The magazine of the Founders’ Region • Potomac, Porsche Club of America September 2008 derVorgänger Dream cPluas: r build • Bob builds his dream garage. • Competitive fire still burns at 81. • Welding for beginners. Photos by Richard Curtis, above, and Michael Madrid, cover, right, and back cover .. Picking the correct derVorgänger wheel size for you The monthly magazine of the Founders’ Region, Potomac Porsche Club of America. Porsche. Story, page 20 September 2008, Volume 54, No. 1 Features Right: A driver works on his car during a lull What a DE tech day is all about. 10-11 in Driver Education 81-year-old still enjoys day at the track. 12 event action at Summit Point. A man who loves his work. 14-15 Story, pages 18-19 Welding 101. 16-17 About the cover photo: Bob builds his dream garage. 22-23 IMA is currently work - ing on their newest project. They are inte - Events grating a 1,000hp twin- June DE. 18-19 turbo Porsche engine into a Daytona Proto - August DE. 28-29 type. In the near future, May Concours. 24-25 they will have a DP rental program available Rally, Drive ’N Dine. 27 at various track events.
2 • derVorgänger • September 2008 derVorgänger • September 2008 • 3 derVorgänger derVorgänger is the official magazine of the Founders’ Region, Potomac, Porsche Club of American, Inc. http://www.pcapotomac.org. Contributions for derVor - ganger should be sent to editor Richard Curtis at least six weeks prior to the month preceding publication, prefer - ably via e-mail to [email protected].
Editor and designer Richard Curtis 6032 Makely Drive Fairfax Station,Va. 22039 [email protected]
Advertising Manager Michael Langshaw 25099 Ingleside Road Hollywood, Md. 20636 [email protected]
Questions about display advertising rates and placement in derVorgänger, please contact (do not call) Advertising Manager Michael Langshaw at [email protected]
derVorgänger (ISSN 0199-0667) is published monthly except in December by the Founders’ Region, Potomac, Porsche Club of America at 11712 Blue SmokeTrail, Re - ston.Va. 20101-3702. Subscription is limited to members of the Founders’ Region, Potomac, Porsche Club of America. Annual dues are $42 ($18 for derVorgänger subscription alone). Periodicals postage paid at Baltimore, Md. and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to derVorgänger, 11712 Blue Smoke Trail, Reston. Va. 20101-3702. Statements appearing in derVorgänger are those of the contributing authors and do not constitute the opinions or policy of the Founders’ Region, Potomac, Porsche Club of America, its board of directors, or the editors of the magazine.The Founders’ Region, Potomac, Porsche Club of America neither en - dorses any advertisement nor warrants any product or services they may provide. Potomac Region reserves the right to cancel advertisements at any time, for any rea - son, in its sole discretion. For information regarding com - mercial advertising and rates, contact the advertising chairperson listed above.
Letters to the editor are welcome but should be brief and may be edited for length. Please include a contact phone number for verification.
Photo by Michael Madrid Posterized photo of a classic 911 Targa SC with 7” and 9” Fuchs.
4 • derVorganger • September 2008 Upcoming events
August 30 — Gathering of the Faithful Car Show, Reston Town Center. Free to spectators. A great event. September 4-7 — 356 Registry 2008, Lancaster, Pa. (Not a PCA event.) 5-7 Driver Education,Virginia International Raceway, Alton,Va. 6 – Potomac monthly breakfast, 9 a.m.,Tysons Corner 6-14 – Autocross #6, Bowie Baysox Stadium, Bowie, Md. 20 – Maryland monthly breakfast, 9 a.m., Bethesda, Md. 20 – High Performance Driving Clinic, Summit Point (W.Va.) Race - way’s Jefferson Circuit October Photo by Michael Madrid 3-5 – Driver Education, Summit Point (W.Va.) Raceway’s main track Club Race specialist Mark Lee working on his 993 in the paddock 4-6 – Potomac monthly breakfast, 9 a.m.,Tysons Corner at Summit Point Raceway during a DE event. 11 – Open board meeting & breakfast. 10 a.m. 18 – Maryland 20 – The Crab Feast, all-day social at a yacht club on the Chesa - monthly breakfast, 9 a.m., Bethesda, Md. peake shore. Crab races, too. Contact: so - 19 – Autocross #7, Bowie Baysox Stadium, Bowie, Md. [email protected] for more information. 31 – Instructor and Advanced Driver Day, Summit Point (W.Va.) December Raceway 6 – Potomac monthly breakfast, 9 a.m., Tysons Corner November 13 – Club elections meeting & breakfast, 10 a.m. secretary@pcapo - 1-2 – Drivers’ Education Event, Summit Point (W.Va.) Raceway tomac.org for more information. 1 – Potomac monthly breakfast, 9 a.m.,Tysons Corner 20 – Maryland monthly breakfast, 9 a.m., Bethesda, Md. 15 – Maryland monthly breakfast, 9 a.m., Bethesda, Md. Check Founders’ website for information [email protected].
derVorganger • September 2008 • 5 The president’s page Renewal and outreach
Welcome to the new der Vorgänger. I ing of a helmet or five-point har - think you’ll agree that Richard Curtis has nesses. We started in March with taken the club’s magazine to a new level the monthly informal Porsche of excellence. When we start regular Breakfasts, which are held the first printing in September you will see a fresh Saturday of the month in Tysons new approach to sharing the club’s life Corner and the third Saturday of through der Vorgänger, with more first- each month in Rockville.These are person articles featuring club members purely a great opportunity simply and some terrific photography from to meet and talk with fellow Michael Madrid and others. It won’t be Porsche enthusiasts. We are see - long before derVorgänger will once again ing many new faces at the break - be an essential part of the life of the club. fasts, as members who have not The central themes that are driving previously attended a club event your Board this year are renewal and are attending. John Eberhardt, our outreach. Drive and Dine chair, not only or - The renewal effort has been concen - ganized the Breakfast program but trated on doing all we can to renew and then added an optional and well- refresh the club’s communication chan - attended country drives after the nels. The hard work started last year Breakfasts. John’s main program when Michael Johnson, Pete Kauffman has received high praise as well, and I teamed up to design and develop a such as the recent overnight new website and discussion board.These Drive, Dine and tour of the Frank were launched early this year, and we are LloydWright house, Fallingwater. If seeing dramatically increased traffic to its been a while since you’ve been both the web site at www.pcapo - to a club event, then perhaps a tomac.org, and the Porsche-Talk forum Club PresidentTony Kelly on the pre-race grid. Breakfast or a Drive and Dine is a that is part of the site. We are seeing great place to start. competition for space between our pro - Thank you for your patience, gram chairs who are now publishing web articles at a great rate, and support and encouragement while these new systems were being re - the response from members has been encouraging. Membership fined. If you’d like to know more about the club, www.pcapotomac is Chair John Magistro is sending regular email to keep you posted on the place to go. If there is an event you would like to see added to the upcoming events. program, please let me know. After all, it is your club. On the outreach front, our objective was to offer new opportuni- ties to participate in the life of the club that did not involve the wear - — Tony Kelly
An appreciation I’d like to thank them for their volved working with Walter hard work on behalf of the club ReedArmy Medical Center, tran- and our members. sportation, catering, track sched - Above and beyond On page 26 you will find a list uling and more. As many of you have heard time editor was found. Mark not of the people who make this club All of this was done by volun - me say, this is a car club run by only took over the full-time edi - and its programs as successful as teers who dedicate themselves volunteers who enrich the life of tor position in 2000 but worked they are. to making it happen.The ultimate the club by applying their talents, hard on the magazine for almost Some of our program chairs results that these tireless folks their time and their energy. Much seven years. run large teams. Our DE Chair, achieve are the programs and of the time, their efforts go with - Ahnie and Kenyatta Jenkins Alan Herod, leads a large team of events that serve you, our mem - out much recognition. That’s just stepped in to produce a com - people who combine to put on bers. how it works. plete re-design of der Vorgänger our extensive track program. When you see them at a club With the new der Vorgänger in 2005 and managed layout and Many of the other Program event, take a minute to talk to in your hands, it seems a good production right through to mid Chairs single-handedly run their them. I’m sure they would like to time to recognize the outgoing 2006. programs, planning and promot - hear that their hard work is ap - derVorgänger team that worked Emily Simon was Mark’s sub - ing their events and making them preciated every now and again. hard for many years and laid the missions editor, and handled all happen on the day. Other groups If you would like to be part of foundation for this new version articles including working with form up to run special programs all this, you can be sure that we of the magazine. the authors and editing each one, like our August “Vets on Track” will welcome your interest. Email Mark Francis was roped in as again right through to mid 2006. event. me any time at: assistant derVorgänger editor in This team worked long and hard The effort involved to arrange 1999, to fill in until a new full- to produce the club’s magazine. and coordinate that event in - [email protected]
6 • derVorganger • September 2008 Club announcements
4th Annual , PCA Potomac, Waterfront Charity Crab Races & Crab Feast, benefiting Camp Friendship. A Drive ’n Dine Event. 3:00 PM on Saturday, Sept. 20 following the arrival of rally participants. The menu will include bushels and bushels of freshly steamed Maryland blue crabs, clams on the half shell, steamed shrimp, fire & ice salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, pasta salad, soft drinks, ice tea, bottled water, assorted wines & beers. Location: ChesapeakeYacht Club (on the West River), 4943 Hine Drive, Shady Side, Md., 20764. Reserved parking section at theYacht Club’s paved lot. Prices are $65 per adult; $20 per child (age 10 & above). For reservations via e-mail [email protected]. Please include name and number in your party and note that this is for the Crab Feast. • • • Photo by Richard Curtis Monthly club breakfasts: Informal monthly Founders’ region members meet for the July 19 breakfast in the parking lot be - breakfast meetings continue in NorthernVirginia and hind Praline’s in Bethesda, Md. From left, Paul Winterfeldt of D.C.; Janet Chmar Maryland. Members can come and go as they please, and Mark Chmar of Fairfax,Va.; Jim Arnold of Ashburn,Va.; and Paul Kravetz of joining in at communal tables. No registration. If Oakton,Va. members decide to go for rides together after break - fast, so much the better! each month from 9-11 a.m. at Pralines, 4611 Sang - TheVirginia Breakfast is the first Saturday of each amore Road, Bethesda, Md. 20816. Park in the huge month at Chutzpah Deli & Restaurant in Tysons Cor - (and usually empty) lower parking lot. ner from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. parking lot with • • • plenty of space. A club banner will hang over the club See more club events for Driver Education events, table. Chutzpah is located at 8100 Boone Boulevard, tech inspections, rallies and Drive ’n Dine events on Tysons Corner,VA 22182. Pages 10, 16, 17, 19, 25, 26, 27 The Maryland breakfast is the third Saturday of
derVorganger • September 2008 • 7 From the editor A magazine showcasing club members and their cars The raspy sound of a 911 engine is what got me interested in Porsches. First in 1973 and — after a long drought of Porsche-less years — again four years ago. For some folks, I’m sure it was the mys - tique of the brand, the legendary performance or the sexy looks. But for me, it was listening to that air-cooled sound as I knelt beside my friend Dash’s beautifully done, high-mileage 912-turned-911 several years ago. I bought my 964 right after that. Enough about me. This brings us to the challenge of getting derVorgänger back on its feet, with regular and timely publication. Here’s the new derVorgänger’s pledge to you: • it will act as a conduit for information about club activities and will do so in a timely and accurate fashion; Photo by Jane Cromley Curtis • it will work to establish a community of members, bringing The editor with his 64,000-mile 1993 911 C2. them together — literally and figuratively — to learn more about their cars and each other; Michael Madrid, Britt Conley, Tuffy von Briesen, Margaret and Peter • when you look at the magazine, it is our wish that you’ll see Kauffman, Andy Clements, Kurt Mickelwait, Willy Straubhaar, Bob yourself looking back. Hopkins, Sunny Reynolds, Chris Osborne,Art Parsons, Cosimo Can - I want to acknowledge the trust that the board has placed in nizzaro, Gary Brindle, John Magistro, John Eberhardt, John Squire, me.While I’m aware of the challenges of producing a publication with Starla Phelps, Kristen Brickley and, of course, club presidentTony Kelly. high aspirations, I also recognize we’re doing so on a volunteer basis Please forgive me if there are some I’ve forgotten. and with a limited budget. I will not use those as excuses. Join me,, these and other dedicated members in making this the That’s where you come in.We need your contributions in ideas, finest in all of the PCA. You can reach me at dveditor@pcapo - stories, columns, how-tos, schedules and photographs. Don’t be bash - tomac.org.You drive the best; you deserve the best newsletter. ful; you can snail-mail it or e-mail it (see addresses on Page 4). Some of you have already stepped forward. Special thanks go to — Richard Curtis
8 • derVorganger • September 2008 Joseph Johnson & Katerina Michael Coffman & Angela Club-members’ Johnson Coffman David Kaizer & Rebecca Kaizer Ray M. Danganan anniversaries Dorothy M. Kalyanapu Michael G. Edrington & Kathy David Kamminga & Halina Fedor Edrington Michael Nicoletti & Patricia August 2008 Timothy C. McCoy & Ericka Michael R. Gonzales & Christine Nicoletti anniversaries McCoy Gonzales David J. Reese & Jane S. Reese Alan Montgomery Philip Gvinter 40 years StephenV . Murphy Dennis R. Israel & Marilyn T. Israel Randolph C. Thompson 25 years Mui V. Ngo Alexandre L. Jevgrafovs Ruth R. Harte & A. W. Harte Walter Nolasco Robert S. Kim 35 years Keith Parks Eli Kimel David M. Margulies & Mary P. 20 years Peter S. Petropoulos William Laderach Margulies J. Michael Frank Daniel W. Ramey & Chris Ramey Amin O. Mahdi Patricia Melvin Somerville & Carl J. Michael Krueger & Richard S. Andrew J. Roche Conor P. Moloney Libby Krueger Steven T. Rolander James B. Obst & Jane Obst George J. Sempeles & Jimmy Chethan Rao 25 years 15 years Sempeles Alex Sadr Michael C. Greenbaum & Wendy N. Teresa Schudel Hogge & Mark L. John R. Sheil & Rima Sheil Peter O. Simon & Ida J. Simon Schwartz Hogge Ralph W. Thrash & Keith E. Thrash Darin M. Skelly Reiner W. Oberst & Susan Sabo Mark Wyatt & Nicole Wyatt Seymour R. Slatkin & Marsha 20 years Slatkin John R. Geissler & Tamara Geissler 10 years August 2008 new Simon E. Stevens John R. Southan & Sylvia Southan William W. Hatch Vladimir Tereshkov &Yuliya Chris Jones & Lori J. Jones members Zlobina 15 years Robert Martin & Robert W. Martin Charles H. Williams James W. Henry & Marydonna Gregory M. Nichols & Mary Bill R. Bailey & Sasah Bailey Judge-Henry Frances Nichols Gary G. Baker & Dunja T. Baker Timothy C. Johnson Arthur E. Parsons & Gail P. Parsons Thomas D. Barns & Julie Barns Thomas A. Peacor & Katie Peacor Richard K. Bieler 10 years John E. Bowman T. Michael Celley & Gerda Lukas 5 years Roberto L. Brooks George S. Herrmann & Gail Anne David D. Dean & Clare Dean Jeffrey Carswell & Rodney Sibaran Herrmann L. Thomas Ely & Alexandra Ely Scott G. Linton & Sheila Linton Michael J. Frachel & Heather Charles Mandolia & Michelle Lore Frachel Paul A. Mullings & Melba Mullings Paul E. Lewis & Jill M. Lewis Mark Potts & Jane Stiles-Potts Michael G. Rohleder & Panarat Richard L. Rauch & Lisa Rauch Phommarad Carlos Roberts & Steven Roberts Bill Snyder & Donna Snyder David Ross & Jonathan Ross Matthew J. Tarosky Christina L.Young & Graham Hall Agustin J. Torres & Nora Torres Matthew J.Vitello 5 years Marvin E. Washington & Carlene Michael L. Bietsch & Petra Bietsch Washington James D. Evans Christos I. Giannikos & Faye Giannikos New members’ Walter A. Howell & Gail S. Howell Gunther F. Imer Theodore C. Lieb & Anita Lieb July 2008 new members Gerald A. Lopez & Laura Lopez David Luczynski & Sue Matt R. Adams Soukamneuth Denver R . Best Linda Bowyer & Charles T. Bowyer September 2008 Anthony Cox anniversaries Sean Duval Eric A. Eisen 40 years Donald F . Fatzie & Betty Fatzie James N. Hauhart & Bayanne H. Mark Fortune Hauhart Carl Gnam Nancy E. Greer & Richard C. Hart 30 years Carl G. Hill & Elizabeth Hill Kip A. Lanam & Phyllis J. Lanam Gary Jebsen & Louise Jebsen
derVorganger • September 2008 • 9 Photos by Richard Curtis Inspecting JohnToth’s 944 at HBL Porsche on August 10 were, from left,Toth, Club historian George Whitmore works to get a car Andy Clements, Joe Minarik (who owns two 944s) and Aaron Milton. on the lift at FunKtion at the May tech day. Spending a day beneath other owners’ cars By Andy Clements for derVorgänger
Despite a common misconception within the Founders club, our tech inspection program is open to all club members. Tech is an easy and free way to learn more about your Porsche, whether you are preparing 2008 Tech for a Driver’s Education (DE) schedule event or simply trying to • Aug. 30, Tischer keep your street Porsche in Autopark, Silver top condition. Spring Although a tech inspec - tion is required to participate •Aug. 30, Summit in DE, we encourage every - Point Raceway one to bring your car to an upcoming tech event for a • September 20, thorough inspection by our Summit Point Jef - experienced team of volun - Above: Inspector John ferson Circuit teer inspectors. Peerenboom positions HPDC An inspector will guide the lift arms beneath a you through the major sys - Carrera 4S during the • Oct. 3-5, Summit tems of your Porsche, and HBL tech day on Aug. 10. Point Raceway, you will see first hand what main track HPDC we inspect and key items you Left: Outside FunKtion should watch out for. Auto during the tech • Oct. 25, IMA, Fair - Technical inspection is day in May, a nice look - fax specifically designed to evalu - ing 911 track car with a ate each car for numerous For Sale sign in the win - safety items prior to driving dow. on track.This type of inspection can likewise be reveal - ing for any street-driven car. The official tech form (available at 10 • derVorganger • September 2008 http://www.pcapotomac.com) has complete details of What inspectors the entire point-by-point checklist used to evaluate look for at a each car. Driver Education Each inspection begins with the exterior and top eventTech in - side of the engine and then proceeds to the interior in - spection cluding any aftermarket driver-safety equipment. Finally, each car is raised on the lift to get a close • No cracks in glass. look at the chassis, suspension and any fluid leaks or • Fresh brake fluid, a other potential problems. Every inspection is different, firm brake pedal. but we see many vehicles fail for similar reasons in - • Worn brake pads. cluding worn brakes, worn suspension and leaking flu - • Fluid leaks. ids. • Worn suspension The tech crew will pay careful attention to the en - components. tire braking system since it is a critical safety item, es - • Working brake pecially under demanding track conditions. Brakes are lights. one of the most common failure items on the checklist, • Wipers in good and with brakes there is no room for second guessing. condition. Brake rotors commonly develop cracks after repeated •Tires. track driving and must be replaced if any cracks extend • Excessive play in the to the outer edge or connect two or more holes on wheel bearings. drilled rotors. Brake pads should have a minimum thick - • Seat belts in good ness equal to the backing plate and ideally thicker. We Tech Inspector Dave DiQuollo of Alexandria works to condition. always recommend having a spare set of pads with you get the lift pads properly positioned beneath the car. • Proper installation of at the track. The brake fluid must have been flushed any safety equipment. within 90 days (or 180 days for racing-type fluids) to market safety equipment that is often improperly in - • Roll bars in all open- avoid moisture in the fluid. stalled. Potomac region implemented new require - top cars. In addition to brakes, we check for excessive play ments in 2008 related to aftermarket seats and racing • Fire extinguishers in the wheel bearings, a common problem, as well as harnesses. The tech form includes full details, but no optional but recom - any worn suspension or steering joints. Frequently, longer is it permitted to combine racing harnesses with mended. joints permanently sealed with rubber boots will expe - a seat that does not contain manufactured holes for • Battery: No corro - rience rubber deterioration or cracking and must be safely routing harness straps. Furthermore, racing har - sion or leakage. Se - replaced. Any type of fluid leak on the car is cause for nesses have a maximum useful life of five years based on curely fastened. concern, and we carefully check all hoses, clamps, fuel, the sewn-on dated label. Through years of experience • Engine mounts. oil, brake lines, cooling lines and other engine seals. the tech crew has learned to spot many of the com - • Fuel lines. Older vehicles may have years of oily grime accumu - mon failure points specific to each Porsche model.The • Exhaust. lated, and our advice is always to keep the engine as best way to learn more about your car, and to spot any • No excessive rust. clean as possible to spot any signs of new leaks easily. potential problems, is to check the calendar and join us One last area of frequent problems involves after - at the next tech.
the Potomac-sponsored inspection or at any authorized HPDC/Car Control Clinic Basic tech requirements Porsche service shop. Some shops charge for this serv - for DE events ice, some do not. A tech inspection is not required for the High Per - The second inspection is called a grid tech and it formance Driving Clinics.A simplified tech inspection will • All cars must have a tech inspection performed is performed first thing every day at the track during a be performed at the track the morning of the event free within 2 weeks of each Drivers Ed event. DE event. Bring yourTech form to the grid tech the first of charge. We recommend that you look your car over •All Potomac tech inspections are from 9 a.m. until day. We will inspect your car and fill out the second half prior to the event to avoid any fun hampering surprises. 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please plan to arrive no on the back of the tech form at the grid tech. The Potomac tech form can be used as a guide. M hel - later than 1:30 p.m. for an inspection. You then take the fully completed tech form to mets are allowed at HPDC/CCC events but only at • No reservations are needed and the tech events registration.You must have a fully filled out tech form to HPDC/CCC, never at any other Potomac Drivers Edu - are open to all PCA members. New members are en - register. Forms without car and driver information al - cation event. couraged to come to tech inspections even if not par - ready filled out will not be accepted at grid tech. ticipating in DE. You can download the form at www.pcapo - Helmets • Potomac inspectors are knowledgeable about tomac.org. It is a good idea to use the form as a guide maintenance and have lots of handy tips on taking care and look over your car the weekend before an inspec - Helmets The SA 1995 helmets are no longer ap - of your Porsche. tion to see if there is anything that might need attention. proved for DE. Helmets must be SA 2000 or SA 2005. There are two different inspections for Drivers If you are planning to go to a DE and need a tech in - SA stands for SpecialApplications and is made for use in Education.The first is the pre-event tech inspection.This spection please print out a form and complete the car cars and has fire resistance that M helmets might not is done prior to each event and all participating cars are and driver information section. have. M helmets are made for use with motorcycles and required to have a tech inspection.This is the inspection Bring the form to the tech inspection with you and are not approved for DE regardless of year of manufac - where the car is put up on a lift and the tech form is we will inspect your car and fill out the rest for you. Keep ture. filled out front and half of the back. the form in the car because you’ll need it for the DE This inspection can be performed free of charge at weekend.
derVorganger • September 2008 • 11 Photos by Richard Curtis 81-year-old Fred Pfeif - fer Jr., with his 914-6 at Summit Point Raceway in July.
At 81, Pfeiffer still has competitive fire on the track
By Tuffy von Breisen he saw a way to get behind the wheel and compete. for derVorgänger Gordon and his sons autocross and race a 914-6. Pop liked how the car performed and how the family en - Meet Fred Pfeiffer Jr. Fred is a five-year member of joyed the time together. Chesapeake Region. He owns an ex-Noel Hall 944 Fred, with his son and two grandsons, soon were on Turbo and a share of a 914- 6 race car. He’s an active board to find and build a 914-6 race car. That National autocrosser and DE participant. No big deal you say. Road autocross was the first weekend in June and by That might be true if Fred wasn’t 81 years young. At early July the car was found and started. Fred was the an age when most of us just want to be getting around man putting in the hours on the conversion, nearly liv - without help, “Pop” is living a life long dream of com - ing in the garage. His wife of 55 years had passed away peting and driving in speed events. in February and, as he tells it, the race car project saved Fred has been around performance cars for years. his sanity after such a loss. He was born and still lives in Cumberland, Md., site of By the end of that summer, Fred and his boys were the SCCA National Races held at Cumberland Re - running the local autocross series. (That’s 40 runs a Fred Pfeiffer Jr. got into gionalAirport from the ’50s through the weekend.) racing in the 1960s. He early ’70s. He recalls manning a fire Fred Pfeiffer and Fred loves working on the car and says he’s enjoyed the truck at the races as a city firefighter. actor Paul New - loves to autocross, but his real passion time that racing has After changing careers, he continued to has become track days. He does DEs brought his family to - be among the thousands who watched man are the same with Potomac Region mostly and has gether. the races every May. age. They’ve both now run Summit Point and Watkins In the mid ’60s he volunteered as a pit been racing since Glen. He’s also very focused on getting marshal at Summit Point Raceway, earn - the 1960s and are as good as he can. ing a National license in the process and Former Potomac Chief Instructor working at tracks such as Watkins Glen, still at it. Dan MaChesney said after he and Fred Road Atlanta and Nelson Ledges. All came off the track that “He’s so com - through this time he dreamed of driving on these petitive.” Fred, when he was a pit marshall in the ’60s, tracks instead of officiating . recalls watching Paul Newman start out his racing ca - In 200 3, Fred became involved with National Road reer. Newman and Fred are the same age; Newman is Autosport, a group of local folks with the goal of bring - still at it too. ing racing back to the airport. He continues to be ac - If you see the Orange # 59 Brumos clone 914-6 at tive with the group, helping with anything he can. 2003 an AX or DE look him up. He’s all about the car, the saw the first autocross at the airport and as Fred driving and sharing motorsports with his son, grand - watched his son’s lifelong friend Ron Gordon compete, sons and friends.
12 • derVorganger • September 2008 derVorganger • September 2008 •13 Levitas: “ My job as driver has been to qual - ify up front and keep us in the front where the race is clean.”
Meet our sponsors Michael Levitas: Race driver, businessman Michael Levitas of Turbo Per - During the month that I kept the formance Center, a manufacturer car, I naturally raced it on the of superchargers, is a racer, a street. My second car was a member of PCA since 1991 and 1975VW Rabbit. a car guy from his earliest years. What about formal training? By Starla Phelps At 19, I went to Embry-Rid - for derVorgänger dle Aeronautical University. It was heaven because I was at the Question : When did you be - Daytona Speedway every day come interested in cars? going to tests and working with Michael : Cars have always the IMSA teams. To finance my Michael Levitas: A familiar and friendly face at the track. been my passion. I grew up play - college education, I rented a ing and later working in my fa - hangar at the Speedway and stream of sports-car work. I my first turbo engine by letting ther’s automotive salvage yard in started repairing light aircraft; re - startedTurbo Performance Cen - me use his mill and lathe at night. the Baltimore area. My grand - pairing and restoring early ter in 1986. The business was Al also provided help from 1991- mother actually was responsible Corvettes; and making aftermar - growing steadily and I was able to 1993 when I was working for for the unusual start of the yard ket parts for Nissans and Mazdas. take time during the summer to three teams in the IMSA Super - when, during the Depression, she My little business grew so much enjoy my boat and waterskiing. car series: Nissan, Consellier and took apart the family car and that I hired some of my profes - Late in 1989, I sold the gas sta - Mazda. sold the parts in order to put sors to work at night. tion and moved TPC to Richie All I can say about Dave Cole - food on the table! I believe that Highway in Glen Burnie. By that man is that he is an amazing my passion for life, invention and What did you do when you time, I ’d purchased a 1982 friend who has gone out of his creativity in cars is in my blood! left college? 911SC. I bought a Porsche be - way to help me. I graduated in June 1985 and cause it was the only car that had It was sometime during this What was your first car? worked in the salvage yard until beaten me during all my street period that I started an after - When did you start working on July 1986, when (my neighbor’s) racing! I’d also decided to focus market company for RX7s called cars? son and I bought a Shell gas sta - my business efforts largely Peter Farrell Supercars. That is Let’s see, I was ... 10 when I tion in Glen Burnie, Md., and I be - around Porsches . when I met Ivan Arzola when he built my first VW dune buggy. I came the first HKS (Performance In 1988, I met Al Collins and bought all of the “go fast” good - was 12 when I taught myself to engine, suspension, or drive train Dave Coleman. I value the friend - ies for his RX7. The business has weld and began fabricating parts components. Air filters, exhaust, ship and expertise of these two continued to grow and we are and building engines. When my turbo chargers, boost con - brilliant men who have been now located (in) Jessup, Md. grandfather gave me his 1968 trollers, ignition systems, and fuel there for me during times when four-door Oldsmobile, I immedi - systems ) distributor in the U.S. I really needed their help. Al Tell us aboutTPC, and what is ately replaced the engine and We had two bays, a couple of Collins and I hit it off immedi - next for the business? tires with the biggest I could find. shift managers and a steady ately. He helped me when I built When I started the business I 14 • derVorganger • 2008 prototype issue Levitas creates a part that doesn’t exist from a block of aluminum. Celebrating the win at Homestead in 2003 hired technicians with aeronauti - How have you and your team You could have your choice of cal backgrounds because they done in the racing series? We any automobile, why do you What is your favorite understood the why and how of have a great record! Not only did choose Porsches? word? Success Porsche engineering, which has we win the 2006 Rolex 24 hour Porsches are bred for ONE Least favorite? Failure many similarities to aeronautical Daytona in GT, but in 2004 we purpose … to be a race car.; they What turns you on cre - engineering. I also have people in won the driver, team and Manu - have an attitude. They have the atively, spiritually or emo - the Netherlands and in Italy who facturer’s Championship. In 2003, best quality, the most potential tionally? Racing work with me. we won 2 nd place in these and they are pure sports cars in - What turns you off? Bad I’ve taken this year off to im - classes. We began racing in the stead of a street car pretending attitudes merse myself and the company Motorola cup in 1999 and then to be a sports car. Also, Porsches Which curse word do you into an exciting new line of prod - in 2000 we went full time in are built for FUN. use most often? S**t ucts and business ventures. I’ve What sound or noise do been traveling to many parts of What are you most proud of you love? Laughter the world to find new produc - Porsches are about your business? What sound or noise do tion sites for our new technolo - The people I meet … cus - you hate? The noise that you gies and also to expand our bred for ONE tomers, employees, people with hear just before you hit the market. whom I race and race against. wall! purpose … to be They are the coolest thing in life. What profession, other How did you get into serious than your own, would you racing? a race car.; they Other than work and like to attempt? None We took the 1982 911 twin Porsches, what are your other What profession would turbo that I built and qualified to have hobbies? you not like to do? I could do go after the world record of 197 I collect cars and motorcycles. anything and do it well, it does miles per hour (E-Production, su - an attitude. I don’t watch auto racing on TV, not matter, and work is work. percharged) at the Bonneville instead I watch motorcycle rac - If Heaven exists, what Salt Flats in Utah.The winds were Also, Porsches are ing. I own a several BMWs, a would you like to hear God too high that year, and in the fol - Ducati and a Harley-Davidson. say when you arrive at the lowing two years the water table built for FUN. Pearly Gates? Heaven exists, was too high. In 1993, I began Are your wife and your chil - and I am already there. driving this 911 turbo at PCA dren into cars? Driver’s Education and club Not really. Wende, my wife, races. My times, and percentage Grand Am. In that short time we and my daughter Erin, 14, are This would be a tough job for of wins, propelled me into the have chalked up over 27 podi - very supportive but don’t partic - two people, but Harris does it SCCA regional and MARS series ums. My job as driver has been ipate. My son Harris, 16, goes to alone with no mistakes, and he races. In 1999, I began racing in to qualify up front and keep us in Calvert Hall College High School, can do it for 24 hours. My wife is the Motorola Cup and in the fol - the front where the race is clean. and I am encouraging him to be - the chairperson for dyslexia lowing year (2000) was one of Driver Randy Pobst brings us to come a lawyer or a businessman. charity events. the first teams in the newly the checkered flag. I’m the team However, Harris does the timing • • • formed Grand American Rolex owner, a driver and I help on the and scoring for our team and (PCA Potomac and PCA do Sports Car Series. pit stops! It is a real team effort. helped with scoring at the 2007 not endorse or recommend any Potomac Summit Point club race. particular businesses.) derVorganger • 2008 prototype issue • 15 Sparks were flying during a basic welding class in PCA member Kurt Mickelwait’s Falls Church garage. Welding 101 Club members gather to learn and watch the sparks fly
By Andy Clement for derVorgänger
What began as a quest for advice, ended as a fiery Andy Carrera gets some help with his 964 engine afternoon of sparks, molten metal, and good-times case from host Kurt Mickelwait. among friends. Just about every car loving do-it- yourselfer has wondered about the mysterious world ing assistance.Together we demonstrated MIG (Metal- of welding at one point or another. When local club Inert Gas), Oxy-acetylene, brazing and numerous types member, Dave Wruck, asked for advice on how to of joints and techniques. learn to weld he probably didn’t realize the explosion We demonstrated the speed of MIG welding as of interest he had sparked . compared to the delicate process of managing heat When PCA member Kurt Mickelwait, an accom - control critical in gas-torch welding. Everybody had an plished do-it-yourselfer and experienced welder, of - opportunity to try their hand at some practice welds fered his equipment and garage to provide a and learned that it takes a steady grip and persistence welding-101 demonstration, the response from would- to lay down a quality weld. Reportedly, at least a few be welders was overwhelming.The idea developed into students were bitten by the bug and headed directly a Sunday afternoon classroom and practice session for to the welding store to buy their first machine. a large group of interested students, complete with Hopefully at least a few students graduated with backyard cookout and plenty of friendly car talk. enough interest to advance their welding skills. Many Stephen Dubovsky and I helped Kurt with teach - thanks to Kurt for hosting this gathering. 16• derVorgänger • September 2008 Photos by Michael Madrid
Types of welding
• Oxyacetylene. One of the oldest and most versatile. Still widely used.
• MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Uses a continu - ous wire feed as an electrode and an inert or semi-inert gas mixture to pro - tect the eld from contamination.
•TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Also known Above: Kurt Mickelwait demon - as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). strates various welding techniques Popular choice when high quality, preci - in his home shop.To his left is assis - sion welding is required. tant instructor Andy Clements.
Right: Kurt does a little grinding on a weld to reveal any defects. Note MIG welding tips that he’s wearing leather gloves and safety glasses. • Keep a 1/4” to 3/8” in stickout (electrode ex - tending from the tip of the contact tube). Below: Kurt tests the strength of a weld by bending it to the point of • For thin metals, use a smaller diameter wire. For failure. thicker metal, use a larger wire and a larger ma - chine. See machine recommendations for welding capacity.
• Use the correct wire type for the base metal being welded. Use stain - less steel wires for stain - less steel, aluminum wires for aluminum and steel wires for steel.
• Use the proper shield - ing gas. CO 2 is good for penetrating welds on steel but may be too hot for thin metal. Use 75% Argon/25% CO 2 for thinner steels. Use only Argon for aluminum.You can use a triple mix for stainless steels (Helium + Argon + CO 2).
•For best control of your weld bead, keep the wire directed at the leading edge of the weld pool.
• Be sure to match your contact tube, gun liner and wire rolls to the wire size you’re using.
derVorgänger • September 2008 • 17 Left:A Porsche lights up a rear tire through the tricky Turn 3.Thanks to safe and smart driving, the ambulances didn’t leave the shelter. A day at tSumhmitePointt’srSheanancdok ah Circuit hosts June event
2008 has been an excellent track season for Po - tomac! Although we’re almost to the end of our 2008 schedule, the remaining driving events provide many opportunities for PCA drivers to improve their skills and enjoy the company of friends at the track. These include an Instructor Clinic, two High Per - formance Driving Clinics (HPDCs), our Club Race at Summit Point and a DE schedule that includes two Above: Between session more DE events (see next page for schedule). In 2008, maintenance, bleeding we were on Summit Point main and Shenandoah cir - the brakes at Summit cuits, Mid Ohio,Watkins Glen andVirginia International Point’s Shenandoah Cir - Raceway. cuit during a Driver Ed - By the time you read this, we will have just con - ucation event.The day ducted our third annual Porsche Fest Gala at Summit. saw temperatures in the This is Potomac Region’s premier event of the year, 90s, so awnings or pop- with multiple activities represented, including DE, au - ups were much in evi - tocross, rally, concours and social. dence. • Potomac had two Saturday High Performance Driving Clinics (HPDC) scheduled. The spring HPDC A rare 914-6 throughTurn 2 on Sunday.
18 • derVorganger • September 2008 was earlier than usual to account for the newApril DE date, and we’ve retained a second HPDC Sept. 20. HPDC, the first step toward participating in Driver Ed - ucation events, can be the single best day you’ll have in your car, with emphasis on awareness and car control in a safely controlled environment and with an in - structor in the car. HPDC qualifies you to drive in Po - tomac DE events. • We’ve also enhanced the Cllub Race by extending it to a three-day format, scheduled for October 3-5. We’ve requested that it not be designated as a specta - tor event, but that is up to the track and we’re still waiting to hear from them regarding how they will des - ignate it. This event will include an enduro. • Lastly, we’ll be running an invitational Instruc - tor/Advanced driving day on Friday, Oct. 31 of our last Summit Point event. Summit Point Raceway has long been Potomac’s home track, and we’re proud to wrap up our season at home. Above: Spectators watch from their perch atop the scoring tower along Summit’s main straight. DE events typically have five race groups, divided by experience. Each group gets a morning and afternoon session each day.
Left: Flagger throws the checkered flag at the end of a session
Four wheels off at Summit Point’s Shenandoah Cir - cuit during the Driver Education event in June. A total of 175 cars were registered for the event.
Remaining 2008 DE schedule Events are free to spectators, These are a good opportunity to meet new Porsche friends and get a feel for a DE event. Event type 2008 Date Track Drivers Education 5-7 Sept. VIR Full HPDC 20 Sept. Jefferson* PCA Club Race 3-5 Oct. Summit Point Instructor & Advanced Driver Day 31 Oct. Summit Point Drivers Education 1-2 Nov. Summit Point
* Jefferson Circuit at Summit Point (W.Va.) Raceway
A brightly colored 993 searches for the apex in the second Saturday session. Photos by Michael Madrid
derVorganger • September 2008 • 19 How to pick the correct wheel size
By Larry Herman will tighten the tires responses without any negative Riesentoter Region effects. More than a plus 1 increase may cause a much harsher ride and tram-lining. That is where the tire Every so often some asks“what is the right wheel tends to follow the grooves in the road. size for my car?” It depends on “what are you looking For the track, typically any street negatives are of to do?” And that is the determinant factor. Porsches little concern. Here the goal is to maximize the tire’s run the gamut in wheel diameters ranging from 14" on grip on the track, period. This is where suspension some early cars to 19" on the Boxsters and 997s technology and setup have a marked affect on what (Cayennes not withstanding). Changing up a diameter sizes to run. There are many factors to consider. The or two can have a marked impact on the performance smaller wheel diameter, though not thought of as“per - of your car and maybe not for the better. The trend formance oriented,” will be lighter and allow for faster has been upward for a number of reasons. Larger acceleration. It also will be more compliant and there - wheels mean more cooling and more room for bigger fore more tolerant of “less than optimal” suspension brakes. Larger wheels also can improve cornering feel alignment. These are well suited to the older cars, with and grip, and they just their more flexible chassis and suspensions that do not seem to have that look. maintain proper camber throughout their range of The best way to travel. start is to understand the It is all about maximizing your contact patch under effect of larger wheels, cornering load, and a longer narrower patch will work define the goal of any better on cars that cannot maintain proper camber. I change and then factor it used to run 15" wheels on my ’84 Carrera race car into the setup of your car. with great results. The tires had lots of grip and wore As you increase the di - evenly. When I switched to 17" wheels with wider tires ameter of the wheel, (same brand), I picked up only about 0.4 of a second a keeping the tire diameter lap. Not a lot when you consider that I had about 1" the same, the sidewall wider rubber all around. gets smaller. This impacts Cars with more modern suspensions are better the performance of the able to keep their tires flat on the road and so will ben - tire in many ways. First, it efit more from larger wheels with lower profile tires. causes the sidewalls to The stiffer sidewalls will maintain their shape better become stiffer, which im - under greater load and will ultimately provide more proves tire response. The grip. Stiffer sidewalls also will control the torque pro - only connection between duced by the increased accelerative and braking forces the tread of the tire and better from higher horsepower cars. And the larger the wheel is through the wheels will allow room for the bigger brakes needed to sidewall. You impart a stop all that. torque through the wheel Take that suspension and put racing springs and into the sidewall when shocks on it, and you will keep those tires even flatter you steer. This twists the on the road. Run a racing alignment with the proper tire tread toward the di - amount of negative camber and the tires work even rection of travel. The better. One caveat is that the larger the wheel, the stiffer the sidewall, the heavier it will be. Even racing wheels are much lighter faster and more positively this happens. in 15" & 16" sizes than they are in 18" & 19". This will Second, it causes the contact patch to change have a negative impact on acceleration and unsprung from longer and narrower to wider and shorter. This weight, so you may want to give greater consideration can make a noticeable improvement in braking. Load - to fitting larger wheels on lighter, lower horsepower ing the front tires will compress the tread and the con - cars. tact patch will grow. A wide, short patch will grow In summary, if you are tracking/racing your car, more than a long, narrow patch, improving braking you need to consider the effectiveness of the suspen - even though the static contact patch may be of similar sion, the weight and the horsepower of the car before area. you run out and buy those 19" bad boys. Third, it makes the tire more camber sensitive. There is no one right answer, just a lot of gener - This means that the tire has to be held flatter on the alities that can be used to help guide an informed de - road or it will lose grip under cornering. It also means cision. Keep in mind too, that this is just scratching the that it will be more sensitive to road imperfections. surface of what a different wheel can do for your car. What are you doing with your car: street driving, • track driving or racing? Each has its own requirements. Larry Herman is the technical chairperson for For a street car, you want to stay fairly close to what Riesentoter Region PCA. He started autocrossing in was offered on the car. A plus 1 change (a 1" increase 1972, has been instructing for DEs since 1985 and has in wheel size while maintaining overall tire diameter) club raced since 1995.
20 • derVorganger • September 2008 What the sidewall numbers mean Ratio and the Diameter – 245/40R17. The dark mystery of tire size is sim - The Z rating initially denoted a speed ple once you know what those numbers above 149mph, but the actual tested on the sidewall actually mean. Here are the speed was not defined. Later, the Y and basics. W ratings were added to specify tires Tire size is shown in the format Sec - tested for sustained speeds of 168 mph tionWidth (in mm)/Aspect Ratio Diameter and 186 mph, respectively.These ratings (in inches), e.g. 245/40 17 are shown in the format 245/40ZR17 Section width is the tires’s width from 88W or 88Y sidewall to sidewall (see diagram). It is larger than the tread width. The section R 106 mph (170 km/h) width of 245mm = 9.65" S 112 mph (180 km/h) Aspect ratio is the percentage of Sec - T 118 mph (190 km/h) tion Height to Section Width. The Aspect U124 mph (200 km/h) Ratio of 40 means that the Section Height H130 mph (210 km/h) is 40% of the Section Width. 245mm x 0.4 V 149 mph (240 km/h) = 98mm, or 3.86" Z >149 mph (>240 km/h) Diameter is the rim diameter in W 168 mph (270 km/h) inches. ameter decreases gearing. Y 186 mph (300 km/h) The overall diameter of the tire is 2 x To move to an 18” wheel, select a tire Section Height + Rim Diameter, as the di - with the same overall diameter, which Date of manufacture is the last four agram shows. The overall diameter of our means a tire with a lower Section Height. digits of the tire’s serial number. Since 2000, example tire is [3.86" x 2] + 17" = 24.72". The equivalent 235/35 18 tire has an over - these four digits have been in the form This diameter is important. Fitting wheels all diameter of 24.7", a good choice. (week #)(year). For example, a tire with the and tires with a different overall diameter Speed rating is shown as a letter code serial number xxxxxxxxx3207 was manu - than the stock tires will causeABS and PSM and is the maximum sustained speed at factured in the 32nd week of 2007. When systems to fail, so you need to be careful. It which the tire is designed to be used when buying tires, be careful that you are getting will also affect gearing. A larger than stock inflated to recommended pressure.The ini - freshly made tires. Tires deteriorate over diameter increases the gearing, a small di - tial letter appeared between the Aspect time, so don’t accept old stock.
derVorganger • September 2008 • 21 Construction began with footings, pouring Bob had to dig this ditch by hand to install Bob’s father, a friend, an electrician and his concrete and installing rebar. Construction the electrical service. He has installed a lot coworker installed outlets around the was hampered by rain throughout. of lights for illumination. walls. Plans call for epoxy paint on the floors.
The finished project — despite numerous de - lays and contractor problems — provides a three-bay garage (one of them a“super bay”) and room for storage of tools and parts.
Bob and Robin build their dream garage It started off nightmarishly but wound up as a knockout
Story and photos by Bob Hopkins we should build the garage before we had made, the contractor’s license became a For derVorgänger kids. question. The permit application was mired Once we found and bought a nice home in variance issues. Our neighbor started pok - Eight years ago my wife, Robin, and I went on a private lane tucked up in the woods, we ing around and putting in his two cents, which looking for a house with a nice garage. We began saving for the garage. One wedding, a quickly became his two dollars. Robin was visited several, but while Robin considered honeymoon and two job changes later, we trying to remain healthy and stress-free (or the houses, I was disappointed by the garages, were ready to begin. We started looking for stress-less), and I was becoming increasingly tight two-bay afterthoughts. None seemed contractors, researching the covenants on worried. Our contractor stopped answering worthy of housing the European marvels I in - the property and thinking about exactly what our calls. tended to protect from the elements, and the finished product would look like. We After spending more money to hire a forget about performing any work in those inked a deal with a young but energetic con - lawyer, we eventually won our case against shoe boxes. tractor who was looking to build his business the by-now bankrupt contractor, but our siz - We began looking for houses we liked with and was referred to me by an old friend. able deposit was gone, for all intents and pur - enough room to add a garage that would sat - poses. isfy my desires.We lowered our home buying Problems begin While saving up to try again, our family budget so we could afford to build my dream grew with the addition of twin boys. Our garage once we moved in. I was adamant that Immediately after a down payment was roofing contractor mentioned that he had 22 • derVorganger • September 2008 The garage is connected to the house by a breezeway The finish line is in sight with The“super bay” has an overhead door that and an overhead walkway. landscaping, asphalt paving and allows for a lift. A storage room occupies provisions for drainage provid - part of the second level. ing the finishing touches just built a garage and was thrilled with the contractor who did the work. We ran this contractor through the ringer to make sure he was legitimate. I visited sev - eral completed projects. I visited jobs in progress. We inked a deal with payments weighted toward the end of the job.We spent months getting the required permits. We needed variances because our area was zoned to prohibit new construction within 50 feet of a property line. We needed a site survey to pinpoint property lines. On the day ground was to be broken, a crew showed up, and Bobcats started racing to tear down the existing retaining wall, but we had no permit posted. Frantic calls to the contractor got nowhere, but that evening the permit was in hand, and work was resumed the next morning. Each day a new drama arose. My father-in- law got stuck in the mud trying to turn around his minivan.The nosy neighbor stood watching from his property offering “sugges - tions” on everything. The workers, my wife and I spent hours Bob’s 911 finally raised on the BendPak lift that is installed in the“super bay.” calming the neighbor out of fear that he could create problems for us with the the front soffit to illuminate the front. ment control inspector (who was reasonable county. The mud pit created by demolishing One hang-up was the garage door for the and a car guy, too!), and a compromise with our parking pad was replaced with a 23-foot Super Bay, which opens straight up the wall my contractor, we were able to implement by 41-foot slab of smooth concrete. Block to allow for a lift. Normal springs would not some changes without huge expense. walls arose from the foundation. In a frantic work, so a drum was ordered to compensate I was giddy upon receipt of the final in - wave of progress, the second floor, framed for the decreasing torque of the spring as it spection sticker. Despite problems, we had a walls and roof trusses were erected.Then, as unwound lifting the door. Once installed, the spacious three-car garage. I had a lift to aid in the siding was being completed and the deck operation worked wonderfully. I can stop the track preparation and general maintenance. I finished, the workers warned me that they door at any height, and it will rest there. had a loft overlooking the Super Bay with a were going to another job for a few weeks. The asphalt was another concern. It was stocked beer fridge. I had a place for all my With no driveway, yard or working doors, to be done after the site work, but the re - tools and parts. And finally, I could wash my they left. Since we had a roof and walls, I stuck lentless rain prohibited any dirt movement. Porsche and not have it dirty by the next to the plan to have my father and friends help When it was finally laid, it looked great, but morning. me do the electrical work and wrap up the the site work was lacking. When the inspec - I have plenty to do to finish the project, in - project. tors were called, they found several minor is - cluding plumbing the 60-gallon compressor, sues but called the EPA to inspect the grading applying an epoxy floor designed for aircraft Family, friends step up to the plate and drainage. hangers, and finishing the interior walls and Tensions arose when my contractor felt ceiling. These steps can wait while we enjoy My father, my buddy, the electrician and his this was an unexpected and unforeseen issue. the garage, but my wife’s automatic garage- coworker installed outlets everywhere. I in - Storms made a mess as mud oozed across door opener cannot. stalled lights in the garage and flood lights in the new asphalt. With the help of the sedi - derVorganger • September 2008 • 23 A lawn full of exceptionally clean cars — Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes- Benzes and Audis — made for a nice spring day of competition. Record turnout for 25th Deutsche Marque Concours The 25 th SilverAnniversary Deutsche Mar - Deutsch que Concour d’Elegance drew a record field of 52 spectacularly presented Porsches on Marque May 4th. Included in this number were no less winners than 17 classic 356 models, an all-time high The podium cars in each for these beautiful bathtub Porsches. class were truly great ex - The Nottaway Park field, in Vienna, Va., amples of the Porsche sparkled with over 200 of Germany’s finest marque, and the winners cars on display, including some beautiful ex - were: amples of the Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW marques. This year’s Circle of Excel - Concours class lence featured Classic European GrandTour - Best of Marque ing Cars, andAlan Johnson’s beautiful ’84 928 S-2 looked sharp in this display. 1st Randy Moss, A huge thanks goes to our dedicated 19 67 911 S judges for the Competition classes including Matt de Maria, Markar Derthomasian, Bob 356 Models Farmer, Mike Sarli, John Wood and Bob 1st John Wood Hoffmeckler.They had their work cut out for 1957 356 Speedster them judging this truly awesome field of 2nd Pete Archibald Porsches, including many eye-popping 356s, 1964 C Cabriolet splendid early 911s, and pristine late models. 3rd Howard Byron The voting was heavy in the People’s Choice 1957 Coupe classes. The number of great cars made the voting close in each of these classes. Early 911 Models Porsches of all descriptions turned out for the 25th annual 1st Jim Cahoon Deutsch Marque concours inVienna,Va. It was a low-key af - 19 72 911T fair for spectators.Viewing began around 10 a.m. The event 2nd Reiner Oberst lasted until mid-afternoon when awards are presented. 24 • derVorganger • September 2008 1985 911 2nd Bob Farmer 3rd Randy Moss 2005 Boxster 19 67 911S 3rd Jason Angerosa 1974 914 Late 911 Models 1st Pete Hebert Coupes 2002 1st Jim Christenson 2nd Mike Walker ’85 911 2004 2nd Brian Peters 3rd Steve Rolander 1979 911 3rd Don Morton Eclectic - Boxsters, Cayman, 1970 911 944 , 914 1st Mark Hubley The Deutsche Marque com - 19 99 Boxster mittee appreciates the support 2nd Bob Williams from returning sponsors Curry 1973 911 RSR Automotive , Funktion Auto and 3rd Charley Haughney our new sponsor Upscale Detail. 2006 Cayman S Many last minute registrations Peoples choice kept Lonnie Kessler, Diana and 356 Models Dayna Davis busy at the registra - 1st Tim Berardelli tion desk. A vote of thanks to 2nd Mike Sarli Mike Sarli, who was there to 3rd CharlesTaylor help with any task. All the hard work by the four clubs and many Open Cars volunteers paid off and made for 1st Mike Walgren a classy wrap-up to this 25-year ’87 911 Cabriolet celebration.
derVorganger • September 2008 • 25 Contact information for PCA Potomac Founder’s Region officers and chairs Founders’ Region officers Public service Scott Mayster [email protected] President Tony Kelly [email protected] Rally Gary Brindle [email protected] Vice President Tuffy von Briesen [email protected] Safety Craig Bond [email protected] Treasurer Dick Seltzer [email protected] Social Janet Gresh Secretary Bruce Dobbs [email protected] Sheri Past president Art Parsons [email protected] von Breisen [email protected] Sponsor OPEN [email protected] Drivers’ Education Zone 2 Rep Jim Becker [email protected] Drivers’ Ed Alan Herod [email protected] Webmaster Michael Johnson Registrar Charlie Clark [email protected] Pete Kauffman [email protected] Cashier Skip Close [email protected] derVorgänger Track coords. Doug Nickel Editor Richard Curtis [email protected] Eric Stratton [email protected] Calendar Kermit Kidwell [email protected] Chief instructors Ralf Bruckner Advertising Michael Langshaw Dirk Dekker [email protected] [email protected] Tech chairs Andy Clement Swap and Sell Mark Francis [email protected] Kevin Oyler [email protected] Programs Model Experts Autocross Tony Pagonis [email protected] Cayenne OPEN [email protected] Drive ‘n Dine John Eberhardt [email protected] 356 & 912 Tim Berardelli [email protected] Club Race Kevin Oyler 911 (older) George Whitmore [email protected] Starla Phelps [email protected] 930, C2, & C4 Roger Bratter [email protected] Concours Ron Davis 993 (‘95-’98 911) OPEN [email protected] Mike Sarli [email protected] 986 (Boxster) Geoff Thompson [email protected] Historian George Whitmore [email protected] 914 & 914/6 Ray Plewacki [email protected] Legal officer Todd Daubert [email protected] 944 & 968 Ivan Arzola [email protected] Meetings Janet Gresh [email protected] 924 John Brown [email protected] Membership John Magistro [email protected] 928 John Lewis [email protected] Public relations Scott Mayster [email protected]
26 • derVorganger • September 2008 Rally report with second to Kirstin Knott and Dara Dozier; third place was Leah Ester - What is rallying? brooks and Kristin Brindle. One point The rally program consists of a course with Several rallies kick off separated first and third place with the instructions for the driver and navigator to get tie for second going to Kirstin and Dara. to the end point for the rally. For the past several season; two remain The third rally was the Camp years PCA Potomac has been doing gimmick ral - By Gary Brindle Friendship Rally and Car Show on Au - lies.These rallies have either a set of questions or PCA Potomac Rally Chair gust 3, which supports the Carol Jean clues to find along the route; many times there Foundation that sponsors Camp are also photos of things along the way; some - This year we have completed two ral - Friendship, a summer camp for children times there are other things like poker hands or lies. The first was May’s Fox Hunt Rally, with with cancer. All of the proceeds from goodies to find. There are trophies for the top points awarded to the number of foxes spot - this rally are donated to the camp. three teams and teams get points toward the ted along the route. The weather was great There is also a camper’s-choice Car rally champion for 2008. for a spring weekend drive throughVirginia’s Show at the end for the children to vote No special equipment other than a working Loudon, Fauquier and Rappahannock coun - on their favorite Porsche. Yellow cars trip odometer and probably a clipboard to keep ties finishing at the Gray Ghost Winery in seem to do well along with anything track of all the papers is required. The rally is Amissville with a wine tasting and tour of the with less than 1,000 miles. completed over paved roads and mostly out in facility. This was a Photo-and-Gimmick Rally. the country away from lights and traffic. First place was won by James Pugh and his Future events: wife, second was Stuart Wirtz and his wife We have challenged the other Ger - and third place was James Campbell and his man car clubs to compete against Porsches in plete the waiver form, etc. wife. Two points separated first and third a Photo-and-Gimmick Rally on September Meet at 12:30 p.m. at Quince Orchard place. 27. This rally will be followed by a multi-club Plaza in Gaithersburg, Md. at the intersection The second rally was the Summer Fun social at the end point. The Mercedes-Benz of Maryland Routes 117 and 124. Meet in the Rally held on in July in Virginia’s Fairfax and and Audi clubs have responded. The BMW McDonald’s parking lot. The rally finishes in Prince William counties. This was another club has a conflict that weekend but may still Loudon County, Va. great day for a rally with clear skies, but it was be able to have some cars participate. The The final rally for 2008 will be Oct. 26. getting a little warm by the time folks finished cost for this rally is $25 and you can register This is the Trick-or-Beep Rally. This year we at Locust Shade Park. We had an ice-cream by sending an email to may work with the Drive-and-Dine group on social under the reserved pavilion, the ice [email protected] or register on the a combined event. Start thinking now about cream was just getting to the milkshake stage web site. If you cannot pay on the web site, a dressing up as your favorite movie charac - by the time the last car completed the route. you can pay when you get to the starting ter, and check the web site for details on this First place was Craig and Linda Davidson point. Arrive before the start time to com - event.
Drive ’n dine Maryland and WestVirginia ending with Drive ’n picnic brunch at 12:30. Horses, cars and picnics Horses, cars Event option B: Meet us at the and horsepower track at 12:15 for the12:30 brunch. What better way to see beautiful cars and beau - tiful horses than by attending the International Gold Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 12:30 Brunch Event option C: Not hungry? Save Cup steeplechase at Great Meadows near The Plains, Run to CharlesTown Races & Slots. yourself $30 and just come for the races Va. on Oct. 18? Thundering hooves, slots and great and meet some new friends. In 2007, the Porsche cars were treated to a police food all just 10 minutes from Harpers Information on the track: escort into the race compound with special parking Ferry, W.Va. We’ll have a brunch buffet http://www.ctownraces.com/ spaces and passes to Members Hill. A portion of the on arrival at the race track in Charles purse from the feature race was donated to charity. Town, W.Va. Registration for the event: Special parking will be set aside for PCA mem - Experience the thrill of thorough - Click on “Programs” on the Po - bers, and the exhibition cars will be showcased in a bred racing from the comfort of the tomac website and click on Drive and tent. Festivities start at 9:30 a.m. as we convoy to Skyline Terrace and banquet room. The Dine/Registration. You can also e-mail Great Meadows. The first race starts about 1:00 p.m. terrace offers a panoramic view of the [email protected] or Come join all your Porsche friends, have a picnic, racetrack and easy access to the gaming [email protected] or by see lots of interesting people, watch some special room for those that would like to try mail to John Magistro, 8617 Village Park horses race, show off your Porsche and visit with club their luck at the slot machines. Place, Chevy Chase, Md. 20815 members.There will be a commemorative gift for PCA $30 per person covers brunch, tax Meeting places for driving tours: members who attend, and there will be a prize for the and tip (betting is up to you). Stay for a Several meeting places will be an - best tailgate arrangement. few races, the whole day or have a nounced on the website for drives to Registration opened in August. There will be a brunch, make some new friends and hit the track. See the website. ,Tour group nominal fee. If you are interested in attending or have the road. Save the date. volunteers needed. Please contact John a unique Porsche you want considered for the display Eberhardt at driveanddine@pcapo - tent, please contact Tuffy von Briesen at vicepresi - Event option A: Join us for a scenic tomac.org or John Magistro at mem - [email protected] drive through the rolling hills ofVirginia, [email protected].
derVorganger • September 2008 • 27 August DE event honors veterans, offers Taste of theTrack
The August 15-17 event was held under rain- free skies with everyone participating getting lots of track time. The highlight was theVeterans on Track session as the last event on Saturday followed by a dinner for the veterans and their family members hosted by Paul Morcones of RadialTire of Silver Spring, Md. Taste of theTrack was held Saturday and Sunday to acquaint folks who were interested in seeing what a high-speed ride on a race track was like. A complete report on this weekend will appear in the October issue of derVorgänger.
28 • derVorganger • September 2008 TheVets onTrack session saw many vets getting 20 or more minutes on track. They gave universal‘thumbs up’ and other, ah, signals. Club historian George Whitmore said that the vets he squired around the track were grinning from 16 veterans participated in theVets onTrack session ear to ear. during the August Drivers’ Education event at Sum - mit Point. Sponsors of the event were Radial Tire, Thanks to the Porsche club members the Association of the United States Army, OG Rac - who made this a memorable day for ing, Bill Scott Racing, TPC, Porsche ofTysons and the veterans. Porsche of Arlington. Thanks also to Ivan Arzola of IMA Motorsports and Geoff Swarz from AutoSports Photos by Willy Staubhaar SystemsGroup for attending the event. for derVorgänger
Remaining 2008 concours schedule August 30, Gathering of the Faithful Car Show, 9 a.m. in the skat - ing pavilion at RestonTown Center. A spectacular collection of vin - tage 356 models are the centerpiece of this show, with later models of all years vying for attention, too.
Sept 4 – 7, 356 Registry 2008 East Coast Holiday, Lancaster, Pa. Check your 356 Registry for details. (Not a PCA event, for information only.) Please join us for these terrific events in 2008, and enjoy some spectacular cars and great company!
derVorganger • September 2008 • 29 You and your cars Portraits from the July 12 DE event Photos by Richard Curtis
Left: John Hill of Woodbridge,Va., with his 996 GT RS that he’s owned since December 2007. Watkins Glen was his first DE, and he hoped to be at Watkins Glen in early August.
Below: Charles Henry of Alexandria, Va., owns“Red Roc,” a 944 S2 that he’s had since October 2006. He Above: Michael Gelling, Queens, N.Y. in his 1984 911. stepped up to the 944 from aVW This is Gelling’s first Porsche, and he’s owned it since Jetta and runs DEs primarily at Sum - 2001. Previously, he had owned BMWs but wanted mit but also has been toVirginia In - “to check out rear-engined cars,” he said. He’s ternational Raceway. added an SSI exhaust and 17” Fuchs.This was his first trip to Summit Point Raceway.
Above: Skip Chalfont, a member of Rieston - ter region, made the trip from Westchster, Pa. with his blue 1974 Carrera (the original color!) that he’s owned since 1974. He also owns a ’58 Speedster he’s had for 42 years.
Right: Fred Pfeiffer of Cresaptown, Md., was having starter troubles with his father’s914-6 with a 3.2 liter engine (see story on the father on Page 12). He was un - successful in fixing the starter , and his father had to be push started in the paddock.
Far right (next page): Evan Close of Arlington and a recentVirginia Tech grad with his 1983 (with ’87 engine) he’s owned for 1.5 years.
30 • derVorganger • September 2008 Above: John Riggs, Jefferson, Md., checks air pres - sures on his 2007 Cayman S.
Right: Great Falls’ Gary Johnson with his 997 GT3 RS.
derVorgänger • September 2008 • 31 Photo by Michael Madrid