2023 History

The year started out in January with a Swap Meet at Eurotire. This was the first Swap Meet since the unset of Covid. This was also a great social event for many folks.

In February the club had its usual instructor seminar led by Bill Gilbert and Thom Calabro. In the morning it was for instructors and the afternoon was for all DE drivers. The club also had a New Member event at Paul Miller Porsche and Technical had a new model event at Paul Miller Porsche. 

For March the club had a Technical Preparation event at Powertech and the annual Gathering of the Faithful Concours workshop at High Marques.

April was the start of the Driver Education season with a car tech at Paul Miller Porsche followed by our Lightning DE event. We also had our annual Car Control Clinic with many smiling faces. NNJR also had our annual Concours event with the Paterek Brothers.

May started this month with Welcome to the Club which featured both a Concours and a Rally. There was also another Concours event at Englewood Porsche. There were two technical events for MidOhio and Thunderbolt DE events. The MidOhio event was shared with the MidOhio PCA Region.

Led by Grant Lenahan and his volunteers, June had its first of four autocrosses at Pocono Raceway. Lime Rock Park was a DE event. In the past this was in April but is now a more favorable June event without snow. 

There were two DE events for July, the first was at Summit Point run in conjunction with Potomac PCA and the second event was at Pitt Race which was jointly run with the Allegheny PCA. July had their Summer Sizzle Rally which started again at High Marques with its great breakfast.

August was the first of two events at Watkins Glen International. This is most drivers favorite race track. We get to drive on the track for three days in one weekend with a great dinner sponsored by Paul Miller Porsche. Rally had its Run to the Stone Walls rally.

September had its two-day upper run group Watkins Glen DE event. There is a lot of track time for this event due to it has only two run groups with no student drivers. September had its second Cruise Night at the Flanders German Swim & Sport Club. This event had a contest for the most original display of Porsche party themes and a beautiful display of Porsche cars.

October had the Fall Concours event at the Wing Spread Farms with another beautiful display of Porsches. October also had its 50th Annual Wine Tasting at Paul Miller Porsche. This event is always a sell out with different wines from and delicious food. October finished with its last two track events for the season, Lightning 2 and Virginia International Raceway.

November started off with a New Member event at Paul Miller Porsche and ended with a Winter Prep event at ID Signs. This final concours event had the most ever door prizes. The rally program had the Dreyfus Rally which was the final rally of the season. The annual Pine Barren Off-Road excursion was catered for the four wheeled Porsches (and others) by Peter Schneider and his crew.

December was our annual Holiday Party event at the Highlawn Pavilion that ends the season for the club. This party has great food, drinks, club awards, partying and get togethering with Porsche friends. A first for the club, a lady, Britt Findley was awarded the most improved driver of the year. Thank you Cindy & Tony Cristello for running this great event.

As you can see in the chart below, NNJR had a full year of events to keep the club on its toes.

2021, Continuing thru Covid, remarkably…

Effective ongoing Communication continued to NNJR Membership via enhanced Website fine-tuned by Dyke Hensen,  on-line Porscheforus publication by Editor Petra Swift, Monthly Zoom Programs by Chair Shannon Muller with technical support from husband Matt & Video/YouTube extraordinaire Bill Gilbert

DE Chair Thom Calabro delivered a full DE schedule when contrasted to pre-Covid 2019 season resulting in Registrations up 13%, increases of 17% for Students coupled with an astonishing 93% in Instructors, plus 5900 views of NNJR training videos!  Popular track adds included Summit Point (last-2008) and Pitt-Race (3-Days-22) which will continue forward in 2022

Rally Meister John Vogt returned Rally Program to a full 5-event season by enlisting a Rally Cadre comprised of specialists schooled in fine-art of rallying, including Peter & Joanne Schneider, Erik & Pat Sjogren and Duncan & Britt Findlay… all in support of keeping NNJR fabled Rally program one of most popular in PCA!  Dreyfus 60^th Anniversary Rally well celebrated, as was John’s June 27 Cruise Night also back, setting an All-Time-High attendance, along with Nov 7 Off-Road Excursion #8 thru NJ Pinelands, hosted by Peter Schneider!

Concours Chair Kevin Fitzsimmons insured NNJR nationally recognized Concours Program also back to a full complement of competitive events, augmented by his own prepared YouTube & P4US highly descriptive DIY instruction focusing on Concours preparedness; such step-by-step detail unquestionably aiding Kevin’s own 1^st Place Preparation Award for 993 entry at French Lick Parade

Not to be outdone by 2020 past-record $24k charity contribution, co-Charity Chairs Hubert & Linda King 2021 effort resulted in PCA unheard-of-astonishing $40k to Cheshire Home, a combination of Gold Ticket sales, donations to Fall-Bed Fund, and registration for May Welcome to Club Concours & Rally.  Additionally, NNJR supported local food banks with direct monetary contributions

Not quite the Committee level of DE, AutoX, Concours & Rally, Membership under the direction of Chairs Rudy & Nancy Samsel has really advanced to a plateau not readily recallable at NNJR.  Their stewardship, creativity, in-depth analysis, and in-person social interfacing is making a difference by ensuring new members are embraced and find good reason to continue membership!

DE Seminar Guest Speaker Shane Lewis, racer competing in Grand-AM, American LeMans and Rolex Series, along with 24-Hours of LeMans, Nürburgring & Dubai; Old Mill Inn- Fantastic.

P4US features NNJR Members attending Boca Parade featured in P4US, including those taking trophies in competitive events

NNJR Members participated in Zone1 Concours & Rally at Shawnee-on-Delaware

1st inaugural Zones 1&2 Boardwalk Reunion at Ocean City, NJ Dreyfus Rally concludes at Walpack Inn, making John Vogt/ PeterSchneider Rally season another huge attendance success

Highlawn Pavilion again selected for NNJR holiday party, most desirable location featuring views of Manhattan skyline

Noted Speakers: Cass Whitehead, head of the Porsche Sport Driving School USA, spoke at our annual Drivers Seminar. Great communicator!.

Our 60^th Anniversary year, was kicked off with our third Old Rascals Night “Sharing the Legacy.” Hosted by Paul Miller Porsche it was a huge success with 200 long-time members showing up! The stories were very “entertaining.”

Steve Erickson, long association with CART/Indy Car racing, spoke at our May Meeting. Steve was part of the Porsche Indy Car venture in the 80’s

Our 5^th Cruise Night attracted 240 Porsches, more than could be accommodated in the parking space. A very beautiful evening with good music, food and lots of mixing.

Noted Speakers: Dave Scott, former Diplomatic Special Agent who became a professional racer spoke at our annual Advance Driver Seminar. Kelsy Hill, Strategic Alliance/Enthusiast Engagement person for both Car & Driver and Road & Track spoke at our March Monthly Meeting.

3^rd Cruise Night was another great success.

August Monthly Meeting held at Sky Manor Airport. Dennis Thovson spent most of the night with a Navy T-28 and its pilot reminiscing about flying the T-28!

NNJR Members Bob and Lucille Knapik and Jeff and Margie McFadyen were successful at the Porsche Parade Concours in French Lick, IN.

Driver Ed tried out a new track in Palmer, MA. On a mountain top and tricky to drive!

Dennis Thovson, first Driver Ed Chair, retired from track driving at the Watkins Glen event.

NNJR raised $16,000 at its Annual Charity Auction for Employment Horizons.

Noted speakers in 2013: Andrew Davis, spoke at our Advanced Driving Seminar; Hurley Haywood, Porsche endurance driver, spoke at a Monthly Meeting of his experiences during his long and successful career.

Our first “Cruise Night,” in lieu of our June Monthly Meeting, was held at Brook Race Lake complete with music by John Ginty’s band. It was an outstanding success

NNJR held its first off-road event in the Pine Barrens for 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Second Concours on the Green, was a well-attended multi-marque Concours on the scenic lawn of a club member’s large estate.

Noted speakers in 2011: David Murry spoke at our Advanced Driving Seminar; Patrick Long, Porsche Factory race driver, spoke about his experiences driving for the Porsche.’

Meadowlands new Stadium parking lots again available for autocrossing!

Charity Auction raises $20, 280 for the Somerset Hills Learning Institute for autistic children.

Noted Speakers for 2010: Randy Pobst spoke at our Advanced Driving Seminar; Michael Keyser, noted driver, writer and movie maker spoke at our May meeting.

Last Pocono Porscherama (sigh!)

Don Yuhas – NNJR’s first 50-year member.

Annual Charity Auction raises $16,500 for Employment Horizons.

NNJR kicks off its 50th Anniversary Year with the Second Old Rascal’s Night (the first was in 1996) honoring long-time members of the Region. It was a sell-out.

NNJR celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a gala Summer Celebration and Car Show at the Forest Lodge in Warren.

Overnight Trek to Hershey to visit Antique Auto Museum of America.

Fourth annual Porscherama held at Pocono

Noted speakers during 2007: David Murry spoke at our Advanced Driving Seminar; Bryce Miller, son of Paul Miller and a race driver, and Brock Yates spoke at monthly meetings during the year.

Annual Charity Auction raises $17,800 for Employment Horizons.

Chris Economaki speaks at January monthly membership meeting to audience of 250.

2nd annual Advanced Driver’s Seminar conducted by Bill Gilbert and hosted by Ray Catena Porsche.

Porscheforus cover goes full-color!

NNJR acquires its 26 ft enclosed trailer for DE and Autocross use.

Advanced Autocross Timing and Scoring system developed by Dennis Thovson.

Annual Charity Auction in December raises $16,000 for the Work Readiness Unit of Employment Horizons.

Seventeenth Annual Charity (Chinese) Auction held to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (represent children in legal proceedings). Raised over $13,000.

NNJR receives National PCA Public Service Award at the 2003 Porsche Parade in Tampa, FL.

PNC Bank Arts Center added as an Autocross site.

Continued support of the Formula SAE project at Rutgers State University.

Porscheforus judged first in Class 5 for the second straight year.

NNJR President’s Award for recognition of outstanding service to the region is created. Marlys Thovson is the first recipient.

Christian Garibaldi appointed to the national PCA Technical Committee as Porsche 930 Turbo contact expert.

NNJR held its eighth Club Race at Pocono.

Hurley Haywood, Renown Porsche Race Driver, speaks at Monthly Meeting

NNJR completes its 30th year of Driver’s Education. First Driver’s Ed at VIR.

NNJR held its sixth Club Race at Pocono.

Porsche PX reformulated for the sale specialized NNJR-PCA logo wearing apparel.

More than $16,000 raised for charity. For the third time, NNJR won first prize in the 1999 Pirelli Public Service contest awarded at the Sacramento, CA Porsche Parade.

NNJR Membership July 31, 1997 stands at 1865 enthusiastic members.

Indoor driving event held at Speedway 17. Amid many “crashes” smooth driving won the day!

NNJR celebrates 40th anniversary at Swaebische Alb, Warren, NJ.

$20,000 raised for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp during the Charity (Chinese) Auction.

1811 members participate in driver’s ed events for the year.

Membership exceeds 1800 with 381 new members.

Bob Moir Memorial Award instituted for most improved driver.

Bill Walsh Award for excellence in Porsche related photography begun.

Membership exceeds 1700 with 364 new members.

NNJR’s first Club Race (with Metro NY) at Bridgehampton.

First Charity Softball Game with WDHA/FM.

Porscheforus (Joan Moir Editor) received the Paul Heinmiller Award at the Cincinnati Porsche Parade for best overall newsletter in PCA for 1992.

The first “Shop Till You Drop” excursion was held in conjunction with a visit to the Berman Auto Museum in Allentown, PA.

Membership exceeds 1,500.

The special Dealer Liaison Program was begun.

NNJR was awarded first place in the Pirelli Public Service Competition … based upon the Charity (Chinese) Auction Event and contribution to The Seeing Eye Institute.

Vendor Appreciation Night introduced.

The first Annual Charity (Chinese) Auction fund raising event was held for the benefit of Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside.

The 30th Anniversary Lawn Party was held at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum

NNJR was awarded Region of the Year for the fourth time.

Dennis Thovson Elected PCA National President.

Bob Moir appointed at Zone 1 Representative.

NNJR was awarded Region of the Year, for the third time.

Dennis Thovson Elected PCA National Vice President.

John Paterek appointed to National Technical Committee as Body/Paint and Upholstery/Interiors contact.

NNJR Membership exceeded 1,000 with a growth of over 10%.

Dennis Thovson Elected PCA National Treasurer

The Charles Mulhern Concours d’Elegance perpetual award established.

A used 1973 Ford Van replaced the VW Bus.

The first Rookie Weekend was held on April 23 – 24.

The first NNJR Drivers Education at Watkins Glen took place.

Activities, throughout the year, included a Tennis Party, Clam Bake and trip to the Culinary Institute of America.

NNJR was awarded Region of the Year.

NNJR celebrates its 20th Anniversary at the King George Inn in Warren. NNJR Honorary Life Memberships were awarded to: Charles Fowler (Founding President), Lake Underwood & Bengt Soderstrom

First Scholarship Program was established with Morris County Vo-Tech.

NNJR granted a license to conduct Autocross events in the State of New Jersey.

First annual Joe Reid “gourmand” tour.”

Doug Troyer appointed as Zone 1 Representative.

NNJR was selected to co-host the 1974 Porsche Parade and Dennis Thovson was named General Parade Chairman

NNJR relinquishes Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Part of Mercer, and Salem Counties to Schattenbaum Region. Dennis Thovson, as Zone 1 Representative, presents Schattenbaum its Charter.

First National gas crisis (remember those long lines to get 5 gallons).

Dennis Thovson appointed as Zone 1 Representative.

The first NNJR Driver Education Track Event took place on May 1 at Lime Rock Park.

Hard-wired head set communication equipment built for track communications.

Membership dropped to 100 resulting in an examination of membership requirements.

First Slide Night was held, at the Governor Morris Hotel, on October 10.

First Tri-State Porscherama took place at Lime Rock with NNJR members participating in all events.

The Charles Fowler Participation Award Program was begun.

First NNJR New Member Liaison Group was formed and membership grew to 76.

The first Dreyfus Trophy Rally was held.

NNJR was chartered on August 24, during the second Porsche Parade in Washington D.C. There were 30 original members, nine of which had belonged to the Porsche Club of America since its inception in 1955.

The first NNJR Picnic was held the same month and included a Rally and Concours d’Elegance.

The first newsletter was published in September and was two pages in length.

Total membership, at the end of the year, was 58 persons.