Slipstream - August 2004

Road Ramblings
by Keith Olcha, Maverick Region President
Porsche Parade 2004 was a success. Every
Maverick who helped, no matter what
they did, was needed, appreciated, and
it showed. After I took off my name badge at
the end of the final banquet on Saturday
night July 10th, I personally asked several
people their parting thoughts. The ones I
spoke to all had a great time. Some said it was
the best Parade they had been to in the last
few years. While it got hot after all by the end of the week, the
weather for the Concours and the Rally was cooler than
average with no rain. In this issue of Slipstream and also the
next I believe, we’ll have various articles covering Parade and
the many events and activities throughout the week.
The turnout was large, as expected. Hundreds were at
the Concours on Monday, July 5th. Three of the banquets I
was at each had over 800 people. I entered the Concours
and the Autocross with my 2002 Boxster S and the Club
Race in my 1993 RS America. I would have entered the
remaining two Parade competitive events- the Technical
Quiz and the Rally, but my responsibilities in helping set up
the Texas Motor Speedway and instructing in the Drivers
Education created time and place conflicts. It was all fun,
especially preparing the Boxster for the Concours. I spent
16 total hours over the course of two weeks in the evenings
cleaning and preparing the entire car for judging in the
full-preparation category. While waiting for the judges,
Carey Spreen asked me how much time I’d spent on the car.
the “Pre-Race” show before the live Formula One telecasts?
I realized that I was suffering from SWS, SpeedChannel
Withdrawal Syndrome. I had gone several weeks without
watching enough SpeedTV, and I was feeling the
effects. Wayne prescribed two doses of “World Rally
Championship” that night, and to call him in the morning.
Things are back to normal now and I feel much better. By
the way, Wayne’s 914 race car is pictured in this months
“Excellence” in the article on the Rennsport Reunion II at
Daytona earlier in the year.
On a final note, the 2004 election for 2005 officers takes
place in November of this year. This entire executive
committee is stepping down with many officers having
several years on the job. A nominating committee is being
formed now to find candidates for the ballot in November.
Previous executive committee members take the time
and effort to properly transition to the new executive
committee and help them in every way we can. Most
positions run unopposed, as well, given the volunteer
nature of this club. Please look in Slipstream next month
and contact the nominating committee. Please feel free to
speak with me about a position if you’ve got questions. In
addition to the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and
Treasurer positions, there will also be several event chairperson
positions open this year as well. Please look through
the positions and think about what you might want to do.
The positions can be fun, the time goes quickly, and the
contribution is greatly appreciated. Till next month.
“I spent 16 total hours... cleaning
and preparing the entire car”
After I told him, he looked at me and said: “You know there
are people who spend 16 hours on the 4 wheels and tires
alone…100 hours is not uncommon for a class-winning
car.” I thanked him for his support as the judges were just
moments away from judging my car and likely laughing at
my efforts. Well, in the end I scored 296 out of 300 possible
points, which is actually a good score on a fair-good-very
good-excellent scale. The last 10 points from 290 until 300
settle all the rankings in this kind of event.
While getting ready for Parade, then attending the
events during Parade week, and then trying to catch up on
work the week after Parade, I did come down with an
illness. Fortunately I was able to get a quick diagnosis from
a doctor friend, Wayne Brown. I told Wayne that something
was just not right; I was feeling empty even after such a f
ulfilling event as Parade. He asked a few general questions,
but being the car-nut he is honed in on the problem right
away. He asked me some specific questions, telling me that
if I knew the answers to all or most of them, that I myself
would realize what was lacking: First, did I know what
products the D.R. Chipper company makes? Second, what
are the names of the hosts of “Dream Car Garage?” Third,
what kind of Bobble-Head is on Dave DeSpain’s desk?
Fourth, what is the name of the doctor who promotes
“Cortislim?” Fifth, what night of the week has Motorcycle
racing? Finally, What automobile manufacturer sponsors
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