Contributions by Die Porsche Kassette Staff Event Photography by Andrew Moffitt and Bob Walters
Alvaro Rodriguez, or Al as he is known to most, is the founder of DRT which began in Miami in 2015. DRT was initially known as Das Renn Treffen, which loosely translates to “the race speed” in the German language. So not to confuse folks with the PCA national event named “TREFFEN,” the event title was condensed to DRT. What began in 2015 as a one-day gathering has blossomed into a multiple day affair of four separate events. DRT 2022 started with a Track Day at Homestead Speedway on Thursday, March 31st. The weekend affair continued Saturday morning with Cars + Coffee which was followed by a Sunset Kickoff Party at Regatta Harbor Rooftop on Saturday evening, April 2nd. DRT concluded on Sunday, April 3rd with approximately 500 cars and thousands of people attending the Main Show at Regatta Park in Coconut Grove. How did we get here? Where did the idea for DRT begin? About 30 years ago, Al started his personal enjoyment with cars, Volkswagen Beetles to be exact. Sourcing parts and modifying them is how his passion germinated. After a few years, while attending an event in Manassas, Virginia, Al met Dan Jarvie of Peachtree,
20
Die Porsche Kassette
Georgia. Dan offered to trade a Porsche of his in exchange for the VW Al was working on. Obtaining that Porsche from Dan provided the beginning of Al’s love for fast cars. Shortly after acquiring that first Porsche, Al began work in the graphics department at local Miami Porsche parts and accessories company. His employment there, and his easy access to parts, quickly enriched his passion for cars. Finding his automotive stride, he and friends started VolksBlast, a car show dedicated to Volkswagen. Sometime around 2012, a Porsche class was added to the VolksBlast show. VolksBlast last ran in 2020 (and should be back soon) but Al’s enthusiasm for car shows, especially with the Porsche marque, continued to move forward. DRT became “The Greatest Porsche Automobile Event in South Florida!” From humble beginnings as part of a VW event, the largest Porsche collaboration was born in South Miami. Each DRT event seems better than the last and that is the overarching goal, continuous improvement, and enjoyment. If Al could have one wish come to fruition, it would be to give back to the south Florida community. “For me,” Al explained,
| June 2022
“I’ve always wanted to give back to South Miami because that’s where the event started. I think we have to stay true to the beginnings of the event.” What else does Al think of the event that he created? “The cars represent a great inspiration and a great goal. I really enjoy to drive them and being around them amongst another enthusiasts is the second-best best feeling. That feeling is intoxicating. Getting people together and talking about the cars – whether it’s someone’s first Porsche or their tenth or even if they don’t own a Porsche – the common thread is the joy and excitement that Porsches bring to the people. Porsche, as a brand, is always pushing the boundaries. Not just from a mechanical perspective, but from a design perspective as well.” Along with his wife, Yordi Garcia, Al has quite a few legacy contributors and volunteers as well as sponsors and vendors which support DRT. Alvaro knows that DRT will be around for a long time to come, and yet he also knows that an event the size and scope of DRT wouldn’t be possible without the help of the community. “Thank you to all my clients and the people that have supported
