The History of NNJR Region of the Porsche Club of America

  • 2022

    NNJR 2022

    Passing of Dennis Thovson, who along with spouse Marlys, acted as “inspiration” to NNJR, contributing ceaselessly to any and all club endeavors, along with mentoring club members and leadership.  Special tribute was paid to Dennis at a “Celebration of Life” ceremony hosted at a fitting Paul Miller Porsche dealership memorial

    Coincidental was the passing of longtime NNJR member and past-President (’66-‘67) Bill Oldenboom who actually recruited Dennis (and Marlys), Bill & Dennis sharing same age of 88 (1934-2022)


    65th Anniversary of NNJR celebrated in June at a Gala Family Summer Picnic at Fountain Spring Lake in Ringwood, NJ. A very special 65th P4US hardcopy print publication was designed to commemorate event thru extensive research by Bruce Zabor, Rich Barry & Bill Gilbert, with abundant historic photos included



    Remarkably, Charity set another record in 2022- exceeding $63k dedicated to Cheshire Home!  Despite worrisome inflation, serious downturn in financial markets, Hubert King rallied membership in support of a most worthwhile cause, the $63k may be the greatest annual amount ever achieved by any Region within PCA for Community Service



    DE Chair Thom Calabro continued to deliver a full DE schedule, complete with NNJR-sponsored Safety Techs & HPDE seminar, augmented by an extensively researched and well-presented article published in P4US titled ”Off-Track Excursions”- a multiple page description of available activities proximate to driving tracks which offer family members alternatives to explore while DE driver stays on-track



    Nearby in Poconos, PCA hosted its 66th annual Parade, drawing the greatest Parade attendance ever!  With abundant NNJR members attending, no surprise that NNJR contestants reaped the lion’s share (Kalahari is an African-inspired theme park) of PCA Awards, especially in Concours competition



    Rally Meister John Vogt fabled Rally Program continued to delight with full 5-event season supported by a Rally Cadre comprised of specialists schooled in fine-art of rallying, including Peter & Joanne Schneider, Erik & Pat Sjogren and Duncan & Britt Findlay… one of most popular in PCA!   Cruise/outdoor Movie Night a big hit at Flanders German Swin & Sport Club, along with 9th annual Off-Road Excursion thru NJ Pinelands, hosted by Peter Schneider!



    Concours chair Kevin Fitz successfully shepherded Concours events thru Covid with a wide-array of “How-To” You-Tube instructional videos, transitioning Program over to veteran Concours-emeritus Hank Menkes (Hank Parade Group Winner-Preparation/Kevin 1st Full Preservation)



    Capping off 2022 with a Holiday Party return to Highlawn Pavilion following three Covid years, Cindy & Tony Cristello pleased all with a Sunday afternoon extravaganza, complete with special 65th Anniversary memento

  • 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/Paint 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.

About NNJR-PCA

6 times

PCA Region of the Year

$64,000

2021 Charity Donations

3,728

Total Membership

67 Years

Active PCA Region

54 Years

Active Drivers Education

In six decades we’ve grown to nearly 3,800 total members, all sharing the same passion. Members enjoy participating in a wide variety of events throughout the year.  As an NNJR-PCA member, you have access to all PCA National and Zone #1 resources and events.
Click on any of the 
RED buttons below to access just some of the resources available to you as a PCA member.

Board and Governance

President
Ron Miguel
president@nnjr-pca.com

Vice President
Steve Eisenberg
vicepresident@nnjr-pca.com

Treasurer
Kim VanPala Aievoli
treasurer@nnjr-pca.com

Secretary
Cindy Cristello
(C) 973-699-7708
secretary@nnjr-pca.com

Governors

Doug Holcomb
Hubert King

Past President
Rich Barry
pastpresident@nnjr-pca.com

Autocross


Grant Lenahan
autocross@nnjr-pca.com

Charity

Hubert King
charity@nnjr-pca.com

Communications

John Korossy
communications@nnjr-pca.com

Business Manager
Anthony Wartel
businessmanager@nnjr-pca.com

Concours Chair


Hank Menkes

concours@nnjr-pca.com

Driver Education


Thom Calabro
trackchair@nnjr-pca.com

Program


John Korossy
program@nnjr-pca.com

Historian Co-Chair


Knute Hancock
historian@nnjr-pca.com

Driver Education Registrar and PCA Club Racing Liaison


Craig Mahon
(H) 973-875-1335
trackregistrar@nnjr-pca.com
clubracing2015@nnjr-pca.com

Publications 
Porscheforus Editor-In-Chief
Ted Dupon
t
publications@nnjr-pca.com

Membership/New Membership Liaison

Rudy Samsel
908-295-7330

Nancy Samsel
917-294-1330

newmember@nnjr-pca.com

Social 


Cindy & Tony Cristello
(C) 973-699-7708 (Cindy)
(C) 973-699-7709 (Tony)
social@nnjr-pca.com

Porsche PX 


José I DeLaCruz
(W) 201-546-1102
px@nnjr-pca.com

Rally

Peter Schneider
John Vogt
(W) 973-285-0959
rally@nnjr-pca.com

Safety


Curt Barsi
safety@nnjr-pca.com

Social Media

Nicole Callen
SocialMedia@NNJR-PCA.com

Sponsor Relations Co-Chair

Bill Gilbert
(H) 908-647-5920

dealerliaison@nnjr-pca.com

Technical Committee
Glen Ochten

technical@nnjr-pca.com

Track Tech 

Peter Miller
tracktech@nnjr-pca.com

Web Site – Email Coordinator

Dyke Hensen

webmaster@nnjr-pca.com

Board of Governors Meeting Minutes

June BoG Minutes

June NNJR BOG Minutes Click HERE to download Minutes

Nominating Committee

Report of the Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee, exercising its duties as representatives of the NNJR Membership, has nominated the following candidates to serve as officers for the calendar year 2023: PRESIDENT: Rich Barry VICE PRESIDENT: Lester Cheng SECRETARY: Cindy Cristello TREASURER: Kim Van Pala Aievoli GOVERNOR: Doug Holcomb GOVERNOR: Hubert King GOVERNOR: Rudy Samsel […]

2022 Nominating Committee

2022 Nominating Committee Appointments   Pursuant to Article X of the Bylaws, Northern New Jersey Region (NNJR) Porsche Club of America, President Rich Barry, with the approval of the Board of Governors, has asked the following members to serve on the 2022 Nominating Committee.  All of these members have agreed to serve. Janice Ernsting, Chair.  […]

Bylaws of the Northern New Jersey Region

Incorporated the 30th Day of October A.D. 1957

Porsche Club of America
Incorporated the 27th Day of March A.D. 1956

It is 2016 and NNJR-PCA is headed to its 60th Anniversary

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By Tom Iervolino

It is 2016 and NNJR-PCA is headed to its 60th Anniversary in 2017. As our historians Stu French and Bob Knapik continue to publish the very interesting and entertaining series of articles recalling our history and events, I thought it might be fun to research and write about what was going on in the world of Porsche and events 66 years ago. Thanks to PCNA for the interesting info and base material.
American automotive enthusiasts have been passionate about Porsche since the nimble German sports car first arrived on U.S. soil in 1950. As a testament to its immediate appeal, American demand ensured that over half of Porsche’s entire global production was allocated to the U.S. just a few years after its debut. Since then, America’s passion for Porsche has only grown. Along the way, “The Coolest Brand in America,” as Kelley Blue Book recently called it, has inspired the devotion of generations of drivers – and earned a recurring role in American culture.
While American automotive enthusiasts have always rallied around Porsche for its dominance on the world’s great race tracks, it is the brand’s multitude of American film appearances that helped establish the brand as an object of desire.
Movies like Risky Business certainly contributed. No other movie has ever captured the grueling trials a teenager is willing to endure to repair a beloved automobile as when Tom Cruise inadvertently deposited his father’s pristine 928 into Lake Michigan. Only a few years later, a 356A Speedster was the setting for one of the silver screen’s most romantic scenes, featuring Cruise and Kelly McGillis in Top Gun. Porsche also accompanied more eclectic couples: Diane Keaton and Woody Allen drove her brother’s 911 in Annie Hall.
Other prominent Porsche movie moments included the opening scene of 2000’s Gone in 60 Seconds where a brand new 911 is stolen straight from the showroom floor and driven through a plate-glass window, only to shame another driver a moment later during a street race. On the slower side, even Reese Witherspoon had the good taste to drive a Boxster.
Porsche has also been celebrated in song. Despite the title of Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz,” her friends did all drive Porsches. And, Joplin actually owned a 1965 356C Cabriolet that she had painted in ’60s psychedelic fashion. The car became quite famous in its own right and can still be seen on display at various art and auto museums throughout the country. Porsche also inspired Will Smith’s early hit “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” in which he tells the story of a teenager sneaking his parents’ Porsche out for the evening.
It was not long after its U.S. debut that Porsche design inspired the attention of the art world. In 1953, just three years after Porsche’s introduction to America, the Museum of Modern Art included a 1952 Porsche 1500 Super in one of its exhibits. Today, the Porsche Design subsidiary works with some of the leading brands in the world, influencing products such as high-performance ADIDAS running shoes. Another example is Tag Heuer, the respected high-end watch company, which produces several Porsche – inspired timepieces. And, with gaming now firmly entrenched in American culture, kids of all ages can race their virtual 911GT3 on Forza Motorsport 3, with the specially-designed Porsche steering wheel firmly in hand.
Fame has never been a prerequisite to Porsche ownership – but a genuine love for driving has. That is why Porsche has always created a special bond between owners, whether they are high-profile or everyday enthusiasts. Stars with a passion for the brand include the legendary Paul Newman, an active Porsche racer in the early 1970s, who also owned several models. In fact, Robert Redford once gave Paul Newman a wrecked Porsche as a gag gift because he was tired of hearing about Newman’s racing experiences. Newman promptly had it crushed and deposited in Redford’s living room.
As a six-decade veteran of America’s love affair with the automobile, never has Porsche proven its real character more credibly than on the race track. Porsche has won more Rolex Series races than any other manufacturer ever, having claimed its 58th class victory in April 2010. It has also won more GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge races than any other manufacturer both in overall and class victories. In 2008, Porsche was the most successful manufacturer in the ALMS Series.
“The American chapter of our history book started with one man’s vision and passion just 60 years ago,” said Detlev Von Platen, president and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. “Since then, hundreds of thousands of Porsches have been delivered to U.S. owners, a real testament that automotive passion is alive and thriving in every corner of the country.”
So as we move towards the year of our own 60th anniversary and reflect back 60 plus years ago, I wonder what future NNJR Presidents will write 60 years from now? Will they even write something or will we get our P4Us “magazine” in some sort of telepathic form of communication? I wonder……..
If you have any photos or material from our history, please send it to our Historians (historian@nnjr-pca.com). Thanks and see you out there.
Tom Iervolino, NNJR President

Sitting in my home office on a Friday in the peace and quiet

Was is Neu?
By Tom Iervolino

Sitting in my home office on a Friday in the peace and quiet getting some work and PCA stuff done. I am also waiting for, actually looking forward to, the pending snow storm. Based on the reports, you would think it never snowed before much less the “we are doomed” “1 to 24” forecast. I am still amazed how you can be so wrong or vague and still get paid fairly well for such performance.
I can tell you about one group of individuals that do not get paid yet work very hard and achieve a very high level of performance. This group would be the NNJR-PCA Board and Activity Chairs (BoG). Let me tell you what this 30+ group of people do and have planned for us in 2016.
Autocross: Grant Lenahan took on the challenge in 2015 and re-tooled the program with a focus towards increasing the number of runs and increasing the fun factor. Well done Grant. He and his team have more improvements in store for us in 2016. In fact, Flemington Porsche has agreed to be the 2016 sponsor of our autocross program. The season starts early with events on April 17 and May 1. One of these days will be the famous Car Control Clinic. Thanks Grant.
Charity: All around really nice people, Anthony and Nelly Wartel, start very early in the year preparing for our big charity auction in December. The preparation and solicitation of prizes takes hundreds of phone calls so we end up with wonderful prizes and most importantly a decent amount of money for our 2016 charity, Employment Horizons. I know they have a few other ideas in the works to raise money at some of our other events (50/50’s etc…) so let us do what we can to help out the folks at Employment Horizons and when you see Anthony or Nelly coming your way. Thanks.
Communications: Matt Fine who is new to the NNJR BoG is well underway taking how and when we communicate to you our members, event participants, advertisers, etc… to the next level. Matt along with others has already made improvements to our Facebook presence and have other ideas in the works. Thanks Matt and welcome.
Concours: Jeff and Chris Erven, the dynamic father and son team who are also new to the NNJR BoG, are off to a great start with their 2016 events. You cannot help but be enthusiastic about concours after spending just 10 minutes with these guys. They are crafting a few changes to expand how cars are judged as well as working to increase the fun factor along with the educational aspect of concours. As of this writing I have been to one event so far this year and I have learned so much and plan to attend more events. Not sure I will be competing with my GT3 track car but, who knows?
Driver Education: Tom Swift our previous Treasurer and now Vice President of NNJR and DE Chair (as well as a DE Chief Instructor), is well underway pulling together our 2016 program. As I was DE Chair for the last two years, I can tell you that Tom is spending lots and lots of hours in pulling together the 2016 season. By the time you read this March article, he would have held our Introduction to High Performance driving in January and our Advanced Driver and Instructor seminars in February. Next up is event #1 of 11, our April Lime Rock event. Thanks Tom!
Historians: Stu French (venerable expert of all things Porsche) and Bob Knapik are pulling off a massive effort in documenting the history of NNJR which you see as monthly Porscheforus articles. This is all in preparation for the 60th Anniversary of NNJR in 2017. Thanks guys!
Mailing and Distribution and Membership: The long term dynamic duo Dennis and Marlys Thovson spend countless hours every month ensuring this magazine gets sent and that all of us as members are properly accounted for. The attention to detail and the work involved in doing this is not for the faint of heart. Getting this right also ensures we, as a PCA Region, get apportioned the correct amount of member fees and PCA National rebates that helps keep our Region going financially. Marlys is also responsible for membership which requires a careful accounting of members, new members and renewals. Thanks guys.
New Member Liaisons: Akemi Kane and Sharon Doherty are hard at work ensuring new members to our region, of which there are 12-15 each month, are properly welcomed to the region and receive new member material. They also have a few new member welcome events planned for 2016. Thanks ladies.
PCA Club Racing: While as a region we do not sponsor a specific PCA Club Race, Craig Mahon, Past President, works to help those from our region that want to try out Club Racing. Car preparation to ensure proper classification and proper safety equipment are just a few of the topics he helps our new racers with. This is on top of being one of our NNJR Chief Instructors for DE and being a club racer himself. Thanks Craig and keep the shiny side up.
Planning: Drew Karpinski, Past President and a DE Chief Instructor, is working with all the program chairs in establishing their yearly budgets. By now this is all settled and the next step is to conduct our midyear review where we review program expenditures, receipts and check how the rest of the year looks programmatically and financially. Drew is also responsible for ensuring our Federal and State tax filings are done properly and on time. No rest for our Past President.
Porsche PX: Jose’ DeLaCruz our PX goodie master, sign maker and artist, manages the NNJR PX as well as our on-line store. Jose’, besides ensuring we always have a nice selection of items to buy at various events, is looking at what additional items we should carry in our on-line store. Thanks Jose’.
Program: Our Chair Scott Lynn has a number of special presenters lined up this year. Our January speaker, Phillippe Defechereux, was really great and Scott always has a surprise for us in the works. Thanks Scott.
Publications (P4Us): Michele Lynn is our Editor in Chief (Chief Cook and Bottle Washer) and I am not quite sure how she pulls off the layout and publishing of this magazine every month. It is a herculean effort that does take some cat herding (getting all the various writers to get their articles and photos in on time). Great job Michele!
Publications (P4Us): Knute Hancock our P4Us business manager (and a DE Chief Instructor) works every month to ensure we have advertisers which make the production of this magazine possible. He also works with our advertisers and manages the invoicing and payment of ads. Thanks Knute.
Rally: John Vogt our rally chair (and proprietor of fine cars; High Marques owner) has done a wonderful job in turning around our program where we now experience record participation. As I know how much John aims to please, he has a number of really fun rallies and destinations in the works for 2016. You cannot help but have fun hanging around with John. You da man John.
Safety: Leslie Shrem as our safety chair keeps up with the latest requirements from PCA National and manages our insurance needs for all moving car events. Thanks Les.
Social: Cindy and Tony Cristello love to throw a good party and it shows in everything they do for NNJR. It is early in the season but be sure they are hard at work in planning out and negotiating with the various venues for our 2016 social calendar.  This is on top of what Cindy does as one of our elected officers; Secretary. What a great team!
Sponsor Relations and Dealer Liaison: Bill Gilbert, Past President and a DE Chief Instructor, along with new BoG member Steve Corodemus, are hard at work in ensuring our 2016 sponsors are signed on and satisfied with their relationship with NNJR and that we do what we have agreed to do as outlined in our sponsorship agreements. They have ideas in the works to increase NNJR sponsorship which clearly creates a win-win for the sponsor and NNJR. This goes a long way to help our financial stability and allows us to put on some of our famous and great events (wine tasting, DE events, AutoX, etc…..). Thanks guys.
Technical Committee: James Coleman and Ken Casterline have really made our technical presentation and education events fun and informative. They a have fun series of events planned for 2016 which started off with a 2 part series of legacy cars in February and new models in April as well as a new safety products seminar this month. Really good stuff guys, thanks!
Track Tech: Our great team of Ed Pepe and Walter Sliwa are hard at work before during and after the very busy DE season. They train new tech inspectors, plan, manage and run each pre-DE safety tech and plan, manage and run the safety tech sessions at each of our DE’s. Wow, that is a lot of work and effort to keep us safe. You guys are the best. Thanks.
Treasurer: As a new member to the BoG and as an elected officer, Janice Ernsting is in charge of the money. She not only produces  a monthly treasurer’s report, she balances the books each month and ensures all expenses for all programs and all receipts are accounted for and credited to the proper accounts. Thanks Janice!
Web site: Jeff Cafiero was the leader of our team that developed our new and really well done web site. Thanks. He also spends countless hours keeping it updated and current. This is especially so in the beginning of the year when the region’s full year calendar needs setting up. Thanks Jeff!
Yearbook: This all year effort which culminates in our annual NNJR yearbook is created and managed by Petra Swift. This yearbook in not only important on chronicling our year, but it is also a work of art that we should all be proud of and should purchase and place on your family room table. Petra also produces and issues our monthly membership email blast. Thanks Petra.
So there you have it, the above mentioned team of people are some of the most dedicated and hard working people I know. Their mission is to make membership in NNJR-PCA special and to make our region one of the best if not the best in all of PCA. There are also countless volunteers that help each of these leaders that I too need to point out and thank. Oh yeah, did I mention, they all hold full time jobs as well. Pretty amazing in my book.
Thanks and see you out and about.
Tom Iervolino, NNJR – President, (862) 206-9610

Well, it is the day after Christmas and all is quiet in the house

By Tom Iervolino

Well, it is the day after Christmas and all is quiet in the house, except my new 180-gram remastered Led Zeppelin – Mothership LP’s playing not so quietly in the background. LOL!! Santa was very good to me this year . The deadline for my February P4Us article is December 24 and I have not even chaired my first Board of Governors (BoG) meeting yet. Oh well, I must respect the editorial calendar to stay in the good graces of our Editor-in-Chief, Michele Lynn.
Our first BoG meeting is on January 7 and it is at that meeting where we set the 2016 events calendar for NNJR. Once that is set, I will report back to you on an overview of the year and talk about some special 2016 events.
In this article I want to let you know about some ideas and goals I have for NNJR that I will seek the input on and consensus from my fellow BoG members. When I was NNJR’s Track Chair, I had two main goals; 1: Leave no student behind and 2: Enhance the education aspect of our DE program. The idea was that we needed to ensure we take the necessary steps/changes to ensure that we get all students into the events they wanted to attend and improve our trackside classrooms. We made a series of changes and with the great support of our BoG and the Chief Instructors and hence, we were successful. If you step back from the specific goals for a moment, the basic premises were inclusiveness and communication.
For 2016 and on, I want to build on those two points, but Region-wide. So here are a few things that are going on behind the scenes and in the early stages.
Communication: We welcome our new Communications Chair, Matt Fine, who will lead our efforts in establishing how and when we communicate what. He will work with all of the various activity or Program Chairs and establish what is the best way to communicate what is going on with each program in print (P4Us), NNJR web site, PCA National web site, email blasts, NNJR Facebook page, etc…. This higher level and more comprehensive Communication plan should allow everyone to hear and learn about what is going on at NNJR in the form and vehicle that works best for them. It will also better leverage YouTube and Facebook. Besides the obvious info about our various activities, he will also work with our Dealer Liason and Sponsorship Co-chairs (Bill Gilbert and Steve Corodemus) ensuring we fully leverage the wonderful and valuable NNJR-PCA “brand”. In doing this we are hopeful that we can bring a real value proposition to more commercial entities and create a win-win for them and NNJR. The better the job we do here, the more sponsorship and financial support we should get in return.
Inclusiveness: When you take a look at what NNJR offers its members, we are a 12 month full service organization. We publish a magazine every month and there is something to do every month of the year. Once we get into early spring, we really up our game and there are multiple things to do each month and in some cases each week. This level of activity runs through early November if not into December. Quite clearly there is something for everybody. So why the need to improve “Inclusiveness”? Like anything else in life, both in our private and work lives, there is always an opportunity for Continuous Improvement. We have great examples of some of the results of our various Chair-people and their desire to improve their respective program and to make it more inclusive (read: more attractive to a larger group and hence, more participation). Rally is a great example; John Vogt took our Rally Program and went from the more strict time and distance type event into more of a family friendly gimmick rally. Well, the results speak for themselves as participation went from a dozen or so participants per event to 40-50, then 60-80 then the crazy 100+ participant Dreyfus event. This is so impressive (and a lot of work by a crazy loyal Chairman). Our Concours leadership (Murray Kane and Jeff McFayden) not only increased the number of events but increased participation by making it easier to show race cars, added more wash and shine classes, collaborated with Social and held family friendly Concours/Social events, etc… Guess what? Attendance went up and Concours inclusiveness likely reached an all time high. Our Program Chairs Michele and Scott Lynn not only brought in an incredible list of Member Meeting speakers, they brought our mid-summer BBQ/Trek/Car Show to an all time high regarding participation. This event is supported by literally every BoG member and has grown to the point where I don’t even know what to call it. It is the “how many cars can you fit in a very large field” event that has great food/beer/wine and a great band. Special thanks to John Vogt who has managed to get his Mendham community to allow a bunch of Porsche nuts to throw a huge party once a year at their band shell/lake area. So, what is next? In 2016, our Autocross Chair and NNJR Governor Grant Lenahan will build on our successful 2015 program and hold more events and more runs. NNJR Autocross will also be sponsored by Flemington Porsche. Thank you to our friends at Flemington Porsche. Our Social Chairs, Cindy (our NNJR Secretary) and Tony Cristello will be looking at possibly adding a Trek type event in 2016. Treks (destination type events) have been very popular with other Regions and are from my vantage point growing on popularity.
I could go on and on about some of the wonderful plans in the works where we will be looking to improve our communication and increase participation and the value that a membership in NNJR-PCA can provide. In the end, I am very excited about the great team known as the NNJR BoG and the incredible spirit they have to make NNJR the best PCA Region to belong to.
See you out there in 2016.
Tom Iervolino, president@nnjr-pca.com, (862) 206-9160 (cell)