CHUCKWALLA VALLEY RACEWAY . BUTTONWILLOW RACEWAY . WILLOW SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

CHUCKWALLA DESERT HEAT

Meet Some of Le Mans’ WINNING MACHINES VOLUME 59 NUMBER 4 12 — 2014 EDITOR’S PICK Alex Bermudez leading Nathan Johnson at Chuckwalla Raceway. Robert Glaze at CaliPhotography is our Editor’s Pick for issue 59-4. Porsche INSIDE THIS ISSUE DECEMBER 2014 News Porsche 919 Hybrid Steering Wheel SPECIAL 3 Editor’s Pick 23 Buttonwillow Boxsterfest OFFER FOR A Treat for Racers and Fans 5 Porsche News Doug Boccignone POC MEMBERS 7 Editor’s Note 29 Data Logging Nancy Jamar Martin Schacht Show Your 8 Rearview Mirror 34 In the Pits - Race Wheels Current Membership Card, Mitchell Sam Rossi 9 From the President Receive 20% Savings Andrew D. Weyman 37 Who really makes the cars go? on Parts and Service. 11 Visor up or down... Brett Gaviglio Chris Thompson 42 Road Trip to Car Heaven: 12 Procrastinate, Part Two it’s what I do Brett Gaviglio George Puckhaber 48 POC Annual Banquet 18 RPM — Blair Boyce Andrew D. Weyman

See Martin Schacht article on data acquisition on page 29.

Sunset over thePHOTOGRAPH desert BY MIKE SKINNER

12 34 37

818.884.4411 21301 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91364 theautogallery.com

ON THE COVER Porsche’s celebration of the heroes of Le Mans — Photo courtesy Porsche Cars North America INSERT Dramatic sky at dusk over Chuckwalla Valley Raceway paddock — Photo courtesy Gabriel Alan Photography DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 5

WHEN IN PARIS, WHY NOT VISIT Porsche News LE MONDIAL DE L’ AUTOMOBILE ! BY JACKE CRUMP EDITOR’S NOTE NANCY JAMAR Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Who says LA has the worst traffic in the world? Also new are slightly different front and rear end I will never, ever complain about LA freeway styling which may not be evident to the most traffic again. Well, hardly ever. observers as they are the same as the other With one issue of Velocity under our LA traffic is nothing compared to the massive Cayenne models and are part of the new pack- belts and a second one off the press, I jams on the Paris motorways and the infamous age along with a new design headlight group- feel like I can take a minute to just... ing which contains a choice of LED or bi-xe- Peripherique and the grid-locked city streets. It’s been a busy month or two winding No wonder it is such a great city to walk in. non. Some other small styling changes are also evident around the car and are punctuated with up this year, and not just with the My assignment to cover the 2014 Paris Mondial vivid green accents added to the instrument magazine. A little bit of all sorts of de l’Automobile for Velocity came after I was cluster, badging and the brake calipers which crazy have been going on in my life, already in Paris, so I figured I could do this on signify it’s the E-Hybrid. and it was a nice respite to just sit and a typical October day in the City of Light. Gray, Hopefully you made it to the LA Auto show in read about the adventures and exploits cool and rainy; it was the perfect opportunity November and got to see this and all the other of our intrepid members as set forth on to get it done, albeit without one of the 13,000 new cars. press credentials issued to journalists from 103 the pages of this magazine. countries. Being late, I had also missed the Meanwhile, one more thought on the horren- First, it was nice to read Andrew’s somewhat more convenient press days. dus lines. If I wasn’t being passed by someone, letter and hear about the substantial I was being pushed and prodded from behind. I arrived at the venue, Paris Expo Porte De gains the club is making in finances, It seems if they wanted me to move they could Versailles (96,000m2 of space in nine pavil- programming and plans for the future. have asked and if they were just being friendly, at lions) as the doors opened, thinking I would get We also have some good technical least they could have offered to buy me a drink. in, take a quick look around at some of the 100 perspectives on everything from wheels plus new international releases and the Europe- I finally had enough and decided to see the cars (Mitch Rossi) to in-car safety (Chris an models we don’t get to see in the states, then up close some other time, maybe in LA. Porsche is sending its second front passenger also sit in an exclusive for the first time. Over a total distance Thompson), and the pros and cons of head to “Pavillon 4” where I would find displays generation of the 911 Carrera Alcantara interior with leather-trimmed of more than 2,610 miles it consumed But now, on to really important things–it was data loggers (Martin Schacht). of Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen along with just 1.48 gallon per 60 miles. In addition time for food. No hot dogs or mini-donuts for GTS to the starting line. sport seats whose center panels are made Skoda and Seat. Brett Gaviglio continues his odyssey of Alcantara as on the other GTS models. to the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the Panamera this guy. Nope, got in line (very orderly here) Four models—a coupe and a cabriolet, at Pebble Beach with coverage of the S E-Hybrid was also driven along the same The best laid plans sometimes fall to pieces, as and ordered up some moules-frites et une bière. each with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive— The exteriors of the new 911 cars—like all by the time I got to them, the German displays Yes, right smack, dab in the middle of the main Concours d’Elégance and vintage car routes. Thanks to its weight advantage, now close the gap between the 911 Carrera GTS models—differ significantly from the were packed, wall-to-wall with Parisian enthu- hall of the auto show, next to the Michelin dis- races, and we have event coverage rear-wheel drive and lower wind resistance, S and the street-legal sports car optimized other Carrera models. All models have the siasts, clamoring to get their hands on the cars, play. After all, the French are, indeed, civilized. from George Puckhaber, detailing his the plug-in hybrid model of Porsche’s grand for the race track, the 911 GT3. Some of 911 Carrera 4 body with wide-flared rear get a “free” brochure or whatever “treasures” journey to Chuckwalla with wry humor. tourer also impressed with average fuel the technical ingredients that generate even wheel arches and a wide track. Also standard might be found at an auto show. Doug Boccignone covers the Boxter consumption of 1.48 gallon per 60 miles. more driving dynamics and driving fun: are 20-inch wheels with centre wheel locks, My French is not the best, but despite the event at Buttonwillow, aptly illustrating 430 hp power, the Sport Chrono package which are painted in an exclusive matt black. Both plug-in hybrids were driven along language barrier, I made my way through the why this car has become a favorite of and the PASM active damper system which Accentuating the front end are special trim the routes around Frankfurt am Main. VW and Audi displays before heading over to so many for club racing. Brett Gaviglio lowers the car’s ride height by .4 inches. elements and smoked bi-xenon headlights. These included sections through villages, Porsche, where the display was fenced off and gives an inspired perspective on the only a couple dozen or so folks were allowed in Improved efficiency has also led to quicker Black trim strips on the customised GTS along country roads and on motorways, people who “really make the cars go,” at a time. accelerations and higher top speeds, but air intake screen and black chrome-plated in part with no speed limit. It was also with his article on the Willow Springs combined fuel consumption figures remain exhaust tailpipes characterise the rear. confirmed on these different routes of I figured that the line to get in the display was event and its detailed coverage of the between 22 and 35 miles that the all-electric over an hour long if I was lucky. many behind-the-scenes heroes that unchanged at the favourable level of the S With the addition of these new top models, range of 22 miles with zero local emissions make our sport possible—and as safe as models. When combined with the Porsche the 911 Carrera range now consists of twelve But wait–it seems Parisians are always in a hur- is achievable in practice, not just in the possible. Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), the 911 sports cars at three power levels, as coupes ry, and if they are behind you in line, watch out, NEDC on a test bench. Carrera GTS sprints from zero to 62 mph and cabriolets, and with rear-wheel and because they think they belong in front of you And we meet­—via the RPM profile by and will push, shove and manuever until they in 4.0 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.2 seconds). all-wheel drive systems. In Germany, the The Cayenne S E-Hybrid provides system Andrew Weyman—Blair Boyce, a scuba are. After all, they are who they are and you’re The top speed of each GTS model is beyond four models will be available at dealers power of 416 hp, accelerates from zero to 60 diver, sky diver, bungee jumper, hunter, not. The line was rapidly becoming hours lon- the 186 mph barrier; the fastest at 190 mph mph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of fisher, hiker, surfer, and snowmobiler... starting in November 2014. ger, as the entitled Parisians moved to the front. is the Coupe with a manual transmission 150 mph. It has been available from dealers when he’s not at the track with his Stuttgart. Performance and rear-wheel drive. since October 2014. Porsche is thus the first Now, a little about Porsche, which introduced Porsche. and efficiency the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which carmaker with three plug-in models in its When adjusted for their additional features, replaces the current hybrid model. The new Once again, I can’t help but comment The new Cayenne S E-Hybrid proofs that portfolio. In addition to the new Cayenne the new top models are attractive in price model E-Hybrid is technologically advanced on the quality of the submissions, both as well. A number of options are included these two characteristics don´t exclude each S E-Hybrid and the Panamera S E-Hybrid, and importantly, is able to travel about twice as editorial and photographic. They’re so as standard, such as bi-xenon headlights other. During the course of an international launched in August 2013 as the first plug- far on battery power. This car can be plugged relevant to understanding what this with the Porsche Dynamic Light System road test event for the media at the end of in hybrid in the luxury segment, the 918 into a home power supply for a charge. The new club is all about. Read on! (PDLS) and the sport exhaust system for October, the world’s first premium SUV Spyder super sports car underlines Porsche’s batteries which are lithium-ion, have almost unmistakable GTS sound. The driver and plug-in hybrid was put through its paces expertise in the field of plug-in hybrid 10 times the storage capacity of the current technology. nickel-metal hydride batteries.

6 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 7 1967 PORSCHE OWNERS CLUB, INC. NEWSLETTER REARVIEWMIRROR 47 YEARS AGO Ah, Riverside. I bet that brings back memories POC PRESIDENT for some people. And in this old issue of the POC ANDREW D. WEYMAN newsletter, it appears that photos were indeed taking a ‘rear view’ of some of the participants! Editor Featured on the cover was the 1966 Porsche Nancy Jamar [email protected] 906 Carrera 6 that very aptly declared on it’s Photo by John Cherniack rear decklid, “Let it all hang out!” Art Director • Designer Alain Jamar It’s a common thing to say this time of year, but it bears repeating. Where did the year go? [email protected] Man, it felt quick. Our 2014 season is coming to an end and preparations for our Annual Advertising Banquet are well underway. Save the date! Saturday, January 24, 2015. Alain Jamar The economic downturn of a few years ago had a huge negative affect on our event [email protected] participation. Income did not cover club expenses. Cash reserves were tapped into and Editorial Contributors our club operated at a significant loss. This past year has been a year of rebuilding. We Doug Boccignone scheduled events very strategically, chose venues thoughtfully, cut waste, and created new Chris Thompson ways to reign in costs. After combining our Performance Driving School with Time Attack Jacke Crump and Club Racing this year, we should be able to just about break even. It’ll be a tremendous Brett Gaviglio turnaround for us. A more detailed financial report will be made available at our Annual George Puckhaber Banquet and published in our next issue of Velocity. Mitchell Sam Rossi Martin Schacht Our 2015 schedule is posted on our website and our first track event of the year will be a Andrew D. Weyman combined Performance Driving Series and Time Attack event at the Streets of Willow. Note Contributing Photographers that PDS will once again be a competitive series with trophies and awards. We will continue Gabriel Alan Photography to offer excellent instruction for our newer drivers. It’s gonna be great. Spread the word! Brett Gaviglio Mike Skinner Some other highlights–Time Attack and Cup Racing will return to Spring Mountain John Cherniack Motorsports Ranch. We’ll conduct our twice-yearly Racer’s Clinic. The first Clinic will be Chris Campbell held at Spring Mountain in March and the second at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in October. Alain Jamar Our Tribute to Le Mans will be run at Willow Springs International Raceway. There’ll be lots Nathan Fredrickson of exciting events in between. Kimiko Rossi Scott Fisher I would like to thank all our advertisers and sponsors as well as all those members who Blair Boyce have volunteered their expertise, time and energy to our club. Thank you Porsche Cars North America, Pacific Porsche, Engine Builders Supply, Sube Sports, Elephant Racing, Interested in advertising in Velocity? Aase Motors, Air Power Racing, Hergesheimer Motorsports, JE Pistons, Forgeline, Tarett Please contact Alain Jamar at Engineering, Bilt-Well Roofing & Solar, Vision Motorsports, Johnson’s Alignment, and [email protected] or 714-680-8805 Triad Investment Management. Thank you Board of Directors members Alex Bermudez, Dave Elliott, Kurt Gokbudak, John Gordon, Nathan Johnson, Eric Oviatt and Carolyn Velocity magazine is the official publication of the Porsche Pappas. Thank you Laurie Taylor, Steve Vandecar, the entire Competition Committee, Owners Club, Inc. and postage is paid at Anaheim, CA. Dwain Dement and all our instructors, Marty Mehterian, Dave Gardner, PDS and TA Subscription rate is $20.00 in the United States and is included in the membership dues of the Club. Editorial submissions Manager Brad Keegan, Leonard Schenkel, Terry Davis, Sandy Isaac, Chris Thompson, John and photos should be emailed to alainjamardesign@yahoo. Armstrong, Don Matz, Dave Buckholtz and the Membership Committee, Dave Bruder and com. Any and all material accepted for publication is subject the Velocity Sales Team, Alain and Nancy Jamar, Kati James and her entire crew, Fire and to revision as necessary, and at the sole discretion of the staff to meet the requirements of this publication. All articles, Safety, and Aaron Roth. It’s because of their efforts the Porsche Owners Club experience is manuscripts and photos submitted are without remuner- “The Best in Club Racing.” ation, with the exception of related expense authorized by prior agreement with the publishers. Submission of original As always, please feel free to email me at: [email protected] material constitutes a perpetual, nonexclusive license for the Porsche Owners Club, Inc. to print and/or reproduce in any manner, and for any purpose, said material. Address change: Please give four weeks notice. Send an address label from a recent issue or flyer to aid in changing NEVER DRIVEN WITH THE POC? your address. Mail address changes to: Join the club and attend our Performance Driving School! Porsche Owners Club, Box 727, 14252 Culver Drive, Suite A, Irvine, CA 92604. We’ll give you $95 off your next event! POSTMASTER: PLEASE SEND FORM 3579 TO: Members, refer a new driver to a POC event and PORSCHE OWNERS CLUB, 14252 CULVER DRIVE #A, earn 50 POC Bucks. BOX 727, IRVINE, CA 92604 Take advantage of these great offers! Velocity is circulated as a benefit of membership in the Porsche Go to porscheclubracing.org for details. Owners Club, through select certified technical outlets, at select Porsche dealerships, and at events nationwide.

8 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 9 VISOR UP OR DOWN...

BY CHRIS THOMPSON

When I started out doing DE’s and going through the You can see PDS program, I drove with my visor up. Most every- the rock bouncing one I saw drove that way—that’s what the cool kids around under

were doing so I followed suit. Watch most pro drivers the 928 t

and you’ll see them driving with the visor up as well. So what’s the point of the visor then? As I progressed, a couple of my well-respected instructors/coaches had made comments about driving with the visor THE PORSCHE OWNERS CLUB THANKS PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA FOR THEIR SUPPORT down versus up. So I started closing it most of the way, but left it cracked enough for some ventilation. When I transitioned to my current car, I had the luxury Rock appears to of forced ventilation, so every time I hit the track the miss Duane’s car ,

visor was down and locked. Fast forward to our Dan is getting closer t

September 6th Willow Springs event and the red qualifying session. Four of us transitioning down the hill into turn 5: Duane Selby in his Cayman, the red 928, me, and Dan Aspesi coming up fast behind me. In the image sequence below and in the video located here (https://vimeo.com/109547288) you’ll see something bouncing around under the 928 and Yep, it’s coming eventually break free, miss Duane, bounce a couple toward me,

of times, and head directly toward me with nowhere Dan is closing t to go. Bang! Windshield fractured, and the hit so hard you can hear it over the engine noise on the video. If you go to the video you’ll see me try and duck—a pointless move on my part, but a natural reaction, and thankful my visor was down just the same. When I got back to the pits and out of the car, I saw the damage up close. Not too bad from the outside, but wait, there’s more. We estimated the rock to be as big It’s BIG! or bigger than a softball, and it hit so hard it pushed Still nowhere to go. t through and fractured the inside of the windshield. That part that really hit home, no pun intended. Aside from the depression in the windshield, there were chunks and shards of glass littering the inside of the car, my seat, and my driving suit. Had my visor been up, would they have gotten to my eyes? I’d rather not find out.

Impact area

So what’s the point of the visor? Stating the obvious: from the outside t it keeps your fellow drivers safe by keeping you and your eyes safe. A blinding event could be disastrous for both. I know that many drive with the visor up and glasses on for either sun or necessity; having it up helps with ventilation, especially on hot days, but after this experience, I felt the need to relate this to you so you seriously consider your choices when in the car. At this point , At a minimum, I hope that folks take the partial down not much I can approach so you have some coverage and protection do except hope

of your very precious assets—be safe out there. l for the best t

10 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 11 12 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 POC COMPETITION

CUP RACES 10 l 20 l 21 TIME ATTACK 15 l 16PDS 13 l 14 driven byJerry Hoffman. —Photos by Gabriel Alan Photography red groupracers.Valy PredescuinhisGT5Boxster. Centerright:1970Porsche911T Cup Race19.Mark Foley tookfirstplaceinBSRonSunday. Kevin Wilsonleadingthe Opposite page,topto bottom:JSquaredstarterLyle Grooms givesthegreenflagfor He givesmeTHELOOKand says,“Whatever, dude.” much time to fix your AC.” “Don’t bother,” I reply, “it’s October. NoneedforACin October.” thorough tech inspection, and after stamping the log book; Marco says, “You didn’t leave us arrive untiltheendofweek,cuttingitclose.On Thursday, TLGsqueezesmycarinfora Now it’s acoupledaysbefore theevent.Stillneedtires andatechinspection. The tires won’t Liberia gotmybankaccountinfo. account, ane-mailfrom Lauriearrivesreassuring methateverythingisgood and nobodyin any otherchoice,soIgiveinanditwasn’t sohard afterall.Immediatelycreating mynew POC site,letalonemybankand“they”wantmetocreate another?There doesn’t seemtobe andpassword.account withausername Ican’t rememberandpassword myusername forthe but Iwasn’t payingattention.Idon’t likethis.Changeishard forme.“They”wantmetocreate an remember somethingbeingsaidabouttodowithimportantandwhatnot I hitthebuttononPOCsite,I’mredirected toMotorsportReg.com.WTFisthis?Oh,Ikindof I’ve waiteduntilthelastminutewhenlateregistration feeskickin,soI’mrightonschedule.When trailer from thetrackandwecouldsplitrental withhim.Boom,goingtoChuckwalla,baby! asked ifIwouldshare anRV. Yeah, I’mupforthat.HetextsbacktosayDavidTung bookeda So IhemmedandhawedstalleduntilMikeSkinnerreached outaweekbefore theeventand but… lasttimewasmightyfun. You goingtoChuckwalla?Maybe.Dunno.Too far. Too hot.Nowhere tosleep.But…andit’s abig PROCRASTINATE... BY GEORGEPUCKHABER—PHOTOSGABRIELALANPHOTOGRAPHY IT’S WHAT IDO!

DECEMBER 2014VELOCITY 13

I Love To Drive Top to bottom: Kevin Wilson and Eric Oviatt; Maddogg and Brynn Boucher; Jerry Hoffman I’m itching to be on the road, but my tires and his wife Dorothy. — Photography by don’t show up until Friday afternoon. Mike Skinner Relax. All I gotta do is drive to the track. That’s all I have to do today: relax and drive. It’s just 199 miles to Desert Center. Google maps says 3 hours and 15 minutes remember the numbers for those 17 without traffic. Not bad. Sliding my butt turns backwards. Just give each corner a down into that rock hard Evo 2 seat, I’m good name, like “The Pimple.” (Thanks, trembling with anticipation. All I gotta Will Marcy.) After Eric Oviatt gives us do is drive...my Porsche...my GT3...my an overview and Katie James reminds black GT3...with a hard ass race seat... us that we don’t have to stop for a furled torturous suspension...and no ‘frickin’ air black flag, I stumble back out into the conditioning...just 200 miles. (Who needs paddock sun. It’s going to be hot, real AC in October?) And wouldn’t you know, hot. Why didn’t I have TLG fix my AC? every other person in LA with a car is fleeing town! After an hour of wearing Pre-session nerves are pushing my my clutch out in stop and go traffic, redline. Check pressures, check oil, I make it to the 10. If Google is right, check the fuel level and—oh no—did there’s only 2 hours and 15 minutes left to the tire guys properly torque my center go. But at the three hour mark, I’ve barely locks? Fudge! I didn’t bring the ginor- made Fontana. Air temps are over 100 mous torque wrench and the locks don’t degrees and my shirt is plastered to my looked popped out all the way! Grrrr. back like the old days driving air-cooled Panic. And a quick trip over to HRG Carreras. Guess I overlooked Google’s where Tyson checks the center locks for “without traffic” disclaimer. C’mon, it’s me and assures all is okay. Nothing left LA. We’re never without traffic. Seven to do but take one last pre-grid pee hours after setting out, I crawl out of the and strap in. sweatbox and limp to our rented camper, a beaten man. Mike Skinner had run Friday practice and graciously offered to ride along my The Glamper first session. That was a stroke of luck or I would’ve been lost out there. Okay, The camper is clean, has AC and three I was still lost, but not as lost. What a beds: one comfortable, one so-so, and one track! 17 turns! 2.68 miles! Decreasing a medieval torture rack. Dave gets the radius corners! Double apex corners! comfortable one since he planned ahead And, of course, The Pimple (T9) where, and booked it. Mike and I agree to rotate if you didn’t slow to a crawl, you blew between the other two. Our cupboards the next section. By my second session are stocked with chips, nuts, granola bars, I was dialed in and focused. The track peanut butter and jelly: all the fixins’ men and my reference points were the only need to sustain themselves. And bonus, thing in my—oh, hey—look at the tail it’s just a short walk to the bathhouse. on that thing! Is it a Sauromalusater —a Smoking deal for 41 bucks each a night! ‘Chuckwalla Lizard’, running around out here? Dude! Pay attention! You’re Hot Laps on a racetrack, not a nature walk!

Saturday comes fast, and the morning It’s all fun and games until the heat light in the desert is incredible. As I turns up. My dash reads 106, then 108! stumble from the showers motors are Water and Gatorade are my friends. firing up around the paddock. Goose When I’m not in the car, I’m in the pimples pop up on my arms! It’s on, camper staying still, perfectly still. baby! It’s on! We all pile into the Driver’s Sometime in the last 48 hours I learned Meeting. This time, we’re running I needed service points. I don’t really counter clockwise. Don’t even try to know what they are but I need them. Ms. Laurie suggests I run lap times from timing and scoring to the office Top to bottom: Alex Bermudez, Nate Johnson, to earn some. No problem, easy, grab Will Marcy and Brynn Boucher. Jerry Hoffman, some papers and walk a short 100 Steven Bell, and Tom Mueller. Susan and Chris yards—in searing heat, across blistering Thompson. — Photography by Mike Skinner asphalt—wearing nomex long under- wear while suffering heat stroke.

14 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 15 Wow! Hardest task of my weekend!

Despite the heat, Saturday is coming togeth- er for me. My times are falling off and aren’t nearly as humiliating as they were in morning practice. The car is running well and tires feel great. I’m even starting to know where I am on track and what comes up next. And then, POC officials stop everyone in our group as we exit the course. What’s going on? I need this helmet off. I need some water. I need the sweat out of my eyes. I need out of this suit. After an eternity waiting in the scorching hot car, the official approaches me and asks for my log book. Log book? Log book? “Oh, um, yeah, uh, uh uh…” I’m struggling for words. He just looks, sympathetically, and says, “I can tell by your mumbling that you don’t have it in the car. Keep it in the car, okay?” “Yes, sir,” I reply, and dash for my airconditioned trailer. Hey, I learned something; you’re not supposed to keep your log book in the toolbox.

Sunset in the desert is spectacular. Saturday evening was fun, too, enjoying the hospitality and camaraderie over at HRG’s tent. But being on the verge of heat stroke and heavily medi- cated with bourbon there’s not much I recall... even less I can print.

Clockwise, top to bottom: Purple mountains frame George Puckhaber’s black GT3. GT1 racer Tom Haacker. Andrew Weyman chasing Branimir Kovac. The Backstretch “Banzai” Michael Takaki at speed. GT6 competitor Dave Tung. Bud Tanner discussing a violation with a driver at the black flag station — Photos by Gabriel Alan Photography

Sunday arrives and, once again, the desert sunrise is glorious. No driver’s meeting today, so there’s an extra 30 minutes of pre-session nerves to wrestle with. A Starbucks out here would be a good idea. Wonder if I could open a coffee shop here at the track and hire one of my lazy relatives. The PA announces my 10-minute call. I suit up. It gets warmer. 5-minute call and like clockwork I have to pee. 117 degrees on my dash! If I ever get another black car, punch me in the throat! Seriously! Punch me in the throat, because this is not okay. Breathe. Calm down. Focus. The track is really coming together for me. I’m getting dialed: complete concentration and precision driving is so rewarding. My confidence builds as I…hey, that’s a pretty red Turbo. Nice wheels, too. I wonder if it’s a Turbo S…

Drafting Home

And then it’s over. Time Attack 15 and 16 in the books. Time to pack it up and hit the road home. 200 miles back to LA. Hopefully, it will be a lot shorter than seven hours. I know there’s an In-N-Out out there, somewhere, in the desert heat. It’s also getting dark, so maybe I won’t miss the AC much. l

DECTEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 17 RANDOMLY PROFILED MEMBER BLAIR BOYCE BY ANDREW WEYMAN — IMAGES PROVIDED BY BLAIR BOYCE

Gabriel Alan Photography

What’s your level of participation? I’m a licensed NUMBER 299 GT-4 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and Miller Cup Racer and currently serve on the Competition 2013 AND 2014 Motorsports Park. CLASS CHAMPION Committee. I enjoy helping to build a safer club 2013 ROOKIE and a stronger bond between drivers. I look OF THE YEAR What’s your favorite track? Laguna Seca. It’s like forward to working more with the POC. Our club 52 YEARS YOUNG the Pebble Beach of golf courses (for those who will get stronger if we all increase our participation VILLA PARK, CA play golf). The history and beautiful yet challeng- in all club activities. We have a great group of CARS OWNED: ing layout of the track has you coming back for racers and we need to continue to build on it! 1072 PORSCHE 911T more. In addition, this is where I got my start in 2000 FERRARI 360 MODENA racing when I completed a three day Skip Barber Number of track events? I’ve attended 90% of 1969 Z-11 CHEVY CAMARO open wheel racing school. I was hooked once I events in 2013 and 2014. 2011 BMW 550i completed it! Laguna Seca rocks! 2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE DIESEL What tracks have you driven? Willow Springs In- 1974 PORSCHE 911 What do you enjoy most about driving with the ternational Raceway, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, MEMBERSHIP: POC? The competition and off-track camaraderie. Auto Club Speedway, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, ALMOST 3 YEARS The level of competition is high and the

18 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 19 THE ULTIMATE What are your driving goals? What techniques a great sport for developing your ability to see MEET SOME OF LE MANS’ WINNING MACHINES Photos courtesy Porsche Cars North America ADRENALINE are you working on? My driving goals are several turns ahead to make sure you are in the simple. Improve each and every time I get behind right spot when executing the turn or passing a 1 2 JUNKY the wheel. Develop as a safe and fast driver by car. Staying in good physical and mental shape employing my lessons learned while on the track. improves your driving skills. commitment by all to work with each other Winning each and every race would be fantastic! when off the track, helping with one another’s Lately, I have been working on my ‘feel’ while on What tips can you offer new drivers? Drive cars. I enjoy developing better lines and building the track. As you race, the car dynamics change. with better drivers. I was fortunate to spend my driving knowledge along with new friend- The tires go away, brakes act up... Traffic while quality practice time with Rob Tachovsky, Eddie ships. The POC experience is second to none. on the track changes and it is imperative that as a Marsailles and Kevin Roush. I learned a lot from It is truly amazing that you can ride your bike solid racecar driver you change your driving style better drivers. Develop a solid track day routine. around the paddock seeking some help and to match the conditions. If you don’t adjust, you Visualization of your time on the track before no one turns a blind eye. The POC is a will struggle when the car dynamics change. you actually drive the track is key. Look at a track playground for those seeking excitement map and identify what and where you should be and adrenaline! Do you have any hobbies other than driving? If to optimize your success while driving. Practice, so, how might they relate to driving? My hobbies practice, practice. As the old saying goes, Rome What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned while are many. I am known by many of my friends wasn’t built in a day. Participate in POC track 6 3 on the track? I have learned that respect, a solid as an ultimate adrenaline junky. I am a certified events and develop a better feel for your car and routine and practice are needed to be at the top scuba diver, enjoy skydiving, bungie jumping, abilities. Spinning off track is not a bad thing of your game. The respect for how an old school hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, surfing, when no one else is around to hit! It helps develop air-cooled Porsche handles when driving at working out at the gym, mountain bike riding a better understanding of your own limits and ‘on the edge’ speeds. The routine you develop and road biking. I spent many years skiing and will work to your advantage when race day comes. as a racecar driver is key. No routine and you snowboarding but have destroyed my knees, so Drive off-line when practicing. It’s amazing what will struggle to develop as a driver. If you those activities are no longer part of my playtime. areas of the track have grip! YOLO, baby. You only practice, you will improve. If you simply show I believe that many of my activities lead to honing live once is the attitude to have in life! Have fun up and drive, you’ll only get out of racing what my hand-eye coordination which plays right into racing and pursuing your dreams! l you put into it. auto racing. In particular, mountain biking is

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1- Porsche 917 KH Coupe number 23: Le Mans Winner 1970 2- Porsche 917 KH Coupe number 22: Le Mans Winner 1971 3- Porsche 935/77 number 23: Le Mans Winner 1976 4- Porsche 935/78 number 43 “Moby Dick” 5- Porsche 936 Spyder: With three overall victories in Le Mans one of the most successful race cars — 6- Porsche 956 Coupe: Between 1982 and 1994 the Type 956/962 wins seven times at Le Mans 7- Porsche 911-GT1: Double victory at the 1998 Le Mans 24 hours.

20 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 21 POC COMPETITION BUTTONWILLOW BOXSTERFEST A TREAT FOR RACERS AND FANS

BY DOUG BOCCIGNONE

Alex Bermudez and Joel LePoutre fighting for real estate. — Gabriel Alan Photography

Boxster drivers throughout evening in the RV campground. old friends. We all shared a meal another BSR to take the agricul- California and beyond It was a great opportunity to and drink together and later met tural route, further mixing up converged on Buttonwillow catch up with old friends, get on the track where we battled the field. Before the first lap was Raceway for the POC’s Novem- to know fellow competitors and for the fastest way to the finish completed, Johnson capitalized ber 7-8 event to test their skill prepare to race on Saturday. The line.” This distinguished group on Foley’s reduced grip follow- and determination on the new diehard POC Boxster Spec racing represented the class founders ing Foley’s off at the Bus Stop, racing surface. Contributing group was joined by Mark Foley well, particularly in Cup Race 22 ducking inside and past as Foley to the excitement surround- from Texas and five NorCal on Saturday. went wide in the A-Section. ing the event was the atypical Boxster Spec racers, including Fisher likewise got by Bermudez, counterclockwise run direction veteran racer John Seidell, new to At the urging of the large group completing a pass in the A-Sec- and 19 registered Boxster Spec the POC. Nathan Johnson freely of Boxster Spec racers, Motorsports tion after getting a better launch cup racers. Boxster participants plied attendees with his famous Director Eric Oviatt allowed a out of Cotton Corners. Johnson ranged from seasoned spec jalapeño margaritas in what some split start with the BSR racers steadily increased his lead, racers to novice PDS drivers. might imagine was as much an behind the GT5 group. 2012 BSR laying down consistently quick All shared a common goal of act of sabotage as generosity. The Cup Race Champion Mark Foley 2:10.xx laps, as Foley repeatedly finding the fastest way around group was further enhanced by qualified on pole for Orange Race fended off Fisher. Several times, the uncharacteristically smooth, the return of early Boxster Spec 1 with a 2:09.749, 3/100ths of a Fisher tested Foley going into counterclockwise (CCW) track. racers Joel Lepoutre, Jeff Shulem second quicker than Scott Fisher. the A-Section and Star Mazda, Two PDS, eight Time Attack and and Tom Bosley, who reminisced Foley and Fisher lead 15 BSRs but couldn’t make the pass stick. 23 Cup Race drivers represented with Mark Foley about the early onto the front straight, with 2013 In lap seven, Foley made a heroic one of the largest POC Boxster days of the class. Their camara- BSR Cup Race Champion Nathan save, perhaps aided by a slight track gatherings in recent derie demonstrated that relation- Johnson and Dave Potter in row lift by Fisher while he assessed memory. ships often extend beyond the two. Foley emerged well clear of the situation, to keep Fisher racing surface. As Jeff Shulem put Johnson and Alex Bermudez after behind him though the Bus Stop Most of the Boxster Spec racers it, “Racing is not all about racing. Scott Fisher went four wheels off after dropping a wheel in the met for barbecued brats, hot This weekend I got to meet new in T1 (Sunset). Fisher’s excursion dirt at the exit of Riverside. links and veggie dogs on Friday friends and hang out with many encouraged Dave Potter and

22 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 23 BUTTON WILLOW RACEWAY PARK Those that weren’t otherwise occupied during Saturday lunch maneuvered their mid-engined machines to Phil Hill for a group portrait sponsored by the club.

Gabriel Alan Photography

BSR Alex Bermudez - Matt Bernath - Doug Boccignone - Tom Bosley - Scott Fisher - Mark Foley - Nathan Jonhson - Kelion Kasler - Branimir Kovac - Chuck Krause Joel Lepoutre - Nigel Maidment - Will Marcy - Leland Mcarthy - David Potter - John Seidell - Jeff Shulem - Andrew Weyman - Joe Wiederholt BSX Terry Davis Bart Hale GT3 ­Eric Olberz GT4 ­ Jeff Erickson - Chick Richardson GT5 Razvan Sporea - Regan Steedman - Jason Wilberding GT6 David Tung IP Cory Denherder KS Frank Gussman - Irene Lopez EX Cory Denherder - Justin Heil

24 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 25 In lap eight, Fisher’s patience Orange Race 2 Highlights Johnson steadily reeled in the Mike Skinner on the ensuing and persistence paid off when three leaders over the ensuing laps and eventually finished Foley went wide after out-braking Dave Potter took the pole for four laps, but his bid for a podi- second and third overall behind himself going into the A-Section, Orange Race 2 on Sunday morn- um spot ended after debris on GT5 winner Paul Young, with allowing Fisher to squeeze by ing with a blistering 2:08.704, the inside of Riverside led to his Boccignone joining them for the on the inside. With the large 67/1000 of a second quicker than 100 mph power slide through the final spot on the BSR podium.[ BSR field, great battles were Scott Fisher. He lead another banking and into the mud. While fought throughout the race. 2011 split start of 15 BSRs to the green he didn’t lose a position, he wisely Orange Race 3 Highlights BSR Cup Race Champion Joel flag with Joel Lepoutre and Mark chose to retire as the imbalance Lepoutre finished just off the Foley in row two. Fisher got caused by the mud in his wheels Grid for the third Orange Race podium behind Nathan Johnson a slight jump on Potter at the lead to violent shaking. In the of the weekend was set based on on the top step flanked by Scott start, and completed the pass middle of the field, Tom Bosley the finishing order of the morning Fisher and Mark Foley. Johnson going into the Esses, while Foley and Doug Boccignone got by race. Scott Fisher was suited up also finished third overall squeezed by Potter in Star Mazda. Leland McCarthy and Jeff and strapped in his car while behind GT5 competitors Jerry All three ran away from the Shulem in Club Corner on Brad Roberts raced to complete Hoffman and Paul Young. Bear field after Kelion Kasler and Joel successive laps and, after a replacement of Fisher’s wheel hugs and high fives were ex- Lepoutre proved the difficulty of pestering Bosley for a couple of bearing and broken half-shaft changed in impound, and some successfully navigating the Esses laps, Boccignone was able to get during the short break between

wondered if Johnson’s Friday two-wide at race pace. Kasler had by after late braking into T1. the two Sunday races, but a night libations strategy might the slightest of leads going into damaged axle nut thwarted their have played a small part in the the first bend, but after leaving After the safety car unfortunately efforts. That left Fisher in the outcome. room for Lepoutre on the inside, picked up the last third of the paddock and moved Doug Kasler ran out of track on the field for a couple of laps, the Boccignone to the front row Following a tasty dinner of exit. His ensuing slide and spin restart saw aggressive driving by with new pole-sitter Mark Foley, barbecued chicken and tri-tip motivated Lepoutre to veer off the BSR leaders going into the followed by Tom Bosley and with ice cold Stella Artois track right, followed by Nathan Esses alongside the GT5 group Nigel Maidment (who barely courtesy of Chip Romer, many Johnson, who narrowly missed and lapped traffic. The subsequent made the race release after the of the BSR racers gathered in Kasler and Lepoutre as Johnson contact between Potter and Will grid workers scrambled to repair the RV park to watch video of exited and then reentered the Marcy was regrettable, leading to his careworn tow strap). The sprint 1 and do some serious racing surface in the middle of Potter’s retirement and putting jumbled starting order promised bench racing. Nathan Johnson the Esses. The ensuing dust cloud Marcy near the back of the field. some exciting racing, and s did a reprise of his Friday night caused the rest of the field to On the same lap, Boccignone pectators were not disappointed. margarita magic while his fellow check up as drivers picked their grabbed third place after an Alex The final Orange Race of the racers recounted their heroics way through the dust, rocks and Bermudez bobble and agricultural weekend saw a more orderly in Race 1. After reliving the race cars scattered through the Esses. excursion in Cotton Corners start than the previous races, multiple times, all retired for Fortunately, all drivers escaped created another Buttonwillow with Foley and Boccignone some much-needed rest ahead of without contact, though the shunt cloud of dust and debris. Fisher going side-by-side through turn Sunday’s two Orange Cup Races. shuffled Lepoutre and Kasler near and Foley battled with GT5 Box- 1 before Boccignone yielded Race 3 podium: Nathan Johnson, Mark Foley and Doug Boccignone. Carnage at the the back of the BSR field. ster drivers Regan Steedman and to Foley, who had the favored Esses as seen from Nathan Jonhson’s car. Scott Fisher’s car jacked up prior to Race 3. Tootsie and Jeff Shulem. — Photography by Scott Fisher.

26 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 27 DATA LOGGERS! OR TOYOR, COULD YOU USE A TWO SECONDTOOL? PER LAP IMPROVEMENT?

BY MARTIN SCHACHT

“Data Loggers, Must Have, or Could it be better? And if so, improvement recommendations. Fad?” In retrospect, that piece would they consider adopting a Additional parameters apply: merely scratched the surface readily available tool to accurately vehicle speed into each corner, the of the topic. Having recently measure driving performance, driver’s braking effort expended, acquired some degree of data isolating points on the track trail braking where appropriate, logger hands-on experience, where productive changes could car G-loads in the corners, consis- my first realization was utilizing be implemented? Well, there is tency of throttle application and Jeff Shulem leading David Potter. — Gabriel Alan Photography Before going a data logger has potential to such an apparatus available, a vehicle speed at corner exit, and generate immediate improvement Data Logger. the amount of time it takes to get into the details inside position into the Esses. Jeff Turn 1, the Esses and the Bus cantly quicker on Sunday, with Bernath piloted his 2002 Boxster in one’s track driving times. from corner to corner, around the of Data Logging Shulem anticipated the flag Stop. Bermudez nearly capitalized Hale posting a digit-conserving S to finish atop the two-person One proviso: there is no “magic track, every turn, every lap during and how it works, perfectly and leap-frogged on a Boccignone bobble in the 2:22.22 lap to edge out Davis. KI podium both days, improv- Many of us, once we have bullet.” To get faster—and that’s a practice session or race. Maidment and Bosley before Star Mazda braking zone in lap In the seven driver GT4 field on ing his Saturday time by nearly acquired our initial driving the point—those wishing to one needs to reaching the Esses, but then 9, but had to back out of the pass Saturday, Boxster driver Charlie 0.9 seconds to 2:12.329. proficiency, may experience improve their driving will need to Before going into the details of ponder several bobbled going into Riverside, due to a yellow flag for Bosley’s Persico made the third podium discouraging performance look into multiple approaches in data logging and how it works, one allowing Bosley and Alex disabled Boxster off track at the step with a top time of 2:06.379, Judging by the many smiles plateaus. Our driving may addition to data loggers: Driving needs to ponder several questions? questions? Bermudez, who had followed entrance to Phil Hill. Lap after behind 911 Cup Racers Steve throughout the paddock, it is improve a notch or two, but instruction, professional coaching 1) Am I as fast as I could be? 2) Shulem by Maidment, to get lap, Boccignone was able to pull Radenbaugh and Brad Keegan. clear that the bounty of Boxster generally any dramatic break- as well as reading about high Do I want to improve my game? Am I as fast as past. Bermudez was able to pass away through Cotton Corners Persico was edged off the podium drivers found the Buttonwillow throughs are lacking. As a performance driving, are just a 3) How much will I be required to I could be? Bosley after a mistake in the and the A-Section, only to be by Richard Yochum on Sunday, event to be completely enjoyable, result, assuming we continue few resources. The Speed Secrets invest in money and time? Here Bus Stop to slot into third place. reeled in again in the sections but still represented the mid-en- on and off track. New POC to run with the same or similar series by Ross Bentley is an are your canned answers: No, Do I want to Similarly, Nathan Johnson sliced where Bermudez held an edge. gine platform well in fourth spot member John Seidell noted that, equipment, lap times are very invaluable read. The available yes, and from a $1,000 to $3,000 improve through the field and grabbed Only after Bermudez went wide against six strong 911 drivers. on the track, the event was fun, predictable, and occasionally driving books are too numerous investment and minimal time second place by the end of lap 3, at Star Mazda on the final lap was as “No matter where you were degrade. Many drivers, stuck in a to list, but the Speed Secrets series requirements. If you want an my game? where he would remain until the Boccignone able to cling to the In GT5, Boxster Cup racer Mike in the races, there was always performance rut, must be think- is a must. integrated camera system, $3,000 checkered flag. final podium spot behind Foley Skinner placed second to 911 someone to race, especially ing, “I know I am better than is the number. How much will I and Johnson. racer Paul Young both days. BSR when there were 17 BSR cars in my times indicate, but why don’t I am going to stick my neck out be required The ensuing multi-lap battle Time Attack drivers Nathan the starting field.” Off the track, I improve, progress to the next here. Consider this hypothesis: At this point, a better than average for third between Boccignone, Time Attack Results Johnson, Alex Bermudez, Will he remarked that “Being new level? I do get in plenty of seat very simply, it may be all about club racer (aren’t we all better to invest in the Bermudez and Joel Lepoutre Marcy, Andrew Weyman and to POC, I found everyone very time!” I think most will agree, what you don’t know that is hold- than average?) may be wondering, way of money may have been the highlight of Cup Racers were not the only Joe Wiederholt maintained this helpful and welcoming. I will it takes more than seat time to ing you back! If you are only using do I need a data logger? If one is the weekend for those racers. Boxster drivers enjoying the new finishing order both days, with definitely be back with POC improve, recalling the old adage, lap times to judge performance, consistently the fastest person in and time? Bermudez defended Lepoutre’s Buttonwillow track surface as Johnson laying down a sizzling for more events in 2015.” The “doing the same things over and this is but a single metric and fails their class, winning nearly every advances while trying to attack Boxsters were well-represented 2:09.386 on Sunday. In GT6 and success of this event is a great over and expecting a different to deliver the message, “Where race, and routinely breaking track Boccignone, until Lepoutre in TA17 on Saturday and TA18 IP, 1999 Boxster drivers David omen for future mid-engined result is one definition of can I improve?” Lap times are not records, maybe you won’t need a spun while in close pursuit in on Sunday. BSX driver Terry Tung and Cory Denherder won madness. More than one current insanity.” proactive, they simply confirm data logger, at the club racing level. Cotton Corners on lap 8, freeing Davis adapted quickly to the their respective classes both days, non-Boxster driver exclaimed you were there, but not how well Statistically, this would be a 4 Bermudez to focus forward for CCW configuration Saturday, with Tung taking 1.5 seconds off that they might not be able to Let’s go on to the purpose of this you could have done. Sigma driver (4 standard devi- the remainder of the race. This posting a 2:25.6 fast lap ahead of his Saturday time by posting a resist the temptation to jump on article, which is to stimulate the ations from the mean), better was bad news for Boccignone, as second place finisher Bart Hale. 2:13.555 on Sunday. Maintaining the Boxster fun wagon. They will reader to consider their past and Few will argue that one measure- than 99% of all drivers, about Bermudez was quicker through Both BSX drivers were signifi- the consistency theme, Matt be welcomed with open arms. l present driving performance. ment is adequate to make driver one driver out of a population of

28 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 29 120, which is a typical POC track turnout. It is probably best to start with the hard drive using Apple’s Boot Camp program. Brown tells us, “People with a computer adds, “A true professional can extract 90% This 4 Sigma driver is potential pro racing above-mentioned channels. You can And you’ll also need to obtain a copy of background will be able to learn their data of a car’s speed with almost any setup COMPONENTS material. literally add dozens of sensors, especially on Windows 7. On my MacBook Pro, using logger performance analysis software very on the car.” later model OBD II and CAN bus equipped Apple’s Boot Camp, I have 66% of the hard quickly...a background in racing...those How does this data logger ‘voodoo’ work? cars. But will you utilize the data? drive dedicated to Mac activities and the with both will be able to relate their expe- Assuming you download data throughout It’s quite simple, actually. We’ll assume the remainder available for PC data logging riences into what they see.” I have a limited the day, it will be readily apparent, that on data logger system is installed, start the Okay, we have the sensors in place, now and Smarty Cam track video. One major computer background confined to juggling certain parts of the track, there is more engine, the dash display will illuminate, and what? They need to be connected to the on- proviso: select a PC or Mac with a display numbers in EXCEL. I seem to be able to speed just waiting to be squeezed out of you EVO 4 we head out on to the track. Once the car board data logger. It can be a separate unit, adequate for daytime viewing. Once the navigate my way around, with an occasional and your car. It could be achieved by braking has passed the start-finish line for the first or in some cases a self-contained display laptop is set up and you have run your first help call to my coach. Most of us, hopefully later, accelerating sooner, taking a different time that particular session or race, the data unit such as we see in the Racepak or RLC session, it’s time for the initial download. having passed the ninth grade, can relate to line, etc. Noting these areas for potential logger system is activated and is acquiring units. Integrated in the system will be a Open up your laptop, then open the AiM X-Y graphs and rudimentary slope analysis improvement, address at least one of them data from the sensors or the car’s OBD II three-axis accelerometer as well as the Race Studio 2 program. Simple enough. Just ...the steeper the slope upward, the faster on the next session, or as your coach sees CAN bus electronics (or a combination of potential for a connection to an infrared hook up the USB cable from the car’s data you are accelerating, the steeper downward, fit. Continue downloading data throughout both) as well as using GPS to record position beacon, or better yet a GPS antenna. Presently, logger system to your laptop, depress the indicates braking. This is not rocket science. the day to see if you have taken advantage of the car on the track. This lap-by-lap data we see very few folks with beacons; it’s download icon on AiM Race Studio 2, and Expect to spend a little time getting around of any and all opportunities. Continue this gathering continues until the car exits the mostly a GPS world. GPS is precise because the data will flow to the PC. The download the proprietary software regardless of the process throughout the weekend. SMARTY CAM HD track. What minimal sensors are needed there are general 7+ GPS satellites in any should be complete in a matter of minutes. data logger model you select. and are worthy of monitoring? I thought given area at any given time, transmitting at Now, let’s assume you are considering a data you would never ask! 10 Hz or greater, for a 10 times per second Those AiM users that have incorporated Those committed to getting a maximum logger system. First suggestion: do your position update. In the event of a lapse of AiM’s camera, the Smarty Cam, into their return on their data logger investment will research, see what your peers are running, As we see in Making Sense of Squiggly Lines GPS data, the internal accelerometers fill in system, will download the video “old download data after every session and review specifically inquire as to the unit’s reli- (Christopher Brown, C-B Publishing, 2011), the gaps, according to Christopher Brown. school” style. Remove the SD chip from the it. That way, any driving opportunities that ability, and check out the vendor’s website. there are six basic channels that are must camera, and plug it into your computer’s have been missed in the most recent session Investigate whether any hands-on train- haves (I added one additional, brake pres- In addition to the real time digital dash SD card adapter. Use the AiM Smarty Cam can be identified and subsequently exploited. ing is available. Is the cost of the training sure, so the list has grown to seven): display and programmed warning lights, software to view the video. In addition, any mistakes identified can affordable? Is there a local dealer? Will the G DASH all the sensor data is sent in real time to the be addressed as well. Others may do their dealer provide support? Does the dealer data logger via a wiring loom, to be saved With the data downloaded, disconnect downloading at the end of the day, discov- have track experience? in memory, awaiting download to a laptop the USB from the car and retire to a quiet ering areas for improvement to be applied for a used AiM Smarty Cam. Wanting to At a Minimun You Would computer via USB cable. You can use a spot. Now open up Race Studio Analysis the following day. Still others download I did this sort of search and noted there are save a few bucks on the overall deal, I pulled Mac, but first you’ll have to partition the on your laptop and have at it. Christopher and review when they get back home at the a number of systems that meet this criteria: the trigger. As it turns out, the camera needed Want to Monitor: conclusion of the weekend. They can simply AiM, Motec, Traqmate, and others. I sought about $300 in parts to complete the installa- save the data for review prior to the next out advice from experts. One specific indi- tion. So my net savings over a new Smarty Speed event at this track. It follows that the drivers vidual was Peter Krause (www.peterkrause. Cam were minimal. For a few dollars more Time between corners and overall that download most frequently are those net), a very knowledgeable driving coach I could have had the latest HD Smarty Cam. time around the track to start/finish most committed to their personal driving from North Carolina, and a dealer for AiM, In the near future, I will sell my current development. They are laser-focused and Motec, Traqmate and others. Check out his Smarty Cam and get the latest one. RPM - Shift Light committed to session-to-session and race- web site. It contains some invaluable racing Throttle sensor, to measure to-race improvement. tips. He advised me, based on my criteria Note: the Smarty Cam can also be used as a your application techniques, and budget, to go with an AiM EVO4/G stand-alone device for those lacking a data to detects lifts, Here is a tip that could jump start early Gash display and a Smarty Cam. logger. It is a little pricey because it is not Steering Angle Sensor exploitation of the data logger software: only a camera, but also logs speed, acceler- At each track you drive (assuming you I also told Peter that I wanted local support. ation, braking and G Forces to the video (a G-Force Sateral have learned how to use the software), He recommended David Ferguson from result of Smarty Cam’s self-contained 3 axis G-Force Songitudinal make arrangements to hire a professional Veracity Racing Data, of Paso Robles, CA accelerometers), with no sensors needed at to drive your car, setting down a reference (www.veracitydata.com). David also pub- this initial stage. Track position of the car is Brake Pressure Sensor lap. If you can, keep him for the entire day lishes helpful data logger and performance obtained with internal GPS; an antenna is to measure how hard you for subsequent coaching. With re ference to related information (see shiftrpm.veraci- provided. However ,with this approach, and get on and off the brakes. your coach’s base line lap and comparison tydata.com). Feeling badly about soliciting lacking external sensors, precision may be of your data to his, you’ll have a much advice from Peter and buying from David, lacking. Also, engine warning lights are not In addition to the above parameters, better idea where opportunities for driving I sent Peter a nice bottle of Paso Robles possible using just the Smarty Cam. two additional must haves are: improvements may be found. Have no wine, well worth the exchange. Temperatures worries, the professional will get a superior Here are a few examples of how data from engine oil lap time from your car, with or without an Some weeks prior to finalizing a deal with a data logger and its subsequent analysis transmission oil optimized car set up. Christopher Brown David, I came across a purported bargain will interplay: Let’s say that you typically water coolant

Oil Pressure Those committed to getting a maximum return on their data logger investment, Martin at Button Willow Raceway Lifting his front left wheel. — Gabriel Alan Photography will download data after every session, and review it.

30 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 31 run a 1:36 at Willow Springs. Most of the out for an 8-lap practice session. We all a knowledgeable coach, supplemented by time you’ll be right around a 1:36. Then one know what we must do to put down 8 good personal reading and watching YouTube day you do a 1:35. What changed out there laps: drive the optimal line, corner to corner, videos works best for me. My coach recom- enabling you to pick up that incremental apply just the right amount of braking in mends Making Sense of Squiggly Lines second? Why not another 1:35 in the laps the right place at the right time, followed as a great starter book. that followed? You probably won’t know, and with the optimal throttle application, and how could you be expected to? But you are so on and so forth. AiM has produced several excellent You- curious, and you want this enhanced per- Tube instructional videos that I employ. formance level to become your new norm, At Willow Springs, what is the first imped- First I retrieve past AiM track data on my correct? I suspect this has happened to most iment for most? Over-braking for Turn 1. laptop with the AiM Studio Analysis, and of us, on numerous occasions over the years. How many of us brake inconsistently for then run the YouTube Instructional video this turn, and others? I’d say it’s probable on another laptop, with the laptops side by What can be really frustrating is that some that most do, but lacking metrics, all we can side, pausing and repeating as needed. As a of your competitors, in very similar cars, do is guess, truly not a scientific approach, step is demonstrated on the video, I fiddle routinely do a 1:35 or better, with you being and very failure prone as well. Wouldn’t it around until I can reproduce that step. In one or more seconds off the pace. What’s be nice to know the specifics of your chosen addition to the You Tube videos produced In the WSIR graphic we see three tables to the metal through 8, light braking for 9, you can rest assured your top competitors— next? Most will wonder, “Is it a deficiency route around the track? by AiM, there are multiple AiM data inter- of data: CAN rpm, CAN Speed (derived and hammer down for the front straight. especially your particularly “friendly” com- in the car’s setup?” It couldn’t be the driver, pretation instructional videos on You Tube, for the car’s CAN bus electronics), as well So as we can see, the metrics tell a story. petitors—are using data logger information could it? In desperation, many will try a Well, now you can. Data logger systems do created by nationally renowned race data as acceleration (ACC) derived from the data Manipulating the software, it is possible to your detriment and their advantage. mechanical fix, or attempt to “copycat” just this…they derive their track position- interpretation experts. To find them do a logger’s accelerometers. Combine all three to drill down to minute detail and deter- all the hardware of their quicker competi- ing data from multiple GPS satellites— simple Google search. tables, and the story unfolds. Starting at mine where improvement opportunities Start measuring your driving performance. tors, then ultimately face disappointment usually seven or more—allowing for the the left, we see the top speed of 148.8 mph, await you. Achieve better lap times as a result of the and frustration when their lap times fail creation of a dynamic track map. Post run In my particular case, I have wondered, most likely occurring at the end of the front metrics you are reviewing, as well as the to improve. session or race, download the data to your “will utilizing a data logger help me get straight. Using your imagination, it should “Data Loggers: Toy or Tool?” Let’s hope that incremental changes made to your driving. laptop computer. Once the map is drawn, faster?” I surely hope so, but can’t really say be fairly easy to visualize your way around by now, some are convinced they are a must Do what the best drivers do: measure your Some may then seek out an instructor, one utilizes the placement of a cursor to yet. But one thing I will know, with 100% the track. Once the top speed of 148.8 mph have, and further, are now motivated to data, look for improvements, incorporate and as we know, the Porsche Owners Club define the particular data points of interest certainty, is where improvement is needed. is reached, we see light braking for turn acquire and implement a data logger system them into your driving and move up the provides excellent instructors upon request to the user. Most will segment the turns Sure, a data logger system will cost money 1, progression up the hill culminating in into their driving regimen. And note, ladder of driving success. “Drive it like at no charge. And it is very likely the into splits. Example: you would create 9 (about the same as two sets of Hoosiers), but moderate braking for turn 3, through the should you find yourself in a competitive you stole it!” And in the process, “Keep the instructor will be providing helpful tips. splits at Willow Springs. Placing the cursor you only spend it once; there is little to no Omega, hard braking for turn 5, and pedal class (and what class isn’t with the POC?), shiny side up!” l “Follow this line, brake here, hit the gas before the braking zone, enabling you to maintenance expense. And as we have often here.” This coaching may make you a bit check your top speed before braking, as well heard said, “What part of Porsche Racing faster. Will this be this good enough to as the metrics of the subsequent braking is cheap? Is it the Porsche part, or is it the capture that elusive second? Or do you need effort. Next place the cursor at the end of racing part?” to take an instructor every time you go out? the corner to measure exit speed. This simply isn’t practical, you won’t be able At top on the facing page we see examples to get the same instructor each time, and Now here is where it can get very interest- of two AiM data logger displays, the one at don’t forget the instructor’s weight in the ing: As an example, my coach and I looked left from Auto Club California Speedway equation, give or take 200 pounds. This will at laps I had completed at Willow Springs, (ACCS), and the one at right from Willow cost you about 15 HP, making enhanced post installation of the EVO4/G Dash. Springs International Speedway (WSIR). performance an even more distant goal. From the graphics, we noted the times for Looking at the ACCS graphic, the left sector each lap, and then compared the split times illustrates two parameters: Lateral Accel- How then will you know your maximum across each of these laps, the time to get eration (Lat Acc) and GPS speed. With Lat potential as a driver? It seems pretty clear from one corner to the next. Some splits Acc, we see a -1.90 downward arrow, and a that something more sophisticated than were clearly better than others. My best 1.82 upward arrow. You will also note the a lap timer, an occasional ride-along with individual time that session was a 1:34. But slowest speed on the track of 45.4 mph and an instructor and one’s gut feeling, will be linking up all my best corners (splits) into the fastest speed of 153.9 mph as well as needed to capture those elusive seconds. one perfect lap, I would have run a 1:32. You a track representation generated by GPS. Most coaches will agree, it is close to will see this approach in the graphs below. Look to the right and you will observe a impossible to measure one’s performance collection of columns and data bins where and performance potential with a series of Most professional driving instructors are split times are displayed. Follow the yellow lap times posted on the wall at the close of reluctant to coach you unless you have a bins to the right where data is summed up the session. Even an in-car timer showing data logger system that allows them to look to illustrate the theoretically fastest lap. your individual lap times during a session at your results. They don’t want to waste With a pro driver, the delta between actual and a summary at the close of session only your money. Unless there are metrics to and theoretical will not vary that much. On tells you the elapsed time to and from the evaluate, it is too subjective for them to see an amateur such as yours truly, I have seen start finish line, and nothing more. what you are doing right, and or, wrong. a two second delta with inconsistency as the culprit, regardless of the track being driven. Consider a course such as Willow Springs It is very possible to learn data logger Concluding with the ACCS track graphic, International Raceway, and you are going interpretation from multiple sources: note a lap time of 1:36.373.

32 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 33 ATTACHING THE WHEELS ​Prior to the 996, Porsche used the universal stud/lug nut combination to secure the wheels to their cars. It was a time tested and well-proven method. But in 1998, Porsche switched to the “lug bolt” style where the stud and nut are one unit that is slipped through the wheel and threaded into a hole in the hub.

universal stud/lug nut The newer lug bolt arrangement utilizes a floating seat design that allows the wheel to find the hub’s center as the bolts are systematically tightened. This reduces the possibility Porsche 911 GT3R. — Photo courtesy Porsche Cars North America of mounting the wheel incorrectly. In 2012, Porsche improved their wheel bolts further with an anti-corrosive IN THE PITS—RACE WHEELS coating. BY MITCHELL SAM ROSSI — PHOTOS BY KIMIKO ROSSI

Top-rated tire manufacturers invest millions track day or take the plunge and commit not tested for long-term durability. of dollars into producing the most advanced himself to a full season of competition. It has to be light, it has to be stiff and strong, but long-term durability is not racing rubber you can possibly slip under your ​“A racing wheel for us is classified as a short part of the equation.”​ universal stud/lug nut Porsche. For them, it is about adhesion, tire wear lived, high performance item,” said Craig and driver feel. They know their reputation is Donnelly, president of BBS of America, ​The biggest test for a wheel is stiffness, ​In the paddock, many regard this type made—or broken—by the stopwatch. Donnelly explained. A wheel’s rigidity is of lug bolt system as troublesome ​Yet, given all their R&D, these manufacturers critical during high-speed cornering and as it requires the use of a separate still have no control over the one component maneuvering on a racing circuit. Any alignment tool. Some race shops that has the greatest impact on their product flexing will be transmitted as a moment have reinstalled the threaded studs —the wheel. That humble disk of convoluted of hesitation to the suspension and will returning the newer Porsches to the metal has more to do with a car’s performance dramatically affect the car’s handling.​ original wheel attachment system. than most drivers realize. ​With a stiffer wheel, however, it is not just ​Wheels are often overlooked and taken for the dynamics of the car that change. “If a ​It is somewhat of a reverse upgrade, granted. Walk through any paddock on any driver is used to a delay because of wheel flex, but a loose wheel not only exerts race weekend and you will notice that the with a stiffer wheel he suddenly gains more shearing force against the studs it majority of drivers are asking their standard confidence because the car reacts quicker. can also overload the rim itself. “If street wheels to do double-duty. It may not be a huge difference in lap times, a wheel has been run loose on a car but when it comes to getting through traffic, it should be thrown away,” said ​While modifications to a car’s suspension the car just feels better,” Donnelly said. Donnelly. “The forces are significantly or braking system can require the use of a located in Braselton, Georgia. “It is a wheel higher when you have something custom wheel, only the driver knows whether we make in the racing department for ​“Porsche’s original equipment wheels have that is loose under race conditions.” or not he is going to embark on an occasional track use. It doesn’t have a clear coat and it is more performance potential than most of

34 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 35 POC COMPETITION CENTER LOCKS WILLOW SPRINGS Perhaps the most iconic way to attach a wheel to a race car is the center-lock system. While Porsche offers this system on several of its sports THE LAST EVENT cars, the locking nut and spindle arrangement is primarily reserved for the hot pits.

​To lock the wheel in place, the hub is equipped with small protruding dowels that correspond to divots on the back of the mounting pad, the flat inner area of the wheel center. Depending on Falken Motorsports pit stop. — Photo courtesy Porsche Cars North America the manufacturer, there may be a dozen or so of these divots ready to engage the wheel. the stuff people are using,” he said. As BBS ​Another advantage of the three-piece, currently supplies nearly 60% of Porsche’s and perhaps the most important, is factory wheels, including the forged their repairability. “The curbs are magnesium wheel upgrade for the new 918 getting pretty high at the tracks,” supercar, Donnelly has a particularly good Weathered said of the rumble strips that view of the subject. many drivers use as a tactile checkpoint for their apex. “Drivers are constantly ​It is rare to hear anyone complain about the bending inner and outer rim halves.” quality of a Porsche wheel, Donnelly noted. It is often about sizing or style, but not ​Although a forged one-piece wheel quality. This, of course, is due to the fact might survive a run-in with the gators, that Porsche wheels are built to the highest it may also transfer that force directly standards of performance. to the axle or suspension. Instead of a WHO REALLY MAKES THE CARS GO? crooked rim half, the inflicted damage BY BRETT GAVIGLIO — PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABRIEL ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY, ​While professional racing teams may go might be far worse. BRETT GAVIGLIO, AND ALAIN JAMAR through four or five sets of wheels over a season, amateur drivers need to be careful ​This easy and relatively low-cost ability where they spend their dollars. Still, wheels to repair three-piece wheels also makes The sun was almost visible through the fog blanketing Willow Springs International Raceway. By 8:00 am the apex should be considered an essential portion them a good choice for bargain racers. of turn 9 was invisible from the entrance, and that was a bad thing. 100 sets of bright eyes were captivated by a of a racing budget.​ Purchasing a used set is not as risky as tableau of winged Porsches in all directions, ready to hear Kati James announce the first run group for POC track buying a pre-owned one-piece wheel. time on this chilly, 45° December morning. “Weather” was a small and little known problem to contend with for this ​BBS takes this a step further by knife-edging ​“A $400 cast wheel is not going to be good If a mono-block is discovered to have a each hole. “There is no place on the back of on the track,” said Brian Weathered, owner bent or fractured rim, it either becomes group of well-heeled California-based speed freaks. Fresh coffee in hand, run group bands on our arms, and safety our center lock race wheels where a dowel of Mid-West Euro Sport, a Porsche fodder for the trash can or a conversa- teched cars in the pits, we were expecting to watch cars exceed 100 mph down the front straight, but the dew would hit a flat spot,” Donnelly said. Once the restoration, service and race shop located tion piece for the living room. point made the 9 turn ribbon of the fastest track in the west sit silent. This moment of pause led me to ponder the just outside Chicago, IL. Weathered and wheel is flush against the hub, a large nut is wonderfully well-oiled machine that makes all this possible. There is a huge team of dedicated people who make spun onto the threaded axle and torqued to his crew support nearly 40 Porsche racers ​But regardless of the type, the most the experience possible for POC drivers. Who really makes the cars go? the required specs. who compete at a variety of tracks, important thing to remember about including Sebring, Watkins Glen, and wheels is to constantly check for ​Center locks, however, do more than just slice Texas’ Circuit of the Americas. damage and wear. seconds off the crew’s efforts to send their driver back onto the track. By replacing the lugs and ​One of the best race wheels to field is the ​“Wheels have to be thoroughly bolts from the wheel system, the designers are classic three-piece. Constructed from a cleaned and inspected,” Donnelly said. able to remove a small amount of rotational strong center spoke and a set of inner and “A wheel typically doesn’t go from being mass from the hub/wheel combination. This outer rim shells, the multiple-piece wheel good one minute to failure the next. also gives the center webbing a cleaner look is not necessarily lighter or stiffer than Nine-nine percent of the time there since there is no need for extra material to the high-end forged mono-block wheels are warning signs, so doing visual reinforce the lugholes. most professional race teams use, but inspections is critical.” their modular assembly does offer distinct ​In the pits, center lock wheels are all about advantages. ​Clearly, wheels are a more dynamic speed and purpose. When equipped on a component than just spools on which Porsche street car, such as the GT3, they ​Three-pieces wheels are endlessly custom- to mount the tires. Finding the right are more about style. But then, a racy look izable. Want to fill out your fenders? Simply ones depends upon your car, your is not a bad style to have. add a wider outer rim half. Going with wallet and your intentions. But as bigger brake calipers? Need to increase the with most things motorsport, this The 911 Design gang waiting for the fog to lift. — Photo by Alain Jamar One of the many transporters. — Photo by Alain Jamar offset? Shift the centerline? They are Lego is not a place to hold the purse building blocks for your wheel needs. strings too tightly. l Above center: Kati James giving her team a pre-event pep talk. — Photo by Brett Giglione

36 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 37 There is this huge team of dedicated people who make the red mist coming off of a car, may- be even before the driver knows. The the experience possible for POC drivers... fog cleared, allowing the morning PDS session to begin. She said, “Keep THESE ARE THE PEOPLE. an eye on 88 silver. Overly aggres- sive.” Sitting next to Kati is Matt Madrid on race control, communi- cating with the 10 corner workers. Matt calls out, alerting the team to watch car 88. Kati says with maternal pride, “Matt was 17 when he started working with the race control team. Now, 10 years later he has three col- lege degrees.” Dave Jansen, on black flag duty, goes to give 222 a talking. Kati announces over the loud speak- er, “Driver instructor for 222 please see chief driving instructor Dwain Dement.” The race control team doesn’t skip a beat as Kati announces pre-grid on the loud speaker for the next run group. As drivers approach the grid, Jason gives direction to drivers on position. Passing Jason, Bud and Dave keep drivers informed of time until track by doing count downs one minute at a time with hand gestures. Jason walks the grid and safety checks the cars. Jason has spotted one of my doors half open or unlatched, and caught what could have been an issue prior to making it to track. As the session counts down to a single digit Bud, waves the cars out effectively handing them off to the corner workers and starter who use only colored flags to communi- cate with the drivers. All drivers need to do is clearly understand what each Over three dozen mechanics keeping their drivers focused This page, top to bottom, left to right: Dave Jansen, Bud Tanner and Dwain Dement flag means and obey the instructions, in a serious discussion; POC welcome party—a smiling, always helpful John Gor- were on hand to support the 100 on speed. Several of the HRG don at work; Laurie Taylor with Terry Davis and Eric Oviatt. — Photos by Alain Jamar. which happens most of the time. cars on the track, so the drivers drivers finished very well in BSR Competition Director Steve Vandecar at speed, and speedy he was. — Photo by Gabriel needed only to think about the and GT5 classes due to their Alan Photography. Chief driving instructor Dwain task at hand, driving. When a excellent service. Dwain Dement Opposite page, top to bottom, left to right: Kerry Dunn and Cory Barker pushing back Tom Dement worked with time attack and car breaks, it is possible to fix transported three client cars, Mueller’s car to its assigned space. From Speed Gallery, Ed and his brother bleeding PDS drivers to improve their form brakes. Eric Hergesheimer prepping Alex Bermudez’ BSR Cup Race winner number 27. it on site, as a dozen shops sup- all water-cooled Boxster-based GMG’s impressive rig. — All photos by Alain Jamar. by assigning driving instructors and port each and make it a better GT cars. Dwain provided track managing the experience throughout club experience overall. Many support along with his duties as red and black ‘86 C32 car, and But what about once you get on the weekend. Jason Ochoa, driving generously lend advice and tools chief driving instructor. Dement it has never been more reliable. the track? Who makes the track his white 2008 C4S street car with when a job is at hand; trust me, says, “I like to call it ‘customer Jeff is always there to answer my safe for all of us drivers once you the numbers #791 taped on the sides, karma goes a long way. The bulk follow up’.” Over at Speed Gallery, stupid questions and provides get to grid and onto the racing attended his first POC event this of the POC clients are served by Ed and his brother bled brakes, a quick diagnosis of any quirky surface? weekend. Ochoa said, “My friend was 911 Design, GMG, HRG, Speed fueled cars and changed tires for little issues that occur on these taking his Boxster to POC events, Gallery, Vision Motorsports and two customers and owner Dan cars. Brian Shackleford at FAST Action never stops for their and I bought one. Then my friend GSR Motorsports, all of whom Aspesi’s GT1 car. Jeff Erikson, brings out tires and all the team of 15 dedicated individuals upgraded to a 911 so I upgraded, offer full service including trans- owner of AASE Motors, doesn’t mounting equipment, and gets running race control and corner too. So much adrenalin…this is a port and elaborate “camp areas.” transport cars but shows up and everyone ready to race with just workers with flags. High up in lot of fun!” Of course, #791 had a HRG had support from Eric takes care of his flock of 10 air himself and one helper. Having the tower with a steely eye, Chief volunteer instructor riding with him, Oviatt and Mark Hergesheimer, cooled classic AASE-supported a safe working car and support Steward Kati James knows what constantly coaching and making sure along with five HRG mechanics Porsches. Erikson supports my makes the experience more fun. you’re thinking and she can see Mr. Ochoa didn’t get in over his head

38 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 39 with his very powerful car. This week- On Sunday before the red race, Lyle Grooms, our starter, sang the national anthem. end, two dozen instructors worked with students all day, riding and keep- Sitting third on qualifying position, Chick Richards, looked up and said, ing it fun and safe. When something bad happens, then what? The tow truck “WOW, THAT GUY HAS SOME PIPES!” crew and are at the ready all day, every day, to assist cars off the track, which occurred about 10 times during the With a clear path toward victory last of the season, was the Steve Mike Rozenblatt yelled at me as the decisions of the committee weekend. An ambulance with para- and the Samurai car sideways Vandecar show. From the turn 1 we pulled into impound. Rozen- very seriously. Vandecar and medics also stand by for anything that on the track, I got going again grandstands, local Donna Pan- blatt said, “I thought for sure you his crew reviewed four such inci- may require medical attention. and rapidly regained pace. As I kow yelled, “That looks scary!” as were faster and were going to get dents during the weekend along happily raced along, the double the four GT4 cars went by three him.” I replied, “So did I.” with their duties of recording When the fog did clear on Saturday, yellow came out and I quickly wide in turn 1. Vandecar held off the correct off track weights. it left one of the fastest tracks we have tried to catch the next car for Brad Keegan, Chick Richards and Four volunteers, headed by Steve seen in a while. Nathan Johnson, the restart. The green dropped Steve Radenbah for the win. Vandecar, make up the competi- As the track went to the last BSR driver and POC board member and we ran a little harder to the tion committee and it is their job checkered of the final time declared, “I’m going to try for a track checkered. As I pulled off my Last orange race saw the Samurai, to review the weight of the cars, attack session, Kati James record.” He did attempt it, but missed helmet, Dave Jansen came over Mike Takaki, and I return to damage, racing incidents and remarked, “I am so privileged it by half a second. Chip Romer turned and said, “Congratulations on duke it out, despite the fact we any other item regarding race to work with a group of superb a 1:18 in his GT1 car for pole in the red your win. I hate to rain on your were both on very worn tires. worthiness of a vehicle before individuals. No matter if it is race on a fresh set of slicks. A split start parade but…” I said “uh oh, Mike and I slid side by side the it hits the track. Vandecar, Jeff 10 degrees or 110 degrees… in red gave Bob Mueller the GT4 pole what did I do wrong?” Jansen whole race, and I practiced my Erikson, Blair Boyce and Mark raining, snowing, or howling position with an amazingly fast 1:25.6 clarified, telling me, “If you’re in slingshot out of 9 to the finish. It Hergesheimer are all extremely wind, our people are in the qualifying time ahead of eight com- the lead, you need to slow down didn’t work, and we finished with busy, not only taking care of the corners keeping the track safe.” petitors (in what is the fastest growing for the re-start.” Oops, I’ve never the Samurai bumper two feet in racing and customer support they class in the club). Bob was challenged been lead car in a double yellow. front of mine at the checkered. do themselves, but also dutifully For sure we have an amazing at the start by Blair Boyce and newly Top to bottom: Competition committee weighing in the top competitors in class after the Sunday orange race. — Photo “You guys were so fun to watch, serving the competition commit- club! It has been a great first minted GT4 driver Mike Monsalve. by Brett Gavaglio. Dimitrius getting Robert Dalrymple’s car ready for another day of racing. — Photo by Alain Jamar. Sunday’s second red race, the you made my day!” PDS driver tee. Suffice to say, these guys take year of racing. l In the end, Bob’s shiny #250 left them Jeff Erickson fixing some CV axles. — Photo by Brett Gavaglio. Kerry Dunn and Cory Barker checking tire pressure. — Photo by Alain Jamar. all in the dust. In GT3, Kevin Roush ran times up with the GT2 guys in his green 993 RSR, coming out on top of his class Saturday.

We ended the day with a town hall meeting organized by Andrew Weyman and the board of directors, where discussion centered on the best changes to make in format and other general club business.

On Sunday before the red race, Lyle Grooms, our starter, sang the national anthem. Sitting third on qualifying position, Chick Richards, looked up and said, “Wow, that guy has some pipes!” In orange, Mike Takaki and I battled for first at the front. I got the lucky break and out qualified Takaki in his Samurai sword car that says, “Banzai” on the front. We battled hard, exchanging passes and sliding through the turns. I got a good run on Mike coming out of turn 2; he saw me com- ing and turned a little tight into turn 3, spinning right in front of me and blocking the track. Andrew Weyman saw us and stopped, but the car behind him was too busy racing and collected Top to bottom: Bob Mueller, Mike Monsalve, and Blair Boyce, GT4 hot shoes doing battle. — Photo by Gabriel Alan Photography. Time Attack competitor Charlie Persico. — Photo by Alain Jamar. his rear bumper and oxygen sensor.

40 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 41 ROAD TRIP TO CAR HEAVEN PART TWO marque, with its own special STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRETT GAVIGLIO SATURDAY display of its entire racing history. The Vintage races in Monterey A century ago when two Italian every August exude the art and brothers formed Maserati in a beauty of what we are lucky garage, they aimed at making enough to experience at POC the fastest race cars in the world. events, with the added flavor of Their beautiful work, including a full racing history lesson. With examples the 250F, won many wonderful Mazda Laguna Seca grand prix at the hands of Sir Raceway serving as backdrop, Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel there’s a host of historic race cars Fangio. At Nurburgring in 57, driven by honestly cool people. Fangio broke the lap record 10 Hair raising exhaust noise times en route to a win. In group mixed track dust with August 2A, three beautifully prepared sunshine for a perfect glimpse of examples of Maserati history history embodied in the spark blazed the track finishing 1,2, and of genius. We had a chance to 3 over various Bugattis and Alfa witness, touch, hear and smell Romeos. Maserati executives and the many great cars that pushed marketing team must have been racing forward toward what we tickled pink as this led straight now race today. Rolex Motor- up to the reveal of the the new ports Reunion included a field of Maserati Alfieri, named for the Who said vintage racing wasn’t competitive? 500 hand picked vintage racing oldest Maserati brother, there in machines and their drivers the cold pits in between races. As to celebrate what could be a rubbed fenders three wide in the 15 race groups spread the entire the pretty Italian models pulled museum, but became some- turns, left the track and had every breadth of vintage racing history the blue silk off the hood of the thing much more special, as the possible 13/13 incident…as if the with a new focus at each years’ Alfieri, Graham Hill was sent out museum raced with every bit drivers thought this was a Boxster Motorsports Reunion. We were to drive in the next race in a Tipo of the vigor we see in our club. spec event. What made the 38th drawn into the cold pits to look 151 white and blue Maserati, by From an enthusiast perspective, annual vintage racing special at over the familiar and not so which the new car is supposed to this event is almost like being Laguna Seca? The story this year familiar cars of victories long be inspired. in a movie, as everything you was epic, the driving more so; celebrated. Countless men and dreamt of as a racecar somehow even the practices were full blown women who stood atop the pin- A picnic in the park yielded a chat magically appeared and just competitive…you could tell all nacle of racings’ most challeng- with Sir Stirling Moss, triple for- kept funneling through the these guys and gals were having ing and bloodiest years are the mula one world champion, where cold pits, spilling onto the track a blast. And that they were rich stars of the show, as are the cars. he took time to pontificate about in very real racing at a good enough not to care much about racing the Maserati 250F. When pace. Multimillion dollar cars, the value of these absolutely This year Maserati turned 100 asked by Allan McNish what was such as the Maserati Birdcage, priceless cars. and represented the honored the weak spot of the cars in those

Opposite page: An impressive display of Maseratis. Above: 1939 Maserati 4CL at speed. 42 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 43 SUNDAY PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ÉLÉGANCE days, Moss replied “There were a lot of them Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance just it appeals to both. “You see some cars you The die hards in our group made Sunday up onto the fairway with only a glimmer smiling in his steamer. Across from the actually.” Moss continued, saying back in keeps getting better every year. With over will never see again and the camaraderie, exciting; rolling out by 5:00 am and racing of light coming off Pebble Beach’s main steamers and along the waterfront, the those days endurance racing didn’t include 19 million raised for charity and 64 years the family and the ability to walk amongst Porsches nose to tail in the fog down 17 lodge. The darkness transitions into a depression era front wheel drive multi much racing. “Using, say, 6200 revs of history, its reputation is only solidifed some of the automotive elite make the mile drive to be at dawn patrol. Emerging beautiful ocean sunrise. This is goosebump colored Ruxtons lined the oceanfront on a normal circuit, at Le Mans we could by the fact that dozens of judges have for event special,” said Louie Prosperie, a from the forest toward Pebble Beach in the stuff for car people, and yes, you just sort with their narrow cats eye-style chrome only use 5,600 which was really boring.” over 25 years made Pebble the car show’s Marine Aircraft manager on his fifth Pebble dark, we strode up to join the silent mass of have to be there to understand it. headlights. My wife, Winnona, found “What you have today is totally different, car show. Practice by our own group of 14 Concours’ visit. The girls get all dolled up of a thousand sluggish people whom had the Ruxtons’ design fascinating—and amazing!” said Moss, speaking of the who have been attending for 15 years or for a big party, the guys come for a history already arrived and were shuffling around The variety was striking as we witnessed complementary to her outfit. Displayed reliability and pace of todays modern so doesn’t hurt either, as we have a good lesson and a great show of a bunch of dolled the Hagerty Insurance coffee station. Boxes various turn of the century steam powered across from the Ruxtons, the otherworldly racing machines. rhythm of where to be when. For years, we up girls. Cue the music, add champagne, quickly emptied of coveted dawn patrol entries such as a White steamer owned by air-cooled rear engine Tatras of the 20s have had a great time introducing non- and prepare to watch the owners fret as the baseball caps. For more than an hour, president Taft, Locomobiles and Stanley and 30s filled that area. Later we met famed racing driver John Morton, car people and car people to the event as judges pick apart 20,000 hour restorations. show cars’ headlights cut the morning fog Steamers. Jay Leno rolled onto the grass who drove the giant killing 2.5 liter BRE Datsuns to SCCA championships. As we chatted with Morton you could hear the beautiful sound of the new Maserati MC12 doing demonstration laps…howling by in the backround with its sequential shifts so fast and loud coming out of turn 4. Morton, who normally vintage races the old 4 cylinder 510s, says “Today I am driving a giant, not a giant killer,” with a gleam in his eye and the sure smile of a guy who is about to get behind the wheel of an 800 hp car in a field full of 300 hp cars.

Steve Canepa turns up every year, and races in several classes. A favorite was Canepa’s race in his Porsche 934.5 vs Ken Epsman in a 76 Monza as they battled at a 1:33 pace at the head of their pack. Neither won their Saturday race. By the middle of their race, Canepa and Epsman had a comfortable lead on the field when Epsman’s Monza magnesium wheel came apart and flew off at entry of turn 4. The wheel went flying into stands with his car following right behind hard into the outer tire wall below the stands. Red flag. Epsman exited the car and jumped over the turn 4 wall still excited, yelling “Woohoo!” Luckily tire didn’t hit anyone. Epsman’s Monza was a mess and the big show that these two drivers put on was over. Exciting!

A huge vendor area filled the center portion of Laguna Seca with some fantastic art and racing memorabilia. We found Jochen Mass, who raced at Le Mans as a sportscar driver 14 times, signing t-shirts and magazines at the Vintage Racing Magazine booth. I asked him how he got his start in racing. Mas told me that, “At 22 years old, fresh out of the army, I did a bit of amateur racing, then test- ed for some teams and quickly turned to a Formula 1 driver by age 25.” Juan Manuel Fangio’s Maserati 250F. Ferrari Testarossa steering wheel. Winnona all dressed up in front of a row of Ruxstons. 1941 Mercedes 770k W150 Offener Tourwagen, rear and engine detail.

44 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 45 Amelia posing between two Hispano-Suizas

Moving down the middle of the show, Mercedes, which won its class but did not Hispano-Suizas, which were originally Mercedes Benz prewar displays included win best in show. built in 90 days for the same buyer. These a long blue car that was so dark it was cars were front and center with an ocean almost black. Its features so detailed that Heinz Swoboda stood by his first ever backdrop, hoods facing each other. No you could tell this restoration took a for- entry to Pebble Beach, a ‘64 Lancia 1800 one could cross the fence guarding these tune in time and care. “You see that little Zagato Sport prototype which “raced in cars, however, the guards let my precious chrome piece, it’s a black out light. All the 1964’s Targa Florio. It is chassis 001, a one Amelia slip in to pose between them. other lights are turned off at night to keep of one car,” he proudly stated. I asked how the aircraft from seeing it,” Bob Sauersby does one come by such a fine little race A car we were sure would take the prize of states matter of factly as we walked around car? “I traveled to Monaco and bought the the day, unanimous in our group, was the a midnight blue 1941 Mercedes 770k W150 car at auction in 2012,” he replied. Are you 1908 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn. Every bit of Offener Tourwagen. General William Lyon going to race the car? “Oh no, I would like brightwork on the Silver Dawn is actually and his team of restorers spent over three to keep the car in this condition and it’s real Silver. The Rolls was so fantastic that years restoring and remaking this car. totally unsafe.” Racing is unsafe? “In this you could spend the day just going over “World War II was just beginning and he car, racing is certainly unsafe.” We should this car’s simple yet elegant design, of (Hitler) wanted to keep Finland down, so be so lucky…can you imagine buying a car which only two were made. he gave the car to the field marshal from in Monaco and showing it at Pebble? Finland, as they had enough trouble in 15 Maserati race cars filled the rest of the Europe as it was,” said General Lyon. The 18th green was encircled by Ferrari ocean view including Juan Manuel Fangio’s Only a half dozen of these W150 armored Testarossas, which were truly in a class of Maserati 250F. Again, another set of cars luxury cars were produced, all to carry their own. Something like a billion dollars you could spend the whole day going over. one man—except this one he gave away. in shiny Ferraris—each unique in its own Luckily we had spent quite a bit of time “We bought it and put it on the shelf for coachwork and color—graced the end of with these at the track, so it was time to many years before we started restoring it. the show, a pinnacle of Ferrari craftsman- drink. Hitler didn’t have a lot of friends, so the ship where form met function in a way it windows were two inches thick and the never would again. As the show moved toward the awards floor was armor plated to stop the bullets section and the champagne flowed, the and bombs,” Lyons continued. Clearly, no A man who is no stranger to winning Peb- silver 1954 Ferrari 375 grand touring car detail had been spared in the expert resto- ble Beach, Robert M. Lee hedged his odds won out for best in show. ration of the big menacing by bringing two blue and white

MONDAY — Car week ends just as it began, Porsche near the limits echoing off the canyon walls….giggles….flying.

46 VELOCITY DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 VELOCITY 47 The th PORSCHE59 OWNERS CLUB ANNUAL BANQUET AND AWARDS CEREMONY

JANUARY 24, 2015 SEAL BEACH COUNTRY CLUB Celebrate!

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