Slipstream - February 2010

Cliff’s Ramblings
by Cliff Blackshear
I
was reading the January Slipstream and was so struck
by just how passionate we are about these cars.
So here is a personal example of witnessing the
passionate love for Porsche and the all out driving experience.
I was talking to John Gladwill one day recently and he said,
“You know I have to go to Sebring this February and race in
the Club Race. It is the largest PCA race of the year and it
would be so much fun.” He further explained he had never
driven that track and he just needed to get that done. He
couldn’t figure out how to afford it, but it was gonna get done
come hell or high water. He further indicated it would be a
tough track to learn in a short period of time and that a good
race outcome would be difficult to achieve. I know his driving
skills, and thought to myself, “If no mechanical problems
occur, he will do well!”
We discussed this for a few moments and concluded;
“Let’s do it!” “Why not gather up multiple Spec Boxster guys
and get our shop to sponsor a trip?”
The other driver/owners were salivating to go if they
could get away. So a plan started to form. First we needed to
convince management at our dealership that this would be a
good thing for us to do. I approached our GM one Saturday
morning and told him what we thought would be a cool thing
for us to sponsor. John then also hit him with the idea the
Sebring
following Monday. The Manager’s reply was “Give me a cost
estimate, I love it.”
So I’m thinking “Is this cool or what?” Mind you I’m
on board for the trip, going to this historic track and not
driving or owning anything. I have to pay my own way etc.
Yet I was giddy with anticipation. I told John, “I’ll go as the
team gopher.” All Spec Boxsters… All cars I’ve watched at
the track. All cars I’ve watched develop and get better. I love
this stuff.....
So as I write this, we have six confirmed owner/drivers;
very experienced transport lined up, and more, all from the
Maverick Region.
A close friend that I’ve known since childhood is also
trying to line up to go. He is a true track junkie that has huge
experience as a corner/safety worker. He has worked just
about every kind of race possible. Club DE’s, Club Races,
NASCAR, ALMS, F1, etc. etc. He currently drives a really
well preserved 1978 911SC. We are gonna call him the “Team
Spiritual Advisor.” Is this fun or what?
I’m so stoked to go witness and help wherever possible.
Now the Mavs need to do well. I’ll report the results of ‘the
Team’ efforts next month.
Ramblin’ along and still havin fun! Cliff
Start Packing!
The 2010 Porsche Parade
St. Charles, Illinois · July 3-9, 2010
PCA’s National Convention offers:
Autocross · Concours · Rally
Driving Tours · Tech Sessions
Social Events · and more!
Explore the beautiful Fox River Valley
and nearby Chicago-area attractions.
Learn more and
register at
parade2010.pca.org
Registration opens
March 9, 2010
so start planning now!
February 17