Chip Witt
President
August 2019 President's Message
Summer is always challenging for events due to the competing external interests of our diverse membership and, of course, family vacations that tend to take advantage of the good weather. Inevitably, we wind up with a couple of months where we have options for fun almost every weekend. August and September seem to be those months for us this year.
I was unable to make it to PCA Werks or the Rolex Motorsports Reunion the weekend of August 16 - 19 down in Monterey this year, although I heard fantastic things about both events. Specifically, Werks honored the 964 this year, one of my personal favorites in terms of air-cooled Porsches, and they apparently had several wonderful examples on display. I regret missing it.
August presented an opportunity for two more wine tours; one member-favorite tradition at Pech Merle on August 10 and one new, fantastic event at Soda Rock on August 24. Ben Davoren has done a comprehensive write-up on both events for this issue of
dR
, so I won’t steal his thunder, but I wanted to personally thank Redwood members Bruce and Cheryl Lawton (of Pech Merle Winery), and Bob Hall (Redwood Region’s Winery Tour LIason that spearheaded Soda Rock efforts) for contributing so much to ensure the success of these wonderful events. If you were unable to join us, please live vicariously through Ben’s write-up and plan to join us next time.
Upcoming fun:
September 7 - We will have E. First Street as "Porschestraße" for the Redwood Region again this year at the Cloverdale Car & Motorcycle Show. Details for the event are as follows:
Register (with their entry form at https://www.cloverdalecarshow.com/s/Cloverdale-Car-Show-forms-Updated-61119.pdf) by September 4th to be included in judging (registration is open until 10 a.m. the day of the event)
Most of our cars will be in IM (pre-1976 European import) or OT (everything post-1976) classes
Be sure to indicate
"Redwood Region, Porsche Club of America"
on the
Car Club Affiliation
line of the application
Cost to register (again, directly with them) is $40
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and any food/beverage you don't want to buy from vendors on-site (lunch WILL NOT be provided by the club)
Arrive before 10 a.m.
Plan on hanging out until 3:30 p.m. (awards at 3 p.m.)
No MSR
(RSVP to chip@wittzend.com once you register so we can get an accurate count and save you a parking spot on Porschestraße)
September 15 - Redwood Re gion AX #2 - Zone 7 event at Sonoma Raceway.
Registration is now closed for this event.
September 21 - Oktoberfest in Vacaville. Stay tuned; registration information for this event is coming soon.
September 22 - Redwood Region Zone 7 Concours at Lucchesi Park in Petaluma. Registration is now open on MSR at http://msreg.com/2019RRConcours.
September will be a lot of fun regardless of your interests! I look forward to seeing you at one or more of these events.
Thank you and drive safe out there!
|
|
|
|
Collin Fat
Zone 7 Representative
Diablo Region Celebrates 35
th
Anniversary:
Diablo Region celebrated its 35
th
Anniversary and new member appreciation at their annual summer picnic at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. There were more than 200 members in attendance including 54 new members. Some 50 Porsches were allowed to be parked in the beautiful quad area in front of the college’s chapel and a barbecue luncheon was catered.
I presented the PCA 35
th
Anniversary plaque to club president
Brian Adkins
along with a letter from PCA club president Tom Gorsuch and a binder with the club’s original by laws and founding board members. A big thank you goes out to
Marc Giammona
and the other club members who made this such a memorable event.
Volunteer To Serve Your Club:
As we enter the last quarter of 2019 and look ahead to next year, all members should consider volunteering at your region to fill vacancies on your local board of directors or to chair an event. The club’s success depends on volunteers to assist in planning and organizing tours, dinners, tech sessions, running our websites and of course serving on the board of directors. If you have the time and would like to serve, please let your club president know about your interest.
Zone 7 Concours #5 Hosted by Golden Gate Region:
On Sunday, August 4
th
, Golden Gate Region hosted concours event #5 at the recently remodeled Carlsen Porsche in Redwood City. With 41 cars being judged, it was the most attended event of the 2019 series. According to Zone 7 Concours chair,
John D’Angelo
, the event was not only well attended but very well organized. A big thank you goes to Golden Gate Region’s concours chair
Mike Sherman
and his crew. Thank you for all you do for PCA!
Porsche Parade Sets the Bar at Boca Raton:
More than 1,400 PCA members attended the 64
th
Porsche Parade in Boca Raton. 27 members from Zone 7 attended including 92 years young
Burt Propp
who was attending his 60
th
Porsche Parade. The event was held at the luxurious Boca Raton Resort. One concern prior to the event was the weather. All in all, the weather was fantastic for a typical July in Florida. Though temperatures averaged around 90 degrees for the week, the humidity was tolerable. Parade 2020 is headed for Palm Springs and will be hosted at La Quinta Resort June 21-27
th
.
Volunteers Needed:
Zone 7 is seeking volunteers to help out in the hospitality tent, membership booth and corral parking for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship September 13 -15
th
. If you would like to help out or have questions email or call me. I’m trying to get 30 volunteers so that I can keep the shifts to 2 hours.
Looking Ahead to Events of Interest
:
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Laguna Seca, September 13-15
th
.
PCA Club Race, September 7-8
th
at Thunderhill Raceway
Zone 7 AX series event September 15
th
hosted by Redwood Region at Sonoma
Raceway, and September 28-29
th
, at Marina hosted by Loma Prieta and Golden Gate Regions.
The last Zone 7 AX of the year will be hosted by Sacramento Valley Region, October 5
th
at Thunderhill Raceway.
Zone 7 Concours #6 will be held by Redwood Region in Petaluma on September 22
nd
with Concours #7 being held on September 29
th
at Carmel Valley and hosted by Monterey Bay Region.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kurt Fischer
Events Director
|
|
|
|
Adrian Streather, well known author of many outstanding Porsche books
is looking for photographs of 991 Porsche 911's for a new book!
He wants shots of interior's, exteriors, engine bay, up on lift photos, VIN plates, manuals, etc!
Adrian will want non exclusive rights release signed by each person that sends him pictures!
These pics should be very high resolution and Adrian will crop them as necessary.
I have the non exclusive rights forms so contact me at
if you want to contribute...ask me. I have 64 photo credits in Adrian's book on 911 SC's! Your name in lights...so to speak!
|
|
|
|
Ben Davoren
Vice President
The word is out that Redwood members Bruce and Cheryl Lawton, owners of Pech Merle winery, have the perfect spot for the end of a back roads Porsche drive: their tasting room! The word is also out that one of our sponsors, Autobahn Automotive, provides a welcoming location for the start! 20 Porsches showed up at Autobahn in Santa Rosa on a
beautiful and finally not-too-hot August morning to enjoy a coffee and donut reward for getting up early, thanks to Zach Oberlander and Paul Carver.
Once again our ace tour leader Kurt Fischer led us out east along Mark West Springs
Road. Now two years after the devastating Tubbs fire came along this route, construction
is everywhere and native trees are rebounding nicely. Although it turns out this also
means that there is more traffic, once we turned north onto Highway 128 in Calistoga, we
were able to form that perfect Porsche line that makes these back roads drives so
wonderful. I personally loved seeing a rainbow of 911s, Boxsters, Caymans, and a well-
kept 928 in front of me along the twisties, with an equally pretty view behind, all being
held together by sweep Joe Burroughs.
After a nice set of some spirited moments through gorgeous scenery we were welcomed
into charming Geyserville with reserved parking just across the street from the tasting
room. After unpacking our frunks (this is a traditional potluck event), the official end of
the tour was blessed with a taste of 2017’s Big Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Noshing began
immediately, with the highlight being the nicely seasoned chicken breasts grilled up by
President Chip Witt and his accomplice Nicole Weld (while the rest of us had been
having fun driving).
The set up of Pech Merle is a perfect embodiment of our club: community tables where
people get to mingle with old friends, make lots of new friends, and share stories while
trying new foods and wines. Hats off to the great Pech Merle tasting room staff ensuring
that everyone was able to taste at least 6 varietals.
This is another great event. If you are reading about this in dR and are wondering if this
might be for you, it IS! Come out next year and see for yourself!
Photo courtesy of
Kurt Fischer.
Art work by
Andy Cole & Stacy O'Connell
|
|
|
|
Ben Davoren
Vice President
Soda Rock Tour – a new adventure for Redwood Region!
On another beautiful summer Saturday, 30 intrepid Redwood members set out from Kaffe Mocha in Santa Rosa on a back roads driving tour ending at a new destination for our club: Soda Rock Winery in the Alexander Valley. Longtime member Bob Hall has been scouting out most of Sonoma and Napa counties for locations with great ambiance, room to park our precious pack of Stuttgart beauties, great wine, and friendly hosts. It’s a tough job but Bob was up to the task and delivered!
Our drive was just gorgeous heading west on River Road towards the little town of Hacienda, where the hairpin right turn onto Westside road brings us back up along the west side of Dry Creek Valley, then back across to Geyserville on Yoakim Bridge and Canyon Road. I always love this part of wine country, although I feel bad for those of you who have a hardtop. With the top down, all the sights, sounds and smells make the experience even better.
Of course we were not alone in enjoying the great weather; the annual Tour de Fox charity ride relishes the same great roads we enjoy, though they mostly rode in the other direction and there were plenty of thumbs ups exchanged between our groups. Another plus was that there seemed to be a lot of fresh pavement on our route, which tour lead Vern Rogers deftly paced. Sweep Kurt Fischer kept us from straying into the various vineyards along the way.
On arrival at Soda Rock we were welcomed into a well-appointed ballroom set up just for us with a custom tasting list and two staff to take us through five delightful and unique wines. Round tables ensured every member got to meet at least two new Porschephiles. Boxed lunches from Costeaux Bakery hit the spot perfectly, and who can resist a giant frosted brownie with a choice of Cabernet or Reserve Zinfandel? Not me, that’s for sure!
I hope that you will come out and join us on a future back roads tour. You will have a good time and make new friends, doing what our club does best.
Photos courtesy of
Kurt Fischer.
|
|
|
|
Soda Rock - Porsches Parked
|
|
Enjoying lunch at Soda Rock
|
|
|
|
Alan Geddes
Redwood Region Secretary
Our board meetings are on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. The next two board meetings are August 27 and September 24 at Mary's Pizza Shack, located at
121 San Marin Dr., Novato
. All members are welcome to attend.
You can read previous board meeting minutes
here
.
|
|
|
|
Membership Report & Information
|
|
|
|
Tom Short
Membership Director
In July 2019, 39 PCA Redwood Region members marked five or more years in the club, including two members who have been in our club for over 40 years, and five more members with over 30 years. Congratulations and thank you to all of you who are marking anniversaries – I hope you are enjoying your membership and taking advantage of all the great benefits our club has to offer!
In July we welcomed five new members – I hope you take advantage of the excellent activities our club offers throughout the year. You will be receiving a complimentary Redwood Region name badge shortly. Check out our website for upcoming autocross events. Also, you can order a name badge for your associate member there as well.
Be sure to check out the calendar on our website and sign up for our annual Holiday Party. This is our premier social event of the year and one you don’t want to miss!
I encourage everyone to participate in your club’s events – it’s a great way to meet other PCA members and have some fun with great people and our amazing cars.
If you spot any errors or have any questions about membership please feel free to email me at
pcaredmembership@gmail.com
or call me at 415-300-7457.
|
|
|
|
 |
Porsche Calendar Collection
A rare offering of Porsche calendars for years 1975-1979; 1981-1983; 1985 1994; 1996-2000; 2002; 2008-2011. All but one include coins and are in excellent condition.
$500
|
|
|
|
1987 924-S Black 5 speed, 26,500 miles, meticulously cared for. $19,000 OBO
Email Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1995 993 C4 Carrera Coupe
35,350 miles, 3.6 liter, manual transmission, AWD, sunroof, OBDI, sports suspension, highly optioned, Steve Wong chip, N spec tires, sound package and more. All original paint, interior and drivetrain. Two owners, serviced, clean title, Mint. VIN WP0AA2996SS323698
|
|
|
|
Got something to buy or sell? We'll post it here for free for three months. Send us details and a picture by the 15th of the month to be included.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi Tec Automotive
Marin's Highest Rated Porsche & Audi Facility Since 1985
Specializing in:
-Audi & Mini Cooper
-Porsche, new & vintage
-Factory recommended maintenance & repair
-Entire building
-Performance tuning
-Restoration & reconditioning with emphasis on authenticit
y
San Rafael
415 258-9619
|
|
|
|
Porsche Marin
When you want the best selection and prices on new, used and pre-owned Porsche vehicles, Porsche Marin offers exactly what you’re looking for. 911, Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne, Macan, Panamera and more.
Mill Valley
415 578-9101
|
|
|
|
Autobahn Automotive
Sonoma County's premier automotive location for maintenance, servicing, auto repairs and performance upgrades for your Porsche and BMW since 2007
Santa Rosa
707 545-1958
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dress in style and get your Redwood Region branded items in our Goodie Store.
|
|
|
|
|
Der Riesenbaum is the official newsletter of the Porsche Club of America, Redwood Region, encompassing Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. This publication is intended to inform Club members about Club activities and other related matters of interest.
We encourage letters to the editor, feedback, questions and suggestions about our newsletter and the Redwood Region in general. Want to contribute to the newsletter?
Submit photos and articles
about Club events or related activities. Please submit your entry by the 5th day of the month for inclusion in that month's newsletter. Articles received after the deadline will be considered for the next month's newsletter. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all materials submitted for publication.
Want to reach an audience of Porsche enthusiasts with your marketing message? Consider advertising in der Riesenbaum. Contact the
editor
for more information and rates.
All written content and images in this publication are protected by copyright. Permission is granted to reprint any original content herein provided credit is given to the author, the der Riesenbaum and to the Porsche Club of America, Redwood Region. The opinions expressed in der Riesenbaum are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Porsche Club of America, Redwood Region, its officers, or its members.
|
|
|
|
Thanks for supporting our Club!
Andy Cole
der Riesenbaum Editor
Porsche Club of America, Redwood Region
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
