DAS FLORIDA KRONE ZEITSCHRIFT
Contents
Articles
Das Florida Krone Zeitschrift
Newsletter of the Florida Crown Region
Contents
From the Editor Wayne Kunkel 2
Here is What I Am Thinking Bob Barren 4
The FCR Welcome Wagen 5-7
Porsche For Her 8-11
FCR PCA Fleming Island Cars & Coffee 12
FCR PCA at LeMans Chris Hoyt 13-19
Revolution Rally Terry & Cathy Sopher 20-25
Danielle Badler Column 26-27
Bleed or Flush Pedro Bonilla 28-34
My Second Parade Jeff Jones 35
Women’s Perspective Janet O’Donnell 36-37
Avenue Mall Images Wayne Kunkel 38-40
The RedLine Market Place. 41-43
FCR Event Schedule 44
Tech Chair – Steve Palmer
Social Media Chair – Jesus Caracoza
Zone 12 Representative – Leslie Sikorski
Contributors
Ken Perry , Wayne Kunkel, Bob Barren, James Coleman, Jeff Jones
Chris Hoyt , Janet O’Donnell, Patrick O’Donnell, Terry Sopher, Cathy Sopher, Pedro Bonilla, Cover photo by Wayne Kunkel
Board of Directors
President: Bob Barren https://www.pcafcr.org/contact/
Vice President – Chris Tchorznicki
Activities Director:Brent Bodiford
Membership: Rob Sewell
Secretary: Chris Pownall
Treasurer: Ed Lustgarten
Past President – Dennis Fallen
Autocross Chair:Mel Ward
Club Historian: Open
Concours Chair: Chris Hoyt
High Performance Drivers Education Chair – Marty Flack
High Performance Drivers Education Chief Driving Instructor – Jim Burnett
High Performance Drivers Education Registrar –John Pellerin
Webmaster: Ken Perry
Porsche Jacksonville and Brumos Collection Liaison – Hans Mandt
Committee Chairs
Advertising Chair: Help needed !!
Newsletter Editor: Wayne Kunkel
The Das Florida Krone Zeitschrift is published four times a year by the Florida Crown Region, Porsche Club of America. Permission is granted to reproduce original materials published herein, provided full credit is given the author and Das Florida Krone Zeitschrift No material may be reproduced unless Das Florida Krone Zeitschriftwas given the right to publish another publication’s material. They reserve all rights to that material. Furthermore, the Editor reserves the right to edit all material. All material herein reflects solely the opinion of the authors and NOT the PCA, the FCR Region or its officers. The FCR Region is not responsible for any services or merchandis+e advertised herein. c2024 Florida Crown Region, Porsche Club of America, all rights reserved. Das Florida Krone Zeitschrift is distributed to 1570 N.E. Florida Porschephiles.
From the Editor
Wayne Kunkel
The 3rd quarter is upon us and there’s much to report and publish. Fields Jacksonville Porsche had their annual Porsche for Her event and it was spectacular. I happened to drive in with Mark Pribanic and his daughter Winnie. Mark has chronicled on Facebook his many travels across the United States but also the journey of a dad teaching his daughter to drive a stick or just plain learn to drive.
I always had a child learning to drive, do a big skid pad test in an empty parking lot or an autocross to learn vehicle handling. One of my grandsons is now successfully winning trophies in the Fingerlakes SCCA Region at autocrosses. His car number is 991 but sadly he can’t afford a Porsche yet. Where are today’s 944’s or 914’s for the young Porschephile? I started off with 1.7 liter 914. Roughly 100 H.P. in a VW/Porsche body. It was like a slot car! If you look at the FCR Facebook page, I recently published a video on the Parade Autocross fastest time. A “slightly” modified 50-year-old 914 took the overall first place prize. The vague 914 shifter and shifter rod has been replaced with a sequential shifter. Don’t do Facebook? Here is the YouTube link. https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=sVtk0wYa3sE
Jeff and Jennifer Jones did extremely well with their Macan at the Concours! His article and videos appear on a later page. Jeff has a Porsche YouTube channel and posts many FCR events there.They won the Prepatration group 2 award! It’s hard enough to win your class at a Parade, to win a group award is incredible. https://www.youtube.com/@jrjporscheenthusiast
Our very own Debbie Cooper was a concours judge at the Parade! We have some great members who have tranferred in from other regions. Debbie and I “bonded” doing some planning event planning for the FCR. The other event planner and Porsche enthusiast who has tranferred in is Mike LeBlanc. Last years very successful event with Space Coast Region in Port Orange was planned by Mike.
This issue also has an article on a woman and couple who are high performance drivers that have been under the FCR radar. I met Janet and Patrick O’Donnell at THE FIRM racetrack in Starke to sttend an SCCA autocross.. As a former PCA autocross chair in 2 regions, I welcomed the conversation with Patrick, who is also a former PCA autocross chair. I had my street tires on the 996 and got trounced but wanted to get a good view of the Firm’s track. Autocross sites are scarce as hen’s teeth so having that site, about an hour’s drive from Jacksonville, is great.
Full disclosure, Janet O’Donnell beat my time at the Firm. I don’t care if she had a newer car or stickier tires. She is flat out a great driver. We hope to pair up with Debbie Cooper to promote a Porsche for Her driving experience, probably at the Firm. It’s just an idea in the planning stages but we think it’s a winner like all the women in PCA.
Here is What I Am Thinking
Bob Barren FCR PCA President
President’s Message
We are now into the heat of summer and our region continues with our events such as the member’s brunch being held July 21st and hosted by Jacksonville Golf and Country Club. We will have the usual fair for a brunch but will also hear from Aaron Mong of Porsche Jacksonville, Vitto Vacca from Hagerty and maybe our own Zone 12 representative Leslie Sikorski will be addressing the group. This event is by now fully subscribed so if you are not signed up maybe next year try to join your fellow members at this event.
Please visit our home page pcafcr.org for our calendar of upcoming events. PCA national is also busy producing events for all members to enjoy. Just recently we had our national Porsche Parade at Birmingham, Alabama June 9th through June 16th. I did not attend but I heard the road tours were beautiful and Barber Motorsports Park was a great pleasure to visit. Next year please plan to visit the Porsche Parade in Oklahoma City, Ok. in 2025 and in Lake Placid, N.Y. in 2026.
If you enjoy taking ocean cruises, later this month the 3rd annual PCA Treffen at Sea will be taking about 900 plus PCA members to Alaska aboard the Princess ship Majestic Princess from July 28 to August 4th. Many events are planned on board to allow PCA members to enjoy while sailing in the Pacific Ocean.
Finally, back home we have our Hot August night event on August 10, our Porsche Jacksonville concours and swap meet September 21st, the American Muscle Car Museum tour October 25th and our Holiday Party at Marsh Landing Club House on Sunday, December 8th . Be on the lookout for our new Florida Crown Region logo coming soon. We had our old logo for quite a few years but unfortunately the logo violated Porsche’s copyright by using the Porsche shield and a Porsche car. Porsche is forced to enforce the copyright it owns or risk losing ownership.
Please try to attend one of our local events you will find on our calendar to meet other members of Florida Crown Region that will enhance the experience of owning and driving your Porsche.
Thank you,
Bob Barren
Florida Crown Region President
NAME
David Lee Deehl
Yelena Deehl
Edward Dennison
Deborah Dennison
Colin Gauger
Patty Gauger
James Gilman
Joe Grant
Michael Jay Groland
John Lennon
Grace Dorado
David Salek
Sunil Singh
Brazzi Smith
Russ Sumpter
Kevin Tull
The FCR Welcome Wagen
ROB SEWELL FCR PCA Membership Chair
FLORIDA CROWN REGION MEMBERSHIP REPORT JULY 1ST, 2024
REGION SUMMARY
New Members 12
Transfer In 6
Transfer Out 2
Lapsed - 14
Life Members
Total Primary Members 1059 Affiliate Members 586
Total Region Membership 1645
Test Drive Participants 11 NEW MEMBERS JUNE 2024
Jacksonville, Florida
Saint Johns, Florida
Saint Johns, Florida
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
911 Carrera
718 Cayman GTS 4.0
Jacksonville, Florida 2009 Boxster
Fernandina Beach, Florida 2020 Macan S
Callahan, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
2006 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 1997 911 Carrera
Jacksonville, Florida 2017 911 Carrera S
Live Oak, Florida 2018 718 Cayman
Jacksonville, Florida 1969 911E Targa
Jacksonville, Florida 2008 Cayman S
Transfer in Members
Walter Carter
Patricia Dunn
Transfer in from Ocmulgee (OCM) St Simons Island, Georgia 2012 Panamera 4
Noel Fournier
Elaine Epps
Transfer in from Peachstate (PST) Fernandina Beach, Florida 2005 Boxster
Craig Geiger
Shelley Bertsch
Transfer From: Space Coast (SPC)
Ponte Vedra, Florida 1963 356
Ron Rowell
The FCR Welcome Wagen
ROB SEWELL FCR PCA Membership Chair
Transfer From: Florida Thoroughbred (FTR) Palm Coast, Florida
Robert Sparrow
Priscilla Sparrow
Transfer From: Gold Coast (GCT)
Bryceville, Florida
William Traub Transfer From: Ocmulgee (OCM)Saint Marys, Georgia
2024 FCR ANNIVERSARIES 3RD QUARTER
40 YEARS
John and Jane Hebden
35 YEARS
Harold Springarn
30 YEARS
John and Alice Trainer
25 YEARS
John Cutright
Fred Ragsdale & Jennifer Salisbury
Diane and Gregrory Hoag
20 YEARS
George and Mary Waschka
Andy and Jackie Culver
15 YEARS
James Lawson
10 YEARS
Larry and Lane Adams
Dave Meyers
Richard and Jayne McLeod
Chad and Ashley Nightingale
Robert and Ann Sproule
Nathan and Carolyn Nelson
Donald and Shirley Robertson
Michael Klamm & Debbie Chan
Erik Olsen
Stephen Albino
2017 911 Carrera S
2023 718 Cayman GT4
The FCR Welcome Wagen
ROB SEWELL FCR PCA Membership Chair
5 YEARS
Gregg Hammann
Kenneth Lucius
Gail Mansur
David Rethelford
Ann Mattox Simpson
Brooklyn Davoli
Christopher Canaan
David Baggaley
Chris Sanchez
Joe Restivo
Laurence Solberg
PORSCHE FOR HER
Fields Jacksonville Porsche dealership sponsored the annual Porsche For Her event on June 29, 2024. The event celebrates the women of Porsche and the event was well atttended as well as a complete success. The Hors d’oeuvres were awesome and diverse. The entertainment was incredible. We are grateful that Fields Porsche opened its doors to women and celebrate them.
FLEMING ISLAND PORSCHES AND COFFEE
Going To Le Mans – A Trip Across The Pond
By Chris Hoyt
Attending the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a bucket list item for any endurance/road racing fan, and that’s especially true for many PORSCHE owners. Afterall, for several decades, winning it was the personal property of the PORSCHE factory or a factory-supported team with the marque scoring 19 overall victories in the venerable 917, 935, 956/962 models and more recently the 919.
After hearing the many tales of FCR member and Le Mans guru Jack Williams, the itch just got too much, and Ed Lustgarten and I tossed our hats in the ring and went to the 2023 edition for the first time. It was also the 100th anniversary. We had a blast with Jack as our guide, which I believe was his 21st time attending the world’s greatest race (in my opinion…). So, of course, we had to return for the 2024 race held June 15-16!
You simply can’t prepare yourself for the sheer magnitude of Le Mans. Daytona, Sebring and the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta have been on our calendar for years and are unique, but Le Mans is a whole different level. First run in 1923, it has tons of history making it kind of an elder statesman among automotive races along with the Indy 500 or the first grand prix. This year was no different, but luckily, we had some reference points from 2023 that made the second visit easier.
But First, About Tickets
Your first step is to join the ACO as an American Member so you can purchase tickets for the week and parking. As the U.S. ACO membership grows, the ACO in France is starting to give some priority to us when it comes to scoring tickets. We were in Tribune 18 or T18, which is directly across from the pits. T17 & T18 have excellent views and the ACO is expected to give limited priority to U.S. ACO members in the future. American Express is not accepted for tickets, so have the Visa or MasterCard ready and let your bank know that you will be purchasing tickets off a foreign website. Our cards were rejected several times before our ticket sale went through. (Our ticketing experience was pretty frustrating, but it all was eventually corrected to our satisfaction. But that is another story for another time.) For this year and last year, the ACO sold too many damn tickets. And they probably will continue to do so. The crowd was massive at 340,000+ both years and at times unpassable. Check the ACO site for ticketing packages which range from daily to weekly and are priced accordingly.
Base Camp La Suze
Unfortunately, Jack wasn’t able to make the 2024 trip, so Ed and I were on our own. (Flying to Paris is relatively simple, but the traffic to get out of the city easily rivals New York or L.A., and immigration at CDG was much quicker this time than last year. But that’s also another story for another time.) As we did last year, we picked up a rental car and made the 2-1/2-hour drive to the wonderful little town of La Suze which was barely 10 minutes from the track. Our hotel was the St. Louis owned and operated by the third generation of the Heron family. The son, Silvain, was a wonderful host and the hotel was perfect for our needs. We had met some of Jack’s Brit pals, Phil Rudd and Stuart Evans, last year and they were back for something like their 38th year – many of those spent at Hotel St. Louis! Like a number of other dedicated fans making the trip from the U.K., Phil and Stuart took the ferry across the channel and drove the rest of the way. Taking the “Chunnel” drops you on land too far out of the way, according to them.
Off To The Track & The Museum
Once we had settled in for a day, it was time to head to the track to check out the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans. No trip to Le Mans is complete without a visit to this hallowed ground. Inside you will find a circular room filled with rolling plexiglas cases holding every grid in 1/43 scale from 1923 to 2023 sans the war years when no race was held. It’s truly a model collector’s dream. The building is arranged into decades and many of the overall winners are on display. A visit to the always-busy gift store is also a must. Ed and I left a good bit of our Euros there! The vendor village inside the track dwarfs anything I’ve ever seen, and one would need several days and many, many Euros to fully explore its extensive offerings.
The Hot Lap – Do It
The race uses certain stretches of public roads and one of the most notable is the Mulsanne Straight, which needs no introduction but is no longer straight. Possibly the most famous stretch of asphalt in the world, drivers in the 70s up to the late 80s would regularly reach speeds exceeding 220 mph on this nearly three-mile stretch. The introduction of two chicanes after the 1990 edition reduced the overall achievable top speed but cars today are still capable of 200 mph leading up to and between them. Which brings me to hot laps offered by the PORSCHE Experience Center Le Mans (PECLM). Yes, you can sign up for a lap of the 8-mile course in a Porsche GTS or GT3 with a very experienced driver at the wheel. It’s an unbeatable thrill. Personally, it was the fastest I have ever been in a PORSCHE or any car! One peek at the speedo showed 300 kph which equates to roughly 186 mph. And these cars were straight out of the factory equipped with PDK, street rubber and no mods. I continue to be impressed with the PDK system. It shifts incredibly quickly and is smooth as silk.
We also signed up for a lap at midnight. One of the Hertz PORSCHE 963s took out some metal guard rail just past Dunlop Bridge during night practice, which resulted in repairs and slowed our lap down at the start. Once we passed the repair zone, we quickly got back up to speed and headed down the Mulsanne. If you have ever watched the night part of the race on TV and seen the white dividing stripes on the road whipping past the driver as they go down the Mulsanne, this was the same view I had. A quick note of thanks goes to our hostesses Justine Guenver and Soline Chartier at PECLM. They were our main contacts for setting up the laps and kept us informed all of the way. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime rush!
The Beaches Of Normandy & D-Day
Ed and I made it a point to take a day and drive to Normandy to visit the U.S. cemetery and surrounding area. Neither of us had ever been. It was sobering. I had no idea of the size of the cemetery which holds the remains of nearly 9,500 U.S. soldiers as well as Allied troops who lost their lives on June 6,1944, and in the ensuing days. A memorial museum at the entry with a beautiful reflection pool overlooking the ocean contains artifacts and stories of valor and courage one can only imagine. No wonder it is referred to in the U.S. as “The Greatest Generation.” The grounds are pristine and the tone quiet. While we were walking along the grounds, a small group of teenagers were being a little too loud and all it took was one stern look from a gendarme to immediately quiet them down.
A visit down to the beach brought things into perspective a second time. The incline the soldiers had to tackle was incredibly steep and with German machines guns positioned along the top of the hill firing at will, it had to be like shooting fish in a barrel. Today nice beach houses stand where soldiers had to climb 80 years ago, and an incredible memorial was in the process of being built on the beach as a fitting tribute to all who made the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, a visit to the Overlord Museum (the invasion was code named “Operation Overlord) is a must, too. There are numerous armored vehicles inside and outside on the surrounding grounds, along with a great many historical artifacts related to the invasion. It’s hard to imagine that this particular area was once a fierce battleground but is now just one of the many beautiful seaside towns and villages dotting the French coast.
The Race
Race day is similar to Daytona or Sebring but significantly more crowded because they sold too many damn tickets! Be sure to purchase a Grid Walk wristband for access to the front straight to see all of the team cars. A word of caution: it’s packed and pretty tough to get good pictures, unless you stand six feet plus like Ed Lustgarten! The entire front straight is lined with cars as they qualified in each class – Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3. With the introduction of the
Hypercar category, most of the big manufacturers have come to win, including PORSCHE, Ferrari, Cadillac, Ford, Toyota, Lamborghini, BMW, and hometown favorite Peugeot, along with some newbies such as Alpine and Isotta Fraschini. For the second year in a row, American muscle was well represented with the Ford Mustang making its presence known as it rumbled down the front straight powered by its loud and distinct sounding V8. And strangely enough, it was called the GT3. I wonder if PORSCHE will have something to say to the folks at the blue oval about that!
Pre-race festivities got the crowd pumped up and included team presentations, the customary French Mirage flyover and French Army rappelers coming down from helicopters. Le Mans has a 4pm start but darkness doesn’t hit until around 10pm so we got to see a good bit of racing in the daylight. In addition to a grid walk pass, ACO members can purchase entry to an exclusive viewing area called La Chapelle, which is located at the Dunlop Bridge. It’s a fairly large area with plenty of seating, TV screens, access to the rise at the bridge, nice bathrooms, and decent food and drink. This year was a little rainy, so it was great to be able to get out of the weather. The La Chapelle wristband also gets you into the “Georges Durand” complex directly behind the T17 & T18 stands where there are more food options and nice restrooms. Durand is credited as the founder of the race.
Unfortunately, the race did not go as planned for the Penske PORSCHE team or the other 963s entered as the #50 Ferrari 499 took the overall win for a second consecutive victory for the boys from Maranello. The PORSCHE 963s did show improvement from last year but still lack the speed to keep up with and stay ahead of the Ferrari 499s. On several occasions, the 963s exited the pits well ahead of the 499s but were quickly caught and passed. It could have been the difference in the driver line-ups, but I think it’s more likely mechanical. The factory will have to wait another year for number 20. In the meantime, it’s back to the drawing board for PORSCHE and as we all know, once they get it right, the others will be racing for second place.
Bucket List Item Checked Off
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the “Holy Grail” for endurance racing fans just like Monaco is to F1 or Indy is to U.S. open wheel racing. It’s really one of the greatest environments in motor racing and is, in my opinion, the greatest race of all. It’s a bit of a ding to the budget so if you are thinking about going, start saving now for flights, tickets, and all of those mementos your friends will want you to buy for them! Le Mans is a bucket list item that we plan to check off as many times as possible.
No story about Le Mans is complete without a “shout out” to fellow FCR member Jack Williams. He took Ed and I under his wing and “showed us the ropes,” which enabled us to enjoy the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans like seasoned veterans. Ed and I will be back in 2025 and we look forward to Jack joining us again.
Participating in a Rally – With your Brother-In-Law (and still speaking to each other afterwards)
Participating in a Rally – With your Brother-In-Law (and still speaking to each other afterwards)
By Ken Perry
After at least a 15-year hiatus from a rally of any kind in the FCR, the Sopher’s suggested a Fun Rally for folks to get behind the wheel and have a driving event. Cathy and Terry Sopher planned, organized and executed an amazing Fun Rally through North Jacksonville & Nassau County and managed to combine it with a historic trip back in time to the Period of the American Revolution and historic sites right here in North Florida.
They called it the “Rev Rally” and we didn’t know what to expect, until they showed up in period colonial attire, right down to Terry’s Buckle shoes, Gaiters and Tri-corner Military Hat and Cathy’s Multilayered dress with stomacher, corset & hips!
So, on the absolutely perfect late spring day of the rally, my brother-in-law & Navigator, Drew (originally from Scotland) and I met up with the FCR Rally gang (22 Porsches with Drivers and Navigators)) at the Gate Station at 295 & Hecksher Drive and soon enough our Rally Masters showed up in their pristine 911SC and as they emerged, I could not help wonder how hard it must have been to drive a 911 with clunky leather shoes, a sword and Cathy’s hoop dress! They managed to get it done and gave
us our marching orders for a fabulous 2-hour historic Rally tour on the way to Saw Pit Bluff, Amelia Island, Fort George Island, Thomas Creek, Alligator Bridge and Callahan with self-administered checkpoints to learn what happened “on this spot” before our country was born and shortly thereafter.
Our drive took us up Hecksher Drive and back, over onto King’s Road (including a section of the Original King’s Road from the late 1700s) with many scenic, interesting and historic spots tucked away for folks to stop and explore. Growing up near Boston, going to Revolutionary War Historic sites was a common thing for us to do in New England, as I actually grew up within a few hundred feet of the birthplace of John Quincy Adams wife, Abigail.
The directions were easy to follow and along the way we found houses with marsh and ocean views tucked out of view of Hecksher drive leading up to the Ribault Club. The resident “security” peacock came out to greet us as we parked and read the historic markers. He seemed very interested in my Lapis Blue Paint job and I could not help noticing the color match!
Back to the rallying! One of the things I love about the Porsche Club is events like this. We get to explore our own front and back yards. To that point, I have never been on the east side of 95, exploring the roads around the Trout River. Absolutely beautiful. This is yet another example of why Jacksonville is such a unique place to live. We have the beach, marshes, the river, another river and lakes all within a short drive. Plus, an abundance of back roads to enjoy the journey and the destination – It really is a driving friendly large city, so many great roads and alternate routes when there is traffic!
Now it’s time to confess. Drew and I had such a good time in our top-down excursion, we arrived dead last at The Pig restaurant in Callahan for a nice Bar-B-Q buffet. We didn’t care we were last, we had a great time and for the record, we were still speaking to each other after the Rally was finished! There were fabulous prizes given to the top finishers and all received an event FCR PCA Window decal for their Porsches to proudly wear! Everyone seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed the Rally and the History, that is a testament to the Sopher’s skills as Rally Masters. We are grateful to have them in our region. Let’s do it again! Terry & Cathy teased of an October Themed Rally if the Board & Members are game! It’s true - we come together because of these great cars, but we come back because of the People!
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Danielle Badler
July 2024
My Amp Goes Up To 11
So, question of the day. When does music become noise? Here’s my answer; it’s all in the ears of the beholder.
I’ve been fortunate. I attended two Monaco Grand Prix in the early 2000s as part of corporate entertainment/hospitality. Both times, when you walked into the viewing suite (a restaurant one year, and an apartment the other) you were given earphones. Some wondered why. Not me. I’d seen the scene on telecasts; literally everyone at each venue in those days, wearing sound deadening of some sort.
When the race began, and the cars screamed by at 17,000 rpm, the piercing wail, at mega-decibel levels, multiplied impossibly by the ricochet off all the buildings in the principality … well, just for grins, I couldn’t resist, I decided to find out, just how loud it was. I thought it can’t really be THAT bad … I lifted just one earphone ever so slightly from my ear and … Oh My God! It felt like a jackhammer, cracking through the brain cells in my head. The sound was, yeah, ok, I’ll say it, reluctantly, because I can’t come up with another word, awesome.
Now, in today’s modern turbo era, you watch the F1 telecasts and nobody wears earphones except team members, who use them for team communications. The cars sound like, well, average race cars. Is something missing? Good God, man! It’s Formula 1! My understanding is that, for the next set of rules in 2026, one goal will be to bring back the noise … er … the sound … the sound of the show
I hope so. Because here’s the alternative path. One fine recent weekend, I was channel surfing and came across a telecast of a Formula E race. I hadn’t seen one before. In fact, if I had missed the channel, that weekend, I would have blithely gone by my business.
But, no. I was curious. Here were aspiring F1 pilots, former F1 drivers, all wheeling these bolides that looked a lot like modern F1 cars. They seemed to accelerate and brake and handle like one, as well. Except, except, yeah, except they all sounded like a mass transcendental meditation session. Can you, and 300 of your best friends, all say om at the same time? To me, that was the essence. Oh, and it was coupled with a bit of tire noise and squeal. That’s it.
I’m sorry, but the overall effect reminded me of, not top-tier racing, but rather a misspent youth, spent indoors at slot car parlors. For those of you too young to remember the craze, well, it really was a craze, at least for a few years. Warehouses converted to flat, tiered, overlapping super-mini racetracks, with an opening in the middle of each lane, where you placed your shrunken replica race car, and ran it by a remote joystick. If you spun out, crashed or just exited your lane, you simply ran over, and put your car back on the track. And off went your mini-me racer.
The sound? A lot like a modern Formula E car.
Was it fun? You have to ask those who partook. I never took the dive. It seemed kinda, well, pointless to me. The cars would hum around the track, and then literally fly off, then hum around, then fly off. Again and again. After a few years, the popularity waned to the point where, today, for most ex-slot car racers, it’s a long-lost memory, like 45-rpm record spindles, swivel seats and necker knobs.
Yet we’re moving, maybe inexorably, into an “electromotive” era. Maybe not next week … the infrastructure needs to mature … but it’s probably safe to say it will happen. I’m sure all you early adopters of EVs out there would agree.
But not so fast, so to speak. I’ve collected a pile of stories on this subject. And my conclusion is that there still is some hope. Maybe more than just some.
For example, I came across this story, “Aston Martin product boss: People want big engines.” I quote, from MotorAuthority. “Big engines aren’t really necessary anymore for performance. Aston Martin currently races in Formula 1 with turbocharged V-6 hybrid powertrains, and both the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura supercars use twin-turbocharged V-6 engines as part of their respective plug-in hybrid powertrains. But customers in this high-end segment also want emotion, and that requires more cylinders,” says Alex Long, the automaker’s head of product and marketing strategy.
In another story that ran on MotorAuthority, the author cites Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s CEO, that “it isn’t a lack of performance but rather a lack of the emotional aspect of gas-powered supercars. (Winkelmann) specifically mentioned the sound of the Lamborghini Huracan’s V-10 engine being something an EV can’t replicate.”
The article goes on to cite Rimac Group CEO Mate Rimac, who is now also head of Bugatti, “buyers in the high-end segment prefer a more emotive, more analog experience. Rimac cited the low demand for his own Nevera electric hypercar, which has failed to sell out, despite being launched in 2021 with a build run of only 150 units.”
Let’s add Porsche’s recently unveiled hybrid powertrain for the next-gen flat-six 911. And, and this has to be my favorite quote, also from MotorAutority, “Ferrari: We’ll Build V-12s Until They’re Outlawed.”
Forza Ferrari! Forza Lamborghini! Allez forte, Bugatti! Starke, Porsche! That’s what I want to hear!
Bleed or Flush?
by Pedro P. Bonilla (GCR PCA)
There are two terms that sometimes are used synonymously, but which are not: Bleeding and Flushing the Brakes.
Bleeding the brakes is a quick procedure to remove any unwanted air (water vapor) bubbles from the calipers and lines using a small amount of fluid.
Flushing the Brakes refers to replacing the entirety of the fluid with fresh brake fluid.
Porsche recommends flushing the brake/clutch hydraulic system every two years. Why? you ask, since you don’t drive your car that much?
Brake fluid is very hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water. It will absorb water molecules from the ambient through the flexible brake lines and through the plastic walls of the fluid reservoir!
Brake fluid boils at around 400°F but water boils at 212°F, so once water gets to the calipers as soon as the calipers get up to 212°F it will boil the water and will release water vapor bubbles, which contrary to liquid, will allow to be compressed, thus altering the effectiveness of the brakes. It makes your brakes feel mushy and soft.
A quick bleed is fine at the track, between sessions, but I personally flush my brakes right before each and every track day, even if I have back-to-back track days. Also, once you open a new can of brake fluid you need to use it all, or it will go bad very quickly, so why not flush instead of bleed?
Before blue-dyed (racing) brake fluid was outlawed, I liked alternating the brake fluid color every time I flushed the system. This made it very apparent to see when the old fluid had been replaced with the new fluid, as the color changed from blue to gold or vice versa. Now, since all brake fluid MUST be gold, it’s very difficult to see when the new fluid is flowing out from the caliper, so I made myself a graduated container to tell me when fresh fluid was coming out of the calipers.
Here’s how you can make one yourself.
Start with a clean PET or PETE (PolyEthyline Terephthalate) plastic bottle that will hold at least 1 liter (1000 mL) or 1 qt. of liquid. PET is a crystal-clear plastic generally used in water bottles or food-product bottles which stands up well with brake fluid.
I used an empty ketchup bottle. I guess they now have 58 varieties ;)
With the bottle empty:
1.- Clearly label it BRAKE FLUID
2.- Measure and pour 350 mL of water and mark that level with a marker.
Label it Right Rear (RR)
3.- Measure and pour another 150 mL of water (500 cumulative) and mark it.
Label it Left Rear (LR)
4.- Measure and pour another 250 mL of water (650 cumulative) and mark it.
Label it Right Front (RF)
5.- Measure and pour another 100 mL of water (750 cumulative) and mark it.
Label it Left Front (LF)
6.- Measure and pour another 100 mL of water (1,000 cumulative) and mark it.
Label it 1 liter
7.- Empty the bottle. It’s now ready for use.
The tools and materials needed are:
• 1 Liter can of Brake Fluid. DOT 4 is what goes into our Porsches. You have a choice of several very good products such as: Ate, AP Racing, Brembo, Castrol, Motul, Pentosin, etc.
• • Power Bleeder (vacuum bleeders not recommended)
• Collection (graduated) bottle and clear tubes
• 11 mm open-end wrench
• Lift, or hydraulic jack and set of sturdy stands
• Lug wrench (and security socket if used)
• Light source to work in wheel wells
• Paper towels or rags for quick pick up of spills
• • Piece of 2” x 4” lumber for clutch bleeding (for manual transmission cars
Note: The photos and instructions shown are for early-production 986 but all of the watercooled Porsches are very similar in this regard, even the trucks (Cayennes and Macans).
The Brake Fluid Reservoir is located in the front trunk, on the driver’s side.
You can lift the four wheels off the ground and remove them (my preference) or you can remove them one at a time (more time consuming).
Start with the furthest wheel from the reservoir first and then work towards the closest. the recommended sequence is:
1.- Right Rear
2.- Left Rear
3- Right Front
4.- Left Front
5.- Clutch Master Cylinder (for manual transmission cars). The procedure is the same for each wheel.
Choose the Brake Fluid to use and empty a newly opened 1 liter can into the Power Bleeder.
I like to place the Power Bleeder inside a bucket. In case of any leaks or spills, the bucket will serve as a secondary containment vessel, which can avoid possible damage to your car as Brake Fluid can damage paint.
Raise the bucket off the trunk’s floor by placing it on another bucket or cardboard box to make sure that the hose that connects the Power Bleeder to the reservoir is not kinked. Raising it also gives you better access to the pump.
Pump up the pressure in the Power Bleeder to 20 psi.
Starting with the right rear: 1.- Uncap both caliper nipples
2.- Connect a clear hose to the inside nipple and route the other end to the clear, graduated plastic bottle for collection.
3.- Using the 11 mm wrench slowly turn the nipple (CCW)
4.- Observe the fluid coming out
5.- Once you have collected the recommended amount, close the nipple by turning clockwise. This does not have to be too tight but make sure it’s closed.
6.- Move the tube to the outer nipple on the same caliper and repeat the procedure. Note that the time for new fluid to flow is greatly reduced, as it only has to flow from the inner part of the caliper to the outer part. Five seconds or so is enough.
Now you can repeat the same procedure on the other three calipers. Periodically, check the Power Bleeder’s pressure and pump back to 20 psi when the flow gets reduced.
For manual transmission cars, before you start bleeding the clutch, you need to completely depress the clutch pedal to open the master cylinder. The pedal needs to be depressed for the entire clutch bleeding operation. Either have an assistant depress the pedal, or cut a piece of two-by-four (2”x4”) lumber so that it can be wedged between the depressed clutch pedal and the seat rail, as shown.
When finished bleeding the clutch you will need to manually pull back the clutch pedal, as it will not initially return on its own, when you remove the lumber or the assistant’s foot.
Bleeding the clutch is the toughest part of the procedure because the bleed nipple is difficult to get to comfortably. It is located on top of the transmission, on the driver’s side and has a black plastic cap to protect the bleed nipple from dirt. Make sure to let the car cool down completely because your arm could get easily burnt if not.
Once you locate it, you’ll have to:
1.- Place the 11 mm wrench on the nipple (here the closed end works better) then insert one end of a (longer) clear drain hose onto the nipple and the other end into the graduated collection bottle.
2.- Slowly open (CCW) the nipple and let the system flush to the recommended volume.
3.- Tighten the bleed nipple, remove the drain hose and recap.
4.- Slowly let off the pressure on the Power Bleeder by unscrewing the pump.
5.- Check to make sure that the Brake Fluid level in the reservoir is at the MAX indicator, with the car level.
Make sure you clean up any Brake Fluid spills because it can damage paint and is corrosive. Brake Fluid will wash off with water from hands, tools or clothes and can be neutralized with water.
Don’t forget to do this every two (2) years of before every DE or track day
For additional information on Brake Bleeding and Flushing and more, please visit my website: www PedrosGarage.com.
Happy Porsche’ing, Pedro
Ⓒ2015 Technolab / PedrosGarage.com
My Second Porsche Parade
By Jeff Jones
The first Porsche Parade that I attended was in French Lick, Indiana. Since I like to participate in concours, I decided to enter my 2013 Porsche Boxster. Helping me prepare the car was Jennifer, my wife and Regan, our Sheltie. Because rain was forecasted for the day of the concours, our car was judged in the hotel covered parking lot. This made prepping the car difficult due to poor lighting (but the judges had the same challenge). Our Boxster finished in third place in its Street Class. We also attended the awards banquet.
The rest of the time we enjoyed several presentations. My favorite presentation was from Grant Larson, the designer of the original Boxster. His presentation was to celebrate the Boxster’s 25-year anniversary. On displace was an original Boxster. The other presentation we enjoyed was from James Dean’s cousin.
We skipped the Poconos Pennsylvania event because the hotel was not dog friendly and missed the Palm Springs event due to the distance (we live in St. Augustine, FL. When the announcement came that the 68th Porsche Parade would be in Birmingham Alabama and the hotel was dog friendly, we were very excited and made our plans to attend our second Porsche Parade! At this concours we decided to show Jennifer’s 2020 Porsche Macan, so our new dog Tucker could join us (she is too large for a Boxster). Many PCA members were eager to see how a concours would go under an overpass. We were very lucky because the weather was fantastic, and the setting was better that we all could imagine. As it turned out, the Macan took first place in the Touring Class and first place in Group. On Tuesday I did my first and last Rally. Let’s just say I didn’t do too well. On Wednesday I volunteered in the SIM room, and I will do this again at the next Parade that I attend. I also enjoyed many presentations.
Macan Cayenne, Panamera & Macan (2012 – On) PP15T Preparation Group II –Touring
Following areas are Judged:
Exterior, Interior, Storage
Eligible for Overall
Preparation Group II Award
Videos on my concours preparation and the Parade can be viewed in this newsletter. Just click on the pictures on page X and Y. In addition, please follow me on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube. com/@jrjporscheenthusiast for everything Porsche and PCA event content and don’t forget to subscribe.
Safely Exploring the Handling capabilities of your Porsche with HPDE & Autocross
By Janet O’Donnell
It was sometime around 1998. My husband always wanted a Porsche. I figured it could be another fun experience, so I why not do it.
We bought a white 1988 911 and about six months later added a 1988 Guards red 911 to keep the white 911 company.
Then the Porsche Club America experience came next. At one point I was a social director and set up our get togethers, then I learned about high performance drivers’ education (HPDE) and autocross events.
We both began thinking that maybe it was time to see how our 911’s could really perform in a safe environment. So, my very first experience was at (what was then called) Moroso Racetrack. I heard the safety briefing, put on my helmet and after getting into my car, I was thinking to myself “what in the world did I get myself into”. With an instructor in the right seat, I recall the first lap going relatively slow to learn the line which was something I never even knew about!
As I made more laps,the speed increased and I was amazed at how well my 911 handled this environment. So, I kept pushing the limit when I made my first mistake! I lifted off the throttle in a turn and instantly spun my car! I remembered what they taught me in the safety briefing, “Keep both feet in” …which means the left foot on the clutch and right foot on the brake.
I know as Porsche owners; we drive some beautiful and amazing automobiles. But what I have learned over the years by participating in HPDE and autocross events made me a much safer driver, better understanding the performance capabilities of these fine automobiles. And that also makes it more fun!
Sometimes I think driving my Porsche could be compared to owning a very fine musical instrument. I guess to me, it’s kind of like owning an Antonio Stradivari violin or a Steinway Piano. These instruments are a work of art. But its only when the skills of the musician, pared with the instrument, I experience “the magic” that really happens. That’s how I feel driving my Porsche in an HPDE or autocross!
I know we have a lot of experienced drivers here with Florida Crown. But we also have many new Porsche owners that I think should experience what is available to learn how to drive your car better. And before you think this a something only a younger person seeking an adrenaline rush should do, you should also know that I am a grandmother with 7 grandchildren and love driving in these events!
For those that would like to keep it a little simpler, and lower cost than an HPDE, I suggest that you consider a PCA autocross within our region. For instance, in 2021 we enjoyed making new friends with social events and competing with the Peachstate PCA folks in their Rennfest. We also got lucky; we both won the fastest time of the day for the men’s and ladies autocross!
Locally our Buccaneer Region Sport Car Club America (SCCA) runs monthly autocross events (SCCA also refers to autocross as “Solo” events). Some other good news is if you are a little apprehensive about entering your first event, after signing a waiver, the SCCA rules allow you to sit in the right seat with me! I guarantee you have no idea how much fun that is! You will be hooked!
So, what can you expect with an autocross? The Porsche Club of America (PCA) defines an Autocross as a “timed, competitive driving event where drivers navigate a course marked by traffic cones as quickly as possible. The courses are usually set up in large parking lots or other facilities that can accommodate a race track, and drivers take turns going through the course while a computer records their times. Autocross events are typically run at speeds between 40–65 miles per hour, and the courses emphasize handling and agility.”
I would also like to offer my opinions and experiences with some common questions I hear when I suggest to other friends to try an Autocross.
Most will ask “how safe is an Autocross or will I damage my Porsche by doing an Autocross? The short answer
“Do I need racing tires?” No, your street tires are all that’s needed! Is a Helmet needed? Yes, and it must meet the safety requirements of the sanctioning organization. Lastly, watching your times get faster after each run is exciting and shows how well you are improving! For more information on what to expect at an autocross use this link: https://www.pca.org/autocross-defined I hope to see you at an autocross some day!
Sebring - autocross with the Macan is a very fun experience. This was at Sebring 48 hours club race. Janet took a first place ladies is not likely. These events are designed with safety in mind.
CAR AND COFFEE
AVENUE MALL JUNE 2024
REDLINE MARKET PLACE
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Robert D Sewell
robertsewell1954@gmail.com
Supercup Mufflers $750.00 (new)
MaxFlow $950.00 (used)
GET MORE INFORMATION
Robert D Sewell
robertsewell1954@gmail.com
30 YEAR + PCA MEMBER SELLING STASH OF 356 PARTS
A 30 year + PCA member selling stash of 356 parts, toys, books, magazines, photos, including manifolds, carbs, engine shroud, muffler, heater boxes, air cleaners, glass, and way too much list.
Toys include dinky, marlin, corgi, tootsie toy, unbuilt models, etc…
A must see collection.
GET MORE INFORMATION
Bob Beckert Natalie@agltd.org 419-571-2693
CAR COVER INDOOR COVER FOR 2018/19 911, $175
GET MORE INFORMATION BILL MARTIN ULTIMATEBOWLING@BELLSOUTH.NET (917) 804-4808
991.2 GT3 RIM AND TIRE SET (NEW)
2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Rims and Tires (I recently sold the car).
Rims are flat black, used, excellent condition
Tires are brand new, never used Set is track ready, balanced with metal stems and TPMS
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Front: 245/35ZR20 (95Y) XL
Rear: 305/30ZR20 (103Y) XL
$4,250
Charles Ferry chuckferry19@gmail.com (813) 614-3573
PATRICK DEMPSEY PORSCHE DESIGN LIMITED EDITION WATCH
Based on the Porsche Design’s 2011 Dashboard Automatic Chronograph, The watch is crafted entirely from Titanium, with an easy grip crown and push buttons for optimum control. Bright white numbers on a matte black dial ensure perfect readability so itw wearer can check the start and stop time in a split second. The Dempsey Racing crest is tasefully desplayed between numerals seven and eight, and the crystal back boast the individual limited-edition number.
50 in the series. This one is # 4
All original packaging. You may call or email. Please leave a message is I am not available.
$5500.00
GET MORE INFORMATION
Suzanne Akley
suzhob13@msn.com (407) 719-0302
REDLINE MARKET PLACE
DUSTOP INDOOR CAR COVER 1985 911
I don’t know if it’s the Florida heat or just the cover itself, but this Dustop indoor cover by Cover Anything has started to leave smudge marks on the windshield and some horizontal bodywork. It’s easily cleaned off with a micorfiber towel, but it’s annoying. Granted my ’85 Carrera is black and shows EVERYTHING, but I just got tired of going over the car after taking the cover off. It is in good condition. Will fit the 911G and likely through 964. The cover is shaped for a fixed rear spoiler and left and right mirrors. Maybe you have a track car or a lighter color or the smudges don’t bother you. It is fairly thick and would be protective in a crowded garage. This cover is yours for the very, very low price of a 4-pack of local craft IPA. I hope someone can use it. Call if you have any questions. 402.415.3583.
GET MORE INFORMATION
scott churilla scottchurilla@yahoo.com (402) 415-3583
OEM/ORIGINAL
20″ PORSCHE 982 BOXSTER CAYMAN S 718 WHEELS/RIMS BRILLIANT FINISH
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hoistBazar hoistBazar@mail.com (173) 268-4222
hoistBazar@mail.com
COLLECTORS AND MAN CAVE DECORATORS
I lived just over an hour from Watkins Glen for many years as a member of Central New Year Region PCA. My collection of Watkins Glen Formula One ORIGINAL POSTERS has 8 posters from the 1972- 1980.
I also have some Porsche Posters from various races. These are unframed original posters with no holes or tears.
Framing available
Prices comminsurate with condition and rarity. Wayne Kunkel
Lotusrpv@aol.com
FLORIDA CROWN REGION EVENTS
July 20 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am Cars and Coffee at Harris Teeter – Fernandina Beach
Harris Teeter 4800 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL
July 21 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Annual New Members Appreciation Brunch at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club Sunday July 21, 2024, Jacksonville Golf & Country Club 3985 Hunt Club Road, Jacksonville, FL
July 28 @ 6:00 am - August 4 @ 5:00 pm Treffen at Sea – Departing Seattle to Alaska
August 10 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Caffeine & Octane at the Avenues Mall, Porsche Corner Caffeine & Octane at the Avenues Mall, Porsche Corner The Avenues 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL,
August 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Hot August Nights – Culver’s St. Augustine 3433 US HWY 1, St. Augustine, FL
September 14 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Caffeine & Octane at the Avenues Mall, Porsche Corner Caffeine & Octane at the Avenues Mall, Porsche Corner The Avenues 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
September 22 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am Cars and Coffee at Harris Teeter – Fernandina Beach Harris Teeter 4800 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL
October 12 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 am Caffeine & Octane at the Avenues Mall, Porsche Corner Caffeine & Octane at the Avenues Mall, Porsche Corner The Avenues 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
October 26 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Porsche VS. Corvette Challenge American Muscle Car Museum 3500 Sarno Road, Melbourne, United States
