SPRING MOUNTAIN MOTORSPORTS RANCH - STREETS OF WILLOW - BUTTONWILLOW RACEWAY PARK

Celebrating the 22nd Annual Porsche Owners Club TRIBUTE TO LE MANS SPONSORED BY VOLUME 60 GUARD TRANSMISSION NUMBER 2 AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE AUGUST 2015 GABRIEL ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY

6 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: 22 Planning is Just a Andrew D. Weyman Fancy Word Mike Skinner 8 EDITOR’S NOTE: Nancy Jamar 26 Coming Full Circle Robert Dalrymple 8 DIRECTOR’S CUT: 32 Pikes Peak International 32 CAR CULTURE: AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Hill Climb Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design 10 Safety, Safety, Safety Kevin Ehrlich Andrew D. Weyman 39 Whaddya Mean, 12 Country Club Racing It’s Not a P- Car? POC Style Nielson Lawrence Kevin Roush 43 RPM: Mike Skinner 45 15 Spring Mountain Andrew D. Weyman Motorsports Ranch Jonathan Elfalan 45 The Luau on Lerdo Highway Andrew D. Weyman 16 Tribute to Le Mans Tradition Still Alive 52 BUCKET LIST: The Nürburgring 24 Hour 18 The Professionals Kevin Ehrlich Brett Gaviglio

52 ON THE COVER: Team HRG pit stop at the Tribute to Le Mans BOTTOM: Nathan Johnson followed closely by Anders Hainer — Photography by Alain Jamar Find me at the following tracks: Auto Club Speedway Chuckwalla Valley Raceway Buttonwillow Raceway Park Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch The Streets of Willow Springs GABRIEL HEAD Willow Springs Motorsports Park I’ve always had a passion for cars and photography.  It started as a hobby while I worked as a track  safety technician over the past ten years.Taking pictures of beautiful, fast cars developed rapidly into an obsession! Encouraged by friends and family, this has led to me pursuing a career in automotive photography.

Call 702 467 9253 for more information,  or to schedule an appointment.

[email protected] gabrielalanphotography.com AJD AD CONCEPT — 2015

4 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Editor Nancy Jamar [email protected]

Art Director • Designer Alain Jamar [email protected] alain-jamar.artistwebsites.com

Advertising Alain Jamar [email protected]

Editorial Contributors Jonathan Elfalan Andrew D. Weyman CONGRATULATIONS TO PORSCHE FOR THEIR 24 HOURS OF LE MANS VICTORY — THE PORSCHE OWNERS CLUB Kevin Roush Robert Dalrymple PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY ANDREW D. WEYMAN Doug Baron Michael Monsalve For most of my adult life (and all of my adolescence), I’ve been a bit of an outsider. I lived by the joke that Mike Skinner I wouldn’t want to be a member of any organization that would want me as a member. That is, until I joined Kevin Ehrlich the Porsche Owners Club. Brett Gaviglio Since becoming a member of the POC, a lot has changed for me. I’ve learned how much I don’t know about Contributing Photographers driving and cars. Actually, I take that back. I still don’t know how much I don’t know because I have no way of Kevin Ehrlich knowing. That being said, I’ve learned a lot and there’s still a lot I don’t know. Sorry, I can’t quantify it. I haven’t Brett Gaviglio learned how to do that. Yet. Alain Jamar Mike Skinner I’ve made lots of friends and this is quite unusual for me. In the past, I’ve joked that the only friends I have are Max Sluiter my wife’s friends and they just put up with me. For the most part, that’s true. Come to think of it, at most track Gabriel Alan Photography events I’m greeted by, “Is Terry here?” or, “Where’s Terry?” She’s so smart, beautiful, full of energy and fun to CaliPhotography be with. I understand why people gravitate to her. Still, I’ve made friends in the POC and a few of them don’t Porsche Cars North America know Terry. I take pride in that and consider it to be a victory for me.

I enjoy sharing the experience of racing with others and I’m somewhat surprised at the reactions Velocity magazine is the official publication of the I get. Me: Last weekend I raced with the POC and it was an absolute blast!—Them: Isn’t it dangerous? Porsche Owners Club, Inc. and postage is paid at Me: Well, it can be, but the safety equipment we use is really great.—Them: Aren’t you scared? Anaheim, CA. Subscription rate is $20.00 in the United Me: Sometimes, but mostly I feel the excitement of endorphins rushing through my body and the thrill of States and is included in the membership dues of the pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.—Them: How fast do you go? Me: As fast as I can. Club. Editorial submissions and photos should be emailed to [email protected]. Any and all Sometimes, I’m met with “Well, it’s not for me.” But there are times I hear, “I’d like to try that” and those are material accepted for publication is subject to revision the times when my pulse quickens. I go on and on about our club and the experience of racing. I’ve discovered as necessary, and at the sole discretion of the staff to how much I enjoy introducing drivers to the on-track experience and club atmosphere of the POC. I love meet the requirements of this publication. All articles, instructing new members at PDS events. It fills me with joy. manuscripts and photos submitted are without remuner- ation, with the exception of related expense authorized Most of my professional life has been dedicated to creative pursuits like writing, producing and by prior agreement with the publishers. Submission of directing. My career doesn’t offer many opportunities to work with my hands other than keyboarding and original material constitutes a perpetual, nonexclusive occasionally moving a prop or set piece (yes, I know, union violation). I really look forward to prepping for license for the Porsche Owners Club, Inc. to print and/ track events. Tires, brake pads, rotors, oil changes, nut and bolt checks, and so on have all become newfound or reproduce in any manner, and for any purpose, said pleasures for me. I love working on my car prior to getting it to the track and having to clean grease from material. under my fingernails. As a matter of fact, I’ve even toyed with the idea of enrolling in a few courses about Address change: Please give four weeks notice. Send mechanics and car repair. an address label from a recent issue or flyer to aid in I never saw myself serving on the Board of Directors let alone as President for the past three years. I’ve changing your address. Mail address changes to: volunteered to perform many tasks for the club and was awarded a Service points Championship a few years Porsche Owners Club, Box 727, 14252 Culver Drive, ago. Because I’m in a leadership role in my work, the furthest thing from my mind was taking on more Suite A, Irvine, CA 92604. responsibilities. Who new that they could be so rewarding? POSTMASTER: PLEASE SEND FORM 3579 TO: I could go on and on about how much I love being a member of the POC. Changes, challenges, and PORSCHE OWNERS CLUB Championship Points have become a big part of my life. I hope you enjoy all our club has to offer and 14252 CULVER DRIVE #A BOX 727, IRVINE, CA 92604 volunteer to help wherever help is needed. The more you give, the more you get. Velocity is circulated as a benefit of membership in the See you at the track! Porsche Owners Club, through select certified technical outlets, at select Porsche dealerships, and at events nationwide.

6 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 7 DIRECTOR’S CUT PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

EDITOR’S NOTE BY NANCY JAMAR

This issue brings together all the best the club has to offer: great event coverage, perspectives on the sport, its challenges and rewards, and superb content that broadens the scope of your publication.

Along with coverage from the Tribute and several other events (including mixing it up with other marques at The Streets) Velocity launches three new features in this issue. One you see directly across the page. Director’s Cut, a glimpse into the world of automo- tive content production, will feature a Television producer Robert Dalrymple (left) with professional driver Rhys Millen on the set of their snapshot from Robert Dalrymple, who most recent adventure — Pikes Peak Summit, Colorado. will be sending us postcards from the edge for each issue. Next, we take a tour of Pasadena’s Art Center automo- tive design program via Car Culture, NEW PRODUCTS AJD AD CONCEPT — 2015 where we learn about the long standing tradition of California- bred designers and the impact they have had on the Early Porsche 911 Classic Dashboard From Tarett Engineering concepts and designs of the marque we love. Lastly, Bucket List takes us Tarett Engineering designs and manufactures high performance suspension components for club and professional auto racing. Utiliz- on a trip to Nurburgring’s 24 hour ing aircraft quality materials, Tarett holds their products to the highest quality standards to provide customers with products they can contest, as seen firsthand through the depend on to last and perform up to and beyond their expectations, all at reasonable prices. eyes of Kevin Erlich.

As you move through the magazine COMPETITION WHEEL STUDS BRAKE CALIPER STUD KIT this issue, you’ll get perspectives on These are by far the highest quality wheel studs on Upgrade your 986/996/987/997/981/991 everything from the superb training the market today. Made from aerospace quality cars with this Cup style brake caliper stud new drivers receive from the POC, to 4340AQ chrome moly steel, and heat treated for kit. A must have item for both club and maximum strength.The threads are rolled for ad- pro racing. Factory bolts will quickly strip what it is like collaborating with a pro- ditional strength. The result is a no-compromise out threads in expensive wheel uprights, fessional driver in an endurance race. NASCAR quality competition wheel stud that is a result of removing calipers for mainte- And if the magazine feels heftier in highly resistant to wear and damage. The extend- nance. These Cup style caliper studs will ed bullet nose holds lug nuts in place and guides eliminate this problem and quickly pay hand, that’s because it is. With a com- them on with no chance of cross threading. With for themselves. They also allow for quicker pact publishing schedule of just two a 14.7mm shoulder design to seat precisely and and easier caliper installation by guiding issue this year, your board of directors Porsche Classic is reproducing the dashboard of the early 911, years 1969 to 1975. The fluted firmly on the hub, they are finished with a zinc the calipers into position. Manufactured texture and tactile feel, gloss and degree of black are identical to the original. Extensive testing has added eight pages of content to phosphate and oil coating to prevent oxidation from aerospace quality 17-4 PH stainless assured 100 percent fit precision and quality even under harsh climate conditions. The dashboard this issue, and we hope you will enjoy and provide consistent torque values and loading. steel for high strength and corrosion re- also contains the loudspeaker cover, and can be installed by removing the windshield. turning each and every page. Pre-applied anaerobic micro-encapsulated adhe- sistance. One kit includes four studs, nuts, sive to hub end threads; used to convert all 1997 and washers, complete for one axle. Two The new part can be ordered from any Porsche dealer. To facilitate care and restoration of classic Our thanks go out to everyone who to 2013 Porsche 986/996/987/997/991/981 to a kits required for front and rear axles. vehicles, Porsche is building its international dealership and service network to around 100 Porsche contributed to this issue and made studded hub design. 20 required per car. it quite possibly the best ever. Classic partners over the next several years. This allows Porsche to integrate maintenance and preserve the value of both new and old cars into an innovative service concept. www.tarett.com [email protected] 858-674-5573

8 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 9 RACING GOES SAFER SEMINAR ­— LONG BEACH APRIL18, 2015 (communication, ventilation). Be sure to keep Indy driver Oriel Servia, now driving in Formula your helmet liner in good condition and replace E, shared that he was involved in a 200 1 crash at your HANS tether after significant on-track con- Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. He was not wearing tact. Replace your helmet following an incident a HANS device and was very, very lucky. Upon involving impact. Protect your helmet from being impact, he heard a crack in his neck and had an dropped. Most approved helmets can maintain intense headache that progressively got worse. their integrity after a fall but it’s also possible to It turned out that being tied too tightly to the compromise the helmet’s strength. Replace your body board during aerial evacuation caused his helmet after five years of use. The difference- be intensifying headache. He recovered quickly tween SA 2010 and SA 2015 helmets is very slight. and is grateful for his HANS every time he gets For most applications, SA 2010 is acceptable and behind the wheel of his racecar. bargains can be had on SA 2010 models. Mr. Becker closed by saying that racing is dangerous “Nitro” Joe Powell brought a unique perspective and there are no guarantees. to the seminar. Both funny car driver and track EMSC, he’s seen it all. He drives a 200mph funny Hector Cademartori pointed out that drivers are car, and his EMS team have provided emergency required to follow FIA safety rules for the La Car- medical and fire suppression services for multiple rera Panamerica Race. The race is run on public racing organizations. Noting that most signif- roads and weaves through many remote locations. icant injuries occur on track rental days, more It’s been run since 1988 and usually has about structured organizations like the POC enjoy safer Over half a century ago, Yves Morizot established Stand 21 100 drivers competing for a podium finish. Five on-track events. He, too, emphasized staying in in the city of Dijon, France. His vision made Stand 21 the safety cars drive among the racers to spot trouble. your car after a crash, unless the vehicle is on fire. world leader in head to toe, made-to-measure racing gear. SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY. With 150 employees worldwide, Stand 21 products are hand BY ANDREW D. WEYMAN Helicopters patrol the more remote mountain- Request that EMTs stay with you awhile after an crafted within it’s own factories, exceeding the most rigorous ous areas and are outfitted to perform medical incident, even if you choose to say that you’re safety and medical standards required by the Federation services if required. okay. Stay fit, healthy, and use the best safety International de l’Automobile. Question: How can racing be made safer? transitioned to the first speaker, Larry Dixon. Be sure to buy from a reputable source. Lastly, equipment available. Answer: The Stand 21 Safety Foundation’s 4th proper alignment of harnesses is critical. Properly Martin Christensen, off-road racer and owner Annual RACING GOES SAFER Seminar at the Larry is a three-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion installed, three-inch webbing breaks at 10,000 of All German Motorsports, started out riding Dr. Jacques Dallaire focused on prime performance I had the opportunity to address the crowd and Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach presented on who refers to himself as a “stunt guy.” It’s hard to lbs. Three-inch webbing that is out-of-alignment motorcycles and went on to race cars. He pointed and distracted driving. Dr. Dallaire specializes in share my passion for the POC. Making the points Saturday, April 18th, 2015 from 9am-noon at the believe that he first used a HANS device in 2001. breaks at 2,500lbs. That is a huge difference when out that something as simple as the proper location using the mind to maximize performance. How that we focus on driver development and racing, Long Beach Convention Center. He survived a crash at 300 mph during a Memphis involved in an on-track incident. of a mounted fire extinguisher or a fuel cutoff you think and process information influences how I stressed our safety record and various levels of competition in 2000 when he sustained forces of switch can make a huge difference in keeping a you drive. Make fewer mistakes and you won’t competition: Performance Driving Series, Time Safety, safety, safety. You hear about it all the 109g and significant injuries. He was lucky. Better Dr. Edward Potkanowicz, Assistant Professor of driver safer. The fire pull placement should be have to rely on your safety equipment. Your best Attack and Club Racing. The Porsche Owners Club time. As a driver you accept that racing can be prepared in Gainesville in 2015, use of his 7-point Exercise Physiology at Ohio Northern Univer- accessible to both the off-road driver and the nav- driving performance is a combination of your skill prides itself on providing a safe, fun experience a dangerous sport, but how can you mitigate the harness, the addition of side panels on the vehicle sity, addressed the challenge of human thermal igator. It’s also a good idea to practice getting out set and your mindset. Your results are dependent on the track. Our corner workers and safety crews chances of a catastrophic crash? You rely on the frame and improved roll cage padding kept him regulation. In other words, heat stress. The heat of your racecar to simulate an emergency escape. upon your talent, skills, experience, commitment are top-notch pros. We are constantly reviewing cocoon of strength and integrity provided by the better protected as he traveled 400 feet after the of competition is the stress that you, as a driver, Practice taking one deep breath and getting out and effort as well as factors you cannot control, i.e. and revising our safety requirements. Technolog- powerful machine surrounding you, but what nose of his dragster disintegrated. Check out his experience. The hotter you get, the faster you get of your car before you need to inhale again. Plan equipment, regulations, weather and competitors. ical safety systems integrated into newer cars are about the variable of your most vulnerable and crashes on YouTube. His use of safety equipment hot. Dr. Potkanowicz covered the many effects to stay in your car after a crash unless it’s on fire. Stay focused on the process, not those things out becoming more sophisticated with every model valuable asset? I’m referring to you, the driver. speaks for itself. of heat on driver performance including the Mr. Christensen also demonstrated proper helmet of your control. The mind can only process one year. They are designed to keep occupants safer. The seminar focused on all aspects of safety, functioning of the cardiovascular system, energy removal after an incident involving impact and thought at a time. Multi-tasking is a shift in pro- Keep in mind that even with all that science and and I hope you’ll be able to takeaway a few Mike Hurst, Technical Manager of the SFI Founda- metabolism, as well as psychomotor and cognitive possible injury. Using the new, unique to Stand 21 cessing. Imagery travels the same neural pathways technology, the one big variable is you, the driver. meaningful lessons after reading this. tion, spoke specifically about the importance of ap- processes. Pre-event hydration is critical. Con- Lid Lifter balaclava with side-pull design, he was as actual movement. Your dominant thought Bring your best game. Stay focused on your propriate undergarments. Mike was involved with suming beverages that contain salt or eating salted able to remove a helmet without any stress to the determines your emotions and performance. performance. Be sure your safety equipment is in Yves Morizot, President of the Stand 21 Safety significant testing of cotton and polyester shirts snacks help the body to retain water. Whenever wearer’s head, neck, or spine. It is fully SFI and The key isn’t to focus more; it’s to focus correctly. good repair and up-to-date. You are responsible Foundation is obsessed with safety. Hey, let’s while worn under driving suits. While wearing an possible, hydrate during the event. Post-event, FIA approved and in stock at Stand 21 in Costa Remain in control. Ask yourself, what are your for your safety and that of your fellow competi- face it, the more of us out on the track, the more SFI 3.2/5 driving suit, it takes a mere 10.8 seconds replace electrolyte loss and be sure to rehydrate. Mesa. I highly suggest purchasing one when your qualities when you do your best work? Use those tors. Look out for one another, put your foot on potential customers for Stand 21! But the Safety to sustain second degree burns. With a Nomex un- A good indicator of proper hydration is clear current balaclava needs replacement. qualities on the track. the throttle and have a great time! l Foundation is a lot more than that. It is truly dershirt, you are protected for 16 seconds. Polyester urine. Dr. Potkanowicz distributed urine color dedicated to making racing safer for all of us. or cotton shirts and underwear will stick to the charts to be used as a reference guide to keep The seminar panel consisted of a diverse group skin when heat-stressed. Peeling them off means track of hydration. Additionally, it has been of experts from various areas of motorsport. peeling off your skin with them. Ouch. In short, shown that wearing long underwear helps keep When I was contacted to be a panelist representing wear Nomex undergarments. They’ll save your you cooler. Make sure it’s Nomex! the Porsche Owners Club, I was both very flattered skin. Also to be considered are Nomex bras for and a little bit intimidated. women drivers. The fabrics and under wires used Ed Becker, Executive Director and Chief Engineer in conventional bras can be extremely dangerous. of the Snell Memorial Foundation discussed crash Don Taylor, Secretary of the Foundation, intro- Women can be custom fit for Nomex bras and they helmet standards. The Foundation was formed duced Yves to the crowd of over 100 attendees are highly recommended. Mike mentioned there in 1957 in memory or Pete Snell, who died in a from all disciplines of motorsport. Yves, known are no statistics to support the belief that balaclavas crash while wearing the standard helmet of that for his ability to talk passionately about any covering the mouth are better than those that don’t time, little more than a leather cap and goggles. subject at hand, did not disappoint. He was but it is widely accepted that they most likely offer He stressed that a safe helmet should provide informative, entertaining (and sometimes difficult better protection for the lungs. proper head protection, taking into account to understand) as he moved seamlessly from impact (load spreading and stopping distance), English to French. All part of his charm. Don Mike also touched upon fraudulent labeling of flame resistance, visual field, frontal head restraint displayed his skill in wrangling Yves and skillfully FIA and SFI rated garments. It is a huge problem. (e.g. HANS), fit comfort, and operational utility

10 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 11 Membership in Club Spring Mountain is available at different levels, the most general of which requires a one time initiation fee of $15,000, a monthly fee of $200, and a day-use fee of $60. This “Classic Membership” grants a minimum of 10 available track days a month including three weekends.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Orange race is on with drivers Jim Steedman, Michael Takaki, Kip Waterhouse, Jerry Hoffman, Blake Troester, John Heldman (using his door as a braking device) , Paul Young and Steve Vandecar. Chris Vivolo at speed. John Gordon with Tom Mueller all over his rearview mirror. Brett Gaviglio flying low.

SPRING MOUNTAIN MOTORSPORTS RANCH Upon arrival, POC drivers and favorite adult beverage. This always Monsalve, Marty Mehterian, and of the races. On a couple occasions, friends were shown a warm welcome assists in washing down some of the Dwain Dement. When time permit- cars that were running third or by SMMR track workers, and after competitors’ stories of performance ted, they worked on developing the fourth would get clean runs out of COUNTRY CLUB RACING a relatively easy tow, all things con- in events gone by. These were unusual next generation of POC racers. Add- sections behind drivers going side by sidered. The drive even offered some circumstances (not the stories), as ing the 19 Lotus Cup Racers running side, and would get by both ahead, interesting “Badlands” type geology/ most often we have a Friday test day in their own sessions and races, and to the lead. Monsalve was able to POC STYLE topography if one took the lonely associated with a new or far-off venue. a resurgent time attack group of 38 do just that in Saturday’s race 1 and BY KEVIN ROUSH GABRIEL ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY highway north out of Baker, a sight Thus drivers (who did not test at the cars made for a very full schedule Sunday’s race 3, and then focused on many miss flying into Las Vegas. PCA event two weeks prior) would of goings on at this event. the job at hand and essentially sailed It had been three years since the POC last visited this private, yet fairly accessible—and I should add—newly expand- Friday evening was beautiful, and have to get up to speed very fast— off into the sunset while others diced we were blessed with mild midday ed facility at the southern end of Pahrump, Nevada. This newly facility boasts over six miles of racing circuit, with over both car setup and driver, as qualify- The most entertaining battles to it up behind him (sometimes falling temperatures as well, reaching only ing was coming rapidly as Session 3. watch at this new venue were in the off the circuit). Boyce managed a win 50 different configurations possible. For our event we ran the Hunt Course (the expansion allows a sizable track for the the mid 70s while it was reportedly GT4 class. Comprised of a dozen in Sunday’s race 2, once he knocked members to enjoy at the same time) choosing to run it without “The Bowl.” Thus, many POC members returning to blazing back in southern California. This weekend, in addition to the 62 cars, it had its own split start within all the gravel out of the car from a Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch would have driven only a tiny percentage of this configuration. The Hunt Course, Friday’s activities were mostly cen- Cup Racers signed up, the POC also the Red group. Michael Monsalve, race 1 adventure. And Bob Mueller— contrary to its relatively low average speed, proved hard on brakes as many folks discovered. It was very smooth, tered around unloading, barbecuing conducted a Racers Clinic for 18 Bob Mueller, Blair Boyce and Kevin though showing amazing pace the matching what one would hope for in new pavement, and contrary to the appearance of the track map, was fun to for the many who camped in the aspiring drivers, directed by David Keegan mixed it up side by side for last few events—could only manage drive and even more challenging and exciting to race. paddock, and perhaps enjoying one’s Gardner with assistance from Mike much of the first several laps of each another third, though he would later

12 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 13

POLL SAYS: “WE CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK”... Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch A PRIVATE OASIS OF SPEED NESTLED IN THE ARID SPRING MOUNTAINS

BY JONATHAN ELFALAN

As we arrive at the entrance to Spring uninspiring. I found Spring Mountain’s Mountain, two large, mechanically operated full 3.5-mile road course to be quite the wrought iron gates swing open in grandiose contrary. The fresh tires mounted just the fashion. Budding palm trees flanking the day before got up to temperature quickly entry lend a resort-like ambiance to the in the Nevada summer heat as I entered facility. the track’s “Radical Loop” at speed. This entry point drops you right into The extensive details and amenities that the most dramatic elevation change, one underscore Spring Mountain’s vision of of Morris’ own designs, and is enough to a car enthusiast’s Eden are almost as get you airborne given enough speed. The be moved up to second for Race 3 when competitor 3.2 Spec class now known as SCR, Vandecar would ultimately beat his best Race 2 The novelty of electronic corner workers/flagging impressive as the rate at which it has grown. off-camber sweepers, hairpins and high- Keegan’s car was found to be non-compliant. with Jim Steedman taking his first pole in the class and qualifying time by over two seconds, holding was an interesting change for the majority of racers Calfornian John Morris, one of the two speed chicanes—90 percent of which are There were too many good battles to list, but and essentially running off and leaving the field. Hoffman off and finishing in the mix with the top here, and most drivers gave it a thumbs up. The founders I met that day, reflects his own blind—wouldn’t be nearly as fun if not for amazingly, not a single touch between any On Sunday Steedman would again earn the pole SCR cars, where the best of GT5 often settle in. only real shortcoming may have been that there multifaceted nature in the development the generous desert runoff areas the loca- of these four drivers. and lead every lap, far out in front along with a was no one to see or report the gravel on the track of this top-notch facility. Having made his tion affords. In the R8, this track’s rhythm charging Gaviglio (returning from a GT4 sojourn Other noteworthy action was in the GT3 class that was frequently there (particularly after one success through real estate website design, and character become instantly addicting. The same could be said for a great race in the Saturday), but Steedman fell off the circuit (while with eight racers fighting it out; Rob Phillips of Sunday’s Lotus Cup races, which made for a Morris was bitten by the motorsports bug With each lap comes a small leap of faith, Saturday Race 1 Orange Group, where we were perhaps high-fiving himself...I meant to ask) on earned his first pole and won his first race in GT3 messy start to the following Red group race). in 2002 when he attended a couple of Skip my brain second-guessing the previous entertained by several GT5 and R6 cars all run- the last lap, but still managed a second place, just Saturday. Then Phillips nearly repeated the feat Barber racing schools. Through contacts lap’s visual references, while the Quattro ning in a pack, which would encounter groups of ahead of Kip Waterhouse. Ironically, for Race 3 in Sunday’s Race 2, from pole all the way to final Saturday’s dinner setting along the white sand he made while SCCA racing, he eventually all-wheel-drive system delivers engaged BSR cars. One awesome battle between Sunday, Steedman would do the exact same thing lap, until he became distracted by a driver going and palm tree rimmed Spring Mountain lake a non-qualifying Jerry Hoffman who came from from the pole; in the same turn on the last lap off ahead of him in the eastern fast right (which gave everyone a chance to get together, unwind, came to acquire Spring Mountain Motor- foolish levels of cornering confidence. near last and was one of five GT5 cars racing, while leading, but this time falling all the way to proved tough to get everything possible out of) and share stories of fantastic racing, with many sports Ranch with his business partner If not for the cross-country journey ahead, Regan Steedman, Paul Young, and a couple BSR fifth, Gaviglio thanking him for the clear path. furthest from the paddock, and followed him off. looking forward to racing on Sunday. The sunset Brad Rambo in 2004. I would’ve worn these tires to the cords. cars lasted for several laps with Vandcar ulti- In GT5, Vandecar recovered from a poor Race 2 John Gordon, who brought out his long-time- that evening was spectacular, and POC members mately cruising to the victory in GT5, Hoffman finish, and held off the GT5 pole-sitting Hoffman in-the-making new car for its first weekend, was I polled were very pleased with the event, which Since then, what was once a modest Membership at Club Spring Mountain making it all the way up to second with his new- (who mis-shifted at the start) and who put over gracious and thanked him for the free Yokohama we hope to see on the calendar again next 2.2-mile track with some permanent comes in at different levels, the most found pace in GT5, and Regan finishing third. 3.5 seconds on the seond place car in qualifying. rear tire and victory just ahead of Duane Selby, season. l tent facilities has expanded to include an general of which requires a one-time Other noteworthy performances were in the six Yet, this demonstrates why we run the races, as Phillips ultimately completing the podium. 1.5-mile loop (with a configurable kart initiation fee of $15,000, a monthly fee track) and a conglomeration of buildings of $200, and a day-use fee of $60. This that comprises 56 private rental garages, “Classic Membership” grants a minimum an exotic car dealership, indoor gun range of 10 available track days a month and racquetball courts, service bays for the including three weekends. track’s dedicated school cars (which include Chevrolet Corvette ZR1s and Radicals) and Wrapping up the day at Spring Mountain, a member-exclusive clubhouse replete with I had a chance to chat candidly with a few workout room, pool and full spa services. of the members who had nothing Moreover, construction of two 13-unit but great things to say about their condominium buildings has already begun, experiences with the club and the very and there’s a 79-room hotel planned. Over friendly and approachable John Morris— the next three years, we’re also told to ex- who himself relished every opportunity pect an additional three miles of track (for a that day to race (er, beat up on) other six plus mile road course), a nine acre lake members in a Radical SR3. The allure (that’s right, a lake), as well as restaurants of Spring Mountain has already drawn and gas stations to ensure that you’ll never its fair share of high profile clients. But as have to leave once you’ve arrived. it turns out, it’s also a great leveling plane once you’re belted in and the outside CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT: Marco Gerace running a modified 1970 911E in GT1. Vali For a true enthusiast, though, all this glitz world disappears. l Predescu good looking 2006 Boxster. Loren Beggs in GTC-5 earning a best time of 02:05.000. Bob Mueller, one of the top contenders in GT4. would be for naught if the track itself were

This article originally appeared in Road & Track and is reprinted with permission.

14 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 15 The sixteen teams that kept the Tribute tradition alive!

85 Team McDreamy Monsalve - Baron - Dalrymple GTC-5 178 Cheat’in Bastards Buwalda - Thacker - Waterhouse SCR Tribute PRESENTEDto LE BY MANS 69 Werks II Bieker - Rodriguez GT1 29 Tru Speed Haacker - Slavik GT1 667 Race Rocket Mueller - Palmer GT3 96 Fear the Fork Momeyer - Kravig BSR 299 Ace in the Hole Long - Gaviglio - Boyce GT3 27 Two Broke Racers Gardner - Craig GT4 101 Speed Gallery Aspesi - Hainer - Segal GT3 698 Nine by Six Skinner - Stone - Weyman BSR 838 Me Myself and I Kemper GT3 45 Three Blind Mice Gokbudak - Neville - Gokbudak R6 3 The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly Alacron - Takaki - Elliott SCR 21 Mehterian GT6 160 996-986-996 Phillips - Gordon - Johnson SCR 19 Vision Motorsports Knoop - Selby - Dement GT3 PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX SLUITER AND ALAIN JAMAR

16 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 17 We were to be racing among legends, and we had the coolest guy on the planet showing up to jump in the 299 car.

THE PROFESSIONALS TEAMING UP WITH PORSCHE FACTORY DRIVER PATRICK LONG

BY BRETT GAVIGLIO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX SLUITER, BRETT GAVIGLIO, CALIPHOTOGRAPHY AND ALAIN JAMAR

Brett Gaviglio

Ross Bentley once said, “There this year, found car #299 with Running in a multi-hour en- as Porsche pushed and succeeded pit old tech vs new tech as soon wheels… Best laid plans…we got he can drive a turbo well. What a greater Porsche family where we are moments like this for every- Blair Boyce nearby, and casually durance race allows a single car at conquering Le Mans. Knoop we confirmed the GT3 unlimit- to 2400 lbs and chipped it up to challenge this would be! We were are all racers and see that flat six one who drives on a track, life commented, “Hi Blair, when do I and multiple drivers just like the was Porsche’s only American ed competition would be there. 256 horsepower. The fact that we to be racing among legends, and in all its perfection no matter how changing moments that trig- go out on track?” The fresh GT3 real Le Mans, and one of those factory driver then, as Long is Wouldn’t it be artful to drop all were going to be outgunned by we had the coolest guy on the its cooled….and it’s cool. A man gered the burning desire to go stickers were being placed on the can be a pro as long as you run today. Our other GT3 competitor the weight out of the ‘72, chip it around 10% power to weight only planet showing up to jump in the who has lived in that feeling for back again and again.” The 2015 1972 AASE air-cooled 256 horse- unlimited class. We found out 10 had a hard charging 20 year old at up to max horsepower and go run came to the fore as we sat on the 299 car. some time now, racer/collector Porsche Owners Club Tribute power car as Long approached. days before the race there would its helm. Tyler Palmer, who had with the modern cup cars? Could floor at Vision Motorsports bolting and all around great guy Magnus to Le Mans weekend at Willow Our pit crew all knew he was be at least two other cars running just this year taken third in Pire- it be, that the old light weight on bumpers and wings before the A lot transpired in the short Walker said going over our cars, Springs International Raceway coming. However, the club officials GT3 Unlimited, and they too, had lli’s world championship, found way might be just as good­—if car went on the dyno. Once on the time leading up to the moment “I’m down with OPP….other was filled with those moments didn’t know of Long’s attendance pro drivers. A 1972 Porsche with himself invited back for a seat not better—than new, super dyno, the big bad grocery getter Patrick Long arrived at our turn peoples Porsches.” where we met and raced with our until just a few minutes before. no turbo was not ever going to in Tom Mueller’s HRG powered powerful cars under the skillful did pull after pull with that turbo 1 camp area at Willow Springs heros, confronted challenges and We had to “keep a low profile be up in the GT1 or GT2 classes 335 horsepower paddle-shifted hands of some of the worlds best? sounding like a black hole of a Saturday morning. Long brought We weren’t exactly prepared to conquered our demons living until race day.” Our team entry that traditionally win the tribute and air-jacked 996 cup car know The only problem with the idea vacuum cleaner sucking in all the along a few friends including be the center of the track social closer to the edge. Lots of quick form for the three hour Tribute overall. But in GT3 we could have as the ‘Race Rocket.’ The Rocket was, Blair was in Italy and his ‘72 air in the garage and shooting it at Dennis AASE, Magnus Walker, scene, and though Blair Boyce laps, great racing and laughs. to Le Mans had Blair, myself and some fun if there was someone name owing to Mueller’s propul- was in pieces, and Boyce didn’t the wall. At one point I looked up and Helmut to hang out. I pulled qualified us 4th with a 1:25.1, Father Guido Sarducci listed as to race. We were armed with the sion design experience at Space know the state of his car. Upon from the bumper and said to Blair, in from instructing Dan Prince there were so many people On a beautiful clear and cool our driver lineup. Laurie Taylor knowledge that Rick Knoop, two X; Mueller was employee #1 at Blair’s return we had eight days “I think we might be in trouble,” in the green PDS group, and coming by we lost track of time. southern California Saturday and John Gordon were a bit taken time competitor at Le Mans, was the company, which just this past to put the car together, find a but I couldn’t keep from smiling there were all these famous guys We barely got #299 to grid before in May, Porsche’s only current aback by the names on the entry running in Dwain Dement’s Vi- year became the first private com- bigger gas tank (thanks Bradley every large every time they lit the sitting in lawn chairs in front of it closed. Patrick Long started, American factory racing driver form. When Laurie questioned the sion Motorsports 380 horsepower mercial company to dock with Pierce), dyno the car, pull all the candle on that turbo. Message sent. the motorhome facing our race but I’m certain he was caught in strode up with his yellow helmet Sarducci entry, I replied that he Turbo “grocery getter” as GT3. the international space station. weight possible, corner balance Rick Knoop’s colorfully painted cars. Chatting with this group and the art of the air cooled old car in hand near turn 1. Patrick Long, was a fellow Italian and drove like And a bit of research revealed it and test it. We thought we helmet sat on a cart just next to us. going over our cars with them vs new car moment as well. Long 33 years old and participating the wind! Knoop was the American equiva- About two weeks before the could get #299 down to 2250 lbs Knoop had placed 6th in the 1978 was very special. I had a sense of took his time, smiled and looked in his 12th 24 hours of Le Mans lent of Patrick Long in the late 70s, race, we had hatched a plan to and up to 270 horsepower to the Le Mans in a 935 turbo; clearly something special, being one of a like The Fonz, so cool and collected

18 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 19 That wing isn’t going anywhere.” after leaving for lap 101: “I went into It wasn’t. As a precaution, I grabbed turn 2 (a right hand 100mph uphill Rob Tachavski’s bicycle with a bend) and the car pitched completely nearly flat front tire and hauled sideways like I was driving on ice! buns to the trailer in turn 1 looking The outside edge of the track came for tools, ready for a wing repair up fast as I backed in out of control. if needed. By lap 100 the race Car did the same thing in turn eight stewards had seen enough of the (130 mph 5th gear corner). And then floppy wing and black flagged #299. I thought to myself, is my life worth Despite an impassioned plea from this? Maybe I should just park it? Long, the stewards decided it was a Then I re-learned how to drive the safety issue. I rolled in on the bike car, adapted, trailed braked a lot and with a flat front tire, allen wrenches, made it work. I don’t think I’d like and pliers as the car came to a stop to do that again. Like never.” in pit box 5. Steve Thiel got to work, We finished P4 overall, just 20 CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT: Cars leave the pre-grid while last minute adjustments are made for car 299’s first driver. The 299 pit crew at work. Starter Bud Tanner in discussion and seconds later wing was off and seconds behind the GT3 Race with Porsche driver Patrick Long. The entire “Ace in The Hole” Team posing for posterity. A few weeks later, Patrick Long on the 24 Hours of Le Mans podium with Patrick #299 moved out downforce free to Rocket in a 1972 Porsche. Not bad Dempsey and Marco Seefried: their Proton team car finished third in the GT Class (Photo courtesy of PCNA). — Photography by Alain Jamar and CaliPhotography complete the remaining few min- for an air-cooled 43 year old car utes. Boyce recounted the moments with a missing wing. l as the officials sent the rest of the By 5:05 on Saturday night, the sun it and get down to business. Long, stop and go penalty, and there we Tyler Palmer making a move on the TruSpeed GT1 Porsche of Tom cars out before us. Patrick was was getting low and winds were having done this seemingly all his were in front of the Werks GT1 car TOP TO BOTTOM: Haacker. Vision Motorsports’ Dwain Dement driving the “Grocery Getter” 996 Turbo. looking for a DFL start—it was a gusting across turn 9 at 30 miles per life, commented a couple hours when the unthinkable happened. The “nine by six” Boxster team with drivers Mike Skinner, Tom Stone, and Andrew Weyman. club race after all—the green flag hour. Standing at the hot pit wall before the race, “All you need to Our #299 was just one lap off the — Photography by Alain Jamar and CaliPhotography dropped sitting 20th and in lap 1 was deafening as the cars motored do is a stint that will get us in with overall lead from a 997 cup car entry he is 8th; by the end of the second up the straight at full scream, dust enough fuel to get home to the (“Team McDreamy”), driven by lap Long has made it up to Knoop’s everywhere carrying the palpable end.” “Even better if you can get in Mike Monsalve/Doug Baron/ bumper exiting turn 9. The GT3 sense of excitement and grit as the if you see there may be a full course Robert Dalrymple. The bolts so dance with our lightweight 72 race unfolded. It had been over yellow coming out.” Focused on my carefully placed on the right hand making headway in corners only an hour since the start and I was teammates’ sage advice, I jumped wing strut just Thursday had to see the heavier more powerful shaking with excitement, knee in the car, followed team orders and worked themselves free. The wing turbo speed past up the straights bouncing. “Ten minutes,” Blair cranked out consistent laps for a bit. which was firmly attached on the and chase down the 996 Race Boyce said. That’s the time Patrick Lap 19 came, and just as I ducked drivers side was also completely Rocket. With all three GT3 cars Long would bring car #299 in and I in, the pits closed, full course yellow, free with the support and down- dicing it out in a row, this effort on would get to take over the car for a still P3. A short stint, but mission force pressing it into the fender on #299 all was starting to look like a stint, barely a year out of racers clin- accomplished. We got fuel in for the the passenger side. Thus it appeared great idea! What ensued was some ic. We were sitting P3 overall and end, ready for the much faster owner to be leaning into turn 9 as he went of the best racing that could be Boyce could perceive my nervous of #299 to take the helm. through, Boyce continued to turn seen between cars that were only energy, feeling ready to puke in my 1:26 times with a rear wing half on, matched for power to weight (sort helmet. Boyce looked through my Boyce went out on two fresh tires, only losing about a half a second of), but had completely different visor and calmly said. “Just go out and began bumping off 1:26 laps on average to the cup car running technology in the 911 layout. No and have fun, run consistent laps. and moving us into a firm P2. The in P1. In the pits, We discussed TV camera crews, no grandstands, You’ll do fine.” It was this snapshot grocery getter had a mechanical, the wing situation and Long lead and here we were just a few of us from the race and a moment I will smog equipment sensors had shut the team with these words: “Don’t watching legends duke it out! never forget: having to snap out of it down. Race Rocket had served a panic, act like it’s situation normal.

20 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 21 Planning is Just a Fancy Word for Preconceived Ideas...

BY MIKE SKINNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CALIPHOTOGRAPHY AND ALAIN JAMAR

The Porsche Owner’s Club (POC) ited barrage of obstacles, both real along with fire and safety, keep annual Tribute to Le Mans event and imagined, any one of which us safe and on schedule. But walk was held at Willow Springs Inter- could have stood in the way of a through the paddock at the next national Raceway May 16-17th, successful event. event and marvel at the goings-on. 2015. Hold on just a sec. It wasn’t I took a few laps around the just “held”—it was achieved with Before I continue, however, I paddock and grid on my bike and prodigious success across the should admit to a recent omission. just quietly looked around. There board despite a seemingly unlim- Andrew Weyman, our fearless and wasn’t anybody that was doing dedicated POC President, inter- nothing! Family members were weren’t driving in the enduro time, energy and dedication to this year’s Tribute (and I earned my viewed me for Velocity. And one supporting drivers and others with volunteered their time as pit what fulfills our passion. I could go license!). During the winter I made of the questions was something to cameras, bags of water, wrangling marshals and a variety of other on and on... a list of team possibilities (which at the effect of “what have you learned young-uns and 50 other things. commitments. And let’s not forget the time I thought would result in from writing articles for Velocity?” The fantastic staff at WSIR diner the BBQ team, whose timing was My own experience with the a “plan”). Most of those “plans” fell I made up some good-sounding was whipping together food orders impeccable in serving the starving enduro goes something like this: through for one reason or another. stuff, but I forgot to mention that non-stop. Everyone heard their masses at the conclusion of the think, plan, un-plan, re-think, In the spring I reassessed. Yes, I de- one of the things I learned was food order number get yelled out enduro. Needless to say it “took a make a call, make 12 calls, text Eric, cided, no matter what, I’m running how to use an on-line thesaurus at the same time we heard Dwain village”—a lot of work in advance order some equipment, pay some the Tribute this year. I made some (see paragraphs preceding and give the instructor/student pairings of the event to pull it all together bills, text Eric 72 more times, and new plans. Most of those plans fell following). at the driver’s meeting (pretty and make it happen. The point is, then make breakfast before I go to through for one reason or another. remarkable when you think of it; no matter who you are or what work. That was a year ago. As Spring Mountain came around One of the great things about POC, I call it managed chaos). Pit crews your age, there is something for and I felt good that a team was and there are many, is that there and support personnel ran everyone that wants to support At last year’s Tribute someone’s car coming together, my car broke. is literally something for everyone or participate in our fine club. On broke on a team that was perfect That didn’t help the situation, to do. Sure, drivers drive. Crews, endlessly with radios, tires, fuel, this point, my thanks go out to for me, except for one problem: and it set back “the plan”). My well, crew. Stewards and marshals, helmets, schedules, protein bars the entire POC Board and staff, I didn’t have my license yet. So I car broke again at Cal Speedway, and bags of Doritos. Drivers that especially John Gordon, for their made it a goal to find a team for a further set back to “the plan.”

Starting grid for the 2015 Porsche Owners Club Tribute to Le Mans 3 hour race. — CaliPhotography

22 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 23 Still, I answered the club questionnaire the penalties with us, discussed driver regarding my interest in participating in order, verified the penalty box location, the Enduro. And then I pre-registered with confirmed the staging area and compared my deposit. “No matter what” means no notes with Wendy Skinner (our team-side matter what, even though all of Mike’s little penalty timer, camera starter and all- plans seemed not to fit the grand plan. around cool lady). At one point I even thought I would just run all three hours by myself. I thought We fell behind a few laps after the first I might call my team “Mike, He, and Him- sting. But I don’t know anyone in POC self.” Then I decided, nah, that’s crazy...who that’s not willing to give it 11/10ths until would run all three hours by himself? the checkered flag waves, and that was definitely our attitude. And there’s a good Most of the time I compete with Regan reason why racers have that attitude—you Steedman in GT5, unsuccessfully, I might never know what the “plan” is. It turns out, add. So I thought it would be just awesome our main competitors had a mechanical for the Princess to team up with the at the beginning of their third stint, which Princess so I hit her up about getting a conveniently put them behind a few laps. team together. Sadly she had already com- Imagine my surprise when I reached turn mitted to a girl-band concert that weekend. 1 to see Kurt Gokbudak coming on track! It was the first time I found myself hoping Kurt and I had about 65 minutes straight of that someone would unexpectedly land in hard, nose-to-tail and side-by-side racing. rehab (the girl-band singer I mean, This won’t come as any shock to anyone, not Regan). but at that point I could have cared less about all of the “plans” that might or might You know what they say: luck is what not happen. I was racing someone that I happens when willingness and preparation know and trust, and that’s really the only intersect. I got pretty lucky. Friday after- thing that mattered to me anymore. noon at the event I was still on the lookout Andrew, Tom and I finished 13 out of a for a team. And then it happened. Alex field of 16. The main lesson I learned was started telling me about a team member’s car that the only plan that really mattered that had broken the previous day, and be- was to plan on racing—the rest would fore he could even finish his sentence (and take care of itself. since I can barely understand him anyway), I turned on my heels and marched the 20 Well, it turns out there is someone that has feet over to Andrew’s pit. “Hey, Andrew, the patience, skill, endurance and persever- Alex was telling me…” I started out. Cut- ance to go it alone. No, he’s not crazy—just ting to the chase with, “Welcome aboard!” committed. Drake Kemper, one of many Andrew sealed the deal. I thought, man, POC racers that have gone on to pro this is just great! Finally, a plan! Oh, the racing, turned up with the relay team “Me, planning was just getting started. Myself and I.” And, like everyone, Drake had a plan…er, I mean, strategy. Drake Somewhere along the way I decided that brought three cars: a GT4, a BSR, and a having a “strategy” sounded less perma- GT3. The strategy was to drive each car nent than having a “plan.” So Andrew for roughly equal time. At least that Weyman, Tom Stone and I huddled and was the idea. worked up a strategy Friday afternoon. Andrew submitted the paperwork. Over He needed every bit of all three cars! the last year I have tended to be a strong During Friday’s testing the GT4 steering qualifier, but my starts need improvement. felt twitchy and didn’t want to turn. Drake Once I get going I can stalk and make safe added, rather uneuphemistically, that the and solid passes. So, I would qualify, Tom car possessed the charm and precision would start, Andrew drive the middle, and of a schizophrenic cat with razor blades I would close. As the qualifier, I felt humil- for feet. Gee, sounds so charming. No big ity on one hand and pressure on the other. deal though­—still two cars in the stable. I prepared well for the session, and set the So Drake figured he’d just run the GT3, qualifying time on the second lap of the BSR, and the GT3 again in the race. After qualifying session. Even though I knew all, who wants to herd cats all day? So let’s I should sit on that time and head to the give the ol’ BSR a practice run shall we? pits, I kept going another few laps Seems the BSR was having a little problem (something else I need to work on). LEFT PAGE TOP, TO BOTTOM: Tru-Speed crew fixing a broken belt. Fe Justin Jason crew of One for Marty with the oil/air separator; or maybe it just Mehterian, Marthys Party Team. Communication between HRG crew members Ted Segal at left and Kerry Dunn needed a new set of plugs. Hmmm… at right help the Race Rocket team of Tom Mueller and Tyler Palmer secure first in the GT3 class. 911 Design owner During the day we met with Track Marshal and part time refueller Loren Begg adding one more Tribute trophy to his already impressive collection. what to do. Still one car left in the stable. Chris Thompson. Chris and I started in Maybe let’s take the GT3 out for practice

POC around the same time and he’s been a RIGHT PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Race Marshall Don Matz. Carolyn Pappas. Race Marshall Chris Thompson. while the BSR is being looked after. good friend the entire time. Chris reviewed Mark Hergesheimer and Brynn Oviatt’s catering service open for business. — Photography by Alain Jamar

24 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 25 To make a long story endless, the BSR just didn’t have a good day, and after much “sorting out,” the motor blew during final practice, tearing a piston in two. It wasn’t what you would want to call optimum conditions, but Coming Full Circle when race time rolled around, Drake was 2015 BY ROBERT DALRYMPLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAIN JAMAR AND CALIPHOTOGRAPHY down to figuring out how to minimize the 1998 handling and grip issues of the GT4 stint and somehow maximize the GT3 drive time utilizing its fuel capacity in all its awesome beaucoup-ness.

So, 37 minutes and one corded left-rear tire later, Drake was forced into an early ride in the GT4, making for an extra long GT4 stint (not extra short as Drake had hoped would be the case). Not exactly according to the re-planned plan. But, racers race. One front-left corded tire later in the GT4, it was back to the GT3 until the very last drop of fuel ignited. Eenie, meenie, minie…what cars have I got left?

Drake, in his well-worn and passive- aggressive GT4, finished the last 22 minutes of the POC Tribute to Le Mans Steve Alarcon, Robert Dalrymple Relay Class to finish in second place, proving and Steve Velasquez. rather unequivocally that anything is possible given enough patience, skill, endurance and I still have vivid memories of the l perseverance. Well done, Drake! first Tribute to Le Mans in 1994, Top: A very happy Drake Kemper celebrating his second place finish in the elayr class. the brainchild of Dave Bouzaglou. Bottom: Werks II duo of Galen Bieker and Robert Rodriguez took first in GT1. —CaliPhotography It seemed like we were breaking new ground with an endurance race that started in the daylight and ended in the deep darkness of Rosamond, California. Twenty years later, I love the idea and tradition of driving on a team with good friends in a unique race that has its own history and flair.

2015 Tribute to Le Mans overall winners: Mike Monsalve, Robert Dalrymple and Doug Baron. — CaliPhotography

In a way, I’ve come full circle. On a Satur- attracted pro drivers like Bill Auberlen, history, beating out the HRG team of day evening in 1998, I drove my modified Anthony Lazzaro, Cort Wagner, Kelly Col- Eric Oviatt and Kevin Wilson by less than 3.6 930 Turbo at Willow Springs Raceway, lins, James Sofronas and Tommy Kendall. two seconds. It was an exhilarating finish where myself, Steve Alarcon and Steve for the fans. Velasquez won our first Tribute to Le For four years, I produced a TV special Mans in Car 85. What I remember most on the POC Tribute races, from 2001 This year, Mike Monsalve and I were intent is driving into the winner’s circle, open- to 2004 on Speed. It was the only club on defending our win. We added one of ing the sunroof, turning up the music on race on television during that time. For my oldest friends to our “Three Stooges” my car stereo and celebrating with my several years, the Tribute was staged lineup, the highly accomplished, four time co-drivers, and then driving home in the at California Speedway and then three Tribute-winning Doug Baron. As racers same car. As in any sport where tech- years ago, the event returned to its roots in the POC know, Mike Monsalve, a past nology changes significantly and drivers at Willow Springs. At the end of 2013, I Driver of the Year, races regularly in slalom become more and more competitive, long bought Patrick Dempsey’s Cup Car that he and big track events. Mike was the perfect gone are the days of having the simple had campaigned in the American Le Mans guy to qualify the car and put us on pole pleasure of driving your car to the track, series. Along with Kevin Rousch and Mike with a time of 1:21:6. Loren Beggs and 911 racing it and then driving home. The POC Monsalve, we ran last year’s Tribute to Le Design did a masterful job of preparing That same year, Porsche celebrated its 50th Anniversary Tribute to Le Mans morphed into a high Mans race as “Team Number 85 Returns,” the car again this year. by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the last time in that century, and would not prevail again until this year. stakes, big budget racing event that and we had the closest finish in the event’s

26 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 27 It’s the endorphin release of just finishing the race and knowing that we depended on one another to stay out of trouble. It’s the exhilarating feeling of knowing we pushed it as hard as we could.

Robert Dalrymple driving the 2015 Tribute to Le Mans overall winning Porsche. — Photography by Alain Jamar

28 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 29 The Tribute to Le Mans is the one POC tradition that has endured for twenty years.

911 Design crew at work refueling while Robert helps Mike out of the car. — Caliphotography

Throughout the race, the car and my new The race was a team effort and as such I asked the POC can continue to thrive and offer this MEGA-Line paddle shift system worked my co-drivers Mike Monsalve and Doug Baron tremendous race for many years to come and flawlessly. Mike drove a phenomenal first to also add their perspectives of our race. that I will be able to continue driving in it as stint, which allowed me to essentially cruise long as it lasts. with the mission of not screwing up my shift. Doug Baron — I can’t begin to say what a With Doug Baron cast in the hero’s role, we pleasure it was to drive for Team McDreamy Mike Monsalve — After qualifying the knew if anyone challenged us, he was the guy this year. I have been running the Tribute to Team McDreamy car on the pole in 1:21:6, who would dig deep to keep us in first. We led Le Mans every year since its inception, and my strategy was to turn a few fast laps and from the drop of the green flag to the check- have been a proud recipient of five Tribute try to pull a quick, comfortable lead. Shortly Not a big name firm ered flag, but what was most satisfying was wins. I’ve always driven with cars prepared after, I worked into a steady pace that slowly working as a team with Loren Beggs’ crew to by 911 Design, and I can definitely say that increased our lead while still saving the tires. prepare for the race. We enjoyed each other’s this year’s car was the best prepared. I have Soon after, with a 30 second lead, the track (thankfully) company over the course of qualifying and the seen the Tribute go from a small club race to went double yellow. So, time to start again, race itself. In the end, that is what draws us to a nationally recognized endurance classic, and the strategy was identical. Toward the Auto Club Speedway, March 2007 the POC Tribute every year: friends working with drivers ranging from club racing enthu- end of my stint, with a 30 second lead rebuilt, Sorry to the mega-corporations out there selling investment products. (didn’t win, again) together, exchanging barbs, and bonding with siasts to racing professionals. I was told via radio, “If you have any tires left, Bigger is better in some things, just not investing (in our opinion). each other in the hopes of doing well. It’s the use them—we are bringing you in within a endorphin release of just finishing the race Robert and I have been friends for more than few laps.” So, I pushed what the car had left. Our firm serves as a private investment counselor to Southern California and knowing we depended on one another to twenty years, and to get the opportunity to However, those few laps turned into another families and individuals. stay out of trouble. It’s the exhilarating feeling finally drive with him was something I have 12 as they decided to keep me in the car. of knowing we pushed it as hard as we could. always looked forward to. Mike Monsalve Driving those last few laps in my 1.5 hour We offer stock and bond portfolio management services. We don’t sell did a superb job of qualifying the car, and stint was not fun—I could almost feel those anything (insurance, hedge funds, etc.). I miss the fact that we do not drive at night provided us excellent feedback so we could cords unraveling. I suppose I was not alone Please visit www.triadim.com for more about our approach. anymore, because there is a beauty in the refine the already superb setup. Robert out there with bad tires, as we had a nice transition of sunlight into darkness and all the driving second gave me the opportunity to lead when I handed over the car to Robert. challenges that brings. The Tribute to Le Mans prepare myself for the final leg and allowed is the one POC tradition that has endured me to get in a car that was ready for the final Toward the end, Robert and I were back and for twenty years. I hope that drivers continue stint of the race. forth at timing and scoring, calculating our John Heldman, CFA (POC Member) to see this event not only as a race, but as a position. We soon realized we had this one (949) 851-7902 • [email protected] life experience in friendship and in personal All the cars were well prepared, but Robert’s and the excitement started to grow during Subscribe to our commentaries at triadim.com endeavor, and that the POC tradition of The car seemed so easy to drive! It will always the closing laps driven by Doug Baron. Tribute continues to flourish. stand as a high point of my driving career Back to back wins in Robert’s car #85 with the Porsche Owners Club. I hope that was an awesome experience. l

30 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 31 CAR CULTURE ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN

THE PATH TO Weissach RUNS THROUGH Pasadena

If you want to see where iconic Porsches come from, open your map and find locations in Germany like Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen,

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY Weissach, Leipzig or even the BY KEVIN EHRLICH more obscure motorsport center of Flacht. These are places of pilgrimage for enthusiasts who want to see where new Porsches are born and future Porsches are developed.

But if you want to know where the people come from who design the icons, your gaze should point to Pasadena, California.

32 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 33 HOW DOES ALL THIS RELATE TO PORSCHE, YOU ASK?

The Porsche Boxster (986) traces was an unexpected sensation and its roots back to the Tokyo Auto gave Porsche a real boost at a show in October 1991. Porsche’s time when sales were struggling. design chief, Harm Lagaay In fact, little fanfare preceded the attended and saw the market for concept car. Very few journalists two seater sportscars was taking even knew that Porsche was going hold with models like the Mazda to have a concept car, and the ART CENTER STUDENT GALLERY — There is perhaps no better way to become acquainted with Art Center than through the high caliber work of its students. Miata MX-5 gaining popularity. Porsche Cars North America team The gallery offers a glance at projects created by students in each of Art Center’s disciplines. Lagaay convinced Porsche that wrote its press release without ever a new two seater cabriolet could having seen the car. Most automobile manufacturers The Art Center attracts students park rides at Walt Disney Imagi- which gives students the experi- capitalize on this wave. Work have felt the influence of a single from many backgrounds, geogra- neering for years. ence of working on a project from started on a proposal in February At the same time, Porsche was small school tucked behind a res- phies and skills. The Transporta- concept to sketches to fifth-scale 1992, and the concept was working on the next evolution Since 1989, Grant Larson (pictured idential neighborhood in the hills tion Design program at Art Center Graduates also populate design models. Often staff from the approved in June 1992 (approved of the 911 family. The air-cooled at right) has been designing cars for above the Rose Bowl. Porsche doesn’t just teach car design. Its staff of the studios and manufac- sponsor company—many Art over a four door sedan concept 993 would be succeeded by the Porsche. As an Exterior Designer, is no different. It is proudly a students learn design concepts turers around the world alongside Center alumni themselves—are in proposal—which indicates just water-cooled 996. Larson worked he has been responsible for such German company, but many of its that can be applied in a wide students doing internships. The the classroom along the way. The how long a Panamera type car closely work with the 996 design bold and breakthrough designs as the designs over the past few decades variety of automotive, aviation Pasadena faculty is comprised manufacturer obtains access to had been contemplated). team because of his experience original Boxster and Panamera. Grant have been guided by the vision and marine applications. Some primarily of full time design new and creative energy, and can with the Boxster. Porsche was so also led designs for the Carrera GT, of students and alumni of the students specialize in exteriors, professionals that come to Art potentially identify students for Various designs were consid- short of development funds at the the 911 type 997 Carrera and Turbo, Art Center College of Design. others interiors, and some do Center to teach. This emphasis on full time positions in the future. ered, but the vision put forward time that the decision was made to the most recent 911 Speedster, both. Some students go on to spe- bringing active practitioners into by American designer and Art economize by making the front of Boxster Spyder, and 911 Sport Classic. The Art Center plays a major cialize in production car designs the classroom is a hallmark of Art Beyond the classroom, students Center graduate Grant Larson both cars as identical as possible. role in transportation design and and others focus on concept car Center. In fact, the transportation often do an internship or two with provided the direction. Larson competes with the best design designs. Some go on to work for design program has only three different studios before graduation. was 34 years old at the time and The Boxster project set Larson’s schools globally. At present, manufacturers and others for active full time faculty producing The real-world feedback and expe- had only recently joined Porsche. course for a long and success- over 20 various design studios independent design studios. Some about 30 graduates each year. rience is crucial in translating the Larson had graduated from Art ful tenure with Porsche. He has across the southern California don’t even end up in conventional academic concepts into an effective Center in 1986, and took a job worked on a variety of models, landscape benefit from the strong transportation fields—graduates Manufacturers regularly sponsor professional role. After all, a design with Audi’s design studio in including the Carrera GT, 911 environment for design that Art have been working on amusement design projects for a full term, for an automotive manufacturer is Germany before moving to Speedster, the Boxster Spyder Center has cultivated since the less valuable if it can’t be put into Porsche in 1989. and various iterations of the 997. establishment of its transporta- This emphasis of bringing active production and sold to customers. tion design program in 1948. Design work on the Boxter con- Another Art Center graduate practitioners into the classroom cept was completed by August had a very impactful, but much is a hallmark of Art Center. 1992, and the concept car was different Porsche experience. unveiled in January 1993 at the Jason Hill graduated from Art Detroit Auto Show. The Boxter Center in 1990 and joined the

PORSCHE BOXSTER CONCEPT TOM HAREZLAK

34 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 35 newly established Mercedes-Benz Despite some of the PR bells and PORSCHE MACAN CONCEPT an optimal solution with a wheel- assemble a sketch portfolio and design studio in Irvine. His first whistles at the time, the Carrera base slightly longer than the min- get the attention of the right job at Mercedes Benz was design- GT was always intended for pro- JULIEN BILODEAU imum that met both objectives. people to get an internship offer. ing a small two-passenger battery duction, so the design of the show- Design and engineering were In Weissach, Tom worked in the vehicle to meet California emis- car needed to anticipate the needs speaking a common language Porsche Advanced Design studio sions requirements. (Concepts of a production car. There have with a common goal. which has dozens of staff focusing from that project would find been exceptions, but Jason notes on road cars. English is the com- their way into the now familiar that, “Porsche generally doesn’t do Jason left Porsche shortly after mon language, as Porsche draws Smartcar.) concept cars for non-production the Carerra GT project to start expertise from around the world. reasons.” Others in Weissach, in- his own design studio—Design After four years, he joined the cluding Grant Larson, put the final by 11—and is presently serving as Several months into his internship, nearby Samsung Motors studio touches on the car for production. faculty at Art Center. The Porsche Tom developed a thesis project in Huntington Beach as a senior design studio in Huntington under the watchful eye of Porsche designer, intending to help The story of the Carrera GT is Beach was closed in April 2005 design staff, eventually known as Samsung develop a business well known—a supercar designed when the company consolidated the 903 concept. The concept is PORSCHE 903 CONCEPT design work in a studio at Zell reminiscent of the 718 race cars, am See in Austria. with a fresh shape and an empha- TOM HAREZLAK sis on simplicity. The concept was From a different and more recent intended to address objectives perspective, Art Center graduate of sport and efficiency through Tom Harezlak did an internship reduced parts count and means to with Porsche in Weissach in 2013 capture and conserve energy. The after internships with Fisker and concept envisioned 3-D printing Ford. Tom started out studying and the car’s body serving as the engineering at Purdue University engine block, seats, cooling sys- with the objective of becoming tem, and other key components. involved in car development, While the concept has strength of before realizing the design aspect vision, Tom spent the most time and moving to Art Center. on the shape and proportions. It is an interesting demonstration Tom always was enamored of of current thinking from an Art Porsche cars and the company’s Center student with influence and philosophy, and was able to guidance directly from Weissach.

exporting cars from South Korea. around a race-bred engine. PORSCHE CARRERA GT Economic troubles in Asia put an The car was intentionally designed JASON HILL end to those plans and Porsche to make the most efficient and bought out the studio in 1999. effective package to support the engine. Jason explains that, Early on, Porsche design chief “Porsche is an engineering com- Harm Lagaay had requested a pany that also knows good design proposal for a halo supercar to and style. Good design is a respect make use of the stillborn LMP for good engineering.” race car’s 10 cylinder engine. Jason’s design was the basis for As an example, Jason points to the Carrera GT. The Huntington the car’s wheelbase. The engineers Beach design team put together had established a wheelbase in the the 2000 Paris Carrera GT show packaging specifications, but the car with about 15 members, designers sought a longer wheel- including six or seven other base. Getting together, the teams Art Center alumni. The project figured out that the engineers had took about two years—one for set a minimum but not mandatory the basic design and one to refine dimension. The intersection of the design into the showcar. engineering and design determined

“Good design is a respect for good engineering”.

36 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 37 After his internship at Porsche, Tom returned to Art Center to TIME ATTACK 9 - 10 — PERFORMANCE DRIVING SERIES 3 - 4 finish his studies and graduate. Following graduation, he did a stint at BMW Designworks in California and is now on the full time design staff with Ferrari. WHADD’YA MEAN, While in Weissach, Tom worked with another recent Art Center alum. In 2012, Art Center student IT’S NOT A P-CAR? Julien Bilodeau put together a 911 concept study. His concept knowledge and respect for the everything from S-class, C-class 918 Spyder and RSR showcars BY NEALSON LAWRENCE THE MUSTANG KID caught the eye of Mitja Borkert brand, some very successful Art and SLK designs to Maybach and the eventual 918 produc- of the Porsche Advanced Design Center students have done well designs. However, after graduat- tion car. In 2012, Harkan made After being away at college in made the paddock environment Studio who was visiting Art precisely because they haven’t been ing from Art Center in 1980, he a major change to join Chery North Carolina for a year, returning very exciting to me was the turnout Center. That encounter paved the burdened by history. As Jason worked in Weissach as an exterior Motors, the state-owned Chinese to The Streets with the club I start- of non-Porsche cars to accompany way to an internship in Weissach. Hill says, “Porsche already has the designer on projects like the 944 car manufacturer, and head up its ed driving with three years ago me in the “black sheep” category. After the internship and a senior 911. They don’t need another 911. Turbo, 928 S4, 964, and 959. He design studio. was a very exciting day for me. De- Some of the non-Porsche cars to thesis project at Porsche to satisfy They’re looking for what’s next.” then spent three years in Porsche’s spite the heat, turnout was great, attend the event included Mazda remaining coursework require- style group, working on projects Freeman Thomas, these days and people brought all sorts of MX-5 Miatas, Cadillac CTS-V wag- ments, Julien graduated from Art There are many Art Center alumni such as the 964 Speedster and better known as the Director cars out, from full on purpose-built on, a couple BMW M-Series cars, a Center and started as an exterior who have had a role at Porsche Panamericana show car. of Strategic Design for Ford in race cars to weekend warriors, Datsun 240-z, Audi R8, Lotus Exige designer at Porsche in May 2013. over the years. Each has brought North America, also has roots daily-drivers, and everything in (Lotus Cup), and my very own ’02 their own fresh perspective, and 1993 Art Center graduate Harkan with Porsche. After graduating between. It was great to see my Ford Mustang GT. Please excuse Among the various objectives some have gone on to new adven- Saracoglu spent several years with from Art Center, he worked at track-mates and friends, but what me if I missed a few. of an internship program, Tom tures. Regardless, a steady stream Ford in Cologne before moving to Porsche from 1983 through 1987. notes that one reason Porsche of Art Center students and alumni Porsche. During a stint of almost He went on to play a major role PHOTOGRAPHY BY CALIPHOTOGRAPHY utilizes interns is to get a steady seem to find their way to Porsche 15 years with Porsche, Harkan in designing the modern version stream of fresh perspective. Tom in one form or another. was involved in exterior design of the Volkswagen Beetle and the says that interns “May not be duties for various iterations of original Audi TT concept car. versed in all the things ‘you can’t Art Center graduate Benjamin the 997 (including the GT2 and Freeman’s Porsche sympathies do’ in modern cars,” and that Dimson has been with the GT2 RS) and the 987 Boxster and manifested in the founding of can lead in interesting directions. California Mercedes design studio Cayman. More recently, Harkan the R Gruppe Porsche group While Tom and Julien had since 1991. He has worked on was involved in the design of the that makes creative performance modifications to early Porsches with little use for originality or PORSCHE 918 SPYDER CONCEPT boring cars. HARKAN SARACOGLU To be sure, any concept or road- going production model at any car company will involve a large team. Any car manufacturer will have its own look and feel and styling attributes that make their products unique. It is no accident, however, that the best- known additions to the Porsche family tree in recent history have been touched by talent that was developed at the modest Pasade- na campus of Art Center. l

Thanks to Stewart Reed, Jason Hill and Tom Harezlak for their gener- ous assistance. Any errors in the article are solely the responsibility of the author. The Mustang Kid got some speed.

38 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 39 Let’s take a moment to flash back three years ago to the Long Beach Grand Prix and the Porsche Owner’s “Can we receive Club booth, where my dad and I instruction and talked about the club with Don participate in track Matz. The biggest question my dad and I had was, “Can we receive events even with instruction and participate in track a non-Porsche events even with a non-Porsche marque?” This was marque?” Don supplied an answer readily answered fast: “Yes, we welcome everyone!” And boy, he was not kidding! I re- by Don Matz with member feeling intimidated coming a decisive, “Yes, we to the track with my Mustang, about welcome everyone,” as non-Porsche a car as you can get. After the drivers’ meeting, though, and boy, he was not that feeling of intimidation went kidding! right away. The club welcomed me with cheery smiles and a warmth that may even beat the southern hospitality I’ve found at my new college home. My dad and I chose to run with the Porsche Owner’s Club My dad and I chose to run with the Porsche Owner’s because of their demonstrated rep- Club because of their demonstrated reputation for utation for safety and organization, as well as superior instruction, and safety, organization, and superior instruction, and I am very glad I decided to go with I am very pleased with our choice. the POC. The instruction I received was insightful and the club kept pushing me to become a better and better driver. As I recall, the only non-Porsche cars in the paddock at my first event were me and one oth- er Audi, and maybe a BMW or two.

Coming back to the Streets to drive with the POC was like coming home. The Mustang and I were still welcomed with those warm, cheery smiles, and as I mentioned, I was pleasantly surprised to see not only the familiar Porsche models, but the multitude of non-Porsches listed above. I was also very pleased to see the club had set up mandatory classroom instruction sessions for new PDS drivers to help them understand track safety, basic car handling dynamics, and driving techniques. I hope they all felt as welcomed as I did three years ago, and learned as much as I did from the great instruction I received from

LEFT PAGE TOP TO BOTTOM: Sandy Isaac in his Classic Datsun 240Z. Chris Campbell’s Porsche 914-6. Michael and Chris Weir sharing a Lotus Exige Cup.

RIGHT PAGE TOP TO BOTTOM: Karen Robinson piloting her Audi R8. Jerry Hoffman’s red on red early 911 cooling off.

40 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 41 the club. Personally, I enjoy diversity Attack, now) and have licenses for in cars on track with me. It adds a both series. I feel the POC has given R ANDOMLY P ROFILED M EMBER little bit of extra excitement, as you me a solid foundation on which to get to see the strong and weak points build the driving skills necessary of certain types of cars and this can to be a competitive, safe, and aware sometimes incentivize you to go just driver, no matter what organization a little bit faster, creating a bit of a with which I might drive. Mike Skinner friendly manufacturers’ rivalry. At BY ANDREW D. WEYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX SLUITER the end of the day, however, the club’s This past Saturday at the Streets was main goal is to make sure you have a great refresher for me, and a great Andrew D. Weyman: Being a racer ADW: You’re a Cup Racer. How else do year because we were in Cannes. That a fun and safe day out on the track, way to kick off my summer of high demands a lot of focus, concentration you participate in the POC? was a real “quality problem” to have. So, while promoting and appreciating performance driving. The camara- and hard work. What’s your “real job,” I really want to drive Laguna, Miller, the storied Porsche marque. derie surrounding the group, and and how long have you been at it? MS: Beside being a Cup Racer, I’m an and COTA—and then go from there. the friendships I’ve formed driving Instructor, a Velocity contributing writer Being a part of the club and around with the club (despite driving a non- Mike Skinner: I have been a health- and photographer. ADW: What’s your favorite track? all those Porsches must have had Porsche marque), make coming back care IT professional and manager for MS: Chuckwalla, counter-clockwise. an effect because my dad ended up to POC events very rewarding for my 30 years. When I was 19, I went to ADW: You’ve written several articles buying a Porsche just a little after a dad and me. I love driving with the work for Ross Perot. On my first day for Velocity. What’s that experience been they told me I had to wear a tie to work like? ADW: The 2015 Tribute to Le Mans year of running with the club. It’s a POC and plan to continue running every single day, and I could wear any was your first endurance race. What 2002 Porsche Boxster S, and we’ve with them until I can no longer color of tie I wanted as long as it was MS: Writing for Velocity adds discipline was it like? taken it to a few track events with the drive! My plan is to one day (when red. For the younger POC members to my overall racing experience by giv- POC, even though the main track car I’m out of college) own a Porsche who don’t know who Ross Perot is, ing me a structured way to think about MS: It was like being on vacation in a I’ve been working on and honing my of my own and Cup Race with the ask someone like Will Marcy— my experiences, behavior, contributions far away land, and knowing that even- driving skills in is the Mustang. And, POC. For the time being, however, he can tell you. and desired areas for improvement— tually I would have to get back on the as a driver driving a non-Porsche car I will continue to track the good both on the track and in the pits. Writ- plane—I just didn’t want it to be over! at these events, I can definitely say ol’ Stang, and I hope to see other ADW: What can you tell me about ing for Velocity also gives me a stronger This year’s Tribute reminded me that “plans” are really just “mental guide- I feel very safe and confident with marques in this great club; I am your track car? sense of the club’s community. lines.” At just about every point during the great majority of the people with proud to have joined and am happy the weekend something happened that whom I share the track. I have grad- they’ve allowed me to be a small MS: It’s a 1999 HRG-built and num- ADW: How many POC track events bered fully race-prepped Boxster 2.5 have you attended? produced a change in circumstance. uated from the Performance Driving part of their Porsche community. l GT5, #698. I’m always curious what’s And that change in circumstance Series to the Time Trial Series (Time behind a permanent car number. In my MS: Um…all of them? Ok, maybe I produced a different decision. And that case I talked Wendy into marrying me missed a handful in 2.5 years. decision resulted in a new scenario that in June 1998. I hadn’t contemplated. And so on, and ADW: What tracks have you driven? so on. That’s racing! It was an awesome ADW: How long have you been a experience in many different ways. member of the POC? MS: Willow Springs, The Streets of I learned about being a team member, Willow, Auto Club Speedway roval, endurance driving (and preparation). MS: Two and a half years. Auto Club Speedway infield, Buttonwil- I also improved my situational awareness low (both directions), and Chuckwalla skills under “red” conditions sharing (both directions). I missed Laguna last the track with very fast cars traveling at truly astonishing closing speeds.

ORIGINALLY FROM CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, AND 51 YEARS YOUNG, MIKE SKINNER IS A RESIDENT OF WEST HILLS, CALIFORNIA. TOP TO BOTTOM: Lyle Tonelli working it in PDS. Steve Rajcic making his way through the Streets. Jan Weir using some brute downforce coming through a turn. HIS RIDE OF CHOICE IS HIS 2004 PORSCHE 996 GT3, AND FOR THE TRACK, HIS BLUE GT5 BOXSTER RACER NUMBER 698. Justin Daily’s paint job hints at his on-track game face.

42 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 43 ADW: What do you enjoy most about ful passing opportunities—and not driving driving with the POC? a line that indicates a passing attempt, TIME ATTACK 11 - 12 — CUP RACES 9 - 4 - 11 -12 especially if I’m not within striking distance MS: First and foremost, the constant (which puts even more distance to the car attention to safety. Next, the camaraderie in front of me by giving up time driving the and family. And then it just gets down to slower line). going fast! ONCE UPON A TIME AT A TRACK CALLED ADW: Do you have any hobbies other than ADW: What’s the greatest lesson you’ve racing? If so, how might they relate learned while on the track? to driving?

MS: Expect the unexpected. “Expect” really MS: Snowboarding. Maybe it’s a reach, but means “be prepared to adjust.” That can I do find myself identifying where the apex Buttonwillow... mean anything from a tire surprise to a car is for a particular ‘turn’—and what the likely BY ANDREW WEYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAIN JAMAR AND CALIPHOTOGRAPHY pointed the wrong direction in a high-speed outcome is with a late apex or early apex. sweeper. Oh, and everything in between. And it’s a lot cheaper.

ADW: What are your driving goals? I’ve also practiced Bikram Yoga several times per week for 10 years. If you aren’t MS: To be able to leave the track every week- familiar with Bikram Yoga I can just tell you Mike and Wendy Skinner at the track. end and honestly say that I gave it my best. that there are no creepy candles or music involved. Among other benefits, Bikram ADW: What are the driving techniques you Yoga improves my breathing and helps to two important tips. First, find a way to turn are working on? identify “fight or flight” instincts—and how off the world when you get in a racecar. to persevere in these situations to stay safe Nothing going on in our lives has any place MS: Situational awareness is the technique and focused. inside a racecar. Second, ask questions—lots I work on most. And although situational of them. Ask the same question of at least What tips can you offer to new awareness is part of many different skills and ADW: three different drivers. If you have an idea The Boxster transmission now lovingly called, “Tranny.” techniques, I’m also working hard on qual- drivers? that you think might be a good one—run it ifying strategy and starts. Recently I’ve also by someone. If you have what you think is a MS: From my own experiences I can offer been working harder on anticipating success- really good idea, run it by 10 people. l I love Buttonwillow Raceway Park and had been looking forward to this event for a long time. The track is fast, technical and challenging. But I had no idea about the unusual challenges I would face during the weekend of The Luau on Lerdo Highway.

POC President Andrew Weyman beat the odds to finish at Buttonwillow. —CaliPhotography

44 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 45 I headed out to the track from I off-loaded the transmission into my home in Malibu early Friday my garage. The trailer was less morning with a planned stop at crowded, but the very thing my garage in Northridge to pick I now needed was a two-hour up my car and trailer. Traffic was drive away (each direction). cooperating and I arrived at the track late morning, ready for Determined to race, I roamed the practice in the afternoon. After paddock to find someone who had all, I hadn’t driven Buttonwillow the tools and time to change out in the clock-wise direction for the transmission for me. I know a long time. Practice, practice, just enough about fixing cars to be practice! dangerous. I also know when to ask for help and I wasn’t about to Well, my plans were thwarted drive four hours to get the spare when, one lap into my second gearbox if I couldn’t find someone practice session, I shifted into to install it. fourth gear and the shifter vibrated like an adult novelty on Dwain Dement was nearby and steroids. The transmission I had I explained my predicament. He been relying on for countless wanted to help me out but he hours of track time had finally didn’t have the manpower and given up. Now what? tools to do it. He recommended that I check with Vali Predescu. I had been transporting a re-built I did and without hesitation, transmission in my trailer for Vali said, “Absolutely! Go get the more than a year. A few weeks re-built transmission. We’ll start ago, in an effort to tidy up the on it right away and finish the mess of parts and tools that job tomorrow morning.” Off to LEFT PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Gunter Enz running his new 997 in GT2. Michael had grown to resemble an obstacle Northridge! Monsalve, on his way to a class win. Duane Selby, sporting new livery, and fast as usual. RIGHT PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Alex Bermudez winning the weekend’s three BSR course inside my trailer, class races. Kevin Wilson’s car proving its potential. John Gordon catching some air in the esses. — Photography by Alain Jamar and CaliPhotography

46 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 47 With a smile on his face, Vali said, “Go get it. You’ll race tomorrow.” I’ve done crazier things…

An hour and forty-four minutes later sweaty, exhausted self to Bakersfield exiting Riverside and setting up for forty-eight minutes later, I was bers had made it back to their RVs (I drove a bit fast), I was reminded to check in at the Holiday Inn. Phil Hill. I made it back to the hoisting and cursing once again. I and hotel rooms for the night. that transmissions are heavy. Getting paddock without 4th gear and told got the transmission into the truck the spare into my truck by myself I arrived at the track on Saturday Vali the news. My weekend was over. and headed back to the track. “This Once again, I got to the Holiday Inn, meant intense determination, using morning to see Steve Parker under No racing for me. I felt like a sad is insane,” I told myself. “I’ve filled dirty, sweaty and exhausted. I’m not my legs along with my abs, and a few my car and my replacement trans- character in a children’s fairy tale. up my truck with more diesel fuel in sure what happened after that but colorful words. Back to Buttonwillow! mission almost installed. It was ready two days than I have in a month.” I made it to the track Sunday morn- for the second Orange group session But wait! I had another transmission ing and found Steve Parker under An hour and fifty-three minutes and I was back on the track! I needed in my garage. This one was out of a It was late when I arrived at the my car, finishing up the installation. later I arrived at the track to see my the practice and it was a fantastic wreck and I had no way of knowing track. My car was once again sitting By the way, Steve is the last guy that car sitting up on jack stands, the opportunity to work on braking less, if it was good. For that matter, the on jack stands with the busted should wear white a shirt at the broken gearbox sitting on the ground getting on the throttle sooner and rebuilt one didn’t perform very well. gearbox on the ground. I somehow track. I noticed that the gear oil nearby and very little activity in the finding the fastest line through I was torn. Was it worth another trip got the third transmission of the I supplied was unopened. Vali told paddock. Luckily, Joel Silverstein Cotton Corners. I love this track! to Northridge? With a smile on his weekend out of my truck and headed me there was oil in the transmission and Ron Rosenblum hadn’t left for face, Vali said, “Go get it. You’ll race to the main building to discover that already. I had no idea what grade their hotel and they offered to help. Next up was qualifying and it was tomorrow.” I’ve done crazier things… the Luau was over. A few diehards gear oil was in there or when it was We off-loaded the rebuilt transmis- going great. That is, until my newly were still sitting around bench racing last changed. My car was ready sion (also known as the answer to installed transmission gnashed its I got back in my truck, headed and talking about how much they with just enough time prior to my prayers) and I dragged my dirty, gears while I was on my third lap to Northridge and an hour and enjoyed the Luau food. Most mem- my qualifying session to test

Red run group ready to hit the track for Saturday’s practice run. — Photography by Alain Jamar

48 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 49 shifting through all the gears. possible to finish at least one race? and I took home fourth place in problem shift and I ended up I drove through the paddock and The green flag waved and the race the BSR class. I actually finished on the podium with a third it seemed to shift okay. I gridded up was quickly marred by contact a race! The weekend was turning place finish. wondering if my third and final and lots of off-track excursions. out to have a fairy tale ending. gearbox, would get me through I moved up several positions With determination, encourage- the races. I qualified in three laps and kept away from the craziness. Sunday’s second Orange race ment, and help from my fellow without transmission failure and I drove as hard as I could while was yet another challenge for club members, I got to race two got off the track. No need to drive talking to my transmission and my gearbox. During the race out of three races instead of the car any more than necessary. encouraging it to make it to the I continued my dialogue with throwing in the towel. It was a checkered flag. If you didn’t know, the transmission I now lovingly fairy tale ending to a great POC I sat on the grid prior to the first it turns out that talking to your called, “Tranny.” Would my sweet weekend. And they all lived Orange race and thought that the transmission is an important talking, good luck and persever- happily ever after… l true test was yet to come. Would part of racing. I finished fourth. ance do the trick? The answer my gears cooperate and make it That’s right, three transmissions was a resounding YES! Not one

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● Official Porsche Owners Club tech station Co-owner and Master Technician with 24 years experience Tyson Schmidt Learn to race with a professional instructor

PORSCHE ROAD&RACE SPECIALISTS

508 S. Victory Blvd. Burbank, CA 91502 818-848-8848 TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: Dave Tung readying himself for competition. Newcomers Steve and John Rajcic are all smiles. Mike Skinner strategizing with Eric Oviatt. Steve Parker [email protected] walking the Buttonwillow Park grounds. — Photography by Alain Jamar

50 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 51 BUCKET LIST NURBURGRING 24 HOURS

WELCOME TO

THE GREEN HELL Peril lurked at every slow zone, Porsche team made a simple is an essential element of what in the same areas year after year. whether for speed limits or crashes statement by putting the universal makes the race unique. Marshals, Unlike places like Le Mans were BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EHRLICH THE AUTHOR or track repairs, and some cars German autobahn unrestricted spectators, crews and drivers all camping areas are a hundred yards sustained damage or had close calls speed sign on its car and on the would rather see a car limp home to from trackside, the Germans build as they or others failed to slow at the door of its hospitality suite. the finish than retire, regardless of directly adjacent to the track. The The headlines for Porsche were somewhat grim before the race, which results in thousands of people same rate or the same spots. the finishing position. Body panels engineering is impressive. Scaffold- heading into the 2015 edition of the Nürburgring swarming the cars, drivers and crews. No special pass Tradition at the Nürburgring (for are often missing and prodigious ing is pieced together to create tall 24 Hours. Challenging for overall honors was going or credential required. The starting grid itself is so large Speed limiting as the ultimate some of us at least) dictates a morn- amounts of helicopter tape are used viewing structures. Wood patios to be a stretch. that three pace cars are used to divide up the field and solution is still an open question ing walk among the garages, pits to keep loose bits together. sport satellite television, flower release each group separately. and there are a range of options and and along the track to survey the boxes and artificial grass. Generators The 997 GT3 R platform is at the end of its develop- opinions. The purist still struggles retirements, the repairs in progress, Tradition also was maintained in power everything from refrigerators ment life. Gestation of the new model has been a bit The story of the race has been reported in detail with the idea of any speed limit on and the rolling wounded. The ethos the forest camping areas alongside to tv, to monster sound systems. delayed. The successor 991 GT3 R car was shown in elsewhere, but it was another Nürburgring classic. The a green race course. The Kremer of the event to survive and finish the track. The same people camp the Porsche hospitality building publicly for the first Belgian WRT new Audi R8 LMS took top honors with time. Following a trend already seen in the US, some a 40 second gap over the Marc VDS BWM Z4. Al- customers—such as the well-known Haribo Racing though they won with a German car, the victory marks team—moved from Porsche to other platforms (the the first overall win for a non-German team in many Mercedes AMG SLS in this case). years. Team Falken claimed a very happy third place overall a lap off the lead for their best ever result. The The Audis have proven dominant over the past few Falken Porsche showed bruises and tape on its nose years, and a new and much meaner looking R8 LMS fairly early in the race from an incident in the rain. was making its race debut at the Nürburgring 24 intent on continuing the trend. The BMW Z4 was making its The Manthey Racing GT3R finished 17th overall with last Nürburgring 24 appearance with factory support. an 11 gap to the leaders. The Frikadelli Porsche ended Without an overall win to the Z4’s credit, BMW was its race prematurely near midnight with crash damage keen to claim top honors before moving on to the M6 inflicted just near the Karussell. Sadly, the car was in program. As in past years, the Z4 was very fast but the the lead when it encountered trouble. The overnight question was fragility. hours claimed many other casualties, including several top running Audis. The BWMs were, as predicted, fast The Mercedes AMG SLS was also likely seeing its last and fragile. Crash damage took out at least one and opportunity to claim another Nürburgring 24 hour another produced quite a fireball on pit lane (quickly win. AMG will continue to support customers who extinguished). want to race, but factory emphasis will move to the new GT race car in 2016. As always, rain played a factor by visiting during Thursday’s evening practice and then for the first Against this backdrop, only three Porsches took the third of the race. Many cars suffered damage due grid in the top class: local legends Manthey Racing and to rain-related accidents and the changing conditions Frikadelli Racing (“The fastest meatball in the world”) challenged drivers and crews on tire selection. along with regular entrant Falken Racing. Of course, At one point, it was pouring on the Dottinger Hohe they weren’t racing alone. Even though a little lighter and completely dry in the pits. than past years, the entry covered 21 classes and about 150 cars at the green flag. There was a scattering of A spectacular crash and spectator death in a prelimi- privateer 911 and Cayman models through the field, nary race several weeks before the event lead organizers but the top of the grid was filled by Audi, BMW and to impose speed limits on two parts of the track. There Mercedes—with the SCG003 from American Jim was and remains considerable debate about the wisdom Glickenhaus thrown in the mix to make its race debut. of speed limits on a green racing track. No question that the speed limits impacted the racing. Some cars A start at the Nürburgring 24 hours is something reach terminal speed more quickly than others. Some to behold. The starting grid is open to spectators cars lose the chance to use their top speed advantage.

52 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 AUGUST 2015 VELOCITY 53 In addition to the main event, the might expect, Porsches are very of stories up and down the pit lane. encourage drivers and teams to fix Porsche Carrera Cup Deutsch- well represented with everything There are crowd favorites that won’t and re-enter the fight which only land makes a regular support race from a simple early 1970s 911 to a threaten for the overall win and yet adds to the “never say die” allure. appearance each year. A paddock small and nimble 904, to 911 and contribute to the texture of the race. full of Porsche 997 Cup cars is a 935 models with monster flares and This year’s race certainly lived up wonderful sight and the racing is wings. The Classic race is arguably The most compelling aspect of to the reputation as a classic race close. An an indicator of the length a highlight of the race weekend the Nürburgring 24 hours is that on the endurance racing calendar. of the track (15.2 miles), a race for many spectators. It also gives there is a vast quantity of smaller It will be remembered for the in- length covers only four laps. window shopping spectators a vignettes as each team and each troduction of the new Audi and the chance to wonder what type of driver have their own event. The likely farewell for the factory AMG If the older cars are more your vintage vehicle they wish they spectator is invited to focus on the SLS, BMW Z4 and Porsche GT3R. style, the Classic race on Friday had (or regret selling previously). smaller battles down the order and Rumor suggested that Audi already has an enormous range of vintage in class. The stories of perseverance had 50 orders for its new R8 LMS cars. Many of the cars ran in the Any retrospective on the Nürbur- in overcoming damage or poor in the queue. With the introduction Nürburgring 24 hours in their day. gring 24 hour race will inevitably reliability of particular teams create of the new AMG GT, BMW M6 The field ranges from Mercedes focus on the contenders for the reasons to pull for a particular car. and Porsche 991 GT3 R, a lot of and BMW sedans to Alfa Romeos, overall race victory, but there are so The rules of the event also permit people have May 28-29 circled on Fiats and Volkswagens. As you many other cars, classes and slivers recovery of damaged cars and their 2016 calendar. l

CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: Black Forest spectators can sit very close to where the action is. Porsche was very well represented, with everything from a simple early 911 to a small and nimble 904, to a GT3 Cup, RS, RSR and older 935 models with monster flares and wings. Fans are allowed to walk the pre-grid before the start of the race.

54 VELOCITY AUGUST 2015 www.caliphotography.com

RACE TRACKS Auto Club Speedway Buttonwillow Raceway Park Chuckwalla Valley Raceway Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Sonoma Raceway Willow Springs Motorsports Park

You bring it, we’ll shoot it. AJD AD CONCEPT — 2015