President
Steve Sullivan
Die PORSCHE Plauderei
St. Charles, MO 63304 president@stl.pca.org
Vice-president
Ric Smith Ballwin, MO 63011 vicepresident@stl.pca.org
Secretary
Patty Paster Clayton, MO 63105 secretary@stl.pca.org
Treasurer
Kelis Thacker Clayton, MO 63105 treasurer@stl.pca.org
Board Members
Dave Boyd
Tom Campbell
Stephen Curet
Daleesa Curet
Linda Dunn
Jim Fiss
Nancy Goodman
Dan Hinkebein
Morgan Howard
Eric Kirkpatrick
Josh Landau
Arlene Molina
Mike Molina
Marek Parafiniuk
Lisa Goforth-Naes
Robert Naes
Jim Smith
Sherrill Smith
Bob Tamsky
Ted Zimmermann
President Emeritus
Steve Warren
Region Website: http://stl.pca.org
Region Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/stlpca/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stlpca X http://twitter.com/StLouisPCA
Die Porsche Plauderei is the official publication of St. Louis Region, PORSCHE CLUB OF AMERICA. Opinions expressed herein represent the views of the authors only. Associate Regions, by this statement, are authorized to use materials in this publication provided proper credits are included. Deadline for articles or information for publication is the 15th of the month prior to publication. Submissions may be edited for grammar and length. Editor reserves the right to edit all material and to publish only material that is felt to be in the best interest of the Region. Forward inquiries and materials for publication to ESSINC Group, Box 510109, St. Louis, MO, 63151-0109 e-mail: plauderei@stl.pca.org Send changes of address to membership@stl.pca.org or by mail to St. Louis Region PCA, Box 510109, St. Louis, MO, 63151-0109.
Columbia Porsche Group Southern IL & SE Missouri Quincy / Hannibal
Allen Maddy Karl Robinson Mark Hickerson columbiaporsche group@stl.pca.org southeasternmissouri@stl.pca.org qh@stl.pca.org
Membership Chair Safety Chair Social Events Chairs
Josh Landau Dan Hinkebein Tom Capmbell membership@stl.pca.org safety@stl.pca.org socialevents@stl.pca.org
Public Relations Chair Car Show Chair HPDE Events
Linda Dunn Ric Smith Todd Sylvainus publicrelations@stl.pca.org carshow@stl.pca.org Sherrill Smith stlpcahpde@gmail.com
Plauderei Editor Digital Media Chair Zone 10 Rep. Earlwayne Stumpf Dave Boyd Stephen Kemp plauderei@stl.pca.org websitesocialmedia@stl.pca.org Zone10Rep@pca.org
President’s Message
August 2024
Well here we are...August is upon us, and we’ve had a busy summer. By the time you read this, we will have visited the brand new, state-of-the-art Porsche St. Louis Service Center in the Chesterfield Valley. It is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by their highly trained service team and technicians. No doubt this new facility will help provide even more of their excellent service to all of us. A big Thank You to all the folks at the IndiGo Auto Group that helped make that happen.
On August 1st, we will have our Thirsty Thursday at Fitz’s Root Beer in South County at 6:30 pm. Then, the All-Porsche Car Show at Porsche St. Louis on August 18th is shaping up to be a big event. Porsche St. Louis has once again graciously allowed us to use their building, complete with air-conditioning! So we won’t be sweating our youknow-what off like we did last year. It is summer in the city, so we all know what to expect in August. Could be beautiful...could be hot and humid. But this year we will have the show at their Beautiful, and roomy facility, So sign up when you see the event posted.
The Columbia Porsche Group will have a tour to Jefferson City, visit the Car Show at Capitol Mall and then meet for dinner at Paddy Malone’s Irish Pub on August 31st. The route will follow the curvy mid-Missouri roads along the river going to Jeff City. It is always a leisurely, pretty drive and everyone is invited to attend. Plus, it is pretty cool to visit the capital of Missouri this time of year. Then on September 5th, Thirsty Thursday will be a Michael’s Bar & Grill in Midtown Maplewood.
A new shipment of St. Louis Region grille badges came in recently and have sold several already. If you mount it on your car, please send me a pic of it at president@ stl.pca.org We have had many new members joining each month and coming to the many events. It is great to see all these new faces show up and be part of the fun and contribute new ideas. Be sure to say “Hello” and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know and welcome them to your Club.
Happy Motoring!
Steve Sullivan
Thirsty Thursday
Fitz’s South County
5244 S. Lindbergh Blvd.
6:30 p.m., August 1st, 2024
Summer has thrown just about any kind of weather you can imagine at us...tripledigit heat...record heavy rains...flooding...it’s definitely been a St. Louis Summer - wait a minute and the weather will change. All the more reason to seek the cool shelter of Fitz’s South County and toast the Summer with an icy root beer. Join us at Fitz’s South County at 5244 South Lindbergh - just west of the Ronnie’s theater complex on Lindbergh. Fitz’s serves up a wide variety of family favorites alongside its remarkable root beer. Of course, you can opt for something a little more adult if you prefer, but it’s tough to pass up at least a taste of Fitz’s famous. Come with a thirst and a hearty appetite.
There will be no official meeting or agenda associated with this event. Just an evening of sharing great food and beverages surrounded by your Porsche friends. Reservations are required, so look for the event on
www.msreg.com/Fitz-Soco to RSVP. Please make your reservations by July 30th so we can save your place around the table. See you there!
Editor’s Notes
This month, your editor starts his 51st year as a PCA member ( in other words, the editor is getting old). Age has been a popular topic recently, and some Board members have suggested that it might be in the best interest of the Region if we start breaking in a potential next generation editor. Putting this newsletter together isn’t that hard - there aren’t that many rules you have to know about electronic newsletters... newsletter content...copyrights, etc. But it does require a little technical knowledge of some rather complex software programs... Adobe InDesign...Adobe Acrobat....Photoshop...and it helps if you’re fluent in Microsoft Word and Excel. Some experience with graphic art programs comes in handy every now and then, too. Your editor is not planning on going anywhere soon, but no one can predict the future, so perhaps a little caution about the future might be in order. I’d be happy to help anyone with some knowledge of these software programs dip their toes into these publishing waters. If you’re interested, give me a shout at essincgroup@ gmail.com and we’ll see where we go from there.
• High Performance Audio Systems
• Stealth Radar & Laser Protection
• Apple Car Play & Android Auto
• Clear Paint protection
• Window Treatments
• Wheel Restoration & Color change
• Back up & Forward Safety Cameras
• Custom front Skid plates & More !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMz2N3-3ASo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHtIF1xjB1o
All Porsche Car Show
Aug 18th, Porsche St. Louis
Announcing The 2024 All Porsche Car Show to be held at Porsche St. Louis on Sunday, August 18th. Bigger and better this year, with Trophies awarded in 12 judged classes, including the prestigious Best in Show and Porsche Junior awards. great food and beverages on site, and featuring some of St. Louis’ best Porsche scenery!
Porsche St. Louis will also have some great vehicles on display, including the 2024 Porsche Classic competition entry.
Show hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm with awards presented at 1:15 pm. All awards are people’s choice with one trophy awarded per class.
Visitors, spectators and kids of all ages are welcome, and admission is FREE.
On-site parking is available ONLY to registered and judged vehicles.
We strongly suggest that all entrants register in advance, as the show will sell out. Online registration opens at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 31st at motorsportreg.com and will close at 10:00 pm, Friday, August 16th or when sold out.
Porsches of all models and ages are welcome, but must have an original Porsche VIN.
Day of the event, on-site registration opens at 9:00 am and closes at 10:00 am or until sold out. Unfortunately, we are not able to allow late registrations after 10:00 am.
Registration Fee is $30.00 online and $40.00 day of event.
All registrants will receive a welcome packet with the new 2024 Special edition STLPCA All Porsche Show T-shirt and other goodies. A limited number of T-shirts will be available for sale at the event.
A big thanks to our 2024 Show sponsors: JML Audio...St. Louis Auto Shield...and Weiss Insurance.
See you there!
CPG Run to Jeff City Car Show
August 31st
On Saturday, August 31st, the Columbia Porsche Group will gather on the west side of Columbia, MO for a popular run to Jefferson City. Having been every other year for several seasons, this is always a much anticipated event, with up to 18 members making this drive to the state capitol. As we make our way down the winding two-lane blacktop following the south shore of the Missouri River, the drivers and passengers experience a route that has plenty of shady hillsides, curves and views of the river valley below.
The destination is to experience an evening meal at one of the capitol’s downtown restaurants. For nearly 25 years, Paddy Malone’s Irish Pub has given patrons a dining experience that satisfies all customers. From bangers ‘n mash, fish and chips, large salads, reubens and a long list of pub burgers, you’ll find something to go perfectly with your iced tea or Guinness.
An ongoing tradition, car show enthusiasts from the hot rod, street, muscle cars and yes, some import owners, put on an impromptu show ‘n shine gathering the last Saturdays of the warm months in Jefferson City. Our arrival to Jefferson City off MO Hwy 179 will be timed so we can cruise by the Capital Mall as the cars gather. Most event regulars pull out lawn chairs, coolers and they RayBans to enjoy the evening as the sun sets on another month of Summer. Those wanting to join us for the meal only can expect the group to be seated by 6 p.m. at Paddy Malone’s.
For more information, contact Robby Robinson at robby162@charter.net Registration will open on motorsportreg.com about 2 weeks before the event.
Robby Robinson
Volunteers Needed for 2024 Street Survival St. Louis
The busy TireRack.com Street Survival schedule continues here in St. Louis. For years, St. Louis Region has worked alongside the St. Louis Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America and St. Louis Region, Sports Car Club of America to host this advanced car handling education to local teenagers. The schedule calls for these events on:
Sept. 14 - at Family Arena in St. Charles Oct. 19 - at St. Charles Airport (Smart Field)
We need Volunteers to help with set-up, registration, lunch and tear down. We also need In Car Coaches to instruct the teens. If you safely pilot your vehicle in St. Louis traffic each day, you have the skills we are looking for in our coaches. There is a simple online certification course that you will need to go through before the School. Simple follow the link Sign-Up for Coaches’-Training - Welcome to Tire Rack Street Survival. Real world. Hands-on.
Use these links to register to participate or volunteer at these events: Sept. 14 - Family Arena - www.msreg.com/events/tire-rack-streetsurvival-instructor-volunteers-st-charles-family-arena Oct. 19 - St. Charles Airport - www.msreg.com/events/tire-rack-streetsurvival-instructor-volunteers-st-charles-county-smart
HPDE NEWS
From the High Performance Driver Education Team
Summer Successes!
HOT! Hot Cars, Hot Track, Hot Drivers, and Hot Temps made for a great weekend in mid June for our 4th annual Sokol Memorial HPDE, Women on Wheels and Sunday Intro to HPDE. Participants not only enjoyed time on the track, but also time off the track making new friends, socializing at the happy hour and cooling off with Ted Drews famous frozen custard. We were honored to have Mia Walsh, PCA National HPDE Chair join us for Women on Wheels where she shared praised and encouraged the club’s efforts in growing women participation.
Upcoming Events
• Fall HPDE, Sept 20-22 www.msreg.com/stlfall2024 Registration is OPEN!
• Volunteers Needed to help in the DE Registration OfÞce on Saturday and/or Sunday, morning and/or afternoon. Volunteers can register at the above site or email STLPCAHPDE@gmail.com for more info.
Bye to the Bling
Stellantis, the parent company to a number of auto brands including, Dodge...RAM... Jeep...Chrysler...Fiat and others has announced that its auto designers have been ordered to remove one thing from all future designs - chrome. The manufacturer says the shiny chrome accents on bodies...wheels...badges...etc. is being taken off future models due to the health risks it poses to the company’s auto workers and to the working environment for workers and manufacturing plants.
It has been known for quite some time that exposure to Chromium-6, used in the chrome plating process, posed a potential cancer risk to the workers who manufactured the shiny chrome accent pieces. In an effort to reduce the potential cancer hazards to its workers, Stellantis has directed designers to design black accent pieces in place of the chrome. The chrome has not been linked to any cancer risk for consumers, but the hexavalent chromium...aka Chromium-6...has been strongly suggested as a carcinogenic hazard to production workers. Studies have pointed to increased cancer among production workers who inhaled the chromium fumes or came in physical contact with the chrome during the manufacturing process. Workers reported experienced a higher risk of lung, nasal, and sinus cancer.
The National Association for Surface Finishing, the trade organization for surfacecoating manufacturers, says companies are looking for ‘safer and more sustainable alternatives and replacements’, but a lot of work still has to be done before a true replacement can go to market. There is a variation of chrome - trivalent chrome - that produces a bright finish on metal and plastic pieces, but the finished product is not as shiny and not as long lasting as the chrome most buyers are looking for. Some have speculated that polished stainless steel could replace some chrome accents, but the stainless steel requires considerably more maintenance to keep its shiny luster. Some designers have indicated that LED lights could be included in some designs to add the bling that some customers are accustomed to, but many consumers will probably find it hard to get used to vehicles without chrome wheels...window trim...and model badges.
First ICE...
are Tires and Brakes next?
The same European regulators that caused Porsche to substitute electrical drive trains in future Boxsters and Caymans have turned their attention to a new area of future regulation. These European Union rule makers pushed through regulations requiring auto makers to reveal the proprietary computer codes used in the car drivetrain control systems to prevent hackers from hacking into vehicle computers and taking control of the vehicles. The idea was to allow auto makers to see what the competition was doing to protect their vehicles and to make sort of a universal anti-hacking code for all auto makers beginning with the 2026 model year. But naturally, not many, especially Porsche, wanted to show the world how it was warding off hackers, so Porsche elected to stop large scale production of the gas-powered Boxsters and Caymans rather than open its control software code to everyone. European Porsche dealers are now no longer allowed to sell or order gas-powered Boxsters and Caymans. Thankfully, that does not affect Boxsters and Caymans bound for U.S. and Asian markets. Limited production runs of vehicles like the Cayman GT4 RS and the Boxster Spyder RS are exempt from the regulations because of their small production numbers. Interestingly, British vehicles are exempt from having to follow the rules as a result of Brexit - their vote to break away from the European Union rules and regulations. But unfortunately, Porsche and other German vehicle manufacturers don’t have that option.
Now those regulators are focused to on dust and particle emissions from tires and brakes. New regulations due to come into effect by the end of 2026 want to cut the amount of tire and brake dust in the air. European governments and independent research organizations have begun researching the problem of tire and brake dust. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, tire dust pumps more than 450,000 metric tons of micro particles into the air each year in Europe. These particles can be breathed in by people and animals and can settle in soil and streams to be eaten by animals, eventually making their way into humans and wildlife.
The Euro 7 regulations passed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union and scheduled to go into effect by the end of 2026 will regulate the amount of brake dust and tire particles in the air. Tire and brake pad manufacturers will have to submit tires and brake pads for testing, and must prove that the products reduce the amount of particulates released into the air to levels below those set by the regulations in order to be allowed to be used in vehicle assembly or to be used as service replacements by repair facilities.
The Euro 7 regulations will release its first list of approved tires and brake pads next year. You can bet that companies won’t be making tires and parts just for sale in Europe, so we can expect to see those regulations slowly wedge their way into the products offered for sale here in the neat future.
4 Models of Mecan EV for 2025 model year
Porsche has unveiled plans to bring 4 models of the new Macan EV to dealers before the end of the year. Buyers will have the option to choose between a ‘base’ rearwheel drive model...and 4 wheel drive model and a more powerful 4S model and Macan Turbo.
The rear-wheel drive Macan EV hits the road with the same rear electric motor as the regular Macan 4, but does not have the front drive motor included in the original EV. Both the rear-drive Macan and the Macan 4 share the same 100-kWh battery pack. The base Macan can put 250 kW (or approximately 335 hp on the pavement when you mash the pedal to the floor, but dialing in the launch mode pushes another 15 kW into the electric motor to deliver 355 hp to the pavement for a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds.
There will also be a top of the line Macan EV which will be marketed as the Macan 4S. The 4S is a whole different animal than its two siblings. The Macan 4S replaces the rear electric motor with a more powerful unit, and the 4S has a 600-amp silicon-carbide inverter wired into the powertrain. All that ups the 4S power output to 442 hp in regular mode - up to 509 hp in launch mode...that’s a 107 hp bump over the Macan 4. That extra oomph at launch cuts the 0-60 time down to 3.9 seconds. Porsche cuts back the power to level out the top speed to 149 mph.
509 hp not enough for you? Well, sign the order form for the Macan EV Turbo to put 630 hp under your right foot. That extra push of juice will rocket the Macan Turbo from 0-60 in just over 3 seconds in launch mode.
The Macan 4S comes with the goodies you have come to expect in an upscale Porsche - adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard equipment. But you can pony up the bucks to add optional rear steering and Porsche Torque Vectoring to the drivetrain if you are so inclined.
All Macan EVs share the same interior...including a 12.9 inch curved driver’s display ...a 10.9 inch center screen...and you can add an extra 10.9 inch display for the passenger who likes to press his/her own buttons.
We should see all these Macan EVs in dealer showrooms by Christmas.
Brake hoses lead to Taycan recall
Porsche has alerted the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration that it has concerns about a batch of front brake hoses that were used during the manufacturing of Taycans. Porsche testing and repair reports have found the front brake hoses on 7 Taycans that are allowing brake fluid to seep through the layers of the hoses resulting in a loss of brake fluid and potential brake failure. Porsche has found that the bending of the hoses as the Taycans turn and the suspension flexes causes the inner layer of the hoses to crack, allowing the brake fluid to slowly ooze through the outer layers of the hoses. Porsche notes that loss of fluid through the front hoses will cause the low brake fluid lights to alert the driver of potential problems before the front brakes become ineffective. Even if the front brakes lose fluid, the rear brakes of the car will stop the vehicle, but it will take longer braking distances.
Porsche believes the problem is caused by a faulty batch of hoses used during the assembly of a couple thousand Taycans - about 5% of all Taycans assembled to date. But out of a measure of caution, Porsche is preparing to recall all 32,000 Taycans sold in the U.S. to date. Taycans manufactured after May 13th of this year have the updated hose used during assembly. Recall notices will be sent to all Taycan owners this Summer.
Porsche suggests that you keep an eye out for a low brake fluid warning light. If the warning light appears, take your car to the dealer as soon as possible. Or if you happen to see what looks like a dark or damp brake hose on the front of your Taycan, call your dealership as soon as possible.
Exceptional finale for Porsche Formula e season
As the Porsche Motorsport engineers prepared the TAG Heuer Porsche 99X Formula e cars for the dual race season finale in London on July 20-21, there was a hint of optimism in the air. The two Team Jaguar drivers were leading in the Drivers’ Championship points, and it looked like the season’s Manufacturer’s Trophy was headed for Jaguar, but there was considerable tension in the Jaguar pits because of the fierce rivalry between the Jaguar drivers.
Porsche Motorsports Formula e driver Pascal Wehrlein was back in third place in the race for the Drivers’ Championship with a mathematical chance to steal the Drivers’ season crown. With a hard fought but brilliant drive on Saturday, Wehrlein pushed the electric Porsche to the win on Saturday, wedging himself between the Jaguar drivers in the race for the Championship, but it would still take a miracle for Porsche to come out on top during the Sunday race.
The Jaguar team drivers seemed to ignore the threat from Wehrlein and Porsche, and each took to the track Sunday with the objective of becoming the Champion. The heck with team orders...each of the Jaguar drivers was determined to win the title. And as is often the case, the two did themselves and their team no favors as they battled amongst themselves for the Championship title. In the end, it was Wehrlein who took advantage of the inter-team Jaguar battle to finish the race in 2nd Place but to finish with enough points to take home the 2024 Formula e Drivers’ Championship. And in so winning the Drivers’ Championship, Wehrlein also carried the Porsche 99X Formula e car to the front of the list in the Manufacturer’s Cup competition.
So the 2024 Formula e season came to a close with a couple of unexpected victories for Wehrlein and also for Porsche’s first victory in its 8 year old Formula e effort. Porsche has already indicated it intends to field a Formula e race team at least thru 2030. And this year’s Manufacturer’s Win brings new confidence in the future at Weissach.
They’ve come a long, LONG Way!
You may have noticed that you see very few vintage Porsches at local car shows and events. Porsches of the last 3 or 4 decades far outnumber the early 356’s. pre-1980 911’s, 912’s and 914’s. It’s not that they don’t exist - they are still out there, but while pre mid-80’s Porsches were fun to drive, they did not come with factory installed air conditioning, and many offer driving challenges that modern drivers prefer to avoid. Frankly, while they are fun for short trips, they are not the wisest choice for fast, long drives in the Summer heat.
As a sort of tongue in cheek explanation of vintage Porsche ownership, a humorous look at early Porsche ownership has been circulating among our Region’s veteran members to remind us of the quirks of our beloved older Porsches that make them dear to us....
This note was found on the driver’s seat of a 914 by an eager thief...
Dear Thief,
Welcome to my Porsche 914. I imagine that at this point (having found the door unlocked) your intention is to steal my car. Don’t be encouraged by this; the tumblers sheared off in 1978. I would have locked it up if I could, so don’t think you’re too clever or that I’m too lazy. However, now that you’re in the car, there are a few things you’re going to need to know. First, the battery is discon nected, so slide-hammering my ignition switch is not your first step. I leave the battery disconnected, not to foil hoodlums such as yourself, but because there is a mysterious current drain from the 40-year-old German wiring harness that I can’t locate or fix. So, connect the battery first. Good luck finding the engine cover release. Or the engine, for that matter.
Now, you can skip your slide hammer. The ignition switch’s tumblers are so worn that any flat-bladed screwdriver or pair of scissors will do. Don’t tell anyone.
Once you’ve figured that out and try to start the car, you’ll run into some trouble. The car is most likely in reverse gear, given that the parking brake cable froze up sometime during the
Carter administration. Since there is not a clutch safety switch on the starting circuit, make sure to press the clutch down before you try to crank the engine. (I don’t want you running into my other car in the driveway.) This is doubly necessary because my starter is too weak to crank the clutch-transmission input shaft assembly with any success.
With the clutch pedal depressed, the engine should turn over fast enough to get things going. But first, you’ll need to press the gas pedal to the floor exactly four times - not three...not five.
FOUR. The dual Webers don’t have chokes and you’ll be squirting fuel down the barrels with the accelerator pumps for the necessary priming regime. If you don’t do it right, the car won’t start before the battery gives up the ghost. Consider yourself forewarned.
If you’ve followed along so far, the engine should fire right up. Don’t be fooled - it will die in eight seconds when the priming fuel runs out. Repeat the gas pedal priming procedure, but only pump TWO times. Deviate from this routine at your own peril.
Now you have the engine running. Make sure the green oil light in the dash goes out. If it does not, you only have about 100 yards to drive before the engine locks up, so be attentive. If all goes well with the oil pressure, you may now attend to the gear shift lever. Some explanation follows.
This is a Porsche 914. It has a mid-engine layout. The transmission is in the far back of the car, and the shift linkage’s main component is a football-field-long steel rod formed loosely in the shape of your lower intestine. Manipulating the gear shift lever will deliver vague suggestions to this rod, which, in turn, will tickle small parts deep within the dark bowels of the transaxle case. It is akin to hitting a bag of gears with a stick, hopefully finding one that works. - I’ll make sure the drivetrain is in the car, by the way.
If you are successful in finding first gear (there is a shift pattern printed on the knob; they say German engineers don’t have a
sense of humor), congratulations. You may launch the vehicle into motion.
Don’t become emboldened by your progress, as you will quickly need to shift into another gear. Ouija boards are more commun icative than the shift knob you will be trusting to aid your efforts. Depress the clutch as you would in any car, and pull the knob from its secure location out of first gear. Now you will become adrift in the zone known to early Porsche owners as “Neverland” and your quest will be to find second gear. Prepare yourself for a ten-second-or-so adventure. No, do not go straight forward with the shift knob, as you will only find Reverse waiting there to mock you with a shriek of high-speed gear teeth machining themselves into round cylinders. Should you hear this noise, retreat immedi ately to the only easy spot to find in this transmission; neutral. This is a safe place, no real damage can occur here, but alas, no forward motion will happen either. From this harbor of peace, you can re-attempt to find second, but you may just want to go for any “port in the storm”, given that the traffic behind you is now cheering you on in your quest with vigorous horn-honks of support and encouragement. Most 914 owners at this point pull over to the side of the road and feign answering a cell phone call to a) avoid further humiliation; b) allow traffic to pass; and c) gather the courage for another first gear start. You may choose to do likewise.
If you press onward without taking a break, you may re-enter first. This is how the car mocks you for your lack of skill, but sometimes it is the only path forward. Once you are ready to again try for second, I can offer some advice. One trick that works is to declutch the transmission, pull the lever from the first-gear position, enter into the aforementioned neutral zone, and then rapidly wig-wag the shift knob side-to-side along a lateral axis. If you move the knob quickly enough, the transmission will be out-smarted and cannot anticipate your next move. It is as this time that you should re-attempt to enter second, and most likely you will do so. Surprise is your best weapon against this transmission.
The move to third should be straightforward, as it is the only easily-accessible gear in the set. You should now be out of my neighborhood and on the main four-lane road. Third gear will be good for 45 mph, so I would advise you just staying there. Trying to get to fourth gear will only frustrate you and your nearby drivers (see: first-to-second-shift).
You don’t need to check for gasoline in the car. It will be full, even though the fuel gauge reads zero. The odometer reads “0”, not because it was reset when I filled the tank, but because it is just broken. Ignore it. If it is night, and it most likely will be, you will need to turn on the lights. I’ll leave it to you to find the switch since I’ve helped a lot so far. Suffice to say that once you get them active, you will find that the seven inch sealed beams from 1971 will only illuminate sufficient roadway for travel below 45 mph. Since you are still in third, this shouldn’t be a problem. Oh, and the lights only work on high beam, so ignore the flashing lights and vulgar gestures from opposing traffic.
By now you’ve certainly noticed the smell. That is the aroma of Mobil 1 oil being boiled off of long sections of horizontal exhaust pipes, which were cleverly encased by the factory with a second shroud of oil-holding chambers. They filled with oil during my last drive and you are now operating a small thermal refinery that is making light short-chained vaporous hydrocarbons from what was once $8-a-quart oil. They are being conveniently routed to the cabin through carefully formed channels in the heating system, plus the rust holes in the floor provided by Mother Nature herself over the past few decades.
You’ll feel less dizzy if you open a window. But mind that the driver’s window does not work, so you’ll have to lean over and roll down the passenger window half-way. I say half-way in a manner that will become apparent once you try to get the window to go all the way down, which it will refuse to do. Instead, simply open the driver’s door slightly and drive along, as I do. Once the oil vapors are
exhumed from the cabin, you should start to feel a little better. There is a rag behind the driver’s seat that you can use to wipe the oil film off the inside of the windshield.
Knowing which road you’re probably on by now, you will be hitting stop lights. Try as hard as you can not to bring the 914 to a stop. The brake system is ideal for this situation, being known more as “scrubbers” than “brakes”. Since you can’t effectively stop the car, use this to your advantage and don’t try. Remember: You certainly don’t want to have to go back into first.
If you have made it within sight of the highway entrance, don’t get any ideas. The front right wheel is severely bent and the vibration at velocities above 50 mph will crack the windshield and cause the doors to open by themselves. So stay on the surface streets, stoplights notwithstanding.
It may be at this point that you consider abandoning the car to avoid further calamity. There is an Exxon station right before the freeway entrance. The last guy who stole my 914 used this spot, and it was rather convenient for all concerned parties. I suggest you ditch the car there are scope out a nice, reliable Camry to heist.
Norman Garrett
Norman Garrett was an engineer at Mazda’s Southern California Design studio and was involved in the design of the original Miata ‘back in the day’. He has retired to North Carolina to become a part-time teacher of Automotive Engineering at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte’s Motorsports Engineering Department where he can enjoy his aging Porsche away from California traffic and away from the challenges of brutal northern winters.
But the moral of this story is that Porsche has come a long way, especially in the last 40 years after abandoning the gasoline and warm air heat exchanger heating systems of the first couple decades of Porsche’s vintage designs. Now, thanks to our American pension for air conditioning, every modern Porsche allows us to enjoy Summertime motoring in comfort. And of course, we can’t forget the incredible advances Porsche has made in the suspension and power control systems, not to mention the increased power that we now take for granted in our beloved Porsches. As the decades old commercial line used to say - “You’ve come a LONG way, baby!” And no one is complaining.
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Plauderei Anzeiges
For Sale - Porsche Locking Wheel Nut setRemoved from my 2013 Carrera 991.1 Will not fit my new Carrera T. $50 OBO.
garyb@umsl.edu - 636.532.3240
For Sale - 1994 968 CS - Recently imported from Switzerland
93,241 km = 57,937.271 miles
Serviced by ET Tuning (1/8/24) - All fluids and filters flushed & changed
Compression Test
Cyl 1 - 200 psi
Cyl 3 - 185 psi
Service at JML Audio
Cyl 2 - 185 psi
Cyl 4 - 200 psi
Interior / Exterior meticulously cleaned & detailed Paint correction resulting in Smooth glass-like finish
New battery - NO accidents - Always garaged
$70,000 - title in hand
Contact Raymond Frye at 314-971-6515
• Introductory sim racing video
• How to Proceed Step-by-Step Instructions
• Sim Racing Equipment Recommendations
• Sim Racing Driver Education
• Five Classes for All Skill Levels
• All Races on Laser Scanned Race Tracks
• Sprint and Endurance Racing
• Calendar of Upcoming Races
Willkommen
St. Louis Region welcomes our newest members. We invite you to participate in our Region’s activities. We look forward to meeting you soon.
Scott Cheever
Mary & David Florence Pamela Held Ballwin, MO 63021 Wentzville, MO 63385 Chesterfield, MO 63017 ‘95 911 Carrera ‘22 911 Carera ‘23 Macan
Erick Jensen
Chris Obradovits
John Rhea St. Charles, MO 63301
St. Louis, MO 63110 Ballwin, MO 63021 ‘08 911 Turbo Cabriolet ‘00 Boxster S ‘04 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Kurt Thompson 5 Faron Hill Road
St. Louis, MO 63141 ‘18 718 Cayman
St. Louis Region membership as of July 1, 2024 - 1,209
August
St. Louis Region Tentative 2024 Calendar
1 - Thirsty Thursday, Fitz’s South County
18 - All Porsche Car Show, Porsche St. Louis
31 - CPG Jefferson City Car Show with lunch at Paddy Malone’s Irish Pub
September
5 - Thirsty Thursday, Michael’s Bar & Grill, Maplewood
11 - General Board Meeting, Center of Clayton, Clayton
14 - Street Survival School, Family Arena, St. Charles
15 - CPG Social at A Frame Winegarden on the Blufftop at Rochport ( formerly known as Les Bourgeois Winery )
20-22 - Porsche St. Louis Fall HPDE, WWT Raceway at Gateway
29-Oct. 3 - Fall Treffen, Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
October
1-3 - Fall Treffen, Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
3 - Thirsty Thursday,
6 - Porsches in the Park, Chesterfield
19 - Fall Color Tour to Hermann - St. Louis and CPG
19 - Street Survival School, St. Charles Airport
November
7 - Thirsty Thursday, 7-10 - Porsche Palooza, Eureka Springs, AR
13 - General Membership Meeting, Center of Clayton, Clayton
17 - CPG Dinner at Grand Cru Restaurant in Columbia
December
7 - Holiday Party
11 - Changing of the Guard / Planning Meeting
15 - CPG Holiday Gathering at The Roof in Columbia, MO
All dates are tentative and subject to change. Additional events may be added at any time.
NEW St. Louis Region Car Badge NOW Available
A redesigned St. Louis Region car badge highlighting our Region’s 65th Anniversary is NOW available. These 3 inch diameter cast metal badges feature images signifying our Regional activities. These top quality badges will last a lifetime. Each grill badge costs $35 and can be purchased by contacting Steve Sullivan at ssullivan@stl.pca.org. They can also be ordered through our website store and through motorsportreg.com.
We have also received static cling decals for our 65th Anniversary. These colorful 2 inch stickers have an adhesive backing to stick to your vehicle or anything you wish to decorate with our PCA logo. These logos are printed on clear vinyl like the PCA logo you receive from PCA National when you receive your PCA membership card. These stickers and clings will be given out at Regional events this summer. These items are available NOW. Show your pride of the St. Louis Region!
July Anniversaries
50 years
Earlwayne & Ethan Stumpf
49 years
Don & Adam Sherman
29 years
Kirk & Richelle Bieneman
25 years
Kent & Zach Splaingard 23 years
W Craig & Charlene Kuhl
Brad & Julie Bloomquist
David & Londa Lagrand
Lawrence & Timothy Ennis
Richard
Kip & Kathleen Bilderback
Eric
Charles & Laurie Digges
Patrick & Jeanne Coyle
Stephen & Lisa Crusius
Michael & Karin Hogan
& Ginny Feikert
Mike & Patty Miller
Rob Gessert
David Stewart
5 years
Jerry & Parker Dow
Henry & Sara Ham
Eric Jason
Stephen Krieger
John Lamb
4 years
Fred Brown
Andrew Essig
Shawn Huston
Matt Martinez
Tom Quirke
3 years
Mohammed Alaide
Michael Blachcharczyk
Rob Lamear Jonathan Meinn
Matt Robinson Don Semple
Svavan Tadakamalla
Duane Varadin John Wall
2 years
R Clark Amos Frank Axelrod
Mark Billeaud Louis Burge
Stephen Curet Paul Depratt
Jean Haldiman David Helms
Samuel Scherer Griffin Wright
1 year
Lawrence Bleich Justin Bondurant
John Brotherton Michael Cassidy
Douglas Cottom Jorden Eyermann
Tony Fisher Chelsea Flood
Ronald Hublall Madhu Kancherla
Kevin King Alexander Reuman
Melissa Stoneman David Thayer
Don Williamson
Trust your car to experienced Master Technicians who set the pace in the field of quality European car servicetechnicians with decades of experience in ‘pampering’ high performance and luxury European vehicles.
• Expert fuel injection service
• State-of-the-Art Hunter ‘no-touch’ tire mounting and balancing
• The latest electronic diagnotic equipment
Count on us to help your Porsche deliver the performnance that was originally designed into your vehicle. Let Reid Vann help you inject new life and excitement into your Porsche.
us online at www.reidvann.com
OFFICERS:
Any Questions?
Need more information about St. Louis Region or our events? Feel free to contact any of these leaders of St. Louis Region.
PRESIDENT: Steve Sullivan - president@stl.pca.org
VICE-PRESIDENT: Ric Smith - vicepresident@stl.pca.org
SECRETARY: Patty Paster- secretary@stl.pca.org
TREASURER: Kelis Thacker - treasurer@stl.pca.org
NEWSLETTER: Earlwayne Stumpf - plauderei@stl.pca.org
BOARD MEMBERS:
Dave Boyd - dboyd@stl.pca.org
Stephen Curet - scuret@stl.pca.org
Linda Dunn - ldunn@stl.pca.org
Nancy Goodman - ngoodman@stl.pca.org
Morgan Howard - mhoward@stl.pca.org
Josh Landau - jlandau@stl.pca.org
Mike Molina - mmolina@stl.pca.org
Tom Campbell - tcampbell@stl.pca.org
Daleesa Curet - dcuret@stl.pca.org
Jim Fiss - jfiss@stl.pca.org
Dan Hinkebein - dhinkebein@stl.pca.org
Eric Kirkpatrick - ekirkpatrick@stl.pca.org
Arlene Molina - amolina@stl.pca.org
Marek Parafiniuk - mparafiniuk@stl.pca.org
Lisa Goforth-Naes - lgoforth-naes@stl.pca.org
Jim Smith - jsmith@stl.pca.org
Bob Tamsky - btamsky@stl.pca.org
Robert Naes - rnaes@stl.pca.org
Sherrill Smith - ssmith@stl.pca.org
Kelis Thacker - kthacker@stl.pca.org
MEMBERS with COMMITTEE CHAIR responsibilities -
Dave Boyd (Digital Media) - websitesocialmedia@stl.pca.org
Allen Maddy (Columbia Porsche Group) - columbiaporschegroup@stl.pca.org
Karl Robinson (Southeast Missouri Group) - southeasternmissouri@stl.pca.org
Mark Hickerson (Quincy / Hannibal Group) - qh@stl.pca.org
Josh Landau (Membership) - membership@stl.pca.org
Dan Hinkebein (Safety) - safety@stl.pca.org
Linda Dunn (Public Relations) - publicrelations@stl.pca.org
Arlene Molina (Registrar) - registrar@stl.pca.org
Mike Molina (Registrar) - registrar@stl.pca.org
Tom Campbell(Social events) - socialevents@stl.pca.org
Lisa Goforth-Naes (Social events) - socialevents@stl.pca.org
Robert Naes (Social events) - socialevents@stl.pca.org
Todd Sylvainus (HPDE events) - stlpcahpde@gmail.com
Sherrill Smith (HPDE events) - stlpcahpde@gmail.com
Lisa Goforth-Naes (HPDE events) - stlpcahpde@gmail.com
Ric Smith (All Porsche Car Show) - carshow@stl.pca.org
Steve Sullivan (Regional name badges) - stevesullivan@stl.pca.org
Listed with the date and the event is the name and contact information where you can get more information. Note: Club Board meetings are open to all, and members are welcome to attend.
Aug. 1 - Thirsty Thursday, Fitz’s South County www.msreg.com/Fitz-Soco
Aug. 18 - All Porsche Car Show, Porsche St. Louis www.msreg.com
Aug 31 - CPG Jefferson City Car Show www.msreg.com/
Sept. 5 - Thirsty Thursday, Michael’s Bar & Grill, Maplewood www.msreg.com/
Sept. 11 - General Board Meeting, Center of Clayton, Clayton
Sept. 14 - Street Survival, Family Arena, St Charles www.motorsportreg.com/events/tire-rack-streetsurvival-instructor-volunteers-st-charles-familyarena-152932
Sept. 15 - CPG Social at A Frame Winegarden on the Blufftop at Rochport ( formerly known as Les Bourgeois Winery )
Sept. 20-22 - Porsche St. Louis Fall HPDE, WWT Raceway at Gateway www.msreg.com/
Spet. 29-Oct. 3 - Fall Treffen, Mount Washington Resort, Bretten Woods, New Hampshire SOLD OUT - Registration CLOSED
