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Published Quarterly By The <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region, <strong>Porsche</strong> Club Of America
©2010 <strong>Porsche</strong> Cars North America, Inc. <strong>Porsche</strong> recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.<br />
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2006 911 Carrera S Coupe, Arctic Silver, 22,429 miles, Vin#S740249P<br />
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welcome<br />
President: Ralph Fritsche<br />
Welcome to the new Escape Velocity Magazine<br />
for 2010. I hope each of you had a great<br />
holiday and are ready to join in on all the fun<br />
that the <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region <strong>PCA</strong> has in store<br />
for you this year.<br />
Once again we promise a full schedule of activities throughout the year<br />
with enough variety to suit everyone’s interests.<br />
Let’s begin by taking a quick look back at some of the <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region’s<br />
achievements for 2009.<br />
The <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region hosted 50 events with 40 of our members attending<br />
a minimum of 10 events. That’s quite an achievement and is a tribute to our<br />
region officials who invest a lot of their time to provide you with what I feel<br />
is the best regional experience in the <strong>PCA</strong>.<br />
We raised $6,600 for our charity the Women’s Center of Brevard. We are<br />
also happy to reaffirm that we will be continuing our support in 2010.<br />
As you all know by now, at this year’s Parade, Escape Velocity magazine<br />
and our editor jack Roberts, were awarded the prestigious Paul Heinmiller<br />
Memorial Trophy for producing the most outstanding regional newsletter.<br />
But, that wasn’t the only award that <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> took home from Parade--<br />
Neila and Daniel Bird received a first in class award at the Parade Concours<br />
with their 356.<br />
From a competition perspective, our region also graduated three Drivers<br />
Education Instructors: David O’Neal, Jonathan Parker and Christian<br />
Funk.<br />
We also improved our Autocross Performance with a near win at the Citrus/<br />
<strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Challenge along with several class victories. In addition,<br />
there were also top in class awards at this year’s Zone Challenge.<br />
The final event of the year our Holiday Party was held at the Eau Gallie<br />
Yacht Club. With more than one hundred and twenty members and guests<br />
in attendance the party was a resounding success. Highlights included our<br />
traditional slide show, outstanding door prizes and Autocross and Concours<br />
trophy presentations. Awards were also presented to the advertisers,<br />
photographers, and contributors to Escape Velocity Magazine.<br />
Looking ahead to the beginning of the year, we have the traditional races at<br />
the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The Amelia Island<br />
Concours will have special events for <strong>Porsche</strong> enthusiasts and Targa 66 will<br />
be back at the Palm Beach International Raceway. The Autocross season<br />
will be picking up shortly and the Sunrise to Sunset Rally will be back once<br />
again. Perhaps even more exciting is the preliminary word on the street that<br />
Rennsport Reunion will be coming to Daytona again this fall.<br />
So stay in touch with the Region website and look for the Email blasts as we<br />
do our best to keep you informed with all the fun that this year has in store.<br />
As I close, I would just like to once again thank each of our advertisers and<br />
contributors to Escape Velocity for their continued support. This newsletter<br />
would not be possible without your generous support.<br />
It’s my honor to serve one more year as your President and in that capacity<br />
if there is anything I can do to make your experience with the <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong><br />
Region and the <strong>Porsche</strong> Club of America more enjoyable please don’t<br />
hesitate to drop me a line.<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
our officials<br />
Ralph Fritsche | President<br />
flachbau930@cfl.rr.com<br />
321.777.8401<br />
John “Blake” Blakely | Secretary<br />
blakeblakely@mac.com<br />
321.213.1203<br />
Brian Reinert | Membership<br />
brian.reinert@rms.com<br />
321.298.0089<br />
Jonathan Parker | Webmaster<br />
jgparker@cfl.rr.com<br />
321.751.9032<br />
David O’Neal | Vice-President<br />
doneal@cwisdom.com<br />
321.636.6449<br />
Kirk Stowers | Treasurer<br />
kstowers@cfl.rr.com<br />
321.676.2590<br />
Steve Hoffman | Events Chair<br />
steve1rob2@aol.com<br />
321.867.7075<br />
Tom Gorsuch | Sponsorship<br />
tgorsuch@cfl.rr.com<br />
321.626.0563<br />
Craig Kempf | Escape Velocity Editor<br />
craig@ckc411.com | 321.752.5802<br />
Jack Roberts | EV Advertising & Assignments<br />
jackeroberts@hotmail.com | 321.727.0046<br />
Ron Menck | Safety<br />
rmenck@cfl.rr.com | 321.243.5356<br />
Andre Martineau | Drive & Dine<br />
amartineau@cfl.rr.com | 321.427.5619<br />
Mike Masters | North Region Coordinator<br />
mdmasters911@gmail.com | 386.290.7479<br />
David Kelly | South Region Coordinator<br />
mdkelly1@bellsouth.net | 772.713.4084
Editor<br />
letter from the<br />
With some big shoes to fill, I take the torch from Jack Roberts and attempt to build on the Heinmiller Award-winning<br />
Escape Velocity. As I ease into the role of editor, I want to thank Jack for his help with our first issue. I know that my<br />
constant push for high resolution, high quality images and my insistence on ads submitted to proper specifications likely<br />
bordered on “nagging.” Looking forward to an increase in the overall quality, visual impact and engaging content during<br />
the coming year… the extra effort will be worth it. This is your magazine and my job is to work hard to make it the best it can be.<br />
Warm regards and best wishes,<br />
Craig Kempf<br />
CEO & Art Director, CK Communications
what we do...by the numbers<br />
By Tom Gorsuch<br />
The <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region collected data this year to better profile what<br />
we do. The following is an accounting of the 47 events held in 2009<br />
-- 64 total event days. Our goal is to increase participation. As we all<br />
know, it’s not just the cars, it’s the people.<br />
We began the year with 366 primary members and estimated a 20%<br />
increase by year’s end. As of November we have 710 primary, family<br />
and affiliate members. We have been leading the 2009 factored growth<br />
contest for most of this year and hope to bring the trophy back to the<br />
<strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong>.<br />
The <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region runs from Volusia County down through<br />
Indian River County. Each area offers its own unique opportunities<br />
for events and participation. There is, literally, something for everybody.<br />
The charts below illustrate event distribution and event type.<br />
Our social events include banquets and monthly Kaffee gatherings<br />
and we are continuing our efforts to hold these events throughout<br />
the three-county region. Our driver skill development events include<br />
autocross and drivers education (DE). Our driver skill events are held<br />
in cooperation with other Zone 12 Regions. Thanks to Citrus Region<br />
for including us in their autocross series and thanks to Gold <strong>Coast</strong>,<br />
Suncoast and Citrus Regions for welcoming us into their DE programs.<br />
Technical events are typically educational in nature and include car<br />
care, shop talk sessions and group participation at the race track. The<br />
final category, touring, is very popular but occurs less frequently due<br />
to logistics. We are considering a monthly mid-week “Dash and Dine”<br />
for 2010.<br />
Our most popular event is the December Holiday Party and we<br />
recorded record participation for the Collier Collection Tour, a twoday<br />
event, which included a tour to Naples and a pre-tour party with<br />
special guest, Derek Bell. The popular Sunrise to Sunset Rally had 85<br />
cars from Suncoast, Citrus and <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Regions. These events can<br />
require substantial planning but the appreciation of the participants<br />
makes the effort very rewarding for all involved.<br />
Our Region has raised over $6,600 on behalf<br />
of our 2009 charity, the Women’s Center in<br />
Brevard. We have promoted five charity events<br />
for the Women’s Center including the Venetian<br />
Masked Ball, the Sunrise to Sunset Rally banquet,<br />
Summer Banquet, Panamera Test Drives<br />
at the multi-region Daytona OktoberFAST, and<br />
the Oktoberfest Picnic and Concours. We have<br />
won the prestigious Heinmiller award for the<br />
best newsletter in all of the <strong>PCA</strong>. Twentytwo<br />
authors contributed articles for Escape<br />
Velocity in 2009 and advertising revenue has<br />
continued to increase each quarter for the<br />
past two years.<br />
Help us to continue to be the best that we<br />
can be. Let us hear your ideas, join us in<br />
upcoming events and be sure to bring your<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong> enthusiast friends.<br />
Social<br />
Skill<br />
Touring<br />
Technical<br />
event types<br />
Indian<br />
River<br />
Brevard<br />
Volusia<br />
event locations<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
in this issue<br />
President’s Column<br />
What We Do<br />
Blue Ridge Boxster Summit<br />
German <strong>Porsche</strong> Club Cup<br />
North & South Coordinators Added<br />
Streamliner<br />
Ladies Day AX<br />
Results Are In<br />
Sebring Historic Races<br />
2009 Holiday Party<br />
My First Autocross<br />
Tech Corner<br />
2010 <strong>PCA</strong> Driver Education Calendar<br />
Classifieds<br />
Clear Bra<br />
Performance Corner<br />
Drive & Dine<br />
Coming Attractions<br />
Rolex Preview<br />
page | 3<br />
page | 5<br />
page | 6-7<br />
page | 8-9<br />
page | 10-11<br />
page | 12-13<br />
page | 14<br />
page | 15<br />
page | 19<br />
page | 20-21<br />
page | 23<br />
page | 24-25<br />
page | 25<br />
page | 25<br />
page | 26<br />
page | 28<br />
page | 29<br />
page | 30<br />
page | 31
picture this<br />
Can you picture it? You should experience it. Blue Ridge Boxster summit...<br />
Picture this. It’s dusk in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.<br />
You’re winding along a road that, until just this moment, you’d only<br />
experienced in your dreams. From time to time, the canopy of trees<br />
that cloaks the snaking asphalt parts to let a sliver of moonlight<br />
pass.<br />
All you hear is a rising and falling of the engine’s revs. All you see is<br />
a wickedly winding white line that separates you from the darkness.<br />
All you feel is a crisp evening breeze rushing through your hair.<br />
It’s been five minutes since you reached the mountain pass and<br />
started down the northern side; it seems like only a few precious<br />
seconds. Suddenly, you burst from the protective grasp of the<br />
maples into the expanse of valley that spans toward Blowing Rock.<br />
The ribbon of road straightens, and you feel your right foot push<br />
reflexively to the floor. The engine’s song climbs sweetly, and the<br />
stiffening wind chills the back of your neck.<br />
In your headlights, wisps of steam curl upward, the road wet from<br />
a recent shower. But now the clouds have parted. In front of you,<br />
the brilliant moon illuminates Boxsters as far as your eyes can see.<br />
Behind you, it’s the same.<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
By Al Washka<br />
We bought our Boxster in October, 2003. Digging around on<br />
the web led us to <strong>Porsche</strong> Pete’s Boxster Board (www.ppbb.com)<br />
where everyone was talking about the Blue Ridge Boxster Summit<br />
(BRBS). Unfortunately, we had missed it for 2003, but made sure<br />
to attend in 2004. The climb into Blowing Rock on US 321with the<br />
top down and the crisp mountain air was unbelievable. Traffic kept<br />
the speeds low, but running in third gear, the sound of the engine<br />
echoing off the rock walls and the views of the mountains on both<br />
sides was like something out of a movie.<br />
BRBS started as an informal gathering of Boxster owners in<br />
Asheville in 1999 and has continued every year since. Of the three<br />
original founders, only one remains involved – Karl Folkens, a<br />
South Carolina attorney. Ably assisted by Ron Kucynski and<br />
multiple volunteers for specific activities, the tradition continues.<br />
For the last several years, it has been held at the Meadowbrook Inn<br />
in Blowing Rock, NC.
Typically BRBS starts with some optional<br />
activities on the Thursday after Memorial<br />
Day. Last year’s activity was a trip to VIR<br />
and the opportunity to drive our cars on<br />
the track. Thursday evening the formal<br />
activities start with a dinner and socializing<br />
in the bar. Friday morning there<br />
is a “Shine and Show” where participants<br />
show off their cars, followed by a<br />
fun run. Similar to the Tax Day Rally or<br />
the Sunrise to Sunset Rally, participants<br />
drive the mountain roads of the area<br />
gathering points by visiting specific sites<br />
dictated by clues. You may recognize a<br />
few SC<strong>PCA</strong> faces in this picture.<br />
Friday night there is a dinner and, you<br />
guessed it, socializing in the bar. Every<br />
year is an opportunity to see old friends<br />
and make new ones. Dinner companions<br />
typically follow rally team lines, but<br />
those change a little every year.<br />
Typically, one dinner during the weekend<br />
is held off-site. In the past we have<br />
driven to Hound Ears Club for dinner<br />
in a rock grotto around their pool, or<br />
had dinner at a local restaurant. The<br />
drive to Hound Ears from Blowing<br />
-sion. Imagine a string of mostly Boxsters<br />
75 cars long with the occasional<br />
911, 944 and even a Ferrari, at speed on<br />
a twisty back road. As we rounded one<br />
turn a young boy had ridden an ATV<br />
down to his mailbox and mouthed,<br />
“Wow!” as we went by.<br />
Saturday there are tech sessions, supported<br />
in the past by Suncoast <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
and Pedro Bonilla, founder of Pedro’s<br />
Garage www.pedrosgarage.com. Pedro’s<br />
1999 Boxster has over 150,000 miles on<br />
it and almost as many modifications.<br />
He has helped many a participant with<br />
repairs and modifications and given<br />
talks on almost every subject related<br />
to Boxsters. He manufactures a line of<br />
specialty suspension and intake parts.<br />
He is a true fount of information on<br />
Boxsters. Also on Saturday, for those<br />
not mechanically inclined, there are<br />
classes by the Meadowbrook chef<br />
and bartender, as well as shopping<br />
excursions to the shops and outlets in<br />
Blowing Rock.<br />
In 2007, there was a requirement to take a picture on a one-lane bridge.<br />
You may recognize a few sC<strong>PCA</strong> faces in this picture.<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
Saturday evening is the final dinner and<br />
bar session, which typically lasts into the<br />
early morning on Sunday. Later Sunday,<br />
everyone gathers for a last breakfast<br />
together and makes plans for next year.<br />
The weather in Blowing Rock is a great<br />
respite from our heat in late May, early<br />
June and while Boxsters are suggested,<br />
anyone is invited. It’s not the cars, it’s the<br />
people, after all. Check it out at www.<br />
brbs.org.<br />
7
An American<br />
By Thomas Rodehaver<br />
After attending several of the <strong>Porsche</strong> Club<br />
Cup events for the 2008 season and placing<br />
fifth in class one, I decided to run all events<br />
in 2009. 10 events were scheduled at various<br />
tracks in Europe, most of them in Germany<br />
(Lausitz, Spreewald, Schleitz, Hockenheim<br />
and Leipzig), but the season included two in<br />
France (Anneau and Dijon), one in Austria<br />
(Salzburg), one in Sweden (Knutsdorp), and<br />
one in The Netherlands (Assen). A lot of<br />
travel would be involved to attend all. After<br />
the first two events, I also decided to attend<br />
a few of the <strong>Porsche</strong> Sports Cup events that<br />
included tracks in Germany (Hockenheim<br />
twice and Lausitz) and Belgium (Spa). This<br />
would provide ample opportunity to gather<br />
points. The Club Cup included two timed<br />
sessions and the Sports Cup had one. With a<br />
possible total of 26 timed sessions, only the<br />
top 15 would count toward the final championship<br />
standings. My work was cut out for<br />
me over the next 7 months.<br />
The first event was Eurospeedway Lausitz,<br />
a tri-oval with road course similar to<br />
Daytona. It has several tight chicanes, two<br />
medium-fast hairpins and uses two of the<br />
three long straights. I couldn’t seem to get<br />
a rhythm that would lead to the consistent<br />
laps needed for the timed sessions. Needless<br />
to say, I didn’t fare well, placing sixth in the<br />
first session and seventh in the second. The<br />
next event, Anneau du Rhin, was only two<br />
weeks away and was a new track to me.<br />
Anneau is used for driver training and<br />
includes a good mix of challenging corners,<br />
including a very fast right-hander after a<br />
long back straight. Finishing a disappointing<br />
eighth in the first session, I managed to win<br />
the second session. What a great feeling! On<br />
Monday the results were posted and I was<br />
in second overall by a mere five points, but<br />
trailing first by almost 15.<br />
Spreewaldring, a small track in eastern<br />
Germany designed more for motorcycles<br />
than for cars, was next. Small and tight, with<br />
many slow corners, it was my least favorite<br />
track of the year. Scoring a fourth in the first<br />
session, my primary competitors fared better.<br />
Herbert Bier, driving a 964 Carrera 3.2,<br />
jumped from fifth place to take first overall.<br />
I still held second overall, but now by a mere<br />
two points.<br />
Dijon, a former F1 venue in France and now<br />
hosting the DTM (German Touring Cars),<br />
was next. It hosts many fast corners and lots<br />
of elevation change, 17 meters (56 ft) from<br />
the top left-hander to the hairpin at the<br />
bottom, then back up 22 meters (72 ft) to<br />
the next double-left. The last corner, a very<br />
fast right-hand downhill transition to uphill<br />
sweeper that leads to the 1,150 meter (3,772<br />
ft) front straight where top speed in my car<br />
was just over 120 MPH before braking for<br />
the fast downhill off-camber right-hander.<br />
I managed to take top honors in the second<br />
session and with this result I was able to<br />
take the overall lead for the first time in the<br />
season.<br />
Next up was the higher caliber <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
Sports Cup event at the Hockenheimring.<br />
The Sports Cup has stricter rules and unlike<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
IN THE GERMAN PORSCHE CLUB CUP<br />
– YEAR 2<br />
Trophies at the <strong>Porsche</strong> leipzig facility.<br />
the Club Cup, everyone is on the track at<br />
the same time. Despite finishing with only<br />
a fair result, I managed to stay first overall<br />
and was invited to join a team that was<br />
part of the <strong>Porsche</strong> Center Mannheim and<br />
funded by the Penske Group. I was now<br />
part of the Team Penske Sportwagenzentrum<br />
in Mannheim, Germany.<br />
Schleizer Dreieck is Germany’s oldest of the<br />
operating true road courses. This course<br />
offers great elevation changes and very fast<br />
downhill sections. After Schleitz and 12<br />
timed sessions, I was leading by 18 points<br />
with 14 timed sessions remaining.<br />
I was then on to the <strong>Porsche</strong> Club Days<br />
at the Hockenheimring. Anyone with a<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong> can join and drive their car on<br />
track under controlled conditions. The F1<br />
track is hard on the brakes though with<br />
a long parabolic straight into the tight<br />
hairpin. Gerald Kuckenburg, in a 987,<br />
did very well at this event and cut my lead<br />
down to only five points, with the top four<br />
positions within a 20-point spread.<br />
On to the Eurospeedway Lausitz, again, but
First place session one at salzburgring.<br />
this time for a <strong>Porsche</strong> Sports Cup event.<br />
This course was still not to my liking, but<br />
a second-place gave me valuable points<br />
over the competitors who didn’t trek to this<br />
event. My lead was now back to 10-points.<br />
Just outside Salzburg, Austria is the<br />
Salzburgring, a very fast course with a very<br />
long (1,500 meters) uphill and curving<br />
back straight leading into a long right-hand<br />
sweeper with two or three apex points.<br />
There seemed to be several different lines<br />
into and around this sweeper and fortunately<br />
it was wide enough to allow for two and<br />
sometimes three cars to drive side-by-side.<br />
My new favorite track rewarded me with<br />
another first-place finish! Herbert placed<br />
third in both sessions and was again hot on<br />
my tail as we traveled to Leipzig.<br />
The Club Cup rents the <strong>Porsche</strong> Leipzig<br />
test track for this event, a track designed to<br />
test handling in real world conditions on<br />
simulated real world race tracks. This is not<br />
my favorite track, with two slow hairpins<br />
and the nauseating “bus stop.” I must be<br />
doing something right though because after<br />
last year’s first in class and second overall,<br />
I managed another first in class and third<br />
overall. With a third in session one, I went<br />
home with three trophies.<br />
The next Sports Cup event was in Belgium<br />
at the famous Spa-Francorchamps F1 track<br />
and another first in class, with my timed<br />
session taking top honors in all classes.<br />
The next event was in Sweden and, unlike<br />
last year, my wife and I spent two days<br />
driving through Denmark into Sweden to<br />
take part in this event. This included two<br />
spectacular bridges, but luckily no ferry (my<br />
wife is definitely not a boat person). The<br />
wind and rain in Knutsdorp caused extreme<br />
hydroplaning and I could feel the wind rock<br />
the car. I was lapping faster than the GT3’s<br />
only because my extreme performance tires<br />
were a little better than their semi-slicks in<br />
the wet.<br />
I remain first overall with only three more<br />
times session for the season as I attend the<br />
last Sports Cup event, again in Hockenheim.<br />
My two closest rivals are also in attendance.<br />
This was also the largest group for a Sports<br />
Cup event, everyone trying to collect the<br />
last possible points and gain any advantage<br />
before the final event. I score a 4th place,<br />
but unfortunately Gerald, my nearest rival<br />
takes top honors and maximum points.<br />
There is still a chance he can beat me at the<br />
final event if he scores 3 spots higher in both<br />
timed sessions.<br />
On to Assen and the motorcycle capital of<br />
Europe, maybe the world. This is a fast track<br />
and one I absolutely love. It is mid-October,<br />
cold and rainy. The day starts off wet and<br />
the track is very slippery. All of the braking<br />
zones are smooth as glass and, mixed with a<br />
little rain, almost impossible to attack. Once<br />
a car goes off here, it will sink axle deep in<br />
the soft gravel.<br />
The timed sessions are in the afternoon and<br />
the track has dried almost completely. I can<br />
attack the course, even in the smooth breaking<br />
zones, without care. The back straight<br />
sports a fast kink with flat curbing in the<br />
apex you can run over before braking for the<br />
final turns. The results were two third-place<br />
finishes and well ahead of my closest rival.<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
I did it! I won class one and finished eighth<br />
overall. With 67 competitors in my class<br />
and 395 overall, this was a pretty good<br />
year. All top three finishers were honored<br />
at the <strong>Porsche</strong> research facility in Weissach<br />
and my wife and I attended to pick up my<br />
class-winning trophy. Another year of great<br />
driving, fun and camaraderie with fellow<br />
competitors -- let’s hope next year is just as<br />
successful.
Coordinators<br />
Added for<br />
North and<br />
south Regions<br />
By Dave O’Neal<br />
2009 brought a record level of activities<br />
available to members within <strong>Space</strong><br />
<strong>Coast</strong> Region, averaging one event per<br />
week, and 2010 will see a similar level of<br />
activity. To better serve the needs of our<br />
members in Volusia and Indian River<br />
Counties, we have created the positions<br />
of North and South Region Coordinators<br />
to be filled by Michael Masters and David<br />
Kelly, respectively. These members,<br />
located a local phone call away, will be<br />
able to answer any last-minute questions<br />
on upcoming events and provide the best<br />
“local knowledge” for activities that are<br />
staged in their communities. Continuing<br />
in 2010, the monthly Kaffeeklatschen will<br />
be held concurrently in Vero Beach, Daytona<br />
Beach, and Indian Harbour Beach.<br />
Mike and David will host the North and<br />
South locations with support from<br />
available officers.<br />
My wife Deb and I live and work in Daytona<br />
Beach. I am a native of Florida, and I work<br />
at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.<br />
Deb comes from the Seattle area, and she<br />
has worked in the Emergency Department<br />
of Halifax medical Center for more than 25<br />
years.<br />
I first became aware of <strong>Porsche</strong> cars during<br />
the 1979 24 Hours of Daytona. I was<br />
high school kid working on a local race<br />
team. During the race weekend I became<br />
infatuated by the black Interscope Racing<br />
935 <strong>Porsche</strong> driven by Ted Field, Danny<br />
Ongais, and Hurley Haywood. I had never<br />
seen anything like that beautiful car. It<br />
was incredibly fast and unbelievably high<br />
10 volume 4, Issue 1<br />
mike and Deb masters, North Region<br />
tech. On every lap it would come tearing<br />
through the tri-oval, and then it would spit a<br />
two foot plume of fire from the glowing red<br />
turbocharger as the driver downshifted for<br />
turn one. Daytona did not have any external<br />
lighting back then, and so this spectacle was<br />
particularly impressive during the dark night.<br />
Late in the race I was over the wall helping<br />
to replace a failed wheel bearing on our car.<br />
A normally aspirated 911 was pitting in the<br />
next box. There were no speed limits on pit<br />
road in those days, and I happened to be<br />
standing a few feet behind the 911 when it<br />
launched out of its pit box at full throttle.<br />
The screaming wail of that six cylinder<br />
engine stopped me in my tracks. I watched<br />
dumfounded as the car rapidly disappeared,<br />
leaving two black streaks of rubber all the<br />
way down pit road. I just stood there saying<br />
wow, wow, WOW! That impression never<br />
left me. In my mind I can still see and<br />
hear that car accelerating away as if it were<br />
yesterday.<br />
In 2009, after waiting 30 years, I finally<br />
bought my (first) 911, and each time I get<br />
behind the wheel of my car, I can feel the<br />
souls of those <strong>Porsche</strong> racing cars from 1979.
David and Kathy Kelly, south Region<br />
My wife, Kathy, and I are originally from<br />
Virginia and have moved several times over<br />
the years. We are retired from IBM and<br />
divide our time between Vero Beach and<br />
Cape Cod, MA. We have lived in Indian<br />
River County for eight years and hope to be<br />
here year round sometime in 2010.<br />
My interest in cars blossomed with sixties<br />
muscle cars. Everyone raced in those days<br />
and it was usually a matter of who had the<br />
most carburetors, the wildest cam and the<br />
biggest V-8. One day a friend who could<br />
build anything, decided to put a Chevy<br />
small block in his Austin Healy. Soon, the<br />
small block gave way to a 427 cubic inch<br />
big block and everything changed. It was<br />
the fastest car I had ever seen. That V-8<br />
powered, partial aluminum hybrid fired my<br />
interest in sports cars.<br />
Along came the <strong>Porsche</strong> 930 Turbo with<br />
flared fenders, wide wheels, and a whale tail,<br />
and I knew something fundamental had<br />
changed in the sports car world. Later, when<br />
the <strong>Porsche</strong> 928 was introduced, I said, “one<br />
day I’m going to have one of those.” Twenty<br />
years later, an India Red 1988 928 S4 followed<br />
me home. With that Stuttgart V-8<br />
began a decade of <strong>PCA</strong> interest, 928 Owners<br />
Club events, and attendance at <strong>PCA</strong> Races.<br />
Driving into the Paddock at Sebring for<br />
the first time and walking through the pits,<br />
talking to drivers and crew, taking photos<br />
of the race cars, and enjoying the history of<br />
the place, I knew it was a special experience.<br />
Suddenly, I was pit crewing and assisting<br />
friends who were racing. <strong>Porsche</strong> had become<br />
“it” for me. Soon, there was a Boxster<br />
in addition to the 928.<br />
At Rennsport Reunion in Daytona the thrill<br />
was the same, with 550 spyders, 917’s and<br />
962’s, and more like-minded car people.<br />
That led to more races and <strong>Porsche</strong> events,<br />
and more photographs of <strong>Porsche</strong>s doing<br />
what they are supposed to do. Now, as the<br />
Boxster leaves for its next assignment to be<br />
replaced by a 996tt, the process has come<br />
full circle with the two models that started it<br />
all. In some ways, it has been a race against<br />
time to complete what was started a long<br />
time ago.<br />
I am thrilled to be part of the <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong><br />
Region and to be a member of such an active<br />
group with so many events and venues close<br />
by. It truly is about the people and the cars.<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
11
Revealing the Mystery<br />
of <strong>Porsche</strong> History<br />
By Ralph Fritsche<br />
Ferdinand <strong>Porsche</strong> was a prolific automotive engineer, but many<br />
people are not aware of the extent of his influence on automotive<br />
history. His legacy lies, not only in the cars that bear his name, but<br />
also on the history of companies that today would be considered<br />
both competitors and collaborators.<br />
This story illustrates just such an example. The year was 1931 and<br />
Ferdinand <strong>Porsche</strong> was still struggling with the economic affects<br />
of the great depression; however, in April of that year<br />
he and Adolf Rosenberg founded an automotive consulting<br />
firm in Stuttgart. The pair brought together<br />
several old coworkers, who would continue to play a<br />
leading role in <strong>Porsche</strong>s future. They included Karl<br />
Rabe, Erwin Komenda and <strong>Porsche</strong>’s son Ferry.<br />
The <strong>Porsche</strong> consulting firm worked on many projects<br />
and business steadily grew. Then in 1932 <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
founded a subsidiary company in order to develop a<br />
racing car, although at this point a customer for the<br />
project hadn’t been found. The P-Wagen project (P<br />
for <strong>Porsche</strong>) was designed to be a Grand Prix racer<br />
according to the current regulations of the 750 kg<br />
formula.<br />
In 1932 the struggling German automobile manufacturers<br />
Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer joined forces to form<br />
Auto Union in an attempt to gain a better market position at the<br />
expense of Mercedes-Benz. The Auto Union chairman of the board<br />
was in search of a showpiece project and at Adolf Rosenberg’s insistence<br />
he met with <strong>Porsche</strong> who had worked for him before. Then<br />
at the 1933 Berlin Motor Show, the new German Chancellor Adolf<br />
Hitler announced two programs intended to demonstrate Germany’s<br />
growing engineering prowess to the world. The first was the<br />
People’s car project (of which <strong>Porsche</strong>’s involvement is well known)<br />
and the other was a state-sponsored motor racing program initially<br />
intended to provide Mercedes-Benz the opportunity to develop a<br />
high-speed automotive industry.<br />
Auto Union and <strong>Porsche</strong>, sensing an opportunity, arranged for a<br />
meeting with Hitler at the Reich Chancellery to plead the case that<br />
for the good of Germany it would be better for two companies to<br />
develop the project. Much to the dismay of Mercedes, Hitler agreed<br />
to split the seed money between both Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz.<br />
12 volume 4, Issue 1<br />
Paddock at the AVUS race, 1937, start number 31, Bernd Rosemeyer’s car. To<br />
the right of it, one of the two single-seater race cars which started in this race for<br />
Auto Union alongside the two streamlined cars.<br />
With an agreement in place, Auto Union purchased the <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
subsidiary and along with it the P-Wagen project. The motor racing<br />
program proved to be a huge success and the Silver Arrows from<br />
both Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz dominated Grand Prix racing<br />
until the start of World War II.<br />
The <strong>Porsche</strong>/Auto Union Grand Prix car typified the <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
philosophy of unconventional design. Even thought the weight of<br />
the car was restricted to 750 kg, <strong>Porsche</strong> opted for a mid mounted<br />
16-cylinder engine. Light alloys were used in both the block and<br />
the head in order to keep weight down. In its initial versions the<br />
supercharged engine displaced just under 4.4 liters and produced<br />
295 bhp, which drove the rear wheels via a five-speed gearbox.<br />
The final evolution of the original <strong>Porsche</strong> P-Wagen design was<br />
the Auto Union Streamliner. Although evolved from the original
<strong>Porsche</strong> design, the basic layout remained unchanged. Power for<br />
the Streamliner in its final form was 545 bhp. One look at the<br />
Streamliner and it was clear that this was no ordinary Grand Prix<br />
racer. Its aerodynamic design and futuristic body were products of<br />
Germany’s growing aviation industry. Designed to cut through the<br />
wind, the Streamliner’s primary purpose was to set world speed<br />
records both on track at the Avus circuit in Berlin and on the long<br />
high-speed section of the A5 autobahn between Frakfurt and<br />
Darmstadt. In this role, the Streamliner went head-to-head against<br />
Mercedes-Benz. New records were set and old ones fell with the<br />
best drivers of the day taking turns at the wheel of the Silver Arrows.<br />
The Streamliner was piloted by Bernd Rosemeyer. Rosemeyer<br />
was a national celebrity and one of the most famous drivers of the<br />
era. His marriage to the young and attractive German aviatrix Elly<br />
Beinhorn only added to his celebrity status and the Nazi party did<br />
all they could to capitalize on the couple’s fame.<br />
Rosemeyer and the Streamliner first broke world records in June<br />
of 1937 and he then bested his own speeds in October. In fact, in<br />
three days, Rosemeyer broke 15 world speed records. He was also<br />
the first man to break the 400 km/h (248 mph) barrier on an ordinary<br />
road. In January of 1938 the stage was set for another series of<br />
record-breaking attempts between Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz<br />
on the A5 between Frankfurt and Darmstadt. The date was<br />
January 28th and Rosemeyer’s competition was Rudolf Caracciola.<br />
The Mercedes driver went first and set a new record<br />
of 432 km/h (268 mph) early in the morning. Rosemeyer<br />
went next but by now reports were coming in from along the<br />
autobahn route that the winds were picking up. On his third<br />
run at 11:47 AM and after clocking a speed of 449 km/h (279<br />
mph), something went terribly wrong and Rosemeyer lost<br />
control of the Streamliner. While the source of the mishap<br />
was never officially determined the result was tragic. The<br />
Streamliner skidded left and then swerved hard right and<br />
off the highway. The car went airborne and Rosemeyer was<br />
thrown out as it somersaulted through the air. He died at the<br />
scene. Rosemeyer’s death also brought an end to the Auto<br />
Union speed record runs and to the Streamliner itself.<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
Today when the Streamliner is mentioned in automotive circles it is<br />
usually associated with the modern evolution of Auto Union, Audi.<br />
It was Audi who organized the memorials on the 70th anniversary<br />
of Rosemeyer’s death in 2008 and it was Audi who displayed the<br />
Streamliner as the centerpiece of its 100th anniversary celebration<br />
in 2009.<br />
Make no mistake about it -- even though today the Streamliner still<br />
carries the four- ring symbol that has evolved from Auto Union<br />
into the Audi logo. Without Ferdinand <strong>Porsche</strong> there would be no<br />
Streamliner.<br />
One look at the Streamliner<br />
and it was clear that this was<br />
no ordinary Grand Prix racer.<br />
1
Ladies Day<br />
ladies enjoy Their Day at the Autocross<br />
By Dave O’Neal<br />
The season finale for the Florida Citrus Region (FLC) 2009<br />
Autocross Series was held on Sunday, November 22nd at the<br />
Lake County Public Safety facilities in Tavares. The 4th Annual<br />
Ladies Day AX attracted a large crowd that was divided into<br />
three run groups – one exclusively for the ladies. Fourteen <strong>Space</strong><br />
<strong>Coast</strong> Region (SPC) representatives were in attendance, including<br />
five competing in the ladies division: Kevin & Rita Brackett, Collin<br />
& Vivienne Davey, Doug Dieruff, Ralph Fritsche, Curt & Roxanne<br />
Guy, Tom Kirk, Andre & Cheryl Martineau, Dylan Sawchuk,<br />
Ginny O’Neal and me.<br />
Visiting <strong>PCA</strong> National AX champions Dan and Sharron Shields set<br />
blistering times that were not matched by any of the regular AXers.<br />
Cheryl Martineau won the Grand Prize of a free DE registration for<br />
Roebling Road in Savannah. SPC ladies Martineau, Guy, Brackett,<br />
O’Neal and Davey placed 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 10th, respectively.<br />
Kevin Brackett placed 2nd in Class P4, Collin Davey and Andre<br />
Martineau placed 2nd and 3rd in Class S2, Doug Dieruff placed 3rd<br />
in Class S1, and I won Class P5 (with no other cars entered).<br />
14 volume 4, Issue 1<br />
ladies Day AX l-R: Rita Brackett, Roxanne Guy, vivienne Davie,<br />
Cheryl martineau, Ginny o’Neal<br />
Cheryl martineau at speed
THe ResulTs ARe IN AGAIN By Dave O’Neal<br />
space <strong>Coast</strong> Takes seven AX Trophies from Florida Citrus<br />
FLC’s AX Chair Bert Del Villano and wife Anne presented<br />
graciously a record SEVEN trophies to SPC members for<br />
the 2009 Autocross season at the SPC Holiday Party on<br />
December 19th. Doug Dieruff won the S1 Class for stock<br />
911s, Andre Martineau and I finished 2nd and 3rd respectively<br />
in Class S2 for stock Caymans and Boxsters while<br />
Cheryl Martineau placed 3rd in Class SL, Ralph Fritsche<br />
won 3rd place in Class P2 with his 944, Kevin Brackett<br />
finished 3rd in Class P4 for 911 Turbos and GT3s, and<br />
surprisingly, I also finished 1st in Class P5 for modified<br />
Caymans and Boxsters.<br />
New locations are being explored by FLC for the 2010 AX<br />
season. The Martineau’s and I attended a very successful<br />
test day was held on Sunday, January 4th at the Orange<br />
County Convention Center. This venue, located at I-4<br />
and the Beachline Expressway is a mere 45 minutes from<br />
central Brevard County, half the time it takes to travel to<br />
Tavares. The AX series will resume in April 2010 – check<br />
the website for dates, times and final locations.<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
Dave o’Neal<br />
Tom Gorsuch<br />
1
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15
seBRING<br />
By Ron Menck<br />
We left Melbourne at 7a.m. on a very rainy<br />
Friday morning with some expectation that<br />
when we arrived at Sebring it would be dry<br />
enough to experience the best of Historic<br />
Sports Car Racing, as the Sebring event<br />
is HSR’s seasonal finale. The drive down<br />
wasn’t the customary December day we’d<br />
hoped for--you know, with the sun glaring<br />
and shadows of the trees blinking across<br />
the windshield as we headed south on US<br />
441. Nope, instead it was eyes focused<br />
on the wake of mist from the car in front,<br />
windshield wipers working to the rhythm of<br />
Eddie Rabbit’s “Drivin My Life Away” and<br />
an attentive attitude to watch for pools of<br />
standing water in the road.<br />
Four of us (Curt Guy, Steve Hoffman, Ralph<br />
Fritsche and I) stopped in Fort Drum for<br />
breakfast and discussed our plan for the<br />
day. As we left, the sky had cleared and<br />
road was dryer and we were able to open<br />
the cars up and let them run as we enjoyed<br />
a more spirited drive the rest of the way to<br />
Historic Races<br />
Sebring. The weather was good as we arrived<br />
at Midway road where we dismounted<br />
and began to circle the in-field on foot. Our<br />
first stop was at the Klub Sports Racing, one<br />
of the West Palm Beach race shops we had<br />
visited in October. Klub Sports hold a race<br />
within a race at the HSR with their vintage<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong>s and it’s a big draw for we <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
fans. I quickly learned that following region<br />
president Ralph Fritsche from paddock to<br />
paddock is like having your own personal<br />
tour guide and curator, as Ralph seemed<br />
to be steeped in the knowledge and history<br />
of every racing <strong>Porsche</strong> we saw. Throughout<br />
the morning, Curt snapped pictures,<br />
Steve looked for car parts, and I wandered<br />
behind Ralph. By the end of the day, we had<br />
enjoyed several hours of racing, viewing and<br />
shopping for t-shirts before it began to rain<br />
again and brought our fun to a close.<br />
I highly recommend that you plan to attend<br />
an HSR event in 2010. Events will be held<br />
in both Daytona and Sebring, and you’ll<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
experience first-hand vintage cars from<br />
the ’50, through the ‘90s of all makes and<br />
models racing in three different series with<br />
about a dozen different sub groups over a<br />
period of 4 days. In the infield you can talk<br />
with the drivers, watch the preparations<br />
up close and of course watch the races for<br />
spots on the podium. Best of all, it’s quite<br />
inexpensive a nice drive there in your<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong> and totally cool!<br />
1
Holiday Party<br />
By Jack Roberts<br />
The party’s over. The 2009 Holiday Party and Annual Meeting<br />
of the Membership of the <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region of the <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
Club of America is now history.<br />
We gathered, we drank good wines and old whiskies, we told<br />
stories (some of them true), we enjoyed a wonderful dinner,<br />
we won fabulous prizes, endured speeches, distributed<br />
awards, elected a slate of officers, danced to the music, and<br />
celebrated another landmark year of <strong>Porsche</strong> fun.<br />
The sight of our fun and frolic was the Eau Gallie Yacht Club.<br />
We had booked ourselves a prime location, taking over their<br />
main dining room mid-way between the dance floor and the<br />
walls of windows overlooking their marina and the decorated<br />
boats of their Christmas Parade fleet. The entire club was<br />
decorated for the holidays, which put us all in just the right<br />
mood. On entering the cloubhouse, we were greeted by Ron<br />
Menck and Linda Reiss who offered us tickets for the door<br />
prize drawings and made sure that we were properly badged<br />
to assist those who were more accustomed to seeing us in<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong> t-shirts and Piloti’s.<br />
From there we moved to the bar and the Hors d’oeuvre line,<br />
where I am pleased to report there was far less pushing and<br />
shoving than last year as our ladies were clearly on their best<br />
behavior. We enjoyed our cocktails and light conversation<br />
(mostly--”Wow! You clean up real good!”) for an hour or so.<br />
John Vasconi had no sooner reminded me of the difficulty in<br />
standing so long in high heels, when President Ralph Fritsche<br />
rang the dinner bell and we quickly found our places.<br />
20 volume 4, Issue 1<br />
Well, you know what a big tease Ralph is--although we got to<br />
eat right away, he kept talking and we had to keep stopping to<br />
clap, and would you believe he staggered out the door prizes<br />
throughout the entire evening so we couldn’t leave early!<br />
Those that did collect the door prizes were greatly pleased<br />
that they had waited, as goodies donated by <strong>Porsche</strong> of Melbourne,<br />
Dan’s Werkshop, and Brown and Bigelow went home<br />
with some lucky people.<br />
Karen & Jim Georgeff<br />
Greeters--Ron menck & linda Reiss<br />
Trina simpson & fiance<br />
Ryan Gorsuch
But there were still more goodies--We also awarded each of<br />
the advertisers, photographers, and contributing authors with<br />
a ceramic replica of the November `09 issue of Escape Velocity<br />
Magazine. More than 20 advertisers and almost as many<br />
volunteers collaborate in one way or another to produce every<br />
issue of our Heinmiller Award-Winning magazine. Although<br />
new editor Craig Kempf of CK Communications wasn’t available<br />
to join us for the evening, we’re all quite excited to see the<br />
improvements his professionalism will bring to the magazine.<br />
ellen & Jonathan Parker<br />
From <strong>Porsche</strong> of melbourne<br />
Terry murphy, Joe Adams,<br />
Christian Paul<br />
David & Kathy Kelly<br />
Rita & Ray Gettings<br />
Jack Had a lot of support in Winning the Heinmiller<br />
eileen & Bill Keeney<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
erika, Tom & elaine Gorsuch<br />
Deb & mike masters<br />
Grace Parker & Karen Georgeff<br />
Jonathan Parker introduced the candidates for election: President--Ralph<br />
Fritsche; Vice President--David O’Neal; Secretary--John<br />
“Blake” Blakely; Treasurer--Kirk Stowers. There<br />
were no other candidates and the group was approved by<br />
acclamation. Parker also informed the group that there had<br />
been insufficient time to complete the process of reviewing<br />
the bylaws to determine if any changes were needed, so there<br />
was no further business to be conducted.<br />
Ralph returned to the podium to introduce his appointed<br />
officials for 2010, including: Vice President--David O’Neal,<br />
Secretary--Blake Blakely, Treasurer--Kirk Stowers, Events<br />
Chair--Steve Hoffman, Membership Officer--Brian Reinert;<br />
Newsletter Editor--Craig Kempf, Advertising Manager--Jack<br />
Roberts, Webmaster--Jonathan Parker, Sponsorship--Tom<br />
Gorsuch; Safety Chair--Ron Menck, Drive & Dine--Andra<br />
Martineau, North Region Coordinator--Mike Masters and<br />
South Region Coordinator--David Kelly.<br />
There being no more goodies to be had and no seconds on<br />
dessert offered, the crowd began to thin, leaving plenty of<br />
room on the dance floor and at the bar for those not yet inclined<br />
to call it a year. But before too long, even they decided<br />
to go home and rest up, `cause there is no end to the club<br />
activities planned for 2010 including a monthly “Dine and<br />
Drive” and a new and much closer autocross site. More on<br />
that elsewhere in this issue.<br />
martha murphy & stephanie Paul<br />
21
22 volume 4, Issue 1
mY FIRsT AuToCRoss eXPeRIeNCe By Tom Kirk<br />
What started as encouragement from Rita<br />
Bracket and David O’Neal at the Club<br />
dinner at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club back<br />
in July, resulted in finally getting to my<br />
first autocross on November 22nd. This<br />
Lady’s Day event was sponsored by the<br />
Florida Citrus Region <strong>PCA</strong> and was held<br />
at the Lake County Public Safety Training<br />
Facility in Tavares.<br />
The activities were scheduled to start at 8:00,<br />
necessitating an early rise and departure<br />
from Satellite Beach. With a full tank of gas<br />
and a big cup of coffee, I was on my way.<br />
Upon arrival at the facilities it was great<br />
to see the <strong>Porsche</strong>s lined up in the cool<br />
morning air, like thoroughbreds ready for<br />
a romp around the track. This serenity was<br />
soon punctured by the sharp sound of gun<br />
shots as the road course is surrounded by<br />
shooting ranges used by law enforcement<br />
officers improving their aim. I eventually got<br />
used to it, but definitely did not want to stray<br />
too far off course.<br />
Unlike pictures I had seen of cones on parking<br />
lots, this was a sinuous road course that<br />
looked more like a small race track. David<br />
and Ginny O’Neal graciously lead me on a<br />
walk around the track, explaining how to<br />
best execute turns, braking zones and areas<br />
to avoid.<br />
David and others suggested that I might<br />
benefit from having an instructor ride<br />
with me, especially since this was my first<br />
autocross. There were several instructors<br />
available and I was directed to George with<br />
the Florida Citrus Region <strong>PCA</strong>. George<br />
rode with me for each of my first sessions<br />
and helped me learn to trust the performance<br />
and handling that lies inside these<br />
remarkable automobiles.<br />
Lunch was provided and awards were presented.<br />
Based on the cars with the winning<br />
times, horsepower was not the determining<br />
factor. Smoothness and control were the<br />
keys to success.<br />
That was it for the official event, but thank<br />
goodness they opened the track for some<br />
fun runs after lunch. The time clock was<br />
still in use, but no one was keeping score.<br />
Most of the participants left after lunch.<br />
This allowed me to put in some laps in<br />
quick succession, experimenting with the<br />
controls (sport mode on / off and PSM<br />
enabled / disabled), seeing the effect varying<br />
combinations had on my car’s handing and<br />
resultant lap times. I learned more about<br />
my car’s handling in those thirty minutes<br />
that I have owning it for two years!<br />
Fittingly, Kevin and Rita Bracket (my<br />
original encouragers) escorted me home at a<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
rather adult pace, making quick business of<br />
the long straight stretches of smooth tarmac<br />
between Orlando and the coast.<br />
I had a wonderful time in Tavares and thank<br />
the Florida Citrus Region for organizing<br />
such a great event. This was so much fun<br />
that I am watching the calendar for the next<br />
one I can attend and am considering a DE<br />
event in the near future.<br />
If you want to play with your car in a safe,<br />
fun, supportive environment with other<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong> enthusiasts, I strongly encourage<br />
your participation in an autocross event.<br />
Maybe I’ll see you there.<br />
2
TECH CORNER<br />
By Mike Steele, <strong>Porsche</strong> of Melbourne<br />
Welcome to a new year and a new focus for<br />
the <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region. Currently many<br />
members enjoy participating in Driver’s<br />
Education events and autocross events. I<br />
am hoping more members will join in the<br />
fun and experience what your <strong>Porsche</strong>s<br />
offer. When talking with some of you<br />
about participating in such events, some<br />
have asked about the wear and tear on your<br />
car. This article will address some of the<br />
stresses driving events place on you and<br />
your car.<br />
First, I should discuss the differences<br />
between a Driver Education (DE) event and<br />
an autocross event. DEs are usually held at<br />
a professional racing facility, such as Sebring<br />
International Raceway or at Roebling Road.<br />
They are organized for an emphasis on<br />
learning how to drive your car at speed on a<br />
race track. They are NOT competitive, with<br />
instructors mandatory for new drivers. Auto<br />
cross events can be held in smaller facilities,<br />
including large parking lots. They are often<br />
shorter driving distances, with much lower<br />
speeds than DEs. They are competitive<br />
events, and the level of instruction for new<br />
drivers is not as intensive as a DE.<br />
This being said, the stress each of these<br />
events places on your car is different. Auto<br />
cross events, while competitive, put much<br />
less stress on your car in a stock class than<br />
a DE does. Speeds typically do not exceed<br />
100mph, and each session usually lasts under<br />
two minutes. Although cornering forces are<br />
high in these events, braking forces do not<br />
build up enough heat to warrant concern.<br />
As long as street tires are used, the cornering<br />
forces remain well within a range your<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong> is designed to handle. In Auto<br />
crossing, upgrading parts of your vehicle<br />
will change the classification in which you<br />
compete. Typically as you go up in class,<br />
the level of competition goes up as well.<br />
Driver Education events can increase the level<br />
of stress on a car dramatically. However, the<br />
actual level of stress is directly related to the<br />
driver’s skill. A new driver will not be able to<br />
confidently drive a car in such a manner as to<br />
increase the stress on the car. Good driving<br />
is a skill that requires many hours of practice.<br />
However, put a professional driver in a stock<br />
car at a DE, and the car could be driven past<br />
its limits in a few short minutes. Larger<br />
racetracks can see cars pushing 140mph and<br />
beyond on long straights. Braking from<br />
these speeds repetitively for a 30 minute<br />
session introduces a huge heat load on the<br />
brake system.<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong>s delivered right from the factory<br />
are very capable for light driving at the track<br />
(read: beginner driver, not professional<br />
driver). The engine, suspension, and brakes<br />
are well engineered for durability. For new<br />
drivers, the likely outcome is the car will be<br />
able to drive harder than the driver is willing<br />
or capable of driving.<br />
For those who have several sessions under<br />
24 volume 4, Issue 1<br />
their belt, some upgrades are forth coming.<br />
Contrary to what one may think, more power<br />
or engine upgrades are not the solution for<br />
better track performance. The first upgrade<br />
most everyone does is the brake fluid. <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
DOT 4 brake fluid has a dry boiling point<br />
of 500°F. A common DOT 4 replacement<br />
fluid allows for 600°F boiling points. This<br />
allows the brakes to take more heat before the<br />
fluid begins to boil in the calipers. <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
has designed the brake pads to be a good<br />
compromise between comfort and sportiness.<br />
For those who are willing to sacrifice<br />
some comfort, upgraded pads will resist heat<br />
and fade more. Another trade-off of track<br />
compound pads is the rate at which they<br />
wear into rotors. Of course, improved rotors<br />
are available to match the track pads.<br />
While discussing brake fluid, I must touch<br />
upon the required 2 year maintenance of<br />
flushing ones brake system. Brake fluid is<br />
hygroscopic. It readily absorbs moisture, and<br />
the boiling point is thus affected. <strong>Porsche</strong><br />
brake fluid has a wet boiling point of 356°F.<br />
Not flushing the fluid can severely limit a<br />
track day. In fact, <strong>PCA</strong> events require a<br />
yearly service interval on brake fluid instead<br />
of the <strong>Porsche</strong> required 2 year interval.
The other obvious wear item from track<br />
time is tires. Tire life can be prolonged<br />
with a proper alignment, and a vehicle<br />
that spends a lot of time at the track will<br />
require different alignment settings than a<br />
car driven primarily on the street. Michelin<br />
Pilot Sport Cups and Pirelli Corsas are very<br />
good dual purpose tires that are approved<br />
by <strong>Porsche</strong> for street and track use. Switching<br />
to a race compound tire is something<br />
we discourage, as the increased cornering<br />
forces of ‘slicks’ require more upgrades to<br />
the vehicle.<br />
On February 13th, will be hosting our annual<br />
Tech Session at <strong>Porsche</strong> of Melbourne. Part<br />
of our focus this year will be on tracking your<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong>, with some club members displaying<br />
their cars. We hope to have an assortment<br />
from stock to complete race vehicles. The<br />
idea is to show that anyone can get involved<br />
and try on a track day or two with the car<br />
you currently drive. We will be available to<br />
discuss questions about track events, as will<br />
other club members who participate. I think<br />
all will agree that <strong>PCA</strong> Drivers Education<br />
days will make you a better driver, and are a<br />
ton of fun!<br />
Driver Education Calendar<br />
Listed below are the <strong>PCA</strong> DE events scheduled on tracks in our area:<br />
Sat & Sun, Jan 23-24<br />
Fri – Sun, Feb 5-7<br />
Friday, Feb 19<br />
Sat & Sun, Feb 20-21<br />
Saturday, Mar 20<br />
Saturday, Mar 27<br />
Sat & Sun, Apr 17-18<br />
Sunday, May 2<br />
Saturday, May 8<br />
Saturday, June 12<br />
Saturday, July 24<br />
Sat & Sun, Sep 11-12<br />
Sat & Sun, Nov 6-7<br />
Saturday, Nov 13<br />
Sunday, Nov 14<br />
Looking to buy,<br />
sell or even trade<br />
a <strong>Porsche</strong> or<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong>-related<br />
item? Free classified<br />
ads are available for<br />
members. Submit<br />
ad content and<br />
high resolution<br />
image (optional)<br />
tocraig@CKC411.<br />
DE with Florida Crown Region at Roebling Road, Savannah<br />
8 Hours of Sebring DE – Advanced Solo Drivers Only<br />
DE Instructor School w/ Florida Citrus Region at Roebling Road<br />
DE with Florida Citrus at Roebling Road, Savannah<br />
DE with Gold <strong>Coast</strong> Region at Palm Beach International Raceway<br />
DE with Suncoast Florida Region at Sebring International Raceway<br />
DE with Florida Crown Region at Roebling Road, Savannah<br />
DE with Gold <strong>Coast</strong> Region at <strong>Home</strong>stead Miami Raceway<br />
DE with Suncoast Florida Region at Sebring International Raceway<br />
DE with Gold <strong>Coast</strong> Region at Palm Beach International Raceway<br />
DE with Gold <strong>Coast</strong> Region at <strong>Home</strong>stead Miami Raceway<br />
DE with Florida Crown Region at Roebling Road, Savannah<br />
DE with Gold <strong>Coast</strong> Region at Palm Beach International Raceway<br />
DE Instructor School with Suncoast Florida Region at Sebring<br />
DE with Suncoast Florida Region at Sebring International Raceway<br />
For registration, fees and accommodation information,<br />
please check www.register.pca.org<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
Classifieds<br />
FoR sAle: 1 7 <strong>Porsche</strong> 14-4 2.0l Roadster<br />
1973 <strong>Porsche</strong> 914-4 2.0L Roadster, chrome yellow with black interior.<br />
All rust repaired with new panels, rebuilt engine, new Sebring exhaust,<br />
all new interior, two Targa tops. More info/photos on request.<br />
$9,000.00. Don Lykins 904-940-8779 or dlykins@bellsouth.net.<br />
2
CLEAR BRA<br />
By Ralph Fritsche<br />
Several years ago I stumbled across the<br />
concept of the “clear bra” as a way to protect<br />
the painted and glass surfaces of a vehicle’s<br />
exterior finish. The concept was interesting<br />
but the technology and local installation<br />
options seemed to fall short. A couple of<br />
years later after picking up my ’88 factory<br />
slant, I decided to give the product another<br />
look. This time things were different.<br />
An online search showed that the concept<br />
had really taken off with several new<br />
products and varieties. Similarly, the highend<br />
installers had elevated the process to<br />
the level of an art form. Of course, Installation<br />
prices reflected the level of work and<br />
effort involved but nobody could deny the<br />
quality of the results. Unfortunately, even<br />
today high quality clear film technology paint<br />
protection is not something readily available<br />
on the <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong>. A current review of the<br />
online forums made it clear that despite<br />
the improvements in film quality, the most<br />
important consideration today is the<br />
selection of a knowledgeable and experienced<br />
installer. During my research,<br />
I found that the “go-to” installer with<br />
the skill to maximize the benefit of this<br />
technology was Ryan Burroughs of Auto-<br />
PaintGuard in Tampa.<br />
A couple of weeks ago when the Roxanne<br />
and Curt Guy picked up their new 2010<br />
GT3 the topic of clear bras came up once<br />
again. Roxy and Curt plan on tracking their<br />
new car and quality paint protection was<br />
mandatory to ensure the cars finish and<br />
appearance remained undamaged. I made<br />
the call to Ryan and I quickly determined<br />
that he was indeed the man for the job. He<br />
offers a variety of clear film products that<br />
provide the consumer with options<br />
providing ultimate protection, pristine<br />
clarity or something in between. Another<br />
2 volume 4, Issue 1<br />
benefit to a wide product selection is the<br />
size of sheets available. There are only a<br />
few films that come in rolls wide enough to<br />
cover an entire <strong>Porsche</strong> hood.<br />
Total hood coverage was important to<br />
Curt. In his case, he also wanted maximum<br />
protection for the front bumper, fenders,<br />
mirrors and lights. The installation process<br />
took about six hours. Ryan has a super clean<br />
and modern facility, which is important<br />
when dust and grit can affect the outcome<br />
of an installation. Time passed quickly as<br />
we watched Ryan do his thing. At times it<br />
was hard to believe that a big piece of film<br />
was going to be coaxed into a perfect fit, but<br />
Ryan’s talent and experience made it happen<br />
and the results were virtually undetectable.<br />
Curt was extremely happy with the result<br />
and indeed the entire experience. Ryan also<br />
expressed a willingness to travel to the <strong>Space</strong><br />
<strong>Coast</strong> to perform installations here if there<br />
is interest within the club. I would highly<br />
recommend checking out Ryan’s website at<br />
www.autopaintguard.com where you can<br />
view a gallery of his work and contact him if<br />
you would like additional information. Ryan<br />
provides a 5-year manufacturers warranty<br />
on all installations and for the quality of<br />
work, pricing is more than fair. For those of<br />
you who are interested in an installation on<br />
your vehicle and the possibility of a group<br />
installation session just drop me a line and I<br />
will help set something up.
Want to Share?<br />
Escape Velocity invites its readers to submit<br />
articles and photos dealing with topics of<br />
interest to the <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Region members.<br />
If you have a personal <strong>Porsche</strong> experience<br />
you’d like to share, a technical tip, or just<br />
pictures of your car in fun places, please<br />
forward it to Jack Roberts for consideration.<br />
Articles accepted will be subject to editing.<br />
You may email submissions to:<br />
jackeroberts@hotmail.com<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
What the best dressed<br />
sC<strong>PCA</strong> members are<br />
wearing this spring...<br />
<strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>PCA</strong> gear available at <strong>Porsche</strong> of<br />
Melbourne. The new visors are now in stock.<br />
27
CoRNeR<br />
performance<br />
By Dave O’Neal<br />
A new DFI <strong>Porsche</strong> engine provides a significant technological<br />
enhancement, let alone the performance increase of an additional 30<br />
horsepower. As an alternative to a new car, <strong>Porsche</strong> of Melbourne can<br />
provide a <strong>Porsche</strong>-approved ECU upgrade for pre-2009 models that,<br />
on paper, matches the performance of the newest engine. Before a<br />
Thanksgiving DE at Road Atlanta, I had Mike Steele install the APR<br />
ECU upgrade to my 2008 Cayman S which is outfitted with factory<br />
sport exhaust. The ECU install takes one hour labor, and the catback<br />
exhaust takes two hours labor. Mike said fitting was easy, and he was<br />
impressed with the quality of the APR products.<br />
The increase in torque was immediately noticeable, with the greatest<br />
gain in torque between 3000 and 5000 RPM where most of us do our<br />
non-competitive driving. The power was very helpful on the hilly<br />
road course in Braselton. Without a dynamometer, the exact results<br />
are difficult to quantify; however, the Escort GT2 timer showed sub-5<br />
second 0-60 times – a marked improvement over my purely stock<br />
numbers – and a confirmation of increased power.<br />
Collin Davey offers the following observations on the addition of ARP’s<br />
ECU upgrade and cat-back exhaust system to his 2006 Cayman S.<br />
2 volume 4, Issue 1<br />
I had the APR UCU upgrade and cat back exhaust fitted - it has<br />
exceeded my expectations! With the APR ECU upgrade and the cat<br />
back exhaust APR claim an extra 26HP and 39ft lbs torque. I can<br />
feel all the torque gains from as low as 2500 RPM. The horsepower<br />
gain is certainly noticeable, but is overshadowed by the extra torque.<br />
One of the unexpected benefits is that the engine seems to be much<br />
smoother throughout the rev range.<br />
With only the ECU fitted, consumption was 1 to 1.5 mpg worse<br />
than stock. With the cat back exhaust fitted it is 1 to 1.5 mpg better<br />
than stock. From inside the car the exhaust system produces a much<br />
deeper grumbly tone. Idling is a really deep sound. Up through 4K<br />
RPM it is louder than stock, but very sharp - no droning or resonance!<br />
Over 4000 RPM it gets an edge, just a little louder than stock.<br />
At highway cruising speeds it sounds the same as stock. From<br />
outside - it sounds deep and grown up; very different from stock. It<br />
sounds like the sports car it is.<br />
You can check out APR’s website for more details on the ECU<br />
upgrade and exhaust system or ask Mike at <strong>Porsche</strong> of Melbourne.<br />
Collin and I are both satisfied customers.
Bon Appétit<br />
space <strong>Coast</strong> <strong>PCA</strong> Drive and Dine<br />
By Andre Martineau<br />
A young man at his first job as a waiter in a Brevard County restaurant,<br />
has a <strong>Porsche</strong> owner from Dine and Drive sit down at a table to order:<br />
“Gimme three flat tires and a couple of headlights.”<br />
Bewildered the waiter goes to the kitchen and tells the cook, “I think<br />
this guy’s in the wrong store, look at what he ordered!”<br />
The cook says, “He wants three pancakes and two eggs sunny-side up.”<br />
The waiter takes a bowl of beans to the <strong>Porsche</strong> owner. He looks at it<br />
and growls, “What’s this? I didn’t order this!”<br />
The young man tells him, “The cook says that while you’re waiting for<br />
your parts you might as well gas up!”<br />
<strong>PCA</strong> <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> Drive and Dine welcomes all of you to join my wife<br />
Cheryl and me to experience restaurant dining in Brevard, Indian<br />
River, and Volusia Counties. As the title implies, the concept adds<br />
another venue to the <strong>PCA</strong> <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> events that promotes more time<br />
to spend with fellow <strong>Porsche</strong> enthusiasts by meeting at a starting point<br />
and then driving to a restaurant. It will be held the last Tuesday of the<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
month so as not to conflict with other monthly <strong>PCA</strong> <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong><br />
events. Also, Tuesday is usually a slow night for restaurants and<br />
they will most likely be able to accommodate a club type event.<br />
Because the <strong>PCA</strong> <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> membership is equally represented<br />
in three counties, the Drive and Dine will be held in one of the<br />
three counties on a monthly rotational basis. This will enable club<br />
members to enjoy restaurants in the county were they reside.<br />
Like the waiter above I’m new at this, and volunteered for the<br />
Drive and Dine <strong>PCA</strong> <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong> chair. I hope to find restaurants<br />
that will provide good food in an ambience that is inviting. We<br />
welcome suggestions for discovering unique local restaurants that<br />
are not chain or fast food. No Palaces of Indigestion! The first<br />
D&D will be held at Captain Hiram’s in Sebastian off Route 1 on<br />
January 26, 2010.<br />
Oh, and one more thing, please ensure your car and not you is<br />
gassed up.<br />
2
coming attractions<br />
Watch our website http://sspc.pca.org for updates and more info.<br />
Feb 4-7<br />
Feb 5-7<br />
Feb 6<br />
Feb 13<br />
Feb 19<br />
Feb 20-21<br />
Feb 23<br />
Feb 27<br />
Feb 28<br />
Mar 7<br />
Mar 9<br />
Mar 11-14<br />
Mar 14<br />
Mar 19-20<br />
Mar 20<br />
Mar 20<br />
Mar 27<br />
Mar 30<br />
Apr 11<br />
Apr 16<br />
Apr 17<br />
Apr 17-18<br />
Apr 24<br />
48 Hours of Sebring. Club Races, DE, AX<br />
Targa 66. Palm Beach International Raceway<br />
Drive to Targa 66. See website for Details<br />
Tech Session. <strong>Porsche</strong> of Melbourne<br />
Citrus Region DE Instructor’s School. Roebling Road<br />
Citrus Region DE. Roebling Road<br />
Drive & Dine. Location to be determined.Check website.<br />
Drive to South Region.Location to be determined.<br />
Sunrise to Sunset Rally registration opens.<br />
Kaffeeklatschen. Panera Indian Harbour Beach, Daytona, Vero 9a.m.<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong> Parade Chicago registration opens.<br />
Amelia Island Concours.<br />
Drive to Amelia Island Concours.<br />
12 Hours of Sebring Weekend.<br />
Drive to 12 Hours of Sebring.<br />
Gold <strong>Coast</strong> Region DE. Palm Beach Int’l Raceway<br />
Suncoast Region DE. Sebring<br />
Drive & Dine. Location to be determined.<br />
<strong>Space</strong> <strong>Coast</strong>/Citrus AX.New closer location. Tentative.<br />
Sunrise to Sunset Welcome Reception at <strong>Porsche</strong> of Melbourne.<br />
Sunrise to Sunset Rally 5.<br />
Crown Region DE. Roebling Road<br />
Kaffeeklatchen. Panera Indian Harbour Beach, Daytona, Vero.<br />
0 volume 4, Issue 1<br />
ouR ADveRTIseRs<br />
<strong>Porsche</strong> of melbourne<br />
page | 2, 1 , centerfold<br />
sharpe’s Body shop<br />
page |<br />
Auto Paint Guard<br />
page |<br />
Wine’ D Down Room<br />
page | 7<br />
Brown & Bigelow (lois & Jack Roberts) page |<br />
Blake Blakely Photography<br />
page | 10<br />
CK Communications<br />
page | 11<br />
GAGe-IT-Well<br />
page | 11<br />
Roxanne Guy, mD<br />
page | 14<br />
Autogeek.net<br />
page | 1<br />
AAA<br />
page | 22<br />
Dan’s Werkshop<br />
page | 2<br />
sos Dent<br />
page | 2<br />
Atlantic <strong>Coast</strong> Insurance<br />
page | 2<br />
Taylor Custom Remodeling<br />
page | 2<br />
marino’s mobile Detail<br />
page | 2<br />
Zipper urogynecology<br />
page | 27<br />
Klubsport Racing<br />
page | 27<br />
Nancy Taylor/Prudential sterling Properties page | 27<br />
CPA Wealth management<br />
page | 2<br />
FIT Aviation<br />
page | 2<br />
Tamburr motorcars<br />
page | 0<br />
Glover oil Co.<br />
page | 0<br />
Horst seibert/<strong>Porsche</strong> of melbourne<br />
page | 0<br />
Kempf’s Jewelry<br />
page | 1<br />
Aesthetic Plastic surgery Center<br />
(m.J. Castellon, mD, FACs)<br />
page | 2
Rolex Preview<br />
Some people resolve to exercise and lose<br />
weight. Tried that--didn’t work, so this year<br />
we resolved to turn out Escape Velocity in a<br />
more timely manner.<br />
Unfortunately, that requires an earlier cut-off<br />
date which doesn’t allow for the January 30th<br />
Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona to be covered in<br />
this issue. Instead, we’ll be covering it in<br />
Escape Velocity’s electronic version, to be<br />
found on our website at http://spc.pca.org.<br />
A great benefit of this is that we can offer<br />
you many more photos there, as there are<br />
no printing and mailing costs associated.<br />
volume 4, Issue 1<br />
A great number of activities for race fans<br />
and <strong>Porsche</strong>files were scheduled at the<br />
event, so check the website in early February<br />
to enjoy and article and photos of <strong>Space</strong><br />
<strong>Coast</strong>ers enjoying a great race.<br />
1
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