Everglades Region PCA Gator Tales

2010 GT3 R announced

2010-01-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Porsche has publicly unveiled its latest race car based on the 911 model at the Autosport International show at the Birmingham NEC. It's called the 911 GT3 R and replaces the GT3 Cup S. Porsche has tried to make it as accessible as possible by including such equipment as ABS, traction control and an electronic throttle with a ‘blip' function on gearbox down-changes. It makes even the amateur racer feel like a professional.

"Since we announced our intention to launch the 911 GT3 R, demand has been huge," said Uwe Brettel, Head of Motorsport Sales. "The number of GT3 R vehicles we had planned for 2010 is almost sold out."

Power is sourced from a modified boxer engine based on the 3.8-litre version. Cubic capacity has been increased to 4.0-litre and maximum power is 358kW (480bhp) and the vehicle mass is just 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs).

Some body features include LED rear lights, additional wheel arches at the front and rear, a completely covered underbody, a rear diffuser and a more adjustable rear wing.

The suspension system consists of height-adjustable MacPherson struts up front, two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs. At the rear a rigidly mounted sub-frame with a height-adjustable multi-arm axle and more two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs do the job.

A new Racing Driver Development Programme based in Silverstone, UK is geared towards both casual racers and those who are more serious about motorsport. It prepares attendees for everything including skills and knowledge required by the industry.

Breakfast Club 2010

2010-01-11T17:05:00.003-05:00

Breakfast Club Calendar  2010

January 9 Porsche of Naples  
800 Tamiami Trail North 
Naples, FL 34102 
239.280.5100
www.porscheofnaples.com

February 13 Naples Motorsports
1250 Airport Road South
Naples, FL 34104
239.430.5655
www.naplesmotorsports.com

March 13 F1 Imports and Exotics
568 Industrial Blvd
Naples, FL 34101
239.430.2206
www.f1imports.com
mail@f1imports.com

April 10 Autoquest
14498 South Tamiami Trail  
Fort Myers, FL 33912  
239. 432.1700 
http://www.autoquestcars.com

May 8 Delorean Motor Company
9786 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
(239) 495-8550 
(877) DELOREAN 
dmcflorida@delorean.com
www.dmcflorida.com/

June 12 Germain BMW
11286 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34110
239.643.2220
www.germainbmw.com

July 10 Debold Performance
28360 Old 41 – Unit 11
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239.947.6155
www.DeboldPerformanceinc.com

August 14 Evolution Motorworks
4006 Progress Ave. #4
Naples, FL 34135
239.430.9146

September 11 Autoquest
14498 South Tamiami Trail  
Fort Myers, FL 33912  
239. 432.1700 
http://www.autoquestcars.com

October 9 Naples Motorsports
1250 Airport Road South
Naples, FL 34104
239.430.5655
www.naplesmotorsports.com

November 13 F1 Imports and Exotics
568 Industrial Blvd
Naples, FL 34101
239.430.2206
www.f1imports.com
mail@f1imports.com

December 11 Porsche of Naples
800 Tamiami Trail North 
Naples, FL 34102 
239.280.5100
www.porscheofnaples.com

The Mercato Car Cruise

2010-01-11T16:17:00.001-05:00

Porsche Precision Driving Day with Derek Bell

2010-01-11T13:11:00.002-05:00

Hosted by:
Derek Bell

5-Time Le Mans winner and
2-Time World Sports Car Champion

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND at The New Palm Beach International Raceway

We invite you to join us under the guidance and personal instruction of Derek and his team whilst they put you and your car through a program of exercises helping you learn more about your car and your ability.

RSVP Today!

Call Philippe @ 239-280-5112 or email him at: pmartin@porscheofnaples.com

Porsche of Naples
800 Tamiami Trail North
(239) 280-5100
www.porscheofnaples.com

Cocktails and Dinner Sunday January 24, 2010

2010-01-10T17:11:00.002-05:00

We are invited for a cocktail hour on Sunday Jan. 24, 5.30 pm by Gerda and Ivan Gyori at 25125 Luci Dr., Bonita Springs FL 34135
phone 239 947 0491 e-mail: AGYORI@centurylink.net

Here the address for the cocktail hour:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Bonita+Springs&state=FL&address=25125+Luci+Dr&zipcode=34135-8824&country=US&latitude=26.37914&longitude=-81.78984&geocode=ADDRESS

Then we will go to STIR CRAZY Asian Grill in the Coconut Mall about 7.30 pm for Dinner. Here everyone can order dinner a la carte

Please let us know whether you attend:
a) both events, cocktails and dinner
b) only cocktail hour
c) only Dinner

We need to have your RSVP by Jan. 15, 2009 to make a reservation at the restaurant.

Here the address for the restaurant:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?name=Stir+Crazy&city=Estero&state=FL&address=23106+Fashion+Dr+%23+135&zipcode=33928&country=US&latitude=26.40446&longitude=-81.807275&geocode=ADDRESS&id=43865534

Please respond to my e-mail : bloksma1@naples.net

Elly Bloksma

Rally on February 20, 2010

2010-01-10T17:00:00.003-05:00

Do you like to drive your Porsche on quiet country back roads?

Would you enjoy a drive to Fort Lauderdale by such roads?

Do you enjoy car museums?

Well -we have the day for you!! You will have fun!

- A visit to the private Packard Museum in Fort Lauderdale via a scenic 160 mile route.
- There will be a 30 mile section of photo/cryptic clues clearly flagged up in the route notes.
- The rest of the trip is for you to enjoy the drive. On arrival there will be a boxed lunch and time to tour the fascinating collection with a knowledgeable guide on hand.
- The route back across Alligator alley takes approximately 2 Hours.

The cost is $20 per person

We will meet at 8.30 am in the parking lot of Staples off Tarpon Bay Boulevard on Immokalee Road east of I 75 111 on ramp :-

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20th 2010

Contact Chris and Jenny Branston cbran62643@aol.com to register and receive instructions about the day.

Holiday Party December 5, 2009

2010-01-10T16:30:00.006-05:00

Thanks to Len Uronis for the photos.

The Mart

2009-12-22T15:18:00.001-05:00

1. Set of Hoosier R6 tires:
two 205/50/ZR15
two 225/50/ZR15
Never used
$500

2. Set of Yokohama Advan 032-R
two 205/555/ZR16
two 225/50/ZR16
Approx. 75% tread remaining
$250

turbojaeger934@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________________

Just a note to let you know that Ernie Kinney passed away suddenly on Nov. 3rd 2008. He left me with his 1986 944 Porsche. He loved this car and now I have no choice but to sell it. He used to run it on the race track at Mid-Ohio. It has the special seat belts and a roll bar and it is in excellent condition. Do you know of anyone interested in such a Porsche? I want to sell it before I make plans to move back up to Ohio sometime in the future.

Will you please get the word out about this car? I'm sure someone out there would be interested and I would love to see it go to someone who would appreciate it.
My name is Sally Kochis. Thank you for your time.
My phone number is 239-948-3267.

__________________________________________________________

2000 Porsche Boxter S for sale. $22,900. 22,380 miles. Black convertible with black top, Boxster red special leather, small carbon pkg, Boxster red floor mats, 3 spoke steering wheel/carbon leather, brake shifter carbon aluminum, power seat pkg, headlight washers, 18" alloy wheels (turbo look), CD shelf center console, wheel caps with colored crest, Hifi sound pkg w/ speakers, Porsche windstop (deflector), litronic headlights, remote 6 disc CD changer, AM/FM radio with CD, supple leather front & rear.

Pete Wightman, Naples
239-594-3912 home
315-725-6547 cell

__________________________________________________________

1964 356 C Coupe for Sale--

• Purchased from previous owner July 2005
• Irish Green with black interior/grey headliner
• Next to last year of 356 production
• Best of the 356s--Disc brakes. Fresh Air ventilation. Dual rear grilles.
• 195/65 HR 15 Michelin Pilot Exalto tires Less than 1000 miles
• NLA Chrome wheel discs (5.5") Less than 1000 miles
• Original Blaupunkt tube radio
• Trouble-free car
• Drives beautifully-- engine, transmission, brakes, steering
• Complete motor rebuild --2002 by Parker Tyler (Maine) around an un-numbered case
• Stored in A/C and Humidity Controlled Garage
• Very clean
• Solid Pans and Longitudinals
• New rear torsion bushings, inner and outer and aligned rear suspension 2007. Set rear camber to specification
• Hard-Start Relay kit and Headlight Switch Relay kit from Joe Leoni @ 356-Electrics
• Tool kit and jack
• Service/parts documents since 2002
• 6 Volt Electrical System
• Owner’s Manual
• Pics available
$47,000

Jim Knupp
597-0832
No32@aol.com

________________________________________________________

Any PCA member in good standing with anything Porsche related to sell may email the information to me and I will post it here. Please send as a microsoft word or similar text document with any pictures attached to the email as jpeg files. Email to turbojaeger934@yahoo.com

Wine Tasting Report Nov. 14, 2009

2009-11-22T16:03:00.006-05:00

Thanks to Faith Wassersug for the words, and Len Uronis for the pictures...

Lots of sipping and slurping at the Porsche club wine tasting in November at Faith and Steve Wassersug’s. The group sampled and rated 13 wines and enjoyed a wide assortment of exotic and luscious cheeses. Three grouping of wines kept tasters busy: heavier reds, lighter reds, and whites. Here’s the information about the group’s favorites.

REDS:
Hands down favorite: TAMAYA 2005 Merlot Reserve 2 (Limari Valley Chile) Estate Bottled $22.00
(silver – 4th annual wines of chile awards-2004)

Second Place: LOUIS.M.MARTINI 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County) $13.00 (at Costco)

Third Place: LE COLOMBIER 2007 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vign (Cotes du Rhone-Villages, France) $17.00 (Total Wine)

WHITES:
First Place: MEZZACORONA 2008 Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT (Product of Italy) $9.95

PCA Everglades Fourth Quarter Board Meeting

2009-11-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

October 24, 2009

Meeting was called to order by Bill Hutchens at 9:40 a.m.
Present were Bill Hutchens, Pete Chehayl, Gary Karnes, Carla Boggess, Richard Newton, Ron Howard, Greg Biehl, Elly Bloksma, Chris and Jenny Branston.

The following items of business were addressed:

Old Business:

Bill Hutchens will order additional marketing cards for distribution as the supply is running low.

Elly Bloksma reminded the Board of the importance of a questionnaire for the membership regarding the planning of future club activities. Upcoming events include the Ocktoberfest dinner to be held this evening at The Old European Bistro in Naples. November 14th is the Wine Tasting and Pot Luck to be hosted by Faith and Steve Wassersug.

The Christmas Party will be held at the Strand on December 5th. Elly and Debbie Uronis went to the Strand this past week and selected the menu. Pete Chehayl will be coordinating the contract and payment for this event. There is a $300 deposit. Debbie Uronis will be provided a list of reservations and entrée selection for preparation of coded name tags to reflect entrée selection. T-shirts will be sold at the Christmas party. Toys collected at the Christmas Party will be donated again this year to St. Matthews House with the possibility of selecting another charity next year. It was brought up that a collection of toiletry samples could also be donated to St. Matthews House. Bill Hutchens will deliver the toys after the Christmas party. Gary Karnes will prepare and distribute the reservation forms for the February 6th Cars on Fifth event at the Christmas Party. Bill Hutchens will extend an invitation from the Board to Derek and Misty Bell.

Gary Karnes discussed the Cars on Fifth event. He is looking for 400 cars at $25 per car registration. The event benefits charity.

Carla Boggess arranged the violinist, Vivian Aiello of Seaside Strings (which has subsequently been confirmed on November 4th) for the Christmas Party. Ms. Aiello is sending the contract and customary $150 deposit request to Pete Chehayl.

Treasurer’s Report was given by Pete Chehayl with $8,468.32 at the end of September.

New Business:

Greg Biehl advised that he is in the process of updating the website and suggested the addition of an interactive access for Board members. The access will be egrpca@gmail.com This will facilitate a central location for membership coordination, event distribution and management, RSVPs, and the sale of T-shirts. The tentative date for the website to be up and running is the second to third week of November. The update of membership is 207 primary members and 167 affiliate members for a total of 374 members.

Bill Hutchens made a motion that the officers remain the same for the upcoming year. Carla Boggess seconded the motion, and the vote passed. All of the 2009 officers will be candidates for office again in 2010.

Richard Newton advised the Board that the Breakfast Club is scheduled through 2010.

Motion to adjourn by Bill Hutchens at 10:30 am, seconded by Pete Chehayl.

Submitted by: Carla Boggess, Past President in lieu of Elizabeth Newton, Secretary

Slate of Officers for 2010

2009-11-17T13:44:00.003-05:00

If anyone wants to run for an ofice for 2010, please email our president, Bill Hutchens, at bhutchens2004@yahoo.com

If no one else wants to run for an office the current officers have agreed to stay on for another year:

President: Bill Hutchens
Vice-President: John Harris
Secretary: Elizabeth Newton
Treasurer: Pete Chelayl
Social Chairs: Bonnie Woontner, Elly Bloksma
Past President: Carla Boggess
Membership Chair: Greg Biehl
Rally Chairman: Chris Branston
Newletter editor: Ron Howard

EVERGLADES Region PCA Christmas Party

2009-10-31T08:48:00.004-04:00

Saturday, December 5, 2009

6:45 PM / COCKTAILS & HORS D'OEUVRES

**Cold Water Caramelized Sea Scallop - Wrapped in Bacon

Enhancements/Station:

**Imported French Baked Brie Raspberry Filled - Topped with Toasted Almonds and Lilac Honey, Served with Crusty French Bread

Drinks from the Bar are not included.

7:30 PM / LIVING ROOM

European Bread Service -Artisan Bread,Rustic Rolls,Creamery Butter
Baby Field Greens,Red Zinfandel Poached Barlett Pears,Maple Glazed Pecans,Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese with House Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Entrees – please select one per person:

House Aged Filet Mignon,Cabernet Sauvignon Reduction
OR
Hand Pounded Butter Sauteed Chicken Francaise , Pop Corn Capers and Sliced Lemon
OR
Bronzed Chilean Seabass ,Port Wine Mission Fig Reduction

Served with : Asiago Roasted Garlic and Black Pepper Mash and Baby Mushrooms with Garlic and Herbs

Dessert:
Strand Triology : Costa Rican Chocolate Cake -Raspberry Sauce on a Shot Glass –Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee, Herbal Teas with Lemon ,Iced Tea

Each table of 8 will be served Red and White Wine.

Price per Person: $ 48.00 incl. gratuity

To make a dinner reservation, send a note listing number of attendees, their names, meal choice for each person (beef, chicken, or fish), and e-mail for acknowledgement, with a check payable to Everglades Region PCA for $48 per person to:

2008 PCA Holiday Party C/O Pete Chehayl
3312 Lookout Lane, Naples, FL 34112

Cut-off date is Friday, November 27th

SPECIAL NOTICE
Each year we collect toys for children which are distributed through
local charities (this year to St. Matthews house).

Please bring an unwrapped toy suitable for a boy or girl.

Location: “The Strand Club House” Strand Boulevard off of Immokalee
Road just west of I75. Take Exit 111 from I75 and go west to Strand
Boulevard Approx ¼ mile (Shell Station) at light. Turn right and
proceed to guard house to check in. Club is on the right approx. 1 mile
after the guard house

Wine Tasting

2009-10-31T08:43:00.003-04:00

Nov. 14, 2009, 7.oo pm

Faith and Steve Wassersug are hosting this event (phone 239 822 4338 or cell 239 281 0052) Address see at mapquest:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Fort+Myers&state=FL&address=14620+Fair+Haven+Rd&zipcode=33908

Please note: this is not our usual pot luck dinner. It’s a wine and cheese party with coffee and cookies after.

Please bring

1. one bottle of your favorite wine in a paper bag, so we can’t see the label

2. some information about the wine (Google may help, Total Wine has printed sheets about the wines they sell, Wine Journal, etc)

3. Some cheese of your choice (we’ll provide the crackers)

The idea is to group 3-5 bottles of each different wine varietal, like Chardonnay, Pinot, Syrah, etc. You can go to the group who is tasting the wine varietal you like best. Each group will do a blind tasting and rate their favorite wine from the group. It's probable that everyone can taste the wines in at least 2 groups. Finally every group will report something about their favorite wine selection: why they liked it, where it's from, tasting notes, the price, etc. We'll leave the party with a list of Everglades Region Porsche Club's favorite wines.

Faith and Steve will provide wine glasses, crackers, and some fruit and cookies and coffee for dessert.

Please sign up for this event directly with Faith: Faith.Leavitt@Getf.org

Should you have questions, you can call me: 239 566 2978/Elly Bloksma

OKTOBERFEST DINNER Oct. 24, 2009

2009-10-31T08:16:00.002-04:00

We held an Oktoberfest Dinner on Saturday, October 24th, at the Old Europe Bistro in Naples. They had a special Oktoberfest menu that everyone enjoyed. It was a nice evening in the Biergarten. Twenty members were in attendance. The youngest was Connor Biehl who was about to turn four months old. He tried the Paulaner, but did not like it. Well, at least he is a Flying Lizard fan, so I guess we'll forgive him. The member who traveled the furthest was from the Atlanta area.

Porsche Rally October 18th 2009

2009-10-25T11:26:00.005-04:00

9.00 am and the parking lot was full of Porsches in every color!

How amazing after record breaking highs the temperature was record breaking low -but the spirits and enthusiasm were high. The Bonita Springs Regional Park was a pretty setting for the start. After coffee and cake the intrepid rally folk set off. Several missed the first left turn! Oh well they did not seem to miss the clues!
The first stop was the FP Franklin Lock and Dam where rare eagles were spotted and a boat went through the lock. Shortly afterwards everyone assembled at Eden Winery to look at the quaint vineyard and collect a bottle of locally grown wine.

On through La Belle and along the North shore of the Caloosahatchee river. where there are a number of parks and walking opportunities.
A sprint along the road past the Babcock Ranch and a left at the famous blinking light led everyone to Punta Gorda and a well deserved lunch stop at Bennedettos in the Best Western . No one was lost!We valiantly tried to eat outside but a kind waiter took pity on us fighting the increasing wind and we reassembled inside! We could still see and enjoy Charlotte Harbor.
Michael and Jenny Lenzner were the overall winners – and prizes were given to the next eight runners-up. Everyone said they had had a good time and were keen to do another Photo Rally !

Breakfast Club Update

2009-10-25T11:04:00.003-04:00

November 14

Debold Performance Inc.
28360 Old 41 – Unit 11
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239.947.6155
http://www.deboldperformanceinc.com/

December 12

Evolution Motorworks
4006 Progress Ave. #4
Naples, FL 34135
239.430.9146

Breakfast Club Calendar  2010

January 9

Autoquest
14498 South Tamiami Trail  
Fort Myers, FL 33912  
239. 432.1700 
http://www.autoquestcars.com/

February 13

Naples Motorsports
1250 Airport Road South
Naples, FL 34104
239.430.5655
http://www.naplesmotorsports.com/

March 13

F1 Imports and Exotics
568 Industrial Blvd
Naples, FL 34101
239.430.2206
http://www.f1imports.com/

OKTOBERFEST DINNER Oct. 24, 2009

2009-10-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

OKTOBERFEST - enclosed you will find the Oktoberfest-Menue. You can choose whatever you like. And certainly they serve the special Oktoberfest beer.
(You can also find this menu on the website below)

The beer garden is reserved for us. We meet us there Saturday October 24, 2009, 6:oo pm
Old Europe Bistro, Naples Walk Plaza, 2464 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. (next to Sam Sneads and Publix) Naples FL 34109.
Directions you can find on their web site: www.oldeuropebistro.com

I need to know how many members will attend, please make your reservation until October 22: bloksma1@naples.net

See you on one of the next events

Elly Bloksma

Pot Luck at the Bloksma's Sept. 26, 2009

2009-10-19T21:03:00.006-04:00

P C A EVERGLADES REGION FALL PHOTO RALLY

2009-10-07T20:15:00.000-04:00

 Explore areas around Southwest Florida that you may not have been to on this scenic (approx. 110 mile) route.
 Exercise your mind solving picture and cryptic clues along the way - so it will help to have a co-pilot!
 At the end of the rally a delicious 3 course lunch will be served at a restaurant overlooking the Gulf. The parking and an area of the restaurant will be exclusively ours and you can enjoy the view and a fine array of Porsches!
 Prizes will be awarded for your efforts!
********

Details for the Porsche Photo Rally on Sunday October 18th 2009

Meeting at 9.00 am for coffee.
We will gather in the car park of Bonita Springs Riverside Park which is on Old 41 just South of Lester Pipers Wonder Gardens (in front of Bonita Springs City Hall). The parking is near the band shell and will be visible from old 41.

Cost: $45 per car - lunch for 2 included

Please register to enter by contacting:-

Chris Branston - cbran62643@aol.com
You will be sent a confirmation and any further details!

Phone:- (239) 598 4978

Bradley the Lhasa driving Porsche...

2009-08-30T08:06:00.001-04:00

Bradley wants to drive ! (he's a dog but doesn't know it) in '07 Cayman

Submitted by J. Dean Farris, Jr.

Upcoming Driving Events

2009-08-22T14:31:00.005-04:00

If there is interest, we can have a group go to the autocross in Fort Myers on Saturday Ocotber 31. The cost would be $20. Contact Ron Howard at turbojaeger934@yahoo.com if you are interested. More info on the autocross at http://www.gulfcoastautocrossers.com

September 12-13 PBOC will be at Sebring. http://www.pbocflorida.com/index.html

There is a PCA driver's ed at Sebring on Septmeber 19-20. http://www.clubregistration.net

Florida Citrus and Florida Crown Regions will host a DE/High Speed driving event at the world famous Daytona International Speedway October 9 - 11, 2009. The event will be held in conjunction with the annual Daytona PCA Club Race using the Rolex 24 Hour road course. This is a rare opportunity to drive the same course as past winners Dan Gurney, Hurley Haywood, Mark Donohue, Derek Bell and countless other champions. The cost for the three days is only $575 and for Saturday and Sunday is $475. There are other groups that run at Daytona but none that beat our price or track time. Registration is open at www.clubregistration.net. To access DE dropdown- Florida Crown Region

The event is for advanced solo drivers only but not limited to just Porsches. We recommend that cars be equipped with DOT “R” tires. However, street tires may be used if rated for speeds of 149 mph or higher (V, W, Y, or Z). Tires must be new or nearly new. Boxsters and other late model Porsche convertibles (996/997) may participate with tops up. We strongly recommend that all cars have a roll bar or full cage. Cars must have a technical inspection at an approved shop. We also recommend the use of a harness, a HANS device, and PCA endorsed track insurance (available at www.pcahpdeins.locktonaffinity.com).

A late fee of $25 will be charged for registrations after Oct. 1. Cancellations received before Oct. 1, will receive a full refund, less a $25 processing fee. Cancellations received between Oct. 1 and Oct. 7 will receive a 50% credit toward future FLC or FCR DEs. No refunds after Oct. 7.

Our host hotel is The Hilton Garden (just outside the track): Phone (386-944-4000)

http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=DABAHGI

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Richard Hook (rhook14@cfl.rr.com)

Chin Motorsports is at Sebring on October 10-11, November 7-8, and January 2-3. http://www.chinmotorsports.com/

PBOC will be at Daytona on October 23-25. http://www.pbocflorida.com/index.html

Le Belle Macchine D'Italia will be at Daytona November 12-15 and they need participants, even non-italian cars. www.italiancarsatpocono.com

The Audi Club of North America will be at Daytona on December 4-6. http://www.clubregistration.net

Upcoming Social Events

2009-08-22T14:26:00.002-04:00

August 22nd – Dinner at Angelina’s Restaurant in Bonita Springs.

September 26th- Cheese Party (Raclette) hosted by Elly and Hendrik Bloksma

October 24th- Dinner at The Old European Bistro in Naples

November 14th- Wine Tasting and Pot Luck hosted by Faith and Steve Wassersug

December 5th- Christmas Party

For more information contact one of our social co-chairs: Bonnie Woontner, bwoontner@aol.com , or Elly Bloksma, bloksma1@naples.net

Breakfast Club August 8, 2009

2009-08-22T13:49:00.004-04:00

Thanks again to Len Uronis for these pics from the Brekafast Club at Naples Motorsports on August 8, 2009. Thanks to Todd and the whole staff at Naples Motorsports for hosting us. I guess no one bought a car that morning because I never got a prime rib dinner (Todd said if anyone bought a car at the Breakfast Club he would buy a prime rib dinner for everyone there). The next breakfast club is on September 12th at the DeLorean Motor Company in Bonita Springs.

Pot Luck Dinner July 25, 2009

2009-08-22T13:44:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Len Uronis for these pictures from the Woontner's Pot Luck on July 25th:

Bill Hutchens Trip to The Porsche Museum in Stuttgart

2009-08-08T07:35:00.016-04:00

Bill Hutchens recently returned from Germany where he visited both the new Porsche Museum and the relatively new Mercedes Museum. Here are his pictures from the Porsche Museum.

Len Uronis reports on his new Cayman S

2009-07-21T20:45:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Len Uronis for submitting this report and pictures:

"Many of you knew that I drove a 99’ Boxster for almost 10 years. She found a good home in Kentucky. But I was bit by the new car bug back in December of 2008 so on Friday June 26th I took delivery of a new 2009 Cayman S after more than 6 months of wait. The 2009 Cayman is known as a Gen II Cayman. While the cars may look a lot like a Gen I 987 vehicle but there is a lot new.

Significant changes include a new design 3.4 L boxer engine rated at 320 HP, 273 lb ft torque. This engine has no intermediate shaft which is supposed to eliminate the RMS problem of earlier design. Another new feature is DFI ( Direct Fuel Injection) which not only accounts for much of the HP boost but also provided big improvement in gas mileage with City of 19 and Highway of 26 MPG (not on my first tank-full for sure). Another benefit of the new engine is a big improvement in CO2 reduction.

Other new item this year is a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) which handles rear wheel spin during aggressive drive and when on the track. This year Porsche also redesigned the optional Porsche Sport Exhaust PSE and it sounds great at all throttle settings.

Beside the LSD and PSE options I also added PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), Short Shifter, BiXenon headlights with dynamic cornering, and the Sport Chrono Package.

To round of the list of useful options includes power seat package, self dim mirrors and rain sensor, wheel crests, automatic climate control, full leather package, (Carrera Red natural leather with deviated black carpet), parking assist system, universal audio interface, painted rear center console, thicker steering wheel leather, and a rear luggage partition. The exterior is Arctic Silver.

There are many other changes on the exterior but if you are interested there are a lot of Caymans at Porsche of Naples and Suncoast Porsche. Both dealers are willing to negotiate if you are so inclined but keep in mind that the 2010 models are going up 2 or 3 percent and even the shipping cost is also going up. Porsche was offering 2.9 % loan interest rate on some deals but that is going up soon.

The Cayman S is not inexpensive when you start adding up the options but if you were comparing a equally equipped 911 Carrera S you are looking at a $30Kcost delta.

Once I have the Cayman S broken in I will do some track events and I will write up a report on how the car handles on the track. I can tell you already that this car is no slouch with a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and a top end of 172 MPH.

In case your are wondering why not a PDK. I am very impressed with the PDK and if I were doing a lot of track events or have to drive though lots of traffic I would go with the PDK. Stirring the gears make you pay attention whereas the PDK does it all for you and never misses a shift. Both transmissions are great so it boils down to preference and if you are willing to spend $3,400 for the PDK over the six speed."

Upcoming Breakfast Club Dates and Locations

2009-07-21T20:29:00.002-04:00

In addition to the dates below, Naples Motorsports will also be serving breakfast on Saturday August 1 from 10 am-12pm. Here are the official Breakfast Club dates:

August 8

Naples Motorsports, Inc.
1250 Airport Road South
Naples, FL 34104
239.430.5655
www.naplesmotorsports.com

September 12

DeLorean Motor Company
9786 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
239.495.8550 
(877) DELOREAN 
dmcflorida@delorean.com
www.dmcflorida.com/

October 10

Germain BMW of Naples
11286 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34110
239.643.2220
www.germainbmw.com

Our youngest region member

2009-07-21T20:21:00.002-04:00

Libby and Greg Biehl announce the arrival of Connor Kirk Biehl on June 29th. 8 pounds, 19.5 inches and he already has his first Porsche! Congratulations to Libby and Greg.

Breakfast Club at Porsche of Naples

2009-07-21T20:15:00.003-04:00

Len Uronis submitted these pictures from the Breakfast Club on July 11, 2009

Driver Education at Sebring June 27&28

2009-06-12T08:17:00.000-04:00

Just in time to beat the real summer heat, the Florida Suncoast and Citrus Region PCA clubs are hosting a joint weekend DE event at Sebring International Raceway. The date is June 27 & 28. You can choose to attend both days, or just one (but who wants to ONLY do one day!). Time is running out to register and spaces are filling up. Go to www.clubregistration.net to sign up before it is too late and the summer gets too hot.

If you have any questions, please contact either registrar, Amy Gustafson at suncoastde@tampabay.rr.com, or Jeffrey Phillips at jdpm3@yahoo.com. Hope to see you at the track!

Amy Gustafson and Jeffrey Phillips

Minutes of the Board Meeting held on June 6, 2009

2009-06-09T07:54:00.000-04:00

PCA Everglades Third Quarter Board Meeting
June 6, 2009

10:00 am

Present were Bill Hutchens, Ron Howard, Elizabeth Newton, Chris and Jenny Branston, Marc and Bonnie Woontner, Johnny Harris, and Greg Biehl

The following items of business were addressed:

Bill Hutchens will get some cards printed for use in recruiting new members.

Greg Biehl is updating the current membership list and preparing a questionnaire concerning club activities.

A committee consisting of Bill Hutchens, Greg Biehl, Johnny Harris, and Ron Howard will explore options for the club website and the club newsletter.

Marc Woontner reported that the 356 Club will be visiting The Collier Collection on November 14th. They are looking for a local venue for a luncheon and will have room for 15 additional people on the tour of The Collection.

Ron Howard is exploring the possibility of a Concours to be held at The Collier Collection.

Chris and Jenny Branston will be holding another Photo Rally which has been tentatively scheduled for October 18th.

November 7th has been tentatively set aside for a driving event at Immokalee Regional Raceway.

The following social activities have been approved by the Board and are being organized by Bonnie Woontner and Ellie Bloksma:

June 13th - Naples Beach Club, Dinner and Jazz Concert.

July 25th – Pot Luck/ Indoor Picnic hosted by Marc and Bonnie Woontner.

August 22nd – Dinner at Angelina’s Restaurant in Bonita Springs.

September 26th- Cheese Party (Raclette) hosted by Elly and Hendrik Bloksma

October 24th- Dinner at The Old European Bistro in Naples

November 14th- Wine Tasting and Pot Luck hosted by Faith and Steve Wassersug

December 5th- Christmas Party

Submitted by Elizabeth Newton, Secretary

May 3rd Porsche Photo Rally

2009-06-03T13:20:00.003-04:00

Promptly at 9 am, twenty-one Porsches assembled by the lake in Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers. After coffee and a pep talk the participants set off in search of the answers.
There were 10 photographs of items somewhere on the route (not in order) and 20 cryptic clues at specified odometer readings.
The route went across the Cape Coral Bridge, through Cape Coral to Pine Island via the colorful area of Matlacha and onto the fishing village of Bokeelia. Then it continued up to Ponce De Leon Park and through the historic area of Punta Gorda across the Peace River into Charlotte Harbor.
No one got lost and as they arrived the cars parked under the Portofino restaurant where we had a splendid lunch. The restaurant had gone to a lot of trouble even naming the dishes after German and Porsche names!
The marking was completed and although no one got full marks all the clues were found by someone!
Prizes were handed out and after much car talk and tire kicking everyone dispersed for home.
It was a lovely sunny day and the comments on the occasion were very complimentary. It was interesting how few people had visited the area and many vowed to return to explore some more!

We enjoyed organizing it and will do another one in November!!

Jenny and Chris Branston.

Porsche Club Clay Pigeon Shoot on 3/27/09

2009-05-26T05:50:00.004-04:00

Although the number of participants was small everyone had a really good time. The course was very difficult as it was set up for a competition on the Sunday! However everyone persevered and hit some targets.
It would be fun to repeat the event in the future if members were interested.
Elly’s bruise was a colorful reminder of the outing as seen by many at Ron’s potluck supper evening!!

--- Submitted by Jenny and Chris Branston

Pictures from Driving Event at Immokalee Regional Raceway

2009-05-24T16:36:00.007-04:00

Saturday May 23rd, Everglades Region had a driving event at the Immokalee Regional Raceway, right next to the airport. We had a slalom course set up at the end of the 1/8th mile drag strip. Driver's were flagged off from the beginning of the drag strip, then at the end was a slalom course run in both directions, before heading back to the start. Jenny Branston kept us honest with her stopwatch at the finish line. Porsche of Naples had a hospitality tent. Bill Hutchins picked up coffee and snacks on his way there. The weather cooperated, despite all the rain the previous few days.

DER KONEMEISTERS

LOCAL SCENERY

HOW FAST WAS HE GOING?

SOME SAY HE IS POWER MAD...

Breakfast Club

2009-05-08T08:55:00.003-04:00

The Breakfast Club may be the most exclusive group you don’t belong to. We’re so exclusive that no one can join. No one can quit either. That’s because we don’t actually have members.

The Breakfast Club is simply a monthly gathering of car enthusiasts from the Naples and Fort Myers area. We gather on the 2nd Saturday of each month at various locations in the Fort Myers and Naples area. It doesn't matter what sort of car you drive - you just have to enjoy cars, and hanging out with other people that have the same addiction.

We normally start gathering around 9 in the morning and by 11:00 everyone is gone. There’s no official time and no real agenda. We don’t even allow nametags. Only real organizations have nametags. Remember we’re not a real organization. Nor do we aspire to be one. We love the challenge of not being an organization.

We depend on the good will of our hosts – and our Yahoo mailing list. Without these two items the Breakfast Club would be toast.

This month we’re going back to Naples and Evolution Motorworks. This will be a good time to bring neighbors and friends. We can never have too many people. Just remind them that they can’t join. Oh you can’t join either. We’re that exclusive. We’re so special that no one can join. It’s ok to just show up though.

May 9

Evolution Motorworks

4006 Progress Ave. #4

Naples, FL 34135

239.430.9146

June 13

F1 Imports and Exotics

568 Industrial Blvd

Naples, FL 34101

239.430.2206

www.f1imports.com

mail@f1imports.com

July 11

Porsche of Naples  

800 Tamiami Trail North 

Naples, FL 34102 

239.280.5100

www.porscheofnaples.com

August 8

Naples Motorsports, Inc.

1250 Airport Road South

Naples, FL 34104

239.430.5655

www.naplesmotorsports.com

“I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.”

Steven Wright

Zonefest 2009 at Mt. Dora

2009-05-04T09:15:00.003-04:00

Zonefest 2009 is the weekend of May 22-24 in Mt. Dora. Registration is now open at http://www.clubregistration.net/

Enjoy a fun filled Memorial Day weekend in Mt. Dora, one of Florida's premier resort areas. Meet old and new friends on Friday, May 22 at the Welcome Party and Registration. Saturday is a full day with a morning Concours and Tech Quiz, and in the afternoon your choice of a Rally or a more casual tour through central Florida, both ending in a Keg Party on the porch of Mt. Dora's historic Lakeside Inn. On Sunday, challenge yourself and your friends at an autocross (lunch provided) or choose another tour of the area -- then celebrate at a Victory Banquet featuring a first class, hot and cold buffet. Registration is a bargain at $120 per couple, $80 for a single, and $30 for a child for all these events. The host hotel is the Lakeside Inn, offering a special rate of $99 per night (valid until May 1) for Friday and Saturday and $49 for additional nights. Contact the Lakeside Inn at (800)-556-5016 or (352)-383-4101 and mention Zonefest. There are additional rooms at a new Hampton Inn (800)-426-7866 or (352)-383-4114 and numerous B&Bs in Mt. Dora. Additional details and schedules are available at www.flc.pca.org or contact Chuck Hennings at c2hennings@yahoo.com.

Libby Biehl's famous German Chocolate Cake Recipe

2009-05-04T08:15:00.002-04:00

Cake:
4 oz package of Sweet Chocolate
1/2 C Water
2 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 Salt
1 C butter (2 sticks softened)
2 C Sugar
4 Eggs (separated)
1 tsp Vanilla
1 C Buttermilk (I make my own)

Line the bottom of (3) 9” round cake pans with wax paper, grease the sides of the pans.
Melt chocolate and water in the microwave until chocolate is melted - about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes
Mix flour, baking soda and salt (set aside)
Beat butter and sugar in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg yokes, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in chocolate mixture and vanilla.
Add flour mixture alternating with buttermilk beating well until completely blended.
Beat egg whites in another large bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently stir into batter. Pour batter evenly into round cake pans.

Bake for 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Immediately run spatula between cakes and sides of pan. Cool for at least 15 minutes. Remove cake layers from pans, remove wax paper and continue to cool on racks.
If you wish you can cut the 3 layers to make 6 and have more filling in between each layer.
You can also make about 24 cup cakes with this

FROSTING
2 cans (12 oz each) Evaporated Milk
3 Cups Sugar
3 Stick of Butter
8 Egg Yokes - Slightly beaten
3 tsp vanilla
14 oz Coconut Flake
3 Cups Pecans

Mix milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks and vanilla in a large saucepan. Cook on medium heat for about 12 minutes, it should start to thicken. I always make sure it comes to a slight boil. It will also start to turn golden brown. Make sure it does not burn and stick to the bottom of the pan.

Remove from heat and allow it to thicken. Mix in coconut and pecans. Allow to cool to room temperature. If it does not thicken enough it can be put back on the heat for a short time to help it to thicken some.

It you do not wish to cover the entire cake with frosting and only have the frosting in between each layer then cut the frosting receipt in 1/2

HOME MADE BUTTER MILK
1 cup whole milk either 1 and 3/4 Tablespoons cream of tartar or 1 Tablespoon white vinegar or 1 Tablespoon lemon juice.
Add acidic ingredient (tartar, vinegar or lemon juice) to the milk and stir. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. The milk should start to curdle. Stir well before using.
I prefer the lemon juice as it seems to work the best.

Enjoy

Immokalee Driving Event Saturday May 23, 2009

2009-05-04T07:50:00.005-04:00

Event Date is Saturday May23rd

Time is 9 to 2

Coffee, water, and light lunch included.

Place is Immokolee Airport Regional Raceway

Cost $100 per car

Fund Raiser for Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology

Co sponsored with Everglades Region PCA and Porsche Naples

Three timed driving events

Drag Strip
Slalom
Road Course

Prizes awarded!!

Derek Bell on hand from 12 to 2

Come have fun with your Porsche and support the community

Reply to Bill Hutchens bhutchens@hutchco.net

Sweet Liberty Cruise April 25, 2009

2009-05-01T16:22:00.005-04:00

Thanks to Elizabeth Newton for these pictures from the pot luck dinner cruise aboard the Sweet Liberty catamaran.

SWAP MEET AND COOK-OUT AT RENNHAUS MOTORSPORT

2009-04-08T20:32:00.001-04:00

April 18, 2009
Time: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Address: 6130 Clark Center Road
Sarasota, FL 34238
Directions at www.rennhaus.com

Limited Space Available
Clean out your garage of all those parts and come on down
Buy, Sell, Trade or Just Drop By To Visit

Enter The Raffle To Win One Free Dyno Run And Other Prizes

Call to Reserve One Of Three Specially Priced Dyno Runs That Day at $99

Drinks & BBQ Lunch Served (12:00 - 1:00)
Food, fun and some great bargains!

Please RSVP By April 15th to: Stephanie
941-922-3600
stephanie@rennhaus.com

March Pot Luck

2009-03-25T18:20:00.000-04:00

March Pot Luck's Dinner will be at the home of Amy and Ron Howard, Saturday March 28th beginning at 6 pm. Please RSVP by email to neurodisney2004@yahoo.com or 649-1868. The address is 5088 Post Oak Lane in Banyan Woods in Naples. From the intersection of Airport Pulling Road and Pine Ridge Road, head south on Airport Pulling Road and Banyan Woods is the first neighborhood on the east side of Aiport Pulling Road, across the street from Naples Bath and Tennis. Go through the gate which is open unitl 7 pm, and go 3/4 of the way around the traffic circle so you are heading north. This is Rustic Oaks Circle. Then take the first right onto Post Oak Lane. We are the 5th house on the right. You can't miss the big garage and all the cars, even when we don't have company over.

March 28th is Ayrton's 8th birthday, but he graciously allowed us to have the pot luck on his birhtday. Thank You Ayrton. Someday you will be able to reach those pedals.

Sweet Liberty Sunset Cruise and Potluck Social

2009-03-25T18:00:00.003-04:00

HOSTED BY PCA EVERGLADES REGION

SATURDAY - APRIL 25, 2009 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

DEPARTING NAPLES CITY DOCK

Include the following information and send to:

Pete Chehayl, Treasurer
3312 Lookout Lane
Naples, FL 34112 Tel: (239) 417-5518

pchehayl@comcast.net

Your name, address, telephone number, e-mail adress for confirmation, number of people in your party attending, and what dish you will be bringing.

Cost: $35 per attendee

Second Porsche Photo Rally Coming Up

2009-03-20T08:46:00.004-04:00

SECOND PORSCHE PHOTO RALLY!

Explore areas around Fort Myers that you may not have been to on this pretty (approx. 80 mile ) route.
You will exercise your mind solving picture and cryptic clues along the way - so it will help to have a co-pilot!
At the end of the rally a delicious 2 course buffet lunch will be served at an Italian restaurant overlooking the gulf. The parking and restaurant will be exclusively ours and you can enjoy the scenery and a fine array of Porsches!
You might even win a prize!

********

Details for the Porsche Photo Rally on Sunday May 3rd 2009:-

Meeting at 9.00 am for coffee .
We will gather in the car park (Section B3) of Lakes Regional Park off Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers. The park is just west of US41 on Gladiolus Drive.

Cost: $25 per person (buffet lunch included)

Please register to enter by contacting :-

Chris Branston - cbran62643@aol.com
You will be sent a confirmation and any further details!

Phone:- (239) 598 4978

Truth In 24

2009-03-18T18:55:00.003-04:00

Truth in 24 is a 2 hour movie Audi had made about their Le Mans effort. I got this posted before it aired on ESPN on March 20, but I couldn't get the email blast out in time. If you checked the blog before the email blast you might have caught it, but if not look for it to air again. You can watch trailers and other material here: http://www.truthin24.com/ If you have any interest in Le Mans and the Le Mans series, it is a must see.

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich

Everglades Day at the Track

2009-03-18T18:36:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Richard Newton for organizing the caravan to Homestead where some Everglades Region Members got to go for rides on the track during hot laps. Also thanks for getting breakfast and lunch. We went for rides in the GT3 and the Z06 and then in a 911. Check out the interesting video from inside a Boxster at:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/close-call-at-Homestead_639947.htm

Anytime anyone wants to come to the track for a ride or to drive their own car, let me know (turbojaeger934@yahoo.com). Out next outing is April 18-19 at Sebring.

Everglades Day at the Track – March 8th

2009-02-24T19:52:00.002-05:00

It’s really hard to explain what a track event is. It’s not racing. It’s simply driving your car as quickly as you feel comfortable doing. At a track event you get to drive your car for 30 to 40 minutes as fast as you can go, or as fast as you want to go.

Rather than spend a lot of time trying to explain a track event we’ve decided to give you a chance to be a part of one. A half dozen of us run with Chin Motorsports on a regular basis. You’ve seen all the pictures in the newsletter.

On March 8th the Everglades region of PCA, along with Debold Performance, will be providing lunch and offering rides around the Homestead Speedway. Everyone is invited to come hang out with us at the track. Even better join Chin Motorsports and you can drive your own car at Homestead. Debold will be able to provide trackside support should you need help.

If you just want to eat the food and hang out it’s free. If you want to go for a ride in a GT3 Porsche it’s going to cost you $20.00 to register with Chin Motorsports. If you want to actually drive it’ll cost you about $300. For $300 you’ll get three to four hours of track time.

Chin Motorsports lets everyone take a touring lap of the course during the lunch break. That means you’ll get to see parts of the track up close and personal – even if it is a little slow.

If you just want to see what it’s all about, we’ll have a caravan heading over to Homestead Speedway on March 8th. The gathering spot will be the first rest area on Alligator Alley (I-75). This is at Mile Marker 64.3 or 37.2 miles from the toll booth.

The group will leave this rest area at 8:30 am. It should take just a little over 2 hours to get to the Homestead Speedway. Of course you can drive over on your own if you wish. The food will still be free.

Breakfast Club Update

2009-02-24T19:42:00.000-05:00

March 14 Debold Performance Inc.
28360 Old 41 – Unit 11
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239.947.6155
http://www.deboldperformanceinc.com/

April 11 Autoquest 
14498 South Tamiami Trail  
Fort Myers, FL 33912  
239. 432.1700 
http://www.autoquestcars.com/

May 9 Evolution Motorworks
4006 Progress Ave. #4
Naples, FL 34135
239.430.9146

June 13 F1 Imports and Exotics
568 Industrial Blvd
Naples, FL 34101
239.430.2206
http://www.f1imports.com/
http://us.mc1114.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mail@f1imports.com

PORSCHE CLUB EVERGLADES REGION CLAY PIGEON SHOOT

2009-02-23T17:39:00.000-05:00

On Friday March 27th 2009 at the "Clays in the Glades" shooting ground at Port of the Islands on US 41 south.

This is an opportunity to drive out into the Everglades to see the wild life and to shoot a round of 100 clay birds in a wooded area by a river.

You don't have a gun? No problem - you can rent one.

You have not shot before? No problem - there will be an experienced shooter with each squad (group) to help you.

Can I come and not shoot? No problem - enjoy the scenery, watch the shooters and have the delicious lunch .

How do I get there? There is an opportunity to do a mini quiz Rally en route or just drive to the venue and meet there at 10.30 am

Cost to shoot including ammunition and lunch $ 85

Lunch only $10

Please register if you intend to come to any part of the day, as numbers will be limited.

To start the mini rally meet at 9am in the Publix car park on the corner of Airport Pulling Rd and Vanderbilt Beach road in North Naples .

To meet at the shooting ground go south on US 41 pass the Marco Island and Goodland turns and continue south to Port of the Islands turn left on the road to pass Orchid Cove go around a large (closed) hotel to the shooting ground behind.

(For keen sports people there is also, skeet, trap and 5 stand .)

Contact Chris Branston 239 598 4978 email cbran62643@aol.com after February 25th
to register or make inquiries.

New Porsche Museum Opens

2009-02-22T19:18:00.013-05:00

On Wednesday, January 28 at the headquarters of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen the new Porsche-Museum was officially declared open. On the occasion of the ceremonial act in the spectacular new building on the Porscheplatz Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, Chairman of the Board of Porsche AG, welcomed State Parliament President Peter Straub, the Prime Minister of Baden- Württemberg Günther Oettinger, Interior Minister Heribert Rech, the Lord Mayor of Stuttgart Dr. Wolfgang Schuster, members of the Porsche and Piëch families as well as a further 200 invited guests. On Saturday 31st January the museum will for the first time be open to the public.

On its 5,600 square meters of exhibition space, the modern building provides space for approximately 80 historic vehicles and more than 200 carefully arranged small exhibits from the Company’s history. Spacious conference areas are available for events, including access to an impressive roof terrace. The exclusive restaurant “Christophorus” integrated into the exhibition, adds to the assortment of haute cuisine in Stuttgart. Furthermore, the museum bundles the entire historical spectrum of the sportscar manufacturer with its Historical Archive in one central location. And the experts in the glazed museum workshop will ensure that the exhibition vehicles not to mention the historic vehicles of customers are kept in impeccable condition.

The museum, designed entirely in white with its exhibition area resting on only three single supports that as a result, appears to be hovering, was regarded as a sensation in professional circles during its three-year construction period due to its bold architecture. Roman Delugan from the Viennese Architects' Practice Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, whose design won the competition in January 2005, was determined from the very start to put the museum's visitor at the very centre of things: “Architecture should not just be seen as another building, but should have an effect on the mind and body of human beings. This museum should make the Porsche cosmos a palpable reality for each person.”

The exhibition concept of the Stuttgart museum designer Professor HG Merz deliberately dispenses with the idea of a staged theme world with show effects and instead lets the sportscars speak for themselves. “Exhibits of this quality need no elaborate packaging”, stresses Professor Merz. “In Zuffenhausen they stand like sculptures in a white gallery. Against these reduced surroundings, the visitor can be alone with the vehicles and with his or her own personal feelings.”

Porsche is expecting at least 200,000 visitors per year. Even in the previous museum on the works site, which could barely accommodate 20 exhibits, 80,000 guests a year would turn up. Altogether the historic collection of Porsche AG encompasses a fleet of 400 racing and sportscars. Since almost all exhibition vehicles still take part in historic racing events, the rare items on show in the “Museum on Wheels” are constantly being changed. Apart from anything else, this make repeated visits all the more fascinating for regular guests.

The new Porsche-Museum is open daily as from the 31st January, except on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Adults pay 8 euros admission. Children up to the age of 14 get free admission when accompanied by an adult.

Below are pictures from concept to completion. Next month interior pictures.

Breakfast Club Schedule Update

2009-02-14T15:30:00.001-05:00

For the 1st time in the history of the Breakfast Club we’re NOT gathering on the 2nd Saturday of the month.

Everyone (or a lot of us) are going to Cars on Fifth in Naples.

Next weekend – the 21st – we’ll be gathering at Germain BMW.

The breakfast Club always starts at 9:00 AM.

February 21
Germain BMW of Naples
11286 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34110
239.643.2220
http://www.germainbmw.com/

March 14
Debold Performance Inc.
28360 Old 41 – Unit 11
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239.947.6155
http://www.deboldperformanceinc.com/

April 11
Evolution Motorworks
4006 Progress Ave. #4
Naples, FL 34135
239.430.9146

May 9
Autoquest 
14498 South Tamiami Trail  
Fort Myers, FL 33912  
239. 432.1700 
http://www.autoquestcars.com/

June 13
F1 Imports and Exotics
568 Industrial Blvd
Naples, FL 34101
239.430.2206
http://www.f1imports.com/
http://us.mc1114.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mail@f1imports.com

Potluck Dinner Saturday February 21, 2009

2009-02-14T12:02:00.002-05:00

Faith and Steve Wassersug are happy to host a potluck dinner on Saturday, February 21st at 6:30 pm. Please RSVP to Faith or Steve at 239 489 1647 or (cell) 239 281 0052 and let us know what dish you plan to bring.

Our address is 14620 Fair Haven Rd. Fort Myers, FL 33908. We are about 2 ½ miles before the Sanibel Causeway. Directions as follows:

Via I-75 from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero

Take I-75 North. Take the Alico Road exit (#131) and follow signs to Rt. 41. Turn right onto Rt 41 heading North. Follow 41 N and turn LEFT onto Gladiolus Drive (Lowe’s is on the corner). Travel about 1.5 miles on Gladiolus and bear LEFT onto Summerlin Rd. Travel about 6.3 miles on Summerlin and turn RIGHT onto Shell Point Blvd. (There is a traffic light and a Country Inn and Suites with fountains as landmarks at that corner) Go about 2 miles down Shell Point Blvd (golf course on the right) and turn RIGHT onto Fair Havens Rd. We are at the end of the street on the left, grey house with white trim, number 14620 on the white mailbox.

Via Rt. 41 from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero

Get on to 41 N. Continue on 41 N until you reach Gladiolus Drive where you’ll turn LEFT onto Gladiolus Drive (Lowe’s is on the corner). Travel about 1.5 miles on Gladiolus and bear LEFT onto Summerlin Rd. Travel about 6.3 miles on Summerlin and turn RIGHT onto Shell Point Blvd. (There is a traffic light and a Country Inn and Suites with fountains as landmarks at that corner) Go about 2 miles down Shell Point Blvd (golf course on the right) and turn RIGHT onto Fair Havens Rd. We are at the end of the street on the left, grey house with white trim, number 14620 on the white mailbox.

From Ft. Myers area

Proceed as if you are going to Sanibel. Turn RIGHT onto Shell Point Blvd. (There is a traffic light and a Country Inn and Suites with fountains as landmarks at that corner) Go about 2 miles down Shell Point Blvd (golf course on the right) and turn RIGHT onto Fair Havens Rd. We are at the end of the street on the left, grey house with white trim, number 14620 on the white mailbox.

Park your cars in the cul de sac or on the street. 239 489 1647 in case you get lost. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Rally on May 3, 2009

2009-02-08T18:04:00.001-05:00

Mark your calendars- Sunday May 3, 2009 will be another photo rally. Details when they become available.

Porscheplatz at the 12 Hours of Sebring

2009-02-08T16:46:00.003-05:00

This is a special announcement to PCA members providing
official confirmation of a Porscheplatz at the 12 Hours of Sebring!
Please mark the dates – March 20 and 21 - and bring your Porsche
to the first race of the 2009 ALMS season. Porsche Car Corral tickets
are on salethrough the Sebring website;

http://www.sebringraceway.com/12hr_tickets.lasso

Be sure to get yours early as 50 of the 200 available have already been sold.

We hope to have visits from team drivers and other race-related presentations

in addition to the hospitality and preferred Porsche parking we’ve come
to enjoy at this great event.

Volunteer PCA members will be needed. Please contact
Jennifer Barrows at 321-689-9946 jennifer.barrows@haworth.com if you are interested.

Auto Quest Cars Car Show January 31, 2009

2009-02-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

Len and Debbie Uronis attended the Auto Quest car show and pig roast in Fort Myers on Saturday January 31st and submitted these pictures.

Car Show and Pig Roast on January 31, 2009 in Fort Myers

2009-01-26T16:10:00.002-05:00

ANNUAL EXOTIC CAR SHOW
(& PIG ROAST)
Saturday, January 31st 10am - 4 pm

Exciting New Cars!

Porsche Lamborghini Maserati
Ferrari Rolls Royce Panoz
BMW Mercedes-Benz Mini
Audi Aston Martin Bentley

If you're busy on Saturday,
join us on Sunday, February 1st
from 10 am - 4pm for leftovers!
The cars will still be here!
TEL (239) 432-1700

www.AutoQuestCars.com

14498 South Tamiami Trail
Fort Myers, FL 33912

Please register for Cars on Fifth in Naples on Febraury 14, 2009 as soon as possible

2009-01-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

Cars On Fifth will be held this year on Saturday, February 14. The registration form is below. You cannot really print it from the blog, but please send Gary Karnes a note listing your name, address, email address, phone number, year/make/model /mileage and interesting facts about your car along with a check for $25 payable to Everglades Region PCA to Gary Karnes, 2979 Garden Blvd., Naples, FL 34015. The registration fee benefits Eden Florida - an autism charity. We have room for 50 cars this year, and as of January 4, we have close to 20 registrations. Let's try and get 50 cars registered so we can show the other local car clubs and the community what an active region we have in southwest Florida. We will park our Porsches the same place as last year, on the north side of Fifth Avenue South between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. Cars need to be in place between 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. and stay there during the show from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The best traffic route is to go south on Fourth Street, turn left (east) on Fifth Avenue south, and park on the left (north) side of the street. If you have any questions, call Gary Karnes, at 239-430-1454 (home) or 239-207-1019 (cell).

Pictures from Breakfast Club at Delorean Motorcars January 10, 2009

2009-01-25T21:32:00.003-05:00

Submitted by Richard Newton

Breakfast Club Schedule Update

2009-01-25T21:31:00.000-05:00

February 21 Germain BMW of Naples
11286 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34110
239.643.2220
www.germainbmw.com

March 14 Debold Performance Inc.
28360 Old 41 – Unit 11
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239.947.6155
www.DeboldPerformanceinc.com

April 11 Evolution Motorworks
4006 Progress Ave. #4
Naples, FL 34135
239.430.9146

May 9 Autoquest 
14498 South Tamiami Trail  
Fort Myers, FL 33912  
239. 432.1700 
http://www.autoquestcars.com

June 13 F1 Imports and Exotics
568 Industrial Blvd
Naples, FL 34101
239.430.2206
www.f1imports.com
mail@f1imports.com

History Victory for Porsche, Brumos, and David Donohue at the Rolex 24, January 24-25, 2009

2009-01-25T21:19:00.003-05:00

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2009) - David Donohue passed Juan Pablo Montoya with 39 minutes remaining and held on to win the 47th Rolex 24 At Daytona - on the 40th anniversary of his father, Mark Donohue's, victory in the 1969 event.
Donohue joined Darren Law, Buddy Rice and Antonio Garcia to give Brumos Racing its first Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 victory since 2003, denying TELMEX/Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates its fourth consecutive victory in America's premier sports car event by .167 seconds.
"These guys have put a lot of effort into this," Donohue said. "I'm glad to be able to carry the flag. The Brumos team is just a tenacious bunch of guys, they never give up and today proves the point. We came here ready to run and we ran hard the whole time."
Montoya pressured Donohue throughout the final 39 minutes, but the No. 01 Lexus Riley could not overcome the strong of the Brumos Porsche on the Daytona banking.
"Every corner it was 110 percent everywhere," said Montoya, who drove for Ganassi in the team's 2007 and 2008 victories. ""And it was fun, because we drove like that the last two hours. And we didn't make any mistakes. I gave it 110 percent, and I know I couldn't go any faster if I had done anything different."
Joao Barbosa finished third in the No. 59 Brumos Racing Porsche Riley shared by JC France, Hurley Haywood and Terry Borcheller - 5.504 seconds back -- while Max Angelelli took fourth in the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Ford Dallara co-driven by Wayne Taylor, Pedro Lamy and Brian Frisselle, 10.589 seconds behind.
Scott Dixon, the 2006 event winner, took fifth in the No. 02 Target/TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Lexus Riley shared by Dario Franchitti and Alex Lloyd.

The record-breaking event had the closest margin of victory, most finishers on the lead lap and most cautions, 25 for 117 laps. The top four finishers covered 735 laps - most in the Daytona Prototype era. The previous record for the closest Rolex 24 finish was 2000, 30.879 seconds. The 53 lead changes among 22 drivers and nine cars were the second-highest total in event history.
The final hour was run under green flag conditions, with the top four running nose to tail part of the way.

The GT race came down to a one-two finish for TRG Porsche, with Andy Lally and Justin Marks joined by Jorg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and RJ Valentine in the winning No. 67 Porsche GT3. Second, one lap behind, was the TRG No. 66 of Spencer Pumpelly, Tim George Jr., Richard Leitz and Emmanuel Collard.

The opening two hours and 45 minutes of the race were run under green flag conditions, with Penske Racing joining the Brumos and Penske teams in setting a torrid pace.
Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Ryan Briscoe combined to lead 191 laps in the debut of the Penske Racing Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Porsche Riley before the team lost 15 laps in the early morning hours to replace the rear-end assembly, dropping out of contention. The team went on to finish sixth, 18 laps down.
The GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley of Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty - joined by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and Jimmy Vasser - rebounded from early mechanical problems to take seventh. Another team coming back after a slow start was the No. 2 Childress-Howard Motorsports Gentlemen Jack Pontiac Crawford of three-time Rolex 24 winner Andy Wallace, Rob Finlay, Casey Mears and Danica Patrick, which finished eighth.
The No. 09 Spirit of Daytona Racing/Boy Scouts of America Porsche Coyote of motorcycle standouts Scott Russell, Jeff Ward and Jason Pridmore - joined by Guy Cosmo - rebounded from two spins and a pit fire to take 11th in the Daytona Prototype class.

Heavy attrition struck the Ford-powered teams, with a mechanical problem - traced to a wheel on the crankshaft - sidelining six of the seven teams. This included the No. 6 Michael Shank Racing Riley, which suddenly slowed with AJ Allmendinger at the wheel near the five-hour mark. Only 10 minutes later, Darren Turner coasted to a stop while running third in the No. 76 Krohn Racing Ford Riley. Similar problems would sideline the contending No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Westfield Insurance Riley, the No. 61 AIM Autosport Riley and the No. 77 Doran Racing McDonald's Dallara, which led four laps with Brad Jaeger at the wheel.
Also failing to finish was the new No. 45 Victory Junction - Orbit Racing BMW Riley of Kyle Petty, Bill Lester, Darren Manning and Leo Hendry, which exited after 216 laps with engine problems.

Brumos Porsche fielded winning entries in the Rolex 24 in 1973, 1975 (as Peter Gregg Racing), 1976 and 1978, and also sponsored the winning Joest Porsche in 1991. The team also won its class in 1962, 1968 and 1972. Porsche's last overall victory in the Rolex 24 was in 2003, when TRG put a GT entry in victory lane.

The Donohues became the third father-son combination to win overall in the history of the event, three days after the pair joined Dan and Alex Gurney as the race's lone father-son pole winners. Mark Donohue won the 1969 race in a Lola-Chevrolet T70, joined by Chuck Parsons. Al Unser and Al Unser Jr., and John Paul and John Paul Jr. also were overall winners of the Rolex 24.

Evergaldes Region Report from the Rolex 24 Race at Daytona

2009-01-25T20:38:00.006-05:00

A couple of friends and myself just got back today from the Rolex 24 at Daytona. We ran into Gary Karnes at the PCA hospitality tent. It was a great race, especially for Porsche, winning the Daytona Prototype Class and the GT class. It was great to stand next to the fencing that lines the tri-oval after midnight and be only a few feet away from the Daytona Prototype cars going by at 195 mph. There were a lot of interesting cars and sights both on the track and in the infield. We saw Brian Redman, Danica Patrick, Juan Pablo Montoya, Patrick Dempsey, and more. A few of my pictures are below. On the way back from Daytona we stopped at Sebring to watch the American Le Mans Series teams unload and get ready for test days, January 26-28th.

The Starting Grid

The Brumos Porsche Entry being pushed onto the starting grid- it went on to win the race.

Actor/Racer Patrick Dempsey (Greys Anatomy) is in the center of the crowd

Part of the Porsche Corral

Wine red 928S- My mother had one like this and it was the first Porsche we owned

1994 Turbo 3.6

Modified 997 Turbo

968

1974 Carrera

A couple of 356's parked near some bleachers- drivers not garage queens

The Direct TV blimp, ferris wheel, and the Target Ganassi Riley Lexus that came in second

Pictures from Pot Luck Dinner January 24, 2009

2009-01-25T20:33:00.001-05:00

Submitted by Elizabeth Newton

Minutes of the First Quarter Board Meeting held on January 17, 2009

2009-01-25T20:27:00.003-05:00

President Bill Hutchens called the meeting to order at 10:35.

Present were Bill Hutchens, Pete Chehayl, Ron Howard, Amy Howard, Elizabeth Newton, Chris Branston, Marc Woontner, Bonnie Woontner, Gary Karnes, Elly Bloksma, and Hendrik Bloksma.

Absent were Carla Boggess, Johnny Harris, and Richard Newton.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer Pete Chehayl reported a balance of $7623.41.

New Business:

1. The Board authorized $500 to be allocated for the website.

2. Bill Hutchens made a motion, which was seconded by Ron Howard to explore and implement advertising on the blog. The motion passed unanimously.

3. Elizabeth Newton made a motion to change the bank account signature cards to the names of the required newly elected officers. The motion was seconded by Marc Woontner and passed unanimously.

4. Ron Howard is exploring the cost and feasibility of ordering decals with the Everglades Region
Logo.

5. Marc Woontner is exploring the cost and feasibility of ordering car badges with the Everglades
Region Logo.

6. Ron Howard is exploring the possibility of an event sponsored by Rock Ruby of Ruby’s Rods.

Activities Updates:

January

Marc and Bonnie Woontner are hosting a potluck on January 24, 2009.

February

Cars on Fifth…February 14, 2009
Breakfast Club will be held on February 21, 2009.
Steven and Faith Wassersug are hosting a potluck on February 21, 2009.

March

Everglades PCA Day at Homestead with Chin Motorsports on March 8, 2009.
Breakfast Club on March 14, 2009.
Ron and Amy Howard are hosting a potluck on March 28, 2009.

April

Breakfast Club on April 11, 2009.
Sweet Liberty Cruise on Saturday April 25, 2009. Bill Hutchens will get the information for this activity.

May

Chris Branston is in the process of organizing another rally for May. He is also organizing a clay pigeon shoot at the Port of the Islands.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

Submitted by:
Elizabeth Newton, Secretary

Pictures from Chin Motorsports at Sebring January 3, 2009

2009-01-22T10:10:00.005-05:00

Chin Motorsports had their first event of 2009 at Sebring International Raceway on Saturday January 3rd, 2009. Everglades Region was well represented. Pictures from Richard Newton and myself are below. For more information on Chin Motorsports and their full 2009 schedule, go to www.chinmotorsports.com On Sunday March 8th, we will be having a caravan to Homestead Raceway, south of Miami, for the opportunity to ride along on the track, drive your own car in parade laps on the track, and lunch at the track. Details are below and more will be posted on the blog soon.

Pictures from Audi Club Driver's Ed at Daytona

2009-01-22T09:16:00.004-05:00

The Weekend of December 12-14, the Audi Club of America had its annual Driver's Education at Daytona on the 24 hour race road course. I went with my GT3 and Z06 and had these pictures taken. All types of cars were present including many Porsches, Corvettes, Mustangs, Vipers, and of course a lot of Audis. There were about 6 or 7 new R8's there. APR was there testing their Koni Challenge VW GTI's. Professional racer Randy Pobst was there in an APR modified 996 turbo. Other pros were there too, and you could pay $20 for them to drive you around the track in your car. All in all it was a good weekend and only one car crashed, as opposed to the many I saw crash at the PCA event at Daytona in October.

FL Citrus Region Driver Education Instructor School - Feb 20th

2009-01-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

February 20th, 2009 at Roebling Road Raceway. We are inviting you to participate in this limited space event designed to give you quality track time and enhance your high performance driving and instructing skills. The day will consist of open track sessions, classroom instruction and on track exercises. The school will be PCA National rated so if you are interested in National Instructor recognition, this is the school for you. The program will be taught by Ron Zitza, Tom King, Mark Peebles and Dave Borinski. The cost is only $95.00 for the Instructors Day but keep in mind that we’ve sent out more invitations than space available. Please sign up for the event by going to www.clubregistration.net. The Florida Citrus Drivers Education event follows on Saturday and Sunday. Please sign up for that weekend’s Drivers Education event as well and put your improved skills to the test.

We look forward to seeing you at the track!

Regards,
Dave Borinski
Fl Citrus Drivers Ed Chairman

January Pot Luck Dinner

2009-01-19T21:45:00.000-05:00

Marc and Bonnie Woontner have gracioulsy offered to host a potluck dinner on Saturday January 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm. Please RSVP to Marc or Bonnie at 239 431 5877. Directions to their home are below.

The Sterling Oaks Club is located on Rt. 41 midway between Bonita Beach Road and Old 41 Road, on the east side of the highway across from the Audubon Community. From the north turn left about 1.25 miles south of Bonita Beach Road, from the south turn right about 1.2 miles north of Old 41 Road, onto Sterling Oaks Boulevard.

Once inside the gate go to the stop sign – 1/8 mile. Turn right. Take the first left, about 200 feet. Then go 50 feet and turn right toward “Tavernier”. Look for the PORSCHE flag in front of the yellow house. This is 1237 Silverstrand. Please park on the street.

Upcoming Breakfast Club Dates and Locations

2009-01-15T10:45:00.002-05:00

Note that February's date is moved back because of Cars on Fifth

February 21 Germain BMW of Naples
11286 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34110
239.643.2220
www.germainbmw.com

March 14 Debold Performance Inc.
28360 Old 41 – Unit 11
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
239.947.6155
www.DeboldPerformanceinc.com

April 11 Evolution Motorworks
4006 Progress Ave. #4
Naples, FL 34135
239.430.9146

May 9 Autoquest 
14498 South Tamiami Trail  
Fort Myers, FL 33912  
239. 432.1700 
http://www.autoquestcars.com

June 13 F1 Imports and Exotics
568 Industrial Blvd
Naples, FL 34101
239.430.2206
www.f1imports.com
mail@f1imports.com

First Annual Treasure Chest Car Cruise

2009-01-12T13:26:00.000-05:00

Dear Porsche Club,

On Sunday February 8th I will be hosting a Car Cruise-In to celebrate the grand opening of Treasure Chest Storage Condominiums. The car show will take place along with an RV/Boat Show here at our facility.

The cost per car entered will be $10. ALL proceeds gathered from this show will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County.

I hope we can have a strong turnout for the show to really make it worthwhile to the club and the kids involved.

If you can make it to the show please let me know by RSVP’ing to matt@treasurecheststoragecondos.com

Best Regards,

Matt Juengel
Director of Sales
Treasure Chest Storage Condominiums
14702 Tarmac Ct
Ft. Myers, FL 33913
Phone: (239)454-4440
Fax: (937)223-3253
Email: matt@treasurecheststoragecondos.com
www.treasurecheststoragecondos.com

Coming Soon to a Concours near you

2008-12-28T11:47:00.003-05:00

Vince Tiscio in Port Charlotte sent these pictures of his latest acquistion- a Porsche Super. He needs someone to help him get it running so if you know of anyone please contact him at vtiscio@comcast.net

Porsche Precision Driving Day with Derek Bell

2008-12-28T09:58:00.002-05:00

When: February 4th, 2009

Where: The New Palm Beach International Raceway.

Hosted by Derek Bell, 5-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and 2-time World Sports Car Champion.

We invite you to join us at the all-new Palm Beach International Raceway under the guidance and personal instruction of Derek and his team whilst they put you and your car through a program of exercises helping you learn more about the car and your ability. Then, lunch followed by Lapping Sessions on the new Track.

Participation fee: $500.00
If interested, please contact : Philippe Martin at: 239-280-5112

pmartin@porscheofnaples.com

The 48 Hours at Sebring February 6-8, 2009

2008-12-28T09:52:00.002-05:00

http://www.48hoursatsebring.com/

The 48 Hours at Sebring is proud to bring to you the most exciting PCA Club Race in North America held at the historic Sebring International Raceway. The course layout is none other than the 12 Hours of Sebring full course. Nowhere else in club racing can you race in the day-or-night where legions such as Mario Andretti, Derek Bell, Hans Stuck, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Hurley Haywood, Phil Hill, Al Holbert, Bruce Jennings, Klaus Ludwig, Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Brian Redman, and dozens of others, driving race cars built by the world’s great manufacturers such as Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Audi, Ford, Maserati, and Aston Martin. Of Course, no other manufacturer holds more records at this track than Porsche.

It is the on-going vision of our co-chairmen to continue to enhance your experience whether you are a driver, PCA member or spectator. Since the beginning in 1994 our Committee has committed to this vision and welcomes each of you to our Club Race. Significant enhancements over the years have included the addition of Enduro racing in 2003, Test & Tune in 2004 and now Night Racing in 2008. We hope your experience at the 48 Hours at Sebring is the greatest racing experience you have ever had.

As you enter the paddock area, pause at the top of the bridge and open your eyes. Before you is the infield full of tractor trailers, beautiful Porsches, and a host of vendors. While we have been the largest Club Race in North America many years, our goal continues to be the greatest race. The number of CUP cars continues to grow each year where in 2008 over 100 CUP cars participated not only as racers, but also in our Advanced Solo group. We are honored that so many drivers have made the 48 Hours at Sebring their home each February.

Presidential Spin for January 2009 by Bill Hutchens

2008-12-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

As we close out 2008 let us be thankful for family and friends. It certainly has been a tough year for many. We can be thankful for living in such a wonderful climate that we are able to drive our cars year round! Having lived in the northeast for most of my life I always felt depressed about having to store my cars for the winter! I would strategize about buying a Porsche that I could drive in the snow…but it never made a lot of sense….didn’t have the Cayenne back then!

As we look out to 2009 and my first year as the new president I have a lot of aspirations. First I hope that we have a lot of fun in the club…that is ultimately what it is all about…right?
Next I hope that we are all safe and healthy…My goals are to maintain a busy social calendar, expand the membership, and get involved in more driving activities. The board of directors is an extremely experienced group and I know they will help to achieve these goals and make your club the best it can be.

We are looking at several venues for driving events..from participating in driving schools with other clubs such as Suncoast Region, Chin Motorsports, or Porsche BMW Owners Club, PBOC, to establishing our own driving clinic. I am currently researching sites to establish the driving clinic such as regional airports. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

Derek Bell, in conjunction with Porsche of Naples will be conducting a school at the newly reworked Moroso Park in West Palm. The date is tentatively February 4th. As we get details we will let you know. These are always great fun and Mr. Bell is a 5 time Lemans winner! His son Justin will also be there instructing…an accomplished race car driver himself. One of our goals is to work more closely with our local dealership. I will keep you posted about other potential joint events.

Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year

Bill Hutchens

Pictures from Everglades Region Holiday Party at the Strand December 6, 2008

2008-12-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

Everglades Day at the Track – March 8, 2009

2008-12-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

It’s really hard to explain what a track event is. It’s not racing. It’s simply driving your car as quickly as you feel comfortable doing. At a track event you get to drive your car for 30 to 40 minutes as fast as you can go, or as fast as you want to go.

Rather than spend a lot of time trying to explain a track event we’ve decided to give you a chance to be a part of one. A half dozen of us run with Chin Motorsports on a regular basis. You’ve seen all the pictures in the newsletter.

On March 8th the Everglades region of PCA, along with Debold Performance, will be providing lunch and offering rides around the Homestead Speedway. Everyone is invited to come hang out with us at the track. Even better join Chin Motorsports and you can drive your own car at Homestead. Debold will be able to provide trackside support should you need help.

If you just want to eat the food and hang out it’s free. If you want to go for a ride in a GT3 Porsche it’s going to cost you $20.00 to register with Chin Motorsports. If you want to actually drive it’ll cost you about $300. For $300 you’ll get three to four hours of track time.

Chin Motorsports usually lets everyone take a touring lap of the course during the lunch break. That means you’ll get to see parts of the track up close and personal – even if it is a little slow.

If you just want to see what it’s all about we’ll have a caravan heading over to Homestead Speedway on March 8th. The gathering spot will be the first rest area on Alligator Alley (I-75). The group will leave the rest area at 8:30 am. It should take just a little over 2 hours to get to the Homestead Speedway. Of course you can drive over on your own if you wish. The food will still be free.

The Breakfast Club in January

2008-12-21T20:20:00.001-05:00

Saturday January 10, 9 am-?

Delorean Motor Company
9786 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
(239) 495-8550 
(877) DELOREAN 
http://us.mc1114.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dmcflorida@delorean.com
http://www.dmcflorida.com/

We're going to kick off 2009 with a brand new location for the Breakfast Club. This is THE Delorean Motor Company. This isn't just a shop that repairs Deloreans - this is the real deal. I beielve that they can even create a brand new Delorean for you if you would like one. I'm sure Tony can explain all of this to you while we eat his food.
This will be the first time we've ever visited a manufacturer. It should be fun.

Report from Chin Motorsports at Sebring Dec 13-14, 2009

2008-12-21T19:33:00.003-05:00

Greg Biehl puts Michael Schumacher down a lap

The Everglades folks made it through another weekend with Chin Motorsports at Sebring. We’re really glad that Scott from DeBold Performance was attending the event. At one time all of the Everglades cars were over at his trailer getting help.

My car was really easy to fix. It seems that one of the rocker arm nuts had backed off. The noise was sort of scary. It was sort of like the sound of your bank account being drained. Once we discovered the rocker arm problem Scott tightened the nut and I was back on the track with out missing a session.

David Healey had more serious problems. Serious only in the sense that his Visa card took a hit. It seems that his alternator died on Saturday morning. This involved driving back here to Naples, purchasing an alternator from Porsche of Naples, and then heading back to Sebring so Scott could install it. He missed almost all of Saturday, but was ready to go on Sunday.

DeBold Performance will be with us at the Homestead event on March 8th. After this weekend I’m glad of that. We’ve now got a half dozen people who run the Chin events. That makes it a lot more fun.

Also, I’m hearing really good things about the new Palm Beach track. Everyone who has run there is really positive about it. The Goldcoast region is already running events there. Chin probably won’t get over there until 2010, so you might want to keep checking the Goldcoast schedule.

Pictures are at - http://picasaweb.google.com/rfn026/ChinSebringDecember2008#

Richard Newton

Joke- thanks to Pete Chehayl

2008-12-21T17:56:00.002-05:00

A blonde canvassed a wealthy neighborhood looking for odd jobs. She went to the front door of the first house and asked the owner if he had anything for her to do."Well, you can paint my porch. How much will you charge?""How about $50?"The man agreed and told her the paint was in the garage. A short time later, the blonde came to the door to collect her money."You're finished already?" he asked."Yes," the blonde answered, "and I had paint left over, so I gave it two coats." Impressed, the man reached in his pocket for the $50."And by the way," the blonde added, "that's not a Porch, it's a Ferrari

Presidential Spin for December 2008 by Carla Boggess

2008-11-24T08:45:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone-

As we close out 2008, I want to thank everyone for their support of the Club. This year has been an active one, and it has been great to see the Club grow and so many active members. I want to thank Richard Newton for the synergy behind the Breakfast Club, Gary Karnes and Marc Woontner for their organizational skills behind the success of Cars on Fifth, all the members who opened up their homes to host our potluck dinners, Suzanne Miller for the July Handsome Harry's champagne event, and Marc Woontner, Richard Newton, and Chris Branston for the planning and success of the November Photo Rally. A special thanks to everyone who came out for the Sweet Liberty sunset cruise. This is the second year that the cruise was at full capacity. A final reminder that the Christmas Party is coming up. Please send in your reservations as soon as possible, and anyone who would like to be considered for a Board position needs to get in contact with the Board to be added to the proposed slate of officers.Lastly, a sincere thank you to the Board members who have given of their time and friendship to help me serve the Club as President.

And to all, I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season.

Happy Driving!

Carla

Breakfast Club Update for December and January

2008-11-23T13:12:00.001-05:00

The Breakfast Club is goint to two new places. This is the first additions to our schedule in several years. It should be a lot of fun to see two new shops.

December 13 Naples Motorsports, Inc.
1361 N. Airport Road
Naples, FL 34104
239.430.5655
http://www.naplesmotorsports.com/

January 10 Delorean Motor Company
9786 Bonita Beach Road
Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
(239) 495-8550 
(877) DELOREAN 
http://us.mc1114.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dmcflorida@delorean.com
http://www.dmcflorida.com/

Evergaldes Region Holiday Party

2008-11-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

The PCA Everglades Region
Porsche Club Holiday Party
Club at The Strand
5840 Strand Boulevard - Naples

Saturday, December 6th, 2008

Semi-Formal Attire Suggested
Social Hour - 6:30 - 7:30PM – Living Room
Cash Bar & Hors d’oeuvres

Dinner Served 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Menu

Baby Field Greens, Red Zinfandel Poached Bartlett Pears, Maple Glazed Pecans, Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese with House White Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Entrees-Please select one per person

House Aged Filet Mignon, Blue Cheese Fondue
or
Hand Pounded Butter Sautéed Chicken Francaise, Pop Corn Capers and Sliced Lemon
or
Bronzed Chilean Sea Bass, Port Wine Mission Fig Reduction

Served with Potato Quiche and
Bouquet of Fresh Vegetables

Dessert

Strand Trio: Sugar Dusted Chocolate Chip Canoli, Ghirardelli Dark chocolate Covered Fresh Strawberry, and Caramel Flan on a Demitasse Cup

Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee, Herbal Teas, Iced Tea

Each table of 8 will be served Red and White Wine

Price per Person $48.00 includes gratuity

To Make a Dinner Reservation Please send $48.00 per person, the names of each person attending and indicate which entree (beef, chicken, or fish) you are ordering for each person to

2008 PCA Holiday Party C/O Pete Chehayl
3312 Lookout Lane, Naples, FL 34112

Include your Email so Pete Chehayl can acknowledge your reservation

Make your check payable to: Everglades Region PCA

Cut-off date is Saturday, November 29th

SPECIAL NOTICE

Each year we collect toys for children which are distributed through local charities. Please bring an unwrapped toy suitable for a boy or girl.

Directions:

Location: “The Strand Club House” Strand Boulevard off of Immokalee Road just west of I75. Take Exit 111 from I75 and go west to Strand Boulevard Approx ¼ mile (Shell Station) at light. Turn right and proceed to guard house to check in. Club is on the right approx. 1 mile after the guard house.

November 16th Photo Rally-Submitted by Gary and Arlene Thompson

2008-11-23T10:25:00.000-05:00

Please sign in

Part of the starting grid

Ready to get started

Memorize those pictures

Ready to catch up on her sleep

At the finish

At the finish

912 Soft Window Targa

At the finish

At the finish- Who let the Mini in?

1989 Speedster

Collecting the Answers to the Rally Questions

Chris and Jennie Branston

Lunch at Royal Palm Clubhouse

Checking the answers

Fabulous Prizes

Chad and Courtney Ott

Our club’s first photo rally was a huge success thanks to the exceptional creative and organizational skills of Chris and Jennie Branston. Twenty three cars, 45 people and one dog drove throughout eastern Collier County guided by the Branston’s collection of nine photos to identify and 25 rally questions to answer about various points along the drive. Between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., we drove from Naples to Ave Maria to Everglades City and Chocoloskee Island, learning a little Florida history, enjoying the drive and being in our cars, taking in the magnificent day and loving the challenge of scoring high on this unique treasure hunt!
Our final stop was at the Royal Palm Golf Estates clubhouse in eastern Naples where we enjoyed socializing, a relaxing lunch and recognition time for the most observant of the group!

There is no doubt that everyone came out a winner that day, for all had a fun- filled, challenging time. Prizes donated by Porsche of Naples and PCA Everglades and were awarded to the top eight high scoring teams as well as our tail end scoring partnership.

1st Place: Courtney & Chad Ott
2nd Place: Tom & Chris Pilser
3rd Place: Michael Lenzer & Jennie Barker
4th Place: Peter & Corinne Wightman
5th Place: Carlos & Maria Vasallo
6th Place: Ron Hoffensberg & co-pilot
7th Place: Steve & Janine Jones
8th Place: Dan & Roberta Sussman
Last but not least Place: Bill Cunningham & Ken Fraser

Chris and Jennie, thanks once again for your outstanding work. Your time and effort are well recognized and appreciated. Without you, the day would not have been, and we would have missed something special. We want more!!

Porsche Rally on November 16th by Hendrik and Elly Bloksma

2008-11-23T10:08:00.014-05:00

We had a great day on Sunday November 16th 2008 with some Porsche Club members.

Jenny and Chris Branston organized and invited us to this wonderful Porsche Photo Rally and 26 Porsche from Type 356 to GT 911 came together on this early Sunday morning 8:30 on the corner of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Airport Pulling.

The weather was beautiful, a little bit chilly, but a clear blue sky and it promised a magnificent day to be. After all the people had registered and paid the 25 bucks to Jenny, some took a coffee or pastry and discussed the welcome sheet and the paper of the rally route with copilots and other friends, then it was time to start.

The start

At the stop sign onto Vanderbilt Beach Rd. every body had to set his odometer to zero. We crossed Livingston Rd., under I-75, continued straight out and turned left on the Collier Blvd. By odometer 5.4 miles was the first question. Oh my god what means that “Three quarters less two here? “. 900 yards farther the second question. We had to find out the right direction, open our eyes for several questions and the pictures and we had to take care to the relatively strong traffic. The first stop had to be at odometer stand 30. Off the piazza Ave Maria. We stopped for a while and our troop of 4 – 5 cars drove off again.

The second time we had to set the odometer to zero was on Oilwell Rd. Again questions, again pictures. We drove almost south, straight over I-75, through the junction with US 41 straight over to Everglades City. Turned right on Begonia St., passed Speedy Johnson’s air boats and followed the road along the bank of the Barron river. What a nice place; real, cozy and small houses with boats in the backyard. Mostly, we led the group of the cars and directly behind us, Ron’s GT 911 with roaring sound. On the end of the street we arrived: Smallwood’s Store built 1906. A large house built on posts. We had no time to see all the nice things and the wonderful scenes. But we collected this on our to do list.

Should have worn ear plugs

We headed back to US 41 and always we had to look for pictures and to find the right answer to the questions.
At the junction with US 41 we turned west and we pushed for the third time the odometer to zero. Straight on the US 41 we arrived 18.8 miles at the Clubhouse of Royal Palm Golf Estates- the end of our rally for lunch. We lined up all our cars, took some pictures and discussed this beautiful event.

The finish

I made with my wife Elly sometimes for our Porsche Club in Germany Tours through Europe, sometimes also Photo Rally’s and we know how much work this is, time and ideas are needed to make such perfect trips.

We have to say, thank you Jenny and thank you Chris. You did a great job and it wasn’t so easy to find out all the questions and pictures, and it needs a lot of experience to create a rally like this.

We like the camaraderie in our club and hope it will be not the last event.

Hendrik & Elly Bloksma

November Potluck a Success

2008-11-23T09:55:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Johnny and Ellen Harris for hosting the November Potluck Dinner at their home on November 15th. Susann Miller graciously donated a poster of a Porsche 917 for a drawing that was won by Bryan McNelis. The next potluck dinner will be in January at the home of Marc and Bonnie Woontner. The date will be posted when it is finalized.

Getting Started in Porsche Driver's Education Events

2008-11-23T08:05:00.009-05:00

One of the most frequent topics people ask me is how to get involved in driving their Porsche on the track. There are two ways to do this: one is called PCA Driver's Education (DE), the other is PCA Club Racing. We will focus on DE since it is where to get started. Different regions of PCA host DE events at racetracks. In Florida the racetracks are Sebring, Homestead, Palm Beach International Raceway (Moroso), and Daytona. There are also events hosted by Florida Regions of the PCA at Roebling Road in Savannah. The Florida regions of PCA that host DE are Goldcoast Region (http://www.goldcoastregion.org/), Suncoast Region (http://www.suncoastpca.org/forum/) , Florida Citrus Region (http://www.flcitrusregion.org/), and Florida Crown Region (http://www.pcafcr.org/). The sites all link to pages regarding DE including rules, forms, and schedules. http://www.pca.org/drivers_ed/ is also a good source of information.

At a DE you drive your own car on a racetrack with a certified high performance driving instructor in the passenger seat as your coach. You don't have to be driving a Porsche to participate. Richard Newton and I often take our Corvettes. My Dad even drove our SUV once. Different groups of drivers based on levels of experience go out on the track at different times, usually for sessions lasting 25-30 minutes. There are generally 3-4 sessions per group each day. Novice drivers also have classroom time. You drive a pace you are comfortable with and you can speak to your instructor through a microphone in your helmet. Most clubs require you have to provide your own helmet, but you may be able to borrow one from a friend, and some clubs do provide loaner helmets. Check each club's site for these specifics.

There are usually over 100 drivers registered for these events. In order to register for an event you need to first set up an account at http://www.clubregistration.net/ and http://www.driverregistration.com/ . You set up an account with specific club affiliations (PCA, all Florida regions) and when you log in you will be given a list of upcoming events you can register for instantly using a credit card or paypal account. Some clubs use these sites to host registration for other events like socials, autocross, rallys, concours, etc. Once registered you need to print a tech form and a medical form. You can fill the medical form out yourself. Take the tech form to your mechanic and have them fill it out. You may or may not have to pay for this, but it should not be expensive. Once you get to the track for the event, you sign in and get a packet including the schedule. Then you have your car teched at the track. This is a 2 minute safety inspection by PCA volunteers. It is immensely less stressful to get to the track the afternoon before the track day so you can register and go through tech Friday instead of scrambling to get it done Saturday morning. The first session is generally on track by 8 am.

Everglades Region does not plan on hosting any DE anytime soon because there are not many region members that are active in DE right now, plus there are usually a lot of events hosted by neighboring regions, as well as Chin Motorsports (http://www.chinmotorsports.com/), Porsche-BMW Owners Club (http://www.pbocflorida.com/) NASA-FL (http://www.drivenasafl.com/), and Safe Motorsports (http://www.safemotorsports.com/). If more people want an Everglades Region DE, we could organize one in the future. Once the 2009 schedules for these DE events come out I will list them on the blog with relevant links.

We are in the early stages of planning an event where members interested in a track day can meet locally and caravan over to Homestead in March for a Chin Motorsports track day. You do not have to register with Chin. The group would drive to the track together, and meet at my trailer there. You would get to see what it is like at a DE and if you want to go for a ride on track you can by paying Chin $20 and getting the proper wristband. A passenger wristband allows you to ride along with any qualified driver in the advanced solo or instructor group. Lunch would be provided by our region.

If you have any questions about DE or would like to learn more, send me an email, turbojaeger934@yahoo.com

Richard Newton at Chin Motorsports Event

2008-11-23T07:46:00.004-05:00

Richard Newton drove at Sebring with Chin Motorsports on the weekend of November 8-9th. He submitted these pictures for us. Although Richard is not in a Porsche it looks like a Boxster S driver is honing his race skills behind Richard in one photo, not to mention the black Ferrari Enzo at the back.

Membership Updates for November 2008

2008-11-10T19:21:00.001-05:00

Welcome to PCA

Jack Farris – 2007 Cayman
Michael Lenzner – 2008 Cayman
David Pendergast – 1999 911
Tom Pitser – 2005 Boxster
Michael Strunk 1988 911
Gary Yeoman

Welcome to Everglades Region

Yolanda Cannon – 1996 911
From Fox Valley Region
Ronald Hopfensperger – 2004 911
From Fox Valley Region
Malcom Youngquist
From Connecticut Valley Region

Please note, when you changed your email address please send update to, ThompsonConsulting@att.net

Fourth Quarter Board Meeting Minutes

2008-11-09T11:21:00.007-05:00

AGENDA

4th Quarter Board Meeting Minutes
Saturday, October 25th
10:00 am – 11:45 am

Present:

Carla Boggess
Johnny Harris
Pete Chehayl
Richard Newton
Ron Howard
Bill Hutchens
Gary Thompson
Chris Branston

Absent:

Elizabeth Newton
Bonnie Woontner
Cory Samuel

I. Called the meeting to order at 10:15 am
II. Approval of the minutes from the last meeting
III. Treasurer’s Report-$9,116.37
IV. Name Tags-update from Gary Thompson-update Club members that name tags are available through membership for a price of $10.00.
V. Christmas Party-invitations should be returned to Pete Chehayl and checks made payable to Everglades PCA
VI. Trophies-Sandy and Shirley Gove; retiring President-Carla will order
VII. Scholarship-$1,000 Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology Foundation for the use of automotive training scholarships; Bill Hutchens is on the Board at the school and will coordinate the presence of school administration for presentation of scholarship at the Christmas party
VIII. November venue – Johnny and Ellen Harris will host a potluck on Saturday November 15th
IX. Collier museum – update from Ron Howard; postponed for next year but Ron will follow up for tentative date
X. T-shirts – Pete Chehayl will take over polos along with T-shirts
XI. Newsletter Editor – Ron and Amy Howard will takeover from Cory Samuel
XII. Festival of Lights - Corvette Club – referral from Gary Karnes; corvette club has decided only to admit GM cars
XIII. Zone 12 Autocross Challenge – Bill Hutchens/Ron Howard
XIV. Meeting adjourned at 11:45 am

Photos From The Breakfast Club November 8, 2008

2008-11-09T10:18:00.005-05:00

Porsche Photo Rally

2008-11-09T09:56:00.006-05:00

PORSCHE PHOTO RALLY

DO YOU ENJOY DRIVING YOUR PORSCHE?
WANT TO SEE MORE OF THE FLORIDA BY-ROADS?
ENJOY THE LOCAL SCENERY ?

If you answered yes ….. then come out for a fun filled scenic drive on the byroads of East Collier (about 100 miles maximum ) You will exercise your mind solving picture and cryptic clues along the way - so it will help to have a co-pilot! At the end of the rally lunch will be served and you can take the opportunity to talk Porsche and kick tires! You might even win a prize!

Details for the Porsche Photo Rally on Sunday November 16th 2008:- Starting at 9am.
Meet in Naples Walk, North Naples (corner of Vanderbilt Beach Rd and Airport Pulling Rd ) at the east end of the Publix Carpark to receive instructions, have a coffee and pastry before setting off.

Cost: $25 per car (lunch included)
Register to enter - please contact either:
Gary Thompson - thompsonconsulting@att.net Or
Chris Branston - cbran62643@aol.com (239) 598 4978

November's Potluck Dinner

2008-11-09T09:37:00.001-05:00

Johnny and Ellen Harris cordially invite the PCA Membershipto a Potluck Dinner

Saturday, November 15th at 7:00 pm

Please RSVP to (239) 262-5697 with your dish and number of guests

1526 4th Street South in Aqualane Shores off of 3rd Street South

Chasing Classic Cars

2008-11-09T08:37:00.008-05:00

We recently got a new home theater system, from fellow PCA member Greg Biehl's company, Innovative Lifestyles, and now can watch HDTV. This has allowed us to catch episodes of Chasing Classic Cars on Discovery HD. CCC is a show about an old friend of ours, Wayne Carini. We first met Wayne in the early 1980's after my mother's 928 was rear ended. Wayne runs one of the best restoration shops in the country, F40 Motorsports (http://www.f40.com/). My 1978 930 has been there for 3 years now undergoing a full restoration. I recently shipped my 1994 3.6 turbo there for a restoration as well. Wayne assures me the 930 will be done by the end of the year. We shall see.

I saw Wayne over the summer and he was being followed around by a film crew. He gave me DVD's of the episodes that had been filmed so far, since we did not get HDTV at the time. CCC follows Wayne as he goes to auctions to buy and sell cars, travels to remote locations to try and procure rare cars, and follows the restoration work done in his shop in Portland, Connecticut. In one episode, "Herb's Ferrari", you can see my 930 in the background of the shop. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10:30 pm, with the previous weeks episode repeated at 10:00 pm right before the new episode. This weeks new episode, "Hunt for the Davis" features a 3-wheeled car called the Davis that Wayne showed us when we were at his shop over the summer. Episode 9 is titled "Porsches Porsches Porsches" and should air November 25th at 10:30 pm. The website for the show is http://turbo.discovery.com/chasing-classic-cars/chasing-classic-cars.html . Clicking on Tune In gives you the program schedule for CCC.

Welcome to the new Evergaldes Region PCA Blog

2008-11-08T15:11:00.003-05:00

The Everglades Region PCA has decided to leave behind the old Gator Tales Newsletter and start a Gator Tales Blog instead. This is the first time I've used a blog, but Richard Newton assures me this is the way people do things in 2008. I'm not sure what all a blog can do, but I'll guess we will figure it out. Thanks to Cory Samuel for putting together the Gator Tales after Shirley and Sandy stepped down. At the last board meeting on Saturday October 25th, I volunteered for myself and my wife, Amy, to edit the newsletter. I am always volunteering Amy for things. Since the last Gator Tales newsletter was mailed out in late October, we wanted to have the first edition of the blog ready to go the second week of November, and plan on having monthly updates by the last week of the month. We will then send a reminder email to the membership of the Everglades Region with a link to the blog. Please be patient with us and feel free to send me any comments or items you would like included in the blog. My email is turbojaeger934@yahoo.com

Presidential Spin by Carla Boggess

2008-11-08T13:51:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone-

Season is in full swing, and I hope everyone got a chance to visit downtown on Halloween night. The Club had a nice turnout at Campiello, and there were some interesting characters out and about. This month Johnny and Ellen Harris have graciously offered to host a potluck dinner Saturday, November 15th at 7:00 pm. Please make your reservations as soon as possible so that they can plan accordingly.

We also have the Photo Rally this month so we hope everyone will take advantage of the great weather and enjoy sharing their cars.Once again, just a reminder to send in your Christmas Party reservations and anyone interested in joining the Board, please contact me at cbpkoliber@aol.com so that we can include your name on the slate of officer candidates.

Best wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Carla

Third Annual Oktober-Fast at Daytona International Speedway

2008-11-08T13:38:00.007-05:00

The third annual Oktober-Fast PCA club race was held at Daytona International Speedway on October 10-12, 2008. I packed up the trailer and the entire family and we arrived in Daytona with dark clouds and thunderstorms. As Amy and I unloaded the GT3R from the trailer and put it in the garage, the voice on the loudspeaker said to batton down the garages because tornadoes were spotted on the ground nearby. A torential rain broke out. We were soaked, but no tornadoes were seen. The kids in the truck thought it was quite funny- mom and dad closing up the trailer in the rain. Luckily the weather cooperated the rest of the weekend. There were two race classes, the red and blue groups, and the DE group. We were driving on the Rolex 24 course that utilizes all 4 Nascar corners, plus the infield. The three groups alternated time on the track over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There were a total of 40 of us registered for the DE group. It was supposed to be all Porsches, but somehow an old Firebird racecar, a Ford GT, a Nissan GTR, and a new M3 got out there with us. There were a lot of drivers meetings for the DE group, led by Ron Zitza. Early in the weekend the passing zones were restricted, but as everyone got more comfortable, they were expanded. As my confidence grew I began to carry a lot more speed through the banking and was seeing 165 mph after the start finish line before braking at the "1" marker and downshifitng for turn one. There were a few incidents in the DE group including a GT3 that was in front of me in Nascar turn 4 when his right rear tire blew out and he went into the wall at the top of the banking hard. There was debris all over the track. I was able to get some braking done from 140 mph and went straight through what looked like the least amount of debris high on the track. After a careful inspection of all 4 tires and the underside of my car, I was able to determine I did not pick up any debris or do any damage to my car.

The rest of the weekend was not nearly as exciting, but we got to watch the red and blue groups race, buy Porsche t-shirts, hats, stickers, etc from the vendors that were there, and eat the usual tasty track food. The weekend was sponsored by Porsche of Melbourne and they had an assortment of new Porsches there including some PDK equipped cars which could be test driven on the small handling track just inside turn 4. It was good to see my DE and club racer friends and all the Porsche owners who came to Daytona to watch the racing. Oktober-Fast is defintitely something I will be adding to my calendar to do each year. Another event coming up at Daytona that a lot of PCA members are going to is the Audi Club Nationals December 11-14, 2008.