On the Cover: Our cover this month was taken by Pedro Luis Orama in October 2022 on a driving trip to North Carolina and Tennessee. Orama captured his 2000 model year 996 parked along the side of the road in a mess of leaves, trees and color. Pedro was in the mountains for a fall drive and stopped for a break. Grabbing a quick snapshot with his cellphone, he succinctly encapsulated the beauty of both his Porsche and the spectacular beauty of the Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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
I continue to be amazed at the quality and quantity of events that are put on by the various groups within this club. Every month there are at least three social events that a member can attend and that doesn’t include the named events such as Escape, Oktoberfest, Autocross and holiday specific events. It takes a tremendous effort to put on and manage these events, and that special effort comes from the dedicated core of members who volunteer their time to make these things happen.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge these people, both elected officials and directors.
Steve and Dottie Kidd, who without a doubt are foundation pillars of this Club. At any major event you will find them involved lending their vast knowledge and experience in getting an event planned and executed. This pair are the engine that drive Autocross and PCA Juniors, while at the same time, assisting wherever they can.
Cynthia Fluhart, our Club Secretary, has vast experience in presenting catered affairs and has been invaluable in negotiations with hotels and various venues that the Club wanted to rent.
Carolynn Ditrich who is the Club Treasurer, has the difficult job of keeping the Club’s books in order. Most members have no idea of the costs required to put on the highquality events that we do. Because Carolynn does a terrific job, Gold Coast remains financially strong.
The Board has six Directors who do a large part of the heavy lifting and research required to make our Club events work, and without these efforts the Club would quickly come to a screeching halt.
Noemi Sanchez, a newcomer to the Board who has made herself an invaluable member, handles the Club charity efforts and assists with other events.
Mark Johnson, who is a newcomer to the Board, is responsible for the resurgence of the Club Driver Education program. He does that in between his writing for the Kassette.
Ian Gerada, is our Membership Chair with responsibility for interfacing with the membership. He is also responsible for the Club Website. In addition, he is responsible for the Escape T-shirt designs that have started to become collector items. If a great looking event flyer catches your eye, more than likely Ian created it.
Mike Del Pozo is a new member to the Board who has hit the ground running. He is responsible for Gold Coast’s first Charity Golf Tournament. After the success of that event, he hasn’t stopped working to create new events for our members to enjoy.
Rick Veingrad, who is not on the Board this year but remains an important part of Gold Coast, is responsible for Escape, which has become the largest single event in Zone 12 with over 300 members attending.
Finally, Christy Spangler, our Social Chair, is the pivot that our social committee revolves around. She sets the tone by taking the wishes of the Board and creating. a calendar of events that span the whole year.
This is the group of people that create the events that you as members get to enjoy every month. When you see them, it doesn’t hurt to say thanks for their efforts.
Prost! The German phrase when toasting your friends in celebration. GCR’s popular Oktoberfest returns at the Biergarten in Boca Raton. After perusing amazing Porsches on display, you can take part in the Oktoberfest activities and enjoy the pig roast. Lederhosen are optional. Next up, we are planning a social at Tavolino Della Notte in Coral Springs. In the spirit of Halloween, things might get a little spooky at this one!
This month, the First Saturday Porsches & Pancakes and the Second Sunday Porsches and Pancakes fell on the same weekend. What a great way to start October!
We are quickly coming to the end of our 60th year anniversary. To celebrate, the Social Committee and the Board of Directors decided to do something a little different this year and are planning to have a luncheon event at Capriccio Italian Restaurant located in Pembroke Pines.
Photos by Gonzalo ReinosaIn the rearview mirror:
September included two driving events, the Autocross and Driver’s Education and closed out with the Swap Meet and Tech Session at TR3 in Davie. A big thank you to Steve and Dottie Kidd, Mark Johnson and all of the volunteers that made these events happen.
As
14 - Oktoberfest, Biergarten in Boca Raton
28 - Social at Tavolino Della Notte in Coral Springs
On the horizon:
Save the date (announcements and registration coming soon):
November
4 - Poker Run in Dade County
18 - Stone Crab Run, Everglades City
December
2 - GCR 60th Anniversary Celebration and Holiday luncheon at Capriccio Italian Restaurant in Davie
The Social Committee is continuing to work on events, so stay tuned for updates and announcements about these events via the e news emails. You can also check the calendar on the GCR website at goldcoastregion. org/calendar, 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 the members of the Social Committee at socials@goldcoastregion.org.
A rainy September morning did not stop GCR members from coming out for a good breakfast. Thank you to Paul Laya in Boca Raton, Ruben Alsina in Miami and Ed Kohly in Sunrise for hosting the First Saturday Porsches and Pancakes.
Escape - /e’skāp, e’skäp/ - to break free from confinement or control. Verb, as in: “The PCA Gold Coast Region members and their many friends made their summertime escape to Sanibel.” Many drove to the west coast and enjoyed their weekend with other PCA members. Read more about the Escape ‘23 on page 10.
The escape theme can be found throughout this month’s issue starting with the cover photo provided by Pedro Luis Orama. How long has it been since you have seen the beauty of the changing leaves? Our GCR members will be escaping Florida to see nature’s splendor during the annual tour to North Carolina this month. As a Florida flat lander you will enjoy the mountains and twisty roads complimented by the fall color season.
Needing to make a quick escape, the Driver’s Education program got back on track. This is an escape that many of our track event members had been wanting. Christy Spangler shares her experience as a HPDE student on page 14. PCA family from Suncoast Region and the PCA National DE Chair contributed immensely. Please share a special thanks to our DE sponsors for their support.
In a similar vein, Sebring has the open autocross track where we honed our driving skills during another weekend escape. Pushing your Porsche around the cones sharpens driving skills and car control. This past AX we escaped the rain that normally is part of the event. The Kidd’s article and photos for AX are on pages 16 and 17.
The Finding Gold feature (p. 18) explains how Paul Laya finds his escape thru fast cars and fast boats. I have known Paul and his wife Alicia for a long time. They contribute to the club in many ways, organizing the first Porsches by the Bay event in 2003 and the 40th GCR anniversary event twenty years ago. Paul and his wife also help with the Kassette.
Perhaps an ultimate escape is made through the lens with photography. George Plucinkowski has provided part one of three training articles to help our members improve their skills in photography. Learn How to Capture Porsches in Motion starting on page 22.
Gather some courage and become a Gold Coast escape artist in the October issue of Die Porsche Kassette.
If you’ve been keeping an ear to the ground, you’ve probably heard the electric hum in the distance. No, it’s not a new techno track; it’s the sound of Porsche’s foray into the electric vehicle (EV) space. Let’s buckle up and take a ride into the future of Porsche’s electric mobility.
First things first, Porsche isn’t just hopping onto the EV bandwagon because it’s the “in thing.” They’re doing it with the same passion, precision and panache that is synonymous with the brand. Remember the first time you heard of the Taycan? That wasn’t just a car, it was a statement. A whisper of the future, wrapped in a sleek, unmistakably Porsche design. The Taycan wasn’t just Porsche’s first allelectric car, it was a promise of what is to come.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: range anxiety. We’ve all been there, right? Watching the battery icon on our phones and wondering if we will make it through the day. But with Porsche, that’s a non-issue. The Taycan, for instance, boasts a range that can rival any road trip that you have planned. And with rapid charging capabilities, you will be back on the road faster than you can say, “zero emissions.”
Speaking of emissions, let’s give a nod to the environment. Porsche’s electric vision isn’t just about speed and style; it’s about sustainability. By 2025, Porsche aims to have half of its new vehicles electrified. That’s a bold move, but if anyone can pull it off with flair, it’s Porsche. But what about the driving experience? Can an electric Porsche deliver the same thrill? In a word, absolutely. Electric doesn’t mean compromising on performance. The instant torque from an electric motor means you’re pushed back into your seat the moment you hit the accelerator. It’s a different kind of thrill, but a thrill nonetheless.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “But what about the iconic Porsche engine roar?” True, electric cars are quieter, but Porsche is exploring ways to give EVs their own unique sound. It’s all about evolving without losing the essence of what makes a Porsche, well, a Porsche. The future of Porsche in the electric vehicle space is not just bright; it’s electrifying. They’re not just adapting to the times; they’re shaping them. So, whether you’re a die-hard petrol head or an electric enthusiast, one thing’s for sure: Porsche’s electric journey is one we all want a ticket for.
As of the September 1, 2023, our Gold Coast Region is thrilled to host a robust membership of 3,263 individuals. This count comprises 2,170 primary members, 1,093 comembers and an excited group of 340 PCA Juniors.
For all the newcomers amongst us, we would like to express our heartfelt welcome to you, and we eagerly anticipate meeting you at an upcoming PCA event.
We invite all members to participate in our dedicated Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ gcrgroup. Here, you can stay current with the latest happenings and discussions within our community. Our Facebook group, with an impressive tally of 585 members, is a resourceful platform for all matters related to Porsche, the Gold Coast Region, and the array of events and activities that we host. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned Porsche enthusiast or just starting your journey, our Facebook group is an excellent way to engage with fellow members and stay informed about all the exciting developments within our club.
Drive safe,
on page 31
Photos by Ian Gerada, Mark Johnson and Noemi Sanchez
On August 26th and 27th, the PCA Gold Coast Region held its annual “Escape to the Cape” event, this year simply named “Escape 2023”. We stayed at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour hotel. Many of our members drove across the alley on Friday morning, and the festivities began early with an optional dinner at Pinchers, a renowned restaurant in Fort Myers. This gathering was more than just a meal; it provided an opportunity for attendees to connect, share their Porsche stories and set the tone for the weekend. The camaraderie was palpable as attendees eagerly discussed their prized possessions and adventures.
On the morning of August 26th, participants convened at Porsche West Broward. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as attendees were sorted into various run groups. This meticulous organization ensured a smooth departure, with a convoy of Porsches heading to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel Island.
A special thank you goes to Steve and Dottie Kidd, along with Ed Blair, who managed the groups leaving from Porsche West Broward on Saturday morning.
The journey across Alligator Alley, featuring a convoy of over 75 cars, was a sight to behold. Upon arrival at Doc Ford’s, attendees enjoyed a delightful lunch and a perfect mid-day break. During this time, Mitchell Sherwood, GM of Porsche Fort Myers spoke, and they set up a booth selling exclusive Porsche apparel. He later took the stage to share insights and updates from the brand. Following this, Bobby Varela from Foreign Affairs Motorsport engaged the audience with his passion for Porsche, marking a significant milestone as they celebrated 45 years in the business.
Leslie Sikorski, the Zone 12 Rep on behalf of PCA National, presented Peter Olliviere, the president of PCA Gold Coast Region, with a recognition certificate and letter celebrating the PCA Gold Coast Region’s sixtieth anniversary.
Noemi and Nestor Sanchez’s contributions to the event deserve special mention. Their efforts at Pinchers restaurant ensured a seamless registration process and set a welcoming tone for the entire event. Their dedication was evident in every detail, from greeting attendees to overseeing the smooth distribution of t-shirts.
As evening approached, participants gathered at the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant in Fort Myers. The tranquil ambiance of the restaurant, combined with a shared passion for Porsche, made for a memorable evening.
Sponsors play a crucial role in the success of such events, and Escape 2023 was no exception. A heartfelt thanks goes to Porsche Fort Myers, Foreign Affairs Motorsport and Connectica Digital Marketing for
their unwavering support. Their contributions elevated the event, ensuring it was not only enjoyable but also unforgettable.
The true heroes of Escape 2023 were the volunteers from PCA Gold Coast and PCA Everglades Region. Their relentless efforts, from managing logistics to catering to every participant’s needs, played a pivotal role in the event’s success.
Escape 2023 celebrated the Porsche legacy and the vibrant community of enthusiasts that the PCA Gold Coast Region has nurtured over the years. As Rick Veingrad, the Chairman of the Escape 2023 event, aptly stated, “See you all next year.”
The Porsche community eagerly looks forward to another year of camaraderie, passion and celebration.
PCA members can now opt in to the digital membership card, available for Apple and Android digital wallets. It’s easy and quick to download! Once in your wallet, your card is easily accessible when you need it.
What an amazing experience! It was worth every cent of the admission price to get my early 1985 944, Shadow, to pass the technical inspection and track ready. I have been auto crossing Shadow on and off for the past several years and really enjoy the experience of having my agility with Shadow tested. HPDE offered a completely new experience testing my abilities with this Porsche.
I have been wanting to participate in a High-Performance Driver’s Education event for quite some time, but it always seemed as if something else would come up or there would be a conflict. When GCR began plans to restart the HPDE program, I made it a point to put it on my calendar and commit myself to the HPDE. With the classroom and the tech inspection sessions that Mark Johnson, the DE
Manager organized, I felt more at ease on what to expect on HPDE day.
Josh Breckeen from the Suncoast Region, was my assigned instructor for the day. We had met previously at the 48 Hours at Sebring Club Race. Josh had a lot of energy that fueled my adrenaline rush as he coached me around the Homestead Track. I appreciated that he took the time after our sessions to go over how things went and I learned so much about the 944 and how to drive it.
This experience really gave me a new sense of awareness to the balance of the car and how it feels and responds while navigating around the track. When I did something right, I really felt the connection with the car. I did make a few mistakes too, but was able to correct them before things got out of hand. Josh and I attributed that to my autocross experience.
Sure, there were some scary moments. Josh pushed me outside of my comfort zone with the acceleration, cornering and hard braking. Yes, I did trust what he was coaching me to do, but my regular habits kept kicking in. He told me that working the pedals is like a dance, but at times it felt like I had two left feet. Once I started letting go of
those habits, things began clicking and my speed around the Homestead track increased. I began to take ownership of what started out to be tricky corners. What a thrill it was!.
Shadow has been a part of the Spangler family since 1994. I have been a fan of watching 944s race at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in the 1990’s and I still enjoy watching them compete at the 48 Hours at Sebring Club Race. The HPDE gave me the opportunity to try my 944 on the track.
Shadow certainly was not the fastest car out there and I did a lot of point byes so other drivers could pass (thank you to the Green group for your patience). That is okay though, learning to drive my nearly 40 year old Porsche as it was meant to be driven on the track was so much fun and a thrilling experience. I look forward to
the next time I can participate in a HPDE and I won’t wait so long!
This event was a big undertaking to organize and it would not have been possible without the dedicated team
The Gold Coast Region HPDE was held on Saturday September 16th at Homestead-Miami Speedway. We had over 75 drivers between novice, intermediate, solo and instructor groups. In total, we believe that as many as 125 people attended the event. It was an overall success in so many ways.
We expect to print a full recap of the day in the November Kassette (space allowed). We will publish several photos of the day and provide insight into the efforts of the many organizers and volunteers who contributed to the successful driver education event. Please allow a very special thanks to our sponsors: Parkhaus1, Porsche West Broward, TUNERS, KMW Motorsports and ZWECK for the financial support and helping us to get back on track.
The GCR DE Team wishes to acknowledge the DE Team at Suncoast Region who were available from day one with their assistance in event planning, and in bringing 25% of the instructors for the day. We also need to recognize Ms. Mia Walsh, PCA National DE Chair, for her support and her travel to south Florida to help on track day.
of volunteers, our Zone 12 friends from Suncoast and other regions, the PCA National DE Chair as well as the sponsors. Thank you all for your contributions for a great day and to bring the GCR HPDE back on track.
Finally, thanks to all the participants and volunteers who kept it simple, made it fun and made it SAFE!
What a day…
Mark Johnson DE ManagerWOW....a September Autocross event with no rain and 12 runs. That was the reaction of many of our September Autocross event participants. As many of the regulars will recall, most of our past Sebring autocrosses held in September have been rained out and/or stopped, due to lightning. We were blessed on September 9th with warm, but not brutal temperatures, a low turn out and and some great competition. For full results check the GCR website
The course was a pleasant mixture of familiar elements with a few new technical maneuvers that made the course a little longer and more challenging than others. Most times were between 48-58 seconds. The fastest time of the day again went to Trent Ksionek, driving a purpose built AutoX car in our X class (non Porsches), with a time of 44.5 . The fastest Porsche and 2nd fastest overall went to Jean-Pierre Vuillermet, driving a 2002 GT3 touring, with a time of 48.3. The fastest ladies time went to Carolynn Dietrichs, driving a 2006 Boxster S, with a time of 52.6. Our newest & youngest autocrosser was Tim Maragos, son of long time member Louie Maragos, driving his new Subaru BRZ, and put down a best time of 51.6. This was Tim’s first autoX and judging from the miles of smiles, it won’t be his last.
As always, I need to thank all the volunteers that help out before, during and after our Autox events. Some of the most notable are the A team timing experts, James and Julie.
Timing is one of the most critical aspects of running an AutoX, and few have the focus and attention to detail to keep timing running smoothly. Also helping out regularly are Trent, Carolynn, Jean-Pierre & Christy. Of note also is the fact that the Kidd’s are on their 20th year of running the GCR AutoX program. While 20 years is probably not a record yet, GCR will need to find a younger group to take over the AutoX program at some point in the future. If you have any interest in learning the ropes of running an AutoX program, please call Steve
I need to repeat an important message. To continue offering a world class AutoX program, we would like to add at least 1 more local AutoX 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 954292-3915 if you can help finding a new AutoX site. Again, it’s not just knowing about a possible piece of real estate, it’s about having a contact to make things happen.
Check the GCR website for AutoX results and updates (Thanks Ian). Hopefully many of you attempted the AutoX crossword puzzle and I’m sure
some of you got a near perfect score. Tentative Autocross schedule for the remainder of 2023
Event #7 October 21 @ St. Lucie Fairgrounds. Our final AutoX event of 2023....Our last event of 2023.
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 preregister & 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 drivers license as a deposit. Your license will be returned when you return the helmet. No passengers except for an approved AutoX 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 AutoX events and accumulate a higher point value than their competition. Call Steve or Dottie Kidd 954-562-5919. For AutoX rule questions call Steve 954 292-3915.
To meet Paul Laya and his wife Alicia, is a treat. They are simply the type and quality of folks one might expect to encounter at a gathering of Porsche aficionados. They are kind, soft spoken, easy going and they love their Porsches… all three of them!
Paul and Alicia have been married for a total of 24 years, after having met through an online dating opportunity, AOL Singles, long before there was match.com. They met in October 1998, married July 9, 1999, and have been happily together ever since. Happy Anniversary BTW.
Paul began his long-standing Porsche relationship, his second love as it is, with a movie we all have enjoyed, RISKY BUSINESS. This 1983 Tom Cruise effort featured the iconic Porsche 928, and that introduced the famous line, “Porsche, there is no substitute.” How not to become enamored with a Porsche after that is offered by Joel Goodson, Cruise’s character. Of course, that is one of many quality quotations that might
be pulled from the movie, some not appropriate for this article, but enjoyable, nonetheless. Hey, “Who’s the U-Boat Commander?”
That last quote is telling in its own sense. There is a German U-Boat, U-505, on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois. Perhaps Paul spent more than one day at this great museum as he was born in the Windy City. A connection to Chicago, Risky Business, the 928 and U-Boats..,well it seems it all came together to set Paul on a course toward Porsche passion and pleasure.
Currently, the Laya’s command three distinct Porsches, which Paul affectionately refers to as a “Triple Expresso”. The trio are as follows: a sleek 1986.5 Porsche 928S, a 2002 Boxster S and a 2013 Cayenne S. “Triple Expresso” each provides an adventure and a truly exhilarating rush. Back to that no-substitute feeling, of course.
The Boxster S, low profile and spirited powerplant is his daily, sharing a dose of adrenaline with each squeeze of the throttle. Being a cabrio, it provides that unique openness and enjoyment of the beautiful South Florida weather. This Boxster has been serviced and modified by TuneRS in Coral Springs
to include a Soul Exhaust system, short shifter, a Cayman GT breather and an air throttle kit that provides mid-range horsepower. The Boxster S provides a powerful, spirited drive and a ton of smiles.
Working as a Digital Marketing Manager, Paul is often tasked to attend tradeshows and other marketing events. The Boxster can’t hold all the stuff, so the Cayenne is pressed into duty to portage display equipment, TV monitors and various materials needed for the given event. It is a performance oriented SUV with a commanding presence and refined power. Besides being a great vehicle to drive, it can pack a load to compliment the Porsche driving pleasure.
Then there is Paul’s favorite Porsche of all, the classic 928S. It is a true gem of the ‘80’s. The 928 exudes “vintage charm, quirky oddness and an elegant design that captures the attention of enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike,” said Paul. He continues, “whenever I take it out for a spin, time seems to slow down, allowing me to savor each moment. It is a testament to the legacy of Porsche and their commitment to excellence.” Did we
suggest there is no substitute, or was that Tom Cruise? Certainly, Paul Laya would attest.
Paul and Alicia joined PCA Gold Coast Region in 2003. He has been an active volunteer ever since. He currently supports GCR by hosting the Boca Raton Porsche & Pancake breakfast meeting at the Flashback Diner on Federal Highway in BRFL. This P&P frequently pulls in 20-25+ members and a stout collection of Porsche automobiles. The group fills the main dining room and the parking lot. It is a great crowd and a wonderful way to meet your fellow GCR members. All the Porsche & Pancake breakfast providing this opportunity. They also attend the 3rd Thursday and many of the regular events.
In addition to PCars, the Laya’s have been mariners as well. Up until just recently, Paul and Alicia could be found on the water in a high performance power boat. Paul was into “go-fast” boats between 2005 and 2023. He recently sold their 2003 Sonic 31SS. This speedy vessel came powered with 740 HP, and as many boat owners will attest that boating is “an extremely expensive hobby”. Driving the offshore, high-
performance Sonic, requires a lot of discipline. One must be very responsible as these go-fast boats are dangerous. It is similar to the skill and responsibility necessary for driving a Porsche at speed.
“Triple Expresso,” Paul’s gathering of the three unique and stylish Porsches are more than a collection. This trio symbolizes his zest for life and his appreciation for the art of engineering. Each model holds a unique place in his heart, offering an escape from the ordinary and a call to embrace the extraordinary. To Paul and Alicia, this set represents a perfect blend of speed, style and sophistication.
by George Plucienkowski
At one time or another, most of us looked at some impressive photos of cars in a magazine or the internet. Something magical and alluring about cars, sleek curves and raw power draws us to them.
To help you reach this goal, a few basics, equipment suggestions and set-up settings will be presented. By all means these are meant as starting points, which you can modify as conditions dictate.
One of the most common misnomers is that one needs an expensive or newer camera to get quality images. In truth, any modern camera, mirrorless or DSLR will suffice to freeze action and create sharp images.
The only real requirement is that the camera has multiple shooting mode options (this function is very common in most of the cameras today). (I personally use a 12 year old Nikon D800. This camera has all the features required to get great images.)
Have you ever wondered how these photos have been created and desired to create a dynamic, adrenaline filled image yourself?
Action photos are some of the most exciting images one can produce. However, this type of photography is a little more challenging and complex. Though photographing fast moving cars is quite challenging, with practice and learning a few concepts, you will be rewarded with spectacular images.
The following are three examples of reasonably priced older cameras: the Sony Alpha 6000, the Canon EOS 80D and the Nikon D800. These have all the required features and modes to capture great images, even though there are subtle differences between them.
One of the differences is that the Sony and Canon are cropped sensor cameras, whereas the Nikon is a full sensor. Effectively it just impacts the strength of the lens used. For example a 120mm lens on the Nikon will be a 180mm lens on the Sony and a 190mm on the Canon. All these cameras have excellent image quality through a very usable ISO range.
The bottom line is that one does not need the newest nor the most expensive camera.
The real need for great images is one’s knowledge of the camera and the functions and settings that will help in the process.
To capture a great image, one also needs to understand the functionality of their camera: how different settings can impact the image quality. A uselful tool to understand the relationship of ISO, shutter speed and aperture and how it effects the light being received by the sensor, is the Exposure Triangle. Here, the three major elements of exposure are depicted. ISO is the sensitivity of the sensor to light: higher ISO leads to greater sensor sensitivity but may also lead to excessive noise in the
image. High shutter speed ensures the frezzing of movement; too high may require to rebalance the aperature and possible the ISO. To obtain sharpness of the subject, a smaller aperture (opening of the lens) is required, consequently the shutter speed may have to be reduced (possibly causing blurring) and the ISO increased to allow more light on the sensor (possibly adding noise).
Metering, White Balance, File Type, Lens Combination will be discussed as these are a critical part of establishing the correct settings. We will utilize this triangle in establishing the preliminary starting settings for the camera. To help one along, it would be great to dust off the camera manual and look up these topics that are particular to your camera.
The next step is to select the shooting mode from your camera menu or dial.
This chart helps us understand how best regulate the settings optimally for the conditions we are experiencing.
In the next section: Equipment, Accessories and Settings: Shooting Modes, Auto Focus, Exposure
The Sony and Canon have a dial; whereas the Nikon has a button to enter shooting mode selection. The recommended shooting modes are Shutter Priority and Manual. In Shutter Mode, you selected the speed and the camera will select the apportiate Aperature. In most situations this will result in good images. However if the lighting is not consistent, the camera may miscalculate the exposure and compromise the image. The most flexible is the Manual Mode. Here you have complete control of speed, aperture, etc. This mode is more demanding, in that you need to adjust all the parameters and may take some time to learn and understand.
However, it does allow you to be the most creative in capturing the image. There are a few additional functions to consider which are specific to the camera that you are using. Once again the camera manual will suggest how to implement these functions, since only a general discription and suggested setting will be mentioned. Focus is a very critical setting; if improperly set, it will be impossible to get a sharp image. There are two modes: manual and auto. Auto focus will have a few variations for use in specific situations. For our purpose, it is best to utilze Auto Focus in continuous mode.
White Balance has multiple varitions for different light conditions, such as auto, cloudy, shade, direct sunlight,
etc. Fortunatley, White Balance selection is not as critical as other settings since it may be changed in processing, especially if you shoot RAW. It is suggested to set this function to Auto.
Exposure Metering is very critical. There are multiple options such as matrix, center weight, spot, highlightweighted, etc. Each of these options will be optimal in different situations. Since we are targeting a vehicle, the best option to use is Spot. This will insure that the vehicle will be directly exposed, even when the background is much darker or brighter.
File Types also effect image quality. Most cameras have JPEG, RAW, TIFF, etc.
Each has its benefits and short comings. The recommendation is to set your camera for RAW, since this will provide the greatest amount of information of the image without any compression. Whereas, JPEG files are processed by the camera and are compressed from 4 to 16 times. The convince is that one MAY NOT need to process the files and can use them directly from the camera. These files contain less information and therefore fewer adjustments can be made later. Another factor is that each time a JPEG file is opened and closed, some additional information is lost due to compressing. For myself, I capture both RAW and JEPG. If your camera has these capabilities, it is the best of both worlds.
In the next installement, discussion will be centered around the camera / lens configurations, helpful accessories and initial settings.
Last December, several Gold Coast Members entered the first PCA Diecast Concours d’Elegance at Sea. A fun time was had by all.
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CLUNK is very different from a tick, which has nothing to do with a hiss, a click, a squeal, a knock, a pop, a rattle, a whistle or a bang
In this article we will try to explain the difference between them and how to figure out what they mean.
SQUEAK:
I mention squeaking here because it is usually a precursor to clunking. If your car starts squeaking when the suspension is depressed, it may be one or more of the ball joints that has dried out and is letting you know. When you determine which one it is, check the condition of its dust boot. If the boot is in good shape, try to inject some lubricant (high quality lithium grease) into the boot with a syringe or with an aerosol straw tube. If it quiets down then you know it is living on borrowed time and will need to be replaced soon, but at least it should be quiet for a while.
The fuel injectors (all six of them) can tick quite loudly. The lifters, especially if the oil level is low, can tick, tick, tick. Rotational in origin: Bad serpentine belt, debris in a brake rotor, a pebble or nail in a tire tread, a dried out CVJ. Non-Rotational: A loud fuel injector, or a sticky lifter.
Believe it or not, a very loud, metallicsounding tick can also be caused by a loose spark plug.
CLUNK:
It’s the most common sound and usually comes from the front end. If it happens while driving on bad roads, it’s usually a ball joint that is worn. Ball joints are protected with a flexible dust boot. When the boot tears, it can allow the lubricating grease to egress and road grime to ingress, eventually destroying the joint.
TICK, TICK, TICK:
So many things can tick!
If you can get the car on a lift with the engine running, try to determine the general area where the ticking is coming from. The best listening device for me is a long screwdriver. Place the butt end of the handle against your ear and touch with the screwdriver’s tip where you want to listen. You will be surprised what a great stethoscope it is!
Usually, the drop links are the first to go, but control arms, trailing arms, steering arms, etc., all have ball joints that wear out with mileage and time.
Generally, ticking sounds are heard coming from the engine itself. First, check if the ticking varies with the engine speed or car speed. That will tell you if it’s coming from the engine as you rev it, with the clutch depressed (or in neutral), or if it is coming from the drivetrain as you accelerate.
A shredding poly-ribbed belt can tick as it goes around.
If you can hear knocking sounds from your engine, get it checked out ASAP as something could be seriously wrong!
A knowledgeable tech can tell you if it is serious or if it can be easily fixed. What is generally called engine knocking really sounds more like clattering and is usually due to using a lower octane grade than recommended. On high compression engines, you need to use high octane gasoline to avoid pre-ignition and knocking which can damage the engine. Fortunately, most modern Porsches have automatic knock sensors that will retard timing to avoid pre-ignition (but you will lose power).
BANG, POP:
A loud BANG like a gunshot, is usually a backfire. Backfiring happens when unburnt fuel comes out of the engine and gets ignited in the exhaust pipe. This could be due to a vacuum or exhaust leak or a problem with one of the catalytic converters.
GRIND:
If the grinding happens when shifting, you probably have an issue with a synchro in the transmission, which makes your gears not mesh at a synchronized speed and therefore grind.
If you hear grinding while applying the brakes, your brake pads are probably worn or you may have caught some debris between a brake rotor (disc) and its pad.
HISS:
A vacuum leak while accelerating, makes a loud hiss.
A fluid leak dripping on a hot engine surface can also hiss.
A hot engine venting steam as well as a punctured tire can hiss as well.
It can also happen on the intake side, at the throttle body and could indicate an issue with the fuel and or the injection system, caused by a blocked fuel filter, bad spark plugs or damaged catalytic converter(s).
A dried out CV Joint (drive axle) or a failing wheel bearing can also grind quite loudly.
RATTLE:
Rattling under the car means that something is loose and making noise as it vibrates.
Generally, a heat shield in place over the catalytic converters is one of
the most common culprits. They are mounted with hardware that deteriorates in time and allows them to vibrate and create rattling.
SQUEAL:
A loud squeal when you rev the engine, especially when cold, is one of the earliest to diagnose. The belt is most likely loose and slipping on the pulley. It could be worn and in need of replacement, or the tensiometer pulley may have lost its tension.
… and, if it’s coming from your tires, you may need to back off the gas pedal!
WHISTLE:
A very distinct and loud “coke bottle” whistle is most likely the air oil separator (AOS).
If the inside membrane tears, it can create this unique sound. Other possible whistlers are:
• The hood and bumper out of alignment
• One or both of the side mirrors
• Side window/door seal
If the squeal is coming from the wheels without using the brakes, you probably have some debris between a brake rotor and its backing plate. If it happens when applying the brakes, then your brake pads may be worn out …
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ROAR:
Most of our cars produce a beautiful roar as we accelerate, some call it the symphony in flat-6, but if your exhaust notes change all of a sudden to a loud roar, something happened to the exhaust system.
The exhaust manifold may have cracked or one of the gaskets is allowing exhaust to freely escape.
The muffler may be damaged or an exhaust pipe clamp could have rusted out and then became loose.
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