Slipstream - July 2005

Passion and Performance
by Mike Holloway, Slipstream Managing Editor
Porsche owners typically have a unique
outlook on life. Often, they are people
who demonstrate both performance and
passion, achieving high levels of excellence
through their unique outlook, internal motivation,
life experiences and personal philosophy.
Slipstream’s Passion and Performance segment
highlights these people.
Typically, this segment is dedicated to folks who
actually own a Porsche and drive it from time to time. This
month’s person of interest owns a Porsche (sort of) and pretends
to drive it. If given the chance, he would gladly drive his
911 but his feet can’t reach the peddles to break or accelerate.
But it is not for a lack of trying, he just hasn’t grown legs long
enough yet. Meet my 6 year old son Maxwell Holloway.
Photo by Mike Holloway
Upfront and Personal with a Concours!
Every parent believes his or her kid has exceptional
skills and is blessed beyond compare. We are no different with
our children for the most part. In our eyes they are the brightest
stars in the sky. Truth be known, they are just average kids
who we get a good laugh from, shed a tear for and completely
enjoy. I will say this for Max (and even his little sister Emma),
they really like our old 911 Targa and would prefer we drive it
whenever possible. Max has every intention of racing it some
day. And I am sure his little sister will want to do the same
(just by judging how she operates her tricycle!). Recently we
attended the Fathers Day Picnic at the Casey's where Max was
taken aback by all the Porsches. Even more so when he heard
there was a contest for the “nicest” one. The following is a conversation
Max and I had. He may just become a Concours
judge someday.
MAX: Daddy, look at all the Porsches! There all different.
Why they all different?
DAD: Well lil buddy, it depends on what year they
were made and some are just different models but all are made
by Porsche.
MAX: Dad, which one do you like the bestest? I like
the orange one, no the black, no the red one way over there
(Pointing to the Cross 356 - a very beautiful car indeed!).
DAD: Ya, that is a nice one. She looks to pretty close
to mint condition. You think we should go take a closer look?
MAX: (With saucer size eyes) Can we? What kind is
it Dad? Is it fast like ours? Do he race it? Come on Dad! Stop
talking and lets go see it!!!
We walked over to the 356. Max peered inside and I
instructed him not to touch it, only to look. He went around
back and examined the engine.
MAX: Dad, his engine looks new! Did he get a new
engine? Did you get a new engine? (screaming over to Mr.
Cross). Dad, this car looks new. How old is it anyway?
DAD: It’s over 40 years old lil buddy. It has won prizes
for being so nice. Look at the awards. (Mr. Cross approached
us and told Max that he could sit in it if he would like. Max
was a little skittish and looked at me for approval.)
DAD: It’s OK, you can sit in it just don’t touch any
buttons or levers. This is a Concours car, that means the owner
has taken really good care of it and only brings it out for special
times. Now when you get out, close the door using the
door handle. (Best to teach him early on the proper way to
close a Concours door).
We then examined all the other cars. He had a tough
time deciding which one he liked the most. When we finished,
Max wanted to sit in our car. He wouldn’t leave so instead of
forcing the issue, I let him be. We have learned that when Max
has strong feelings over something it is normally warranted. I
found out what he was up to. He happened to notice that Joel
Nannas was judging the Casual Concours. Max had a lobby
and he wasn’t going to let Joel get away without pleading his
case as to why ‘his’ Porsche should win.
Photo by Dennis Chamberlain
Max Lobbying for ‘His’ 911
Now mind you, our car was by far the roughest one
on the lot. We have great plans for it but in reality it had no
business being next to those beauties! It came time to pass out
the prizes. I could tell Max was nervous. It came down to the
last prize and Joel called out my name. I was awarded a can of
glass cleaner. It could have been a million dollars to Max. He
now knew which car was his favorite, his 1977 911 Targa. He
mentions it everyday sense. Thanks Joel for letting Max believe
he had the nicest car that day.