Lone Star Magizine - Issue 09

ISSUE 09

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF LONE STAR REGION : PORSCHE CLUB OF AMERICA

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T I N T

THE OFFICIAL &

C E R A M I C

C O A T I N G

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GOOD DESIGN SHOULD BE HONEST.

CONTENTS

PHOTO: SEAN TOLBIRT

FERDINAND PORSCHE

03 : DIRECTORY

12 : SALADO, TEXAS TOUR

2021 LSRPCA Board and Sponsors

A Fun-filled Overnight

04 : ROUND TOP PARADE

14 : CONCOURS D' ELEGANCE

LSRPCA - 4TH of July Event

at Porsche North Houston

06 : LSRPCA FRENCH LICK PARADE

18 : COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Each year one city becomes the Porsche Capital.

22 : DREAM GARAGE

10 : MEMORIES OF AN OVERTURNED RSK SPYDER

Building Out The Perfect Layout

A Blast From the Past

Upcoming Events & Tours

Thoughts from a grateful HPDE Instructor

24 : LSRPCA EVENTS CALENDAR

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Greetings 2021 continues to be a year of many changes, ups and downs. Let’s continue to be vigilant.

The Club is implementing new computer tools for the Board to communicate within the club and our members.

LONE STAR:

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LSRPCA MEMBERS lsrpca.com Facebook.com/groups/lsrpca Instagram @lsr.pca

Publisher/Editor

As always the Club Chairs are doing a great job with Jim Hedderick on the Auto Cross, Thomas Roy Concours De Elegance, Andy Cao and Reynaloo Pagan Driver Education D.E., David Diulus Car

VIK DAY editor@lsrpca.com

Art Director/Designer REBECCA CASHWELL

Production Manager

Control Stay Tuned, Stan Tripp GTG Get Togethers, Pam Fitzgerald Social

LYNAE BRYANT

Events, and Edwin Goldman Touring.

Sponsorships / Advertising

Let’s support and promote these

programs and individuals.

Please join me in welcoming Steve Jacoby – Communications and thanks to Trace England for the years in LSRPCA as our Communications Chair.

VIK DAY LUIS ESCORCIA editor@lsrpca.com

Front Cover Photography GHOST STUDIOS

Contributing Photographers

As always, please submit any story and share with us and our Club.

Vik Day at Editor@LSRPCA.com.

Thank you all so much for your continued support

Hector Z. Martinez, LSRPCA President

ADAM GOLIGHTLY CHRISTIAN BROWN CLAUDIO DURAN DC PHOTOGRAPHY E GARAGE GHOST STUDIOS GOOGLE IMAGES HECTOR MARTINEZ NICOLE GOLDMAN COVER PHOTO: SEAN TOLBIRT

Contributing Writers

IN MEMORIAM MR.993 RUDY MANSEENUS

ADAM GOLIGHTLY CHRISTIAN BROWN NICOLE GOLDMAN SCOTT OVERTON We want your submissions!

Submit articles, event coverage and photos: editor@lsrpca.com

VIDEO BY EGARAGE

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LIFE ITSELF IS A RACE, MARKED BY A START, AND A FINISH. FERDINAND PORSCHE

PHOTO: SEAN TOLBIRT

DIRECTORY

HECTOR Z. MARTINEZ PRESIDENT

THOMAS ROY CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE

PAM FITZGERALD SOCIAL EVENTS

president@lsrpca.com

concours@lsrpca.com

activities@lsrpca.com

ALASTAIR DONALD VICE PRESIDENT

ANDY CAO DRIVERS EDUCATION [DE]

NICOLE GOLDMAN STORE

vp@lsrpca.com

de@lsrpca.com

store@lsrpca.com

DAVID BAXTER SECRETARY

PHILIPPE OBERTI DE-CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

EDWIN GOLDMAN TOURING

secretary@lsrpca.com

cdi@lsrpca.com

touring@lsrpca.com

ROB VAN LANDINGHAM TREASURER

REYNALDO PAGAN DE-REGISTRAR

DOUG CAROLL PAST PRESIDENT

treasurer@lsrpca.com

registrar@lsrpca.com

LOUIS ESCORCIA MEMBER AT LARGE

SEAN LLOYD SAFETY CHAIR

memberatlarge@lsrpca.com

safety@lsrpca.com

JIM HEDDERICK AUTOCROSS

DAVID DIULUS CAR CONTROL SCHOOL

pastpres@lsrpca.com

2021 LONE STAR MAGAZINE SPONSORS

ax@lsrpca.com

ccs@lsrpca.com

XPEL IFC

CARLOS GUEVERA PCA CLUB RACING

STAN TRIPP GET TOGETHERS

GARAGES OF TEXAS

clubrace@lsrpca.com

gtg@lsrpca.com

STEVE JACOBY COMMUNICATIONS

LYNN FRIEDMAN HISTORIAN

comms@lsrpca.com

historian@lsrpca.com

VIK DAY EDITOR

STAN TRIPP MEMBERSHIP

editor@lsrpca.com

membership@lsrpca.com

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GULF COAST AUTO SHIELD P. 11 GARAGE ULTIMATE

P. 19

FORMULA GARAGE

P. 21

THE GARAGISTI

P. 21

EINAR'S GARAGE

IBC

EUROCAR WERK

OBC

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PCA 21

The Round Top 4th of July Pa-

rade Tour is becoming a tradition for the Lone Star Region of the Porsche Club of America. The 1.8-mile parade route features floats, antique cars, trail riders and more. This year, our group needed to arrive in Round Top at 9 AM sharp before closing off the Henckel Square Parking Lot reserved for Porsche Owners Only. We brought lawn chairs and donned our best patriotic outfits and geared-up for a taste of an old-time smalltown Fourth.

Unfortunately, we had terrible weather this year and nobody left or could not leave because they closed the Henckel Square Parking Lot entrance. Some stayed under umbrellas and did not want to miss a minute of the parade, and others found shelter on the patio of stores around Henckel Square. We were lucky enough to find two chairs at a quaint store called The Little Cheese Shop. We met two other fun couples that decided to stay at the cheese shop as well. We sat down with our new friends from the LSR PCA, and we had a blast! We enjoyed wine, delicious cheese and crackers and watched the rainy-day parade from the shop's patio. It was quite pleasant even with the summer rainstorm. This 4th of July Parade celebrated since 1851 is known as the longest-running parade west of the Mississippi. The activities taking place downtown Round Top. A civil war-era cannon roars at 10:30 AM to announce the beginning of the parade. One Historical Fact: Traditionally, in Round Top, a cannon was fired as the official start of the July 4 celebration. In 1889, for some reason, the cannon did not fire. The President of the Rifle Association, John George Kaiser, bent over to inspect the cannon when it exploded. Mr. Kaiser was severely injured and died several days later from loss of blood and infection.

Would you like to join the parade with your classic Porsche next year? Download (on roundtoprifle.com) the Parade Registration Form to enter. Please submit entries before June 2022. J WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NICOLE GOLDMAN

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PORSCHE PARADE

FRENCH LICK INDIANA 2021

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NICOLE GOLDMAN & HECTOR Z. MARTINEZ

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The Porsche Parade staged by the Porsche Club of

and in an instant, we were driving 20 mph in a terrible

America (PCA) is one of the most important Porsche events

rainstorm. When it starts pouring rain and visibility is

held annually in the USA and is attended by club members,

drastically reduced, it is harder to see approaching cars

guests and sponsors. For one week every year, a city in the

and judge distance. We couldn't see a thing. There were

USA becomes the Porsche capital. This allows participants

cars stranded in the median and on the side of the road.

to visit a different part of the country each year and to

Huge trucks sped by us. Getting stuck driving in heavy

spend time with other Porsche enthusiasts and club friends.

rains after an already 12 hours drive from Kingwood was a

Participants can indulge their passion and enjoy autocross

scary experience. Very scary! We had a very uncomfortable

competitions, rallies, exhibited vehicles and numerous

55-minute drive in the heavy rain. An emergency message

information events all about Porsche. Approximately 2,000

came in over our radio urging listeners to take shelter.

people attend the Parade, most of whom travel there in a

Well, that came too late for us. Thanks to my intelligent,

lovely, beloved Porsche vehicle. It's a week of competition,

good-looking designated driver (my husband Edwin), we,

tech sessions, social events and FUN.

both cars, came out of the storm without any scratch but with a little faster heartbeat. When we arrived at the

Our LSRPCA group left on July 9 for our Road Trip to the French Lick, Indiana Porsche Parade

French Lick Resort, we were relieved and

2021. We met Dave and Debbie Baxter in

exhausted, and we decided to check in and

the Parking Lot of Panera Bread along the

went to bed early. What an adventure!

59 North at Kingwood. Edwin studied long and put together the road trip to the 2021 Porsche Parade in French Lick, Indiana, based on my request to stop every 2 hours. I asked him to find decent stops along the way and to sleepover in a nice Hotel. Everything worked out perfectly as Edwin did a great job of putting our itinerary together.

We had one stop around Nacogdoches and a Lunch Stop at Texarkana, and after that, it was a 2-hour drive to the Capital Hotel

FOR ONE WEEK, EVERY YEAR, A CITY IN THE USA BECOMES THE PORSCHE CAPITAL.

On Sunday, Edwin and I volunteered at the PCA French Lick 2021 Registration Desk in the morning. That was so much fun. We saw many of our friends that we met at other Porsche Parades that we went to. In 2018 we went to the Porsche Parade in the Ozarks, and in 2019 we went to the Porsche Parade in Florida.

What is the most fun thing to do at the Parade? Volunteer to work at an event! The Porsche Parade is 99% volunteer-supported!

Working a couple of shifts during Parade week

in Little Rock to spend the night. Fabulous Hotel! Ron and Anne Barclarz took us here on

is how we get to know fellow PCA members from

our first Parade to the Ozarks in 2018. Dave

across the country. Volunteers are needed to

and Debbie joined us for dinner that evening,

fill the numerous tasks that ensure each Parade

and after a delightful dinner, we chilled out on the Capital

event runs smoothly. There are volunteer jobs for every

Hotel Balcony before we went to bed. The next day we had

interest and ability. Most volunteer jobs are two-hour

a 6-hour drive from Little Rock, Arkansas, to French Lick,

shifts, giving you plenty of time to participate in Parade

Indiana. The next day we stopped for lunch at Lambert's

events. Volunteer shifts are available beginning the Friday

Café Sikeston, Missouri. A popular restaurant and tourist

before the Parade through the close of the event.

attraction in the Heartland. The fried okra was hot, fresh and

In the afternoon, we went for a drive around the

delicious. We experienced the best of Missouri's Bountiful

neighborhood, had lunch at The Donald Ross Golf Course

Bootheel where Cotton is King, the rolls are "throwed" and

that exists since 1917 and at 6 PM, we went to The Pirelli

the hospitality is Southern.

Welcome Social (the start of the Porsche Parade). On

The news had forecasted heavy rain in the afternoon

Monday, we played golf on the Donald Ross Golf Course

and we had a 2-hour drive left to the hotel. We made one

and in the afternoon, we visited the famous Pete Dye

gas stop along the way, and while we get back on the

Course. Named one of America's Greatest Courses by

highway, the sky was so dark that it looked like midnight,

Golf Digest and Indiana's #1 voted course.

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What is the most fun thing to do at the Parade? Volunteer to work at The course sits on one of the highest points in Indiana, offering panoramic views of the countryside that extend for over 40 miles in all directions. On Tuesday, we enjoyed an extended driving tour over scenic curvy roads with many vertical elevation changes. The route took us through the Hoosier National Forest and along the Ohio River banks into Jasper, IN, for an "Olde World" lunch at the Authentic Schnitzelbank German Restaurant. We played in the PCA Parade Golf Tournament on The Donald Ross Course at French Lick on Wednesday. This course was voted #2 Course in Indiana; this par 70 course designed by iconic architect Donald Ross showcases 80 of his trademarked, deep gnarly-faced bunkers. Thirty-five of these are original to the course constructed in 1917 and was the site of the 1924 PGA Championship won by the legendary Walter Hagen. The results of the 2021 Porsche Parade Golf Tournament were 3rd. PLACE: TEAM Edwin Goldman - Lone Star Region, Nicole Goldman - Lone star Region, Manuel Ramirez- Southern Indiana, Scott Klueh - Southern Indiana.

With a score of 66 or 4 under. We made new Porsche friends with Manuel Ramirez and Scott Klueh. We had to be back on time to hop on board the French Lick Scenic Railway's dinner train. A train ride through the gently rolling hills of the Indiana Countryside while having a nice glass of wine meeting new Porsche friends and have a nice dinner while the train stops in the middle of the endless cornfields.

On Thursday, we visited the Town of Speedway, the Home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Our first stop was at the Dallara Indy Car Factory, where they build all Indy Racecars. We explored 23.000 square feet of interactive and hands-on exhibits centered around the world's fastest sports Engineering and Technology. A behind-the-scenes tour of their facilities, including the back-shops where all the work is done, was fascinating. We were served lunch in the Dallara Visitors Center. After lunch, we drove to the nearby Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum for another guided tour. The IMS Museum collection encompasses automobiles and artifacts representing more than a century of Indianapolis 500 culture, drama

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an event. The Porsche Parade is 99% volunteer supported! and competition, plus vehicles representing NASCAR, Formula One, American short-track racing, drag racing and motorcycles. The IMS Hall of Fame – comprised of drivers, team owners, and personalities who have had a significant impact on IMS – is also housed at the Museum. We were filled with astonishment! Edwin was so excited to do "The Basement in 30" tour, an exclusive private tour where you get a 30-minute glimpse of the Museum's most valued and storied vehicles and artifacts.

Our tour guide was an experienced IMS Museum host who focused on the compelling, sometimes humorous legends associated with a specific car, era or event. What a treat!

This is just a glimpse of what there is to do during the Porsche Parade. They have a Concours d'Elegance with an Award Dinner, a Porsche Design TSD Rally with an award dinner, seminars, The Michelin Auto Cross with award dinner, the very popular SIM Racing, West Baden Tour & High Tea, Hagerty Gimmick Rally and a 5K run with award dinner, an Art Show and a Parade of Porsches and many many more fun things to do. Early Friday morning, we left French Lick to stop in Nashville for a show at The Grand Ole Opry, an American Icon and Nashville's number one attraction, and it is known for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences. We stayed at the Gaylord Opryland. On Saturday, we drove to Memphis to visit Elvis Presley's home Graceland. We stayed in Peabody Hotel, known as the "South's Grand Hotel," Peabody is legendary for its charm, elegance, gracious hospitality and rich history. This Memphis Icon, opened in 1869, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is world-famous for its five resident ducks, who march daily through the lobby.

The following day, we drove home to Kingwood. We had a fabulous trip, saw many beautiful cars, met a lot of new friends and looking forward to traveling to the next Porsche Parade. J If you like Porsche’s I seriously recommend you to consider a visit to a Porsche Parade in the future. It is great fun, there is lots to do and see and you meet great people!

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[ LO N E STA R M AG AZ I N E : M O M E O R I E S O F A N O V E RT U R N E D R S K S P Y D E R ]

MEMORIES OF AN OVERTURNED RSK SPYDER PHOTO: LIFE MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT OVERTON PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOOGLE.COM

USAC ROAD RACE

Since the Mexican driver, Sergio Perez, had just won the Formula 1 race in Azerbaijan, his second win, I decided to search around in Google for former Mexican F1 drivers. Of course, the Rodriguez brothers, Pedro and Ricardo, came up. Digging around further, I came across a site: www.thechicane.com/2010/11/12/ ricardo-rodriguez-at-meadowdale. It related how 17 year old Ricardo rolled an RSK Spyder at Meadowdale Raceways during a USAC road race, May 1959. He crawled out from under it and tried to get spectators to help turn it back over so he could continue!

Then came the brain explosion: OMG, holy stuff: I was there and remember seeing the aftermath!

A bit of background first. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, a gear head from a very early age. My friend, also a gear head, was from a family who still had access to the old family farm in rural Illinois west of Chicago. When the 2 of us were taken there, somehow, amazingly, we were allowed to have cars and drive on

the very rural gravel back roads. Imagine two 14 year olds hooning around in our own cars; mine a junkyard rescue 1951 Ford, my friend’s a 1950 Plymouth (we torched the top off and welded the doors shut). Anyway, we managed to talk our dads into taking us to Meadowdale Raceways for a few events. It wasn’t easy to even find out about such events then; little publicity; we found notices in the Chicago Tribune car ad section.

Meadowdale Raceways was, and still is, in Carpentersville Illinois, a hilly area west of Chicago (not as far out as “the farm”, but still pretty rural then), on the Fox River. The 3.3 mile road circuit hosted both SCCA and USAC events. It even had its own “Monza Wall”. It was overshadowed, however, by both Blackhawk Farms and Road America and hosted its last race in 1967 or so. It still exists though, now in a forest preserve as a hike/bike trail. I remember it being kind of dusty, our dads enjoying the beer and all of us having bratwurst (probably the same vendor as Road America). For that

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MEADOWDALE

particular race, we got there in our new 1959 Chevy Impala, the one with the bat wing fins, 348 Powerglide. Big stuff. For me, it was all about the cars. What an assortment. The teeny RSK Spyder, giant killer, 1250 lbs, 150 or so hp. against monsters like Max Balchowsky’s Old Yaller (tin can body with bellowing Buick nailhead), and Augie Pabst (the beer family) driving the Meister Brau (that other beer family) Scarab. I also remember a modified Corvette from Nickey Chevrolet (backwards K) called “Nickey Nouse” and Ferraris I knew nothing about. The PA announcer went on and on about Ricardo’s tender age, saying he had to be driven to the track because he didn’t

have a license (I could certainly relate). We didn’t see the actual roll over, but made it over to the site to see the upended Spyder. Come to think about it, I don’t remember much in the way of spectator restraint fencing or safety barriers.

Well, memory being what it is from when I was just a kid, probably missing other tidbits, but suffice it to say, I hope that kids today will still be able to have similar experiences. Well, maybe leave out the hooning and unrestricted race spectating. I know few will see any remaining RSK Spyders at, what, $3Mil or so, in on-track combat. J

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V O N FILLED

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NICOLE GOLDMAN

On May 22 nd 2021, 20 beautiful Porsches were lined up at

as Carlos, Tunis, Rockdale, Val Verde and Holland. We stopped in

the Harris County Smokehouse in Tomball Texas. Participants came

Anderson at the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site, a historic stage-

early to get a cup of coffee, have a last bathroom stop and filled up

coach stop and inn which operated from 1834 – 1868. Henry

with gasoline. After Tour Registration was checked, the PCA Insur-

Fanthorp, an English immigrant that contributed to the founding

ance waiver and Covid 19 waivers were signed and a brief Drivers

of Anderson, Texas served as the proprietor of what was once de-

Safety Meeting we left with roaring engines and excitement for

scribed as “an excellent boarding place, as good, probably as the

our Tour over back roads and twisties along the eastern edge of

South affords.” You get a true sense of what a traveler’s experience

the Texas Hill Country to the historic town of Salado North East

in 1850s Texas might have been by touring the intricately themed

of Austin, Texas to Discover Art, History and Boutiques. Salado is

rooms and the reproduction stagecoach.

called a jewel in the crown of Texas.

Bell County, Texas, United States. Salado was first incorporated

We drove through small towns rarely visited by our club, such

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We arrived in Salado around lunchtime. Salado is a town in

[ LO N E STA R M AG AZ I N E : LS R P CA 2021 SA LA D O , T E X AS TO U R ]

in 1867 for the sole purpose of building a bridge across Salado

ambiance. We listened to the gurgle of the spring fed creek and

Creek. Today, it’s a haven for world-class artists that is full of

enjoyed the shade of towering oaks.

historic bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and endless things to

discover. Nestled among the rolling green hills of Central Texas

Friends Annki and Jim, and still had time for some shopping and

along the pristine Salado Creek. Home to one of the first co-ed

browsing before our delicious 4-course gourmet Porsche Club Din-

colleges in the United States and a stop on the historic Chisholm

ner at the Alexander’s Distillery Restaurant of the Inn on the Creek.

Trail, the Village of Salado has attracted new and interesting peo-

ple since its earliest days.

Helper, Future Tour Chair) and Edwin Goldman (LSR PCA Tour

We had a fun lunch at the Shed together with our Porsche

Big Thank You to George Bishop (Host) , Ed Fenner (Big

We checked in at the Inn on the Creek, they are nestled be-

Chair). Would you like to Host a Tour for the Lone Star Re-

sides the beautiful Salado Creek. Fabulous place to recline in your

gion PCA? Contact Edwin Goldman, LSR PCA Tour Chair at

hammocks, relax in your rocking chairs, and soak-in the creekside

TouringChair@lsrpca.com.. J

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PHOTO: CLAUDIO DURAN

PHOTO: CLAUDIO DURAN

porsche

N O R T H H O U STO N C O N C O U R S D ' E LEG A N C E 2 0 2 1

PHOTO: DC PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: DC PHOTOGRAPHY

The Concours d’ Elegance at Porsche North Houston had 48 cars competing in 13 Divisions and 76 cars from the weekend GTG that showed up as well making the total of 124 Porsche Cars !

This was our 2nd Concours and it was another great showing of

incredible cars and their owners as we had 22 first time competitors with many of them winning Honors.

Without your continued support of our program we would not be as successful as we are and a huge thank you to all the

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[ LO N E STA R M AG AZ I N E : N O RT H H O U STO N CO N CO U R S D ' E L E G A N C E 2021 ]

PHOTO: CLAUDIO DURAN

124 PORSCHE CARS ON EXHIBIT PHOTO: CLAUDIO DURAN

entrants and their families who put the time and effort in to gather together on a beautiful sunny hot day with other Porsche enthusiasts in competition for judging their cars relative merits in terms of coachwork, design, finish and presentation.

Remember it not the cars it is the people !

Tino Minetos, GM of Porsche North Houston, and his team did an excellent job providing us space to stage are cars was a gracious sponsor. - Thomas Roy, LSRPCA Chair

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PHOTO: DC PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: HECTOR Z. MARTINEZ

Having been a track guy, I never appreciated the effort that is required to compete in a concours. Lots of sweat equity is involved in getting a car show ready. My hats off to the that group. I was surprised but honored to have claimed 2nd place in my class. I was not expecting that outcome at my first Concours. The event really opened up my eyes to the diversity of activities LSRPCA promotes.

Erricos Durham

PHOTO: HECTOR Z. MARTINEZ

PHOTO: DC PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: DC PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTO: DC PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAUDIO DURAN

PHOTO: DC PHOTOGRAPHY

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COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ADAM GOLIGHTLY

In an alternate universe, I would have driven my last DE four years ago and would not have had the privilege to write this piece extolling the virtues of PCA’s High Performance Driver’s Education program. Then again, in an alternate universe I, someone who should probably barely be trusted with a torque wrench, would not have recently changed the shifter cables on my family’s ever-forgiving Cayman. It would be silly to think of these alternate universes as objectively “bad.” If we can hope to take any positives from the last eighteen months, it is that we must always count our blessings, and there are far more important things in life than being around fast cars and fun people. I can say with certainty, though, that I would be a distinctly different person if I had taken the hint four years ago and dropped out of this financial black hole of a sport. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and that is because of the program the Lone Star Region has put together.

At first blush, it would not seem terribly difficult to build a strong community out of a group of folks obsessed with automotive excitement. Beautiful cars and the act of driving them quickly are pretty much the polar opposites of religion and politics: there is never a bad time or place to bring them up. The joy of the LSR DE community, though, goes much further than that. No one,

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from the greenest Green run group student to the most grizzled veteran racer—yes, I’d hazard a guess even you Haas—leaves the track without learning something new, usually from someone eager to share anything they can that might help others. No one leaves the track with a mechanical issue the diagnosis and repair of which has not been attempted by at least five other drivers far more mechanically knowledgeable than themselves. And no one leaves the track without new friends and new memories that will likely serve as the source of a laugh or a sigh of relief or both for many weekends to come. Often, the most treasured moments of this community come from the combination of all three; such a combination certainly explains why I am still driving today.

The first time I drove at the Circuit of the Americas, I was a mechanically ignorant young person just starting out in the sport, terrified of imperfection in everything I did and accompanied as ever by my part-time pit crew, full-time mother. Equipped with nothing more than years of “seat time” watching racing on TV and a few weekends of exposure masquerading as experience, a smooth, peaceful event would have been ideal. Instead, I stalled on the grid, tripped a temperature alarm on the second lap, and picked up a puncture on the way in to check out the alarm. My

[ LO N E STA R M AG AZ I N E : CO U N T YO U R B L E S S I N G S ]

weekend was done. My time playing racecar driver was done. It was time to drop the act and let the family sports car live out a peaceful early retirement in the garage. Or I should say, it would have been if this didn’t also happen to be my first event with PCA. Within minutes, there was a swarm of instructors around the car, bringing to bear OBD readers (cheers, Brad) and patch kits (thank you, Ramez) and more than anything their time and generosity (I’m still trying to work out how to repay you both Philippe and Guillaume). Everyone’s sole focus was figuring out what this suddenly temperamental car was on about and getting me back on track. In two hours, “we” had remedied the Cayman, and I had been distracted from the doubts in my head by a ride around a wet track in an air-cooled race car that can’t help but quicken the pulse of any human with a pulse left to quicken.

That weekend at COTA cemented my love for the sport and confirmed its hopefully permanent place in my life. More importantly, I caught the bug that drives the true magic of the LSR DE community: I set my mind to the task of finding ways to give something back to this group of enthusiastic, passionate people who had very literally kept me in the hobby. Everyone I meet comes away from their first track weekend with new friends who made their weekend better and an eagerness for the chance to come back and return the favor to this wonderful community of people. Now as an instructor, the greatest privilege I have when I go to the racetrack is to occasionally have the chance to be one of those people for whom someone is thankful. For those of you who have not yet joined us, I can tell you with certainty this is the

mindset every instructor brings to their students, and these folks are what will make your weekend special more than any top speed or flashy picture. Of course, I won’t claim either of those will ever be a bad perk either.

As one of the lucky individuals who gets to call himself a PCA instructor, I also get to witness in my students every weekend the confidence our HPDE program can instill in its participants. I have seen this confidence take many forms. Some first-time students are unsure of whether they “belong” there and whether they have what it takes to bring a car close to the edge of its performance envelope. You can watch even the most timid of these students take massive steps through the weekend: they start to believe in themselves, their abilities, and their potential to improve. Some first-time students come out with an estimation of their inherent skill that might be best described as “outsized.” The type of confidence these folks gain is just as important. Anyone who is fortunate enough to come out and take part in this wonderfully frivolous activity has presumably been fairly successful in life. To watch these highly successful, motivated people build the confidence to concede they are not the best, to ask questions and put themselves in a position to learn, is a fascinating evolution to observe.

Personally, the chance to participate in these events has brought tremendous upside to my life far beyond the paddock. As someone who applies tremendous pressure to myself in everything I do, someone who constantly struggles to feel he is good enough and faces all the resulting inner doubts and de-

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[ LO N E STA R M AG AZ I N E : CO U N T YO U R B L E S S I N G S ]

I’ve made and continue to make countless friends in a community whose only criteria for membership are a passion for cool cars and a willingness to learn and help. mons, I default to fear and anxiety when faced with any new challenge.

Being on track, however, gives me confidence and brings me peace. It gives me something to point to and remind myself that I willingly do an activity that involves a certain element of risk, an activity that not everyone is comfortable doing. It serves as a constant reminder that the world keeps turning when you are imperfect—seeing the small scratches in the headliner where it made friends with my helmet during a spin at TWS does that quite well. Most significant of all, it provides an arena in which I have some level of ability irrefutable by even myself and some amount that I can contribute to those around me. It is not merely the act of driving on track that brought these benefits; while that joy can be euphoric, it is unfortunately also fleeting. No, these benefits stem from learning to do so in a program and in a community like LSR PCA. Our events are focused specifically on making everyone feel successful and making them catch the bug, and I think anyone would contend they do a tremendous job of that. I remember each promotion to a new run group better than I can remember most academic or professional accomplishments. The day I completed Instructor Training School and was turned loose on some unsuspecting students in a crisp new PCA Instructor shirt will always stand out as one of my proudest moments, a feeling far too fleeting for those of you who share this mentality of self-doubt. I have that moment and several similar since then because of every individual in our program, from our ever-patient corner workers, grid marshals, and black flaggers (we do appreciate you all, I swear) to our instructors, mentors, and volunteers.

Around seven years ago, I was able to go to my first track event about a year after getting my license. I am beyond privileged to have had the amazing opportunities I’ve had behind the wheel since then, almost all of which I can recall as though

they happened yesterday. The driving credentials that mean far more to me at this point, though, are the opportunities our DE program has brought me. I remember every student and every mechanical question presented to me in the paddock (God help those folks resorting to me for mechanical queries), and I’ve made and continue to make countless friends in a community whose only criteria for membership are a passion for cool cars and a willingness to learn and help.

That is the most important thing to know about the HPDE program put on by the outstanding folks who run our events: everyone is welcome. While there will unfortunately always be a certain barrier to entry for this sport given the necessary expenses, we strive to encourage anyone who has the ability to participate to do so. The coolest moment I’ve had as an instructor so far was coaching my brother in a base model Subaru during our recent Intro to HPDE program at COTA. It would have been easy to feel out of place in that car amid a line of beautiful, high performance luxury cars. But, when you have the chance to be on a racetrack as you watch and listen to gorgeous sports cars recede into the distant sunset, you will fall in love with this sport whether you’re in a golf cart, a VW Golf, or a Gulf-liveried GT3. Once that initial curiosity brings you here, the confidence and community our DE program provide will keep you here.

So, to those of you who haven’t yet been out with us, I implore you to grab your car and sign up. To those of you who are already coming out with us, I ask you to remember we are all part of what makes this group special and to bring that attitude to the next weekend ready to help, to learn, and to share. And to anyone who comes out to our next event, I encourage you to share your highs and lows with myself or anyone else, as this program and this community only grow stronger the more everyone’s voices are heard. J

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[ LO N E STA R M AG AZ I N E : 3 C P O ' S ]

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY: CHRISTIAN BROWN

Our garages are homes to our most treasured possessions. An overstuffed, dimly-lit, barely finished space with oil-stained floors simply will not suffice for us car enthusiasts. Today there are many great options to build out a dream garage, including larger garages at home, separate shop buildings, and even garage condo communities. One such garage condo community, Garage Ultimate, provided some tips learned from Garage Ultimate owners’ buildout experiences. These insights will help make your dream garage a reality.

PLAN YOUR FOCUS Start by assessing your needs and wants for

your garage and then determining the focus of the space. Is your garage going to be primarily used for storing vehicles? How many? Do you want to display and highlight a particular vehicle? Will you be doing a restoration, getting your car track-ready, or doing any mods in your garage? Will you be working on other projects or hobbies? The more focused you can make your vision, the easier it will be to execute, so spend the time to plan. If you want ideas, browse the internet, visit other Porsche owners’ garages, or peruse the garage buildouts at a community like Garage Ultimate.

START FROM THE GROUND UP Your choice of flooring sets the

BUILDING OUT YOUR

DREAM GARAGE

tone for the entire space. Epoxy and polyurea floors are excellent options, and with a professional installer and commercial grade product you will get a gorgeous, easy-to-clean floor that will last. The key is the preparation, as thorough cleaning, diamond grinding, and acid washing are usually required.

Garage floor tiles are also available and work well in many applications.

Once you’ve chosen a material, select your color scheme and pattern and you’ve got the foundation for your ultimate garage.

STORAGE A dream garage requires a system for storing tools and equipment to stay clean and well-organized through the years and projects. Garage cabinets are beautiful, durable, and efficient, and they are infinitely customizable. Be sure the drawer weight capacities are sufficient for your needs. Wall storage, such as a slat wall system, also frees up valuable floor space and helps keep things neat and orderly.

LIGHTING

Your lighting needs will depend on your use for the space, but plenty of good lighting is critical if you intend to use your dream garage as a workspace. LED lighting is brighter, has a more even spread, and comes on instantly. Be sure to check the color rendering index and purchase “High-CRI” bulbs with a Color Rendering Index above 85-90 if you need true colors. You can supplement with shop lights, strip lights, clamp-on lights, and under-cabinet lighting to create a great look and provide more functionality.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE Some of the most rewarding garage updates are those that maximize the use of your space, such as adding a car lift or building a mezzanine. A separate building or garage condo can provide options that may not available at home, such as providing the height to allow for car lifts and a mezzanine, effectively doubling the usable space.

Even at home, you may have the height for a lift, you may be able to raise the ceiling to fit a lift, or you may be able to open an attic space to allow for a second level. We love talking shop and showing off our owners’ dream garages at Garage Ultimate, so give us a call for more ideas or to tour our garage condo community. J

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Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest PCA and Porsche news?

Subscribe to the club’s weekly email newsletter, e-Brake News, which includes news articles, exclusive stories, and video from all over the internet. e-Brake News has a bit of everything, from tech to road tests to motorsports — and you don’t have to be a PCA member to subscribe! Every Tuesday evening, e-Brake will have the latest on PCA National events and club programs and entertaining, informative content.

SIGN UP TODAY AND VIEW PAST EDITIONS: pca.org/e-brake-news

[ LO N E STA R M AG AZ I N E : CA L E N DA R ]

LSRPCA

EVENT CALENDAR Our club hosts a number of fun and engaging events.

If you’ve never been to one of our events, come out and say howdy and more importantly—DRIVE! You can always see what is happening in real time by checking out LSRPCA.COM

MONTHLY GET TOGETHERS GTG

LSRPCA CLUB CELEBRATION Dates: December 11, 2021 Location: Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA

Please visit the calendar on LSRPCA for weekly GTG locations throughout Houston.

[AX] AUTOCROSS

[HPDE] HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVER’S EDUCATION

Dates: November 21, 2021 & December 19, 2021 Location: Houston Police Academy, 17000 Aldine Westfield Rd, Houston, TX 77073, USA

Dates: October 9-10, 2021 & December 4-5, 2021 Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Location: MSR Houston, 1 Performance Drive, Angleton, TX 77515, USA

PHOTO: SEAN TOLBIRT

*Advanced Solo Drivers Only

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YOUR PASSION IS OUR PROFESSION

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