $250 these companies, Bill offered to make a
per entrant. Online registration will be solid wood plaque and affix to it our car
handled by http://clubregistration.net badge with our anniversary logo on it.
and Paypal remittances. Registration
opens on April 15 and closes May 15. These beautiful, hand-made mementos
It is sure to be a sell-out again this year! were presented to Burdick Porsche,
More details can be found at http:// CDOC and Stoddard Motor Cars as
zone1.pca.org.
a token of our appreciation of their
support of our Region. John Hajny also
After your registration fee is paid signed and put an individual message
and your application is accepted, you on his commemorative print for each of
will receive a confirmation email the companies. Needless to say, both
with additional information and of these items were very well received
requirements. Please read the email and now hang proudly in the respective
and make sure that you follow all businesses.
RL
the requirements contained in the
22
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
Bill Noroski and Dick Jeffers presenting the CNY-PCA
appreciation plaque to Roger Burdick, Dave Hall and Lee Smith
Joyce Gladle, President of the CNY-PCA, presenting the CNYPCA appreciation plaque to Colin Dougherty, President of CDOC
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
23
2008 ZONE 1 CONCOURS & RALLY
Headquarters: Corning Radisson, Corning, NY
HOSTED BY THE NIAGARA REGION
FRIDAY, MAY 16
5:00 pm
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
9:00 pm
– 9:00 pm Registration Opens – Front Lobby/Bar Area
– 11:00 pm Hospitality Room Opens –
– 7:00 am Security Corral – Parking Lot
– 11:00 pm Beer & Wine Reception – in the Hospitality Room
SATURDAY, MAY 17
8:00 am
8:00 am
11:00 am
12:31 pm
4:00 pm
9:00 pm
5:00pm
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
4:00 pm Registration – Front Lobby/ Bar Area
5:00 pm Concours Prep – Parking Lot
12:15 pm Rally Registration & Tutorial
3:00 pm Rally Start – Corning Radisson
5:00 pm Presentation of Rally Awards in the Hospitality Room
11:00 Hospitality Room Opens
7:00 am Security Corral – Parking Lot
SUNDAY, MAY 18
7:30 am
8:00 am
11:00 am
2:00 pm
3:00 pm
–
Lineup & Tour to Wings of Eagles Discovery Center
– 10: 00am Staging & Concours Prep – Wings of Eagles
– 1:00pm Concours Judging
–
Concours Awards
–
Drive back to Corning Radisson and Departure
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24
The Insurance
Redline
Report
M©ay/June
2008
Zone 1 Concours d’Elegance & Rally
May 16, 17 & 18, 2008
On May 16-18, the Niagara Region will host the 29th Annual
Zone 1 Concours and Rally in Corning, New York. Weekend
activities will include a Rally along the foothills of Southern
New York and a Full & People’s Choice Concours d’Elegance.
This event is geared for both the novice-level as well as the
experienced PCA member. The net proceeds of the weekend
will again benefit Paul Newman’s Hole in theWall Gang Camp for seriously ill children.
The 29th Annual Zone 1 Concours will include 2 categories: one a fully
judged Concours (no undercarriages, but wheel wells), and a “peoples choice”
car show (wash and shine). Concours preparation will be on Saturday at the
host hotel and the concours show to be held at Wings of Eagles Discovery
Center will start promptly Sunday morning at 11:00 am, placement of
cars by 8:30 am. If you have any concours questions, contact Dan Deegan
at (585) 924-0271 or email: [email protected]. The Wings of Eagles
Discovery Center is located next to the Elmira Airport at 17 Aviation Drive,
Horseheads, NY.
The 11th Annual Zone 1 Rally will be a straightforward time/speed/distance rally
designed to test the competitors’ ability to drive and navigate. The rally will start
at the host hotel on Saturday at 12:31 pm, will be about 2 hours long and will be
challenging for both novice and experienced rally teams. The rally will run in two
separate classes based on experience. Both classes will run unequipped, meaning
only simple hand held calculators with single memory functions will be allowed
plus stock odometers. All roads will be paved so rally cars can participate in the
concours the following day. There will be a novice meeting at 11:00 am and a
Driver’s meeting at 12:15 pm. The first car off will be at 12:31 pm. Rally awards
will be given out Saturday at 4:00 pm in the hospitality suite. Questions about the
rally, contact Bob Michaelson at 973-492-2014 or email: [email protected]
The host hotel for the weekend will be the Corning Radisson. Event registration
will start at 4:00 pm on Friday, May 16, at the hotel. A Friday night hospitality
room sponsored by Zone 1 will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 pm, again at
the host hotel. Saturday evening will be a free night to explore Corning.
Weekend Schedule
Friday Afternoon –Registration Evening –Hospitality
Saturday Mid-day - Rally (starting from Radisson Hotel)
Saturday Morning - Registration & Rally Novice School
Saturday Evening - Rally Awards ; Free Evening
Continued on page 26
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
25
“Zone 1 Rally in Corning” from
Weekend Schedule (continued)
Saturday All Day - Concours Preparation
Sunday All Day - Concours d’ Elegance
Page
25
Hotel Reservations
The Corning Radisson is the host hotel for the weekend .Participants who
wish to stay at the hotel should make their own reservations by calling
the hotel directly at 607-962-5000 (before May 1st to receive group rate)
and asking for the Porsche Club of America rate of $ 115.00 per night.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Registration Application – Concours and Rally
Concours Entrant/Rally Driver _______________________________________
Entrant Address ___________________________________________________
City ____________________________ State _______ Zip Code ____________
Phone ___________________________Region _________________________
E-mail __________________________ License# ________________________
Concours Co-entrant/Rally Navigator __________________________________
Car Model ______________ Year ____ Color ________ Body Style _________
We are entering the following events: (please check all that apply)
Concours: Full ________ Peoples Choice __________
Rally:
Experienced (5 or more rallies) __________
Novice (fewer than 5 rallies) ____________
Pricing Information (dates are postmark)
Concours Only - $30/car ($40 after May 1)
Rally Only - $30/car ($40 after May 1)
Concours & Rally Combo - $45 ($60 after May 1)
Summary and Totals
# People
Item
_______
Concours Fee
_______
Rally Fee
_______
Combo Fee
Dollars (US funds)
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
TOTAL
$ __________
(Please make checks payable to Zone 1 PCA)
Mail checks and Registration form to:
Zone 1 PCA
Lin Hurd
151 Vankirk Road
Newfield, NY 14867
Contact Lin at (607) 564-7517 before 9 pm, or by email at [email protected]
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
26
We
need
YOU!
We need your
Help to run the
2008 Porsche
Clash Club
Race at Watkins
Glen May 30 to
June 1, 2008
The Clash brings lots of people to one of the best tracks in our region! We need
volunteers. It is the volunteers that make this a great event! What do you, your
friends, loved ones, any one you could bring with you get? Well, every volunteer
will get a pullover but if you’re more ambitious the following could be yours:
Dinner the nights you work
(Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
A $100 Zone one Gift Certificate
Work three times or all day Sunday
(handed out every evening)
Work on Sunday
A Zone 1 mug
Work two times
We ask that you volunteer at least a full morning or afternoon. There is no dead
line for signing up. If you show up at the track Thursday May 29th in the afternoon
to Sunday June 1st, we can use your Help!
There is a form at the bottom to fill out to Volunteer (closes Wednesday Afternoon
May 28th) or you can go the Zone 1 website http://clash.tobe.com/ and fill
it out, print it off and bring it with you to the track. Some of the opportunities
include:
Registration: This happens at the Registration building, on the northwest corner
of Watkins Glen, outside of the track. Everyone must stop here and get a wristband
to get into the track. Registration involves ensuring everyone signs the waiver.
This is a very busy place Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
Garage Admin: This is the Administration of the race. Driver registration, hot
pit passes, pullovers, copies, radios, race results from tower are faxed here for
copying and distribution. Volunteer assignments and paperwork is also handled
here and every volunteer must sign in every day here!
Tech Inspection: The job here involves working with the National PCA Technical
Scrutineers. Cars are weighed, checked over for modifications, or problems. This
is done in the first bays of the garage.
Continued on page 28
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
27
“Zone Porsche Clash Volunteers” from Page 27
Timing & Scoring: Although the race is timed and scored with computers and
in-car radio transponders, a paper trail is needed too. Volunteers here write down
the car numbers as they pass the start/finish line. This is done from the top of the
tower where you can see most of the track and you are inside.
Grid (LOTS OF FOLKS NEEDED HERE!!): All the cars are “parked” along
the grid prior to the start. This year like last the grid is behind the garage over by
the turn 10 & 11 straight. The volunteer at the start of the grid tells the drivers their
grid number. Volunteers along the way direct drivers into their grid slot or point
them farther down the grid. This job starts BEFORE the race; you need to be at
the grid at least 15 minutes before the start of racing! This position is LOUD and
you also need to be alert for moving cars.
Enduro Pit Monitor: This involves working with the National PCA Scrutineers
to insure safety in the pits during the enduro. The National Scrutineers will hold
a meeting and review what they want this group to do. This group only works on
Sunday.
Please complete all the information below. One form per person. A copy of the
form will be returned to you for verification. You will need to sign-in at the
registration. We welcome volunteers who are willing to work more than one shift.
You need to be 18 or older.
Name:    
Region:    
Address:
Email:      
Phone:      
City: 
State/Province: 
Zip/Postal code: 
Country: 
Shirt Size: 
Large
USA
Emergency contact information
Name:    
Phone:    
Are they at the track with you: 
No
In the charts on the next page, please indicate if you have worked a position
before, and indicate when you would like to volunteer. Note: you may not get
your first pick if we have too many people or are short in other places.
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
28
Have you worked andy of the following positions (Check all that apply):
Registration
Garage
Admin
Tech
Timing &
Inspection Scoring
Grid
Enduro Pit
Monitor
When are you available to work (Check all that apply):
Friday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday Saturday
Sunday Sunday
Morning
Afternoon
Afternoon Morning Afternoon Morning Afternoon
May
May 29th
May 30th May 31st May 31st
June 1st June 1st
30th
Dave Pitbladdo and Teri Brown at Heart Island following
the CNY 50th Anniversary (See page 6 for details)
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
29
“Cathy and Dan do Sebring...” From page 15
and parked vehicles. There was also a Four Points Sheraton at turn 7. All race
areas were clearly visible (no blue walls). While they have placed grassy mounds
in strategic places for viewing, the seat of choice is an eight-foot stepladder with
a foam top. There are very few bleachers. The paddock area, located behind the
grandstand, was open to the public. It was fun watching the mechanics work.
Some of the nicest street legal cars were located here, belonging to the team
drivers and owners. Standing below the grandstands we watched the pits through
a chicken-wire fence. We even counted how many brownies a tire changer could
eat between pit stops!
A few suggestions, spend Friday at the track for more racing, there are driver
chats, tech talks, driver autograph sessions, a museum, and “the fan grid walk”
prior to the start of the 12 Hour race. These are definitely “must see.”
Sebring was a great venue to watch a car race and being a Porsche Club
member added tremendous benefits. Best of all, the Penske Porsche RS
Spyder’s win, was the first overall at Sebring by a LMP2 racecar! Next winter
leave the cold and snow behind. Go to Sebring, Florida for a Porsche fix. RL
Cathy’s Favorite Car and Race Winner?!
30
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
“Dan, You already have enough lanyards!”
Weekend Journal Entries of a Track Junkie by Bill Kohnke
You may know I was included in a list of CNY-PCA track junkies a Redline or
two ago. The thing is that none of those wusses seemed to show up for an April
event, except for Tim O., but we already know about him. So, I thought I’d show
what goes through a Track Junkie’s mind the weekend of an event by haring my
journal entries. Samuel Pepys watch out (No Mike. Pepys is NOT the fellow who
drives the blue 914!).
Friday April 4
• Leave work early in the afternoon to get “Mrs. Murphy” ready for Saturday
and Sunday Driver’s Ed event
• Excellent. It has quit raining and things are looking up.
• Darn, the Weatherman says more rain tonight.
• Stop and gas up the truck, Take the car uptown and fill her up, don’t forget the
extra gas cans. Hey - that all came up to more than $150.00!!
• Tires? With this weather, not the track tires, let’s go with the Dunlop street
tires and see what tomorrow brings.
8:00 pm
• Put in the track seat it’s getting late. Gee Golly gosh( well maybe something
else) the seat bracket broke Break out the welder, remember to unhook the
battery this time (don’t ask)
31
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
“Track Junky...” From page 31
10:00
• The car’s all loaded on the trailer,
the truck is ready. Yes, it is starting
to drizzle again, must tarp the car,
the windows leak a lot.
• Off to bed fool. We need to get
up early to get to the track by 6:30
a.m.
Saturday April 5
2:00 am
• No not this early go back to sleep!
4:00 am
• What the heck am I doing getting
up at this time of day?
5:30 am
• There is nothing on the radio worth
listening to in the middle of the
Poconos and why am I signed up
for a Driver’s Ed the first week of
April?!
• It is still COLD and miserable out
there.
• Let’s talk to ourselves about this,
are we sure this is the best hobby?
Aren’t we getting a little old for high
speed driving? Even Ice Fishing in
the Bering Strait is starting to look
good.
• Wrong train of thought. Drink more
coffee and in just 30 more minutes I
should be at the track.
6:20 am
• I’m here, just a light mist falling;
the temperature is just above 40.
Not too bad for Pocono in April,
usually they have light flurries this
time of day
• Here I go again. Do I really want to
be here doing this?
6:25 am
• There’s Tim O’Brien over by
the fence. I can’t be all wrong if
someone else from Northern New
York is also here. Oh yeah, strike
32
The Redline Report
that thought. Tim is an ice racer, and
thus devoid of rational thought. I’ll
set up by him.
6:50 am
• Popup is in place, Sides have
been fashioned to keep that brisk
Northerly wind from causing
hypothermia. (Nope, I’m not
exaggerating this time, maybe later,
but not this time.)
• Chairs are out, “Mrs. Murphy”
spits and sputters to life, she is not
happy about leaving a warm garage
and does not want to go play. Same
may be said for her owner. The idea
of ice fishing in the Bering Straits
starting to appeal to me. It would be
warmer.
• Now for the best part... I brought
along a construction-type, propane
heater. This year I WILL be
warm(er).
7:45 am
• Instructor’s
meeting.
We’re
informed that the track’s cold. No
kidding!
• BOTH WINDOWS MUST BE
DOWN. Oh, NO! NO! NO! I don’t
have even a hint of a heater in “Mrs.
Murphy,” but on the bright side, the
windshield won’t fog over.
7:58 am
• Had a good first meeting with my
student. He has had 2 track days
last year and a very successful
season last year, dominating many
autocross events. Surely I will be
signing him off the first day or so
HE says.
• NOTE to my first DE instructors: I
truly am sorry - my apologies. Please
forgive my past transgressions.
I am seeing a lot of me here. I
wonder if he uses his brakes?!?
May/June 2008
9:25 am
• Are you ready? Black group is out.
Let’s go!
• What the heck am I doing? I’m
getting older, I should be wiser...
soon.
• We are on street tires.
• Are you ready “Mrs. Murphy?”
HERE we GO, girl.
• Lap one- ok. Yellow is out, easy,
easy.
• Lap two - speed is coming up, ok,
no problems.
• Hard on the brakes at the end of the
main course.
• Whoa that wasn’t good. We were
dancing all over the place for a
moment.
• Yes, last year’s problem was most
certainly a cold left tire and a warm
right tire.
• Lap three – everything is warmed
up, hang on here we go
9:40 am
• I’m well in to the run now
• THIS IS THE MOST FUN I’VE
HAD SINCE LAST YEAR!!!!!
• The tires may have only cost $38
each, but what a blast. They are just
screaming out in fun every corner.
9:49 am
• WHAT is THAT? Coughing and
spitting we coast back in to the pits.
Ok - like this hasn’t happened before.
• As they say on TV - “Assume the
position”: Car up on jack stands,
me under her, lightly banging my
head on the wet asphalt underneath.
No creeper with me this time. Why
should I want one?
• Blip the throttle and a blue cloud
capable of total insect control shoots
from the left muffler. Now what?
• The Student shows up. We should
be able to get this over very quickly.
The Redline Report
As soon as I see how good he is he
can go on his way. Right?
10:45 am
• The Green Run group is done. I
think I will ride with my assigned
student for the rest of the event.
• For a moment during the run I was
pretty sure we were going to signal
our desire to pass by blowing the
horn. Maybe I should bring it up
at the next morning meeting that
it would only be fair to let both
front and following cars signal their
intentions.
• Not too bad though as his 944 has a
good heater and between insulated
gloves and a down vest, today is
definitely looking up.
11:30 am
• Back to a sick “Mrs. Murphy.”
• Things are looking up. Translation:
I can’t hear any bottom end noises
in the engine.
• I take the cover off the left carb and
find a ½ inch of gas just sitting on
the throttle plate. That might be a
clue. “Murphy Moment” here.
• Top of the carb is disassembled and
45 minutes later I have her running
pretty much ok but not the best.
• I missed a morning run group but
“Murphy” and I made 2 great runs
in the afternoon
• I can’t wait for all my runs on
Sunday if “Murphy” agrees.
• The student is doing well. We are
progressing well. Oops. He/we
got chewed out for following too
closely, Well, I’ve been working
on that plus a whole bunch of
other things. I guess I’ll ride along
ALL day Sunday to see how he
progresses. Plus his car has heat.
Continued on page 39
May/June 2008
33
A Treasured Photograph by Bill Noroski
Most of you are familiar with my Porsche 356A, HEIDI. I have owned HEIDI for
a very long time. 45 years to be exact. Here is some background information you
may not know.
HEIDI was purchased new in 1958 by John “Jack” Seech, my brother-in-law’s
brother. Jack lived in Duquesne, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh) and had owned
the car 5 years at the time he sold it to me. Jack had owned a string of interesting
cars: convertibles, Oldsmobile Rocket 88s, the classic Oldsmobile 98 STARFIRE
convertible, a split-window Corvette coupe, and a souped-up AM Javelin, just to
name a few. All were well maintained AND all were aptly named, but HEIDI, the
‘58 356A Porsche, always had a special place in his heart.
Jack died on February 7, 2007 and about a month ago, Jean and I had the occasion
to be in the company of Jack’s widow. This was the first time we had seen her
since Jack’s death. She greeted me and told me that she had something special
for me, something that I just had to have. She handed me a well-worn, plasticencased, wallet-sized photo of HEIDI, with Jack standing alongside. The photo
was dated September 1961 and had to be one of the earliest photos that Jack had
of the car.
The bottom-line... Jack’s widow found this photo in JACK’S wallet when he
died. Apparently, he had carried this photo in his wallet for 47 years. No other car
photos were found in his wallet. In fact, he didn’t even have a picture of his wife
in his wallet at that time. Jack loved HEIDI. He followed her exploits and was
always interested in what we did with the car, where we took her, the competitions,
the awards, and so forth. The attached photo is a copy of that “treasured” photo of
the little BLUE lady that HE had named, “HEIDI.”
Jack Seech and “HEIDI” in September of 1961
34
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
Porsche Almanac
By Chuck Gladle, CNY Historian
When the statement is made by the
unknowing, the uninformed and usually
the unintelligent, it goes something like
this: “Oh I know! It’s kind of like a
Volkswagen.”
OK! I know that there are jerks out
there with a little bit of knowledge of
Porsches who enjoy saying things like
that simply for the annoyance factor. But
mostly they fit the other descriptions in
the first paragraph. I just refer to them
as “knowledge deprived.” I pay no
attention to them whatsoever!
This, of course, mostly happens
to owners and drivers of the 356s.
Occasionally a 912 may get the nod and
once in a while an early 911 owner will
hear the same dumb-speak… “Yep, it is
the same as those little Volkswagens.”
Just relax my friends because it is illegal
to kill, wound or maim them or even to
discredit their character. So until open
season is declared on their species, just
nod your head and walk away.
I know you are thinking, “Yada, Yada,
Yada! I’ve heard the story of Porsche’s
involvement in the Volkswagen.” Well,
Mr. Air-Cooled Brain, just you hang on
for a moment. The lineage is so close it
could be a virtual manufactured clone,
as the two vehicles shared so much, or
did through the end of the 1960s.
You see in a way the jerks are quite
correct, aren’t they? You bet they are.
Knowing what I do today, I realize
there is more truth to the statement
of Porsche-VW similarity than
immediately meets the eye. I will take
you back in time and let history speak
for us all.
The Redline Report
Late in 1938 an idea was contrived for
a KDF-Wagen/Volks Auto/Volkswagen
hybrid that would have a true “wind
tunnel” tested, water-drop smooth,
streamlined body. The 1140cc, 25 HP
VW air-cooled motor would be turned
around. Aha--a mid-engine layout with
the transmission in back of the motor.
“CRAZY,” YOU SAY? Hold your
tongue, Mr. Gear Head and read on.
The unveiling of the Porsche AG
Bureau design No. 60 was just that.
The then famous Berlin-Rome-Berlin
road race, held in late September, was
the target as the ultra-smooth skinned
body with a modified VW motor
producing a spry 40 HP, could run at
sustained speeds of over 100 MPH,
hour after hour. It would also consume
less fuel, go farther on a set of tires and
be an advantage to the driver regardless
of weather conditions. With its torsion
bar suspension (like the Auto Union
F-1 cars) and the swing axle at the
rear, its road holding ability would be
very favorable. In short, the Porsche
engineering achievement was virtually
guaranteed a class win. Perhaps even
an overall victory.
This was at a time when the competition
was Mercedes Benz, BMW, Horch,
Alfa Romeo, Bentley and Bugatti. One
of the drivers was none other then Hans
Stuck, Sr. of 1930s Formula 1 fame.
Three of the Design No. 60 streamline
cars were built but only one survives
today. Its owner for over 66 years was
a one-armed German racecar driver
named Otto Mathe (now deceased).
It was made by hand with aluminum
body panels over a tubular chassis with
a “tub” in the center to house the fuel
and driver compartment.
Continued on page 36
May/June 2008
35
“Porsche Almanac...” From page 35
Now close your eyes and go back in
your childhood (or before). THINK!
THINK back to the year 1947-48.
You are in an old wooden sawmill in
the hinterland of Austria. Can you see it
now? (Nod your head if you can.) Yes,
it is a small town called Gmund. In a
series of old wooden buildings young
Ferry Porsche and the old Professor’s
engineering staff were building two
cars. These two cars would be the first
to carry the name Porsche. All the time
this effort was under way, Ferdinand
Porsche and his brother-in-law, Anton
Piech (married to Ferry’s sister), were
under arrest and being held in the
bowels of a French prison on trumpedup war crimes accusations.
When the first Porsche car was rolled
out into the daylight, it was a roadster
with a hand-formed, smooth tubeframed aerodynamic aluminum body
with a box section at the center that
was the driver’s cabin. The mid-engine
motor was a VW air-cooled power
plant with dual carburetors producing
just over 40 HP. Hey this is like deja vu
all over again, Yogi! Now when I snap
my fingers you will awaken. Snap!
SNAP—OK, then just stay there and
sleep it off! You will come around
soon enough.
When the limited production of
Porsche cars began, there were a
number of changes--but the lineage
was clear. Yes, the Porsche was just
like the Volkswagen in so many ways.
Today the 356, the 912 and even the
venerable air-cooled VW are gone and
Porsche technology has leapfrogged
through the years until today there is
nothing to share with those early cars
of yesteryear.
36
The Redline Report
VW built over 22 million Beetles, so
you just might say that the Beetle wasn’t
such a bad idea after all. So the next
time someone says something about
this resemblance, tell him that this is
a FACT of true engineering history.
Just smile and say, “Yeah, I know”.
Because they sure as heck don’t. RL
LIKE MOTHS TO A FLAME,
JOHN HAJNY DRAWS A
TECH SESSION CROWD!
By Chuck Gladle
On Saturday March 8, in Vestal, New
York, 29 Porsche fans listened, learned
and benefited from a multi-topic talk
by John Hajny at his place of business,
Redline Rennsport Services.
John’s shop was crowded with CNY
members eager to learn. To get up close
you had to work your way to the front.
John started with a very worthwhile
presentation on how to inspect a 944
before purchasing it. The ins and outs of
such a venture will suite the attendees
well when shopping for a 924, 944, 968
and with some application for a 928, as
well.
An extensive question and answer
session was woven into the presentation
and John generously stayed on board
until everyone’s questions were
answered. The interplay of presenter
and attendee was 100%. Everyone was
in agreement that this type of session
benefited all.
As an additional treat for those in
attendance, John described and
demonstrated his new vinyl decal
processor on a 993 cup car. The
May/June 2008
application, while tricky, was amazing
to see come together. The black
and white on red presentation was
extremely attractive. It is certain that
John will find new clientele for his new
graphics business.
The last effort on the agenda was
a “hot rod” California 944 Turbo
that was “tricked out to the nines.”
The application of after-market
items, custom built components and
modifications on this car were simply
WILD! The car also sported a great
silver paint job shot by none other than
our host, John Hajny.
The pizza, cookies, brownies, soft
drinks and other forms of liquid
refreshment were quickly consumed.
When it was all over everyone attending
called John’s program a solid success.
Thank you, John for a great effort and
an interesting, informative event! We
all hope to return to your shop again,
soon.
RL
Tops and Back Windows
By Jeffrey Elmore
Editor’s Note: This
article
appeared in the October 2007
edition of the Heat Exchanger,
the newsletter of the Shenandoah
Region - PCA. Normally, I’m not
a big fan of going outside the
region for articles, but Jeffrey’s
article addresses a problem
common to many softops and
I thought an exception should
be made. I hope you agree.
Those of us who have had a convertible
for a while know that it’s not summer,
but spring and fall that are the best
The Redline Report
seasons for going topless, so I figured
October would be a fine time to talk
tops. Convertible top care has two
distinct parts: keeping the fabric in
good shape, and if you are so blessed,
keeping the plastic back window in
order.
Caring for the fabric isn’t too much of a
job, but there are some things to keep in
mind. First off, you’ll need a durable soft
bristled brush. The tops of our cars are
made from an extremely tough German
cloth called A-5 Sonnenland. Don’t try
cleaning this with a cotton towel – it
will shred the towel, leaving little balls
of cotton hopelessly stuck all over your
top. Microfibre towels may work for
small jobs, but they too will eventually
succumb. For the basic cleaning
duties, water and the brush will get the
job done. Avoid using a detergent soap
on the top, as it will contribute to the
material fading. When situations fall
that you need a bit more cleaning power,
there’s a product called Raggtopp. This
cleaner is specifically made for fabric
convertible tops and it does a great
job. Often the cleaner is available in
a kit along with an aerosol protectant
spray which I also recommend. The
protectant is a non-silicone based spray
that waterproofs the top. With a good
coat of this, water will bead up on the
fabric just as it does on waxed paint. It
also adds a bit of UV protection to help
with fade resistance. To apply it, I like
to lower the top an inch or so and lay
towels over the windshield, windows,
and back window to keep the overspray
off the glass and paint. I prefer to spray
across the top parallel to the windows
first, and then apply a second coat
going perpendicular to the windows.
As the spray dampens the top, you’ll
Continued on page 38
May/June 2008
37
“Tops and Back Windows” From page 37
clearly see what’s been done and what hasn’t. When water no longer beads up on
the top, it’s time to do it again.
Keeping a plastic back window looking new (or getting it back to reasonable
condition) is a bit more labor intensive, but it can be done, and it sure is worth the
work. For regular maintenance, my choice is Plexus. Someone in the aeronautics
industry originally developed this product to clean and polish the plastic windows
used on some airplanes. For light scratches and mild yellowing or hazing, it’s
marvelous. With every wash, I like to finish the window, headlights, and taillights
by wiping off these surfaces with a microfibre towel dampened with Plexus.
Thanks go out to the pilot with the convertible who figured this one out! For deeper
scratching or damage, there are two other products that work miracles. First off
is Meguiar’s Plastx. I’ve had good success using this to work out scratches that
Plexus didn’t quite get. Another product that gets rave reviews is called Novus
123. This is a three step polishing system for the worst scratches and hazing.
I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve seen the results and they are impressive. As
good as these products are they won’t do a thing for a window that’s cracked, so
here’s a bit of preventative advice. Porsche states that you should not drop the top
below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to drop the top at lower temps, run the
car with the heater on and let it sit out on the sun to warm up the window until
it feels reasonably flexible. In temperatures between 55 and 75, the window can
still be a bit brittle. Many windows will try to pinch at the top center and push
outward along a vertical line, causing a terrible pressure point that will eventually
lead to a crack right down the middle. The best way to handle this is to do “the
chop”. After drawing the top back 6-8 inches, hop out of the car and use the
edge of your hand to help the window into its horizontal bend. Keep an eye on
the points at each end of the bend, as those can also develop pressure points that
lead to cracks. With a bit of care, that plastic back window will look great for
years. See you all at the Fall Foliage Tour- let’s hope for some top-down weather!
Happy driving and wrenching.
Jeffrey Elmore
38
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
“Northern Sentinel...” From page 19
when undertrained, overbearing renta-cops seemed at times to outnumber
the spectators, all to little lawn-order
benefit.
* A long endurance race unfolds
slowly, even majestically, like the plot
of a good novel, complete with human
foibles, fate, and other factors helping
to shape an often-ironic outcome.
Alibis don’t count for much; winning is
as much about surmounting obstacles
as pure speed.
* The interaction between the faster
and slower cars is fascinating, and I
marvel at the concentration obviously
required in overtaking situations,
which go on constantly. Particularly
enjoyable are those transactions at the
sweeping Turn 1, where the prototypes
corner as though Newton’s Law has
been repealed. And watching the race
after night falls is -- well, magical!
*Dave comments that “When I was
in college in the late fifties, my carguy friends and I each year vowed we
would make the pilgrimage to Sebring,
but the realities of finances and the
lack of a car we trusted to go that far
prevented it. After I retired, the trip to
Sebring was one of the first things on
my to-do list and I have been a semiregular attendee ever since. The only
sports car event still on my list is Road
America and I would forego my usual
wine for their beer and brats.”
The crowd was huge, but with many
people electing to stay until the day
after the race, I was able to escape the
premises quickly after the checkered
flag fell, and arrived back at our Punta
Gorda rental in plenty of time to watch
The Redline Report
the F1 Australian GP. A fine conclusion
to a great day for Porsche!
Drive in Its Finest Form!
RL
“Track Junkie...” From page 33
Sunday April 6
Okay, I was so wound up I didn’t have
the time or focus to write down my
thoughts as they occurred or even IF
they occurred. But, I guess I would add
that we had a fun Sunday even though
there was a threat once or twice of a
shadow or two breaking out. I gave
my student a proper tour of the track
(grin), 7/10s - honest - cross my heart.
Tires just screaming in the tight turns,
sounding way faster than it was. Mrs.
Murphy and I were unable to run any
full sessions due to her carbs being
really unbalanced (Not to mention
her driver. Ed.), so we came in after
20 minutes each run. But we had a ball
charging through the corners on the
street, all-season tires, and practicing
being passed, often. We did pass a 944
turbo, once, and on the main track, too,
but then found out that he had blown
the turbo and yeah, probably a cylinder,
too.
Monday April 7
7:45 am
• I am on the computer again - JUST
HOW SOON CAN I sign up for the
next DE?! And how many DEs can I
fit into the summer schedule.??
• Carb rebuild kits are on order I should
be able to have them rebuilt by next
week. Best of all, I did nothing that
would qualify me for this year’s
“Darminio Award.” LETS DRIVE!
May/June 2008
39
Finally, a Car Show for the crossing of the English Channel. Or,
Rest of Us by Gay Lynn Testut the assignment to buy a used car on site
You have never seen an article from me
in the Redline, nor are you likely ever
to see one again. Why? I am not a car
person (See, opposites do attract!). I
do not know what car you drive and
should we go out into the parking
area of any of our events, I am highly
unlikely to know who will be climbing
into which car. That being said, it is all the more
amazing that I am writing about my
new favorite television show. The show
isn’t that new, but it’s new to me. And
it’s a CAR SHOW for crying out
loud! Whatever you do, please tune in
to the BBC channel on Monday nights
(8:00 p.m. for the latest and 9:00 for the
reruns) to watch “TOP GEAR.” It’s not
your usual Britishy-weird sitcom but a
finely crafted bit of intellectual humor
all aimed at cars, car buffs, car nerds,
and those enamored of fast driving and
automobile challenges. The main characters are its main
selling point. Jeremy Clarkson is the
host extraordinaire. Richard Hammond
is my personal favorite and secret love
(secret until now). James May is the
somewhat bumbling, geographically
challenged, odd man out. Each brings
his own finely tuned...and differently
tuned...sense of humor, car preferences,
and skills to the table. And the table
is laden with all sorts of goodies each
week. Every single segment of the show
is utterly appealing. Ahhhh, the car
challenges. Take, for example, an
assignment for each person to equip a car
for road travel that must be waterproof
and seaworthy enough to attempt a
40
The Redline Report
in Africa for a certain limited amount
and then drive it across greatly varied
terrain in Africa, hopefully avoiding
the ultimate disgrace of having to
finish the trek in a Volkswagen Beetle
if your car fails [Chuck, take note.
Ed.]. Or the recent challenge of
finding a reliable British Leyland car
and winning back money and points
by competing in various challenges
easily doable by any modern era car
and regardless of cost. There are fantastic updates on
fabulously expensive new cars. Notice,
I’m not naming any of them specifically
since I’m not a car person. The only
reason I remembered “British Leyland”
in the paragraph above was that we
once owned an old Land Rover and an
MGB. You get to see all cars in action
with witty and unexpected dialogue
about everything from the sounds of
the engine, turning ease, headroom
(Jeremy is very, very, extremely, tall),
style of the headlights, smells, and
quirky comparisons to the myriad
of other cars with which they have
intimate knowledge. Even I can relate
to what they are talking about... which
doesn’t mean I have to remember any
of the specifics later. A surprisingly appealing segment
deals with the autocross-type driving
tests. The new cars are, of course,
put through their paces by one of the
main hosts with in-car dialogue. But
there are also the driving times
recorded by guest celebrities and “The
STIG.” “The STIG” is their “tame
race car driver” whose face and body
are never seen outside his racing suit
May/June 2008
and helmet as he flies around the track
in the latest car while listening to selfhelp tapes. His amazing time is then
compared with other amazing times he
has logged in driving other fabulously
new and expensive cars (all of which I
am unable to name). The other track segment involves those
aforementioned guest celebrities (all
British but highly recognizable, such
as Simon from “American Idol”). The
guest celebrities are not driving exotic
cars but a common, everyday family
car (editor is requested to put in the
make and model because I---a noncar person, remember--do not know
it [Chevrolet (Daewoo) Lacetti.
Ed.]). We get to watch their attempts
around the same track, which is then
compared, to their celebrity friends
after a lively chat about their own car
preferences and driving experiences.
The show, to be so finely crafted, must
be very heavily scripted, but maintains
an air of genuine spontaneity and offthe-cuff humor. The three guys seem
to be best friends. They would be
welcome anytime to hang out in my
kitchen (or elsewhere if Richard and
I could get rid of Jeremy, James, and
Skip). Which brings me to another
plus for the show. It doesn’t feature
anything the least bit girly.... no cuties
in bikinis leaning on new cars, just
lots of people in the audience standing
(yes, STANDING) around in a garagelike setting, sometimes interacting with
the guests and hosts. If all this could
almost make me want to become a “car
person,” I’m sure you will understand
and enjoy “TOP GEAR” even more
than I do. Check it out!
RL
The Redline Report
The Alternative Line
By Joe Holzer
SNAFU
As I write this I have just completed
my online Porsche Parade registration
and am awaiting the email notification
of such. Today is Wednesday, the
day after the Registration opened on
3/11/08. Knowing the Parade fanatics
as I do, as we have been attending since
1984 almost religiously, and like those
with the MOST attendance having
been shutout of the 2005 Parade, the
50th at Hershey, I had waited until 10
AM yesterday to start my registration.
I was doing the registration for my wife
and myself, as well as for my daughter
and her friend from Houston with
whom she has been attending those
same Parades since they were toddlers.
I was using two computers the entire
time, with hi-speed Internet via my own
LAN, and pressing the SEND button
every 30 seconds or so until 3:30 PM,
when I figured we were not going to get
through at all.
I called National to inquire about
options, since I simply could not waste
any more time that day. I was told by the
same Vu Nguyen, who joined us for our
50th at Alex Bay last year, that my only
choice was to mail our applications. So
I printed out the forms and filled them
out and took them to the USPS and
waited in line. Thankfully, I had the
foresight to get them earlier, since they
were unavailable to download either.
At the post office I paid $7+ to mail
the two applications, each in their own
envelope, after watching the clerk stamp
the March 11, 2008 postmark on each,
and attaching the Certified tracking
code to each at 4:30 PM. So as of that
Continued on page 42
May/June 2008
41
“Will Joe Get In??...” From page 41
time, I had spent six and a half hours
trying to get the right to spend $1230
plus hotel so I could see the friends I
get to see only once per year from all
over the country and Germany, since
I consider both Peter and Wolfgang
Porsche personal friends, as well. I
had no confidence, whatsoever, based
on the fiasco that occurred with Parade
2005, where despite having signed
up on that first day my ONLY way to
attend was as an Affiliate to the same
Aubrey Sutton, who I was trying to pair
with my daughter now (For those who
don’t remember, that was the year I
won my first Overall in Tech Quiz, and
when they announced it they said I was
from Maverick Region, because that
was Aubrey’s).
What was clear in my mind was that the
2005 assignment of who was accepted
for online attendance seemed to be
inversely related to distance from, and
years attending. Even Mike Rollins,
the last guy standing each year when
they do the “stand ‘til we count off the
number of Parades you have attended,”
was shut out and had to piggyback on
someone else. And we two were FAR
from alone. Similarly clear was the
fact that it was the first Parade where
the ONLY way to enter was online.
And the assignment had been done
completely by the software in that
online process.
So here we are again, entirely
dependent on whatever automated
process PCA has on their server, and it
was clearly not up to the task. They
had been updating notices about every
two hours that the load on the server
was huge, so if we were unable to get
in, we should “try back later.” But we
42
The Redline Report
were all fully aware of 2005, and the
rule that preference is only given to
those who register on that first day, and
implicitly first during that day, since
the same system assigns the car number
via an email sent to you to confirm
your registration. So if those are sent
within a half hour of registering, what
happens when they have too many cars
register on the first day? Exactly what
happened with Parade 2005.
Upon my return, I had a mailbox full
with emails of horror stories of the
same ilk from many of my PCA friends
from Texas and the Left Coast. Then
I received a call from Jerry Sutton,
Aubrey’s Dad. At about 6:30 PM he
had finally been able to get through
and register online and had received
car number 156A, which meant that
ONLY 155 others had gotten through
before him. Hmmmm…
Then I got a message in response to
my direct email to Vu suggesting that,
while nothing could be done for this
year, they should in future allow people
to pre-fill all the data which would take
an average one hour to enter and then
come back on the “Register Day” to
merely enter the payment info. Run
the numbers and you can imagine that
900 cars through a single portal taking
an hour each cannot possibly be done
in a single day. Anyway, the message
was that “despite their extensive
testing” there was a problem, so they
would treat any registration online or
postmarked until midnight March 13
EDT as a “first day equivalent.” The
same message was then sent globally
to all PCA members who had an email
address listed with PCA.
Today a smattering of messages from
the “faithful,” who also tried again,
May/June 2008
began to suggest that the online process
was possible. So I re-did all the entry I
did on paper yesterday, and it seems to
have gone through. Though I have no
email confirmation as yet.
By now you are wondering why I am
telling you any of this, and whether
there is anything to be gleaned other
than that volunteer organizations
are subject to more variability than
professional ones. That may be true,
and at a local level it is absolutely so,
but PCA has long since ceased to be a
purely volunteer group. And they who
are paid, and who insisted this was to
be the process, have every right to be
embarrassed by this episode. But that
is NOT the message here.
“Aahnold” played a robot in the
Terminator series of movies. One,
called The Rise of the Machines
essentially played on a theme like
those of Colossus, the Forbin Project
and War Games wherein machines
take over from humans, and go awry.
The latest episode of Top Gear, the
irreverent BBC car show, demonstrated
the problem succinctly on a Lexus.
For those who haven’t paid attention,
Lexus has a sedan which “parks itself.”
It has caused such a sensation that
Audi has made a commercial with an
S4 sliding into a parking spot along
a curb in a perfect 4-wheel drift with
the statement “Audi, for people who
can park themselves.” THAT is the
message I want to impart to those who
have not yet used this to wrap fish in
the freezer. The host of “conveniences”
and Porsche Anagrams, which really are
Deutsche for “We’re smarter than you
are,” have two serious deficiencies. The
Lexus in Top Gear backed straight into
a wall. The computer in War Games
The Redline Report
was simply trying to learn to play
games better when it seemed to launch
a thermo-nuclear strike on and causing
a similar response from the thenexisting Soviet Union. The last few
words of that sentence are the message
in the madness here. Things change
and not always in predictable fashion.
Yet all the problems above were the
result of trying to remove from humans
the need to take an action that could,
arguably, be better performed by a
machine. But each was also dependent
on the Achilles Heel shared by all; they
are dependent on assumptions made by
humans who design them. And when
those assumptions are wrong, things
become FUBAR.
Think about that the next time you
believe ABS, ESP, PSM, Accident
Avoidance Radar, and the host of
other electronics you have come to
depend upon through your driving
experiences, will protect you from
stupidity. Consider it well when you
think you can forget rudimentary skills
because “they are no longer needed –
the machine will take care of that.” As
an instructor I see it all the time; the
Porsches today ARE smarter than the
people who can afford to buy them.
But what happens when they fail? I am
sure you will recognize the wisdom of
this article when you experience your
first encounter with the new “ideas” for
protecting you from the “boogeyman;”
transmitting key fobs which allow a car
to be unlocked only by your physical
presence, and use an electrical latch
to prevent thieves from using a “Slim
Jim” to yank a draw rod between the
handle and the latch. The objective
was to protect your precious Porsche
Continued on page 44
May/June 2008
43
“Will Joe Get In??...” From page 43
from being stolen, an all too frequent occurrence with high-end cars like ours.
But what happens when the battery in the car has died (they do) and it is cold and
blustery (they do more often in those conditions) and/or the battery in your key
fob has died (likewise)? You are FUBAR. You were FUBAR when you agreed
to pay for all that complexity to “protect you.” Oh, and the thief? Do you think
he gives a damn about that crap? Because you would never buy a Porsche you
couldn’t see out of nor one whose windows weighed so much the car handled like
a Hummer, the windows MUST (ask the laws of physics, which YOU certainly
ain’t about to change) be thin enough to be broken. And because Porsche couldn’t
sell you a car unless you could afford it, even at Porsche prices, the cost for that
window must be extremely small as a percentage of the total price for the car. And
it must be able to be maintained locally by SOMEBODY, even if it is the dealer
(and again, think how tolerant would be the buying public if the ONLY source
for repairs were a dealer). So the determined thief will simply break the window,
sit on glass shards for awhile, and still steal your car, replacing the window later.
The ONLY reduction in theft will be from joyriders and opportunists, and many
of them will simply wait for YOU to be in the car instead, thereby converting your
loss of a replaceable car into something potentially a LOT worse.
It is called the law of unintended consequences. And, by definition, it cannot be
overcome. SNAFU.
The Redline Market
The Redline Market is for noncommercial ads, available to all with an active
PCA membership number. Ads are free for two consecutive issues if they are
Porsche related. The decision as to the “Porscheability” of each ad is solely that
of the editor, who’s a strict constructionist concerning such things, his Honda
ownership not withstanding. A $10 fee/issue is required to continue the ad beyond
two issues. A $10 fee/issue will be charged for all non-Porsche related ads or
for ads placed by non-PCA members. All continuing ads must be resubmitted
on a monthly basis before the 10th of the month preceding the next issue. The
maximum length is 50 words and all sales ads must include an asking price(s).
Send your ads to REDLINE REPORT, c/o Skip Testut, 873 Taughannock Blvd.,
Ithaca, NY 14850.
FOR SALE: Porsche 1985 911 Cabriolet. Black, tan leather, NC/FLA car,
exc. 3.2 liter, 5 SPD, New top, H4 whale tail, Fuchs, Dunlops, 120k. Excellent,
dependable. $16,900. Dana Hart, Syracuse, NY [email protected] 315-4881768
POSITION VACANCY: Advertising Director of the CNY-PCA. Requires no
experience and if the Redline editorship is any indication, talent and ambition aren’t
necessary, either. The CNY-PCA needs a volunteer to help us attract more advertisers
and you look like just the perfect person. If interested, contact Joyce Gladle
44
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
Der 2008 CNY-PCA Kalender
MAY
4th - Spring Rally hosted by Jeff Turco (See below for details)
10th - Cobweb Concours at Burdick Porsche, Cicero, NY
16th - 18th Zone 1 Rally and Concours, Corning NY
JUNE
7th – Tech Session at Chris White’s Garage, Marietta, NY
20th-22nd 48 Hours at the Glen
21st - CNY Annual Summer Picnic at 48hrs – Clute Park, Watkins Glen NY
JULY
13th – Autocross (State Fair) TBA
AUGUST
23rd –CNY Summer Concours and Family Picnic – Emerson Park, Auburn, NY
SEPTEMBER
5th - 7th CNY-PCA WGI Vintage Race
6th - 7th Annual CNY-PCA Vintage Weekend Gathering in Turn 5
OCTOBER
10th - 12th Fall Tour to Bennington VT
25th – Fall Rally hosted by Sallie Jameson
NOVEMBER
22nd – CNY Annual Banquet and Business Meeting
DECEMBER
14th- CNY-PCA Channukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa Party hosted by Linda and
Wayne Kunkel
Annual Spring Rally with Jeff Turco!
It is that time of year again: the rain starts to wash debris off the road; flowers are
starting to come out; it’s the annual spring rally! The rally will be held on May
4th with a starting location of Dunkin Donuts in Dryden, NY. The first car off will
be at 11:00, which means you should be at the start no later that 10:45. Cars will
go off in intervals of two minutes and you will enjoy some countryside scenery,
winding roads and screaming navigators! Finishing location will be at The Dryden
Hotel in Dryden (In case you get lost or are just looking to meet up for some lunch
or drinks). For any questions, contact Jeff Turco at 607-844-8191 or email at
[email protected].
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
45
2008 CNY PCA COBWEB CONCOURS and
BURDICK PORSCHE SERVICE CLINIC
Once again this year our friends at Burdick Porsche are hosting our Spring
Cobweb Concours and offering our members a complimentary Service Clinic at
Burdick Driver’s Village.
Burdick will open its doors to the inside mall for display of our Porsches for the
Concours. So rain or shine, we will have a beautiful setting for our event. The
Service Clinic will include a complimentary service inspection of your Porsche.
This is a thorough check of your car to be sure it is in good condition for the
coming driving season. You must pre-register with Burdick for this inspection
(see instructions below).
Dust off those cobwebs and join us for this fun event to start our 2008 season off
with a bang!
2008 COBWEB CONCOURS and SERVICE CLINIC
When: May 10, 2008
Service Clinics begin at 8:00 AM and run through the early afternoon
Concours line up and late registration begins at 9:00 AM.
Concours Judging begins at 11:30 AM.
What: Service Clinic by Roger Burdick Porsche – Must pre-register. Call Dave Hall at
(315) 699-2661 for an appointment.
Concours Car Show – Please pre-register so we have an idea of lunch requirements. Call Janice and Jim King at (315) 637-5529 or e-mail [email protected].
Where:
Roger Burdick Driver’s Village, 5885 East Circle Drive, Cicero, NY
This location is north of Syracuse, immediately off Route 481. See
http://www.driversvillage.com/ou/cicero-porsche/?make=porsche
for complete information and directions.
Cost:
$10.00 per person. Covers Lunch, Concours registration, awards (3 per
class), Burdick gifts and Burdick Porsche raffle items.
This promises to be a great event again this year. Dave Hall informed us that there
will be representatives of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA on hand to chat
and answer our questions.
Plan to join us for a fun day with Porsche Cars and Porsche Friends!
46
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
2008 FALL TOUR by Joyce and Chuck Gladle
It’s really early to be thinking about our 2008 Fall Tour, but think about it we must. Since
we will be traveling to an area renown for its beautiful fall foliage at a time when color
in the mountains should be at its peak, our host hotel is requiring early reservations.
Our 3-day tour will start on Friday, October 10 as we tour over scenic roads east
toward Vermont. Friday evening will find us on the secluded 8-acre grounds of the
Paradise Inn in beautiful Bennington, VT. After settling in to our rooms for a brief
respite, we will gather for our traditional and always fun Welcome Party and frivolity.
Saturday and Sunday will be filled with touring through the Green Mountains
alive with fall colors, a visit to the famous Hemmings Motor Museum and
old fashioned gas station, touring over covered bridges and past the 406’
Bennington Monument, a visit to Bennington Pottery, a banquet on Saturday
evening and much, much more. We will even provide a little time to kick
back and relax, go shopping, wash your Porsche—whatever you want to do.
We have blocked 40 rooms at the Paradise Inn. The rooms will only be held for us until
July 10. The Inn requires a 2-night minimum stay to take advantage of the CNY PCA
rate. The blocked rooms and prices (prices do not include the 9% VT tax) are as follows:
ECONOMY - Queen, Full Bath @ $85 per night - 3 available
King, Full Bath @ $90 per night - 4 available
Doubles, Full Bath @ $90 per night - 6 available
PREMIER - King, Patio or Balcony @ $110 per night - 9 available
Doubles, Patio or Balcony @ $110 per night -- 18 available
Call the Paradise Inn directly at 1 800 575-5784 to make your reservation. Be
sure to mention our reference name “CNY PCA” to get our group rate. You can
visit the Inn’s web site at www.vermontparadiseinn.com for more information
on the facility.
We will provide complete information on meals and schedules as soon as they
are available. Plan now to join us for this wonderful fall driving event!
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
47
Brian Daley’s Excellent 2008 TRACK SCHEDULE
DATE
05/02-04
TRACK
WGI1
SPONSOR
REGISTRATION DATE
TRACKMASTERS
OPEN
05/09-11
WGI1
GVC BMW
OPEN
05/26-27
WGI1
PCA NIAGARA
OPEN
07/16-17
WGI1
TRACKMASTERS
OPEN
07/21-22
MOSPORT
GVC BMW
OPEN
07/25-27
MOSPORT
PCA NNJR
05/30
07/28-29
CALABOGIE PCA NNJR
05/30
07/30-31
WGI1
TRACKMASTERS
OPEN
08/27-28
WGI1
GVC BMW
OPEN
09/01-02
WGI1
TRACKMASTERS
OPEN
09/24-25
WGI1 GVC BMW
OPEN
09/26-28
WGI1
GVC BMW
OPEN
10/08-09
WGI1
TRACKMASTERS OPEN
10/13-14
WGI1
PCA NIAGARA
OPEN
11/7-9
VIR2
PCA NNJR
09/12
=
= Watkins Glen International
Virginia International Raceway
WGI1 VIR2 Sponsor & Contact Info:
Trackmasters: www.trackmasters.com
GVC BMW:
www.gvc-bmwcca.org/
PCA Niagara: www.niagarapca.com/
PCA NNJR:
www.nnjr-pca.com/site/
Other sources that may be helpful:
http://thetrackschedule.com/
http://www.theglen.com/
http://www.virclub.com/vir/
http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com/
http://www.mosport.com/home/home.asp
http://www.gvc-bmwcca.org/EventDescription/OFest2008.aspx
2008 CNY PCA CHARITY AUCTION by Joyce Gladle
This year’s CNY-PCA Charity Auction and Dinner were a huge success! Event
Chair, Cathie White, arranged for a fun and entertaining evening: Appetizers
through dessert, everything was super. We were delighted to have in attendance
our Zone 1 Representative, Botho vonBose from Toronto. Botho not only brought
great auction items, he joined right in on the spirited bidding and even modeled
some of the items!
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
48
In order to crank things up a notch this year, we imported new auctioneers straight
from the Barrett-Jackson auction in Phoenix: Mike “Squeeze Out The Last Dollar”
Darminio and Chuck “Drop The Hammer” Gladle. These two professionals
wowed and wooed the CNY bidders and brought home a record dollar amount
for our chosen charity, The Lori Sullivan Memorial Endowment, Upstate Medical
University Funding (See Cathie White’s article on page 10 in this issue).
Additionally, we very generous CNY folks contributed record numbers of
wonderful items to be auctioned. Oh sure, there were the usual “white elephants”
and “gently-used” car parts, but we also had some fantastic treasures to auction
off. There was a silver tea set, gem stones, Porsche apparel, an original oil
painting, collector tea cups and saucers, Porsche books, posters, a hand-made
quilted Porsche crest, clocks, lamps, beautiful crystal, Zone 1 gift certificates,
pretty salad bowls, antique oil memorabilia, gift baskets, Jean’s chocolate chip
cookies, gift certificates, wines, Porsche models, and so much more.
Then there were our very enthusiastic and generous bidders. Some bidding
rivalries arose, a rowdy crowd indeed, but all had great fun.
Our thanks to Kathy and PJ Sullivan for enjoying the evening’s festivities with us
and for sharing Lori’s thoughts and desire to leave a lasting legacy of assistance
to families of critically ill children. We are proud to say that the auction totaled a
record amount--$2,737!! Our sincere thanks for each donation and bid.
So, start searching your attic and garage for next year’s auction “treasures.” Ask
It’s worth the price of admission, if just for the laughs!
RL
“DANCING WITH THE STARS” – OSWEGO COUNTY
STYLE by Brian Daley
Sometime in the Fall of 2007 my beloved Melissa sheepishly asked me if I’d
dance with her in the 2008 version of Oswego County Habitat For Humanity’s 2nd
Annual Dancing With The Community Stars Fund Raiser. In 2007 this function
raised $28,000 and enabled that charity to provide one family in Oswego, NY
with a home. The event was a formal affair with a sit-down dinner and dancing
until midnight after the contestants did their thing and votes were tallied. The
winners are determined by both their dancing skills and the amount of money the
couple raised before and during the event. The winning couple did a rendition
of Dirty Dancing and raised about $7000.00 for the cause. I have participated in
Habitat “builds” before by loading up my vehicle with tools and my son Matthew
on Saturday mornings to gut and rebuild a home a few years ago. It was very
rewarding work and I had good intentions to get involved with another project
at some point in time. But you know how that goes. However dancing to raise
money was not something I had ever experienced or even thought about before.
Continued on page 50
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
49
“Dancing Oswego County Style...” From page 49
You see in 2007 the CEO of Pathfinder Bank in Oswego was a participant with
his wife and when Pathfinder approached him to have the bank help raise money
for 2008 he asked Melissa if she would like to step up to the plate (or dance floor
in this case). Never one to shy away from a challenge she told him she would and
that she was sure I would be happy to join in. My initial response was “You’re
kidding, right?” She wasn’t. Long story short – I joined in and in the end I was
happy I did. After 10 weekends and a few mid-week evenings Missy and I had our
routine down and were psyched for the Big Event. Many of you know me – I’m
an old guy – although I look like a teenager (kidding) and sometimes act like a
teenager (not kidding), I will be 54 this July and like many old guys I only sleep
about 6 or 7 hours a night. But getting up and out of the house every Saturday &
Sunday to practice dancing for an hour for two and a half months in preparation
for a Dance Competition just did not exist in my reality – until November of 2007.
This year seven couples participated and after last year’s financial and social success
the 350 tickets for the dinner sold out in just a few days. They tried to secure a
new venue that would accommodate more people but that couldn’t be worked out.
Instead they added a second “brunch” performance at 11 AM. Great, that meant we
had to perform twice, and in the same day! Well, an additional 150 people showed
up to that performance making it a fantastic success and generating over $54,000
to the charity to build a home in 2008 with money left over towards 2009’s project.
To answer your question No, we did not win but we raised almost $5,000
and really enjoyed ourselves. In addition to helping raise money Missy &
I spent many hours together working towards a common compound goal
– Don’t Get Hurt & Don’t Embarrass Ourselves. We succeeded in both
and feel good about what we accomplished. We would like to thank our
many supporters from CNY PCA who donated money and encouraged us
through this. If you ever get a chance like this you’ll have two choices:
run for the hills or step up to the plate. I found that stepping up isn’t so bad.
“Fred” Daley and “Ginger” Miller on the floor!
50
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
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visit us on the web
WWW.nickorso.com
QUESTIONS OR TO CONTACT US BY EMAIL…
[email protected]
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
51
CENTRAL NEW YORK-PCA REGION OFFICIALS
Porsche Club of Americ
President
Joyce Gladle
Rushville, NY 14544
[email protected]
Past President
Brian Daley
Oswego, NY 13126
[email protected]
Secretary
Vivian Shea
[email protected]
Treasurer
Melissa Miller
Oswego, NY 13126
[email protected]
Activities Director
Wayne Kunkel
Skaneateles, NY
[email protected]
Membership
Ed Hurd
Newfield, NY 14867
[email protected]
Webmeisters
Brian Scotti
[email protected]
Lee Goodman
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Skip Testut
Ithaca, NY 14850
[email protected]
Safety Chair
Ed Hurd
[email protected]
52
The Redline Report
Autocross Chair
Wayne Kunkel [email protected]
Club Racng
Mitch VanNordstrand
[email protected]
Club Historians
Chuck Gladle
Rushville, NY 14544
[email protected]
Marv Jennings
Dryden, NY 13053
Concours
Bill Noroski [email protected]
Steve Turco [email protected]
Chuck Gladle [email protected]
Les Lewis [email protected]
Mark Schultz [email protected]
TECH ADVISORS
356 Bill Noroski [email protected] Chuck Gladle [email protected]
Gerry Goldberg (315) 498-9403 (FAX)
Mark Schultz [email protected]
914
Mike Darminio [email protected]
Thak Chaloemtiarana [email protected]
Bill Kohnke [email protected]
911 (Early)
Mike Darminio [email protected]
Jeff Turco [email protected]
911 (Late)
Joe Holzer [email protected]
930
Thak Chaloemtiarana
[email protected]
May/June 2008
944
John Hajny [email protected]
Chris White
[email protected]
928
Brian Daley (16 valve)
[email protected]
Chuck Gladle (32 valve)
[email protected]
968
Ed Hurd [email protected]
Randy Martin [email protected]
Boxster
Bob Graham [email protected]
Bill Hayman [email protected]
TECH INSPECTORS
Mike Darminio, Chief
[email protected]
Thak Chaloemtiarana [email protected]
John Hajny [email protected]
Joe Holzer [email protected]
Mitch VanNordstrand
[email protected]
Chris White
[email protected]
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS
John Hajny, Chief
[email protected]
Bud Burdick [email protected]
Frank Campagna
[email protected]
Thak Chaloemtiarana [email protected]
Brian Daley [email protected]
Bill Dawson [email protected]
Chuck Gladle [email protected]
Joyce Gladle [email protected]
Joe Holzer [email protected]
Ed Hurd [email protected]
Lin Hurd [email protected]
Bill Kohnke [email protected]
Bill Noroski [email protected]
Rush Pond [email protected]
Jeff Turco [email protected]
Mitch VanNordstrand
[email protected]
Chris White
[email protected]
The Redline Advertising Rates (payable in advance, fully):
Full Year/Single Issue
Full-page: $350 / $125
Half-page: $275 / $100
Quarter-page: $225 / $80
Business Card: $115 / NA
Payment in full must be received by the 10th of the month preceding publication
with all ads in a reproducible format such as Adobe PDF, JPEG, or Adobe
InDesign files and artwork photo-ready sized in equal blocks of 2” vertical by
2-1/2” horizontal. Send your ads to Skip Testut, 873 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca,
NY 14850 and all of your money to the treasurer, Melissa A. Miller, 3275 County
Route 176 Oswego, NY 13126 [email protected] 315-343-8442
The Redline Report
May/June 2008
53
c/o Ed Hurd
Membership Chair
151 Van Kirk Road
Newfield, NY 14867
The Redline Report