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On the Cover: A whimsical picture of Chris Olson’s first Porsche, the Voodoo Blue GT3. The juxtaposition of the Ferris Wheel and the high powered Porsche, the blue sky and blue car, the potential passenger pondering the enthusiastic ride, all a bit off kilter, and the yellow banner for contrast present a symphony of conflict, similarity, and certain excitement.

by

DIE PORSCHE KASSETTE is the official publication of the Porsche Club of America, Gold Coast Region, Inc. and is published monthly. Any statement appearing in the Kassette is that of the author and does not constitute an opinion of the Porsche Club of America, the Gold Coast Region, Inc., its Board of Directors, the KASSETTE editors or its staff. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all material submitted for publication. Permission is given to chartered regions of PCA to reprint articles in their newsletter if credit is given to the author and the KASSETTE. Publication office: 648 NW 100 Lane, Coral Springs, FL 33071

Photo

John Moxon.

FIRST TURN

Peter Olliviere , President

I have heard a lot of questions asking about what is happening with Porsches by the Bay. Without a doubt, this event is still of interest despite our not having it for over two years. For years, Porsches by the Bay had been one of the most popular events that Gold Coast put on. Because of its popularity, it grew in attendance each year. That was until the pandemic interfered causing the program to be shut down. It’s not fun responding to members’ requests for information as to when the event would next be held. Responding was difficult because it’s easier to shut an event down, than it is to rebuild the entire event from scratch. But it’s coming back, and it will be better than ever.

There were several issues that needed to be overcome if we were going to revive this event. The most important considerations are time and place. Porsches by the Bay, was always held in November, and we wanted to keep that time frame. As for location, it was always held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami.

So, the first challenge was to find a location that could meet the basic requirements. Well, I’m glad to let you know that we have found a place. I can’t mention the name of the location yet because when this had to be written, all the details would still take a couple of days to be worked out.

So, for now the location will remain nameless. Let me tell you about the location. It’s in Miami sitting right on the bay, allowing us to keep the name Porsches by the Bay.

Did I mention that this location also has ample parking for both show cars and the public? Yes, people can come down to the show and enjoy the beach. Yes, the location has a beach. That is something we could not do at the Mandarin without paying heavily to park. Let me also mention that there is a restaurant located on the beach with a view of the bay. I cannot help but be excited about Porsches by Bay 23, because this is where we can become a truly oneof-a-kind event.

Let’s talk about the event itself. It will be a true concourse run under the Porsche Club of America judging classes. There will be awards for first, second, and third place in each class, plus a best in show will also be awarded. In addition to the standard car show classes, we will also have special classes for modified Porsches. My suggestion is that you prepare yourself, because Porsches by the Bay is back, and you need to be prepared.

SHIFT INTO SOCIAL

Summertime is upon us - can you believe we are halfway through the year? Not only does June bring us the summer season, it also brings us hurricane season. Be sure to have a plan ready to protect your family, home and Porsches. I would also like to wish all the Porsche dads in our membership a Happy Father’s Day!

In the rearview mirror:

April wrapped up with two great events.

On the 28th about 50 members drove to Revs Institute, Inc. in Naples for a tour of an amazing display of historical cars, followed by lunch. Thank you to Steve and Dottie Kidd for organizing this event.

On the 30th, April left us with a fast and furious storm that delayed the start of the Spring Fling picnic. After the storm cleared, it turned out to be a beautiful day where our members came out in force with their beautiful rainbow of Porsches. Thank you to Cynthia Fluhart and Noemi Sanchez for organizing this great event. Read more about these two events in this issue.

May started off with the F1 Watch Party on May 7th and at the time of this writing plans are being finalized for the Evolution of Porsches on May 20th. Thank you to Steve and Dottie Kidd for organizing these two events.

On the horizon:

June 19-24, Porsche Parade will take place in Palm Springs, CA. I will be attending along with a few other GCR members. If you will be attending, please let me know so we can catch up! socialchair@goldcoastregion.org.

The Social Committee is continuing to work on events, so stay tuned for updates and announcements about these events via the “enews” emails. You can also check the calendar on the GCR website at goldcoastregion. org/calendar, or the Gold Coast Region Facebook page events section; or go to clubregistration.net for events and updates.

PCA and GCR are fueled by volunteers: we could not do all the things we do without our volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or have an idea for something fun, please contact members of the Social Committee at socials@goldcoastregion.org.

See you soon at an upcoming event!

Christy Spangler, Social Chair

Christy

From the May Porsches & Pancakes at the Flashback Diner in Boca Raton. Thank you to Paul Laya for volunteer

KEY STROKES

Roger Fabel, Editor

Have you noticed the increase in PCA events? Long-time members may say we are just about back to normal. New members, however, might need help keeping up with all the Gold Coast Region and PCA activities each month. The GCR social team is listening, and they have and are continuing to provide the community-based activities our members are looking for.

I mention that as it relates to VOLUNTEERS. Yes, we have a very talented, dedicated committee that plans and directs our events. Without our member volunteers, these events would never even pass the starting gate. So, THANK YOU to all the amazing volunteers I have noticed stepping up to the plate at our recent events. Whether it was cooking hamburgers, stocking coolers, assisting guest speakers,

photographing events, grading tech quizzes, or any of the many other skills that are required from our volunteers, I am seeing a new team step onto the field. We all love PCA and enjoy what we have been doing, but it is nice to see new volunteers that will fill our positions and continue to improve Gold Coast Region.

Last month I published a Help Wanted ad for the Copy Editor position that will be vacant after our June publication. This is due to Tom Goodmann retiring from his position as department head at the University of Miami. At the same time, he will also be retiring from the Kassette Tom has raised the bar higher than we ever expected. He provided his professional guidance and numerous well-written event articles to the

Kassette for several years. Fortunately, two members of the GCR with professional copy-editing skills have stepped up to fill this critical position. They will both begin editing the magazine for our region next month. Many thanks to Tom for volunteering, improving our writing skills, and helping us make our monthly Kassette the highquality newsletter and magazine it is today. We will all miss you.

Another position that we must quickly fill is GRAPHICS ARTIST. Kirk, who has helped for many years and who will continue to assist on special projects, is also retiring. If you have graphic artist skills (junior level or above) and would like to help, please get in touch with me.

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Enjoy your Porsche!

START YOUR ENGINES

Ian Gerada , Membership Chair

Are you joining Fellow PCA Members at Sea in December?

Hey there, wonderful community members! I’ve been noticing quite a bit of excitement and curiosity about our upcoming December PCA Cruise event. So, let me share a little peek of what’s in store for you and where you can get more juicy details.

Picture this: It’s December, a time for joy and celebration, and we are embarking on our very first Treffen at Sea: Western Caribbean cruise! This isn’t just a cruise, it’s a sevenday journey of luxury and adventure, scheduled from December 9-16, 2023. Our voyage will take us to some truly stunning locations:

• Cozumel, Mexico

• Roatan, Honduras

• Belize City, Belize

• Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

PCA is absolutely thrilled to have Princess Cruises, a renowned name in cruising, as our Official Cruise Line for this event. And guess what? We will be cruising on the splendid Sky Princess,

one of Princess’ top-notch Royal-Class ships, for this nationally sanctioned event. Note the ad on pages 14-15.

Our journey will kick off from the beautiful city of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We’ll explore these four tropical paradises exclusively with our PCA family. Sounds exciting, right? For a hassle-free booking, feel free to ring up our friendly PCA Travel Concierge at 833-679-2188. More detailed information and booking options are just a click away at https:// porsche.medallionclassmarket.com/ pcaatsea

This is an opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss. So pack your bags, fellow PCA members! We are super excited and can’t wait to welcome you aboard for this unforgettable adventure at sea!

New Member Numbers

As of May 15th, 2023, our Gold Coast boasts a thriving membership of 3,254. This includes 2,151 primary members, 1,099 co-members, and 328 enthusiastic PCA Juniors.

To those who have recently joined us, we warmly welcome you to our vibrant community! We’re thrilled to have you with us and are eagerly anticipating the exciting times we will have together as a club.

Stay Connected on Social Media

We encourage all members to join our dedicated Facebook group at https:// www.facebook.com/groups/gcrgroup to remain in the loop with the most recent happenings and discussions within our community. With a current count of 530 members, our Facebook group serves as an ideal platform for all things related to Porsche, the Gold Coast Region, and news on various events and activities. Whether you’re a long-time Porsche enthusiast or a newcomer, our Facebook group offers an excellent way to engage with other members and stay abreast of all the thrilling events unfolding within our club.

Drive safe,

Welcome

NEW & TRANSFERRING MEMBERS

Harry Piedra 2001 Boxster S

Ramon Javier 2019 911 Carrera

Trini Vega 2022CayenneTurboCoupe

Barrington Irving 2022 911 Turbo S

Emiliano Picca 2000 911 Carrera

Arieh Goldberger 1986 944

Jeffrey Lampert 1977 911S Targa

Carlos Ortiz 2014 911 Turbo S

Lewis Brown 2021 911 Carrera 4S

Jeffrey Berger

2015 Panamera 4S

Alexander Virelles 2022 911 Carrera

Gareth Rees 2023 718 Cayman GT4

Barbara Lange 2022 911 Carrera 4S

Artur Amaral 2013 911 Carrera

GCR REV’S INSTITUTE TOUR

On Friday, April 28th, fifty-two lucky GCR members were treated to a private tour of this epic car museum in Naples, Fl. The museum was closed to the public on this day, so our group could enjoy a private two-hour docent guided tour from 10:30 to 12:30. Our group was divided up into five subgroups and each started in a different part of the museum. Rev’s Institute, formally called the Collier Collection, is like an automotive history lesson. Our subgroup was led by “Roc”(real name is Eric, however Rev’s has 2 other guides named Eric so something had to change), who seemed to have a photographic

memory about everything automotive, especially the older stuff. Luckily Roc started us with the oldest and progressed up through the newer cars. Many of the cars were race cars, and the collection had its share of race car winners. All told, there are roughly112 cars in the museum at all times. Some cars are lent out to other facilities/shows and at times, other cars are on loan to Rev’s.

Okay, I know you want to hear about Porsches. Just as with the rest of the collection, most of the Porsches were race cars...I mean older race cars...like really historic and famous racers from

the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. In fact, the newest Porsche was a 1971 917. The oldest Porsche was a 1951 Gmund coupe. Nine was the most predominate number with the likes of 911, 904, 906, 908, 910, 914 and 917. In all, I counted 22 Porsches, more than any other marque. I only saw one totally street Porsche, which was Miles Collier’s 1965 356 SC, his high school graduation present. Some might ask if I had a favorite, and the answer is no...I simply love all Porsches. However, if someone asked which car, I would like to do a few autoX runs in it would probably be the 1967 911R (only 20 of these hot rods were made)

Steve Kidd , GCR Historian

or the 914/6 GT (a Le Mans class winner in 1970, but still very street able).

As the event came to a conclusion, many in the group headed over to the SpeakEasy in Marco Island for good food and great conversation. Some of the closing remarks we heard from members were:

“

Best museum ever”

“Awesome, but didn’t get a chance to drive any of the cars”

“To die for”

“Great Event”

“Wealth of Information”

“One of a kind in the world”

And lots more. In fact, we are planning to do it again in the fall on a Saturday. The up side is more people can go on a weekend, however the downside is we won’t have the museum all to ourselves.

I forgot to mention in the beginning that most of the participants met in Davie, and caravaned over as a group. Thanks to John and Holli for helping Dottie with check-in, waivers and wristbands and the Lead/Sweep teams of Steve/Dottie with Bianka /Frank and Edwin/Lori with Hans/Donna.

Until our next event.......... Steve & Dottie

GCR F1 VIEWING PARTY

Steve Kidd , GCR Historian

On May 7th, Gold Coast Region did a repeat of their very popular F-1 Race Viewing Party and People’s Choice Car Show. While very similar to last year, we had a couple of new and exciting changes.

Many of the race fans arrived early to watch the Carrera Cup Race where 40 identically prepared Porsche racers battled it out on the Miami circuit.

While we had a People’s Choice car show like last year, the big difference was that the men and ladies voted separately with different colored ballots. The mens’ choice and a ladies’ choice were both selected. The Ladies chose Nick Thilen’s 993 as their favorite, while the men chose Jeff Lewis’s GT3 as their favorite car.

Since Mother’s Day was only a week away, the male hosts prepared a special cocktail for the female attendees. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY.

Watching the F-1 race on ten plus big-screen tv’s with so many of your favorite friends is about as good as it gets. Plenty to eat and drink, great socializing, and an activity that could very well become a yearly event. By the way, the People’s Choice winners each received a set of GCR 60th Anniversary wine glasses.

Until next year, Steve & Dottie signing off as your Race Party Coordinators.

Big Screen

Viewing Area

Jeff Lewis Receives Mens’ Choice Award

Robo Art in Process

Robo Artwork

Nick Thilen Receives Ladies’ Choice Award

Porsche Kassette

AROUND THE

Article by Steve Kidd

As I write this article, we are less than a week away from AX event # 5, and after this event, the point where we break for the summer during the hotter, wetter months, and resume autocrossing in September. We are hoping to do at least 7 AX events this year, and pray that weather will cooperate. To recap event# 4, we had a great time at our new site, St Lucie Fairgrounds. The drive to the fairgrounds is about 30-60 minutes closer than Sebring depending on where you live. The Fairgrounds is easy to get to, and remote enough that we don’t get the onlookers and non-participants like we have at some sites. Designing a course at a new site can present challenges, however we were lucky to have another AX club that recently held the Florida State AX championship at this site. I was able to take the course design used at their event, and tweak it to provide additional variety and safety. Most run times were between 35 and 45 seconds and very few off courses. Of course this event, and all our autocrosses, would not be possible, but for the volunteers that help wherever needed. Timing ran flawlessly thanks to Steve, Carolynn, Julie & James. Dottie handled scheduling assignments to make sure everyone got dry runs, and as it turned out, rain was never an issue.

Everyone should know the results are available on the GCR website. However, as a sneak preview, the fastest time of day went to Trent K., driving a well sorted Carrera GTS on street tires. Most GCR AX events allow not just Porsches, but other makes and models as well. Case in point, when you look at the times and pictures, you’ll see cars from the following manufacturers: Toyota, Mazda, VW, Nissan, Audi, BMW, Subaru, Hyundai, and Chevy! Also, vehicle age and horsepower are not a consideration when looking at the “fun factor.” For example, the oldest car, Christy’s 1985 944 and the newest vehicle, Jean-Pierre’s 2022 GT3, are very different, but both provide the same big smile after the owner puts down a good run. For those that are wondering, the Porsche family of SUV’s, primarily the Cayenne and Macan, handle remarkably well on an autocross course, and I urge the owners of these Porsches, to see for yourself, how good your Porsche SUV handles. While on the subject of AX cars, the oldest car to participate, the 1985 944, is part of a generation of Porsches that were very popular AutoX vehicles, 30+ years ago. Today, the most popular auto X Porsches seem to be the Boxster/ Cayman series, which represented a big percent of the Porsches participating at the St. Lucie AutoX.

On a final note, I wish to again thank all the volunteers that helped us during and after the event. While Dottie and I take care of most of the pre-event responsibilities, and everyone who participates must also work shifts, including but not limited to, working the course (safety, cone pick-up and radio call ins), grid, staging, timing and miscellaneous duties. Some folks step up to do anything extra to get the job done, from start to finish. These folks know who they are, and again, a huge thank you for your perpetual help, and know it has not gone unnoticed.

I need to repeat an important message. To continue offering a world class AX program, we would like to add at least one more local AX site. This could be a BIG parking lot, air strip or similar piece of pavement in the Tri-County area to hold our AutoX events. In the past, we have used shopping center lots, sporting and gaming venues, and school/government parking facilities, which have no parking bumpers and are reasonably priced. What we need is an “in.” Someone that has a connection to a suitable property and can help us get our foot in the door. Do you know of such a site? Are you the person with the “in”? Please call me at 954- 292-3915 if you can help find a new AX site. Again, it is not just knowing about a possible piece of real estate, it’s about having a contact to make things happen.

Next month, be on the lookout for an AX crossword puzzle and our mid-season point standings.

Tentative AX schedule for the remainder of 2023

Event #6 September 9th @ Sebring in conjunction with the Suncoast Region DE. Thanks again to our friends at Suncoast.

Event #7 October 21st @ St Lucie Fairgrounds.

Most of the above dates & sites are subject to change due to weather, availability and factors beyond our control. 2023 updates:

• Everyone is now required to pre-register & pre-pay for any AutoX on Clubregistration.net… Please consult the GCR website and Kassette for all Autocross photos & results.

• A new helmet rental program is now available. We will be utilizing new/newer Snell approved helmets available for a $20.00 per person charge per event. Helmet reservation/payment will be available as an event option when registering. Please bring a helmet sock, and be prepared to leave your driver’s license as a deposit. Your license will be returned when you return the helmet.

• No passengers allowed except for an approved AX instructor driving or in the car instructing.

• For 2023, please remember to be Covid-19 conscious. This means appropriate safety protocols will be enforced.

• As 2023 is GCR’s 60th anniversary, we are planning a special award for class winners who complete at least 4 of the 7 AX events, and accumulate a higher point value than their competition.

• General Questions? call Steve or Dottie

FINDING GOLD

CHRIS OLSON

He’s a long way from the Illinois farm . . .

Growing up on a family farm in Shirley, Illinois has its advantages. You gain insight into how things work and develop a tremendous work ethic. You become aware of the value of people, things and time. Nothing gets wasted. Everything has a benefit, large or small, while seemingly insignificant items can be important. Farm folks know that the devil is in the details, that planning is essential and then there’s the weather . . . .

The weather may be the reason our June “Finding Gold” member, Chris Olson now lives in Miami. Illinois has a great growing season, but the winters are less than ideal, and the spring is chilly and gray. It is a common refrain for many folks who have come south, “they can’t stand the weather.” But why Miami? It is a very long way from Shirley – wherever that is! (It’s a small town southwest of BloomingtonNormal in Central Illinois, and don’t call him “Shirley.”)

Chris is one of three principal owners in a design-build firm that specializes in aviation fueling infrastructure and

associated systems. His extensive background and education received on the farm and elsewhere, have provided him with exceptional problem-solving skills. He has the ability to take complex systems, including knowledge of fluids, metals, plumbing and engineering, and apply his expertise to manage the transfer of jet fuel from storage terminals to very large storage tanks on airfields, and to the modern jets on the tarmac.

Chris has been known to visit almost every major airport throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. His partners design the systems, and Chris installs the systems and makes them work. Fly almost anywhere in the US, and Olson, as his friends call him, may have installed and/or maintained the fuel delivery system at that airport. From farm tractors and pickup trucks to fueling jets, this has been quite a transformation.

After growing up a farm boy, Olson moved to Chicago. After a few years of fun in the big city by farm boy standards, he moved back to Central Illinois to take a large role in his aunt and uncle’s businesses. This was his first foray into industrial construction— specifically complex MEP projects and tanks. This is where the essential skills were obtained to pave the way to the current businesses.

Chris Olson met his wife Pamela at a party in Chicago. She was not overly impressed at first. Chris has a big personality to go with his physical demeanor. However, through persistence and skilled pursuit, Chris and Pam decided that a forever union was the goal for them both. They were married in August 2010. Pamela is a talented professional as well, an R&D executive for the global leader in the spirits market.

Member Feature by Mark Johnson

On Deck At DRT 2023 - The 1977 911S Coppa Florio

Son, Harrison catching up on his reading

It was Pam’s career that led their move to South Florida. In 2012, they welcomed their son, Harrison. Approximately one year ago, Pam left her career of 17 years for a new venture at Wild Fork Foods, where she plays a principal role in the overall product and market strategy for the company.

The physical route was from Shirley to Chicago to Miami. The life and career route were farm, school, girlfriend, job, marriage, son and then a great job that is basically pumping gas!

Their careers have provided the family with a relatively comfortable lifestyle, to the point where Chris could get involved with Porsche automobiles. This love, perhaps obsession, began fairly recently with a trip to the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Taking a deep dive off the high board, Chris spent a full day at the PEC in June 2018. On that day, he drove every model of Porsche available for purchase, starting from a base 911 Carrera S all the way to the top GT3RS. Each vehicle was carefully considered, capabilities and advantages evaluated, and a love for all things Porsche was born.

Two months later, Chris purchased his first Porsche, a GT3, acquired in August 2018. Then, it was off to the races both literally and figuratively. His current PCar stable now includes a 1969 911E. This is the “project car” which will be built into a Widebody RSR Outlaw one day soon in Dalmatian Blue. Next, is the 1977 911S in Coppa Florio Blue, NOT GULF, which is also what the vehicle license tag announces, that Chris purchased last year out of Canada. It is his birthday year car.

Also under his care, are a 1992 964 C2 Midnight Blue Metallic and a 2017 718

Cayman S, the identity crisis car. It’s black, the only one not of a blue hue. Soon to join the mix, will be a 2023 GT4RS in Gentian Blue, expected in late June. That’s six Porsches if you are counting. But why count; it’s the quality – not the quantity! Oh, and most of these have been modified in some way, as Chris loves to tinker and enhance, although the 1977 911S in Coppa Florio is 99% original.

Most of Olson’s Porsches contain modifications in suspension, brakes, race seats, engine enhancements and tune, roll cages, race belts and more. One must understand that Chris loves everything about Porsche, especially when it comes to the track. He typically participates in 20 to 30 HDPE/private track days per year. He is a PCA and Motorsport Safety Foundation (MSF) Level 2 certified instructor. A Gold Coast member will be fortunate to have Chris teach them the line, in any upcoming GCR DE event.

Chris also drives between eight to ten “rallies” per year, and attends a couple of national events, every car show possible, and enjoys carving through the mountains, including the Smokies, Poconos, Cascades,

or even the Rockies. He often finds himself planning his work trips around the various national Porsche events each year. Yes, he will be at Rennsport Reunion 7 at Laguna Seca in California this fall.

Chris finds participation in many other events almost mandatory, such as Sportscar Together Fest, Smokies GT each spring, DRT in Miami, Rare Shades events, 48 Hours at Sebring (driving the HDPE portion), PBOC Winterfest, Gold Coast PCA Autocross many, many times, Targa Carolina, Fahren, and the Blue Ridge Ruckus. How it all fits in the schedule is amazing. Oh wait, he has also driven the Gator Crawl and several Holiday Toy Rallies. He attends Cars and Coffee gatherings everywhere, and he’s a founding member of the Homestead Driving Club.

Olson on the Grid at Sebring for the 48 Hours Advanced Solo run

The Four Porschemen: Chris, Albert, Sanket & Thierry at Turn 5 Sebring

Smokies GT is a national private event in the Blue Ridge Mountains founded by a few enthusiasts to bring together a group of GT owners for an incredible cause. The amazing driving event’s primary focus is to raise awareness and donations for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). The group has over 1000 members and a maximum event capacity of about 135 cars.

For the past two years Chris has acted as the auctioneer for the live auction, encouraging attendees to bid and purchase the many items available, including items like Sonic Tool arrays, Dundon Motorsports packages, HRE wheels and even a GT3RS allocation! During his past May ’23 event, the group raised well over $500,000 for CFF, all while driving on some amazing roads, participating in a track day and even a racing kart enduro! The CFF, through its donations to research over the years, has moved the life expectancy of someone with CF from ~30 years old to nearly 60 years old. A great example of peoples’ generosity bearing meaningful results. (Ed: If you would like to make a donation to this wonderful group, please go to http:// fightcf.cff.org/goto/smokiesgt )

Then there is Werks Reunion Amelia Island. Chris is part of a great group of Porsche pals who go to Werks Reunion each year. These gentlemen rent a large home on the water and host a reasonably large Werks party. Chris grills all the meat at these events and generally does all the cooking for the crew. He’s a great chef in addition to his professional talents, and the housemates appreciate the skill. With Chris being the ultimate supporter and brand ambassador, Wild Fork Foods products are an essential part of the weekend.

Enjoyment. There is always a generous and sincere smile on Chris Olson’s face, and when it comes to Porsche, he loves EVERYTHING! He simply relishes the experience that Porsche provides in the vast and extensive product lineup, air and water-cooled, the fantastic people and the joy both bring to all who cherish the brand. He can’t settle on one specific Porsche as his favorite of all time, so he shares his three faves: the 904 GTS 4-cam, the 959, and the sweet 914-6 GT.

The Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta was his first foray into PCar life. A few years later, Chris was able to visit the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen. If the hook wasn’t set before that trip, it was then, and deeply. He hopes to return to Germany one day for a European Delivery of a new Porsche, complete with a trip to the Nürburgring—to drive, of course—and to take in many of the big European racetracks. He would also like to visit the Porsche Ice Experience in Finland. We surmise that the thought and pleasure of Illinois winter driving has left indelible memories. Donuts, anyone?

As a member of Gold Coast Region PCA since 2018, when he first acquired the GT3, Chris has become immersed in Porsche pleasure. At this point, all of his Porsches have been either airor water-cooled cars. Yet we might wonder whether the farm will call him back one day. At that point, he just might acquire a Porsche tractor, because the farm is part of him, even if it is 1366 miles south from Shirley to Palmetto Bay, Miami. But please Chris, no plowing at the track!

Chris & Harrison at the Zweck opening party December 2022

“Coppa” at Porsche West Broward customer event

Chris taking a break from the track

A WORLD CLASS WINNER

But do you know him?

Part Three - Conclusion

We conclude the saga of Mr. David Schnorr of Schnorr Graphic Arts

Part One – DPK April 2023

Part Two – DPK May 2023

It wasn’t simply Champion Motorsports who valued Schnorr Art graphic design and installation. Porsche Motorsports themselves also welcomed his services. An untold number of race and display Porsche vehicles were adorned with graphics designed and installed by David. And in a total that is beyond amazing, we understand that at one point as many as seven race Porsches, each uniquely dressed in David Schorr applied livery, were on display at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart Germany.

A few years ago there was a Porsche Cayman race series. Over 41 Caymans, each identically prepared, were entered into the race series. As

you may guess, David was the graphic artist contracted to provide livery for almost every car in the series.

In some cases, the selected livery was from historic Porsche design such as the “Pink Pig” or the “Miller High Life” from 917 and 962 fame, respectively. Other historic liveries included the “Jägermeister” and of course the “Coca Cola” graphics he originally did in 1985. Two of the Caymans wore brand new original Schnorr Art designs. It was such an accomplishment and an honor for David to wrap almost every car racing!

Beyond the Porsche connections, David was a co-founder of the

Article by Mark Johnson

Cavallino Classic Ferrari event in 1992 with Bill Locke and John Barnes. Additional experience came in 1993 with Ferrari when he applied Schnorr Art graphics on the first Ferrari Challenge car in America. Incredibly, he was also the first to print on chrome material to wrap a complete race car, a Ferrari 458, in 2012. Chrome metallic wrap is seen everywhere today, but between the mid ‘90s through the early ‘10s this was absolute cutting-edge design. The success of the chrome metallic wrapped Ferrari—which won the race—contributed to having full chrome wrapping banned from future racing efforts. It was apparently attention getting and distracting at the same time!

David wanted to completely walk away from vehicle livery, but his longtime friends and customers have kept pulling him back into the game.

The Ferrari 458 “Chrome” wrapped! It won the race

He completed five more vehicles for Wright Motorsports after his shop was closed at the end of December 2021. Wright Motorsports is a longtime customer of Schnorr, and they convinced him to provide the livery for the #16 1st Phorm car. The Porsche 911 GT3R (a 992) was adorned in a unique livery of teal, reflective white, and black. Drivers Jan Hylen, Zach Robichon, and Ryan Hardwick commanded the car throughout the 2022 IMSA season, which began with a win in the Rolex 24.

For the 2023 IMSA race series Wright acquired two of the newest Porsche GT3R 4-Liter cars. It was determined that David would provide wrap for the 1st Phorm car #16 again using the same color scheme but provide an updated look for the ’23 season. Wright would install the graphics. The second Porsche for the 2023 season is the #77 Porsche GT3R Volt. The graphics for both of these cars were designed on paper by someone else but were made to fit the cars perfectly by David Schnorr. Both are run in the IMSA GTD class. David is adamant that these vehicles would be his “absolutely last” cars that he would have his hands on.

Car graphic design is demanding.

The work brings long hours, cars damaged in practice and during races needing replacement graphics, design changes, meeting timelines, insane deadlines, traveling logistics, and multiple inputs from vested groups. The requirements of owners, sponsors and interested parties and stressful hours take their toll. It was time to put the X-Acto knife, Kohinoor pens, pencils, and tools in the drawer. The shop had been long packed away. Yet there are still many things that have kept David’s interest and motivation.

David is working on a first book, coffee-table style, providing his history and insights into what it took to accomplish each job. The book will display the graphic efforts through short segments and photographs of his work over the nearly forty years. The first draft is roughly 560 pages, one-sided.

Over the next several months the hope is to complete many of the stories, gather necessary photos of the completed cars (those he doesn’t already have), and hand the tome to an editor for an initial evaluation. Who should write the forward? Perhaps a lifelong friend, or one of the many racing buddies he has made over the years. Of the two close friends who have seen the first draft on a Kindle device, each were amazed and couldn’t wait to see the finished product in print.

David has several large hard drives hidden away, jam-packed with vehicle graphic information and design. Notably, through his vehicle “restoration” work he has exact size and color design depictions

for virtually every type and style of decal ever placed on a race car. His research into the specific size and color of a race decal from the past can be duplicated from his extensive documentation. Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Revs Institute, and Peterson Museum among many others have

Champion Porsche Concepts

Wright Motorsports 1st Phorm Porsche, a Schnorr Art customer

approached David to recreate a decal for a vehicle restoration project. His restorations have adorned many prize-winning race cars at the major concours events, such as The Amelia. There is talk about how to monetize the information and data for David to capitalize on his painstaking research and lifelong efforts.

As others take up the bandwidth for design and installation that David has left, he is starting to enjoy time with Mrs. Schnorr, wife Kim. All the travel and excessive hours over the many years have taken him away from his lifelong sweetheart. They are finding time for each other and for a bit of travel and play.

We have seen David at a few regional events. He still has infield tickets to the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, and he has been to the PCA Club Racing 48 Hours at Sebring as well as the Sebring 12 Hours. As you’d expect, he knows virtually everyone at these events. He’ll walk the paddock and stop and chat with friends he’s had for years. A few might even tempt him to concoct a design. But David is there to simply enjoy the Florida sunshine and the racing. It is in his blood, figuratively and literally.

The experience is somewhat new for him, too, as during most every race while working, he never saw the race! He was always in the background checking on various needs, and occasionally repairs, for his many customers.

For over thirty-nine years, David Schnorr of Schnorr Art flew under the radar while working in his shop or the paddock on race weekends. His designs, his race livery, his installation expertise, and innovations created the modern-day art of auto race graphic. Few knew him outside of the various race circuits. He worked hard, and gained great respect among the folks that contracted for his unique talent and service.

Today, working on fun projects, he still has a smile of satisfaction on his face. It is an easy smile of contentment. Seeing his work and efforts in the winner’s circle at Daytona, Le Mans, Sebring and elsewhere is gratifying. Having the opportunity to work with so many incredible and talented people who work behind the scenes to produce the on-track product has been equally rewarding. Perhaps finishing the book and having others recognize the immense talent will be an ultimate and lasting reward. In the meantime, more than a few of us in the Porsche world now know who David Schnorr is: a true World Class Winner.

A Schnorr ART Adaptation of “The Scream” on a Porsche!

David in a driveway - not a paddock

Housemates at Werks 2023. R to L: Mark Johnson, Bob and Patricia Walters David Schnorr and Chris Olson

GCR DE UPDATE

Article by Mark Johnson, DE Manager

On May 11th, the Gold Coast Region PCA Board of Directors approved a key member of the DE Program. Our new Chief Track Instructor will be Marcelo Jacir.

Marcelo has extensive track experience, having raced professionally in Europe. He is the current technical director of International GT, a highly competitive sports car racing series, and Principal Director of MC1 Motorsport in Davie, FL. Marcelo is a Gold Coast Region PCA member and has been a PCA DE instructor in our driver’s education programs in the past.

Marcelo’s intention is to fully restore the Gold Coast Region DE program to its former luster. It is his goal to contribute to a safe and vibrant DE program for our Region, commensurate with the quality and unique value that Porsche vehicles hold. Please welcome Marcelo Jacir to the GCR Drivers Education Program and look toward getting on track with him soon.

TECHNICAL WIZARDRY RENNSPORT REUNION 7

Pedro P. Bonilla, Tech Editor

If you have ever dreamed about attending the largest gathering of Porsche racecars and meeting the legendary drivers and engineers who made the marque, your chance is coming up at the end of September 2023.

Rennsport Reunion 7 will take place September 28 through October 1, 2023 at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.

This year the theme for the seventh Rennsport Reunion is: “Icons of Porsche”. The title refers to the talented people who have driven Porsche to success for the past 75 years!

2023 marks Porsche’s 75th anniversary, setting the stage for a celebration of unprecedented fanfare for Porsche enthusiasts.

Over the course of the four-day event you’ll get a peak at Porsche’s past, present and future.

Chosen as Grand Marshalls for this gathering, are the first-ever Porsche Motorsport North America CEO, Alwin Springer and the 3-time IMSA GT2 Champion.

Alwin Springer has been a part of Porsche Motorsport for over 50 years. First, as a technician and ultimately, as CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America from January 1990 to February 2004. He was responsible for shaping Porsche’s motorsport presence in the United States into what it is today, and still continues to do so as a consultant. “I never dreamed one day I would be honored in this way”, said Springer. “In my career, the goal has always been the next race. We focused everything on our next win. We didn’t think about creating a legacy, but this is the result of that. I am not one for a show of emotion, but this has touched me.”

Patrick Long is excited to share the human stories behind the legends of the Porsche motorsport legacy. His lengthy list of racing accomplishments includes being 3-time IMSA Champion, GT Class wins driving a Porsche 911 at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Petit Le Mans, and others. “Porsche is special, in that the history of our brand walks hand-in-hand with our Motorsport history,” said Long.  “The icons of Porsche have influenced what has happened on

track and on the street, no matter what their titles might be.  Alwin’s influence can be seen on the track and on the roads today. That is what Rennsport is about, and I am deeply honored to share this role with him. But we are only the figureheads. This is about the icons of the brand that we will have at Rennsport Reunion 7 this fall.”

There is nothing else like it in the world. Until you experience it, you will not know what it’s like when the world’s largest get-together of Porsche racecars and drivers meet. It is a place where Porsche owners, racers, collectors and enthusiasts rub elbows with renowned drivers and legendary engineers.

And then there are the cars. Some of the rarest Porsches ever made and new vehicle reveals, are just steps away from hot racing action, fan zones and meet-and-greets with living icons. It’s part motorsport, part car show and part family reunion.

You can attend live performances from a lineup of musical artists, view a collection of rare Porsche vehicles from the past 75 years, and watch the unveiling of upcoming Porsches. You

can meet with legends of Porsche culture and history as they share their stories, and you can watch in awe, as historic Porsche racecars take to the track, side-by-side.

This Rennsport Reunion 7 promises to be bigger and more thrilling than ever. Don’t miss out on the most anticipated, most momentous celebration in Porsche history.

If you are interested in attending, get your tickets soon. Some of the packages are already sold out but there is still time. You can visit www. porscherennsportreunion.com for more information and tickets.

Happy Porsche’ing, Pedro

Images courtesy of Porsche Ⓒ2023 Technolab / PedrosGarage. com

Grand Marshalls Alwin Springer and Patrick Long

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Classified Ads

2016 981 Cayman GTS

2018 and 2019 1st place winner concours d’elegance PCA Goldcoast region best in class award! 28k miles. $72,900. For details, search PCA mart Classified Ads: 51049.

CPO 2015 Cayman 2.7/6 speed

There is one year and unlimited milage available on the CPO. Paint protection and a Becker exhaust was installed. I have the original exhaust. 45,600 miles. This is garage kept and a weekend car. $50,999 Paul Orofino 407-496-0019 Cell paul@mdsinc.me

Autocross / Track Rims

Set of Porsche OEM 993 rims, excellent for track and autocross. Sizes 7 and 9 x 17, Porsche #s 993-362-12400 and 993-362-128-00, 2 each. These are not concours wheels, they are scuffed and scratched but run true and are great for driving events. $500 Firm for the set – they are in Sebring for pickup. Call Mike Tarter 561-596-9432.

Wheelchair for Porsche

Steel Transport Chair with Permanent Full-Length Arms, Swing-Away Footrest, Large 12” wheels, seat belt. Fits in the trunk of a Porsche. Like new only used a few times. Colors are burgundy and grey, lightweight 23.5 lbs. 300 lbs weight capacity. $145 Contact Roger Fabel at rfabel@aol.com.or text 954 752-2501.

Garage Sale

(2) Bridgestone RE71R 245/40-18 NEW..200 treadwear Ultra high performance stickers still on. Never mounted and garage stored last 3 years $275 for both. FIRM

(2) BFG Rival 245/40-18 200 treadwear AutoX performance tires. Used for 1 AutoX 6/32 tread remaining, date code 3916 $90.OBO

(1) Federal RSR 265/40-18, 200 treadwear AutoX performance tire 4/32 remaining date code 0120 $50.00

OEM Cat back stock muffler for 2009-2012 Boxster or Cayman S, great cond..If you don›t like that load, droning so called performance system that the prior owner installed, try this $275

Front Nose for 944 Turbo or S2, Broken Louvers repaired (they all break...trust me). pretty good condition, but will need final sanding and paint. $250. Wont fit regular 944 unless you get turbo/s2 fenders Call Steve 954 292-3915

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PHOTO FINISH

Sunday Drive

Luis Alvarez submitted this photo of his 2001 white-on-blue 996 Carrera Cabriolet that he has owned for roughly nine years Luis has done extensive work restoring all the things associated with a car of this age. He says that his dream was always to own a Porsche and this is his first one. “I can’t tell you how much fun it is to drive this car!” says Luis “It is my Sunday driver.” Luis enjoys attending most PCA events, as doing so is a great way to meet other Porsche enthusiasts.

Luis did a photo shoot of his 996 with photographer Jonnie Specter of @miamiluxeimages at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The arena makes a nice setting to compliment the shape of the 996.

This photo was shot on a Cannon EOS R.

Have a cool picture of your Porsche? Then submit it with a description to gcr.photofinish@gmail.com

Christy Spangler, Photo Editor