0802 February 2008

the drifter Sacramento Valley Region - Porsche Club of America

February 2008

On the Cover The Porsche Carrera GT Photo by Porsche Cars North America

Got Track?

TrackMasters Racing is a leader in High Performance Driver Education events in Northern California, and invites SVR-PCA drivers to participate in our events.

Laguna Seca - February 28th Infineon - March 21st Infineon - April 21st Thunderhill - May 2nd Reno/Fernley - May 17th & 18th Come out and stretch your car’s legs on some of the finest tracks in the country!

Fun, safe, and definitely . . .

No speeding tickets!

www.TrackMasters-Racing.com

2008 Board of Directors President Mike Willis 916.363.8313 2748 Tiffany West Way, Sacramento, CA 95827 president@svr.pca.org Vice President Bill Keegan 5104 Par Place, Rocklin, CA 95677-4226 vicepresident@svr.pca.org

www.derporsche.net

Volume 46, No. 2 Upcoming Events 3 - February, March, and April 4 - February Dinner Meeting 4 - Presidents’ Day Weekend Tour 5 - Porsche & Vintage VW Swap Meet 6 - March Dinner Meeting 6 - Half Moon Bay Tour 8 - Track Driving Introduction

916.415.1539

Secretary Kim Nelson 916.933.4282 305 Glen Ridge Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 secretary@svr.pca.org Treasurer Betty Silva 12 Oak Lane, Suisun Valley, CA 94534 treasurer@svr.pca.org

Features and Reviews 9 - Mendocino 2007 Tour 10 -December 15 SVR Christmas Party 12 -More Details on Panamera 12 - The CRAB 34 Beer ‘n’ Brat Picnic 13 - Why Concours?

14 - A Can of Oil, or a Can of Worms?

14 - 2007 SVR Zone Series Award Winners

707.864.0491

Social Director Cookie Anderson 916.988.6534 6320 Hickory Avenue, Orangevale, CA 95662 svrsocialdirector@sbcglobal.net

Columns and Departments 2 - Chilli’s Chatter 7 - Drifting Back 15 - January Board Meeting 16 -February Membership Report 19 - SVR Goodie Store 19 - Index of Advertisers 20 - The Last Word 20 - Drifter Classifieds

Membership Director Rik Larson 916.481.6084 2120 Maddox Court, Carmichael, CA 95608 membership@svr.pca.org Competition & Safety Director Frederick D. Rauch 916.989.3199 119 Copper Creek Drive, Folsom, CA 95630 fdr@fdrmotorsports.com Webmaster John Murphy 916.858.2304 11508 Armour Court, Gold River, CA 95670 webmaster@svr.pca.org Past President Jeff Kinder 916.765.2801 4320 Freemont’s Loop, Rescue, CA 95672 pastpresident@svr.pca.org Editor Bud Behrens 209.477.6496 6424 Culpepper Place, Stockton, CA 95207 budnmaryann@cs.com Zone 7 Representative Larry Sharp – Golden Gate Region 925.371.2258 1119 Megan Road, Livermore, CA 94550 larrysharp@comcast.net

February 2008

Information and Committee Directory Autocross Chair Matt Deter 916.630.8924 5645 Harvest Road, Rocklin, CA 95765 porsche@deter.com

Rally Chair Position Vacant

Driver Education Chair/Events Frederick D. Rauch 916.989.3199 6610Folsom-AuburnRd.,Ste.5-81Folsom,CA95630 fdr@fdrmotorsports.com/deevents@svr.pca.org

Technical Chair Lisa Thomas lisa@pure9design.com

Charity Chair Susan Fleming 916.985.4142 107 Cobb Court, Folsom, CA 95630 trfleming@comcast.net

G24 Chair Lee Deter 916.391.9956 758 Clipper Way, Sacramento, CA 95831 ldeter@yahoo.com

Concours Chair Kent Brandon 916.663.1702 3450 Hector Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658 kent.brandon@ncbb.net

Dummkopf Chair Randy Vidmar 916.624.3145 5207 Par Place Rocklin, CA 95677 oldbearbones@sbcglobal.net

Goodie Store Tom Sisson

Advertising Manager Dick MacFarlane

209.296.5352

916.220.5641

916.482.0652

14537 Surrey Junction Ln., Sutter Creek, CA 95685

5740 Windmill Way #11 • Carmichael, CA 95608

targatom@volcano.net

dickm@hpsionline.com

Sacramento Valley Region, Porsche Club of America (SVR), publishes the Drifter monthly for its members. Written contributions and photos are welcome and should be e-mailed to the editor. The deadline for material is one month prior to the month of publication. 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 others 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 that The Drifter is cited as the source.

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Chilli’s chatter

by Mike Willis

S

ince we have to prepare these articles so far in advance, here’s a little retrospection. The 2007 SVR Christmas party was a wonderful event, thanks to the efforts of Dennis & Judy Stettner, Kim Nelson, Rachel Johnson, Tom Kroetz, Cindy & Kent Brandon, and Dick McFarlane (or DJ). There was a problem with the public address system, and I apologize for that.

It was a little hard to hear and sometimes see what was going on. The food and service were great. Niello Porsche has invited us back for our next Christmas party. An additional plus was the opportunity we all had to visit with old and new friends in the wonderful atmosphere of the Niello show room.

By the time you read this article, our 2008 event-planning meeting will have taken place. If it was like any of the previous years’ planning sessions, we will have many good suggestions for our future events this year. If you were not able to attend and have any ideas for events you would like to see on the calendar, please contact Bill Keegan to determine whether your time frame coincides with available dates on our calendar. We are always open to any event in which we can come together with our Porsches and have fun.

To start off the year, Jim and Linda McMahen have planned are nice tour to Pacific Grove over Presidents’ Day weekend. The Monterey Peninsula is always a very pretty place to visit for a few days. See more information about the tour on page 4.

On April 4th and 5th we will have the Half Moon Bay tour chaired by Emily Willis.

It will include touring through the delta, a lunch stop in Livermore (wineries, what else?), plus a visit to the Filoli Gardens. Since the two nights of room fees are included in the tour costs, there is a February 15th reservation date because we will have to either release rooms or try and get additional rooms, depending on the number of tour reservations we receive.

April is the month for our premier Porsche event, CRAB 34. This is a continuous weekend party (FUN) that is occasionally interrupted by a few low-key competitive events. Please take a look at our webpage and click on the CRAB button or go to last month’s edition of The Drifter for all of the information. Note: there is a $15.00 discount for entries postmarked before February 1.

We shall continue to have dinner meetings and already have scheduled some very good ones. The February dinner meeting will be at the new Brick House Restaurant in Elk Grove. We found this establishment a couple of months ago and enjoyed the good food and fun atmosphere. In March we are going back to Wong’s Garden for excellent Chinese food. Later in the year we will visit some new establishments and return to some familiar old places. I think I will change the format of the dinner meeting part during the year to try and have a little more camaraderie.

Remember: if it s not fun,then why are we doing it?

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February, March and April Events

February 4 March 1

Social SVR Dinner Meeting at The Brick House, Elk Grove; see page 4.

Breakfast at Marie Caledar’s; for info, contact Cookie Anderson at 916.988.6534 or e-mail svrsocialdirector@sbcglobal.net

March 8

March 12

G24 Gathering at Baker’s Square, Fair Oaks; for info, contact Lee Deter at 916.391.9956 or e-mail ldeter@yahoo.com.

SVR Dinner Meeting at Wong’s Garden, Roseville; see page 6.

Tour February 16-18 Presidents’ Day Tour; see page 4.

April 4 - 6 Half Moon Bay Tour; see page 6.

March 13

February 23 April 18 – 20

Autocross and Track Track Driving - an Introduction; see page 8.

Other Porsche and Vintage VW Swap Meet; see page 5.

CRAB 34; see the January issue of The Drifter or go to the SVR website at www.derporsche.net and click the CRAB button on the left.

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9027 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624

February Dinner Meeting • Monday, February 4, 2008 Socializing at 6:30 P.M. • Dinner at 7:30 P.M.

Entrée Options: Italian Pot Roast - $21.50 Chicken Parmesan - $21.00 -- Sautéed with house tomato sauce, cheese stock & white wine Sole $19.50 -- Sautéed in butter & capers All entrées served with family-style minestrone soup, house salad, daily vegetable and choice of pasta (or French fries or baked potato) Coffee, Hot Tea or Iced Tea • No-host full bar available.

All prices per person. Reservations are required. Please contact Mike & Emily Willis 916.363.8313 or mikew@cwo.com or ewillis@cwo..com Please also leave your dinner selections. • Reservations without dinner selections will not be made.

Reservation and cancellation deadline is January 28th.

Those who cancel their reservations after the deadline or fail to show up for the dinner will be billed for their meals.

Presidents’ Day Weekend In Pacific Grove February 16th, 17th and 18th We will be staying at the Pacific Gardens Inn, where Innkeeper Robert Boerner, a Porsche owner, has eighteen rooms reserved.

The inn has a great location across the street from Asilomar and is a five-minute walk to the beach. You’ll also enjoy a morning continental breakfast and an afternoon wine and cheese offering.

The tour will depart from the Starbucks located at 1024 Florin Road (916.427.9312) at 9:00 A.M. on February 16th.

To add your name to the tour list, contact Jim or Linda McMahen at 916.924.1463 To reserve your room at the inn, call 800.262.1566 to receive the special rate.

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25th Year

Porsche & Vintage VW Literature, Toy/Model and Memorabilia Swap Meet Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel 5711 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles Saturday, February 23, 2008 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Admission $5.00 at 9:00 A.M. or early bird $25.00 at 7:30 A.M. There will be over 225 tables of collectibles and 25th anniversary goodies.

For vendor information, contact Wayne Callaway, 1504 East Cedar Street, Ontario, CA 91761, phone 909.930.1999, or go to the website at www.LALitAndToyShow.com.

Niello Porsche will meet or beat any written repair or service order estimate by any licensed independent Porsche repair facility... and perform the work where no one else can, the area’s most modern, state-of-the-art Porsche dealership.

Complimentary 29 point inspection for Porsche Club Members by appointment. Call today.

Niello Porsche Rocklin

4525 Granite Drive, Rocklin.

Showroom Hours M - Sa. 8:30am - 8:00pm Su. 10:30AM - 6:00PM Parts MF 8:00am - 6:00pm Service M-F 7:00am - 6:00PM Parts & Service Saturday 8:30am-3:00pm 1-888-298-3070 • (916) 625-8300

Niello Porsche has designated a Premier Porsche Dealer by Porsche Cars of North America. So now Niello is not only recognized as the longest continually operating Porsche dealership in America, we’re officially one of the best.

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March Dinner Meeting and Share-the-Wealth

Wong’s Garden Chinese Cuisine 201-F Harding Blvd, Roseville, CA 95678

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Socializing at 6:30 P.M. • Dinner at 7:00 P.M. Menu Choices: Orange Peel Beef • General Chicken Garlic Green Beans • Pork Chow Mein Egg Rolls • Egg Foo Young Dinner Price - $14.00 per Person Drinks may be purchased separately.

RSVP by March 8th by calling Cookie Anderson at 916.988.6534 or Karen Goffin McGlumphy at 916.725.9828.

People who make dinner reservations and then cancel after the deadline or who do not show will be charged for the cost of the meal if an expense is incurred by the club.

Half Moon Bay Tour - April 4,5,6 Tour through the Delta Picnic in Livermore and visit a winery Visit the lovely Filoli Gardens Visit many fine restaurants, galleries and shops Stay at Half Moon Bay Lodge or other lodging of choice $400 for standard room or $465 for deluxe room Includes two nights at the hotel and Filoli tour Space is limited, so reserve your space by sending your $200 deposit to: PCA-SVR • 2748 Tiffany West Way •Sacramento, CA 95827 Contact Emily or Mike Willis by February 15, 2008 916.363.8313 or ewillis@cwo.com 6

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Drifting Back – February 2008

by Larry Wilson

30 Years Ago (February 1978)

Pat Wilson chaired the February 18-20 San Simeon tour and, clever person that she is, got Paul Bates to lead the tour and got TWO participants, Betty Rhea and C.C. Overstreet, to each write a DRIFTER article about the event. Jim and Sheila McDade ran sweep with new members Laura and Bob Verdina closely shadowing Paul and Gail Bates up front. In between were the Rhea, Overstreet, Reynolds, Weatherwax, and Boswell cars, among others. That weekend Larry Wilson and Dave Neukom were in Portland entertaining the PCA executive council with SVR’s proposal to host the 1980 Porsche Parade. Sacramento was considered too hot for that Parade, but 20 years later, being hot was okay for the 2000 Porsche Parade.

The February 25 “Son of Low Bucks” practice autocross at Cal Expo, chaired by Mike Willis, was held under cloudy skies (but, no rain) for twenty-six SVR drivers who got many runs over the counter-clockwise course using the Lot A parking lot PLUS the access roads. Kern Breaux got so excited that he honked his horn every lap and then ran over the sound system not once but TWICE at the end of the event.

The next day, February 26, was the Swap Meet at Darrel Overstreet Racing Enterprises with C.C. Overstreet in charge.

The opportunities ranged from engine and suspension parts to accessories, wheels, tires, interiors, and restoration items. Dale Newhouse won the Dummkopf award during the day, and group adjourned to a high-class pizza parlor to celebrate Kirk Bradford’s birthday.

20 Years Ago (February 1988)

The February DRIFTER welcomed Elizabeth Carr as the newest contributing editor and Ken and Marcella Mitchell as DRIFTER photographers, who were asked to improve on Kirk Bradford’s technique of overexposing the left margin of every shot.

This issue also recognized SVR dual-member Susan Hageman, the nation’s winningest woman Porsche driver after she won her third consecutive SCCA Solo II annual championship at Salina, Kansas, in her A-Stock Porsche 911.

Kern Breaux, CRAB 17 chair, gave a run-down in this month’s DRIFTER of some who’s doing what: Tom and Tambra Kroetz doing the welcome party at the Red Lion, April 29; Mike Willis will be in charge of the April 30 autocross at Cal-Expo; Brian Perry (Redwood Region) and Don Henkel (Yosemite Region) doing the funkhana; and Rik Larson will be the rallymaster on Sunday, May 1.

Tina and John Murphy were the subjects of Elizabeth Carr’s SVR Profile column this month and, among other things, we learned that John was a Fighter Gator at Mather AFB where he met Tina, also in the USAF and also stationed at Mather.

10 Years Ago (February 1998)

The announcement for SVR’s February 11 competition interest-group meeting, hosted by Dwight Mitchell, invited those interested in autocross, rally, concours, and tech sessions, to meet and discuss ways to supplement SVR’s competitive event schedule for 1998. “Light refreshments” were promised, but no word on the outcome.

Something new for 1998 - a “Begegnen” (German word for “meeting”) on the second Friday of each month. The first “Begegnen” was held Friday, February 13th at the Metro Pizza & Grill. No reservations were required, people just ordered from the menu. Social Director, Sue Ambrozewicz, said over fifty people did show up, all undaunted by going out on Friday the 13th.

Mike Willis chaired the February 14-16 San Simeon Tour making it a Valentine’s Day event and arranged for week-end lodging and the Friday evening pool-side welcoming party/catered dinner at the Green Tree Inn in San Simeon. The tour was limited to 20 cars, so 27 cars were accepted. Lots of stormy weather on the way down, but clear skies for the rest of the weekend. A few minor mishaps - the Ambrozewicz car lost a wheel bearing, another car (no word on its owner) lost a water pump, another unnamed owner’s car suffered a holed radiator and, oh yes, another unnamed driver lost his/her car keys on the beach requiring a replacement key by FedEx to the motel.

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Taking your Porsche to the track: an introduction to drivers education (This is a non-driving event)

Ever pictured yourself driving at tracks such as Laguna Seca, Sears Point (AKA Infineon) and Thunderhill, but thought they were just for the pros? Mere mortals, such as you and I are allowed to drive on these tracks, but how do you get started?

Doug Gale a PCA-SVR member, PCA Approved DE Instructor and Owner of TrackMasters is presenting an introductory class for people who have never driven on a track, although experienced drivers will also pick up useful tips. Attendees will learn: * How to prepare for your first day

* What supplies to bring

* A typical day’s schedule

* Instruction program

* Basic driving techniques

* The driving “line”

* Safety considerations * Costs

You’ll see track videos shot from inside cars at speed, meet the Drivers Education Team from PCA-SVR and TrackMasters, and receive a list of websites containing driving videos, track maps and track driving info. As a result of attending this course, you’ll have fewer first day “jitters,” learn faster and have a much more relaxed experience.

When? Thursday, March 13, 7:00-9:00 P.M. Location TBD. Even if you’re only mildly interested or just want to know what the heck your spouse does out there all day, you’ll enjoy the class.

Cost? $20.00. Each attendee will receive TrackMasters t-shirt and a $25.00 discount certificate applicable to their first day.

To register or for questions, email Event Chairs Doug Gale at doug@trackmasters-racing.com (www.trackmasters-racing.com) or Doug Klein at dougk@surewest.net (916.791.4864) PCA-SVR Drivers Education Team Competition/Safety Director and Drivers Education Chair – Frederick D. Rauch Drivers Education Co-Chair – Doug Gale Chief Driving Instructor – Bob Peake Steward – Matt Deter

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Same time, every year!

Mendocino 2007 tour

by Rik Larson, photos by John Murphy

I

t was a new record for the tour, with more than 65 cars and more than 120 people participating. Redwood Region folks added another eighteen cars to the tour when they arrived on Saturday on the Mendocino Coast.

Besides the folks from Redwood Region, there were cars from San Diego, Golden Gate, Diablo, Sierra Nevada, and Sacramento Valley regions. More than 40 cars convened at Niello Porsche in Rocklin at 8:00 A.M. on Friday, November 2nd to begin the tour.

The staff at Niello provided everyone with coffee and donuts.

The first stop (i.e. potty break) on the tour was near Dixon.

About ten cars joined the group at this point and everyone proceeded to the lunch stop at the Lake Sonoma Park near Geyserville. The picnic setting was at the park at the base of the dam.

Several cars from the Bay Area join the group here as well. After lunch, cars split up into smaller groups to make their way to the coast. Some of the cars took Skaggs Road (a wonderful Porsche road that can cause you to lose your lunch) over to California 1 and then continued up the coast. Most of the cars took the more scenic California 128 highway thru the redwoods. After passing thru the little town of Boonville, we saw a number of tour cars at the many wineries along the route.

The Friday evening social was again at the MacCallum House Suites. Frederick Rauch had arranged for the use of the entire kitchen, lobby, and dining room for us. Leftovers from lunch, appetizers and finger foods were the faire for the evening. Many folks used this as a jumping off point for dinner at many of the fine restaurants in the historic village of Mendocino.

As Saturday morning rolled around, many of the tourists opted to have breakfast at the Bay View Cafe. A quick trip over to the MacCallum House main building found several more of them enjoying the breakfast that is included with the stay there.

By 10:00 A.M. about 50 people had gathered at the Emerald Dolphin miniature golf facility in Fort Bragg for a little competition organized by Rich McGlumphy. Rich had organized everyone into teams, and then had them switch partners to created new teams (a move that takes care of the possible disagreements that might have otherwise taken place between men/husband/

woman/wife, etc.). Winners were announced at the kite flying later that afternoon.

And then the town of Mendocino began to fill up with people. Almost everywhere one encountered Porsche folks gathered in small groups and sharing their experiences of the day.

The folks from Redwood Region began to gather just around noontime. They had made lunch reservations at the Mendocino Hotel for 35 people!

And then 2:00 P.M. came - and the winds did not. Our kite flying was not to be (at least not at that hour). There were many attempts to get the kites up (and, fortunately, no one went over the edge into the ocean). And then the cars from Redwood Region showed up. The wind finally came up around three o’clock, and about ten kites were observed hanging in the sky. The top kite flying awards, courtesy of Niello Porsche, went to Karl Wagenhoffer and Steve Goltz. A special “POOP” award was made to Chrissie Neukom (Redwood Region) for finding that something special to step in.

Saturday evening found more than 50 people having dinner at Silver’s at the Wharf in Fort Bragg. Redwood Region had organized this for their group and had extended an open invitation to join this great get-together.

Sunday morning found about forty people taking in the breakfast at the Fort Bragg Grange, where for $5.00 you got pancakes, eggs, sausage and a drink. This has become a tradition for many of the regular group attendees. And some of the folks from Redwood Region were in attendance as well.

Same Time, Next Year!

Planning for the 2008 Mendocino tour has already begun.

It will be during the first weekend in November. (Actually we will depart for the coast on Friday, October 31st,which is Halloween). So be sure and mark you calendar now. And also note that we will get an extra hour of sleep on November 2nd because of the change from Daylight Savings Time back to Standard Time. Twenty-five couples have already indicated that they intend to join the tour. Rooms will fill up fast. Information is available on the SVR website at www.derporsche.net or contact Rik and Lettie Larson at 916.481.6084. the drifter

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December 15, 2007

Toni & Jerry Moore The showroom at Niello Porsche

Rachel Johnson & Phil Lawrence Cindi & Kern Breaux present $5,330 raised at the Charity Auction to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

Britt & Jenny Cooper Sally & Ron Boeck

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SVR Christmas Party

SVR Merrymakers Matt & Ann Hamel

Alice Schilla & Doug Klein Tom Lee, Frederick Rauch, Russ Hildebrand

Jeff & Kim Kinder

Photos by Mary Ann Behrens, Pat deWitt, and Laurie Lee

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Ground breaking four-door GT to be offered with Porsche hybrid system

More details on Panamera courtesy PCNA*

O

n January 7th, 2008 Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, announced today that it is developing a hybrid drive version of its highly anticipated four-door Gran Turismo. The Panamera Hybrid will utilize the same gas-electric drive concept as the Cayenne Hybrid that comes to market at the end of the decade and will claim a remarkable 30% reduction of fuel consumption.

The full parallel hybrid system of the Panamera will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment, and hybrid module, comprising of an additional clutch and electric motor, will be between the engine and transmission.

Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module has the ability to disengage either the combustion engine or the electric motor, or to combine both drive systems as one joint power unit. This flexibility results in benefits such as a zero emissions driving mode, fuel savings in both city and highway driving and maximum performance when desired.

The Panamera, which represents Porsche’s fourth model line, will make its world debut in 2009 and promises to redefine the Gran Turismo category by featuring a unique design package that will afford equally generous front and rear space and seating comfort for four while retaining the sporting and unmistakable driving dynamics of every Porsche. Introduced initially with traditional drive trains, the hybrid version of the Panamera will be offered at a later date.

*Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 212 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

The CRAB 34 beer ‘n’ brat picnic

by Andy and Dianna Leight (cooks) and Kim Kinder (bottle washer) So much to do, so little time. Yes, it will be a busy weekend but the Beer ‘n’ Brat is the opportunity to slow down, reflect on all the weekend’s activities, share with friends old and new before departing, and take care of those empty stomachs. The menu will include brats, sauerkraut, potato salad, dessert, and plenty of beer. Service will begin at noon o’clock, at the VFW Hall, and will require that you wear your wristband. While you munch on good food, weekend awards will be presented and the last door prizes will distributed to some lucky people.

Let’s give a big round of applause and a hearty THANK YOU to IPB-Autosport for their generous support of SVR by sponsoring the CRAB 34 Beer ‘n’ Brat.

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Why Concours?

by Dave Yerzley, Riverside Region

“Y

ou’re entering an event where you are paying someone to tell you how lousy your car is. That, my friends, is not normal behavior. Revel in your masochism and you’ll be ok.”

- James Brackenrig

So the people who show their cars in concours must be a bunch of old guys who are afraid to drive them the way they were intended to be driven, so they hover and obsess around them with toothpicks and q-tips, right? Well, let’s not jump to conclusions so fast.

I’ve got a 1972 911T Targa that I bought new. It’s still mostly original, including the paint, and it looks pretty good, but no one would look at it closely and mistake it for a new car. But I know of a few cars as old or older, which are also original and look like they could still be on the showroom floor. I wish my car looked as good as those cars do. How did they do that? But I’m getting ahead of myself here. Let me tell you a little bit about my own concours experiences.

My wife and I joined PCA at the end of 2001, just after her new Boxster S had been delivered. The following year we went to the Boise Parade and, to get into the spirit of the event, we entered every competition. Never having participated in a concours before, we spent a lot of time working on the car, trying to figure out where judges might look and coming up with ways to clean and prepare areas we had never even thought about before. We had a real advantage in that the car was relatively new, and, for beginners, we did pretty well, placing 4th in a field of 16 Boxsters. After we got back, we cleaned the car up again and entered a concours in Wash & Shine, again doing reasonably well, but still with room for improvement.

Not too long afterward, we bought a 1973 911S coupe. I had wanted the car to drive, but it was in such fundamentally good condition that I thought with a little effort it would make a good show car, so we got to work on it. We entered it in Wash & Shine a couple of times over the next year. We also went to judging schools and to various seminars on car care given by vendors to see what we could learn.

Finally we decided to progress to Street division, in which the engine and storage compartments are added to the judged areas. This decision brought with it a new set of challenges.

Finish of the sheet metal pan around the engine not too good?

Drop the engine to the floor, take out all that stuff and have it

Photo by Mary Ann Behrens

powder coated. How do you repair the carpeting in the trunk with its multiple thin areas and small holes? What a mess the gas heater compartment was! But we managed to figure out how to get those and other tasks done and entered more events, getting compliments about how much progress we were making with the car and with our own skills. Without really planning to do so, we ended up participating in most of the zone events, winning class and division championships.

So is all this really an exercise in masochism? At least once each time I’m getting a car ready for a show, I end up asking myself: “self, why in the world are you doing all this work?” And then recently I realized that in the process of cleaning, touching up paint, repairing that old carpeting that Porsche used to use (it’s really not much more than compacted lint), waxing and polishing and so on, I’d acquired a really useful set of skills. Now I have some idea about how those people managed to keep their old cars not just well, but like new. When l approach a car to clean it, I look at all sorts of places which most people never even think of but which, in the aggregate, can make the difference between a car looking ok and looking really nice. I’ve worked out all sorts of little techniques and tricks for cleaning some of these areas.

Although it’s not the only possibility, participation in the various events that make up the Zone 7 Concours Series is an efficient way to learn, and also to have some good times with your fellow club members. At these events you’ll have access to tremendous amounts of expertise and experience which you can take advantage of and, when the car is judged, you’ll get lots of feedback about how well what you’re doing is working, from people who have evaluated a lot of cars. You’ll be able to take even greater pride in your Porsche, knowing that it’s in the best possible condition.

So how best to get started? Go to the Zone 7 website at www.pca.org/zone7/, click on the Concours button and download or read the concours rules and car classification list. Then start preparing your car and coming to events in the 2008 Zone 7 concours series. With a little fun and effort, you can become an expert yourself in taking care of your car.

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A can of oil, or a can of worms?

By Chris Rotvik (reprinted from DER ANZEIGER, Oregon Region) Oil and Controversy are seemingly inseparable. Setting global supply, national security and profit issues aside, PCA’s Tech Q&A has seen a bit of traffic lately about oil weights, brands, and change intervals. Der Anzeiger has received a letter penned

by Hervé Blanquart of Total Lubricants, a distribu­tor of ELF engine oils, educating us on certain other issues at hand. Excellence magazine has included a fabulous piece by Jim Pasha on the subject of engine oil. What’s the buzz about?

It helps to know that Porsche conducts very rigorous oil testing, periodically publishing approved oils as a technical information bulletin. Their testing regimen simulates the stress of running the Nürburgring as well as the more mun­dane cycles your engine experiences. Oil approval is based on precise measurements of internal friction, engine (particu­larly bearing and valve train) wear, and oil oxidation and engine cleanliness after more than 200 hours of operation. One could say it’s the Porsche of oil testing procedures. Ask your service advisor for the list of approved oils or go to Porsche Technical Service Information (https://techinfo.porsche.com/techinfo/index.jsp).

Hervé Blanquart brings to light the controversy centering on the anti-wear agent ZDTP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate).

In response to the EPA, the amount of ZDTP in engine oil is being reduced in an effort to prolong catalytic converter life and reduce the amount of heavy metals introduced into the environment. Some Porsche owners (primarily those of earlier air-cooled cars) are concerned about increased wear (particularly to camshafts). ELF’s Excellium NF 5W40 (Porsche-approved and available through German auto spe­cialists) is being promoted as a solution. Others are running higher-ZDTP oils designed for commercial diesel use, or oil additives, which are increasingly seen as suboptimal choices.

The subject of oil change intervals prompts nearly as much controversy, with the manufacturers going increasingly long (Porsche is at 20,000 miles or 2 years for the 997) while en-

thusiasts (and oil change franchises) stay closer to 3,000 miles.

What are often overlooked are the conditions under which the car is operated. For those of you who don’t think your Porsche is operated under severe conditions (ignoring autocross or DE events), here’s a wake-up call. Severe duty includes driving less than five miles per trip (less than ten as temperatures approach freezing), driving when it’s over 90º F, and a high percentage of stop-and-go driving. The first and last items pretty much define the daily drive or a run to the store. Jim Pasha offers conservative viewpoint is (assum­ing urban commute cycle): 7,500 miles for water-cooled 911s and Boxsters, 5,000 miles for 993s, and 3,000 miles for ear­lier 911s, 928s and 944s. He supports this with a great deal of logic and personal experience. It’s worthwhile reading.

A good deal of the traffic on PCA’s Tech Q&A has ques­tioned the use of what Porsche terms “non-seasonal light-running” oils, those rated 0W- or 5W-xx, in the later generations of Porsches.

Those small “W” numbers frighten old-schoolers accustomed to running a meaty 20W-50. Porsche now approves only non-seasonal light-running oils. In addition to lubrication and cooling, newer Porsches use engine oil as a hydraulic activator for features such as Vario-Cam Plus, requiring the approved oils for effective operation. They also provide faster flow during cold temperature starts, reducing a significant source of engine wear.

Finally, don’t assume that all brands marketed as “Porsche approved” (Mobil 1, for example) pass Porsche’s tests. Many of the Porsche-approved brands also offer oils engineered to lesser specifications, and it’s these lower-grade oils that are found at the typical auto parts store or oil change franchise. If you’re the proud owner of another European vehicle, don’t just settle for the right viscosity. Check your owner’s manual for the required rating—such as VW 502.00 or ACEA A3/ B4—and make certain the oil meets that rating as well.

2007 SVR Zone 7 rally and concours series award winners

by Rik Larson and Bud Behrens

Rally (There were five rallies presented in the series, with the best four events for each entrant being counted.)

First Place (Tie): Jessica Toney (GGR) and J. Toney (SVR) Third Place (Tie): Rik Larson (SVR), Keith McMahan (SVR), Richard Wetzel (SVR) Sixth Place (Tie): Hubert Lee (GGR), Jenny Lee (GGR)

Series 2007

Concours (There were nine concours presented in the series, with the best six events for each entrant being counted.)

First Place in Wash & Shine 3: Jim McMahen (five events, 995.75 points) First Place in Wash & Shine 5: Kent Brandon (five events, 994.00 points)

Rally Concours Autocross

In order to be eligible for a year-end award, an entrant must compete in at least 51% of the events.

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January 9, 2008 SVR board meeting

by Kevin Dougherty (for Kim Nelson, SVR Secretary)

P

resident Mike WIllis called the meeting to order at 7:02 Attending: Mike Willis, Bill Keegan, Kevin Dougherty, Cookie Anderson, Jerry Cupler, Rik Larson, Dick MacFarlane, Jeff and Kim Kinder, Lee Deter, Betty Silva, Mark Judish, John Murphy and Frederick Rauch. The December minutes were reviewed and accepted.

approved due to the fact is that this will assist in increasing revenue for SVR from the DE events in the future.

New Business

• Financial Report (Betty Silva): The C/D came due today and will be renewed for three months. A request from the Towe museum for a renewal fee of $150 was approved. Towe requested a list of members who would like free admission cards, which would require us to provide our member mailing list. In the past, all we have had to do is to show our PCA membership card. Kim Nelson will be directed to discuss with Towe so that we be able to keep this member benefit.

P.M.

• Resignation: Ray Silva has resigned as 2008 Treasurer. Betty Silva was appointed to replace him.

• 2008 Budgets: There was prompt response from the board in starting the process. Betty will respond to all requests this weekend.

• Calendar: A preview of the calendar was discussed; several events were added.

• Events of the Year Eligibility: Think about board members who chair events not being considered for this award for obvious reasons.

Old Business • Drifter Mailing: Rik gave an overview of the new first class mailing of The Drifter. Approximately 100 copies are mailed at a cost of $1.31 per copy due to the 200 minimum number of copies mailed for bulk rate. The “Corvette tire track” should disappear with the bar coding of the mailing labels. It costs $280.00 to print 200 copies. The 4oz. rate to mail The Drifter, which weighs just over 3 ounces, leaves room for four more pages or a one-sheet insert.

• Drifter/Roster Advertising: A list of advertisers who have not paid their bill was discussed. Dick will follow up with those who have yet to pay. We are looking to print the roster during the first part of March with a “centerfold” ad being created to boost revenue.

Board Member Reports • CRAB 34 (Mark Judish): Plans are moving along. Mark discussed with Mike about taking flyers to the Zone 7 presidents meeting and awards banquet. Mark is going to the next G24 meeting to talk about CRAB and wants a couple of e-mail blasts sent to the entire membership. The website needs to be updated and brought closer to the top of the homepage. There is a 200person limit at CRAB. Mark could use some help.

• Competition (Frederick Rauch): We are still looking for a rally chairperson. The Laguna Seca driving event had 75 drivers. $1,900 was brought in, even though there was rain on both days. There was a non-injury incident on Friday, and all reports to National have been submitted. Frederick requested $620 to increase the PCA instructors DE pool for SVR. A discussion ensued and a motion was made, seconded and

• Drifter (Bud Behrens): Report received and approved.

• Goodie Store (Tom Sisson): Report received and approved.

• G24 (Lee Deter): A breakfast meeting has been scheduled on March 8th at 8:00 A.M. at Baker’s Square on Fair Oaks Boulevard.

• Membership Director (Rik Larson): National shows we have 635 primary members, 506 associate members, and 10 dual members. A discussion ensued about putting the calendar and the web address in a prominent place in the roster.

• Social (Cookie Anderson): Two months this year do not have a dinner meeting scheduled. Cookie suggested breakfast meetings once a month and will bring it up at the planning meeting. She threw out the idea of another CPR day this year.

• Webmaster (John Murphy): Micronesia hit our site this month.

A million and a half folks visited our site in 2007. We are averaging 120,00 hits a month lately; The Drifter is a big hit for visitors (always in the top five).

• Vice President (Bill Keegan): Bill updated the calendar. Mike directed Bill to ensure that each event follows the policy statement, mainly for the sake of the event-of-the-year award.

• Past President (Jeff Kinder): Jeff griped about his January Drifter being late. Just kidding.

• President (Mike Willis): Mike is still working with Jim Webber, service manager at Niello Porsche, to get tech articles for The Drifter. Mike passed out three suggested changes in the policy statement for the board to review. They were approved and will be sent to the secretary for revision of the official policy statement.

Adjournment was at 9:04 P.M. The next meeting will be at RPM on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Kevin Dougherty for Kim Nelson, 2008 Secretary

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Join in – February membership Report

by Rik Larson, SVRMembership Director

SVR has 635 Regular Members, and 506 Affiliate members for a total of 1,141 members plus 10 Dual Members.

Directory Update:If you have any corrections for our directory database, please contact Rik Larson. We will be publishing a new directory in February 2008. Deadline for updates is February 15, 2008.

New Members (Joined December 2007) Craig & Tracy Carter Folsom, CA 95630 tdcdc1977@comcast.net 916.996.1496 Jim & Carol Kinnicutt Folsom, CA 95630 jkinnicu@yahoo.com 916.985.7770 Paul & Jackie Mehus Los Gatos, CA 95032 paul@mehus.com 408.395.2388 Patty Nicholas Sacramento, CA 95821 916.971.3253

’77 911S

Mario Zanotto Marysville, CA 95901 zanottma@pulsarco.com 530.632.5174

Steve Everett & Leslie Silvers 510.299.8713 ’74 911

Transfers

’05 Boxster

Mike & Bryan Rooney Rocklin, CA 95677.4017 866.464.2834 ’74 911 (from Santa Barbara Region) Changes

’64 356C Mark Alcorn & Lisa Cavanaugh 916.863.0923 ’05 Boxster

Dave & Kathi Eckert tuscanyskydoc@gmail.com

David & Gale Schultz Sacramento, CA 95864 dave@westernwaterfeatures.com 916.417.3284 ’91 911C2

Gregory Peairs n114pj@aol.com 916.925.1273 Tom Ware tomdamit@att.net Anniversaries John & Rosemarie LaBelle [5] Doug & Cheri Martin [5] Laura & Kevin Shaffer [5] Thom Penner [5] Gary & Juanita Schultz [10] Darrell & Cheryl Johnson [10] Gregory Peairs [10]

2008 SVR directory update deadline

by Rik Larson

The directory/roster is being finalized and we need to know if you have any changes that you would like made.

The deadline for changes or corrections is February 15, 2008. Just contact Rik Larson at 916.481.6084 or email him at membership@svr.pca.org Changes in our database are made based upon input from you as well as any notifications from the PCA National organization that you may make online or at the time of your membership renewal.

E-mail addresses are the most common change, closely followed by car type.

You can expect to see the 2008 SVR Directory in your mailbox in March.

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fdrmotorsports.com

Offering PCA Club Member Pricing On Performance and Appearance Products

Frozen Rotors Brey-Krause Crow Enterprises Porterfield Pagid Sparco CarGraphic USA UniChip Call or visit our website Phone 916.989.0580 E-mail: fdr@fdrmotorsports.com

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MP Parts We have a wide variety of used parts for late model

Porsches We specialize in Boxster, 996 and other models.

3501 Recycle Road • Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 (916) 638-1323 • (916) 853-8577 FAX Check out our inventory at www.mazdaporscheparts.com

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day

by Tom Sisson

I

t’s February again, and you know what that means, don’t you? Yep, Valentine’s Day is almost here and once again you have to think of a present for your significant other. Didn’t we just get through with Christmas? Relax - just call Saint Valentine’s agent at the GOODIE STORE!

The hot items right now are the T-shirts with Porsche embroidery for only $20.00. Also, it must be time to replace that SVR Polo shirt for only $30.00. We have some in stock and can order more reasonably quickly. Check out the SVR web site for more info.

Don’t forget, heavyweight SWEATSHIRTS with Porsche script are available in red, black, white and Navy. Also available are FLEECE VESTS, JACKETS, DENIM SHIRTS, and other garments. And the logos aren’t limited to the Porsche script; we can order the crest in the old style, the new style, and black and white. Various cars can also be put on the garments-there are 911s, 356s, 928s, 914s and Boxsters. It may even be possible to match your car’s color.

Did you know that Valentine’s Day was originally created as a substitute to a fifth century pagan fertility rite. The Romans celebrated a young man’s rite of passage by holding a lottery in midFebruary. The names of teenage girls were drawn at random by teenage boys. Thus a young man was assigned a young woman companion for their mutual pleasure (often sexual) for a year. After the year was up another lottery was held.

Sounds like a good deal doesn’t it? However, as Christianity spread, Church leaders resolved to replace the pagan rite with a day honoring a “lovers” saint named Valentine, a third century bishop who had been martyred for the cause of love. Emperor Claudius had forbidden marriage because he believed that married men made poor soldiers. Valentine disagreed with the emperor and married young lovers in secret. Claudius had Valentine seized, imprisoned, clubbed, stoned, and then beheaded.

While awaiting execution, Valentine sent little love notes to his followers. It is also believed that while in prison he fell in love with the jailer’s blind daughter, and that God enabled him to miraculously restore her sight. His farewell message to her supposedly contained a closing that transcended time: “From Your Valentine”.

Traditionally, mainly due to the lottery, mid-February was a Roman time to court prospective mates. The young men instituted a custom of offering women they admired handwritten greetings of affection on February 14. The cards became known as Valentine’s Day cards. Doesn’t that just give you goose bumps? I know: you would have rather heard more about the red underwear!

Contact your friendly Goodie Store! See Tom Sisson at meetings and events, or contact him at 14537 Surrey Junction Lane, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, 209.296.5352 or Email targatom@volcano.net. Items can be mailed for a small shipping/handling fee.

Index of Advertisers A & S BMW European Body Shop FDR Motorsports

Frank’s Automotive

IPB – Autosport

Karma Kreations

MP Parts Niello Porsche

OK Tire ‘n’ Wheel

PartsHeaven Performance Products

The Racer’s Group Reflections in Glass

RPM Kart Racing

Silver Star Recycling Trackmasters

Walt Stickel

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18 2 17 IBC IFC 8 18 5, BC IBC 18 17 17 2 3 19 IFC 7 19

The last word

by Bud Behrens

In Memoriam Ron Leppke, a long time PCA member, passed away on December 27, 2007 of an apparent heart attack. Ron was a member of PCA for over forty years and was a charter member of Diablo Region. Since 2005 Ron served as the Zone 7 Photographer. He attended many events during those years, taking pictures of our cars and of us. Many of his photos appeared in The Drifter and in other newsletters in Zone 7. Among his other accomplishments was his outstanding editorship of The Advocate, newsletter of Diablo Region.

Ron had a love of good music and possessed a fine singing voice; he was a member of a Bay Area choral group that toured Russia several years ago. When not talking about Porsches and PCA, Ron and I often had discussions about the art he loved.

He had a strong love for Porsches and for PCA in general. His presence and his efforts on behalf Zone 7 will be greatly missed.

Workshop for prospective editors A request has been submitted to the SVR planning committee to place on the SVR activities calendar a workshop for members who might be interested in taking over the editorship of The Drifter beginning in January 2009. This workshop will be designed for members with little or no previous editorial/publishing experience. The workshop will be held in my home in Stockton because that’s where all the necessary hardware and software needed to make an effective presentation is located.

Drifter Classifieds Porsches for Sale 2005 Carrera S: Seal Gray/black, sport seats, rare GT2/3 rear seat delete option, 19-inch wheels in body color; sport exhaust, Tiptronic; CD changer. red belts and gauges; 2,900 miles, never in the rain. $75,000. E-mail Bill Wallace at Bills911997@aol.com. (01/08) 2001 Boxster Tiptronic: Orient Red Metalic/black leather interior; 6955 actual miles. This is the lowest mileage Boxster for sale on the west coast. Heated seats; sport pkg; comfort pkg; optional Boxster Design alloy wheels with painted crests; new rear tires; new battery; includes car cover. $29,800 Contact hbporter@comcast.net or 916.771.4476 Roseville, CA for photos and more info. (12/07) 1996 911 Coupe: Guards Red/black leather, moon roof, 6-speed transmission, 58k miles. Asking $39,900. Call Kevin McCann at 916.447.7558 (12/07) 1976 911S: 2.7L motor, ’73 E cams, 40mm Webers, new clutch. Contact Rodley Moser at 775.741.1199 or e-mail Darn2tin@aol.com. (12/07)

1970 911E 2.2: Original green; runs, needs work; new 16” rims and tires; have new fender and other parts plus original Fuchs rims with tires. $8,500 obo. Russell Green, 2789 Carradale Drive, Roseville, CA 95661; telephone 916.709.9028 (01/08) 1961 356 B Roadster Super 90: Rust free, solid car. Restored in 2002. Guards Red, tan interior. Connelly leather seats. Hot rod engine, 5-speed transmission. Very quick. Disc brakes. Former racecar. $100,000/OBO. Contact Duane Spencer, Lakehead, CA 96051. Phone 530.238.2198, FAX 530.238.2846. (01/08)

Porsche Parts Front bumper from ’96 C4S (Turbo); Arena Red metallic, needs re-spray. $750. E-mail drokhovat@renaissance-dental.com. or call 916.760.2054 or e-mail (01/08)

Drifter Classifieds for Porsches and/or Porsche-related parts or accessories are available at no charge to PCA members (pictures with text are $15 each); non-members may submit ads, $20 each; pictures with text add $15 each (member & non-member). Make check payable to PCA-SVR and send with ad to PCS-SVR, P.O. Box 254651, Sacramento, CA 95865-4651. Commercial ads are not accepted. Please contact our Advertising Manager for commercial advertising information and rates. All ads must be submitted by e-mail to the Newsletter Editor and received by the editor by the 1st day of the month prior to the month of publication. Ads may be shortened to fit available space. Editor is not responsible for content and reserves the right to reject any ads submitted. Not responsible for any errors or omissions. As an additional benefit to our members, all ads are included in the classified section of our web page. Ads are not verified for content. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify the information in the ads. Ads run for three months unless cancelled.

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Frank’s AUTOMOTIVE Since 1969 Since 1969

Independent Service and Repair Porsche | BMW | Audi | Mercedes | VW | Volvo

Frank Lettini Nick Lettini 5220 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95819 Lic # 010502

916-452-0917

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Cards

Our motto: “If you like our work,tell others.

If not, tell us.”

Sacramento Valley Region Porsche Club of America Post Office Box 254651 Sacramento, CA 95865-4651

(c)2006 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

Niello Porsche has been designated a Premier Porsche Dealer by Porsche Cars of North America.

So now we’re not only recognized as the longest continually operating Porsche dealership in America, we’re officially one of the best.

Visit today and see why.

Niello Porsche Rocklin

4525 Granite Drive, Rocklin Showroom Hours M - Sa. 8:30am - 8:00pm Su. 10:30AM - 6:00PM Parts MF 8:00am - 6:00pm Service M-F 7:00am - 6:00PM Parts & Service Saturday 8:30am-3:00pm 1-888-298-3070 • (916) 625-8300 • niello.com