Slipstream - April 2013

Drivers’ Ed Orientation, Take 1: Park Place Motorsports
By Lori Mauthe, DE Chair
Photos by Joel Nannis, DE Registrar
Lots of space in the new Park
Place Motorsports facility
On February
23, Maverick
Region
presented the first DE
Orientation session.
Our gracious host was
Park Place Motorsports.
Terry Powell
and his team, joined by our longtime
supporter from Park Place,
Randall Johnson, rolled out the red
carpet for 42 enthusiastic Maverick
drivers. There were bagels,
pastries, coffee and juice awaiting
our arrival, as well as plenty of
wonderful scenery. A marvelous
collection of Porsche race cars
ready and getting ready provided
the backdrop for our presenters.
The presentation began with
DE Chair Lori Mauthe going
through the preparation steps for
YOU, the driver. We reviewed the
safety equipment, both recommended
and required. We had
a spirited discussion about helmets
– what’s your head worth?
Next, Keith Olcha provided a
detailed description of the technical
inspection required for every
Porsche (or other car) in the event.
Using Chris Hornsdorf’s beautiful
2013 911 cabriolet as an example.
Keith covered aspects of safety from
the front bumper to the tail light.
Many of our veteran drivers
pitched in
with their
experiences,
especially
those to avoid!
Park Place, as
well as other
authorized
Lori opened
the session by
discussing driver
preparation . . .
Porsche service
facilities,
will provide
the technical
inspection
and complete
the tech form for you at no
charge, so there is no reason to
hesitate. Keith and Lori explained
the importance of scheduling
this appointment several weeks
. . . followed by Keith’s overview
of what items are checked
during tech inspection
The DE Orientation concluded
with a summary of what happens
the morning of the event. This
is also detailed in the recent
two-part article in the February
and March issues of Slipstream.
Peter Schutz
gave an
animated
account of
what it was
like to run
Porsche AG
in the 80s
The next hour was a real treat –
Peter Schutz, former President and
CEO of Porsche joined our meeting.
(He is Lori Mauthe’s father,
visiting her for the weekend). Peter
shared his stories of his time at
Porsche, specifically how he saved
the 911. How appropriate to be
standing in front of a 2013 911!!
For the next 30 minutes, our attendees
were fascinated with stories
of how Porsche was successful at
the race track by working together,
from driver to pit crew to the factory
workers. Many left the event
with a dedicated autographed copy
of his book, The Driving Force.
He also took
time to talk to
each person
who purchased
his book as he
autographed it
Several race cars were present
in various states of repair
12 April
in advance of the event. In the
case where they may find a service
recommendation or requirement,
we want you to have plenty of
time to complete the brake flush,
oil change, tire replacement, or
whatever else may be necessary to
have your Porsche track-ready.
Thanks again to Park Place Motorsports,
Park Place Porsche, Keith
Olcha, and Wendy Shoffit for their
contribution to our successful
event. Look for the next DE Orientation
to kick off our Fall Drivers’
Ed Series.