September Member Profiles

Member Name: Meilyng Wigney-Burmaka.

Car’s: Current (all manuals!!) - 2000 Carrera 4 (autocross car), 2018 BMW M3 (my daily), 2008 BMW 535xi wagon (husband's daily), 1988 Toyota MR2 (3S-GTE motor swap, autocross car), 2001 Audi S4 Avant (anyone want to buy it?! Seriously, we need driveway space!)

Past - 2016 Porsche Macan S (we tried PDK but need a manual), 2001 Yukon XL for hauling, 1991 Mazda Miata 5-speed (turbo'd), 1987 Toyota MR2 5 sp, 1988 Toyota MR2 supercharged 5 sp, 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S 6 sp (how I got into car clubs and met my husband), 1995 Saturn Twin cam (first car)

Committees: Autocross committee/registrar and MotorsportReg registrar for the club

When it came time to buy a vehicle, what made you choose your Porsche and is this your first Porsche (if not please detail prior Porsche's):

This is our first Porsche. My dad has owned Porsches and has been in the club since ~1971. I grew up seeing my dad daily drive Porsches and knew one day I would own one. I’ve always loved the look

and sound of Porsches. I have fond childhood memories of asking my dad to go “wheeee” which meant running out some gears on the Autobahn! He happily obliged and that jump started my need for speed. Luckily my kids ask the same thing now and enjoy spirited highway driving.

A few years ago, we convinced my father to upgrade from his 2000 Carrera 4 6-speed to a 2014 Carrera 4 S. He had always talked about upgrading to a Turbo or GT3 (as one does, discussing dream cars) so we kept encouraging him to buy another Porsche. Really, it was so we could buy the 996 from him. Our 996 is a beautiful build - with an aerokit and full leather interior in Ocean Blue.

M3 Photo by Ricardo de Leon last month at the CHS raincross

What encouraged you to join the Porsche Club of America: We joined once we purchased the 996. For us, we love to autocross. When our boys are older and less active (2 and 5 years old), we hope to be able to attend more events like the Crabfeast and tours.

What are your favorite Regional &/or National events: autocross!

What is your favorite PCA memory: As an adult, autocrossing at the previous Lincoln Tech lot then walking 25 feet to Black Flag Brewing for beer and pizza. The current lot, Prince George's Stadium, is much larger but is a longer drive for us. We still love it!

As a kid, getting to see all of the cool cars at the Crabfeasts.

What advice about PCA or Chesapeake would you give to new members: Of course, try autocross given that you get one free event as a new member! Even if you don't want to race your car yet, you can always watch or sign up for Taste of Autocross ($5 to ride with our superfast instructors).

I'd also suggest 996 at Potomac PCA Summit Point last year, photo by Jordon Strait. checking out the other events PCA offers including socials, tours, and tech events to meet other car nuts. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.

If money was no object, what Porsche would you love to own and why: Probably a Carrera GT, what an amazing machine. For another autocross car, a new 992 GT3 6- speed.

MR2 at Ripken this year, photo by Marcus Frank.

Anything additional you would like to share about yourself (Family/Work/Etc):

Cars were always fascinating to me as a kid. Once I was old enough to have a “fun” car, I discovered car clubs (7th gen Toyota Celica club), and they were like family. I was introduced to autocross with those friends and during my first autocross event, I had to race a rental car Toyota Camry. It was still a blast, and I was hooked (of course, returning to the next event with my modified Celica). I went home to tell my father about this new sport I discovered only to learn he used to autocross in the 1960’s! Fast forward 14 years and he began auto crossing again with us which has been a joy.

I met my husband through the Celica club. We had a blast - racing every weekend and attending car related social events. Obviously, things have slowed way down with two young kids, but we found a renewed community with PCA that captures the same enthusiasm!

I started designing autocross courses a few years ago which has been fun and a learning experience. Holding a great event, seeing smiling faces and getting drivers excited about racing their cars is so rewarding!

M3 at a BMW event this year.