PorschePatter
Content Contributions
Bogdan Chitimus
Marsha Buss
Stephanie Reuer Steve Buss
Greg Hartke Rich Ehrlich Rob Carter
James B Beavan III Mark Miller
Photo Contributions
Bogdan Chitimus
Ken Wilmers Jim McKee Jim Orrell
Ryan Boxler
Steve Wood
Marsha Buss
James B Beavan III
Rob Carter Scott Johnson
Editor
Bogdan Chitimus
Boardwalk Reunion ‘23, the year it rained. Mark Miller’s ‘23 Spyder and ‘09 Cayman
Bogdan Chitimus
Editor, Porsche Patter
Like everybody else in the club, I miss driving my car. The weather is great as winter weather, for skiing and all, but is not not ideal for driving the 911. I saw some members are posting poems about it or videos explaining the suffering we all go through. By looking at the snow mountains in the parking lots, probably they will fully melt in April. So then maybe is a great time to finish some car projects. So I did the brakes, pads and rotors all 4 corners. I got a new dual-action polisher and touch up
paint to repair some chips I got on the Route 26 tour (so much gravel). Luckily James’s Macan needed some work so I helped him with that. Will see what Jessie is up to on doing some work on the 996 or 992. Looking forward to Tech Tactics to see what else we learn this time.
All the best, Bogdan.
If you have an article to submit, send
1,000
and pics to editor@pcachs.org
CLUB LEADERSHIP
P
PRESIDENT Steve Buss president@pcachs.org
S SECRETARY Ken Wilmers secretary@pcachs.org
Executive VP
VP VICE PRESIDENT
Rob Carter vicepresident@pcachs.org
TTREASURER Jessie Sanchez treasurer@pcachs.org
Committee Chairs
Steve Wood executivevicepresident@pcachs.org
Autocross
Greg Hartke / Michael autocross@pcachs.orgRicketts
Historian
Bob Rassa historian@pcachs.org
Driving Instructor
Ellen Beck instructor@pcachs.org
Community Service
Grace Carter comunityservice@pcachs.org
Concours
Paul Koenigsmark, Phil Andrews Dan Zadra concours@pcachs.org
Chesapeake Chlng
Kristen Allen chesapeakechallenge@pcachs.org
Insurance
Wayne Nelms insurance@pcachs.org
Membership
Mark Miller /Rob Payne Rob Rohrbach membership@pcachs.org
Registrar
Marsha Buss registrar@pcachs.org
Newsletter Editor
Bogdan Chitimus editor@pcachs.org
PCA License
Laurie & Bruce Tarsia pcalicenseplates@pcachs.org
PCA Zone 2 Rep
George Michaels zonerep@pcachs.org
Photography
Jim McKee / Ryan Boxler
Jim Orrell photography@pcachs.org
Publicity
James Beavan III publicity@pcachs.org
Safety
John Jensen safety@pcachs.org
Social
Stephanie Reuer and Randy Bruscup social@pcachs.org
Sunshine
Doug Ehmann sunshine@pcachs.org
Webmaster
Mark Richburg webmaster@pcachs.org
Tour & Rally
Rich Ehrlich tour@pcachs.org rally@pcachs.org
Tech
Jim Earlbeck / Randall Richter Rick Hawver tech@pcachs.org
MESSAGE
Steve Buss
President Chesapeake Region, PCA
We are one month into the New Year and I want to thank our Executive Committee and committee chairs who have had a busy month planning our events calendar and budgets.
Autocross and Tour events are on the calendar as well as our annual slot car racing, crab feast, CC57 and many other activities. Check out the calendar as more events from the Social and Tech Committees will be posted soon.
Our annual After Holiday Party at the Turn House in Columbia was a resounding success. Legos were a big item this year as well as the usual artwork gifts. The Tefler design Brumos art was the most stolen gift, registering 16 steals. The Tefler Gulf 917 Daytona limited edition was stolen 12 times and the 1976 Silverstone Porsche 935 artwork 10 times. The toolkit gift was stolen 13 times. I must hand it to those who attended, the gifts this year were definitely kicked up a few notches from previous years. Thanks again to Bob and Manny as they always entertain us! And thanks to all the volunteers who helped organize and set up and break down.
The first board meeting of the year was scheduled for Tuesday January 27th at the Green Turtle in Hanover, but the snow and ice postponed the meeting until February 2nd. As always, everyone is welcome to attend, just let me know so I can save you a seat at the table.
The 2026 Porsche Parade (June 14-20) registration is open and in less than 24 hours 2026 members registered. The population of Lake Placid is only about 2200! The hotels in Lake Placid can be found at https://www.porscheparade.org/PhaseIRegistration, but most have filled up.
You can still register and stay in an Airbnb or VRBO or Bed and Breakfast. Phase 2 opens on April 15th for events and banquets registration.
Super Slot Cars, our winter family tradition for 30 years, will be held on Sunday, February 15th at our valued sponsor, Porsche Annapolis. Registration is open in MSR, but unfortunately, we are at capacity. Please add your name to the waitlist as I will do my best to include everyone who wants to attend.
Social has announced Saturday morning, February 7th, 8am breakfast at Eggcellence in Annapolis. Registration is open. The February Social Dinner will be on February 17th at the Blackwall Barn and Lodge in Columbia.
The holiday season’s annual charity drive for Linda’s Legacy and Kindertime was a tremendous success and I have an update from the Mt Washington Children’s hospital. 540 families and 1564 children were served. The hospital distributed over 15,000 toys and books and 330 winter coats were distributed. Thank you for your generosity.
The Chesapeake Region will be celebrating our 65th Anniversary March 20th. Are you interested in helping plan a terrific event? Contact me at president@pcachs.org
Don’t forget to check out the 2026 calendar.
Thanks to all of you for making Chesapeake Region so much fun! It’s the cars that bring us together, but it is the people that make it special.
Let’s be careful out there.
Steve
UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 October Chesapeake and Kent Island Cars & Coffee
PROST!
Anniversaries
20 Years
Jae Lee
15 Years
Paul Ritger
10 Years
Bruce & Blair Darsch
William & Lynn Sloan Dombi
Wayne & Cheri Leasner
Steven Schmidt
Harwood & Louise Smith
Joseph Turner
5 Years
Tarini Bishnoi
Ian Coleman
Victor Guest
Todd Hinson
Kristian Kudrnac
Kyle Marotta
Jay Miller
Joseph Ribero
Kevin Thorn
by: Rob Payne
1 Year
Manjiri Didolkar
Jonathan George
Greg & Kim Gifford
Beth Gost
Elizabeth Hinson
Christopher Koh
Kent Krejci
Steve Odenwald
Jody Richardson
Elisabeth Sharpe
Laura Tallman
Granville Templeton
Keith Walmsley
Jason Wooten
*** Please excuse us for any inconsistencies in reports as PCA HQ continues to improve the system. See CHS PCA website for full Membership Committee Report or contact Mark Miller, Membership Chair, for any assistance. ***
It’s not just the cars, it’s the people.
New Members
Chad Chilcot 2025 Cayenne S
Corie2002Cosgrove 911 Carrera 4S
Manny Domingues 2012 Cayenne
Mickey Merton 2019 Carrera 4 GTS
Moira Michiels 1980 924
Erich Nolan 2016 Cayman S
Ted Parish 2016 Cayman S
Stan Parish (Co-member)
Anthony Saleiro 2018 Macan S
Brandon Stokes 2017 718 Cayman S
by: Rob Payne
words
by Steve Buss photos by
After Holiday Party Yankee Swap January 2026
We kicked off the new year with our traditional After Holiday Party on January 17th at the Turn House in Columbia and it was a terrific event, as always! Members were greeted by our Welcome Committee including Linda Gordon, Lisa Gritti, Brenda Johnson, Scott Johnson, Grace Carter, and Marsha Buss. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during a lively social hour prior to the dinner.
The dinner tables were beautifully set with fresh flower arrangements and candles on white tablecloths accented by blue striped napkins. The dining room looked amazing. Marsha and Steve hosted a floral arrangement gathering at their home. Thanks to Brenda Johnson and Marsha Buss for preparing the spectacular arrangements, while Scott Johnson and Mike Maurer prepared the place cards for guest seating. I made sure everyone had a nice glass of wine and prepared dinner.
A delicious buffet dinner of beef and salmon with all the accompaniments followed. While staff was clearing tables, coffee and desert were brought out just in time for the Bob and Manny Yankee Swap Show. The real reason we are all together!
And what a show it was. 80 people, 40 gifts two hours of pure excitement, laughing and good hearted fun. The gifts this year were the best I’ve ever seen - we have come a long way from golf balls and hangover kits! The fine assortment included lots of art, Legos, Porsche apparel, RC cars and Hot Wheels and matchbox cars, books and much more.
Jim Orrell
The most stolen gift was the Tefler signed and numbered Brumos – taken an impressive 16 times. A close seconds included the Tefler Gulf 917 Daytona limited edition, the 1976 Silverstone Porsche artwork, and the Porsche toolkit. Other highlights included Porsche ties, a Magnus Walker shirt, a huge Porsche origami kit, Porsche backpack, and a number of cool books. And if you are wondering, I took home a 1/24th scale of Jerry Seinfeld’s Classic Club Coupe. The 1 of 1 car he commissioned.
Thank you to everyone who stayed to help breakdown and clean up, and a huge thank you to all the volunteers that helped make this evening so much fun and truly special.
PCA 70th Event: Car Stories
1992 Porsche Carrera 2 Owners – Steve and Marsha Buss
The Porsche 964 provides a pure, driver focused, engaging, and incredibly fun driving experience. Light weight and agile, it features a M64/01 3.6 liter flat-six air cooled engine producing 250 horsepower and acceleration from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. The 964 reached the market at the time the G Model was being discontinued.
Designed by Benjamin Dimson and manufactured in Baden-Wurttemberg and Stuttgart there were 63,762 built in the C2, C4, Targa and Turbo configurations. The 964 retained the classic 911 shape but had 85% new parts, including power steering, ABS brakes, air bags, and coil spring suspension in place of torsion bars.
Despite extensive similarities in design, the aerodynamics of the 964 were significantly improved compared with the G model. The new, rounded front and rear sections and an automatically extending rear spoiler contributed to these improved aerodynamics.
From model year 1990, the 911 Carrera 2 – an identical rear-wheel drive version and the first model with Tiptronic – was launched, and from model year 1991 a Turbo variant was also available. The relatively low production run was short, from 1990-1994, due to the global recession.
This 65,000 mile 1992 Carrera 2, in Midnight Blue Metallic with beige interior, has a 5-speed Getrag G50 manual transmission, sunroof and rear window wiper delete. It is all original except for the new LED headlight upgrade, making it much safer to drive at night. The heater works well, the a/c not so well. So, in the dogdays of Summer, this car stays in the garage!
Jon Mester Spyder
This 2022 Porsche 718 Spyder, owned by Jon Mester is finished in Shark Blue. It is a mid-engine GT car. Mechanically, the 718 Spyder represents a clear step forward from the earlier 981 Spyder. Most notable is the naturally aspirated 4.0‑liter flat‑six (shared with the GT4), which brings a substantial increase in power and a higher‑revving character compared with the 981’s smaller unit. It develops 414hp and has 309 lb-ft of torque. Chassis and suspension refinements deliver sharper handling and improved composure; braking, cooling and drivetrain robustness were all upgraded to match the extra performance. Modern electronics and optional transmission choices broaden usability while the Spyder keeps a focused, analog feel that purists appreciate.
Suspension & Handling:
Front Suspension: Independent strut with coil springs and anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Independent multi-link with coil springs
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM):
Adaptive dampers for dynamic ride control
Brakes: Carbon-ceramic brakes (option)
Tires: 235/35 ZR20 (front), 265/35 ZR20 (rear)
Interior & Features:
Seats & Interior: Carbon-fiber full bucket seats, black leather w/pepita cloth inserts (option)
Full leather interior black/race-tex including full
leather dashboard (upper & sides) trim package, leather upper door and center council trim in full leather with contrasting Shark Blue stitching, and Shark Blue seatbelts & door-pulls (option)
Infotainment: 7-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) display, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth
Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control
Driver Assistance: Optional adaptive cruise control, parking sensors & backup camera
Audio: Burmester high-end surround sound system (option)
Lighting: LED headlights incl. Porsche dynamic light system plus (PDLS+), Light design package (option) 6-speed manual transmission with rev-matching (auto blip).
Design and Aesthetics:
The Spyder’s wide stance, low-slung body, and minimalist approach to its soft top exude a sense of performance and purpose. From the iconic Porsche front fascia to the sleek rear end, the design elements are crafted for both beauty and function.
The Spyder’s lightweight fabric roof can be manually raised or lowered in a matter of seconds, adding an extra layer of open-air driving pleasure. Inside, the cabin is outfitted with premium materials, including leather and Alcantara, with every detail serving to enhance the driver’s connection to the car. The minimalist approach is evident, with a focus on the essentials for an uncompromised driving experience.
2025 October Allegheny Mountains Fall Colors Tour
Upcoming Events - A Closer Look
SATURDAY, February 7, 2026
Social breakfast @ Eggcellence Brunchery
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Super Slot Car Racing
Come out and join your fellow PCAers for a morning of fun in Annapolis. We’ll meet Saturday morning, February 7th, at 8am in Annapolis. Eggcellence Brunchery features comfort food for breakfast including waffles, pancakes, build your own omelettes, benedicts and more. Check out their menu here. All participants must register for the breakfast on www.MotorsportReg.com by February 6th. Seating is limited to 30 people. There is no registration fee for this event.
Get more info here.
Super Slot Car Racing 2026 promises to be more exciting than ever. This will be the first time that we will be having the event at one of our local dealers and valued sponsor, Porsche Annapolis. One of our Region’s winter family traditions and a fixture on our winter calendar for over 30 years, this family event is scheduled to take place on Sunday afternoon from 10am – 3 PM, February 15th in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County.
There is a change this year. This year with the gracious support of Porsche Annapolis the event will only cost $5.00 per adult. Kids are free. Also, with Porsche Annapolis’s generous support, they will be providing lunch for us as well.
Get more info here.
Sat-Sun, Feb 21-22, 2026
Tech Tactics East
Sat, April 4, 2026
AX School
Tech Tactics is a day dedicated to Porsche technical information. This event is for all Porsche enthusiasts, from the casual information gatherer to the everyday Porsche mechanic. Get the latest news directly from the source. Topics range from balancing carburetors to understanding how the new hybrid systems work.
Tech Tactics is a one-day event that allows entrants to choose, at registration, whether to attend on Saturday or Sunday. Topics and speakers are the same on both days.
Get more info here.
Are you a new Porsche or sports car owner and want to understand what your new car is capable of doing? Have you owned your Porsche or sports car for a while and wondered what this thing called “Autocross” might be? Do you want to become a better driver by understanding how to control your vehicle when near its limits? Are you already an experienced autocrosser, but want to improve your skills? The Chesapeake PCA Introduction to Autocross is the event for you!
Get more info here.
Socials Events
Reuer
words by Stephanie
photos by Jim Orrell
Drive to dinner in Baltimore at Diamondback brewery, before the all times winter storm.
SOCIAL DINNER AT BLACKWALL BARN AND LODGE, COLUMBIA
TUESDAY, February 17, 2026
Blackwall Barn and Lodge - There’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal made with locally sourced ingredients while surrounded by the peacefulness of a countryside setting. The simplicity of rustic dining is refreshing, as it focuses on natural flavors and wholesome ingredients. Every bite is bursting with flavor and nutrient rich goodness. Not only does this type of cuisine satisfy our taste buds, it also provides us with a healthier and more sustainable way of eating. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday night, February 17 at 6:30pm (5:30 cocktails). You can view the dinner menu here.
All participants must register for the dinner on www.MotorsportReg.com by February 14th.
Seating is limited to 40 people (you will be placed on the waitlist if the limit is met but may be contacted should anyone cancel and there is availability). There is no registration fee for this event. WHEN and WHERE
When: February 17, 2026, Tuesday Meeting time: 6:30pm (5:30 for cocktails) Meeting point: 6000 Merriweather Drive Suite B140, Columbia (443) 319-5566 End of social: 9:00pm
Cost: Members are responsible for their own dinner. Registration is free and required for planning purposes.
REGISTRATION
· The eBlast announcing this event will have a weblink for registration. Click it.
· Log onto your Motorsportreg account or create one at www.MotorsportReg.com
· Registration will close at midnight on Saturday, February 14th.
· There is no fee for this event.
QUESTIONS
Send social event related questions to the Social Committee at social@pcachs.org.
For the 2026 tour and rally season, The Chesapeake Region Tour and Rally Committee is planning several events for this year. Below is the tentative schedule. We will have some great new destinations as well as some old favorites. Registration will open several weeks in advance of each event and will be announced via email, www.pcachs.org, The Porsche Patter, and www.motorsportreg.com.
March 28 Tour Lead, Sweep, and Development Academy at Porsche Silver Spring
April 11 Off We Go tour
April 22 Weekday Wander #3
April 25 Safeway to the Bay, Guest Tour master Hank Lucas
May 2 Drive to the Porsche Swap Meet
May 27 Weekday Wander #4, Guest Tour master Eric Tipton
May 30 A tour by Tour master Andy Powell
June 6 Wags, Wings and Wheels, Guest Tour master Tom Divillo
June 10 Weekday Wander #5
June 28 Ladew Topiary Gardens
July 18 Battlefields and Backroads, Guest Tour master Dan McNally
Aug 7-9 Zum Schulhaus Fahren, an overnight tour in WV
Aug 19 Weekday Wander #6
Sept 6 Off-Road Tour
Oct 3 Chesapeake Challenge 57 Gimmick Rally
Oct 11 A tour by Guest Tour masters Craig and Linda Davidson
Nov 7 West Virginia Fall Colors tour
Dec 5 Linda’s Legacy
*Please note that all dates and events are tentative and may be changed. Send questions to tour@pcachs.org. – Tour & Rally Committee
To preview and register for upcoming Tours, visit the Tour and Rally page on PCACHS.org: https:// pcachs.org/tour-andrally/
Tour Lead, Sweep, and Development Academy PCA-CHS 2026 Tour
& Rally Event No. 1 – Saturday, March 28th
Have you had a great idea for a tour, but weren’t sure how to create the route and plan your tour? Are you interested in leading a tour group, but aren’t sure how to do it? Do you want to improve your skills in leading and sweeping tours and in planning tours?
To help you achieve these goals, Porsche Silver Spring will host the tour academy in their beautiful facility. The morning will start with a continental breakfast followed by several classes focused on leading and sweeping tours, using the radio and the Scenic app, and how to plan a great tour.
We will then break into smaller groups where participants will get a chance to lead and sweep a group of their own during a practice tour. We will end the academy at Restaurant 198 in Burtonsville, MD, where we will enjoy lunch, finishing off the academy with a brief award ceremony.
Your registration fee of $10 per adult includes both the continental breakfast, as well as your lunch.
GATHERING PLACE and SCHEDULE
Where: Porsche Silver Spring
When: Saturday, March 28th
Gathering time: 8:30 am
Classes start: 9:00 am
Practice tour start: 12:00 pm
Distance and driving time: Approximately 40 miles/60 minutes
Awards ceremony: Approximately 1:30 pm.
Lunch at Restaurant 198: Immediately after the awards ceremony.
PARTICIPATION
By signing up for and joining any of our driving events, registrants acknowledge and assume all the risks in and full responsibility for their participation. PCA waiver forms must be completed and signed by all, online or on paper. Note that planned events are subject to change, for weather-related or other reasons.
REGISTRATION
· Log on to your account at www.MotorsportReg.com and sign up before 1:00 pm on March 25th.
· $10 registration fee for each adult. Maximum fee $20 per car. No fee for minors (17 and younger). · MotorsportReg charges a $2 service fee per registration (not for every person).
· Class materials, route instructions, and other documents will be sent to confirmed registrants via email by 6:00 pm on March 27th.
· Drivers must be adult PCA members with a valid driver’s license. Navigators will be needed for the practice tour and must be 13 or older. We will do our best to pair people up on the day of the event if needed.
QUESTIONS: Please send questions to Rich Ehrlich, Tour & Rally Committee, at tour@pcachs.org.
The Off We Go Tour PCA-CHS 2026 Tour & Rally Event No. 2
– Saturday April 11th
Click Here to Register
Join us on Saturday, April 11th, for our first tour of the year. Our new route will take us through 64 miles of some of the better backroads that Carroll and Baltimore counties have to offer. Wake up your Porsche for the spring tour season and polish up your car or not. Come and join us for the start of a brandnew tour season.
We look forward to seeing you on this tour but register soon, as there is limited capacity for this tour.
Post-Tour Lunch (Optional)
We will have an optional post-tour lunch at Kecco's Woodfire Kitchen, 14 Westminster Pike, Reisterstown, MD 21136. Kecco’s is a family run restaurant that has been a longtime friend of the Chesapeake Region. Kecco’s offers some of the best Italian food in the area. More information on Kecco’s can be found here, https://www.keccoswoodfire.com/. You will be responsible for paying your own bill.
WHEN and WHERE
Assembly Point: Mount Airy, MD, address will be sent to confirmed registrants by April 10th
When: April 11th, Saturday, at 10:30 am
Driver’s Meeting: 10:45 am
Departure: First cars off at 11:00 am
Destination: Kecco's Woodfire Kitchen, 14 Westminster Pike, Reisterstown, MD 21136
Distance: 64 miles
ETA: Approximately 90 minutes
PARTICIPATION
By signing up for and joining any of our driving events, registrants acknowledge and assume all the risks in and full responsibility for their participation. PCA waiver forms must be completed and signed by all, online or on paper. Note that planned events are subject to change, for weather-related or other reasons.
REGISTRATION
· Log on to your MotorsportReg account at http:// msreg.com/offwegotour
· Registration is open and will close at 1:00 pm on April 9th.
· PCA members and their guests must be registered and confirmed to join this event.
· Drivers must be adult PCA members with a valid driver’s license.
· Fee $5 per adult; maximum fee $10 per car; minors (17 and younger) free.
· MotorsportReg charges a $2 booking fee for every registration (not for every person).
· Route instructions and other documents will be sent to confirmed registrants via e-mail by 6:00 pm on April 10th.
· All PCA members and their family are welcome.
· This event has capacity limits for cars and people.
· When you register, please indicate whether you and your passenger(s) will attend the post-tour lunch.
· To obtain a refund, cancellations must be made before the closing of registration.
· If you have already registered and need help to cancel your registration, refer to this link for detailed instructions.
Weekday Wander #3
Click Here to Register
Last season, our mid-week tours were very popular, so our first weekday tour of 2026 will take us on one of the best driving roads in the area, Pennsylvania Route 26. PA 26 has always been a favorite road, as it offers not only great driving, but excellent scenery. We will start the event with lunch at Jimmy Joy’s Log Cabin Inn and then do a round trip drive of Route 26, ending in Little Orleans, MD, for some ice cream.
You are welcome to join us for the lunch and then go off on your own or join our tour groups. But, like all Weekday Wander tours, capacity is extremely limited.
WHEN and WHERE
Assembly Point: The Hancock, MD, address will be sent to confirmed registrants by April 20th
When: April 22nd, Wednesday, Lunch at 12:00 pm Driver’s Meeting: approximately1:15 pm
Departure: First cars off approximately 1:30 pm
Destination: Little Orleans, MD
Distance: 73 miles
ETA: Approximately 90 minutes
PARTICIPATION
By signing up for and joining any of our driving events, registrants acknowledge and assume all the risks in and full responsibility for their participation. PCA waiver forms must be completed and signed by all, online or on paper. Note that planned events are subject to change, for weather-related or other reasons.
REGISTRATION
· Log on to your MotorsportReg account at https:// msreg.com/WW3
· Registration is open and will close at 1:00 pm on April 19th.
· PCA members and their guests must be registered and confirmed to join this event.
· Drivers must be adult PCA members with a valid driver’s license.
· Fee $5 per adult; maximum fee $10 per car; minors (17 and younger) free.
· MotorsportReg charges a $2 booking fee for every registration (not for every person).
· Route instructions and other documents will be sent to confirmed registrants via e-mail by 6:00 pm on April 21st.
· All PCA members and their family are welcome.
· You will be responsible for the cost of your own lunch. To obtain a refund, cancellations must be made before the closing of registration.
· If you have already registered and need help to cancel your registration, refer to this link for detailed instructions.
AUTOCROSS 2026 AX
I hope everyone had a great holiday! It’s been busy here as we prepare for the 2026 racing season and I’m happy to finally be able to announce that the schedule for 2026 has been finalized:
2026-04-04 AX School
2026-04-25 AX#1
2026-05-23 AX#2
2025-06-27 AX#3
2026-08-15 AX#4
2026-09-05 AX#5
2026-09-19 AX#6
2026-10-17 AX#7
As it was for the 2025 season, all events will be at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, MD.
In the process of getting the schedule set, I also pushed my Ripken contact about the condition of the lot. Before the final race of the 2025 season, the town of Aberdeen held a festival on the lot that left a lot of debris – FOD (foreign object debris) that could damage tires as well as nubs of rebar sticking up out of the asphalt in certain places. We managed to avoid the rebar for AX#7, but something has to be done about it for the 2026 season. The good news is that I’ve been told that plans are being made to do so. The intention is to clean the lot, but how they do it and how well it’s done is an open question. At the time that I was discussing this, they hadn’t plowed the lot yet from the recent substantial snowfall (the implication being that they would) and I pointed out that it would be interesting if a plow blade caught one of those
words by Greg Hartke
rebar nubs. That made them worry! After all, that could actually damage the pavement. Not my problem, but it’s going to be interesting to see how plowing at Ripken shakes out over the winter.
Anyway, I’m expecting everything to be shipshape at Ripken for the 2026 racing season. I’m pleased that we won’t have to start our season in March, much preferring to wait ‘til April to get the ball rolling because March weather can be a bit more of a problem. We started at the end of March last year (with the AX School) and got away with it, but I prefer not to take that chance. We have two races in September separated by two weeks, which is not my favorite timing, but it was necessary to avoid overlapping with a Potomac AX. I’m also pleased that we’ll manage to avoid having CHS and POT racing on the same weekend as we did a couple of times in 2025. For those of us involved with running events for both Clubs, it can be quite brutal doing back-to-back races on the same weekend!
The CHS AX schedule is up on MSR already, but not yet visible. I’m waiting for the SCCA to publish their 2026 rulebook so I can add the proper reference to the registration information and as soon as that appears, I’ll be opening the registration for all events. I like to get these out there early because serious autocrossers always want to know race dates ASAP so they can get their schedule set. We’ll get out an eBlast to let everyone know when the events go live on MSR.
For the inexperienced, those who want to sharpen their skills, and anyone who’s never AXed before but might be thinking about trying it, note that the AX School is held at the very beginning of the season. The rationale is that we want to provide instruction early in the season so that the students who attend will have all season to participate in full race events. With no prior experience, your first AX event can be a decidedly intimidating experience and the AX School will go a long way towards mitigating that. I did the AX School (with POT, actually) before I started racing and I still recall it well. Interestingly, I was really nervous ‘til I started driving, but once I got going, I quickly calmed down.
I’ve said this before: If you’ve ever had an itch to see what your car can do when pushed to its
handling limits, AX is a wonderful opportunity to do so and the AX School provides a golden opportunity to learn and practice important elements of the necessary driving skills before taking them out on a full course. Whether or not you actually decide to pursue AX on a regular basis is immaterial. Either way, the AX School is a unique opportunity to learn car control and can safely open your eyes to a whole new world of excitement.
When you race in autocross, you’re using the car the way it was meant to be used and just about the only things you’re really wearing are brakes and tires. If you’ve never tried AX before but thought about it, you really owe it to yourself to come out and go for it. And of course, the best way to get started is to attend the AX School where you’ll get plenty of seat time with an Instructor in the car to help you along. And note that we really focus on the driving portion of the school.
Since the AX School is an early season event, now is the time for anyone with an interest to consider attending. The School is for newcomers and inexperienced drivers who desire focused instruction at the basic skills of AX. (The School is not necessary before attending an AX race, but it is helpful.) The day will begin with AX Co-chair Michael Ricketts providing a short period of instruction on performance driving techniques, after which the real fun begins. In the morning, students will rotate through three instructor-led driving exercises to give them the opportunity to actually apply the techniques discussed: a skidpad, a slalom, a threshold braking section, and a small section of an AX course where the student will practice finding the racing line. In the afternoon, the three major exercise elements will be joined to form a full AX course and students will drive with Instructors for timed racing through the course.
Do you remember the articles by Manny Alban and Randy Pobst about autocross? Manny did a PCA Tech Tips entitled, “Ten Reasons Why You Need To Try Autocross” (https://www.pca.org/news/tenreasons-why-you-need-to-try-autocross-pcatech-tips). Manny is a long-time AXer and comes out to race with us when he can. I’ve also heard from students that he’s a very fine Instructor (he works the AX School when he can fit it into his schedule). I’m hopeful we’ll see more of Manny this year since we’re racing practically in his backyard at Ripken. He was a no-show for 2025 (he’s a busy guy!), but hopes to do better for 2026. We’re really hoping to see you out there with us this year, Manny!
Well-known racing personality Randy Pobst got his start in autocross, as he details in his article, “How autocross can make you a better road (https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/racer” randy-pobst-autocross-improves-car-control/). Pobst is an unbelievably good driver and it’s interesting to see what he thinks about learning car control through autocross. As an aside, note that one of our exercises at the AX School is a skidpad. You would be amazed how much you can learn driving your car as fast as possible in a circle – this gives you the opportunity to really feel understeer and oversteer and how to recover from these conditions.
For the veterans among the readers here, I should mention that the AX rules will be changing. Our current rules are based on the 2021 PCR (Parade Competition Rules). Well, guess what? The 2025 PCR is substantially different and it’s important that we keep in step with the National AX rules. This change won't mean much in practice, but they substantially rewrote some important sections and we need to stay in sync. I've already done a synthesis of CHS and POT rules (we keep them very close, though they have drifted a bit since the last time I did this), folded in the new PCR rules, and as soon as I have some final comments from the POT AX Co-chairs, I'll get the finished version up on the CHS PCA website on the AX page.
Our dedicated CHS PCA AX team (Co-chair Michael Ricketts, Phong Nguyen, Pinto Soin, John Cho, and Doug Slocum) will once again be working hard on race day to provide a fun event. This will be Michael’s first year doing course design work and I imagine it’ll take some time to get a good feel for course design, but former Co-chair and course designer Mark Hubley will be working with him, so I’m certain we’ll have fun designs this year that include lessons-learned from 2025.
The hot news in the autocross world is the availability of the new Bridgestone entry into the 200-TW rating tire list. Serious AXers live and breathe tires and are sensitive to every change. Bridgestone has dominated the 200-TW segment, first with its RE-71R, then more recently with the RE-71RS, though the Yokohama ADVAN A052 has also been considered to be an excellent choice over the last couple of years. The new entry is the RS replacement (the RE-71RZ) and early reports are that it’s an excellent tire and even an improvement over the RE-71RS. I’m sure a lot of AXers will be sporting the new RZs this season and that will certainly include me. I haven’t ordered them yet, but I will!
For those of you who might be newcomers to this world, let me explain. I put my car (a 2014 Cayman S) on the AX track about, oh, 16 times a year. By the end of the season, my tires are toast. 2025 was interesting because I could really tell that my tires were down on grip for the last couple of events – I thought that was a bit unusual, with less grip than I expected at the end of the season. Weather? Driving? More aggressive alignment after suspension mods? Who knows? Doesn’t matter, really. In any case, the point is that I always replace my tires at the beginning of the season and that works out just about right for the number of events I’ve been driving. There are many AXers that race far more than I do, too, so they either put up with the tire degradation or replace their tires more often.
Last year during the off-season, I had some mods done to my car by my friends at GT Performance in Essex. Added a tune, new drop links, and stiffer sway bars along with an aggressive alignment (or as aggressive as I could go with an otherwise stock setup). The results were quite good and this year, I’m taking the next step. We’re going to coilovers (Ohlin R&T’s), adjustable lower control arms, new toe links, and braided steel brake lines with an even more aggressive alignment that’ll be well suited to AX. That’ll move me to Class I and should make for quite an interesting season. We’ll see if the driver is up to the car. ;)
Happy New Year to everyone and I’ll look forward to seeing you again at the races!
Greg Hartke CHS AX Chair
STUTTGART MARKET LETTER
Porsche brought back the 6-speed manual transmission after its absence on the 991.1. Power increased as well, with displacement growing to 4.0 liters and output rising to 500 horsepower. Visual and aerodynamic updates included redesigned front and rear fascias, larger air intakes, and a higher-mounted rear wing that generated roughly 20% more downforce, while a stiffer rear-axle steering setup and retuned suspension improved handling precision without sacrificing ride quality.
This 2018 911 GT3 6-Speed was finished in Paint-toSample Riviera Blue over a Black leather and Alcantara interior and showed just 8,000 miles. It was well optioned with Carbon Buckets, black-painted wheels, Sport Chrono, Front Axle Lift, and more for an original MSRP of $179,590. Modifications included a GMG exhaust and a GT3 Touring decklid, which required a replacement wiring harness and airbox to complete the conversion. Much cleaner than taking a sawzall to the rear wing, I suppose.
Over the past twelve months, 991.2 GT3 values have averaged $196,300, with a low of $142,250 and a high of $300,000 set by a 196-mile example sold last month. Despite the higher mileage, I expected the PTS Riviera Blue finish to push our Spotlight car toward the top of the range, if not challenge the high outright. Instead, it sold at a final bid of $240,000, closer to the lower end of recent comps.
The last time we saw this 1990 911 Carrera 2 Coupe 5-Speed was back in February of 2020 when it sold at a final bid of $78,500. Finished in Stone Gray Metallic over a Burgundy leather interior, this 34,000-mile RoW example lacks a sunroof from the factory and has been modified with a Wavetrac LSD, short shifter, aftermarket exhaust, Bilstein coilovers, H&R sway bars, a front strut brace, and 18” BBS wheels along with oil cooler ducts and Aero mirrors since we last saw it. It’s also received plenty of work including rebuilding the 3.6, replacing the clutch, and much more. And it looks like the work paid off, as it sold at a final bid of $166,500.
This 2023 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 6-Speed came finished in Agate Gray Metallic over a Black leather and Race-Tex interior and showed 11,000 miles on the clock. It was optioned with the GTS Interior Package, BOSE, and a handful of other options for an original MSRP of $101,690.
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While mileage comps put it in the $80-95,000 range, it only managed a final bid of $76,500 and went unsold.
Safari all the Porsches! Acquired by the owner in more of a stock form in 2025, this 1987 911 Carrera Coupe 5-Speed received the Safari-treatment by Werks Gruppe in Oregon with work involving the installation of EXE-TC shocks, Turbo tie rods, a bump steer kit, 16″ Braid wheels, and custom bumpers with skid plates. It’s finished in Red with Blue graphics over a Black leatherette interior with Scheel-Mann front buckets, a MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, and a Rennline short shifter. The engine was previously rebuilt in 2004 and included Euro-spec pistons and cylinders, Web Cam performance camshafts, and a BBR exhaust system. This Safari sold at a final bid of $144,000, which feels pretty well bought when looking at Carrera 3.2 builds.
NEW LISTINGS
This 1991 911 Turbo is a RoW example finished from the factory in Maritime Blue over a Black leather interior and shows just over 50,000 miles on the clock. It has been lightly modified with an H&R Motorsports suspension and Black-painted wheels and looks to be in nice condition inside and out. The current 3.3-liter 964 Turbo high sits at $360,000 for a Signal Green example that sold in August of last year. While Maritime should bring the money, I think it might fall short of the high.
You don’t see too many 911 Rs with a bit of a livery, but this 2016 911 R sports a “BP World Record” livery paying homage to the multiple endurance
records set by the 1967 911R at Italy’s Monza circuit. Showing 3,900 miles, this R is finished in White with Red Stripes over a Tarpan Brown leather interior with Pepita inserts and features the Single-Mass Flywheel with Reinforced Clutch. Should be enough pizazz to cross the $500k mark.
Purchased by the current owner in 1968, this 1964 356SC Coupe comes refinished in its original shade of Black over a reupholstered Red leatherette interior. The car features a matching-numbers engine and has had plenty of work over the last few years including rebuilding the distributor, performing a valve adjustment, and replacing the front brake hoses, sway bar and end link bushings, and spark plugs. Easy $100k+ in my book.
WITH SHEFFIELD WATCHES
Two things that always go hand in hand are Porsche and watches. Every Porschephile I know is also a watch nerd, and just like Porsches, watches can be enjoyed at all price points.
Enter Jay Turkbas, founder of Sheffield Watches. Jay approached me two years ago when he was relaunching his new microbrand, inspired by his original Sheffield watch from the 1970s. He took that inspiration and paired it with more than 30 years in product development to bring back the classic Sheffield Dive Watch line, a name once known for honest, low-price-point quality in 1950s New York. Today Sheffield Watches has grown to more than 20 models and has partnered with names like Spike Feresten of Spikes Car Radio and Jay Leno, with one of my favorites, the Jay Leno’s Garage Driver’s Watch. Throughout that growth, Jay has kept the same Sheffield philosophy alive, creating watches at accessible price points that outperform expectations in build quality and performance. Give Sheffield Watches a look. I think you will be just as impressed as I am.
PHOTO CREDIT: DUPONT REGISTRY LIVE
TOGETHER
PCA Plates & Badges
What are PCA License Plates
Chesapeake Region PCA coordinates the purchase of PCA Organizational License Plates issued through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The PCA License Plate Program promotes the visibility and camaraderie of PCA. PCA Maryland License Plates are prenumbered Organizational Plates, not vanity plates. PCA License Plates are available for all cars, trucks and minivans, but not for motorcycles or trailers.
Cost: The one-time cost for the PCA License Plates is $45.00, which includes the $30.00 MVA fee and a $15 Chesapeake PCA fundraising fee to support the PCA License Plate Program and Chesapeake Region events.
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Chesapeake Region Grill Badge
Get a heavy “gold- plated” Chesapeake Region metal car badge. Each metal car badge comes complete with stainless steel slotted retaining plate, screws, washers and nuts to mount it through your car grille or separate mounting plate.
The cost per metal car badge is $30 or two for $50, inclusive of shipping and handling. To order: Go to www.pcachs.org and use the “STORE” menu from the main page. Click the button and complete the order form page and make your payment.
How To Apply: The only way to apply for PCA Organizational License Plates is to complete the online PCA Maryland License Web Form at https:// pcachs.org/pca-maryland-license-plate/ and submit it electronically. Please click on the above link to learn the details and requirements to apply for PCA License Plates.
Requirements: You must be a PCA Member and the car must be registered in Maryland. The PCA Plates are not limited to Porsches. You can apply for PCA plates for all your cars registered in Maryland!
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Get your Chesapeake Region Name Badge!
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New members party at Porsche
Hunt Valley