The History of NNJR Region of the Porsche Club of America
2021
Continuing thru Covid, remarkably…
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 60th 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 1st 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!
2020
2020, the Endless Covid Bummer…a near Virtual Performance
Our two Thovson award winners allowed NNJR to “go digital and go virtual” without missing a beat. P4US Editor Petra Swift & Program Chair Shannon Muller brought prior hardcopy newsletter and live monthly meetings online attaining record viewer-ship. Incredible virtual speakers, like Hurley Haywood at Brumo’s new Museum, Petersen Automotive Museum on Wilshire in LA, were most happy to sign on to present live streaming to our NNJR YouTube Channel.
Our NNJR website YouTube channel and Facebook sites achieved high levels of social readership/participation with thousands of hours logged online.
One of NNJR’s long-time favorite meetings is Slide Night, co-hosted by Dom Miliano & John Vogt, the annual “slide night” broke all records for entrants. In past years, 20 to 25 participants was a big night. This time, because of the virtual nature and focus on Porsche only, we had 45 participants, with high-quality images submitted in the “everyone with cell/camera” era
Thru sheer determination and a high level of organization typically seen at professional IMSA events, DE Chair Thom Calabro literally willed a portion of NNJR’s DE season to happen! Grant Lenahan aptly managed to drive AutoX events
While John Vogt award-winning people-intensive rally season and summer BBQ were not to be, John invented new venues to keep NNJR membership in play, e.g. an outdoor Drive-In movie & Vineyard Trek
An astounding record-setting $24k to NNJR Charity Cheshire Home as a result of hard-work by Charity Chairs
2019
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
2018
Presentation by Ken Miller & Bob Knapik of History of Watkins Glen & Lime Rock Park at monthly meeting
DE Seminar Guest Speaker Gunnar Jeannette, IMSA racer who won 2011 American LeMans Series Drivers’ Championship; Old Mill Inn
NNJR Lake Underwood Jr (1957 Speedster) & Dan Curry (962) invited to display historic race cars at 23rd Amelia Concours; all NNJR attendees to Werks/Amelia featured in P4US (Honoree: Emerson Fittipaldi)
NNJR Spring Shore Trek beginning at Bahr’s, historic shore restaurant
6th Cruise Night continues to overwhelms AGAIN
Judy Stropus, Timer & Scorer extraordinaire during Racing’s GoldenAge, guest speaker at NNJR, hosted by Dom Miliano at Paul Miller
NNJR members attend Zone1 2nd annual Get-a-Way to Chautauqua/Jamestown, NY, birthplace of Lucille Ball, featuring tours of Lucy & Desi Museum and world-class National Comedy Center
P4US Chronicler Bob Knapik Slide Night presentation of his Porsche competing against clock on Bonneville Salt Flats, including round-trip drive to Utah
Dreyfus Rally closes tremendous Rally season organized by John Vogt, NNJR Rally-Meister
2017
Our 60th Anniversary Year! 2,242 Primary Members and 1,487 F/A Members
Noted Speakers: Cass Whitehead, head of the Porsche Sport Driving School USA, spoke at our annual Drivers Seminar. Great communicator!.
Our 60th 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 5th 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.
2016
Noted Speakers: Philippe Defechereux spoke about early racing in America at our January Monthly Meeting. Kyle Tilley, a racer with lots of experience, spoke at our annual Drivers Ed Seminar.
Our 4th Cruise Night attracted 150 cars. Lots of visiting with old friends, good food and music!After Many years, our Monthly Meetings moved to the Mountain Lakes Club after the Villa changed owners.
2015
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.
3rd 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.
2014
Noted Speakers: Brian Sellers, a factory driver for Falken Tire, races a 911 GT3 RSR spoke at our annual Advanced Driver Seminar. David Donohue and Skip Barber spoke at our May monthly meeting
40th Annual Concours and Preservation Workshop at Paterek Brothers in Chatham. John’s son Andrew Paterek has joined John and Ray.
Second “Cruise Night” held with great attendance and lots of food and fun!
1st Pinewood Derby event held at NNJR’s Monthly Meeting. Kids and grownups participated with lots of cheering!
Skip Barber, owner of Lime Rock, spoke at our October Monthly Meeting about the track and its history.
2013
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.
2012
Our 55th Anniversary Year!
Noted speakers in 2012: Brian Till spoke at our Advanced Driving Seminar; Andrew Davis, Brumos Porsche driver, spoke about driving for Brumos.
Record participation for the Ladies Day DE at Pocono.
Gala 55th Anniversary Celebration and Car Show at the Harbor Hills Picnic Grove in Mendham.
Marlys Thovson awarded Honorary Life Membership in NNJR for her distinguished service and contributions, including serving as NNJR’s Secretary for 40 years.
2011
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.
2010
Noted speakers in 2010: Ross Bentley spoke at our Advanced Driving Seminar; Bryce Miller entertained us with his racing experiences.
Driver Ed at the new Monticello race track.
Trek to visit the Simeone Auto Museum in Philadelphia.
Red Mill Museum Concours d’Elegance.
Annual Charity Auction raises $17,000 for the Somerset Hills Learning Institute for autistic children.
2009
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.
2008
Noted speakers during 2008: Darren Law spoke at the Advanced Driving Seminar; Jeff Mahl presented a program on the 1908 “Great Race;” Leonard Turner, spoke about photography for Panorama.
First DE at the new NJ Motorsport Park Thunderbolt track.
Fifth Porscherama at Pocono.
Annual Charity Auction raises $15,850 for Employment Horizons.
2007
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.
2006
NNJR awarded the Ferry Porsche Trophy for Region of the Year for the sixth time at the 2006 Parade!
3rd annual Advanced Performance Driving Seminar conducted by Ross Bentley.
David E. Davis well known automotive writer and editor speaks at monthly membership meeting to an audience of over 200.
Third annual “New” Porscherama held at Pocono to a sell-out crowd.
Annual Charity Auction raises $16,300 for the School-to-Career Transition Services of Employment Horizons.
Total primary membership 12/31/2006 reaches 2,264; plus 1754 Family/Affiliate members for a total of 4018 members.
2005
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.
2004
Porscherama Weekend returns to the calendar. First event held at Pocono Raceway and Split Rock Lodge. Hurricane Ivan submerges the first day!
First annual Advanced Driver’s Seminar developed and conducted by Bill Gilbert.
30th Annual Concours Preservation Workshop conducted by John and Ray Paterek.
Porsche Race and Rally driver Vic Elford speaks at monthly membership meeting to an audience of over 300.
45th Rene Dreyfus Memorial Rally held.
NNJR website completely revised and updated by John Flynn.
David Novack appointed to the National PCA Legal Committee.
Stu Zeh appointed National PCA Sponsorship and Public Relations Chairman
2003
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.
2002
NNJR celebrates its 45th Anniversary. 540 Members attend the celebration at the Springdale House (formerly the Schwaebische Alb) in Warren, NJ.
NNJR sponsors Zone 1 Concours and Rally. Proceeds totaled more than $10,000, which were donated to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Charter Member Lake Underwood was Honored Guest and Speaker.
30th Annual Wine Tasting (accompanied by elegant food!) hosted by Paul Steck and Dennis Thovson.
First Ladies Day Driver Ed at Pocono.
Stu Zeh appointed to PCA National Parade Committee and Director of Competitive Events.
2001
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.
2000
Porscheforus (Greg Apicella, Editor) judged first in Class 5 (the largest PCA regions) in the Parade Newsletter Contest.
NNJR held its seventh Club Race at Pocono.
First Rally School held in March prior to the Rally Season.
1999
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.
1998
NNJR is the first PCA Region to reach 2,000 members.
PCA Family of the Year awarded to the Novack family at the Steamboat Springs, CO Porsche Parade
NNJR Web site was developed by Bob Michaelson.
Zone 1 Autocross hosted by NNJR at the Meadowlands and Fairleigh Dickenson University – Teaneck.
NNJR purchased new GMC 2500 heavy-duty cargo van.
NNJR held its fifth Club Race at Pocono.
1997
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.
1996
First “Old Rascals Night” held recognizing NNJR members with 10 or more years in PCA. 11 Past Presidents were in attendance.
Car Care Specialties takes over management of Goodie Store.
Over $17,000 raised for charity. NNJR wins First Prize in the 1996 Pirelli Public Service contest awarded at the 1997 San Antonio Porsche Parade.
1995
$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.
1994
Autocross participation reaches 152 at the Meadowlands and 542 members participate in the Autocross series for the year.
1993
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.
1992
NNJR celebrates its 35th anniversary at the King’s Road Vineyard in Pattenburg, NJ
The first Tryautothon is held, replacing Rookie Weekend, and the first New Member News was printed and distributed.
A new 1992 GMC Van is purchased. The 1984 Ford Van retained for use by the expanded PX.
First Mid-winter Track Seminar for novices held at Tracey’s Nine Mile House.
1991
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.
1990
NNJR made its first contribution to Paul Newman’s Hole In The Wall Gang Camp for children with cancer and serious blood disorders.
NNJR wins Region of the Year for the fifth time!
Dennis Thovson awarded Honorary Life Membership in NNJR.
1989
Vendor Appreciation Night introduced.
1988
Charity (Chinese) Auction Fund Raising Event held for the benefit of the Seeing Eye of Morristown.
Fifties Party at the Old Mill Inn.
NNJR attends East Coast debut of Porsche Indy Car at the Meadowlands.
1987
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.
1986
A car control clinic was introduced as part of the Autocross Program.
1985
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/PaintÂÂÂ and Upholstery/Interiors contact.
NNJR Membership exceeded 1,000 with a growth of over 10%.
1984
A new 1984 Ford Van was purchased.
John Paterek honored as PCA Enthusiast of the Year (for 1983) at the Appleton, WI Porsche Parade.
1983
Dennis Thovson Elected PCA National Treasurer
1982
NNJR celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
NNJR purchased its first FM Band Portable Radios for Track Communication.
An eight page booklet on Autocrossing was published by the Region.
1981
The Charles Mulhern Concours d’Elegance perpetual award established.
1978
NNJR won Region of the Year again — the first Region to be awarded this honor two years in a row.
Ralph & Tylee Stoesser family awarded PCA Family of the Year at the Porsche Parade in Aspen, CO.
First Octoberfest event took place.
The “Kid’s Rally” was instituted for the benefit of Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, New Jersey.
Membership grew to 468.
1977
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
1976
First two-day Drivers Education Event took place at Lime Rock Park.
Membership reached 324.
1975
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.
1974
First club van, a 1964 VW Bus, was purchased and restored to running condition by NNJR members.
NNJR hosts 1974 Porsche Parade at Pocono Manor, PA.
Dick & Harriet Carlson Family awarded PCA Family of the Year at the Porsche Parade in Pocono Manor, PA.
1973
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.
1972
First Gourmet Dinner Tour was held. Membership reached 250.
Last NNJR Hillclimb at Hobo Hill.
1971
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.
1969
Open membership policy was instituted. Previous program required sponsorship of the prospective member and attendance at three consecutive events before the Board of Governors could approve the application.
The first general Monthly Meeting was held on January 13 at Norel’s in Denville during a blizzard. Five people attended.
1968
Membership dropped to 100 resulting in an examination of membership requirements.
1965
Treasury reached a balance of $746.87 and membership climbed to 120.
1964
First Slide Night was held, at the Governor Morris Hotel, on October 10.
1963
First major article on NNJR appeared in the March issue of Porsche Panorama and membership grew to exceed 100.
1962
First Tri-State Porscherama took place at Lime Rock with NNJR members participating in all events.
The Charles Fowler Participation Award Program was begun.
1961
NNJR relinquished members in Monmouth, Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean Counties due to the formation of the Jersey Shore Region. Total loss was 15 persons leaving 85 members at the end of the year.
1960
First NNJR New Member Liaison Group was formed and membership grew to 76.
The first Dreyfus Trophy Rally was held.
1958
First Technical Session was conducted and a Gymkhana Program was started.
1957
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.
Import our Google Calendar
President Letter 2017
/in President's Letter /by nnjr-pcaI just returned from our Introduction to High Performance Driving seminar where we introduce driver
ed, autocross and our famous car control clinic to drivers who have not yet participated in these activities.
The seminar was very well attended, which was so nice to see.
On the way home I was listening to the radio and the famous Janis Joplin song came on where she sings;
“All my friends drive Porsches, I must make amends…oh Lord, don’t ya buy me a Mercedes Benz..”
and I began to wonder how many songs actually reference or call out Porsche. So I started searching the
internet… (hey, it’s winter and it’s too cold to work on the car).
Savage Garden: “…So slide into your Jag, or Porsche baby,…” (All Around Me)
Joan Armatrading: “…He would die for a Porsche all covered up in chrome…” (Shape of a Pony)
Weird Al Yankovich: “…Just watch me pass that Porsche on the right…” (Belvedere Cruising)
Fresh Prince: “..We are doin’ 90 in my Mom’s new Porsche,…” (Parents Just Don’t Understand)
Someone told me that Roger Waters mentions “Porsche” in “It´s a miracle” from the album Amused To
Death.
The BAND: “…Miss Cristina drives a 944” (Welcome to the Boomtown)
Rod Stewart: “…Never gonna own a race horse or a fast-back mid-engine Porsche…” (True Blue)
Beck: “One’s on a Porsche, the other’s on a ….”
Juliana Hatfield: “…in a silver Porsche, polished and waxed…” (Road Wrath)
I then found a lyrics web site that claims to have identified 1065 song lyrics that have “Porsche” in them.
Wow, I wonder how many of them say something positive about Porsche versus negative.
So it seems that Porsche goes well beyond the car nuts I associate with and is often mentioned in songs.
I wonder how many songs reference Ferrari. Well, that lyrics site indicates only 897 hits. Poor Ferrari.
While writing this article I am simultaneously watching the last 3 ½ hours of the Rolex 24-hour race that
I recorded, and it looks like the Ferrari in GTLM just lost his engine….(oops!!). Gotta go.
See you around and be sure to take advantage of all NNJR has to offer.
President Letter February
/in President's Letter /by nnjr-pcaSo here we are in the middle of the winter, but if you check the NNJR Calendar on our web site or the Around the Corner column in this magazine, you will see that there is plenty to do with more and more each month. I am looking forward to witnessing the magic performed by the Dent Man at the workshop to be held at Paul Miller Porsche. A really exciting event will be the Paul iller Classic Car Center launch. This is a major event for Paul Miller as they will be one of the few Porsche Classic Car Centers in North America. February is capped off by our Instructor and Driver Seminars. There is one seminar in the morning for our instructors and one in the afternoon for the rest of our DE enthusiasts.
You probably know that I am a DE junky on many levels. I really enjoy being a part of our instructor team as well as participating in as many events possible with our region as well as others. Last year was a good one for me with 27 days on track. I get asked from time-to-time what I do to maintain my car and whether I have any special projects planned for this winter. The long maintenance answer is not for this column, but I do know that proper maintenance and safety checks are very, very high on my list. Regarding special car projects, I am doing nothing, nada, not a thing! What? No special shocks, sway bars, bushings, shifters, ECU tune, etc….. Nope, not a thing.
What I am focusing on is listening to lovely music (vinyl) playing on my home audio system while I am envisioning every corner on every track I drive each season. I go through each corner many, many times to ensure I have a very solid mental image of where I am looking, where I brake, how I brake, rolling my hands and the wheel, moving off the gas and onto the accelerator, and so on. I think about “bending the turn” (thanks Dick Fell) and making longer straights. The point of the matter is, there is nothing I could do to my car that will make me a better driver. I need to work on me and not the car. All this is aided by reading books written by very fast people and some videos. I do look at some data but this is something I want to learn more about: how to use data. Anyway, time to get back to turn 1 at Watkins.
Enjoy the winter and everything NNJR has to offer and see you around.
President Letter December
/in President's Letter /by nnjr-pcaWe just returned from VIR with really big smiles on our faces – what a great event! The track is amazing all by itself, but when you add three days of perfect weather (‘70s and ‘80s) to the mix, it becomes that very special. What a fantastic way to end the NNJR DE season for our members and for Lisa and myself. Special thanks to Tom Swift and the whole DE team for a great season and for leading us through a transitional year where we returned to our “normal” schedule. We have also concluded the competitive concours season. Jeff and Chris Erven did a splendid job organizing our events. Thanks to Chris, Jeff and the concours volunteers. Autocross is already on winter break. Despite some challenges with our location, Grant Lenahan and his team did an outstanding job arranging the autocross events. At this writing, rally is still going strong and social is just getting started. Hope to see all of you at the holiday party