Porsche Club of America, Northeast Region

Activities

Nor'easter News

Car Care

Membership

Other Cool Stuff

Sponsors & Advertisers

Administrivia

Porsche Club of America
The Northeast Region

By Dave Weber, 38RSR@PorscheNet.com
NOR'EASTER Online - December 2000

A wonderful year of driving excitement has come to an end. Our final event of the year took us to Road Atlanta where we found pleasant weather and two days of high entertainment on our favorite racetrack. During our drive down to Atlanta we took side trips to the Gettysburg battlefield, to Joe Gibbs' NASCAR shop, and to the BMW factory museum outside Spartanburg, SC. We thoroughly enjoyed our half-day touring the battlefield, and I still can't imagine the courage it took to march across an open field while facing near certain death during Pickett's famous charge. For history buffs the Gettysburg battlefield is a must visit.

We were disappointed with what we saw at Joe Gibbs shop. While the building is spectacular, they limit your viewing to a windowed balcony overlooking the main work area. That limitation plus the rather curt behavior of the receptionist left us with a less than favorable view of their operation. If you want to get up close, the nearby Rick Hendrick operation is the place to visit.

Road Atlanta was once again a driving season highlight. To my mind there is no better track to drive in the east. The track is fast, complex and challenging. When you finish a good session on the track you know you've accomplished something. Our hosts, the Peachstate Region, were once again most hospitable. Needless to say, we'll be back again next November.

I'm a rather compulsive individual, so of course I'm already at work planning our 2001 season. Fortunately things started right when Pirelli called to offer me first crack at ordering tires for next year. Since supplies were limited this year, I didn't hesitate to immediately order three new sets to go with the two I have that I've only used at one event each. Five sets of tires should be enough for next year.

Since we had so much fun at Mosport, Mid Ohio, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen and Virginia International this past year, we'll of course have to schedule those tracks in 2001. Hopefully Mont Tremblant will be back in operation and we can schedule a trip north. Then depending on our region's NHIS schedule, maybe we'll try to fit in a trip to Summit Point. A trip a month should keep us in fine form!

Our new garage project is starting to pick up speed. All the concrete work is done, and rough grading is complete. Framing starts next week and should be well along by the time you read this column. I have to get busy resolving finishing details, like where will the TV go and how will I wire the building for cable and computer networking. Needless to say I'm anxious to get to a point where I can move all our automotive stuff into larger quarters. I thought I was planning ahead when we designed our new space, but after our club meeting at the Collings Foundation in Stow, I've concluded that I've been thinking much to modestly. The three-story combination airplane hanger and automotive show place set a new standard for "garage space." While trying to comprehend that space, we were escorted to yet another building which housed 30-40 antique automobiles on two levels. The adjacent one mile long paved runway (covered with grass) was beyond comprehension. Hopefully the region will find another reason to visit that site, and if we do I'd encourage you readers to make a point of joining us, this is a very special place.

Finally I want to close by thanking the many contributors to this publication. In particular I want to thank Howard Wasserman, who will be retiring as a columnist. Howard has provided wonderful columns for many years, challenging NOR'EASTER readers with entertaining and slightly off kilter commentary and complex trivia questions. Thanks Howard for making my task so much easier.

I'd also like to thank Martha Dow for her numerous monthly contributions that focus on our many events. I'm hugely envious of Martha's ability to write. Thanks Martha.

I also want to thank retiring board members Karen Adams and Frank Bruns for their willingness to write each month. Also thanks to the many other region members who shared their thoughts and photographs. Without the assistance of many region members, I doubt I could produce a magazine any of you would want to read.

See you at the Annual Dinner - and remember it's not to soon to start planning your Porsche Club activity for 2001!

Porsche Club of America The Northeast Region

Porsche Club of America
The Northeast Region