A Message from the ARPCA President

President’s Message:

Greetings Members – By now, many of you are thinking about waking up that Porsche and getting ready for the upcoming driving season and the plethora of club social events. I know I am! Unfortunately, the Covid-19 corona virus is overshadowing events. With that in mind, I’d like to share with each of you the Club’s thoughts as of right now.

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An Important Message From the ARPCA President – May 2020

President’s Message:

Greetings Members – It has been awhile since the last update. Now that we are well into month 2 of the fall-out from the Covid-19 corona virus pandemic, I’m guessing that many of you are feeling quite antsy and are looking forward to when we can reemerge into our more normal lives. None of us really know what the new normal will be, but I am confident that at least from the Club perspective, we will be able to gather and enjoy each others’ company and our Porsches.

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PVGP 2020 – Parade Laps

2020 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix – by Ed Rice

Sorry folks – I cannot do it. I simply cannot have a summer go by without having some sort of Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix activity! I know this year’s event was effectively cancelled due to the Corona virus, but there are still some things we can do to celebrate what is our Club’s single biggest social and charitable event each year.

On Sunday, July 26th, we would have been parking on the lawn for Day 2 of the PVGP at Schenley Park. This year, that day is going to be a quiet, uneventful Sunday morning.  Many will go to services or enjoy breakfast out on the back deck and listen to the birds.

I on the other hand, plan to drive down to Schenley Park, and do an informal “parade lap” or two around the road course. Read more

An Important Message From the ARPCA President – June 2020

President’s Message

Greetings Fellow Club Members. Well it is finally here – we are, locally within our Region, largely moving to the “green” status with respect to the Covid-19 virus pandemic. Except for Beaver and Erie Counties, all other places in Western PA will be in green. This is indeed good news, since we are able to again resume many of our activities, depending of course, on the availability of the places where we would hold them. This also means we can again hold our monthly meetings in person. Our next one, on June 11th, will be at Fowler Automotive Street and Track Co (FASTCO), a great place for our meetings with lots of cool cars. I have missed sitting down face to face with you at the meetings and other events, and listening to your stories of your Porsches and other life events. The connections are important, and the pandemic really drove this point home for me.

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From The President February 2014

GUTE FAHRT! / February 2014
Brrrr… As I write this, it’s 18 degrees. But the weather isn’t slowing down our club. 2014 is in full swing and there is a LOT to do for everyone. Before I continue, I want to pay a special tribute to Bob Nickel, who passed a few weeks back. Bob was truly an amazing man. He was devoted to his family, his business and racing. He was also devoted to our club and was always a major supporter. There are many singular stories about Bob – So many, in fact, that Panorama had great spread about him last year. My favorite story is that late June of 1986, Bob and his racing crew [including long-time club member, Larry Pryor Sr.] were asked by Porsche North America Motorsports director, Al Holbert, to run the new Porsche 944 Turbo S at Nelson Ledges “Longest Day” 24 hour race. They went up against pro drivers like Pancho Carter and Bill Elliott. The purpose was to test the new sport suspension and give feedback to Porsche. How cool is that?!? We will miss you Bob. Race on! Also, to K.C. Kowalick, his family and the Sewickley Car Store family, we send our condolences. K.C. let me know that there will be a celebration of Bob’s life this Spring at the Car Store. Stay tuned…

January was a relatively quiet month. First we had our business meeting on the 16th at the Car Store’s conference room [Gracias to K.C. et al at the Car Store]. Again, we had some new members show up!!! Please be the next new member to show up… Old members welcome too. We’ve never had so many people become a part of the planning and execution of events which is fantastic. Our year will be a busy one, both on track and off… The best way to keep up to date is on our website arpca.com and via email blasts [if you don’t get the email blast, please shoot me your email and I’ll get you on the list. As always, we NEVER share our club membership information with anyone… The day after our monthly meeting, TLN [the lovely Nancy] drove us in the mighty Cayenne through an impressive lake-effect snow storm on the way to the International Auto Show in Detroit where we met VP Ishler and his bride Mary Lee. Zone 4 PCA had an early admission [7am!] to the show and we saw all the new toys from Zuffenhausen… The Targa is soooo cool. Check out the video on our site. The Macan will be a monster success… The 918 Spyder is just superb… We were allowed to go into the hermetically sealed room to take pictures [see this month’s cover shot by der IshMeister…] and gawk and drool… After the Detroit show, a group of ARPCAers headed south to Daytona for the 24 Hour Race on the 25th-26th. This year’s race was the first of the unified sports car series now called the Tudor United Sports Car Championship. I’m sure one of the attendees will get us a recap of events including incriminating pictures…

February’s business meeting will happen at Auto Palace on the 13th at 7:30p. Our Mid-Winter party will also take place at Auto Palace on the February 22nd. March will have the business meeting again on the 13th @7:30p, location TBD. We’ll be having a detailing session in March as well. Check the site for details. March 16 is the date for Formula 1’s first race in 2014. I’m sure there will be a spontaneous gathering somewhere to watch… The first ARPCA Night at the Opera will occur on March 29th. Also we’ll be having our All-Member dinner on April 26th so please mark that date on your calendar! Don’t forget, new members attend this event free AND get great prizes to come gratis to events throughout the year. And our new Social Chair / Diva, Lisa Malobicky, is planning some ‘Ladies Night’ events for the girls in our club. THAT should be interesting…

As always, I am proud to be a part of such a great club. The cars bring us together, but the people are what keep us coming back. See you at the next event.

NEW GERMAN WORD
“Friend” translates as “Freunde“

From The President January 2014

The calendar has turned… Welcome to 2014 ARPCAers! This is the time of year to reflect on the past year’s events and plan for new and interesting events for the coming year. Many of our P-Cars are nestled in for a warm winter’s nap, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do! The coming year will offer new events, new people and new fun. I have to tell you that my first year as the ARPCA President was highly satisfying. I’ve met so many new members and we as a group have come to new heights as a club. As always, it wouldn’t work without the dedication of those who plan, execute and participate in our events. So again, my thanks.

December was a fun month. First we had our Holiday Cocktail party at the Double Wide Grill in Mars, PA. Automotive theme with an ARPCA twist was on the menu that evening. Thanks to Steve Zumoff, the DW Grill’s owner and fellow car enthusiast. And thanks to his staff who were terrific [although rumor has it that they over-served on the wine…]. We had great food and drink. We also had a new kind of charity auction… Attendees brought their NOS [new old stock] and NSNS [not so new stock] Porsche and Porsche Club memorabilia. There was wall art, clothing [with various iterations of our club logo], car models, a Porsche Teddy Bear, repair manuals and dash plaques from the last 25 years of the PVGP. As my 7-year-old daughter demonstrates frequently, other people’s stuff is far more interesting than your own. We should do this again… And we raised $1500+ for the UPMC toy drive. If you have a charity you’d like supported, just let us know at a business meeting.

People who braved the weather were also able to enjoy a superb year-in-review presentation. Thanks to all contributors and Rob Hoffman for putting that together. In the 20 years I’ve been a member, I’ve never seen such a wonderful production [by any region]. Such a cool way to review a special year. If you haven’t see it, go to our web site and check it out. Also a BIG thanks to Rob and Missy for running our club’s Goodie Store. That is a major effort and I know from other region’s that we have one of the best. Our monthly meeting was held at the Zielinski manor, which is simply a holiday pictorial out of Architectural Digest. Bill and Sandy are consummate hosts and we thank them for their hospitality. Again, we saw new members at this meeting. I know I sound like a broken record, but please come out to our business meeting to see what goes on. ALL are welcome. And ALL ideas are welcome. The January meeting will be held at the Sewickley Car Store [Thanks K.C.!] in the BMW building’s upstairs conference room. The date is January 16th at 7:30p.

January is a great month. As mentioned, we have our business meeting on the 16th. On the 18th, there is a special Porsche Club Zone 4 [our zone] viewing of Porsche’s latest offerings at the Detroit Auto Show. Then at month’s end, an ever growing contingent of Allegheny Region folks are heading down to Daytona for the 24 Hour Race. This year’s race will be the first of the unified sports car series now called the Tudor United Sports Car Championship. If you’re going to that event, please email me [pres@arpca.com] as I’m compiling email addresses and mobile phone numbers.

February will be exciting as well. The club business meeting will occur on the 13th. Our Mid-Winter party will happen on the 22nd. And I’m sure that some other impromptu events will happen… They always do… Just check the web site and look for email blasts [if you’re not receiving the email blasts, pls shoot me your email address. It will ONLY be utilized for these e-blasts]. March will bring the return of Formula 1 racing with the first race of the year in Australia on March 16th. I’m betting there will be a gathering somewhere to catch the first race… Stay tuned…

With that my friends, I wish you a new year of excellence, both personal and professional. I am proud to be a part of such a great group. The cars bring us together, but the people are what keep us coming back. See you at the next event.

NEW GERMAN WORD
“Excellence” translates as ” Vortrefflichkeit “
KeepCalmDriveOn

From the President November 2013

There’s a chill in the air…  The ghosts and goblins have come and gone.  And many of our best toys have been put away for a long winter’s nap…  Fall is now upon us.  Welcome to November ARPCAers!  This month is wonderful for many reasons, but in particular, we get to celebrate Thanksgiving.  We have the opportunity to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and share them with family and friends.  I write this to you from 35,000 feet above sea level.  Those of you who know me well know that being in the clouds is something of an occupational norm for me.  When I turn off work [you know, that thing that allows us to enjoy P-Cars…] for a minute, I get the chance to reflect on how fortunate we are to have this club and each other.  Sure the cars are cool [see my column from last month…].  But the friendships developed in the club are the real benefit.  There are many instances where life tosses us a curve ball and it’s a club member who helps us hit it out of the park.

As with anything, this club is what you make of it.  You can be a casual member and participate every now and then.  You can be one of the usual suspects who attends every event.  I can tell you from 20 years in this group that the latter is a lot of fun.  I’ve made so many treasured friends over the years and I am humbled that I get to write this column to you each month.

November is an interesting month in that there are no official events other than our monthly business meeting.  This month’s business meeting will happen on the 14th at the Window System’s office [thanks to Drake ‘the Trackman’ and Beth Love Core – our club CFO] at 7:30p.  Directions on the web site arpca.com.  As always, you are ALL welcome.  If would like to present an idea for an event, come out.  If you want to take part in the execution of one of our annual events, come out.  If you want to see how we manage things, come out.  If you have nothing to watch on Thursday night TV, come out…  As I often say, nobody is not invited.  After you read this paragraph, ask yourself why not come?  It’s 90 minutes of your life.  You may find something to do that melts your butter.  A sound time investment I would suggest…

Now I said that there are no ‘official’ events aside from our business meeting.  That doesn’t mean that an ‘unofficial’ event can’t pop up…  There are many options.   LOTS of racing on TV [F1, NASCAR, INDY Car etc.].  There are movies [hope you all saw Ron Howard’s Rush].  There are great events at local businesses [Animal Friends for one].  There are 2 very hospitable Porsche dealerships who always treat us right [Auto Palace & Sewickley Car Store].  There are football games.  There are hockey games.  If you want to hook up with some club members and ‘create’ an event, just shoot me an email at pres@arpa.com.  I’ll make sure your event goes out on an email blast to the club.  You’d be happily surprised how many people will show up…

October was a full month with several fun and varied events.  We started off the month with an elegant affair [a ‘gentle’ concours with refreshments] at the Grand Concourse at Station Square.  John & Lisa Malobicky came to us with an idea a few months back and turned it into an event that I’m sure will be an annual gathering.  Well done!  It was serene to see so many beautiful Porsches on our closed street.  It’s also great to share our cars with people who appreciate our marque but don’t yet have one.  I remember being one of those people…  The following week, Melinda and Chuck Clark hosted our monthly meeting in their ‘shed.’  It was a wonderful meeting [and one of our favorite places to meet…].  Thanks again.  Two days later, our second Road Rallye kicked off in Bridgeville for a picturesque run.  Iron Jack Purvis and Frank Bunecicky created a route few will forget.  We wrapped up the month with our fifth AutoCross followed by a little Oktoberfest at Solomon’s.  Thanks again to those who resurrected and supported our AutoX program and Mike Benlock for orchestrating the Solomon’s wrap-up after party.  Still the best way to take your car to new limits in a highly regulated and safe atmosphere.

Beyond November, we have our Holiday Party in December.  More on that via an email blast while we get our confirmation date and the details finalized.  December also marks another incredible venue for our business meeting.  Bill and Sandy Zelinski host a holiday business meeting that is simply breathtaking.  If you’ve never made it to the North Pole and toured Santa’s workshop, this meeting will be a close second.  Come join us.  Again, January will bring the dawn of the 2014 road racing season at the Daytona 24 Hour race.  Let me know if you’re interested in going.  I’ll compile a list.  It’s a great event and Porsche treats us well.

Again my thanks in this month of Thanksgiving – to all of you.  Too many names to list, but you know who you are.  Thank you for your participation.  Thank you for stepping out and trying an event.  Thank you for your generosity to our charitable causes.  Thank you for volunteering your time.  Thank you for advertising.  Thank you for hosting our events.  Thank you for your expertise.  Thank you for your leadership.  Thank you for your instruction.  Thank you for your time.  Thank you for loving these wonderful machines.

So many events.  So many good times to happen.  I hope to see you there.  It truly is a great club that we have.  Please engage in it and come out to play.  Thanks for all who make our club great & GUTE FAHRT!!!

NEW GERMAN WORD

“Cold” translates as “Erkältung “

1998-Porsche-GT1
PS. I had 2 members ask me what the 1998 Porsche GT1 [which I referenced in last month’s Rundschau] looked like.  See below…  Now you know why I like it!

From the President October 2013

The leaves are turning…  BUT!  There are still many good driving days left this year!  After a very busy summer Porsche season, we now have the best time of year to drive our cars…  What?!?  That’s right…  With the fall foliage in full bloom, there is no better time than right now to get your P-Car out and on the road…  Fortunately, we have several cool events for you to do so.

As I sit to write this, I think about all the people in the club and the conversations I’ve had over the years about their cars, their motivations to buy their cars, how they’ve updated them etc.  Then the conversations typically move to their favorite Porsche.  Everyone has one…  Mine is the 1998 Le Mans winning GT1.  The spectrum of peoples’ favorites is broad and interesting.  As I was looking at the P-Cars parked at the Make-A-Wish event at Rivertowne Brewing on 9.15 [thanks again Rob Hoffman for putting that together], I thought to myself, “they are ALL cool.”  Each Porsche has its own cool factor.  From a simple 356 to a new GT3, each car has its own reason for being in the Porsche lineage.  One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Porsche himself:

I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself.
Ferdinand Porsche

Speaking of the new GT3, I just read a review in the Top Gear UK magazine…  This car is something of a revolution vs. an evolution in their story.  The most discussed element being the 4-letters that make a purist cringe: P N R D.  Yes, an automatic transmission.  No more rowing of gears.  As I’d mentioned before, I was a bit of a doubting Thomas when I first heard about this.  Then I took a Panamera GTS with PDK [double clutch – auto] around the track and became a believer soon thereafter…  Having a normally aspirated engine with power that used to only be in tweaked turbo territory, 4-wheel steering, physics-defying brakes and a myriad of new bits, this car truly states its case with no apologies.  As the TG article states, “Car companies rarely thrive by looking backwards for inspiration…”  Can’t wait to see the GT3RS…

Events in September were numerous and varied…  We had a great business meeting at Auto Palace [Thanks to Aaron and Debbie!].  Auto Palace also had a new Panamera cocktail party which was top-drawer per usual.  The previously-mentioned event at Rivertowne Brewing was well attended and raised some good $$$ for Make-A-Wish.  The Mid-Ohio Drivers Education event was a sell-out and despite some challenging weather, the attendees all had a terrific experience.  Congrats to Dr. John and his team on a successful event and a stellar track year.  AutoX #4 happened at month’s end to an enthusiastic crowd.  So impressed with our team who brought back AutoX to ARPCA.  Well done Gents!  Also, a young man whom the club has known since he was a kid shadowing his dad at track events, Alan Schrenker, got married on the 28th of September.  Congratulations!!!

October has a full dance card as well.  We kick off with on the 5th a Concours at the Grand Concourse in Station Square.  The judging of cars will simply be people’s choice [no Q-Tips in the wheel wells required…]  Business meeting will happen on the 10th at the Clark’s ‘shed.’  This is an automotive Eden…  Please come as Chuck and Melinda are extraordinary hosts.  After we drool on their cars, we will attend to our club’s business.  AGAIN, ALL ARE WELCOME.  PLEASE COME BY AND BE COUNTED!!!  Two days later on the 12th, we’ll have our Fall Road Rallye.  I guarantee awesome weather and a fantastic time.  THIS is one of the prettiest times of year to get out in your P-Car [didn’t he already say that?!?].  AutoX #5 will happen at the Consol Park on the 19th.  Never too late to give this unique form of motorsport a try [seriously, you won’t hurt your car…].  A bit of OktoberFest will occur immediately following the AutoX.  We then have the PVGP check presentation at the Allegheny Valley School on the 24th at 7p.  As always, our club will make a generous contribution because of the membership’s support.  To learn more a/o sign up for the aforementioned events, please go to our web site arpca.com and get involved…

Our P3 [Porsche Program for Patriots] donations keep flowing.  Thanks to ALL who enable the club to send a bit of home in a care package to the brave men and women who fight to keep our country free.  Michael Coyne has taken this program to new levels in finding new and deserving recipients – all of whom have ties to our club.  If you know someone in the military who’d like to receive a care package, just let me know.

A couple things to consider for you future calendar…  On January 25-26, the 24 Hour race at Daytona takes place.  Over the years, we’ve had a contingent of ARPCA folk heading south to watch.  This year will be unique with the unification of the American Le Mans series and the Grand-Am series…  It’s a nice time of year to go to Florida and not have to shovel snow…  In June, Porsche returns to Le Mans with a full factory effort.  That is an amazing trip as well…  Any takers?  The Discovery Channel’s 4-part series on Patrick Dempsey’s quest to get to and race at Le Mans is fantastic.  If you haven’t seen it, it’s available on-demand.  Ron Howard’s F1 movie, Rush, is awesome…  Finally, Kimi is going back to Ferrari.  That will be fun to watch next year…

So many events.  So many good times to happen.  I want to see you there.  And I want to see your articles in this publication!  It truly is a great club that we have.  Please engage in it and come out to play.  Thanks for all who make our club great & GUTE FAHRT!!!

NEW GERMAN WORD

“Velocity” translates as ” Geschwindigkeit “

From the President October 2013

The leaves are turning…  BUT!  There are still many good driving days left this year!  After a very busy summer Porsche season, we now have the best time of year to drive our cars…  What?!?  That’s right…  With the fall foliage in full bloom, there is no better time than right now to get your P-Car out and on the road…  Fortunately, we have several cool events for you to do so.

As I sit to write this, I think about all the people in the club and the conversations I’ve had over the years about their cars, their motivations to buy their cars, how they’ve updated them etc.  Then the conversations typically move to their favorite Porsche.  Everyone has one…  Mine is the 1998 Le Mans winning GT1.  The spectrum of peoples’ favorites is broad and interesting.  As I was looking at the P-Cars parked at the Make-A-Wish event at Rivertowne Brewing on 9.15 [thanks again Rob Hoffman for putting that together], I thought to myself, “they are ALL cool.”  Each Porsche has its own cool factor.  From a simple 356 to a new GT3, each car has its own reason for being in the Porsche lineage.  One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Porsche himself:

I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself.
Ferdinand Porsche

Speaking of the new GT3, I just read a review in the Top Gear UK magazine…  This car is something of a revolution vs. an evolution in their story.  The most discussed element being the 4-letters that make a purist cringe: P N R D.  Yes, an automatic transmission.  No more rowing of gears.  As I’d mentioned before, I was a bit of a doubting Thomas when I first heard about this.  Then I took a Panamera GTS with PDK [double clutch – auto] around the track and became a believer soon thereafter…  Having a normally aspirated engine with power that used to only be in tweaked turbo territory, 4-wheel steering, physics-defying brakes and a myriad of new bits, this car truly states its case with no apologies.  As the TG article states, “Car companies rarely thrive by looking backwards for inspiration…”  Can’t wait to see the GT3RS…

Events in September were numerous and varied…  We had a great business meeting at Auto Palace [Thanks to Aaron and Debbie!].  Auto Palace also had a new Panamera cocktail party which was top-drawer per usual.  The previously-mentioned event at Rivertowne Brewing was well attended and raised some good $$$ for Make-A-Wish.  The Mid-Ohio Drivers Education event was a sell-out and despite some challenging weather, the attendees all had a terrific experience.  Congrats to Dr. John and his team on a successful event and a stellar track year.  AutoX #4 happened at month’s end to an enthusiastic crowd.  So impressed with our team who brought back AutoX to ARPCA.  Well done Gents!  Also, a young man whom the club has known since he was a kid shadowing his dad at track events, Alan Schrenker, got married on the 28th of September.  Congratulations!!!

October has a full dance card as well.  We kick off with on the 5th a Concours at the Grand Concourse in Station Square.  The judging of cars will simply be people’s choice [no Q-Tips in the wheel wells required…]  Business meeting will happen on the 10th at the Clark’s ‘shed.’  This is an automotive Eden…  Please come as Chuck and Melinda are extraordinary hosts.  After we drool on their cars, we will attend to our club’s business.  AGAIN, ALL ARE WELCOME.  PLEASE COME BY AND BE COUNTED!!!  Two days later on the 12th, we’ll have our Fall Road Rallye.  I guarantee awesome weather and a fantastic time.  THIS is one of the prettiest times of year to get out in your P-Car [didn’t he already say that?!?].  AutoX #5 will happen at the Consol Park on the 19th.  Never too late to give this unique form of motorsport a try [seriously, you won’t hurt your car…].  A bit of OktoberFest will occur immediately following the AutoX.  We then have the PVGP check presentation at the Allegheny Valley School on the 24th at 7p.  As always, our club will make a generous contribution because of the membership’s support.  To learn more a/o sign up for the aforementioned events, please go to our web site arpca.com and get involved…

Our P3 [Porsche Program for Patriots] donations keep flowing.  Thanks to ALL who enable the club to send a bit of home in a care package to the brave men and women who fight to keep our country free.  Michael Coyne has taken this program to new levels in finding new and deserving recipients – all of whom have ties to our club.  If you know someone in the military who’d like to receive a care package, just let me know.

A couple things to consider for you future calendar…  On January 25-26, the 24 Hour race at Daytona takes place.  Over the years, we’ve had a contingent of ARPCA folk heading south to watch.  This year will be unique with the unification of the American Le Mans series and the Grand-Am series…  It’s a nice time of year to go to Florida and not have to shovel snow…  In June, Porsche returns to Le Mans with a full factory effort.  That is an amazing trip as well…  Any takers?  The Discovery Channel’s 4-part series on Patrick Dempsey’s quest to get to and race at Le Mans is fantastic.  If you haven’t seen it, it’s available on-demand.  Ron Howard’s F1 movie, Rush, is awesome…  Finally, Kimi is going back to Ferrari.  That will be fun to watch next year…

So many events.  So many good times to happen.  I want to see you there.  And I want to see your articles in this publication!  It truly is a great club that we have.  Please engage in it and come out to play.  Thanks for all who make our club great & GUTE FAHRT!!!

NEW GERMAN WORD

“Velocity” translates as ” Geschwindigkeit “

From the President October 2013

The leaves are turning…  BUT!  There are still many good driving days left this year!  After a very busy summer Porsche season, we now have the best time of year to drive our cars…  What?!?  That’s right…  With the fall foliage in full bloom, there is no better time than right now to get your P-Car out and on the road…  Fortunately, we have several cool events for you to do so.

As I sit to write this, I think about all the people in the club and the conversations I’ve had over the years about their cars, their motivations to buy their cars, how they’ve updated them etc.  Then the conversations typically move to their favorite Porsche.  Everyone has one…  Mine is the 1998 Le Mans winning GT1.  The spectrum of peoples’ favorites is broad and interesting.  As I was looking at the P-Cars parked at the Make-A-Wish event at Rivertowne Brewing on 9.15 [thanks again Rob Hoffman for putting that together], I thought to myself, “they are ALL cool.”  Each Porsche has its own cool factor.  From a simple 356 to a new GT3, each car has its own reason for being in the Porsche lineage.  One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Porsche himself:

I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself.
Ferdinand Porsche

Speaking of the new GT3, I just read a review in the Top Gear UK magazine…  This car is something of a revolution vs. an evolution in their story.  The most discussed element being the 4-letters that make a purist cringe: P N R D.  Yes, an automatic transmission.  No more rowing of gears.  As I’d mentioned before, I was a bit of a doubting Thomas when I first heard about this.  Then I took a Panamera GTS with PDK [double clutch – auto] around the track and became a believer soon thereafter…  Having a normally aspirated engine with power that used to only be in tweaked turbo territory, 4-wheel steering, physics-defying brakes and a myriad of new bits, this car truly states its case with no apologies.  As the TG article states, “Car companies rarely thrive by looking backwards for inspiration…”  Can’t wait to see the GT3RS…

Events in September were numerous and varied…  We had a great business meeting at Auto Palace [Thanks to Aaron and Debbie!].  Auto Palace also had a new Panamera cocktail party which was top-drawer per usual.  The previously-mentioned event at Rivertowne Brewing was well attended and raised some good $$$ for Make-A-Wish.  The Mid-Ohio Drivers Education event was a sell-out and despite some challenging weather, the attendees all had a terrific experience.  Congrats to Dr. John and his team on a successful event and a stellar track year.  AutoX #4 happened at month’s end to an enthusiastic crowd.  So impressed with our team who brought back AutoX to ARPCA.  Well done Gents!  Also, a young man whom the club has known since he was a kid shadowing his dad at track events, Alan Schrenker, got married on the 28th of September.  Congratulations!!!

October has a full dance card as well.  We kick off with on the 5th a Concours at the Grand Concourse in Station Square.  The judging of cars will simply be people’s choice [no Q-Tips in the wheel wells required…]  Business meeting will happen on the 10th at the Clark’s ‘shed.’  This is an automotive Eden…  Please come as Chuck and Melinda are extraordinary hosts.  After we drool on their cars, we will attend to our club’s business.  AGAIN, ALL ARE WELCOME.  PLEASE COME BY AND BE COUNTED!!!  Two days later on the 12th, we’ll have our Fall Road Rallye.  I guarantee awesome weather and a fantastic time.  THIS is one of the prettiest times of year to get out in your P-Car [didn’t he already say that?!?].  AutoX #5 will happen at the Consol Park on the 19th.  Never too late to give this unique form of motorsport a try [seriously, you won’t hurt your car…].  A bit of OktoberFest will occur immediately following the AutoX.  We then have the PVGP check presentation at the Allegheny Valley School on the 24th at 7p.  As always, our club will make a generous contribution because of the membership’s support.  To learn more a/o sign up for the aforementioned events, please go to our web site arpca.com and get involved…

Our P3 [Porsche Program for Patriots] donations keep flowing.  Thanks to ALL who enable the club to send a bit of home in a care package to the brave men and women who fight to keep our country free.  Michael Coyne has taken this program to new levels in finding new and deserving recipients – all of whom have ties to our club.  If you know someone in the military who’d like to receive a care package, just let me know.

A couple things to consider for you future calendar…  On January 25-26, the 24 Hour race at Daytona takes place.  Over the years, we’ve had a contingent of ARPCA folk heading south to watch.  This year will be unique with the unification of the American Le Mans series and the Grand-Am series…  It’s a nice time of year to go to Florida and not have to shovel snow…  In June, Porsche returns to Le Mans with a full factory effort.  That is an amazing trip as well…  Any takers?  The Discovery Channel’s 4-part series on Patrick Dempsey’s quest to get to and race at Le Mans is fantastic.  If you haven’t seen it, it’s available on-demand.  Ron Howard’s F1 movie, Rush, is awesome…  Finally, Kimi is going back to Ferrari.  That will be fun to watch next year…

So many events.  So many good times to happen.  I want to see you there.  And I want to see your articles in this publication!  It truly is a great club that we have.  Please engage in it and come out to play.  Thanks for all who make our club great & GUTE FAHRT!!!

NEW GERMAN WORD

“Velocity” translates as ” Geschwindigkeit “