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Published Quarterly By The Space Coast Region, Porsche Club Of America
May 2010 | Volume 4, Issue 2
Amelia Island ConcoursA Track Day With Derek Bell48 Hours of Sebring
Back to Backat the Rolex 24
September 2011Volu
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5, Is
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INSIDEParade | ALMS Lime Rock Park | Drive and Dine | Sebring DE
September 2011Volu
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5, Is
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President’sColumn
Over fifty Space Coast members attended the 56th Annual PorscheParade in Savannah; a level of participation that was only matchedby larger regions in Miami and Atlanta. Once again, SPC’s Escape Velocitynewsletter was voted first in class and, in a close contest,finishedsecondoverallas thebestnewsletter in thePorscheClubofAmerica. The judging sheets confirmed that our member content issuperiortoalmostallotherpublications.TobetruetoEV’saccolades,this edition featuresarticles thatdescribeourmember’s experiences,fromfavoriteevents,towhatstruckthemaboutthegathering,andtheirimpressionsofSavannah.Withover40first-timers, theywillexplainhowtherealityoftheeventcomparedtotheirexpectations.
ThesuccessofthisregionisdueinnosmallparttoitsmembersandtheunprecedentedsupportwereceivefromourfriendsatPorscheofMelbourne.ShayRowe’sgenerosityisunmatched–afactthatbecamequiteclear to thoseattending theParade.Alongwith twootherSPCmembers, Iwas invited toa focusgroupconductedby J.D.Power&Associates. While executives from Porsche AG and PCNA watchedfromanadjacent room, the threeofusextolled the supremeserviceprovided by our dealership, while the other participants listened inenvy.Thevalue-added fromthis relationshipenhancesbrand loyaltyand enriches the ownership experience – Porsche of Melbourne isperfectingthisapproachwhileothersbarelyunderstandit.
We have an extraordinarily busy activity calendar this fall; manyweekendshavetwoormoreeventsscheduled.Ourfirst-everautocrosstechniques school is set for September 10th, just in time for theresumption of the Florida Citrus Club’s AX series. SPC membersearnedseveralAXtrophiesinSavannah.FloridaCitrus,FloridaCrown,SuncoastFloridaandGoldCoastRegionsallhaveDriverEducationeventsplannedforSebring,Daytona,andRoeblingRoad.
Onthesocialfront,specialKaffeeklatschenaresetfortheEauGallieYachtClubonSeptember11thandatAerodynamicsinSpruceCreekon October 8th. Our September 24th Drive and Dine will feature aPokerRun,withregistrationfeesdonatedtocharity.The4thAnnualOktoberfest Concours and Picnic (October 30th) will be the largestever,asmembersofthe356Registry’sFloridaOwnersGroupwillbejoiningusalongwithothersfromZone12.
PetitLeMans,thefinaleoftheALMSseason,issetforSeptember30that Road Atlanta. PCA’s triennial Rennsport Reunion IV will be heldatLagunaSecaRacewaynearMonterey,CaliforniaonOctober13th-16th.Rennsport is the largestgatheringofhistoricPorscheracecarsandothersignificantmodels intheworld.This isoneofthegreatestPorscheeventsheldinNorthAmerica.
Thanksagainforyourparticipationinthisgreatorganization.Drivewithpassion. David O’Neal
On the cover: Parade Concours in Savannah’sForsythPark.PhotobyJohn“Blake”Blakely|BlakeBlakelyPhotography.
�volume 5, Issue �
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DE at Sebring
Drive and Dine
Lime Rock ALMS
Tech Column
Parade
Rennsport Reunion
Respect Your Elders
The Beast
Classifieds
Oktoberfest
Christmas Party
The Walter Mitty
Goodie Shop
Zonefest
Loss of a New Friend
Coming Attractions
Member Spotlight
In This Issue
If your Boxster or 996 was born between 1997 and 2005, your car has a potentially terminal engine flaw in the rear intermediate shaft bearing. Fortunately, there is a solution. LN Engineering has developed a retrofit that cures the issue.
Series 9 is an authorized installer for this M96 engine saver. Call us today and make an appointment.
Now Open on the DeLand Airport!✔Engine Conversions and Updates✔Track Modifications/Race Prep✔Custom Cages to your Specs✔Full Ground-up Restorations✔General Repairs and Service✔Local Service for West Volusia
Visit www.914RS.com for more information.1405 Flightline Blvd, #21, DeLand, FL 32724
Attention Boxster and 996 owners!
IMS Retrofits start at $1999* *(Price quoted for a manual transmission Boxster and includes the bearing)
(386)256-9146 Visit www.914RS.com for more information 1405 Flightline Blvd., #21, DeLand, FL 32724
� volume 5, Issue �
PresidentDavidO’Neal
Vice PresidentSteveHoffman
SecretaryJohn“Blake”Blakely
TreasurerTomKirk
MembershipBrianReinert
Past PresidentRalphFritsche
North Region CoordinatorMikeMasters
South Region CoordinatorDavidKelly
Skill Event CoordinatorsJonathanParker
321.591.2223
Social Event CoordinatorsAndreMartineau
321.243.5356
Our Officials
Tech CoordinatorsRalphFritsche
321.632.2432
Touring CoordinatorsBrianReinert
321.403.2500
Classic CoordinatorRalphFritsche
Event Insurance CoordinatorCollinDavey
Parade CoordinatorRonMcCall
2012 Zonefest ChairCollinDavey
WebmasterJonathanParker
Webmaster Tech / AssistantVivienneDavey
Charity CoordinatorSueTompkins
EV EditorGinnyO’Neal
EV AdvertisingJackRoberts
Sponsorship ChairTomGorsuch
Sebring … a sleepy little town with a racing problem. Just the name conjures up images of racing and racing history. A friend who grew up there remembers when the race cars would roll through the city streets ahead of the races. But on May 7th it wasn’t Chaparrals and Lotuses rolling through town; it was Porsches arriving for a day of Driver’s Education at this famous race track.
Kevin and Rita Brackett (2007 911 GT3 RS), Brian Reinert (2007 911 Carrera S) and his son Chris, David O’Neal (2011 911 GT3 RS), and myself (2008 911 Turbo Cab) made the trip down Friday. David and I spent Friday night at the Hotel Elan right at the track. This was very convenient and quite affordable; nothing fancy, but more than adequate.
The driver’s meeting Saturday morning started at 8:00am, immediately followed by parade laps to familiarize the novice drivers (me) with the track. Not only was this my first DE at Sebring, but also my first DE in my Turbo Cab that I bought in January from Porsche of Melbourne. I was a little apprehensive; excited, but apprehensive.
David O’Neal accepted my invitation to be my instructor. His confidence and enthusiasm about high performance driving in general and doing so at Sebring in particular was contagious.
Sebring is a big race track with 17 turns spread through its 3.7 mile length, four passing zones, and various road surface conditions. That’s a lot to keep in mind as you make your way around the track. But one of the great things about DE is that you can drive as fast as you want, yet stay within your comfort zone. The main goals are to stay safe and have fun.
It is recommended to start off slow and in control, then to gradually add speed. Someone once told me you have to go slow to go fast. They said it is better to drive well within your limits and learn proper technique and the proper line. You will be faster by the end of the day than if you go out and try to bomb the track from the get-go. It is also more fun that way and a lot safer for you and your car too!
So that’s exactly what we did. From the slow parade laps of the morning to the last hot laps of the day, David patiently explained the intricacies of this awesome race track. As a result, by the end of the day I was hitting the reference points, following the proper line, and carrying speed through the turns and down the straights that had us both hooting through our in-helmet communication system on several occasions!
And these were not hoots of “oh no I am out of control’, but ones of pure joy that comes from experiencing how our cars are engineered to be driven.
We are indeed fortunate to have the cars, the facilities, the instructors, the organizers, and the track workers that make these DE events possible. Take advantage of these great opportunities. You will be glad you did. The 24 hours I spent at Sebring have created memories that will last a lifetime and I can’t wait to go back.
My Personal 24 Hours of SebringArticlebyTomKirkPhotosbyTomKirkandBlakeBlakely
Shaded pits were real nice when the day got hot
Brian Reinert and son Chris enjoying the day together
Sebring …
a sleepy little town with a racing problemSebring …
a sleepy little town with a racing problem
5volume 5, Issue �
� volume 5, Issue �
�volume 5, Issue �
321.674.2114 | www.ZipperUroGyn.comNew Location: 1130 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne
Zipper Urogynecology
Make fewer pit stops with a
visit to Zipper Urogynecology.
�is travel season focus onfun and not the restroom.
The weather was perfect for convertiblesand on June 4th six Porsches rolled outof Porsche of Melbourne on a three hourdrive bound for D’Vine Gourmet Winesin Deland, Florida. The drive’s scenic tourtookthegroupthroughbackcountryroadsand at times allowed them to “dust off ”their vehicles. The group arrived at D’VineWines at noon and rendezvoused with twoother club members, one of which was EdPlummer who introduced everyone to theD’Vine’sownerHossFazeli.
Hosswastednotimeinintroducingallofustohispassion:grapes.Hetaughtushowgrapesgrow and when finished correctly inspire
life. Healsosharedhowtoproperlyholdawineglass,howtointroduceoxygenintothewinewhilepouring,andhowtoblendwithdifferent wines to produce a superior glassofwine. Waiters fromanItalianrestaurantnextdoorbroughttheclublunchasorderedindividually.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the event andpurchasedsomespecialwinesthatonlyHosscouldprovide. Itwas trulyaD’VineDriveandDine.
Robin Grainger and Ginny O’Neal get a lesson in blending
The D’Vine Drive and Dine gang
A D’Vine Drive & Dine ArticlebyAndreMartineauPhotosbyCurtDieterle
Hoss Fazeli knows how
to pour a glass
of wine!
TheAmericanLeMansSeries returned toLimeRockPark for theNortheast Grand Prix. Situated in the Berkshire Hills of northwestConnecticut, Lime Rock Park is truly a park-like setting with a 55year history of sports car racing. The combination of a 1.5 milecircuit, 31 cars, and a 2:45 race length set the stage for a fast andfuriousspectacle.
With a long hiatus since the second race of the season, the FlyingLizard#45duoofJoergBergmeisterandPatrickLongwerehopingforareturntotheirtrueformafteranuncharacteristicaccidentbyLong in theLongBeachGrandPrix ended theirdayearly. MarcoHolzer,thenewestPorschefactorydriverjoinedLizardteamPrincipalSethNeimaninthe#44.Ex-PorschefactorydriverSaschaMaassenis on hand to pilot the #48 Paul Miller Racing 911 with co-driverBryceMiller.TheduoofBryanSellersandPorschefactoryaceWolfHenzlerintheirFalkenTire911roundedouttheassaultoftheGT3RSRsagainsttheusualsuspectsofBMW,Corvette,andFerrari.
ForthosewhohavenotvisitedLimeRock,it’ssituatedinthemiddleof someNewEnglandpostcard landscapes. Thedrive to the trackis a great warm-up to the racing action. Cruising along the twolanestretchofUS-7fromDanbury,thesceneryisrepletewithsmallvillages,afastmovingriver,andstorybookcoveredbridgestoallowforsafecrossings.ThedrivecouldhaveonlybeennicerifIhadaccessto a proper German sports car instead of the lowly Camry rentalbucket.
Saturdayraceday-arriveearlytothemediacenter-morningwarm-upat9:55am.It’salwaysgoodtotakeadvantageofallthepractice,qualifying, and warm-up sessions to shoot from different vantagepointsandtimesofday.Themorningwarm-upallowedmetoshootdriver’s left, outside Turn 1 - a vantage point that’s not accessibleduringtherace.Aquick20minuteswiththatsessioninthecanandit’stimetogobacktothemediacenter,download,andeditthetake.
The pre-race festivities started soon after 1:00pm with the carsheading out for their recon laps and forming up along the frontstraight.AgreatfeatureoftheALMSracesisthateveryonewithanadmissionticketisallowedonthestartgridpriortotherace.Duringthistime,fanshavethechancetogetanupcloseandpersonalviewofthepinnacleofsportscarmachineryandthedriversthatmakethemgo. Realaccesslikenoneother;especiallycomparedtothelikesofFormula1andNASCAR.
The Green flag flew at 2:05pm, and 31 cars in 4 classes thundereddownthefrontstraightintoTurn1.TheDysonRacing/MazdaandMuscle Milk/Aston Martin V-12 LMP1 cars lead the charge in thetightconfinesofa1.5milecircuit.WithnopermanentgrandstandsatLimeRockPark,themajorityofspectatorviewingislocatedabovethecircuit.Sothat’swhythisplaceisnicknamedtheBullRing!
PatLongstartsthe#45LizardP3inGTclassandquicklymakes itintosecondspotatthebeginningoftherace.Atjusttwentyminutesin, the#02ESMPatronFerrariofEdBrown is forced to check-upbeforethebridgebyanLMPCcar,resultinginaspinandacollectionofdamageamongbothfactoryCorvettesandthe#55BMWofDirkWerner.
At55minutesintotherace,aYellowflagprovidesawindowforpitstops.Longpitsthe#45andhandsitovertoJoergBergmeister.MostteamscyclethroughforcompleteserviceanddriverchangesduringtheYellow. Backontrack theGTrunningorder is#56BMW,#45Lizard,#62RisiFerrari,andthe#17FalkenTirePorscheaclose4th.
The next hour was spent in ebb and flow as Bergmeister pushedMueller in the #56 BMW. The Falken Tire team made a strategycall earlier in the race thatplayedout inabattle for2nd,3rd, and4thpositionsbetweenthem-the#45Lizard,andthe#04FordGT
Saturday in the Park ArticleandPhotosbyBlakeBlakely
Flying Lizard 911
Falken Tire 911
� volume 5, Issue �
of Robertson racing. After the final pitstopsandheldupby traffic, the#45Lizardfalls to 17 seconds behind, but manages todecreasethegapto5secondsoverthenext15 minutes. While still putting enormouspressureontheBMW,Bergmeisterhasatirepuncture that sends him dashing into thepits. The Lizards make quick work of theissue to get Bergmeister back out withoutlosing a position. But the unplanned stopputs the silver and red Porsche 34 secondsback, ending the Lizards charge for a P1result.
Atthechecker,the#45ofLong/Bergmeisterhad to settle for P2 behind the #56 BMWofJoeyHandandDirkMueller. Apodiumfinish for the #17 Falken Tire of Henzler/Sellersdidnotplayoutafterafuelleak,andapenalty foravoidablecontactput theminP4.
Back in LMP1, the home turf advantage ofthe #16 Dyson Racing Lola/Mazda, playedoutforatopstepofthepodiumagainstthe#6MuscleMilkAstonMartinRacing.Whilethere was considerable battle between thetwoprototypes,thetightconfinesplayedtothestrengthoftheDysonentryintheend.
SaturdayinthePark-wherethemusicbeingplayedwasfromasymphonyofpowerplantsfromtheworld’sbestofsportscarracing.
A blur of silver and red
Patrick Long raced to a hard fought P2
Action at the Bull Ring
�volume 5, Issue �
Tech ColumnByJesseLim,PorscheofMelbourne
In this issue’s installmentof theTechColumn,wewillbecoveringsomeofthevariousentrylevelaftermarketpowerupgradesavailableforyour987/997Porschesportscar.Therearesomanyoptionsouttherefortheenthusiastlookingtogainafewhorsepower,andmaybesoundalittlebetterwhiledoingso.Hopefullythisarticlewillgiveyousomeinsightontheupgradesthatareofferedforyourvehicle.
Sincetheengineisessentiallyanairpump,increasedflowofairwillnotonlymakeyourengineperformancemoreefficient,butincreasehorsepoweraswell.Solet’sstartwheretheairenterstheengine:
The Air Intake SystemThere are quite a few different options when it comes to choosinganairintake.Somemaychoosetoreplaceonlytheengineairfilter,whileothersmayreplacetheentireairboxandfilterassemblywithanaftermarketunit.Forthe911tt,thereareaftermarketintercoolersandchargepipestobeconsideredaswell.
Some companies will advertise a complete filterandairboxunit asa “ColdAir Intake”,which insomecases isa lessaccurate title than inothers.One thing to be aware of when choosing an airfilterforyourPorscheisthattheoiledtypeofairfiltersdonotworkwellwithyourvehicle’senginemanagementsystemandyoumayactuallyenduphurtingoverallperformance.Whentheairpassesthroughthefilter,itthenflowsacrossthemassairflowsensor(MAF)whichmeasurestheairvolumeanddensityonitswayintotheengine.Astheairpasses through the filter, it can pick up some ofthe oil and carry it on to the MAF sensor. Thesensoractsasahotwireandwhentheoilfromtheairfiltermakescontactwiththewire itbecomesbaked,contaminatingthesensorandinhibitingits
abilitytomeasuretheaircharge.Thissensorisvitaltotheengine’sfuel management system, or as Porsche calls it, the Digital MotorElectronics (DME). If the sensor becomes contaminated by the oilfromanaftermarketfilter,itwillcausetheenginetorunpoorlyandeventuallyrequirereplacement-andthisisnotacheapcomponent!
Movingonfromtheairfilterandairbox,nextinlinearethethrottlebodyandintakeplenum.Thethrottlebody,asyoumayalreadyknow,opensandclosesaccording to theactuationof thegaspedal (yourright foot). There are multiple companies offering larger diameterthrottle bodies which allow more air to pass through. The intakeplenum,orairdistributor,istheportionoftheairintakethattakestheairfromthethrottlebodyanddirectsittowardstheintakeportsofyourengine.Thereareafewintakeplenumchoicesoutthererangingfromjustthecenterportionbehindthethrottlebody,totheentireairdistributorassembly.Upgradedintakeplenumsandairdistributorswillbelessrestrictive,andwillallowalargervolumeofairflow.Byinstallingafree-flowingairfilterand/orcoldairintakesystem,alargerthrottlebody,andanimprovedintakeplenumorairdistributor,youcanmaximizeyournaturallyaspiratedengine’sabilitytotakeinair.Onceyou’vegotallthatextraairenteringtheengine,youwillhavetoaddfueltoitinordertoachievetheoptimalair/fuelratiofortheenginetorunatpeakefficiency.Thisbringsustoournextstopontheroadtoincreasedpower:
The Engine Management SystemAsImentionedearlier,theengineisessentiallyanairpump.Butyoucannotrunaninternalcombustionengineonairalone!Thisiswhereallthatpremiumfuelthatyouputintoyourtankatthegasstationcomes into play. So now that we have more volume of air flowingintoourengine,wemustaddsomemorefueltotryandmaintainanoptimal14.7:1air/fuelratio.Varioussensorsandmonitoringdevicessuchas theMAFsensorandoxygen(O2)sensorsarechargedwiththe taskofdeliveringcrucialdata to theDME.This information isusedtodeterminethenecessaryamountoffueltobedeliveredintotheairchargebeingdrawnintotheengine.Averypopularoptionfor
Aftermarket Engine Air Filter
Aftermarket Cold Air Intake
Porsche ElectronicallyControlled Throttle Body
10 volume 5, Issue �
improvingtheperformanceof your fuel deliverysystem is installing aperformance tune or“flash.”Thereareafewveryreputable performancetuning companies which
dealexclusivelywithPorschevehicles.Thesecompaniesofferawiderangeofdifferent tuningoptionsatvarious levels.Youcanchoosefrom basic tuning to achieve better fuel economy, to high octaneall-out performance tunes with which you will be required to run100+octanefuel.ForthosewhoownturbochargedPorschemodels,thereismuchtobegainedthroughDMEtuning.Someofthetunersadvertisea90+HPincreasefromjustaDMEflashwhilecontinuingtouse93octanefuelonthe997tt.NowthattheairhasbeendrawnintotheengineandtheDMEhastriggeredthefuelinjectorstoaddthecorrectamountoffuelintotheaircharge,theairandfuelwillthenbepulledintotheindividualcylinders.Oncetheair/fuelmixtureisinthecylindersitiscompressedandthenignitedbythesparkplug.Thespentgasseswillthenexitthecylindersandthencontinueinto:
The Exhaust SystemJustaswewantedtogetmoreairintotheengineviatheintakesystem,wewantthespentgassestoflowoutoftheexhaustsystemasquicklyandfreelyaspossible.Thechoicesareseeminglyendlessastherearemanydifferentofferingsforexhaustsystemupgrades.Youhavetheoptionofreplacingindividualcomponentssuchasthemanifoldsor“headers”,catalyticconverters,mufflers,orexhausttips.Therearealso
fullexhaustkitsthatcontainallofthesecomponentsandreplacetheentirefactorysystem.Somepeopledon’twanttohavealoudexhaustnote,inwhichcase,Iwouldrecommendreplacingtheheadersandcatalytic converters while retaining the factory mufflers. There arequiteafewcompaniesmanufacturingqualityexhaustpartsandyoucan spend a pretty penny on some of these kits. Some kits on themarketarealmostworksofart!Onemightevenconsiderparkingover a mirror in order to see the beautiful exhaust componentryhidingupunderthevehicle.Eachcompanyseemstohave itsownuniquesoundrangingfromasubtleexhaustnotetoafullonracecarsound.Besuretoreadcarefullywhenchoosingahighperformanceexhaustsystemassomeofthemmaynotbestreetoremissionslegal.Manycompaniespostsoundclipsoftheirdifferentexhaustsystemsinstalled on vehicles so that you can get an idea of what they willsoundlikebeforeyoubuy.
AnyoftheaforementionedupgradeswillmakeimprovementstotheperformanceofyourPorschesportscarbutmaximumgainsaretobehadinthecombinationofsupportingupgradestoallthreesystemstogether.ShouldyouhaveaninterestinaddingsomehorsepowertoyourPorsche,theaftermarketsuppliersareoftenmorethanhappytoassistyouwithanyquestionsyoushouldhave,asamIoranyofthetechnicalstaffatPorscheofMelbourne.Wewillbehappytohelpyoudecidewhatupgradesarerightforyouandyourvehicle,andwewillinstallalmostanyaftermarketpartsofyourchoosing.
Aftermarket Exhaust Manifolds/Headers
Aftermarket “CatBack” Exhaust
11volume 5, Issue �
Parade 2011 – The Hoffman ExperienceArticlebySteveHoffmanPhotosbyRobinHoffman
BeingourfirstParade,wedecidedtodoitallandtriedtoincludeourkidsTylerandTori,inasmuchaspossible.Wewantedittobeafamilyexperience,sowesignedupfortheconcours,bothrallies,autocross,tech quiz, kid’s events, banquets, and volunteering. Robin’s attitudewas: ifwedoitall, thenwewillknowwhatweenjoythemostandfocusourattentionthereinthefuture-ifweevergoagain.Shetrulybelievedthatitwasaone-timedeal,thatduetotheproximityofnextyear’sParade,wecouldchecktheParadeboxcomplete.
Theweek fullyexceededanyandallofourexpectations.TheentirefamilyisnowhookedonParadeandwehavealreadymarkeditonthe
calendarfornextyear.SaltLakeCity,herewecome.WehavegonefromaPorschecrazeddadandhistagalongfamily,toacompletefamilyofPorschephiles.Itwasnotjusttheawardsthateachofusreceivedalongtheway,itwasthecamaraderiewefeltthroughouttheweek.Itsoundscorny,butittrulyisnotjustaboutthecars-itisaboutthepeople.
Impressions of SavannahSpace Coast Members Describe Their First Parade
Steve and Robin Hoffman with their Gimmick
Rally Award
Tyler and Tori met some
new friends
Tyler and Tori proudly wear their RC medals
- Dad Steve was RC car raffle winner
Tyler and Tori proudly wear their RC medals
- Dad Steve was RC car raffle winner
Porsche Parade–forsome,it’sachancetomeetwithfellowenthusiastsfromacrossthecountry;forothers,achancetocompetewiththebesttheclubhastooffer.Foratleast40peoplefromSpaceCoastRegion,thiswastheirfirstchancetogetanimpressionofthe56thannualgatheringofthemembersofthePorscheClubofAmerica.Wasitthebanquetandsocialevents,thecompetitions,thedestinationitself,orwasitthecarsthatimpressedthemmost?Inthefollowingparagraphs,afewofthemwillexplainwhatParademeanstothem:
Pappas on ParadeByTomPappas
HowdoIdescribeParade2011?WOWinoneword!Thiswasourfirst Parade. Actually, it was our first Porsche event except for aKaffeeklatsch in Vero Beach. Great experience. Wonderful people.Unbelievablecars.Interestingvenue.
We started the trip from our home in Vero Beach and headed toPorsche of Melbourne where we met up with a group of PorscheParade enthusiasts. Upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised tofindDermotDaleyofPOMhandingoutverygenerousgiftcardsandParadeshirtstoeveryone.TobesponsoredforthedrivetoSavannah-justamazing!Nowitwastimetohittheroad.Leavingthedealershipwhile engulfed in a column of Porsches was exhilarating. AfterweavingthroughsomeofthelocalstreetswehitI-95andwereofflikeashot,hittingmach5I’msure.LovethoseGforces!!!DavidO’NealourlocalpresidenthadthankfullyensuredthatwewouldmakeourwaytoSavannahwithoutgettinganyofthosepeskyspeedingtickets.Sureenough,oneofFlorida’sfinestenteredtheinterstateinnorthernFloridaasourgrouprolledbyatacool75mph.ThanksDavid!
Weweremostly inasinglecolumnduring the initial stagesof thedrivenorth,butafteranhouror so Iguessanumberofus in the
groupwantedtoexercisesomeindependence.AnditwasduringthisexhibitionoffreedomthatIhappenedtolookinmyrearviewmirror-allIcouldseewereanarrayofPorsches-yellow,white,silver,red,black in all three lanes behind me. An uncontrollable smile cameacrossmyface.Itwassimplyabeautifulsight!
Alloftheabovearetrue,butIthinktheessenceofwhatmadetheParadeenjoyablewassharingatablewithdifferentpeoplefromacrossthecountry;meetingrepresentativesfromanarrayofcompanies;thepositiveenergyfromthevolunteers(especiallyduringSaturdaywhentherainwascomingdownandthelightningwassoclose)whowereabsolutelysoaked;andthegenerosityof fellowmemberGregFileswhostoodattheendofTalmadgebridgesnappingphotosofusall.EspritdeCorpcomestomind.MywifeSylvieandIactuallyenteredthe TSD without knowing what we were doing. We had a blast,andsubsequentlyhadnoneedforamarriagecounselorordivorceattorney.WewereworriedbecauseSylviewasdoingthenavigating.Itwassurprisingtohearhersayduringtherallythatshewantedtodomoreoftheseeventsbecauseshewashavingsomuchfun.
Wearelookingforwardtofutureevents-evenpossiblySaltLake.
12 volume 5, Issue �
Parade, A Colossal EventArticleandPhotosbyMarkandKarenRoehrig
WhenaskedtosumupinonewordourfirstParadeexperience,mywifeandIsaid“marvelous”.Imustadmitwewereapprehensivefromallthestorieswehadheardconcerningtheregistrationprocessandingeneral,justkeepingupwiththeschedule.But,afterbreezingthroughregistration and attending the Welcome Party complete with all thepopularGermanfare,ourapprehensionturnedintoexcitement.
The next morning was the Concours at Forsyth Park. An overnightstorm had left the venue a little soggy and the no-seeums wereabundant. Everyone was concerned that a darkening sky wouldthreatentheatmosphereoftheultracleancars.Fortunately, itneverrainedandthecloudsactuallykeptusmuchcoolerthananticipated.Whatanincrediblecollectionofvehicles.
As we toured the Brumos collection of antique and classic racingPorsches,IwastakenbacktotheglorydaysofwatchingABC’sWideWorldofSportsandnowhereIwasrightnexttosomeof themostincrediblehistorymakingracingcarsever!Therewasevenarovinghistoriangivingacarbycarperspectiveoneachone’scontributiontothemenandracesindecadespast.Theunveilingoftheraffle’73911Tcappedofftheevent.
We were most fortunate to have David O’Nealclose by to keep us informed of what wascoming next. He had told us the day beforeabout the “Michelin’s Ride and Compare”, andrecommendedthatwecheckitout.WepromptlyheadedtotheautocrosscourseandgottotakeaPDKequippedCaymanforaspin.Whatablastsinceneitherofushadeverdrivenonacoursebefore.
After getting over our facial sprains of joy, wejolted right back to the Concours and spenthoursgoingoverthe356sandolder911s-whichare my favorites. Soon it was 4:00pm and wecrossedthestreettotheMansiononForsythParkfortheZone12party.Thiswrapsupthefirstdayof Parade, and begins many days of autocross,touring,awardbanquets,wineandbeertastings,educational classes, art show, goodie store, RCracing,simulators,andamessofotheractivitiesthataretoomanytolist.
Oneeventwillstick inmymind- the“PorscheKnowledgeTest”whichconsistedof70plus
questions with multi-choice answers. Without studying I scoreda 62; although not a passing score, not bad for a new Space Coastparticipant.
Ican’treallysumuptheentireParadeexperienceexcepttosaythatonedrivingforcewasaconstant-thepeople.Everyonewasquitehelpfulatalllevels,mostwelcoming,andwedidmakenumerousnewfriendswhowillmostlikelybejoiningusforfutureParades.
There will be lots of Porsche events in our future, but few that willcome close to equaling our week in Savannah. Thanks to all of youwhohelpedusshareinthisspecialtimewiththegreatestproductioncarsontheplanet,andthesweetest folks inclubparticipation- thePCA.
Whatawonderfulwaytospendourhoneymoon!
Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Karen Roehrig
Concours inside and out
1�volume 5, Issue �
Driving the Parade of Porsches
More Impressions of SavannahThe Kellys in SavannahArticlebyDavidKellyPhotosbyDavidKellyandGregFiles
What a great Porsche event! Of course, I’m speaking of the 2011PorscheParadeinSavannah.MywifeandIhavebeenPCAmemberssince 1998, but this was our first “Parade,” and we couldn’t haveasked forabettervenueorabetterscheduleofevents fromwhichtochoose.
The first big event on Monday was the Concours in Forsyth Parkrightacross fromour region’shotel, theMansiononForsythPark.ThismadethingsveryeasyaswecouldwalkrightoutthedoorandseealmosteverymodelofPorschemade,eachoneofwhichwasinpristinecondition.
What an opportunity for photographs, and as usual, I took lots ofthemwhilemywifeKathyobservedfromtheshadeoftheliveoaktrees.Itwasahotday,butthatwasovershadowedbythegreatcarsondisplay,andalsobytheunveilingoftherestoredsilver911Tonthestageinfrontoftheconcoursassembly.Ifyouwantedamomentof“Porscheheaven,”itwasrightthereinfrontofyou.
Theweekwasfilledwithmanyevents,bothtechnicalandsocial,buttheonesthatstoodoutforuswerethetouroftheRoseHillMansioninBluffton,SC,andthetwohour“ParadeofPorsches”throughthestreetsofSavannahandthesurroundingcountrysideonthelastday.Both events were spectacular, with the Rose Hill Mansion, ownedandbeingrestoredbythefounderofthe“RobbReport,”bringingadistinctivesenseofsouthernhospitalityandhistorytomoderndayvisitorssuchasourselves.
Forus, theParadeofPorschesonSaturdaywastheculminationofeverythingthathadhappenedduringtheweek,andwassomethingthatcannotadequatelybedescribedinwordsalone.Trytoenvisionalmost two hundred Porsches of every type staging on the Indy-lights race track across from the convention center, just as a giantthunderstormletgowithmultiplelightningstrikesandblowingrainineverydirection.Yet,allvolunteersandparticipantsstayedinplace,waitingandreadyfortheParadetostart.
And start it did, with every car pulling out in a synchronized wayin a line as long as the eye could see. Beginning with some verybeautiful 356s, followed by many early 911s of every descriptionandmodification(whetheritwasstock,raceorrally),througheverymodelofTurbo,alongwithseveral944s,968s,and928s,withmanyBoxsters and Caymans, followed by several Cayennes, with fourPanamerastowrapthingsup.WehadthegoodfortunetoleadthePanameragroup.Whataprocessionitwas.
Wecouldnotbelievethenumberof localpeopleandfamilieswhoturnedouttowaveandtakephotographsaswecamethrough.Itwasaspecialexperienceforeveryoneintheparade.
Andthegreatpartwas-wehadapoliceescortratherthanapursuit!Every single intersection was blocked off by an officer to allow acontinuouslineofPorschesthroughwithoutinterruption.Itwasabeautifulthing!PartoftheroutetookusovertheoriginalcourseofAmerica’sfirstGrandPrixrace,knownasthe“GrandPrizeRaceoftheAutomobileClubofAmerica,”whichranthroughthestreetsofSavannahin1908. Then,itwasoutintothecountrysidewherewehadachancetoseemanybeautifulhomesalongthewaterinIsleofHope, then back along Truman Parkway through Savannah again,andacrossthetoweringTalmadgeBridgetothestartingpointattheConventionCenter.
Coming down the Truman Parkway, I said to my wife, “can youbelievethis,it’sprobablytheonlytimewe’lleverbeabletogothisfastwithflashingredandbluelightsbehindusandnotgetaticket.”
Whatanevent,andwhataweekitwas.Weenjoyedeveryminuteofitandyoucanbecertainthatwewilldoitagain.
Unveiling of the restored 911T
Rose Hill Mansion
Porsche 550 Spyder
1� volume 5, Issue �
Thanks for the Loaner!ArticlebyDavidWallensPhotobyMicheleWallens
WhenmywifeandIweregreeted inSavannahwithtwobottlesofcoldwaterandsomesnacks, IknewI’dmadeamistake - I shouldhaveattendedaPorscheParadesooner.TheentirePCAcommunitywelcomedus,fromthearmyofvolunteerstotheNationalExecutiveCommittee.
Michele and I almost didn’t make Parade, however. While gettingour 1984 Carrera ready for the big show, my friend and mechanicRandyfoundabrokenheadstud.Insteadofjustreplacingthestud,herecommendedapropertop-endrebuild.
Dave Engelman and Gary Fong, friendsin Porsche Cars North America’s PRdepartment, came to the rescue, and theFridaybeforethebigshowaBoxsterSpyderarrivedatouroffice.Despitechanginghorses,we still kept our entries for the concours,TSDrallyandautocross.Ourweekwasbusybutfun.
I have a feeling we won’t have the time todriveourowncarout toSaltLakeCity fornext year’s Parade, but let’s just say thatwe’ve already started to discuss loanerarrangements with some friends in highplaces.David Wallens takes his turn on the autocross course
15volume 5, Issue �
1�volume 5, Issue �
Acoupleofmonthsago,IhadtheunexpectedopportunitytodriveSteveHoffman’s1987Porsche930Turbo.Actually,Ibeggedfortheride.The930wasoneofthemostpowerfulcarsintheworldinitsday.Thistwenty-plusyearolddominated(albeitbriefly)our“DynoDay” performance measurements in December by producing anamazing 330 RWHP. The baritone burble of the 3.3-liter flat six iscompelling;howcouldIresistthechancetopilotthismachineonaback-roadtrektoSebring?
Uponslidingintothecockpit,IwasstruckimmediatelybyhowmuchsmallertheinteriorspaceisthanincurrentPorschesportscars.Myhands could touch easily the upright windshield as I adjusted mydrivingposition.Thefamiliarfivegaugeswereun-nestedandspreadacrosstheflatdash,thesecondandfourthhiddenbehindthesteeringwheel.Thecabinwasspartan;ventilationcontrolsweresimplesliders.Thefour-speedtransmissionwassimpleaswell–onetorollandthreetogo.Steve’sonlyinstructionwasthatIshift“slowly”.
Iturnedthekeyandthe930roaredtolife;Ialmoststalledthecarwhilelettingouttheclutchforthefirsttime.Afterlessthanone-halfmile,Ifoundnothingfamiliarinthewaythecarperformed;itwasnoisy,theclutchvague,thesteeringfeltheavy,andthebrakepedalunsure. The gearbox was fussy, requiring me to double-clutch inordertosmoothlyengagethenextgear.Tomethiswasaforeigncar
thatIfoundhardtorelatetothe“organic”feelprovidedbythelatermodels.
HeadingwestfromMelbourne,boththecarandIbegantosettleinandstartedtorelax.Thesteeringwheelcommunicatedaccuratelythefeelandconditionoftheroad,althoughwithabitofplayinit.Thethrottlewassmoothandresponsive;whenI liftedoffof thepedal,thatwonderfulburblefilled thecabinwith its intoxicatingmelodycausing me to chuckle. While making the hard left onto US 441,anothersurprise:thereisnopowersteeringona930!AcceleratingsmartlyoutofHolopaw,Ifeltthemassiveamountofavailablepoweras the torque-happy turbos spun to life for the first time. Whoa. Irolleddownthewindowstotakeitallinasthewindrushedpast.
After 60 miles, I started to understand. The 930 is a machine thatmustbedriven–humaninputisrequired,desired,andessential.ThisparticularTurbohasitsownpersonality(andname);Ihadtoearnitstrustandrespectbeforethe930wouldletmeexperienceitstruenature(orshiftwithoutdoubleclutching,forthatmatter).Thiscarhasarhythmwhenyoudriveit;ontheroadit’sadancepartnerthatyouworkwith,ratherthananextensionofself.Youhavetoadapttothemusic,andifyoudo,therewardisexperiencingtheunbridledpowerofthecar:aseeminglyendlessbubblingcaldronsittingatyourback,definingthe930experienceasthatofapuresportscar.
Since the drive toSebring,Ihaveravedabout thiscar;Steve,Ralph Fritsche andTom Gorsuch justsmile knowingly.Fromthisexperience,Inowunderstandthereason for cars suchas the 911 GT3 RS.Thattoo,isamachinethat must be driven;its nature is raw andunbridled.
Boththe930andGT3RSdefinewithoutfrillstheincredible performancecapabilities of Porschesports cars.Respect your elders my friends, and learn from them.
ByDavidO’Neal
Respect Your EldersAPoint-CounterpointDiscussion
Steve Hoffman in his 930 during a recent autocross
20 volume 5, Issue �
WhenourPresidentDavidO’NealaskedmeifwecouldswapcarsforoneofourtrekstoSebring,Iwasgame.Hethoughtitwouldbecooltocomparecars.Hewantedtodrivemy1987930TurboandIgotthekeystohis2008CaymanS.IloveCaymansbuthadneverreallygivenoneago;plusithasrealA/C.WhileIwasplayingwithallofthedifferentsettingsandenjoyingtheride,IwaswatchingDavidintherearviewmirrorfromtime-to-timethinkinghowcoolIwasandhowhothemustbegetting.Atthehalfwaymarkwestoppedfortheswitch,butDavidaskedifhecouldkeepit fortheentiredrive.Noproblem; theCaymanS isagreatcarandIhadnotevenbrokenasweat.OncewegottoSebring,Davidwasgiddyoverthe930.HedecidedthecomparisonwasnotfairandaskedthatIholdmyevaluationuntilIdrivehis2011GT3RS….Bonus!IgotmychanceafewweekslaterforthedrivefromMelbournetothePerformanceProductsAutomotionevent in Titusville. Needless to say, I was not disappointed – whocouldbe?
IhavetoadmitIwasalittlenervouswhenDavidthrewmethekeysatSam’sClubandsaid“let’sgo”.BeforeyougetinacarliketheGT3RS,youfeellikeyoushouldhavetopasssomekindoftestoratleastwatchaninstructionalvideo.Iknowit’sjustacar,butthisisTHEcar!David’sinstructionsweresimple;setittosportmodeandhavefun.Sportmode-check;havefun-doublecheck!
The race bucketsremind you quicklythat this car meansbusiness. Strap inand hold on. A flickof the ignition andwe are ready to go.The engine actuallysounded kind oftameatfirst.Aswitchto sport mode andthe exhaust quicklychanges to the sweetsound of a Porschesymphony. Thenervousness changedto pure excitement.Andwe’reoff.
We drove the backroads and whattwistieswecouldfind
throughIndianHarbourBeachandupMerrittIsland.Thisprovidedsomeopportunitiestoletitbreathefromtime-to-timeandgetagoodfeelforthehandlingandsuspension.Whenthoseopportunitiescame,thecardisappearedandabeastemerged.Theaccelerationandtorquethroughthepowerbandwasincredibleandnolag,likemy930.Youpush thepedal, the car responds. Interestingconcept!Plus, it feelslikeyouareliterallygluedtotheroad;morestablethananythingIhaveeverdriven.Youcouldeasilygetsuckeredintothinkingthatnomatterwhereyoupoint,thisthingwillfollow.Notatalllikemytailhappy930.
Theinterestingthingtomewasthatasexhilaratingasthedrive,itisatotallydifferentexperiencethanmy930.The930isaraw,rough,androwdycarthatdemandsrespect.Itisprettyeasytogetinoveryourhead,especiallyifallsensesarenotalwaysonalert.Whenyoujumpoutofthecar,youfeellikeyoujustfinishedaworkout.AssuperiorastheGT3RSisinallcomparisonstothe930,itstillfeelscivilized.Itistheperfectblendofarawrace-readytrackweapon,butwithallofthecreaturecomfortsoftoday’scars.Yougetoutofitfeelingprivilegedthatitallowedyoutodriveit.Iwouldstillleapattheopportunitytogetmoreseattime,soanytimeDavidoranyoneelsewithaGT3RSwantstoswapagain,I’mgame!
GT3 RSTheCivilizedBeastBySteveHoffman
David O’Neal on Sebring’s Tower Turn
21volume 5, Issue �
22 volume 5, Issue �
Slant Nose Factory Convertible withonly 47K miles. Black exterior, greywith black piping interior leather,grey carpet.Updated air conditioning,excellent mechanicals, like new tires,Speedline Porsche 18” wheels. In verygood condition. Asking $55K. PleasecontactMarkGarveyat (407)[email protected]
ClassifiedsFOR SALE: 1988 Porsche 930S
Coming Soon! Space Coast Annual
October 30, 2011 • F. Burton Smith Park in CocoaGo to http://register.pca.org for Details and Registration
Concours, BBQ and Swap Meet
2�volume 5, Issue �
Annual Christmas Gala
Window TintingAudio/Video Sales and InstallationFiberglass Enclosures and Interior
Performance PartsCustom Body and PaintAdjustable Suspension
Security SystemsDetailing
1445 W. New Haven Avenue, Suite 200West Melbourne, Florida 32904
www.ExplicitCustoms.com
ByJackRoberts
2� volume 5, Issue �
I have always hated that Christmascarol—the one that goes “HaveyourselfamerryLITTLEChristmas”.I’veneverwanteda“little”Christmas,and I’ve never met anyone else whodid.Afterall,thisisAmerica,homeof the free, land of the brave, andwherebiggerisbetter!
This is your official earlyannouncement that we will returnto theEauGallieYachtClub forourannual Christmas gala on Saturday,December 17th. Expect great food,drinks,beautifulholidaydecorations,music, and a gorgeous view of themarina from our event in the maindiningroom.
More details to follow, but rightnow,putthedateinyourplannerorOutlook…writeitonyourrefrigeratordoor…whateversystemyouemploy…butdon’tmissthepremiersocialeventoftheyear!
Walter Mitty is a fictional character in James Thurber’s short story“TheSecretLifeofWalterMitty”,andisaboutameek,mildmanwithavividfantasy life.The“Mitty” isaraceheldatRoadAtlantaeachyearinhonorofWalterMittyandhisfantasticdaydreamsofpersonaltriumphs.
For thisyear’sevent,heldMarch27ththroughApril2nd,over300driversenteredtheraceandmorethan400carswereonhand,somejustfordisplaypurposes.InordertoraceinTheMitty,thecarhastohavecampaignedinaninternationalraceseries–noexceptions.ThefieldisfilledwithcarsfromF1,IndyCars,CanAmracers,andoldproductioncars.AbouthalfofthecarsattheeventarePorsches.Noonejust“drives”;TheMittyisoneofthemostcompetitiveracesthatweattendduringtheyear.
I crewed for Gilsdorf Motorsports which entered three cars: a real1995 993 GT2 Twin Turbo, and two 1995 Super Cup 993s. JackGilsdorfownstheteamanddrovetheGT2,whichracedatLeMans
in1995andplaced2ndinClass.SpaceCoastRegionmemberWayneWilkersondrovetheblueandred993CupCar.JackandWaynehaveracedPorschesformorethan25yearsandIhaveracedPorschesaswell,sothiswasafunweekendforallofus.
WaynewonhisClassonSaturday;andJackplaced5thoutofseventeencars.WaynewonagainonSundayandJacktook3rd.PoorJackhadtoraceintheTransAmClasswherethecars(Mustangs,Camaros,etc.) ranged from800-950HP. Considering thathisGT2hasonly700HP,hedidquitewellastheTransAmDriversareoffthetrackineverysession.Theseguysarewild!
CongratulationstoWayneforwinninghisClassinHistoricGTbothdays and hoisting the banner for Space Coast Region. It’s a greatevent.Ifyouhaven’tbeenthereyoushouldplantoattendnextyearandsupportourregion.Youalsomayrunintosomecelebrityracefans;weallgottomeetAC/DC’sBrianJohnson.Comewithusnextyear.Youwilllikewhatyousee!
Racing with Walter MittyArticlebyShelbyGoodePhotosbyBlakeBlakely
25volume 5, Issue �
Space Coast Region member Wayne Wilkerson at the wheel of a 993 Cup Car
No one just “driving” here as there is
intense competition throughout the field
Escape Velocity invites its readers tosubmit articles and photos dealing withtopicsofinteresttotheSpaceCoastRegionmembers.
IfyouhaveapersonalPorscheexperienceyou’d like to share, a technical tip, orjust pictures of your car in fun places,please forward it to Ginny O’Neal forconsideration. Articles accepted will besubjecttoediting.You may email submissions to: [email protected]
Want to Share?
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This offer Expires October 31, 2011. This offer not valid on previous service and cannot be combined with any other offer. See service advisor for details.
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New Stuff at the Goodie Store
PorscheofMelbournehasfreshenedtheirinventoryofSpaceCoastapparelofpolos,dressshirts,capsandvisors.Youcanevenselectspecial“RegionoftheYear”items.Thesearealimited-productionitemandwhenthey’regone—they’regone.Wehavealottobeproudofandshouldallbewearingourcolors.Out-of-townerscancallPatrickat(321)956-0600toplacetheirorder.
2� volume 5, Issue �
Save the Date!
Zonefest 2012 is Coming... Zonefest 2012 is Coming... Did you hear?
April 20 - 22
Hosted by Space Coast Region
at the beautifulCosta d’Este
Beach Resort inVero Beach, Florida
2�volume 5, Issue �
“There’sTrouble!”
That’s thewayKirkwouldgreetmeevery time I showedupathisshop.
Thereareotherswhocanspeak to thememoryofKirkStowers infar more detail than I. Some did so in great style at his memorialserviceonJune2nd.HismanyfriendsthroughouttheyearsinPCA,356Registry,FloridaOwnersGroup,SCCA,andotherPorscheandautomotive venues, have been fortunate to enjoy his wit and gear-headwisdommuchlonger.
IhadbeenacquaintedwithKirkthroughPCAforalongwhile,butreallydidn’tgettoknowhimuntilIwasinspiredbyoneofthefamousBBQBullSessionsathisshopinAugust2008.KathyandIhaveownedtwelvePorschesovertime,butjustone356backinthe80’s.SinceIwasstillworkingfulltimebackthen,itwastoohottodrivedailysoIsolditandacquiredanother911.Ialwaysregrettedthatdecision.
Ihadabsolutelynointentionofgettinginvolvedin356restorationswhenwewalkedintothatBBQ,butKirk’senthusiasmfortheselittlecarswasinfectious.Bythetimethateventwasover,IwashoundingKirktohelpmefindarestorationprojecttodowithhim–andImeanwithhim.Heofferedwhatmanyrestorationshopsdonot,andthatwasparticipationintheprocess.Hehadnoproblemwithmehangingaround, cleaningparts,mediablasting,disassemblingparts formycartoprepareforchroming,powdercoating,assembly,orwhateverwasnextontheagenda.Heactuallyenjoyeditandthatwaswhyhisshopwasmoreahobbythanabusiness.Hemadenoapologiesforthat,andifthingsmovedtooslowlyforyou,hewouldalwaysoffertohelpyoupackupyourcarandtakeitsomewhereelse.
Kirkfoundmy1959356ACabrioletatGaryKempton’sinTallahasseethatNovember.AsIwasoutoftown,henegotiatedthedealonmybehalfthenpickedupthecarusinghistrailer.Kirkwouldhelpanyoneinterestedinthecarslikethat,andhaveagreattimedoingit.
Because helping us restore our cars was a hobby for him and heencouraged people dropping by to chat, things did indeed moveslowly.Kirk’sshopremindedoneoftheold-timebarbershopswherefriendsgatheredtotalkaboutcurrentevents.Wetalkedcars–mostly356Porsches–andthelatestracingnews.That’swhynotmuchworkgotdone.Kirkwouldgetthereearlyinthemorningandgetstartedonhisday’sproject.ThenIor someotherPorschenutwouldstopbyeithertoworkonacarorchat–orboth.WewouldgetabottleofwaterfromKirk’sfridgeandsitaroundhisdesk.About11:30am,someonewouldmentionthatitwaslunchtimeandwewouldallpileinto the largest car available and head over to Charlie & Jakes, orNikki’s,oroneoftheotherplacestheStowers356crowdfrequented.Aftertalkingmoreabout356satlunch,wewouldcomebacktotheshop-somewhojustcameforlunchwouldheadoffforanafternoonnap-andtherestofuswouldtalkalittlemore,andthengetbacktoourcars.Notimeandmotionstudyneededheretoseeaproductivehourissue.
AnotherthingthataffectedtheproductivehoursinKirk’sshopwashiswillingness tohelpanyonewitha356problemorquestion.Hetookmanyphonecallseachday,patientlydescribingaprocedureorcorrectpartforsomeone’scar.Healsospentalotoftimeexplainingtothoseofusworkingonourcarsinhisshopthepropertechniqueforthisorthat–orthattherewasn’ta“proper”techniqueorperfectpart.Hewouldsay“Hans”didn’talwayspullthesameexactpartofftheshelfforinstallationineachcarinamodel.Manytimeswhenonewouldaskwhatthecorrectcoloroftheircarshouldbe,Kirkwouldanswer“whateveryouwantittobe!”Ifsomeonestartedgettingupsetaboutacertainaspectoftheircar,Kirkwouldalwaysremindusthatthewholeideawastohavefun.Itwasallaboutthecars,andhavingfunmessingwiththem.
Asexcitedashewasaboutthesecarsofwhichheknewsomuch,hehadn’thadarunningversionofhisowninyears.Thatwasbecausehewasworkingonotherpeople’scars.Oh,hehadtwoorthreeinpieceslayingaroundthatheneverseemedtogetto.And,hehadgrandplansforthemtoo.TheSuper90Coupewastheclosesttocompletion.Theenginewasbuilt;itwaspaintedandontherotisseriewiththesound
Loss of a New Friend
A full house at the annual Stowers BBQ
Kirk holds the crowd in the palm of his hands
2� volume 5, Issue �
Loss of a New Friend
Kirk Stowers 1944 - 2011
ArticlebyLeePaynePhotosbyBlakeBlakely
deadeningstarted.Theinteriorwasalsodone,andoneloneseatstillsitsinthepassengersidetothisday.Then,justbeforehebecameill,hesoldit,tobefinishedatalaterdate.
Kirksolicitedcommentsfromanyonewhocameintotheshopaboutwhat they thought of this color interior, or that carpet kit he wasconsideringforoneofhisownprojectcars–alwayssayinghereallywantedouropinion,buttoldusnottogetupsetifhedidn’ttakeit.
Hehadahardtimekeepingonanyparticulartask.Thingsgotdone,butinahaphazardmanner.Forexample,hespentliterallyhundredsofhoursonDanBird’sOutlawbecausetherewassomuchcustomworktobedone.ButduringtheprocessasIwascleaningparts,mediablasting,etc., he would stop what he was doing and come over to say thingslike,“youdon’thavetogetitthatclean,it’sgoingtobepowdercoatedanyway”,or, “youwant tomake sure toget allof the rustoffof thatbeforewepaintit”.
Sonow,whatKirkStowersandIstarted,BusterVenebleandIaregoingtofinish.Aswetraveldownthatarduousrestorationpathwithalloftheassociatedhiccups,pitfalls,andsandtraps,Ifullyexpecttohearawhispernowandtheninthedinofthecompressorsandgrindingtoolsremindingmethat,“thewholeideaistohavefun”.
ThanksKirk.
2�volume 5, Issue �
A special thank you to our advertiserspages 2, 26, 31, centerfold
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Porsche of Melbourne
Series 9
CPA Wealth Management
AAA
Zipper Urogynecology
Sharpe’s Body Shop
SOS Dent
Invisible Car Bras
Blake Blakely Photography
Brown & Bigelow (Lois & Jack Roberts)
Wickham Dental Care
Tyson Marine and Aviation Insurance
Cebotech
Green Turtle Market
Oct 1 DrivetoFLCAutocrossfromLowesinRockledgeOct 1 FLCAutocross,OrangeCountyConventionCenter,OrlandoOct 1 ALMSPetitLeMans,RoadAtlantaOct 7-9 OktoberFastClubRaces&AdvancedDE,DaytonaInternationalSpeedwayOct 8 DrivetoFLCAutocrossfromLowesinRockledgeOct 8 FLCAutocross,DaytonaInternationalSpeedwayOct 9 DrivetoSpruceCreekfromLowesinRockledgeOct 9 Kaffeeklatsch,AeroDynamics,SpruceCreekOct 9 Kaffeeklatsch,VeroPaneraOct 13-16 RennsportReunionIV,LagunaSecaRaceway,Monterey,CAOct 22-23 FLCDriverEducation,RoeblingRoadRaceway,Savannah,GAOct 30 SPCOktoberfestConcours&BBQ,F.BurtonSmithPark,SR520,CocoaNov 12 SFL/GCTDriverEducationInstructor’sSchool,SebringInternationalRacewayNov 13 SFL/GCTDriverEducation,SebringInternationalRacewayNov 20 KaffeeklatschenatPaneraDaytona,IndianHarbourBeach,VeroBeachDec 9 DrivetoFLCAutocrossfromLowesinRockledgeDec 10 FLC/SPCAutocrossChallenge,OrangeCoConventionCenter,OrlandoDec 11 KaffeeklatschenatPaneraDaytona,IndianHarbourBeach,VeroBeachDec 17 HolidayParty,EauGallieYachtClub
Dates and times subject to changePlease check our website, spc.pca.org,
to confirm event times, contacts, and details.
com
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ttrac
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iGuard
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Explicit Customs
Dan’s Werkshop
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Taylor Custom Remodeling
Nancy Taylor/Prudential Sterling Properties
AAA Yacht Sales
Tamburr Motorcars
Glover Oil Co.
Horst Seibert/Porsche of Melbourne
�0 volume 5, Issue �
EV :What should we know about you and your family?A.IamoriginallyfromCalifornia,andhavebeen employed in the airline industry forover30years.For thepast10years Ihavebeen a manager of Deltaflight attendantsbasedinOrlando,Tampa,FortLauderdale,and Miami. I have two daughters: MaryKatherine“Kati”is25,aDeltaAirLinesflightattendantbasedinNewYorkandagraduateof Florida Southern College in Lakeland;Samantha is 24, an attorney-candidateattendingVermontLawSchoolandalumofFloridaAtlanticUniversityHonorsCollege.Iamveryproudofboth!!Lastandcertainlynotleast,isAileron;my7-yroldRottweiler.EV :Tell us about the Porsches you have owned.A.WhenPorschepremieredtheBoxsterinthe90’s,mylatehusbandCaptainRobertE.FowsecretlyorderedoneformeafterseeingpicturesofitsdebutattheDetroitAutoShow.I was thrilled! Last July, while the Boxsterwasbeingservicedby the fabulous folksatPorsche of Melbourne, he again surprisedme. We were looking at new Porsches in
the showroom, then began to build a caron the Porsche website for giggles-n-grins.Then unexpectedly, Bob turned to me andsaid, “Happy Anniversary” as a picture ofamidnightblue2011911Carreraemergedfromthewebsite.EV :Which car is your favorite?A.Ireallyenjoymy2011911Carrera.EV :Besides Porsches, what activities do you enjoy?A.Gardening,outdoorathletics,beingwithfriends.EV :Do you have any Porsche stories to share?A. Absolutley! In 1966, my parents,whoweremembersofthePorscheClubofSouthernCalifornia,drovefromLosAngeles to Colorado Springs in their356toattendtheirfirstParade.Whileat Parade, my Dadpurchased a raffleticket for the Grand Prize, a 1967912E. He WON!!! There is a pictureinmy dad’s garage clipped from thefollowing issue of Porsche Magazineof my parents onstage with Mrs.F.
Porsche showing the keys to the audienceand their young beaming faces.My Dad,although with a garage currently bare of aPorsche,remindsmeof thegoodpeopleofPCA and our regional clubs. He recentlytold me that no matter how old or whatPorscheyoudrive,youarealwaysamemberof the Porsche family. This I believe, andam proud to be a part of this wonderfulorganization.Threecheerstomanyfabuloustimestogether!
Q & A with Linda FowEscapeVelocity asks our members
�1volume 5, Issue �
Linda Fow with daughter Kati
21 Riverside Drive #�01 | Cocoa, Fl �2�22
PRsRT sTDu.s. PosTAGe
PAIDAll seRvICe
GRAPHICs
Commemorative WatCh
2009 Region of the YearThe Ferry Porsche Trophy
Engraving on back: 2009 Region of the Year
Available at Porscheof Melbourne Parts
Department
