0512 - December 2005 & January 2006 Combined Edition

December 2005/ January 2006

Porsche Club of America Porsche Club of America Sacramento Valley Region Sacramento Valley - In its 44th Year!Region

Featuring:

My First CRAB How to Host a Tour The Boxster Leaf Catcher Vision

Plus...

From the Driver’s Seat Drifting Back SVR Event Schedule Speaking of Membership The Social Scene Porsche Trivia See “About the Cover” inside...

About the Cover...

Taken at the SVR Tree Decorating and Pot Luck Dinner at the Towe Auto Museum. SVR members share the spirit of the season. Kim Nelson is to blame for the front cover image.

Winter

My perfect Grand Prix White 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe

A note from Dennis Stettner, Drifter Editor (2000-02): Newsletter Editor Nick Harrigan injured his hands in late November and was not able to complete the December Drifter. So, I volunteered to complete this combined issue.

One of the benefits of filling in for the current Drifter Editor, is the ability to insert a image of your Porsche. Photo taken at the Shriners Concours (1st Place, Street). Get well soon, Nick.

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PCA Sacramento Valley Region 2006 Board of Directors President

Porsche Club of America

Jeff Kinder ______________________ 916-765-2801 4320 Freemont’s Loop, Rescue, CA 95672 President@svr.pca.org

Sacramento Valley Region - In its 44th Year!

December 2005- January 2006

Volume 43, No.12 Volume 44, No.1

Upcoming Events

Vice President

Andy Leight _____________________ 916-984-9624 106 Atfield Way, Folsom, CA 95630 VicePresident@svr.pca.org ____________________

3 3

Features and Reviews

Secretary

Kevin Dougherty _________________ 916-983-7774 P.O.Box 6006, Folsom, CA 95630 Secretary@svr.pca.org

Treasurer

Betty Silva _________________________________ Treasurer@svr.pca.org

5 9 12 13 18

Membership Director

Tom Sisson _____________________ 209-296-5352 14537 Surrey Junction Lane, Sutter Creek, CA 95685 Membership@svr.pca.org

Competition & Safety Director

Matt Deter_______________________916-630-8924 5645 Harvest Road, Rocklin, CA 95765 porsche@deter.com

Newsletter Editors

Nick & Lindsey Harrigan ___________ 916-315-8548 3220 Mission Way, Rocklin, CA 95677 NewsletterEditor@svr.pca.org

Webmasters

John & Tina Murphy_______________ 916-362-8276 3300 Cahill Ct., Sacramento, CA 95827 Webmaster@svr.pca.org

Past President

Kim Nelson _____________________ 916-933-4282 305 Glen Ridge Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 PastPresident@svr.pca.org

Zone 7 Representative

Larry Sharp - Golden Gate Region ____ 925-371-2258 1119 Megan Road, Livermore, CA 94550 larrysharp@comcast.net

The Drifter

Autocross Update My First CRAB How to Host a Tour The Boxster Leaf Catcher Vision

-

Matt Deter Kim Nelson Bill and Cathy Keegan Bob Bianconi Paul Young

Columns and Departments

Social Director

Julia Lynn _______________________ 916-402-0443 2443 Fair Oaks Blvd #71, Sacramento, CA 95825 Social@svr.pca.org

January Planning Meeting CRAB32 is Coming!

2 4 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 14 20

SVR Coming Attractions From the Driver’s Seat SVR Event Schedule Drifting Back Porsche Trivia Speaking of Membership The Social Scene SVR People, Places, & Porsches Ask Bondo Bob SVR Goodie Store Drifter Classifieds

Jeff Kinder Nick & Lindsey Harrigan Larry Wilson Nick & Lindsey Harrigan Tom Sisson Julia Lynn Dennis Stettner Dick MacFarlane Tom Sisson

Information and Committee Directory Autocross Chair Matt Deter ____________ 916-630-8924 5645 Harvest Road, Rocklin, CA 95765 porsche@deter.com Charity Chair Susan Fleming _________ 916-985-4142 107 Cobb Court, Folsom, CA 95630 TRFleming@comcast.net Concours Chair Kent Brandon __________ 916-663-1702 3450 Hector Road,Newcastle, CA 95658 Kent.Brandon@ncbb.net Goodie Store Tom Sisson ___________ 209-296-5352 14537 Surrey Junction Ave Sutter Creek, CA 95685 targatom@volcano.net Rally Chair Helen Ashuckian _______ 916-481-2759 5440 Tree Side Drive Carmichael, CA 95608 helena@lanset.com

Technical Chair Roger Walker ___________________ 916-415-0752 9726 Magellan Drive, Loomis, CA 95650 rwalker1@dmv.ca.gov G24 Chair Buzz and Julia Lynn______________ 916-402-0443 social@svr.pca.org Advertising Manager Dick MacFarlane_________________ 916-482-0652 5740 Windmill Way #11, Carmichael, CA 95608 dickm@hpsionline.com

SVR Web Site http://www.derporsche.net/ The Drifter is published monthly by the Porsche Club of America, Sacramento Valley Region (SVR), for its members. Written contributions and photos are welcome and should be emailed to the Editor. The deadline for material is the first of the month for publication in the following month. SVR members should notify the Membership Director promptly of an address change to insure uninterrupted delivery.

All material in this newsletter is protected by copyright.

However, newsletter editors of other regions chartered by the Porsche Club of America may reprint any article provided that credit is given to the author and Sacramento Valley Region and The Drifter is cited as the source.

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SVR Coming Attractions December Events and Contacts

SVR Christmas Party Mike & Emily Willis .............................................. 916-363-8313 mikew@derporsche.net MBR/LPR Drivers’ Education Hank Watts .......................................................... 408-245-4040

Deadline!

MBR/LPR Drivers’ SVR X-Mas Education Party Sutter Laguna Seca Club

SVR Board Meeting

January Events and Contacts SVR Annual Planning/Dinner Meeting Andy and Diana Leight 916-984-9624 flashleight@sbcglobal.net Location: Round Table Pizza, Folsom 6:00-10:00.

Zone 7 Awards Banquet Larry Sharp

925-371-2258 larrysharp@comcast.net

Deadline!

Planning/Dinner Meeting

Zone 7 Awards Banquet

Reminder:

The RSVP deadline for dinner meetings is also the last day to cancel your dinner meeting reservation without paying.

Per SVR policy, late cancellations and no-shows will be charged.

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The Drifter

3

From the Driver’s Seat

By Jeff Kinder, President SVR Christmas Party By now Christmas will be in the air, my Christmas village will be set up, and I will be anxiously awaiting the 2005 SVR Christmas party. For those of you that have not been it is a special time for SVR. Besides celebrating the spirit of Christmas, we thank our current board of directors and chairs. We will also introduce the new board and chairs.The facility, Sutter Club, will be well decorated as usual. If you have been thinking about coming, please contact Mike Willis and sign up.

CRAB 32 is ON! CRAB Chairs Kim Kinder and Kim Nelson have selected the Towe Auto Museum as the headquarters for the 2006 CRAB. This promises to be a very spectacular event indeed. I am told that there will be all the usual activities during the weekend and maybe something new. You may remember the Towe from various events we have had there, including our combined Christmas and 40th anniversary a few years ago. This is a wonderful venue for our event. The car displays change on a frequent basis, so even if you were there six months ago, you will see new cars and displays. Besides, where better to have a car event than a car museum. For our newer members who have not attended an SVR CRAB event, talk to some of our more experienced members about the activities. This location may help to make this one of the best CRAB events ever! Watch for more information to come. If you have ideas or questions, please send those emails to svr-crab32-chairs@sbcglobal.net.

PCA Parade 2006 The next Parade is scheduled to take place August 6-11 2006 in Portland, Oregon. Club members from all across North America come together once a year to participate in a week of competitive events, socialize with old and new friends, and enjoy the cars.

The 2006 proposed changes to the Parade Competition Rules have been posted. The comment period is open until 11/15/2005.

To review the new rules go to: http://www.pca.org/members. Logon and then go to Member Services & Contacts.

4

Click on Library. Then you can see the docu- that he never saw the motorcycle. ment: 2006 Proposed Rule Changes.

My point is that we need to watch others more critically and drive a little safer since PCA To Stop Production Of Up Fixin’ we will not be as visible to others this time Due to strongly reduced member demand for of year.

“Up Fixin,” the Club will stop producing new hardcopy volumes of the books that contain Planning party the technical material which have appeared SVR will be having our annual Planning in Panorama over the years. However, until Party in January. This is where we get tosupplies are exhausted, or until January 31, gether to plan activities for the year. Andy 2006, interested members can obtain cop- Leight, our VP, has a really good format for ies of “Up Fixin” for the cost of shipping organizing the year. Put on your thinking and handling only. Go to: http://www.pca. caps, get some ideas, and bring them to the org/news/news.asp Party. Remember, if SVR can have driving tours in the snow, any idea you have can not Wintertime be that far out. Bring all your thoughts and Winter brings on one of several reactions let’s make 2006 the best year yet. from SVR members. For some, it will be the ceremonial tucking away of the Porsche Drive safe and have fun! until spring time comes. For others, it will be a chance to see how sideways you can put one and recover, yee haw. For the rest of us, we will continue driving because we just can’t get enough of it! I have been quoted as having said, “If we were not meant to drive in the rain, paint would never have been invented.” A few members have told me I am wrong, paint was invented so men would have something to polish and wax. For me, the waxing and polishing were the price to pay for getting to drive in winter. My last Porsche, a 911SC, had almost 200,000 miles on it when I upgraded. There was no season that was not made for going for a ride. One tour I went on in my early days with SVR went through the snow. What a time we had!

If I remember correctly, only one Porsche was high centered on the snow by the end of the day. The hot cider at our stop at Strawberry never tasted so good.

Look here in the next Issue of The Drifter for SVR’s 2006 Event Schedule at a Glance Autocross

Reduced Visibility There is one other issue with winter driving besides the fun: reduced visibility. We all know our driving style and capability.

Some of us tend to drive rather “spirited” on occasion. As visibility reduces with clouds, rain, and shorter days, we need to be more attentive to our own driving as well as others.

Porsches, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, sit lower than many of those vehicles with which we share the road. Consequently, we are not seen by others at all times. This is a good thing to keep in mind as we drive through traffic. When I was in 8th grade (yes they had schools back then) I was standing at the corner of Arden and Fulton in Sacramento.

In a moment, I watched as a semi truck pull up to a stop light not seeing a motorcyclist, which he ran over. The truck driver later said

Driver Education Rally Driving Tours

The Drifter

Drifting Back

By Larry Wilson, SVR Member 30 Years Ago (December 1975) The December 6 Christmas Party, with Eva Kay in charge, was held at the Mansion Inn. Dinner choices were London Broil at $12 or Filet of Sole at $11; prices included dinner, tax, gratuity, and the band. Entertainment and activities included live music dancing, door prizes, activity trophies, installation of new club officers, and a “funkiest Porsche tree ornament contest” with all entries displayed on a Christmas tree.

This month’s The Drifter introduced new members Kerner and Cynthia Breaux who transferred in from Germany Region. Kerner drove a new yellow 911S coupe and owned the Marco Polo tavern on Fruitridge Road.

SVR Treasurer Harvey Cain, prepared an end-of-the-year report for 1975 published in the December issue of The Drifter. It showed $2,806.33 of income, $2,481.08 in expenses with a net increase of $325.25 for the year.

Share The Wealth net income was $344.24.

The Club’s cash balance on December 31, 1975 was $845.45.

President Dan Boone estimated the region had 160 members by the end of the year.

20 Years Ago (December 1985)

mar, Dwight & Linda Mitchell, and Ron & Sally Boeck. Randy and Marci won the “Rookies of the Year” award, and Ron and Sally won the “Event of the Year” award for the Tahoe Tour.

a juggling act, everyone’s effort paid off. We had enough time for four runs in the morning and four more in the afternoon -- a total of eight two-lap runs per driver.

10 Years Ago (December 1995)

In November, it was off to Infineon for what has become an annual DE /Autocross combo event. Some drivers chose to drive the road course, while others chose to autocross the course set up in the large paved paddock area adjacent to the track. With a full load of almost 50 drivers, we managed six runs that day in clear, sunny weather. A large contingent of Redwood Region members lead by region chair Gary Bayless turned out to assist with course setup on Saturday, which was of great help. Michael Andretti didn’t leave his tractor-trailer rig in the middle of course, like he did last year, so that helped as well!

Chaired by Cyndee Peart and Daymon Nightingale, it was a change of pace for the annual SVR Christmas Party held on December 7 at the Towe Ford Museum. It was a food lover’s delight with tables of hors d’oeuvres, including Baron of Beef, Poached Salmon, Antipasta trays, heavenly desserts, etc. All these mouth watering eats were provided by our caterer (A.B.’s CafŽ in Rocklin) instead of the usual sit-down dinner. After a tour of the museum and the sampling of all food and drink while listening to Wurlitzer music bouncing off the beams, members of the new board of directors for 1996 were introduced and the program featured the annual awards for 1995.

Rookie of the Year award went to Deborah & Dan Catherwood who became members after the 1995 planning meeting. Competitive Event of the Year went to Masuo Robinson for his “Parade Warm Up Autocross” which benefited many Zone 7 autocrossers in Portland. Social Event of the Year was awarded to Bob Brewer for the Hog Island Oyster Tour, to be repeated in 1996. Hidden Hero awards went to Bob Brewer’s son, Justin, who at 4:00AM staked out the Oyster Tour picnic area, got the fires going, and made all the salads, and to Diane & Steve Harris for their company’s (the Dirty Shirt Company) shirt-support of many past SVR events.

Also at the SVR Christmas Party, the President’s Award was made to Allen & Dolores Weddle. This is a very special award, not always made every year, but this year President Greg Peart chose to recognize Allen and Dolores for their long-term support and dedication to SVR. A standing applause indicated agreement by all 76 people in attendance.

The December 8 Sara’s Tree Cutting Tour visited Christmas tree farms near Apple Hill with a return stop at Garth and Vicki Mason’s home for warm refreshments.

In the December issue, outgoing The Drifter Editor Karen Mangin, thanked her yearlong newsletter assembly crew: Sue McGlumphy, Mike Willis, Rik Larson, Julie Jack, Stan Breyfogle, Dolores & Allen Weddle, Lee Coleman, Jim & Mary Jo Austin, Linda Mitchell, Cyndee Nightingale, and Pat & Larry Wilson.

SVR’s Christmas Party at the Clarion HoAutocross tel December 14 was chaired by Cyndee Update Nightingale with help from Karen Mangin who did a great job with decorations. C.C.

By Matt Deter, Craig kept the program moving smoothly, Autocross Chair and Mary Siles and Ron Boeck played Santa Claus with gifts donated by a very long list of local businesses and SVR members. Those attending also brought gifts for the kids at We had another great day of weather when Stanford Home. Christmas tree ornament 30 drivers attended the October 2nd autocontest winners were Marci & Randy Vid- cross event in Stockton. Although staffing all the worker positions with a small group was The Drifter

Infineon

Time Flys It seems a very short time ago that I wrote my first autocross article for the Drifter. In fact, an entire year has now transpired, and the 2005 Season has come to a close. I have met a lot of great people. Rolling up my sleeves and lending a helping hand has definitely Continues on Page 16 ...

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5

The Drifter Trivia Question Of The Month See how far your Porsche knowledge goes.

Can you answer this?:

Which single model year did Porsche produce the 406 Weissach Edition 911’s?

(The answer will be in the next issue of The Drifter)

Last month’s trivia question: 911 was not the original model designation. What was it?

Answer: In 1963, Porsche debuted its all-new Porsche 901. However, Peugeot had already claimed model number 901. As a result, Porsche changed the model number to 911.

Anniversaries Congratulations to the following SVR Members: Bud & Mary Ann Behrens [30] Paul & Alicia Pontrelli [10] Robert & Cindy Bell [10] John & Lisa Nelson [10] Paul Sickert [5] Robert Becker [5]

6

The Drifter

Speaking of Membership

By Tom Sisson Membership Director Welcome New Members!

The SVR has 604 regular members and 18 dual members. This is a net increase of three members. Twenty-three members have been lapsed for non-payment of dues (not included in the above totals) but not yet deleted.

Check your membership cards Once again I have notified members of expiring memberships as provided by national and our own records. The response was immediate—there are still a lot of errors/missing data in both sets of records. please check the date on your membership card and make sure it says what you think it should say—if it doesn’t, notify both national and me about the incorrect data.

Planning Meeting On January12th the SVR has its planning/ dinner meeting. Make a note to come and give your input on SVR events in 2006.

CRAB: The 32nd CRAB

Ted Franse Fair Oaks, CA 95628 tedfranse@yahoo.com 916/965-8266 06 Cayenne Sean & Mark Gjerde Elk Grove, CA 95624 seangj@gmail.com 916/483-3040 99 911 Matt & Ann Hamel Sacramento, CA 95817 founder@uvexp.com 916/833-5525 79 911

Applegate, CA 95703 ctghw@foothill .net 530/887-5678 88 924S

Bud and Mary Ann Behrens have been PCA members for 30 years!

Scott Everitt New Members Richard & Carole Davis Placerville, CA 95667 rhdavis@megapathdsl.net 530/642-2648 86 911, 87 930 Donald Faerber Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 dfaerber@niello.com 916/870-3713 03 996

The Drifter

Keith McMahan & Mary Dachauer keithmcm@macnexus.org

Stanton Lee & Yvonne Ng 6328 Fordham Way, Sacramento CA 95831 m5stan@gmail.com 916/837-8876 93 911

Robert & Julie Sheffield rmsheffield@sbcglobal.net

Scott & Jill Schneider Elk Grove, CA 95624 sschneider@frontiernet.net 916/714-5374 58 356

Randy & Julie Kerslake Granite Bay, CA 95746 rkerslake@westerntransins.com Gregory & Kimberly Soares 916/355-1300 Roseville, CA 95747 06 997 gasoares@surewest.net 916/772-4733 Ben & Heidi Leveroni 88 930 Camino, CA 95709 Transfers bleveroni@yahoo.com 408/210-2006 Joseph & Deborah Burlin 01 996 Stockton, CA 95219 jrb@jburlinmd.com Mark & Jeanne Rogers 209/870-7110 Grass Valley, Ca 95945 87 911, 96 993 drdogface@sbvcglobal.net (from Yosemite) 530/274-3220 78 911 Leroi & Sara Gardner El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7699 Ruth & Eric Tesar 650/941-7114 Sacramento, CA 95864 89 911 rtesar@ncpic.org (from Loma Prieta) 916/737-3211 05 997 Douglas Kubany & Bonnie Dillon Penn Valley, CA 95946 Daniel & Randi Weitzman 530/432-2501 Sacramento, CA 95822 85 911 danweitzman@pacbell.net (from Suncoast Florida) 916/444-1186 98 911 Changes

The premier Porsche Weekender is coming on April 7, 8, and 9. For those not familiar with CRAB, it consists of three full days of Porsche-style events; the Friday night welcome party, the Autocross, Driving Tours, a Funkhana, a Walking Tour, the CRAB Banquet and Dance, and a Rally, a Concours d’elegance, and a Beer ‘n Brat Picnic.

New members—you don’t want to miss this Gerald Williams & Cindy Tough event—put it on your calendars now!

Congratulations

Robert & Robert Hrabak 941 Trestle Glen Way, Sacramento CA 95831 esquiregt@sbcglobal.net 916/428-0092 99 Boxster

Edward & Carole Goodin Rancho Cordova,CA 95670 ed.goodin@ubhome.us Carl Griffith & Alease Gibson myrkeone@sbcglobal.net 916/933-8949

Rocklin, CA 95765 severitt@att.com 916/996-0756 86 930

Robert & Toni Hoy Spring Creek, NV 89815 toninbob@frontiernet.net 775/778-3582

Don Frenna & Cynthia Burdick Roseville, CA 95747 happydad@surewest.net 916/773-9990 04 Boxster

Don Kinkel Foresthill, CA 95631 dek1849@direcway.com 503/367-2191

Katherine & David Higdon Sacramento, CA 95864 916/482-3989 05 Boxster

Phil Lawrence and Emily Barbee 902 Charlotte Place Charleston, WV 25314 philsgreen911@yahoo.com 304-989-0911

Dave & Mary Parker 530/878-3935

James & Cindy Shuell Carmichael, CA 95608 catalinaaquarium@hotmail. com Dennis & Carol Ann Smith Auburn, CA 95602 dencar@foothill.net 530/889-6302 Pete & Carol Altmann paltmann@surewest.net 2004 GT3 Richard & Carole Davis 86 911, 87 930 Samuel & Natachia Greco Rancho Murieta, CA 95683 04 GT3 05Cayenne Hani & Kristi Greiss Granite Bay, CA 95746 hgreiss@surewest.net Robert & Toni Hoy Spring Creek, NV 89815 toninbob@frontiernet.net 775/778-3582 James Lawrence 04 GT2, 04GT3 Ann & Ripley Sarli Diamond Springs, CA 95827-1429 Ray & Betty Silva Suisun Valley, CA 94585 Todd & Jamee Thrush Elk Grove, CA 95757-3508 Richard Wetzel & Delores McKinnon Sacramento, CA 95835 916/419-4334 Courtney & Carol Williams unquote@sbcglobal.net Michelle Willis Vista, CA 92085 Mike & Emily Willis 02 Boxster S

7

The Social Scene

By Julia Lynn Social Director The end of the year is near and now it’s time to start thinking about great activities for 2006. The planning meeting is next month so get your thinking caps on and dream up a great tour for the Club to go on. If you have never hosted a tour, there is help from seasoned members as well as the following article (written by former Social Directors Bill & Cathy Keegan) to get you on your way.

How to Host a Tour

By Bill & Cathy Keegan Former Social Directors Do you have a favorite road or special place that you’d like to share with your fellow Porschephiles? Have you been wanting to get involved in the Club, but you’re not sure how? Hosting a tour is easy and fun, and a great way to get more out of your PCA membership. If you don’t have an idea for a place to take us, or if you’re just not sure whether or not you want to jump right in, consider getting your toes wet by offering to help someone else with their tour. Either way, the Planning Meeting coming up on January 12 is the perfect opportunity to do just that. To help you prepare, here’s what’s involved in hosting a tour: Four Or More Months Ahead Pick a destination and date, and sketch out a plan. Will it be a day or overnight trip? Will there need to be a minimum or maximum number of cars due to parking or other considerations? Confirm possible stops along the way (lunch, destination, etc.) to include in the ad in The Drifter. Schedule the date at the January Planning Meeting or with the Social Director.

Will there be costs associated with the trip, such as meals, accommodations, prizes, or entrance fees? Develop a budget and be certain to include at least $2.00/entrant for the Club treasury. If you need advance money, or if the tour will incur over $1500 in cost liability due to guarantees, a budget must be submitted to the Board.

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When is your last date for reservations?

Do you need to advise a restaurant or other provider of the number of people, meal selections, etc.? Will you need to purchase tickets, passes, etc. in advance?

Develop an ad for The Drifter, our web site, email notification, and/or an event flyer.

Items for The Drifter are due to the editors by the first of the month prior to publication. For example, if the sign-up deadline for your event is in the first week of April, then you may want to submit at least a brief teaser ad by January 1st for the February edition of The Drifter. You’ll need to send in a detailed ad for the March issue by February 1st. On March 1st you could submit a “last chance” ad in the April issue, or decide to continue or discontinue your March ad.

Three Or More Months Ahead Select a route and begin to develop route instructions. Make notes of times and distances, and remember that a group travels slower than one or two vehicles. Confirm arrangements for your start point and stops or points of interest along the way. Make certain there are scheduled rest stops along the way.

Make certain that the vice president has ordered insurance coverage. If you have costs with providers, make certain you have written agreements.

Two Months Ahead Continue to publicize the event. Make announcements and/or hand out flyers at dinner meetings and other events. Have a sign-up sheet available for when people begin to make reservations.

Arrange for another member to assist you.

Schedule a day a week or two before the tour to “proof ” the route with another car.

One Month Ahead Make arrangements with the social director for an email blast.

Obtain an insurance binder from the vice president. Have liability release forms (in color) available.

Identify at least one photographer. Persuade someone going on the tour to write and submit a review article for The Drifter.

Consider breaking into more than one group if you have over 15 to 20 cars. Recruit helpers to lead and follow any additional groups.

Tour Day Collect the tour fee and have everyone sign releases, including drivers, passengers, adults, and children, no exceptions!

Distribute instructions, maps, etc. when participants sign in.

Conduct a drivers’ meeting. Discuss the route. Designate a radio channel, and go over usage. Identify the lead, middle, and “back door” vehicles. Go over touring rules such as: turn headlights on when underway, use turn signals so others know where you’re going, and always keep the cars in front of you and behind you in sight, stay together.

Safety is our primary consideration. Be courteous to those on the tour with you and those you encounter along the way.

After the Tour Make sure that a review article and photos are submitted to The Drifter editor by the 1st of the month. You can write an article yourself, but it’s even better to have one of the participants tell everyone what made your tour fun and memorable. Don’t forget to thank your helpers.

Submit photos for The Drifter, for the review article and for the center page—maybe even a cover shot! Be sure to identify the “People, Places & Porsches” in your photos as well as the photographer; include captions if you like.

Forward the proceeds to the treasurer. Return the insurance paperwork and signed releases to the vice president.

That’s it, piece of cake, right?? I hope to see a lot of you at the Planning Meeting!

One To Two Weeks Ahead “Proof ” the tour by running the route with your helper. Is your route still available? Has there been road construction that necessitates changes to your route?

Finalize and print your written route instructions with distances, turn instructions, maps, etc. You’ll hand out copies on the day of the tour.

The Drifter

My First CRAB

By Kim Nelson, Past President The Beginning The year was 2001 and it was CRAB 28 with Tim and Sue Fleming being our CRAB Chairs. I had been in the club for a little over a year and had already met a number of club members from going to dinner meetings, several driving tours and a Concours. People had been talking about CRAB and how fun it was and how there were more activities scheduled than you could possible do, but I kept thinking – 3 days, can I really afford that much time right now. Well I did and I’m glad because I had the time of my life.

The CRAB Start CRAB starts out with a Welcome Registration Party on Friday evening which, like the whole CRAB weekend, is pretty low key.

Here you mingle with the other CRAB entrants and sign up the events that you want to participate in during the next two days.

Don Koepke from Niello Porsche has generally brought out the Niello Goodie Store to the Welcome Party for people to look at and purchase the latest in Porsche goodies.

The CRAB of 2006

Saving the Best for Last On Sunday we started with the Rally. Now, I’ve never thought of myself as a Rally person – basically because I can get lost going to the grocery store, but we had a ball. Yes, we got lost, but somehow managed for find our way back on track and cross the finish line and not in last place! Quite an accomplishment. After the Rally we put the car on the Concours field and actually got some bonus points for driving it in the Rally. The CRAB Concours is obviously not a serious event and it becomes more of a Porsche car show. We ended the weekend with the traditional Beer ‘N’ Brat. There were more awards handed out for the Rally, Concours and Walking Tour and believe it or not they have traditional awards for the “Crabbiest Person” and the “Crabbiest Car”. 4:00 pm came all too soon and we were all bidding each other farewell until CRAB 29. I left that afternoon tired, stuffed and thinking that I could hardly wait until next year – It was that much fun.

Our next CRAB – CRAB 32 is scheduled for April 7th, 8th and 9th of 2006 and everything is going to be held at the Towe Auto Museum in Old Town Sacramento except the Autocross which will be held at our Autocross site at the Stockton Fairgrounds.

We have been working on the event for the past couple of months and have over 20 club members helping to put this event together.

In the coming months you will see a number of articles in the Drifter about the upcoming CRAB and we all hope that you will consider this event as the one you don’t want to miss in 2006. We will have information on our club website in January about the different activities planned and the Registration form.

If you have any questions or want more information before then please contact me at kim356@directcon.net or Kim Kinder at kim.kinder@oes.ca.gov .

Events on Saturday Saturday was a blur of activities. We did the driving tour, which took us on some great Porsche roads through the Amador Wine Country. The weather was beautiful and we visited several wineries before stopping for lunch. We got back in time to participate in the Gymkhana, which was put on by Greg and Cyndee Peart. If you’ve never done a Gymkahana before, you’re in for some fun!

This is a low speed test of driving skill as you maneuver your Porsche through some tightconed spaces. But that’s not all – I, as the driver, was blindfolded and my passenger had to get me through all the cones while they were busy throwing basketballs into buckets and doing all sorts of other stuff. Good communication is a must here! The CRAB banquet started at 6:00 pm with cocktails in the ballroom and a social hour. The food itself was great but the socializing with other CRAB participants and meeting many, many other club members was the highlight of the evening. Following dinner were some door prizes and well-deserved awards for the Autocross and Gymkhana. Music and dancing ended an event filled day.

The Drifter

CRAB32 Co-Chairs, Kim Kinder and Kim Nelson, will work tirelessly to make this a CRAB to remember.

CRAB32 is Coming!

April 7,8,9, 2006

The Legendary SVR West Coast Weekender is Back!

Fun Concours! Great Rally! Autocross!

Driving and Walking Tours!

Beer&Brat and more....

Location: Towe Auto Museum, Sacramento CRAB32 Co-Chairs: Kim Nelson & Kim Kinder

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SVR Tree Decoration and Pot Luck Dinner at the Towe Auto Musuem

The “Greeting Group�. Mike Willis, Emily Willis, Rachael Johnson, Tom Kroetz and Herb Hoover.

Herb and Jan Hoover, hosts of the SVR Tree Decoration Party and Pot Luck Dinner at the Towe Museum.

The Drifter thanks Kim Nelson for providing all the images of this event.

Getting the SVR Christmas Tree set up, is Rich Swenson. Leave it to an engineer!

Wine in hand, Emily Willis appears to be having a good time.

Rich McGlumphy, Mike Willis and Andy Leight pose for the cameraman (Kim Nelson).

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Drifter Editors Nick and Lindsey Harrington, and Past Drifter Editor, Dennis Stettner (2000-2002).

View from the balcony at Little River Inn. Mendocino continues to be the most popular tour of the year.

Kirk Bradford’s 911 from the Novermber 2005 Mendocino Tour.

SVR Annual Mendocino Tour

Shop, Shop, Shop!

The Old Water Tower, Mendocino.

Great weather, great views!

Sunset from the Little River Inn.

The Drifter thanks Kirk Bradford for providing all of the Mendocino Images.

SVR Member Ruth Stark sent in this image taken on her recent trip to Scotland. Thanks Ruth!

The Drifter

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Dear Bondo Bob……

I really need your help….My wife just gave me her Christmas list and I am having a problem on what to buy her. I built her an 19 The Drifter is pleased to announce the inclusion car garage and she has filled it with Porsches of nationally known automotive adviser “Bondo of all styles and colors. HELP!!!!!

Bob” to appear in our publication. Bondo Bob Signed……DMV Poor can answer those tough questions that come up between Porsche owners and their friends and Dear DMV (I hope you don’t have to stand in family. Feel free to ask Bondo Bob any car re- line) Poor…… lated question and have those long unanswered Here are Bondo Bob’s Christmas suggestions for situations put to rest. Also, we should all thank you……Now pay attention…. our advertising manager, Dick MacFarlane for 1. Buy her a brand new Carrera GT from arranging this syndication.

Niello Porsche in Rocklin.

2. Pick up a new BMW motorcycle from A&S Dear Bondo Bob……..

BMW in Roseville I heard that long time SVR member Phil 3. Have the life story of her 1964…18 winLawrence is running for the governor of dow bus printed at Enterprise Printing West Virginia. If Phil wins he says he will 4. Get her 911 turbo repainted at European have all law enforcement in the state driving Body shop in Sacramento early Porsche 911s and they must be green. 5. Upgrade her driving suit and helmet from My question is that the green Porsches will FDR Autosports. probably be okay, but don’t you think it could 6. Take her 917 to Fabrication Specialties for hurt his election chances to have all of the some body work. state vehicles entered in the” West Virginia 7. Her 356 needs a tune up…take it to Franks Moon Shiners Concourse” once a year? If Automotive on Folsom Blvd. you don’t score enough points on your trac- 8. How about oil changes for all 18 Porsches tor, street sweeper, semi, patrol car, fire truck, at the new IPB Autosport location or what ever you are enrolled in the “Phil 9. New interior for her 914 from Bob at Lawrence School of Concourseing” for one Karma Kreations year without pay.

10. Gift certificates for her 924 and 944 from Signed…..WV state worker with a raggedy Parts Heaven dump truck.

11. Carbon fiber upgrades for her 996 from Performance Products.

Dear WV dump truck driver……

12. Go to OK tires on Auburn Blvd for a new The good folks of West Virginia would very set of 911 comp T/A tires. lucky to have a man like Phil running your 13. Call Racers Group for her new unichip state. Even if he doesn’t do much else you will piggyback computer for her 996 turbo have fast good look’n state vehicles.

14. Have the kitchen window etched with her Signed…… Double B Boxster from Reflections in Glass.

15. Insure her Cayenne with Arnold O’Shields Dear Bondo Bob……. of State Farm Insurance.

I want to impress my new boyfriend 16. She would love a day on the track at Laguna and buy him a new Carrera GT for Seca..call Trackmaster.

Christmas. I don’t know much about 17. Walt Stickel could do wonders with her 912 the car, but if I sell my new Corvette, paint job.

Hummer, and ski boat will I be able to 18. A short trio to Weidmans Wheels and her original Fuchs could look like new. buy him one?

19. Go see Ryan Jones at Silver Star Recycling Signed........Carrera Clueless for parts, parts, parts.

20. BUT IF NONE OF THESE GREAT Dear CC……….

CHRISTMAS IDEAS GRAB YOU…. DO Sell the Corvette, Hummer, and the ski boat WHAT I AM DOING….CALL TOM SISand then sell the house. Yes….then you can SION AT THE SVR GOODIE STORE by him one of those beautiful new (F-16 jet AND BUY HER A $5.00 BRIDGESTONE fighter like) automobiles…… And trust me HAT...…WISH HER A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND CALL IT GOOD…… darling….he will be impressed.

Signed…..Bondo (maybe my wife will buy me Signed……Bondo HO HO HO Bob

Bondo Bob

a GT for Christmas) Bob

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The Drifter

The Boxster Leaf Catcher

By Bob Bianconi, Maverick Region, “Slipstream” Debris in your Boxster Take a peek. The leaves are there… along with candy wrappers, cigarettes, pebbles, stones and anything else floating around on Texas highways. Where? Why, the two air intakes on the front bumper (or 3 on a “S” model). If it’s been a while since you peaked in the radiator air intakes (or maybe never…), you’ll be sure to find all manor of road debris.

Surely all of this debris can’t be good for the cooling efficiency of your radiators, espe-

standard vac attachments won’t work because cially on a typical Texas 100� summer day. of the intake grills; they are just too large to When it’s hot, you want the airflow to your fit through the openings. But we can take radiators to be unimpeded and performing care of that. Besides, your trusty vac, you’ll at their best. need 3 cardboard paper towel rolls; you know the kind, the cardboard roll that you throw Time to take action away when you have used up the last paper So, maybe it’s time you spent a few minutes towel. Here’s the trick: Insert one roll into this spring performing a leaf-ectomy. It’s not the other and then flatten the first 2 such that hard once you know the trick. If you’ve taken they fit in between the lower set of louvers a look at the openings, you’ve already noticed on the grill. Insert the end of the vacuum that the air intake grills are not removable into roll three and turn it on. A flashlight (without removing the whole bumper cover). helps you aim the end towards the far corner; This makes access to the debris a bit more that’s where you will find most of the debris. challenging.

Leaves, wrappers, stones and pebbles will all get vacuumed up. Be careful to not hit the A cleaning trick fins of the radiators. As a finishing touch, A simple vacuum cleaner will be the tool of take your hose and rinse down the radiators, choice albeit with a slight modification. Your not too strong, not too weak.

1

Ready to go So there you have it; a simple trick to keeping your radiators operating at their best for the upcoming summer months. Save those paper towel rolls, you’ll be needing them.

I think you’ll find this spring cleaning tip also works on the Boxster’s big brother, the 996.

Figure 1.Overall view of the process.

Figure 2. Showing Towel Rolls.

Figure 3. What is in your Boxster?

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The Drifter

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The SVR Goodie Store: December......SANTA COMES EARLY The Goodie Store has all types of goodies but some require ordering so buy early for Xmas presents! Examples include Tshirts with Porsche Crest or script (Navy with gold Porsche; Red with gold Porsche; Black with red Porsche; Grey with red Porsche), baseball shirts, polo shirts, denim shirts, sweat shirts and microfiber jackets with outlined script, Crest, script, or SVR logo—or even your car in color. We have shirts for the ladies (v-neck, scoop neck, wide or spaghetti straps) in varying colors and even tone on tone embroidery. Don’t forget the SCVR and PCA car badges! All at great prices!

Remember, with all these new clothes you will never have to pull a “Lady Godiva” and drive your Porsche in the nude. BTW, Lady Godiva really did exist in 11th century England, but her name was Godgifu. She was married to Leofric, the hard-nosed tax collector in Coventry, whose policies she deemed unduly harsh. But did she protest them by a little streaking on horseback? No source from her time reports that she did and surely someone would have noticed.

In fact the story was written 150 years later by a monk, who said Leofric offered to let up on the peasants if she sacrificed herself on their behalf by riding nude through the streets, thus pinning a convenient moral on the tale. That’s all that is known about the lady who gave new meaning to the phrase “bare back riding.”

The SVR Goodie Store: January......HAPPY NEW YEAR Out of the goodness of it’s heart, and because you may still be inebriated from the New Years Eve festivities, the Goodie Store has some special buys to help you use up all that money you saved at the Xmas sales! Don’t miss out!

We have T-Shirts with PORSCHE embroidered across the front. ONLY $18 total. Many colors are available, such as Navy with gold Porsche, Red with gold Porsche, Black with red Porsche, and Grey with red Porsche. Green and white are also available, and the script can be in different colors. Some are in stock, but all can be ordered. Outline Porsche script is $2 more.

For you colder types, heavyweight SWEATSHIRTS with Porsche script are available in red, black, white and Navy. Also available are POLO SHIRTS, DENIM SHIRTS, and other garments with the SVR logo. Many logos are available--we can order the crest in the old style, the new style, and black and white. Various cars can be put on the garments-there are 911’s, 356’s, 928’s, 914’s and Boxster’s. It may even be possible to match your car’s color. WOW!!!

There are also microfiber jackets with the above logo’s --$55 to $60 depending on logo.

Last but far from least are the SVR and PCA car badges. Every Porsche should have at least one of these.

Why do you celebrate New Years? Because you like booze—well, maybe. The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays.

It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. Around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon after the first day of spring. The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical or agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary. The Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to start the New Year. Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established the Julian Calendar which again set January 1 as the new year. The early Catholic Church condemned the festivities as paganism. But as Christianity became more widespread, the church began having its own religious observances with many of the pagan celebrations, and New Years was no different. New Years is still observed as the Feast of Christ’s Circumcision by some denominations. During the Middle Ages, the Church remained opposed to celebrating New Years. January 1 has been celebrated as a holiday by Western nations for only about the past 400 years.

With all these educational moments brought to you for free by your Goodie Store, don’t just want to rush over and buy stuff just to help offset the high cost of the research?

Contact your friendly Goodie Store people! See Tom Sisson at meetings and events, or contact him at 14537 Surrey Junction Lane, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, 209-296-5352 or E-mail membership@svr.pca.org. Items can be mailed for a small shipping/handling fee.

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The Drifter

4545 Granite Dr., Rocklin - 916-625-8300

The Drifter

15

Matt Deiter, Autocross Chair, Continued from Page 5...

increased my enjoyment of the club.

Thanks!

However, running an autocross is a somewhat involved process and would not have been possible without the assistance of club members. Kerner Breaux, who knows autocross inside out, helped with everything from towing the trailer, to course design and setup, to in-car instruction. Steve Nieslony as chief instructor conducted course walks for novices and helped organize the assignment of instructors and students. Lee Deter and Joy Sease served as registrars. Others arrived early to help set up, tech cars, or anything else I could think to ask for, including Mike Ambrozewicz, Bud and Mary Ann Behrens, Tyler Breaux, Doug Chalmers, E.J. and Susan Fontaine, Doug Klein, Larry Sharp, and Rob Sime. Thank you to everyone who helped make 2005 a successful year.

On to 2006 I enjoyed the experience and plan to continue as Autocross Chair in 2006, starting with our first event in April at CRAB 32. If you

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Call or Visit Our Website Phone: (916) 989-0580 www.fdrmotorsports.com Email: fdr@fdrmotorsports.com The Drifter

have attended CRAB before, you already know how much fun it is. If this is your first CRAB, expect a full weekend of Porsche fun, including a Saturday autocross that is not to be missed.

an event. Many hands make light work, and arriving at 6:30 AM (I know! Early!) to assist with course setup makes a big difference and helps ensure the event starts on time.

Upcomng events

Do you have any feedback from last year’s events? Expectations or ideas for next year?

Questions about autocross? Do you want to tow the trailer? (yes, yes you do) Or help set up early? Drop me an email: porsche@deter. com or give me a call: (916) 630-8924.

In May we will begin a series of events with some sort of class and point system. The more autocrosses you attend, the better your chances for fame and glory will be (what could be better than that!) After our first event, we will not be holding an autocross event for a few months due to the County Fair in June and the brutally hot summer months of July and August. The series will continue with events in September, October, and November. Watch your upcoming Drifter and club Web site for announcements and exact dates.

Feedback?

I’m looking forward to another great year.

See you out on the course!

Help needed To help ensure a successful season in 2006, I am looking for volunteers in a number of areas. I need people with pickup trucks to tow the trailer and then help distribute cones during course setup (tossing ‘em off the back Mike Ambrozewicz, in his very fast and of the pickup). The club owns over 450 traf- modified 914 at Infineon. Thanks to Frederick Rauch for fic cones, and we use most of them during the image.

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Custom or restoration for fine cars, classic Master Craftsmanship with over 25 Years Street Rods, and boats Experience Cabriolet Tops 10 Year Porsche Club Member and Seats Sponsor Door Panels Porsche owner (911, Classic 914) Carpets Visa and MasterCard Accepted Tonneau Covers “If you can dream it, we can build it!” — Bob Car Covers

We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!

Bob Rinker - Owner & Master Craftsman Erik Carlson - Apprentice Craftsman 11300-G Sunrise Gold Circle, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 (916) 858-1808 www.karmakreations.com The Drifter

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Vision Corners of the Mind: Chapter 7

by Paul Young, San Diego Region (from The Windblown Witness) Drivers Vision Vision is an interesting subject. Besides having lightning reflexes, a race driver is thought to have eagle eye vision. As a matter of fact however, professional race drivers have reflexes that are not particularly better than the average individual. Nor is their eyesight 20/15 or better as a group. Indeed, examples can be found of successful drivers wearing spectacles. Alas, my own eyesight has been slowly getting worse over the years, and although I wish I didn’t need corrective lenses, I can work with it.

The art of the line As you might have surmised though, we are not really concerned with the eyesight type of vision we are interested in the process of seeing, or learning what to look for while driving. Since the eyes are controlled by the brain, and the mind is where visual processing takes place, this certainly qualifies as a cerebral function. For lack of a better term, I classify ‘the art of finding the line’ and some other processes under the heading of ‘vision’.

We want to look at (hah hah) what we can do to improve our performance driving through training ourselves in the vision department.

Vision at speed Finding the best line through the course requires a certain type of vision or seeing. Let us investigate ways to improve this mental skill. When analyzing the course, we look at the turns and classify them as Type I (leading on to a straight), Type II (at the end of a straight), or Type III (in between turns).

This classification helps us determine the line through a corner or part of the course.

Overall, we can analyze the turns on the track to find the ideal line for an entire lap. Identifying and sorting the significant straights is the first step in classifying the turns. Usually we can determine where the significant straights are by a course diagram or at least walking the course. A parade lap or two can give a better view of where significant straights may be. But sometimes we must wait until we drive the track at speed to find out where the straights truly are. It is best to allow for flexibility in this manner, and not

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start out with a fixed set of classifications for itself. I mean, it would be worthless to try an the corners until we have spent a lap or two earlier apex point on a corner if we can’t keep on the course. from blowing away the cones in that turn on every other lap! Don’t panic or give up if Maximize the straights you don’t have pinpoint precise car control.

Common sense tells us that a car will be able It’s just that we should not be working on to travel faster in a straight line than around refining a line to a finer degree than we can a corner. I know, Porsches are renowned for consistently drive. superior handling, but even a stock 914 1.7 liter with big, gooey tires will go faster in a Reference points straight line than while turning. With this The physical reference points are also imporin mind, I find it useful to look for ways of tant. Again, with the experiment analogy, we maximizing the straights. If we can make can’t measure results accurately if we aren’t the straightaways longer, the turns will sure of what we put into the experiment. be shorter. We’ll spend more time on the Here we must look for and use points on the straight going fast, and less time in the corner course that allow us to reference our driving going (relatively) slowly. We should develop to these locations. Willow Springs has about the ‘vision’ of lengthening the straights. On a zillion paint marks and other features on the track diagram, or while walking or driv- the track surface, so there is no shortage of ing the course, look for ways of extending reference points. The hard part is not mistakthe straightaways between Type I and Type ing one for another! Once a unique spot is II turns. With a track map, I’ll draw arcs picked out, we can refer to it and try differing or straight lines out of turns that look like lines. We might try turning in just before the Type I. The straight line or arc represents ‘triple white stripe’ instead of right at it. The the extension of the straightaway. While trick is to find a fixed reference (not a cone!), exiting a Type I corner onto a straight, I’ll and work with it. test moving the acceleration point earlier (or using more throttle earlier) in the turn. Try Results to picture the point at which the car will be Now, with our experiment we have a relativeoptimally using all of the track. Similarly, I ly stable process (car control), and adjustable, will use my vision to seek a deeper extension but known inputs (track reference points). of the straight into a Type II corner, again The output of our experiment is the result, lengthening the straight. which we should find some way of measuring. A stopwatch or timer is certainly the Consistency most obvious way of objectively measuring The key to successfully refining this tech- the effect of our changes. However, there are nique is consistency—we must be able to put drawbacks to using this measure exclusively our car where we want on the track, at the though. By timing the overall lap, we bear speed we want on every lap. The level of this the burden of keeping every other part of consistency determines the level of refine- the lap constant. This is difficult to do from ment we can work on. Then, we make varia- a consistency standpoint: We can’t tell if a tions in these points and measure the results different lap time was due to the effects of a in order to find what works best. Obviously, new line we are testing through the turn we’re we must first have good car control, and in working on, or the result of an inadvertent fact, the better the car control, the better we change in the way we took another corner. can find these optimum points. Beyond car Similarly, it doesn’t allow us to experiment control is the need for reference points on with any other part of the course. Nonethethe course. Without a physical, unvarying less, lap time is the ultimate measure of our landmark, we cannot effectively try different performance on the track. We could limit our modifications of the line. timing to just that section of track affected by the line we are varying, difficult to do without Car control a group of precise, dedicated timing folks in Think of this process as an experiment. your pit crew (there are actually fairly cost First we must have reasonable control over effective, car mounted, timing systems that the process this corresponds to car control; will allow you to measure time and speed for the ability to place the car in the location different sections of a track. These telemetry we want with the speed and attitude we systems will show graphs of this data in the want. If the process is out of control, then car or it can be downloaded onto your laptop any changes we might want to make would in the pits). be swamped out by variations in the process The Drifter

I have found it quite useful and accurate to simply observe the sensation and handling of the car, as well as the amount of track I am using. If a change I make causes me to use more of the track, and it feels faster, smoother and better, then it likely is. If I am carrying more speed at the end of the straight following a turn, it was due to a better line through the preceding Type I corner. Even if the actual time was no better or worse, a better feeling will instill confidence that is beneficial for consistency and motivation. I firmly believe that there is real value in that.

Progress At a time trial in Las Vegas a few years back I worked on improving turn eight the last turn leading onto a long straight. I could tell that I was getting the hang of it, because I would gain on cars that had a lot more power down the straight (or at least not lose ground to them). This was a good measure for me, and it actually correlated well with my overall lap times. On the other hand, I was having trouble with turn three a corner that should have been one of the easiest on the track. This is a 180 degree right hander at the end of a straight. Usually I would find myself exiting the turn with a lot of room on the outside definitely not using all the track. When I finally picked a couple of fixed reference points and worked from these, I was able to make some steady progress. As I perfected my driving line in Turn three, I was using more of the course, and it felt faster. My overall lap times improved too: the secret was looking for and using reference points.

Timing It is beneficial to be able to project, estimate, and interpolate when searching for the optimum line. This means to know not just that we need to try an earlier apex, for example, but to guess exactly how much earlier. If we can make a reasonably sound estimate of the correct point, we can zero in on the optimal spot sooner, and make our learning happen faster. Since we have a limited time to drive the course, it pays to reduce the experiment time so we can learn quickly. Of course, we should not try to refine a single corner to the point of millimeters if there are more significant things that we should be working on.

Margin When optimizing parts of the course, our goal is to use all of the track, but we must always leave some margin. This margin allows for variations from lap to lap due to our inconsistency. We all have different levels of The Drifter

accuracy and repeatability, and this will even differ in different situations, courses, and turns. We should allow for an appropriate margin. If we don’t use all of the course, we may lose a very small fraction of a second. If there is insufficient margin though, the loss of time can be much greater due to scrambling, having to slow down, hitting cones, spinning out, etc. Obviously, if we can drive more consistently overall, we can reduce the margin and use more of the course.

the days!) were also a good exercise for the ‘vision of line’ procedure (as are slalom cones at an autocross, or Type III turns in general).

Here, the secret is to look for as straight a path as possible through the section of the course, with a minimum of turning. Sometimes the turns can be eliminated completely; other times reduced to mere ‘lane changes’.

We should still keep in mind the importance of setting up for the straightaways. Type I corners are always the most important, and nothing we do to minimize Type III turns Lessening the corners should sacrifice the Type I. Yet, even the The corollary to ‘maximizing the straights’ process of thinking about the minimization is ‘lessening the corners’. An adage I like to of corners will help us subconsciously drive use is “Don’t make a turn where there doesn’t with a minimum of effort. need to be one.” Another way to think of this is to envision looking for ‘non turns’. Often Eye focus I’ll have a student who will make a corner Another visual tool that should be practiced out of a simple bend in a straightaway; they is determining where to keep the eyes focused are struggling with the turn. We can look on the track. All too frequently, a driver will for ways of making a turn nonexistent by look at the course immediately in front of simply setting up for it and finding the right the car. It is deceptive, but we need to look line. Using the Las Vegas track again as an farther ahead than is originally intuitive. The example, turn two is a right hand bend of reasons are that first, we are traveling a bit about 45 degrees. It can be taken flat out in faster than we might in normal, everyday nearly any Porsche with the correct line, driving, and this means we must look farther that is. Start out on the left side of the track, ahead. Second, any change to the steering bring the car all the way in to a middle apex wheel we make will be delayed somewhat by on the right, and let the car drift out to the the mechanics of the steering, the response left. With the wrong line, it becomes a 100 time of the entire vehicle (including tires), plus mph nightmare, and you might have and the dynamics of the way cars work: Cars to lift or brake. This is not only slower, but simply don’t turn as abruptly as we might downright unsafe as you do not want to lift think. Finally, there is the lag between what in a corner at 100 mph! we visually see and physically do, after brain processing (response time). There is no rule Using all of the track or guideline as to where exactly one should Turn seven at Willow Springs is a gentle look. We must simply be aware of where we left hand bend that also can be taken at full are looking, and compensate for any tendency throttle. Here the temptation is to use all the not to look far enough ahead. track, even if you don’t need to. If we use our vision skills correctly while we are driving, Focus on features we will see that we may not need to use all While driving at the track, you need to learn the track in this corner (or ‘non corner’). By to focus your vision on what features ahead weaving from side to side down a straight, can affect the car’s balance. For instance, we could certainly increase our lap times. elevation changes can greatly influence the So why would we use all of the track if we adhesion of our Porsche’s tires. Uphill, this didn’t really need to? It is wise not to fight the can be used to our advantage by delaying steering wheel while exiting the corner, but braking, whereas we must begin braking it is also counterproductive to drive the car earlier when on a downhill section. An to the outside of a turn, artificially ‘using all educated right (or left) foot and the vision of the course’. There are some corners where to look ahead and recognize the impact of your Porsche won’t need to drift all the way elevation changes will help us get the most out to have the best line. If you can shorten out of the situation. the course, you will shorten your times. The saying for this is “Don’t make a turn more Negotiation of features than it needs to be.”

A banked turn can be taken at a faster speed than a flat one, and similarly, an off Vision of the line camber turn (reversed banking) will have to The esses at Riverside (ah yes, those where be negotiated more slowly. An uphill turn

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will simulate banking, and this too can be used to our advantage if we look ahead for it. And of course, we must go slower for a downhill corner than we would for a flat and level one.

Material on the track Paint on the roadway surface can reduce traction and make the tires squeal. Usually not a problem, but it can be a surprise if we are not looking for it or expecting the results.

The presence of gravel, dirt, or oil can reduce our traction, and we must always be on the lookout for these factors. The material and texture of the track also makes a difference.

Although our speeds are probably not over 200 mph, the aerodynamic influence of other vehicles does come into play. The point is to train ourselves to have vision the ability to look forward and anticipate any influences that may need to be taken into account.

Thinking along the lines of minimizing the amount of turning, we can feel the effects of our changes to measure the improvements. These sensations will nearly always be borne out by the stopwatch, so trust your senses. Besides straightening out the turns, our vision skills should always be looking far enough ahead. We learn to recognize track features such as surface irregularities and elevation changes. All of these abilities can be used to our advantage so our Porsche gets the most it can from the course.

Developing Vision By properly developing our vision, we can develop skills of knowing what to look for when analyzing and learning a track. We need to have reference points at places on the course where we wish to experiment with trying different lines.

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Parts/Acc

Porsches 1986 944 Turbo track car, but street legal, set up for PCA F class or PRC production, charlie arms, autopower full cage, 2 KLRs & DMEs with extra chips, sparco seats with 5-point harness (2004), 8” & 9” fuchs, strong engine and very smooth drivetrain, many extras( Car will be at special NASA Porsche event at Infineon on October 29-30).Ted Phillips twpmgp@value.net 530-622-2992 (days), 530-644-0980 (eves/weekends) (11)

1988 911 Carrera coupe, Diamond Blue Metallic, Marine Blue interior, Northern California car, 76,000 miles, Sticker, Purchase Order, manuals, tools, pump, no rain/snow, no smokers, no competition, no modifications, damage, body repairs or paint, engine/transmission never opened, everything functions as new. $29,500. Stuart Honse, PO Box 8320, Tahoe City, CA 96145 530/581-4393 stuarthonse@aol.com

1999 Carrera, Rare Glacier White exterior with Graphite Grey full leather interior. 19,000 miles, Factory Full Aero Kit, 18 inch Sport Classic II wheels, nearly new Pirelli PZero’s, Navigation, CD Changer, hi-fi sound, carbon fiber shift knob and handbrake, supple leather, short shift kit. Perfect car, no issues. All service up to date, new battery. $43,500. Please call Jim Finley @ (916) 716-4086 or email finley@vfr.net. (10)

2001 Boxster S, Lapis blue metallic w/ black leather interior. Tiptronic, just turned 40k miles, still under fact warranty. Xenon litronics, sport pkg, 18” turbo wheels, heated seats w/ memory, PSM, service records, new battery, garaged, non-smoker, adult driven, one owner car. $33,995. Interesting Porsche trades considered.

Excellent cond with all service up to date at Niello.

916-771-4476 or hbporter@comcast.net. (12)

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Porsche OEM Parts - 996 car cover $50.00, 996 red seat belts $200.00, 996/993/Boxster CD changer cartridge $20.00, 996/Boxster cell phone console (black) $100.00, 993/964 cell phone console (black) $100.00, 996/Boxster non smoker option (replaces ash tray) $50.00, 996/Boxster Brey-Krause fire ext bracket $40.00. Call Bill Wallace 916-716-7787. (10) Tires. Four 911 Comp T/A tires, still lots of tread, radials, tubeless. Two P225/50 R16 92V M/S, and two P245/50 R16, 96V M/S. $25.00 for all. Call Greg Peart (916) 684-6678. (11) Cup Wheels w/Dunlop Tires. Four 968 original equipment in good-excellent condition 16” Cup wheels.

Mounted Dunlop 9000 tires with 25K miles included at no charge. No Porsche crest hub included. $400.

Contact Dennis Stettner for more details. 916-787-1212 or dennis_judy@surewest.net. Local delivery only. No shipping. (12)

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