I’m thrilled to share this action-packed issue with you as we enter our 70th year. Once again Don Matz has created a graphic masterpiece, and Luis Vivar has gifted us with his uncanny photographic eye. Special thanks go to contributing writers John Payne, Paul Wren, Bob Gartland, Dr. Dyno, Karen Robinson, Dave Bent, Steve Town, Steve Eisler and Martin Schacht. Oh, and me too. Join team Velocity. Earn Service Points and impress your friends!
Suggestions?
Contributing
Steve
Steve
Dave
POC
John
Dwain
Eben
Porsche Owners Club 2025 Event Schedule
1955 Porsche Owners Club The Beginning of a Legacy
Article: John Payne / Composite: Don Matz
What a year 1955 was!
Consumerism was taking off in a big way with the sale of some 7.9 million cars in the US. Seven out of ten families owned a motor car. New laws were put in place requiring seat belts to be installed on all new cars. Average wages were $3,851 per year. A gallon of gas cost about $.23. The first McDonalds was built. Elvis Presley was in rare form and Bill Haley and the Comets were singing Rock Around the Clock! What more could you ask for? The answer for many was a new Porsche!
Back east, Max Hoffman, the sole U.S. Distributor of Porsches in the U.S., started receiving new 356As for eager customers willing to pay about double the price of a Buick. And orders for new cars were soaring.
On the West Coast a hardy group of 50 Porsche enthusiasts got together and decided to form a club devoted to their newest passion. And so, the Porsche Owners Club was born in Los Angeles in early 1955 and became the first Porsche Club in North America.
There is little documentation about the Club’s earliest days, but The West Coast Sports Car Journal magazine published in September 1955 says of the POC, “This organization’s activity for July was a short navigational activity.” The Club’s tempo of activities seemed to change pretty quickly after that to a full social and competition schedule.
In September the Club started having Gymkanas which today we call Autocrosses. The earliest ones were held in Los Angeles in the May Company parking lot on Crenshaw Blvd. The membership stood at 72 at the time.
This was a pretty innovative and fun loving group. Instead of watching the Mickey Mouse Club or the $64,000 Question on TV, both shows debuting about the same time as the POC, they would have a canyon and mountain tour in their beloved Porsches including 356s and 550s, followed by a group breakfast and then a competition for which there is no name. It was a somewhat unusual hassle requiring driving into a parking bay, changing a wheel, driving into another bay, swapping front and rear plugs and then lunging across the finish line”. Lowest time, of course won the prize.
Unfortunately a participant with an Austin Healey had the best time due to his “knock-off” wheels. He was given honorable mention but not considered the official winner. And, if all this camaraderie wasn’t enough, the group then went to the South Coast beaches…for “swimming and skin diving”. Ahh, what a great and easy paced life was in 1955 with dear friends and a new Porsche, racing and playing together.
But, who were these enthusiasts who banded and bonded together?
The original Board of Directors was made up of Tom Gibbons, Chairman, George Goeche, Fred Bogler, Glad Ellis, Chris McDonnell, Joe Boening and Jeff Cooper. Unfortunately, Gibbons, a commercial pilot (as was his wife, Laura) was transferred to Hawaii for six months in September so George Goeche stepped up as interim Chairman until Tom returned.
August ‘55 Newsletter mentions the club’s first Road Rally and keeping speeds at 55. It also boasts of a Porsche costing less than $10,000 and the club now “buzzing along” with 59 members!
September ‘55 Newsletter talks about upcoming social events along with a “Gymkana” in Crenshaw. Today we refer to this type of racing as “Autocross.”
November ‘55 Newsletter anounces upcoming Time Trial event and also honors James Dean who died in a car crash on September 30, 1955, near Cholame, California, at the age of 24. His death occurred when he collided with another vehicle while driving his Porsche 550.
1955 Newsletters available to read in their entirety on ourwebsite: PORSCHECLUB.COM
POC 69 th ANNUAL BANQUET
Photo: Luis Vivar
POC 69th ANNUAL BANQUET
by Bob Gartland
LATE TO THE PARTY
I have been a member of POC since 2017. I’m a Time Trial guy and I attend almost all the events each year, except the banquet. In fact, I had never been to the banquet, but I was encouraged by Martina Kwan and others to attend this year. I don’t know why I haven’t been before, no reason really, I just never got around to it. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but I got dressed up as did my wife Edie and made the hour-long trek to Porsche Irvine for the event.
As has been reported in prior years, the showroom full of fantastic Porsche cars had been replaced by a room full of round tables with beautiful center pieces and decorations. We were greeted and given our name tags and most important drink tickets. We headed immediately to the bar. Priorities folks! We wandered around meeting friends and acquaintances. We ran into Dwain Dement who introduced us the Volker Holzmeyer from Porsche Motorsports and Alwin Springer of Andial. It’s great of them to come and support our event.
Everyone was dressed for the occasion and looked great. The ladies all looked stunning in a variety of chic evening wear. After seeing all the dashing men, I would have to say that Eben Benade’s claim to being the ‘Best Looking Man in the POC’ could easily be challenged. Sorry Eben. Luis Vivar was there to capture it all in his lens. Delicious appetizers of tuna tartar with caviar, fried shrimp with sweet and spicy sauce, and others were passed by the catering staff, and we all enjoyed them with our drinks. Ryan Moore acted as DJ and kept the vibe happening and after a while the festivities were called to order.
Our president, John Momeyer, started us off by acknowledging the incoming Board of Directors; Eben Benade, Dwain Dement, Karen Robinson, Jim Salzer, Steve Town, and Joe Wiederholt. John returns as our President. On to the “State of the Club.” I’m happy to report the Club is doing well and Jim Salzer, our treasurer, confirmed our finances were nicely in the black. We then recognized all our terrific sponsors who not only help keep the club vibrant and healthy throughout the season but provided many great gifts for members during the event (even for me!). Thank you to Porsche Cars North America, Porsche Motorsports North America, Porsche Design, Porsche Irvine (Our Host this evening), 11:59, Westwood Racing Supplies (Eric Olberz), Eva Motors (Anders Hainer), LTD Motorsports (Jimmy Lorimer), IED Group (Eben Benade), Top Gun Marketing (Matt Hollander), Tarett Engineering (Ira Ramin), Racing to End Alzheimer’s, Sunset Mortgage (Darin Moore), Stand21, DK Racing, Toyo Tire. The Competition Committee was recognized for their efforts. Thanks to Dwain Dement, Vali Predescu, Anders Hainer, Duane Selby, and Aspasia Zouras. A shout out was given to Annie Lush for planning and executing the event. It is a huge undertaking, and we thank her for her efforts.
Photos: Luis Vivar
Andrew Weyman Service Points Champion
Volker Holzmeyer, head of Porsche Motorsports North America gave us a brief review of Porsche’s racing success in 2024 and then took some questions. The supply of parts for Boxster Spec cars was a concern and Volker said he would try to help.
Eben Benade came to the podium in his snazzy tuxedo to give out the Time Trial awards. Danna Van Noy won 1st Place in 991.2 Spec Class, Diane Cafferata won the Boxster Spec Class and Gerrit Wesseling won for GT1. 1st Place in GT3 went to Paul Wren, 2nd to Kelly Tribolet and 3rd to yours truly. Steve Eisler was 1st in GT5 and Calvin Park was 1st in GT7. Nathan Apelbaum took the honors in M2, Thomas Kenna took 1st in M3 with Jack Apelbaum 2nd and Glen Orton in 3rd. Vivek Hazari took the trophy for M4.
1st Place in BSR Orange Cup Racing went to Mathew Hollander, with second going to Ryan Moore and 3rd to Larry Haase. GT5 was won by Don Kravig with 2nd place going to Bill Durant. Randy Bergum came in first in GT7. In Red Cup Racing Spec 991.2 Class Mike Monsalve came in first with Eric Olberz the runner up and Dwane Selby in 3rd. Ana Predescu won 1st Place in GT3 followed by Darin Moore in 2nd. Jim Salzer won GT4 and shared his winnings with his crew at Vision Motorsports. It’s been a long racing season, and all these folks deserve a high five for their perseverance. And with that dinner was served.
After a delicious meal we sat back down for some more recognitions. A Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Walter Airth for over 35 years in the club. Wow! He was given a lifetime membership as well. The Competition Points Champion for the Red Racing group went to Ana Predescu and the Orange Group points champion was Don Kravig. Great job to both of these drivers! Andrew Weyman was awarded the Service Points Champion. Thank you for your extraordinary dedication to the club. Andrew and his family lost their home in the Palisades Fire. We are all devasted to hear this but inspired that he chose to join us despite such a life-changing tragedy. Andrew took the opportunity to thank all the Velocity contributors from 2024. Everyone at
John Momeyer
Volker Holzmeyer
Joe Wiederholt Dwain Dement
Special Awards
Jim Salzer Member of the Year
Darin Moore Most Improved Red Cup Racer
Keith Hnatiuk Rookie of the Year
Ana Predescu Driver of the Year
Paul Wren Most Improved Time Trial Driver
Ryder Liu Most Improved Orange Cup Racer
the POC wished Andrew and his family the very best in this difficult time. The Chick Richardson John Deere Award was given to Duane Selby. I’m sure he considers it a great honor indeed.
The Most Improved Driver in Time Trials was Paul Wren. He did a fantastic job this year. Trust me, I know. Most Improved in Red Racing Driver was Darin Moore and in the Orange Racing group it was Ryder Liu. Rookie of the Year went to Keith Hnatiuk. Driver of the Year, a high honor for sure, went to Ana Predescu. But perhaps the most significant award is Member of the Year. This award goes to someone who embodies the core of the POC and contributes mightily to our success. This year’s winner is Jim Salzer. Congratulations to all these winners for their hard work and dedication to the sport we love.
As things were winding down, dessert was served, and we all enjoyed a little sugar for the trip home. The last raffle of the night was won by Laurie Taylor. It was a beautiful Porsche e-bike.
As she accepted the bike she turned and gifted it to Andrew Weyman, the man who has lost everything. I think this singular act of kindness sums up the evening. It was a gathering of folks around a pastime that they love, enjoying each other’s company like family. It was my first POC banquet, but it won’t be my last!
Walter Airth Lifetime Achievement Award
Duane Selby
Chick Richardson John Deere Weed Harvesting Award
It’s all in the family!
Championship Awards
Time Trial Series
991.2 1st Danna Van Noy
BSR 1st Diane Cafferta
GT1 1st Gerrit Wesseling
GT3 1st Paul Wren
GT3 2nd Kelly Tribolet
GT3 3rd Bob Gartland
GT5 1st Steve Eisler
GT7 1st Calvin Park
M2 1st Nathan Apelbaum
M3 1st Thomas Kenna
M3 2nd Jack Apelbaum
M3 3rd Glen Orton
RED Cup Series
991.2 1st Mike Monsalve
991.2 2nd Eric Olberz
991.2 3rd Duane Selby
GT3 1st Ana Predescu
GT3 2nd Darin Moore
GT4 1st Jim Salzer
ORANGE Cup Series
BSR 1st Matt Hollander
BSR 2nd Ryan Moorei
BSR 3rd Larr y Haase
GT5 1st Don Kravig
GT5 2nd Bill Durant
GT7 1st Randy Bergum
Time Trial Series
Photos: Luis Vivar
Danna VanNoy / 991.2
Gerrit Wesseling / GT1
Paul Wren / GT3
Kelly Tribulet / GT3Bob Gartland / GT3
Diane Cafferta / BSR
Jack Apelbaum / M3Glen Orton / M3Vivek Hazari / M4
Steve Eisler / GT5Calvin Park / GT7Nathan Apelbaum / M2
Thomas Kenna / M3
Red Cup Series
Orange Cup Series
Mike Monsalve / 991.2
Matt Hollander / BSR
Ana Predescu / GT3
Don Kravig / GT5
Darin Moore / GT3
Bill Durant / GT5
Jim Salzer / GT4
Randy Bergum / GT7
Eric Olberz / 991.2
Ryan Moore / BSR
Duane Selby / 991.2
Larry Haase / BSR
TAKIN’ IT TO
Photo: Luis Vivar
the STREETS
TAKIN’ IT TO THE STREETS
PAUL WREN
The 2025 season opener at the Streets of Willow Springs featured our TT classes, PDS, and our newly implemented MSF instructor certification program. We enjoyed a beautifully clear, high desert winter day with crisp morning temperatures transitioning to an afternoon of high 50s sunshine.
It was a little surreal to be out there knowing that several POC members lost their homes in the firestorms, along with thousands of others. I guess that’s what life is for, to come out and enjoy events like this when you can, because any of us could be next. Diane Cafferata described it best. “The absolute singular focus in the racecar is the best therapy to enjoy a moment’s respite from the worries.”
After the PDS track walk/tour for a few laps the day started in earnest with the Green open-passing TT first practice session. There was lots of followthe-leader-in-traffic as people sorted out the cobwebs after our winter break. It’s funny to see the same highway traffic dynamics re-created on the racetrack.
The Racehero timing system shut down permanently at the end of 2024, but the transition to the Speedhive app seems to have worked, with a few kinks to resolve. Live timing of the first Green group worked well. Things went awry in the Blue group when only three cars were detected on track out of the dozen or so that were there. A work in progress, as they say. Things got better throughout the day.
Photo: Luis Vivar
It was good to see several familiar cars and faces back on-track as well as some new faces and new cars tearing it up. Timed run number one for the Green group showed some expected results with the father/son duo of Apelbaums setting fast times. Jack, in his Corvette, just missed the track record for Modified 2 by a hundredth of a second. Also moving back to the front of the results in GT3 was Bob Gartland with a 1:21. In the second timed run Gartland was trumped by Mick Yanoschak in his newer Clubsport with a 1:19.400.
In the first timed Blue point-by session, timing and scoring had difficulty detecting a few cars but logged Yasin Almadani in his GT5 Boxster #737, beating his 1:30 goal for the day with a 1:28.9. Almadani found a few more tenths, improving in later sessions.
In the Yellow PDS group one standout result was by Michael Persson. In his beautiful white/red GT3, Persson turned a 1:23.6 which sets a track record for Stock 2 (as he was registered). I think that might be an admin mistake. GT3 cars are classified in the Modified group even as factory stock. The car sounds beautiful and looks planted. Michael is new to POC but not the track. He enjoyed our club vibe.
Third timed runs after lunch started with a little schedule confusion but it didn’t change the order of results too much. Most transponder issues got quickly sorted. The brilliant blue Subaru of Cody Lissner (in the Blue run group) recorded times in the 1:30 range. It’s always good to see that we welcome all marques here at POC.
The most standout color in the Blue group was grey, with fast times by a couple of new players in new cars. Otei Appiagyei, in a beautiful grey Carrera ran a 1:22, Sean Taheri in a grey Cayman ran a 1:24, and Cyrus Chen in a grey GT3 got down to 1:23 after yesterday at DK Racing School. All these late-model street cars looked incredibly planted and smooth, and their stock exhausts were mystifyingly silent.
Cool weather made for some opportunities in the 4th timed session to improve. Bob Gartland got down to 1:19.8 although Mick Yanoschak still had GT3 handled at 1:19 flat. Jack Apelbaum did get the Modified 2 track record (unofficial) with a 1:20.5 versus the 1:20.8 on the books. There were lots of howling tires into Turn 1 as everyone tested the limits. The Mazdas had a good scrap going amongst themselves, with some sensational slides on the skid pad.
Photos: Luis Vivar
IT TO THE STREETS
Last session of the day was Blue point-by, with a pretty good turnout despite the low sun and late hour. Yasin lowered his time again into the 1:27s. Diane Cafferata continued to click off steady 1:30s and 1:31s in the Boxster, completely in the moment. The grey cars ran in tandem again, 1:24s at first, then solid 1:22s with some late-day aggression manifesting in tail-happy antics. Osei maintained his advantage over Cyrus by just four tenths. James Bowe in the brilliant green Cayman improved steadily to the 1:23s then the next lap saw a HUGE slide into Turn 1 as his tires probably overheated a bit. The desperation of having to get by traffic on the main straight at all costs probably had something to do with it.
That’s it then. Lots of smiles, lots of tires and brakes and cars well used. Looking forward to the Big Willow event in February. See you all there!
Photos: Luis Vivar
Photos: Luis Vivar
Photos: Luis Vivar
Photo: Luis Vivar
Photo: Luis Vivar
Time Trial Record Based Improvement Scores (RBIS)
Soto, Allan
Apelbaum, Jack
01/11/2025 01:23.546
Bowe, James
Chen, Cyrus
Jarnit-Bjergsoe, Jeppe
Kenna, Thomas
Taheri, Sean
Matthews, Lauren
Scheimberg, Ruben
Momeyer, Jadyn
Momeyer, Jadyn
The Cycling to Racing Pipeline
I’ve noticed through interviews and backstories that oftentimes racecar drivers share a common thread of serious cycling in their history. Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas, Greg Lemond, Sir Chris Hoy, our own Eben Benade, Joe Wiederholt, Gerrit Wesseling, Lauren Matthews... and me (2013 State Two-man TT champion!). The list is very much longer, and I would bet many more of you are cyclists.
PAUL WREN
I’ve noticed through interviews and backstories that oftentimes racecar drivers share a common thread of serious cycling in their history. Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas, Greg Lemond, Sir Chris Hoy, our own Eben Benade, Joe Wiederholt, Gerrit Wesseling, Lauren Matthews...and me (2013 State Two-man TT champion!). The list is very much longer, and I would bet many more of you are cyclists.
Endurance sports share many traits but cycling in particular is well suited to preparing you for driving a racecar. It doesn’t really matter if you were amateur or professional because that is just a difference of talent really...the basic mindset of real cycling is the same regardless of the level at which you participate. That’s just one of the similarities to racing cars. There are a number of reasons that this is the case:
1 Preparation is key to performance
You cannot just show up on the start line of a cycling competition with a nice bike and the wish to participate. Without years of preparation, you will not even make it the first few miles in any serious category. In a racecar as well, you must prepare your car correctly, tune the suspension and engine, memorize the track you are driving, and understand the degradation performance of your tires and brakes. Additionally, you must develop the focus, concentration skills and muscle-memory that enables you to react reflexively to the behavior of the car...if you have to think about every reaction, you will be too late. An instinctual understanding of the physics of the racing line is also key. This all cannot be learned overnight...that’s the reason that kids that grow up karting will more often be naturals in the car, and once your brain & nervous system are fully baked there is almost no way to make up for those reflexes. As has often been stated,
“the more I practice the luckier I get.” Having experienced many situations in practice prepares you with the deep confidence that enables clarity and focus during a race. Being sure of your capabilities reduces doubt and provides a kind of clairvoyance...you’re not surprised by most situations because you have already seen them and can anticipate what will come next.
2 Calculation and acceptance of risk is key
You must understand the ways that things can go wrong and have practiced and learned to mitigate those risks. You cannot be seized by fear or worry while you race because that distraction will be self-fulfilling. Cycling does not involve the same absolute speeds as racing a car of course, but the relative danger is often higher - you can be racing downhill on twisty mountain roads often at 60-70 mph wearing only lycra, or sprinting alongside a dozen or more competitors inches away at 30-40 mph through city streets. The downside reality of a crash can be much more severe than what typically happens in a fully caged racecar, where an offtrack excursion is just annoying but nothing more. But equally in a racecar you must deal with the fact that there is the real possibility you can be seriously injured or killed. As unlikely as it is, the risk is not zero. Compartmentalizing that knowledge is critical to remaining focused and inthe-moment, without which you cannot perform to the limits of the car.
3 The desire to race and win is a powerful driving force
If you ride a bike without any goals, you are not really a cyclist, you just ride a bike. The crossover to real cycling comes when you realize that performance is important, whether it’s just keeping up with a local group ride (believe me this is not easy) or participating in the tactics and strategies of racing with a team. To succeed,
you have to be driven to perform because that motivates the concentration and effort required to enable skillful racing. You also must be mentally prepared to accept pain as a condition of preparation. In cycling particularly, the training is often more difficult than the race...because you must prepare yourself to be fit enough that during race efforts you can keep your mental focus. Similarly in a racecar if you are just “having fun” you will probably not last very long in the sport at any competitive level. All the real racecar drivers that I know or have read about are internally driven by competition and a desire to win. Sometimes this desire can go awry...but that’s a topic for a different article.
4 You must know your limits
Cycling teaches you to understand the envelope of performance that you are capable of achieving. There is no way to pretend or hide from this reality once you’ve spent months or years training with a power meter, heart rate monitor, a proper
training program and good nutrition. You learn to pay attention to every factor (time-to-exhaustion for any interval, functional threshold power, fueling and nutrition, proper sleep, avoidance of alcohol and junk food, overall physical fitness and flexibility) but once you are on the start line you understand that there is a definite boundary to what you can do, and your racing strategies have to incorporate your strengths and weaknesses. It is not always the “fastest” that wins a race in cycling but oftentimes the most canny and strategic, with good team support. Racing cars is very similar particularly with regards to tire life and on a hot day, the cooling limits of your car. You should also come to understand your own talent and limitations and devise mitigation strategies for them. You cannot drive at 100%
effort every lap of a race without destroying your tires leading to lap time fall-off, and similarly you cannot always demand absolute 100% timing and mental performance from yourself in a long race. On a very hot day you also cannot drive 100% in most cars without causing overheating. Similarly at some tracks, braking performance cannot be expected to be an absolute if you’re too aggressive in your style. Understanding your own limits better than your competitors will often allow you to bide your time and pass them without too much difficulty late in the race or stint when they’ve used up their car or their concentration.
5 Understanding your competitors can be key
Through observation and experience, you come to know how others will react in various situations, and what their limitations and weaknesses are. In cycling this becomes instinctual, and from the slightest wobble, glance, or grimace of exertion you can know all you need to know to vanquish an opponent. There is a reason that Eddy Merckx was nicknamed “The Cannibal” in cycling. He had a strength and killer instinct that could evaluate and utterly destroy an opponent, graphically analogous to eating them alive. By baiting and dominating an opponent, you can completely remove their ability to defend or compete, making your victory inevitable. This also can work in a racecar...when you watch a talented kart racer or F1 driver stalk and chase down the car in front of them, harass them until they make an error and pounce, there is an inevitability that is more than just the capability of the machine they’re using. Keeping this kind of strategy in mind while also paying attention to your own limitations has to be second nature to really succeed and cycling provides very good training in this.
6 Perfecting your equipment is a requirement
As a kart racing mentor once told me, “You’re not racing the guys behind you, only those in front of you.” This is particularly true regarding the level of preparation you put into your racecar, or your equipment in cycling. There can be very minor differences but as you climb the ladder of difficulty and success in racing, the very smallest marginal gains add up to make a critical differentiator. Knowing the class rules and being right on the edge of all the allowed performance limiters is key. If you are giving up horsepower or a weight disadvantage, you can only over-drive for so long before other things go wrong (tires, overheating, etc.). Similarly in cycling the smallest factors (a few pounds of your own weight, the aerodynamics of a skin suit, the reduction of drivetrain friction through fresh equipment and lubrication, the position on the bike to enable power but still slip through the air efficiently) add up to make it almost an unfair sport for the clueless. I distinctly remember when I was training a lot of miles for TT racing, which involves an entirely different bicycle, position and equipment specifically for racing against the clock, that I would be in a stage race against competitors that just showed up on their regular road bike to the TT stage...and the speed difference was astonishing. On the long flat roads, I could pass them at a 5-10mph advantage, carbon disk wheel thrumming like a turbine, and take many minutes out of them on even a relatively short stage. You must take advantage of all allowable performance in any serious category...and the same certainly applies to your racecar. It is also a mindset that keeps you focused during the distractions and pressure of being on the track...another marginal gain that pays big dividends.
7 Marginal gains become a part of life
A long time ago I came across a handbook published for those who wanted to crew on a sailing yacht. It was from the late 1800s but might as well have applied to a modern Tour de France cyclist, or F1 driver. Proper sleep, specific diet, avoidance of alcohol, regular pattern of physical training, scholarship and understanding of the techniques, equipment and practices of sail handling, along with an understanding of strategy, teamwork dynamics, and downside risks of various possible failures were included. All of that was, and is, required just to be the lowest crewmember on a competitive sailboat. In cycling your performance can be determined by what you ate or drank weeks before your event. You must chart and plan your physical ‘peaks’ months and years in advance because it is impossible to always be ‘on form.’ There is a time-cycle to everything and if you ignore it you cannot possibly compete. Similarly, the racecar drivers that ignore their diet or sleep, or go out partying on Saturday night and show up with a hangover, will not succeed at any serious level. Everything matters. It’s just a question of how long you can maybe mask a bad practice, but eventually if you’re serious you’ll get to a level where your competitors are doing things right and you’re not. There’s no way you can overcome that weakness except by going back and fixing your fundamentals.
8 You rely on a team
A popular misconception is that there is an individual winner in cycling. At the amateur levels this can be true, and at all levels the surface marketing shows a single person on the podium as the winner. But everyone inside the sport understands that this is not remotely true. You are part of a team, and even if you are the most physically talented rider, at the top levels
of sport you will be ground up and destroyed without a team to shelter and surround you, and that team needs to all be at least at 99% of your level to make that happen. A bad team will not provide the support required, because they’re just not strong enough, or they are not serious or experienced or prepared enough to understand what it takes, and motivated to go the lengths necessary to make it happen. It is exactly the same in racing cars. All your individual talent can be completely nullified by a mistake in your support structure, particularly when things go wrong (equipment weakness, bad luck, crashes or competitor contact). You’re going to need a strong team to provide the guidance and tuning to get things back on track. There are exceptions in grass-roots racing. Certainly a one-man team can make a go of it, but at some level the dilution of focus will be a limiter, particularly if/when things go wrong. There must be more structure and support available. Even just the psychological support of having someone that cares what is happening, tracking your lap times or providing support on the radio, helping with the logistics of getting some food or a cold drink at the impound grid post-race, can make the difference between long-term winning and losing.
Overall, I think the lessons of cycling, and driving a racecar, if not taken to unhealthy extremes, provide a lot of the fundamentals for success in all areas of life. And preparation! Remember you’re always in training. But really, what else matters other than racing the car? “
Racing is life. Everything before and after is just waiting.” - Steve McQueen
MSF Instructor Certification Program at the Streets of Willow
Dave Bent
Motorsports Safety Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose main focus is to standardize education and safety guidelines for high-performance track driving in non-racing situations. MSF was started by Henrique Cisneros after his close friend was killed while a driving instructor. It is the only independent certification program for High Performance Driving Instructors.
POC has elected to utilize Motorsports Safety Foundation training for its driving instructors. Last June, 22 experienced POC members completed Levels 1 & 2 and became certified driving instructors. The first Level 2 on-site course was presented by the Audi Southern California Club. POC ran its first MSF Level 2 training at Streets of Willow on January 11th, along with the Time Trial and PDS sessions. The training was presented by Jim Salzer, who did a terrific job.
In order to qualify to attend the Level 2 training instructor candidates had to first be certified passing Level 1. Jim had emailed us in early December, offering us a chance to become Level 1 certified so that we would qualify to attend Level 2. Level 1 is an online course taught by Ross Bentley, who has authored books on track and autocross driving, and who is also on the Board of Directors of MSF. There are 17 separate chapters that cover all aspects of
driving instruction, with an emphasis on safety. A 50-question final exam requires a 90% pass rate, which is not easy to do on the first try.
Our Level 2 training in the Streets building consisted of four classroom sessions with Jim moderating the slide show. To be a good instructor, you must get to know the students and their learning preferences, you must maintain control of the situation at all times, and you need to communicate calmly and clearly. The object for a first-time driver is to be safe and have fun. That way, they’ll be more likely to return.
Each of the classroom sessions was followed with an instructor driving laps while acting as a student driver. Different instructor/students took instructor/candidates out each of the 4 times on track. Their job was to mess up in ways that an inexperienced driver would. Our job was to spot those errors and correct them. Communication is key and I learned that hand signals are the best way to be “heard,” especially when I rode with Karen Robinson in Mick Yanosak‘s Spec Boxster with open headers.
The day was educational and fun. Level 2 certification allows drivers to instruct at all POC track events, and any other HPDE event put on by an MSF participating club organization.
911 Design is a full-service repair and restoration facility located east of Los Angeles in the city of Montclair.
In addition to offering standard service, repair and restoration for all Porsche® models, we are known for and specialize in custom fabrication, design and performance upgrades.
All of our services are vertically integrated which means we keep all repair, fabrication and auto-body in-house.
It’s a pleasure to bring you the story of one of the POC’s long-time sponsors who is also an integral part of the motorsports industry. Tarett Engineering founder Ira Ramin deserves a cherished place in the land of Porsche, as he and wife Deedee built a successful motorsports component manufacturing business with a focus on Porsche.
STEVE TOWN
It’s a pleasure to bring you the story of one of the POC’s long-time sponsors who is also an integral part of the motorsports industry. Tarett Engineering founder Ira Ramin deserves a cherished place in the land of Porsche, as he and wife Deedee built a successful motorsports component manufacturing business with a focus on Porsche.
Back in 2014, John Armstrong wrote a terrific Velocity article about Tarett Engineering. I thought it was time to fast-forward 10 years, update their success story, and introduce them to many members who have more recently joined the POC. I was lucky to catch Ira and DeeDee recently when they were in Hawaii where they have a vacation home. Their daughter Tara lives there with her husband and two young children (three years and one year). Ira and DeeDee’s son Brett lives in California and has a nine month old child.
When talking to Ira and DeeDee, one can immediately sense the passion for their products, their customers, and Porsche. It’s a beautiful business combination when it works, and we are all fortunate to have access to the products that Ira has created, and what Ira and DeeDee continue to foster with their company.
I have such admiration for an engineering mind such as Ira’s, creating and fabricating components that are used and demanded at the highest level of racing. As Ira said, “Early on, when I first had my products used at Rolex 24 Hour, I was really nervous. But the team using the components won Rolex in their class, and it was a big boost for us.” Much earlier than his Rolex success, the first Tarett component to be employed was a rear sway bar. Ira said, “That first rear sway bar sat for months in the garage, until I put it on a friend’s car. Then Charlie Weiss (a POC racer) bought the first front and rear sway bar set. That first sale was in 1995. I made three sets of those prototypes, and after Charlie, they all sold. Then I built 10 more sets, and they sold, and the business began.” Fifteen years after that first sway bar Ira and DeeDee decided it was time to focus full-time on Tarett Engineering. Ira quit his other engineering career, and they were all in!
Both Ira and DeeDee credit their employees for helping them arrive to where they are now with the business. As Ira said, “We have five amazing employees in Henderson, where we’re now in a 5,500 square foot building that we bought in 2019. We had been in Poway, near San Diego, for many years, moving into our first building in Poway, then two others, until we decided we needed to own our building, and we made the move to Henderson.” Ira continued, “This has allowed us to grow. Over the years, our customer base has changed somewhat. Early on more of the business was supplying professional teams, but now many of those teams are factory component supplied, and we are supplying more street cars, street cars modified for the track, and smaller teams or individual racers.” When we talked about their deep Porsche roots, DeeDee said, “We just love the Porsche community, their loyalty to the brand, their love of Porsche.” And Ira goes on to say, “We work closely with our customers, and we are willing to customize products for their needs. These days, the Cayman 718 market has become big for us. The 718 owner seems to really desire to upgrade, and we’ve made many parts that customers use and never track the car but enjoy the performance benefits of our products. These dual-purpose customer cars are now our biggest base of customers.”
I asked Ira and DeeDee what else has notably changed in the last 10 years, beside the evolution of their customer base. They both said marketing, primarily social media and the need to stay on top of the various social media and marketing options. DeeDee said, “we are constantly working on social media, even with an influencer now, and promoting our business differently. Our son, Brett, rebuilt our website almost two years ago, and that made a big difference.” Ira chimes in, “I can remember making hard copy flyers, and our early ads in Excellence, PCA and POC. Our marketing has had to change so much over the years.
On that note, I had to ask Ira why they named the business Tarett? He explained, “It’s a combination of our children’s names, Tara and Brett. I considered Bretta Engineering for a minute, but that didn’t sound good. Years ago, when Tara would sometimes work the phones, she really enjoyed saying the name Tarett!”
I mentioned to Ira that in 2017 or 2018 at Chuckwalla, a beautiful red with silver
stripes 2006 Cayman parked next to our location in the paddock. It was a real eye catcher. It had Tarett a logo badging on the car. I remember walking up to Mark Foley, the owner, and complimenting him on his build. Mark he told me about Ira and how much help Tarett had been with the car. Ira said, “Mark is a friend, and I know that car really well. It’s a really nice build, and I think Mark is going to be tracking it and racing more this year, I hope so.” Me too.
As we wound down our discussion, I asked Ira what I often ask our sponsors about their business. What is your longer-term goal, what do you see three to five years in the future? Ira said, “We just love what we’re doing, and want to keep growing our Porsche base of street and track customers. We have a great employee group, and we want to help them keep operating and building the business. Our operations manager has been with us 12 years and she’s really running things nicely.”
I’d like to thank Ira and DeeDee for their long-term sponsorship of the POC, and their impact on so many Porsche street and race car drivers. Tarett Engineering has truly made a difference in how we can use and modify our cars and ultimately improve performance and enjoyment both on and off the track.
Please contact Ira and his staff to improve your street or track Porsche, whether that’s to enjoy driving your favorite streets and canyons, or if you are looking for those few tenths to improve race or time trial results.
Thanks for reading, and good luck at Willow Springs in the 2025 race opener!
Tarett Engineering
Ira Ramin 557 W. Sunset Rd. Henderson, NV. 89011 www.tarett.com
Diane Cafferata will be driving her rookie dotted Spec Boxster in the Orange group at WSIR in February. She was concerned that she’d be a boring interview subject... Not!
AW: Thanks for agreeing to do this. When did you join the POC?
DC: I’m not exactly sure but my first POC event was in May 2015. I started with PCA. I did a bunch of autocrosses first. My ex-husband wouldn’t let me get on the track.
AW: I think that’s a great reason for divorce.
DC: It was all about liability yada yada.
AW: Why did you choose to join the POC?
DC: Because it was focused on real racing and it’s a wonderful organization. I was very involved with PCA and almost became President of one of the regions. I liked all the stuff they were doing but if you’re really serious about learning to drive there’s nothing like the POC. The level of the driving and the teaching is quite rare. Most marques don’t have anything like it.
AW: Besides the autocross what other prior experience did you have?
DC: I was obsessed with Porsches since I was a little girl. My dad had a ’67 Porsche. It had beautiful lines. I dreamt of having one. There was a point in graduate school I lost track of the dream. I thought I’d never have any money and could never afford one. When I went to law school and started my career, I got a BMW and then a 2004 C4S. Later I had a 2008 Turbo. Now I have my 2012 Turbo. I went to Barber Motorsports Park with my dad around 2003-2004. At the time I was a real workaholic. Doing things like that on a regular basis never occurred to me. I didn’t pursue it. Then, when I was 42, I was hit with a very aggressive breast cancer. I was in the middle of a trial and the doctor said I needed to go into surgery immediately. The cancer was super-fast growing and very aggressive. I had surgery, chemo and radiation. It gave me a chance to think about my lifestyle. If the chemo didn’t work, there’d be no second chance.
I had never been a smoker or drinker. Why me? I tried to learn something from it. I really did a lot of thinking. I determined I needed more “life.” I was just working at the office, and I love my job and the firm I’m in. It’s like drinking from a firehose. It’s all this incredible work. I work for Mattel, Samsung, Lehman Brothers Estate. It’s a dream job. But I think I was avoiding dealing with my bad marriage. I was devoting my entire life to work. If I checked out due to my cancer, I’d have nothing much to show except for a lot of litigation. I started to think about what kind of hobbies I’d like to do. Running? Tennis? I wanted to do stuff with cars. I tried autocross and that was all it took. I’m not a drug user but it felt like a drug. I love it so much. It’s so much fun. Finding out what the car can do. Building confidence. Finding the limit. And helping people. Teaching other people. It’s been really gratifying. I wish I started it earlier.
AW: You’ve been driving in Boxster Spec and recently took the Racers Clinic. Is that correct?
DC: Yes. For the third time. I had graduated after my second Clinic, but I wasn’t ready to race. I had a lot going on. I took it again as a refresher.
AW: What do you think is your biggest challenge on the track?
DC: Over-slowing is a problem for me. I’m getting better. I had to learn the Boxster. It’s not a 911. If you over-slow in that car, you can’t make it up. I was also having all this weird shifting anxiety. I got panicky on the track. Changing the shifter solved that.
AW: What are your goals?
DC: I’ll have my first race at this next event. I hope to be competitive with those drivers around me.
AW: It wonderful to race in BSR because you always have someone to race with: front of the pack, mid-pack, back-of-the-pack. There’s always an opportunity to race.
DC: I’m pretty evenly matched with Vivek (Hazari) even though he has a faster car. I’m feeling very competitive with him in his 2.7. I’m looking forward to racing with Alisha (Wray). And Karen (Robinson) who is very advanced. I’ll need to learn race strategy.
AW: Developing your race craft is a huge part of it. That’s going to be such a fun learning curve for you.
DC: I’m looking forward to it.
Sport Chrono...
MARTIN SCHACHT
I first encountered Porsche’s Sport Chrono option when I bought a 2015 Cayman GTS. The car came equipped with a long list of features, including Sport Chrono with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV). I experienced its benefits in the 2015 GTS as well as my current 2017 Carrera GTS, both of which traveled to several racetracks around California: Chuckwalla, Willow Springs, Buttonwillow, and my favorite, Laguna Seca. After my initial exposure to Sport Chrono at Willow Springs, I quickly became a believer in its advantages. Sport Chrono is merely software controlled by the car’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU)—a simple concept yet elegant in its execution. Many praised its capabilities, especially when paired with the PDK 7-speed dualclutch automatic transmission—or even the 6-speed manual version. Surprisingly, there wasn’t much criticism from the usual purists. Perhaps they hoped it would disappear, but that’s unlikely—just like the PDK transmission isn’t going anywhere. So, is Sport Chrono marketing hype, or does it offer real, measurable performance benefits? Introduced in 2005 with the launch of the 997.1, it was designed to
enhance driving dynamics and give drivers the ability to optimize the car’s performance for more spirited driving. Once experienced in Sport and Sport+ modes, it’s undeniable: the car’s ECU optimizes stability and performance under G-force loads at the track. By adjusting various elements such as throttle response, transmission mapping, and suspension settings, it fine-tunes the car’s dynamics, working in harmony with subsystems like Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to reflect the selected driving mode. Shock performance is adjusted to the optimal stiffness for improved cornering and high-speed stability. The dynamic rear engine mounts stiffen or relax depending on the demands, further enhancing handling. Steering and throttle response also become more aggressive, especially in Sport+, boosting overall performance. Additionally, for PDK-equipped cars, there’s Launch Control, which maximizes traction and minimizes wheel spin during acceleration.
One of Sport Chrono’s standout features is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which directly enhances the car’s handling.
Chrono... Hype or Hero?
Picture yourself entering a corner too fast in a car lacking Sport Chrono. The car resists turning in and may run wide, possibly leading to an off-track excursion or even a spin. With Sport Chrono and PTV activated, PTV applies more braking force to the inside rear wheel in the turn, while directing optimal torque to the outside rear wheel, helping the driver rotate more easily through the corner. PTV also monitors and adjusts the rear differential lock to optimize performance. Of course, there are limits; entering a corner too quickly or braking inadequately can exceed Sport Chrono’s capabilities.
The Sport Chrono package offers three adjustable driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Sport+. Normal mode is perfect for everyday driving, while Sport mode works well on the street or for casual track days. For maximum performance, Sport+ mode is the way to go, as it holds gears longer, shifts faster, and delivers more aggressive throttle response.
Having owned two Sport Chrono-equipped cars, I’ve experienced firsthand the snappier shifting and subtle handling adjustments it brings to the track and
sporty street driving. While many of these enhancements are subtle, especially PTV’s role in fine-tuning cornering dynamics, they make a measurable difference on the track.
But where’s the proof that Sport Chrono and PTV truly work? Take the car to the track, set it to Sport+ mode, and experience a few laps. Then, turn off Sport Chrono and see if the car’s performance in the corners worsens. Based on my experience and that of others, the car’s handling feels noticeably less sharp without Sport+. Indicating PTV is doing its job, brake pad smoke can often be seen emitting from the rear fender wells—and, to a lesser extent, the fronts—resulting from the heated-up brake pads and evidenced by increased rear brake pad wear.
These features make the Porsche 911 more responsive and tailored for performance driving, particularly on winding roads or track days, offering both a more engaging driving experience and enhanced control. Personally, I’ve been spoiled by Sport Chrono, and I won’t own another Porsche without it. What’s not to love?
AW: Do you have a particularly memorable moment on the track you’d like to share?
DC: In the Clinic I beat Vivek in the practice race. I was behind him lap after lap and then I figured out how to get by him in T2. I was so thrilled.
AW: It’s wonderful to have an archrival/friend. There are such great moments to share at Impound.
DC: In litigation we’re kinda that way.
AW: Any other hobbies?
DC: I hike, I run, I have a hobby room where I do everything from cross-stitching to sewing to painting, I cook…
AW: Renaissance woman! What was your very first car?
DC: A 1969 Delta 88.
AW: A land yacht!
AW: It was over 20 feet long. It could fit me and 7 of my sorority sisters in it. I absolutely loved it and every car I ever had. When I was very little, my father gave me one of those fire engines with the push pedals. I loved that, too. I also had a Suzuki Samurai. It was so much fun! I had a Camaro before my BMW and the rest have been Porsches.
AW: What is it you’ve learned about yourself through your experience on the track?
DC: (Long pause) Of all the hobbies I have, this one is the antidote to all the bad things that have happened. All the challenges of my job. It’s kind of like meditation. There’s something so blissful doing something that’s so intense, focused and pure. It’s taught me to relax at a very high level. I think that’s really good for me.
AW: People have asked me if I would be at the Willow event considering that Terry and I just lost our home in the Palisades Fire. My answer? Yes! I need some track therapy.
DC: It is therapeutic.
AW: For someone who was concerned about not being interesting, you’ve been a wonderful interview subject.
DC: Thank you so much.
AW: See ya at Willow!
Karen Robinson
New Season Reminders
As we kick off our 2025 Season, here are a few items to check to ensure that your information is current and that you’re compliant with our Club rules.
Motorsports Reg – This is the source for all of our communication to you. Please take a minute to review your personal information and profile and update it with your current contact information—including address, phone, email, driver’s license expiration date, emergency contact information, etc.
Equipment – Check the expiration dates and replace timed out equipment as it applies to your competition group and car class.
Helmet (everyone)
Window & Roof Nets
Seats
Harness
HANS
Camera – make sure it is working please
Fire Suppression/Extinguisher
Review General Competition Rules – GCRs
https://www.porscheclub.com/technical/poc-gcrs/ Class your car and complete an Appendix D, as necessary
We are planning to have a dyno at the February Willow Springs event.
https://www.porscheclub.com/help-me-class-my-car/
Spec Classes – 991.2, BSR, and SPEC 2.7
Review the Regs to ensure you comply. Competition Committee will be enforcing the rules.
Medicals—Racers are required to have a current Medical Exam Form on file with the club – current within 2 years. We will also accept Medical Forms from other organizations (PCA, SCCA, etc.)
Scan the completed report into one PDF document and upload it to the MotorsportsReg website.
I can’t believe I finally got to meet you at the annual banquet! The fact that you took so much time to talk with me when so many others were wanting your attention speaks volumes. I especially enjoyed your story about the time Duane Selby stayed on the track.
Star Struck in Sherman Oaks
Dear Star Struck,
I enjoyed meeting you, too. The time Selby stayed on the track was totally unexpected. I found it kinda funny. Who would have thought? I met a lot of interesting people at the banquet, and I was originally scheduled to say a few words to the crowd, but John Momeyer took so much time at the mic that I decided it would be best to save it for another time. I plan to make it to Willow Springs in February. Hopefully I’ll see you there.
Dear Dr. Dyno,
I’m a newbie. I drove in the PDS group at the Streets event for the first time with POC. I am so impressed with the club. The emphasis on safety, the skill level of the drivers, the instruction, and the camaraderie were all outstanding. I’m coming to the next event at WSIR and I have to admit, I’m a little scared about how big and fast the track is. How should I deal with my fears?
Apprehensive in Altadena
Dear Apprehensive,
It’s perfectly normal to be concerned about something you’ve never experienced before. Don’t focus on your fear. Focus on your excitement. Your instructor will be guiding you during every session. Take advantage of what he or she has to offer. There are no silly questions and once you gain some confidence, you’ll quickly improve. Pretty soon you’ll be driving full-tilt-boogie through T9 and laughing all the way. Save your fear for driving home on the freeway after the event.
Send your questions for Dr. Dyno to POCVelocityEditor@gmail.com
Thank You
Andrew Weyman
Sometimes, there are no words. For a writer that presents a unique challenge. I’ll give it my best shot…
As many of you know, Terry and I lost our home and everything in it during the Palisades Fire. We escaped with two suitcases and very little else. Recently dropped by our homeowner’s insurance company, the coverage we were able to buy is woefully inadequate. We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness, concern and generosity of our POC family. So many of you have reached out to us with offers of shelter, clothing, track support, car storage, and yes, even cash.
Terry and I have dedicated a lot of our time and energy to helping those in need. We’re the ones who give, not receive. It’s been a particularly difficult adjustment for me to accept help from others. I’m trying my best. It’s tough. I’ve been fighting back tears the entire time I’ve been writing this.
At the banquet, the offers of help kept coming. Two examples: Eric Olberz of Westwood Racing Supplies generously offered to replace all my track gear, and he did. When Laurie Taylor won the grand prize at the end of the evening, she offered it to me. I resisted. She insisted. Every hug, every offer to help, every expression of compassion has filled me with overwhelming gratitude for our POC family. It’s simply not enough to say, “Thank you.” Sometimes, there are no words.
Andrew
The biggest year of product launches in
Looking back... Porsche News Big Year For Porsche
Porsche in 2024
the company’s history has shaped the past twelve months.
SIMRACING
July 15 Sonoma
July 29 SPA
Aug 12 Road America
Aug 26 Nurburgring
Sept 09 Monza
Sept 23 Laguna Seca
Oct 07 Belle Isle
Oct 21 COTA
Nov 04 Interlagos
No v 18 Road Atlanta
Dec 02 Hockenheim
Dec 16 Virginia
Dec 30 Willow Springs
1st Chris Walsh 4th Michael Johnson
2nd Sagar Dhawan 5th Michael Bolten
3rd AJ Roper 6th BJ Fulton
1st Sagar Dhawan 4th Jad Duncan
2nd BJ Fulton 5th Dustin Heindl
3rd AJ Roper 6th Dylan Scott
1st Ezra Kelderman 4th Dylan Scott 2nd Dustin Heindl 5th Michael Bolten
3rd BJ Fulton 6th Michael Johnson
1st Michael Johnson 4th Ian Roche
2nd Ezra Kelderman 5th Michael Bolten 3rd BJ Fulton 6th Dylan Scott
1st Michael Johnson 1st Matt Steele
2nd Ezra Kelderman 2nd Federico del Toro
3rd BJ Fulton 3rd Doug Boccignone
1st BJ Fulton
1st Matt Steele
2nd AJ Roper 2nd Doug Boccignone
3rd Michael Johnson 3rd Mark Rondeau
1st Jad Duncan 1st Matt Steele
2nd Dylan Scott 2nd Mark Rondeau
3rd Michael Johnson 3rd Federico del Toro
1st BJ Fulton
1st Matt Steele
2nd Jad Duncan 2nd Federico del Toro 3rd AJ Roper 3rd Mark Rondeau
1st Michael Johnson 1st Matt Hollander 2nd Dylan Scott 2nd Mark Rondeau 3rd Michael Bolten 3rd Federico del Toro
1st BJ Fulton 1st Matt Steele 2nd Michael Johnson 2nd Mark Rondeau
All club members with track experience or online sim racing experience are invited to participate – however, you will need an iRacing Membership and a simulator.
SIMRACING
Willow Springs
Coming February 10th
If you haven’t been watching, tune in to see how realistic SIM Racing can be. If you haven’t tried it, consider joining the series...it’s a blast...It’s almost as exciting as the real thing AND you get to run the best tracks in the world!
Now you can order your favorite POC garments and other specialty items “Online” simply by clicking on any one of the above photos!
UPCOMING TRACK EVENTS
Willow Springs February 8, 2025
Our Season Opener! Jump on the band wagon early and get registered for what is guaranteed to be an exciting weekend of racing Register Today!
Buttonwillow March 8, 2025
Let’s head north to one of our favorite tracks. Time Trial, Cup Racing and our first Racers Clinic of the year. Be sure not to miss this one!
Registration Open Soon!
Road
Atlanta SIM February 10, 2025
If you haven’t been watching, tune in to see how realistic and exciting SIM Racing can be. If you haven’t tried it, consider joining the series...it’s a hoot...you get to run the best tracks in the world!
