Craig Steele
President PCA Redwood Region
This is my final message as Redwood Region President. It has been an honor to serve you over the last two years. I know the new leadership team you will be electing will do a great job continuing our PCA culture and events.
If you asked me two years ago when I became President what my future would hold, my predictions would have been very wrong. Back then I was still working part time, traveling to northern/central California destinations. I loved driving my 2006 Black Cayman S to all the Redwood Region events, enjoying my improved driving skills from autocross and being a Lead and a Relay in the first Zone 7 tour that included three regions: Redwood, Shasta and Sacramento Valley. I drove to Parade in Spokane as President, enjoying the new access to PCA events and people. I even won a set of Michelin tires for my Porsche at Werks Reunion!
The summer of 2017 was a blur of activities. When I saw Dad in early September, I gave him rides in my Porsche and he loved that. Then on September 29 he passed away. The next week, I drove to Nevada to collect his things and test drive a new Zone 7 tour. I was out of town on Monday, October 9, when my wife called at 1:00 am saying a wildfire was heading her way and she was leaving the house. An hour later, our home, contents and Porsche had all turned to ash. Our life as we knew it was changed forever – replaced by uncertainty and confusion.
Sandy and I navigated our lives together while I completed the rest of my term as region president. Losing everything tends to put you in different frame of reference. I do know without my Porsche community I would not be in as good a space I am in now. It took us a month to rent lodging and start acquiring essentials to function. Our insurance carrier quickly provided the financial support needed get back on our feet. A big task was finding a replacement Porsche and that happened in early January 2018 with a 2011 White Cayman S.
After the airport manager at Santa Rosa Airport came “this close” to cancelling our 2018 autocross season, he was back at it for 2019 and refuses to accommodate us at the location where we’ve autocrossed for 40 years. We are now actively looking for a new venue and Greg has more about that below. On the home front, the Steele’s have cleaned up the debris from our lost home and have finally setting on the answer to a question we’ve heard a lot over the last year: Will you rebuild or relocate? We’re rebuilding, and are going with a concrete home (ICF).
Despite setbacks, I’ve have had a great term leading this terrific region and attending lots of Porsche events. I am the ‘2017 Enthusiast of the Year,’ after all! I look forward to being the next Past President for the region and a future home builder, and hope to see some of you out there.
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Greg Matsumoto
Autocross Chair
After an exhaustive search in the North Bay for an autocross site we came up empty. Crow’s Landing was a possibility, but it was two hours southeast of San Francisco. We also heard rumors of Crow’s Landing being considered for development. We were considering sharing a weekend with Sacramento Valley Region (SVR) for a zone event in Stockton.
Thunderhill was also being considered. Sonoma Raceway wanted month long contracts. We approached DE clubs to rent their paddock area, but no go. We heard that SCCA was in continued negotiations with Stockton and they may not pave the autocross site. Andwhile Golden Gate Region (GGR) got confirmed dates for 2019 at their Alameda site, future years were uncertain. Frustration and depression were setting in.
A site in Ukiah had been previously ruled out since the surface was covered with plants and dirt. By chance,
Bob Schoenherr
and
Anita Benzing
were driving past the Ukiah site and noticed that it was empty and clean. Due to the horrific fires last fall, the site was used and cleaned as a staging area for first responders. Bob had previously talked with Ross, the owner of the property, and knew that Ross was a “car guy.” Ross has a Nissan GTR and drives DE. Anita prompted Bob to call again. And then, magic happened! Ross was enthusiastically open to having an autocross on his property!!! He then invited Redwood and the Empire Sports Car Association (ESCA) to visit the site.
Craig Steele
, Bob and I (
Grady Carter
was doing his civic duty as a juror) met Ross in Ukiah and walked the area he proposed for autocross. We were elated since the site was perfect!!! It’s about five acres with good asphalt. One area has an 8% incline, which can be used for a banked turn or a mini-corkscrew. Bob had all sorts of course designs running through is head. It is in an industrial area, so noise is permitted. A hotel is very close and several dining spots are everywhere. We passed wineries with “free” tastings. And, the Vichy Hot Springs is near. Bob tore around the area with his 912 to test the road surface which met with approval. Besides the distance, it is a great site!
Ross is speaking with his lawyers to determine liability issues. Craig has sent a copy of our insurance policy and our liability waivers. We hope to hear back from Ross shortly. We may also require a use permit by Ukiah which should not be a problem due to Ross’s connections in Ukiah.
Ross did provide a caveat. He expects that in 2-3 years he’ll develop the property and is waiting for approval of his plans. Therefore, this site is a temporary reprieve and a continued search for a future site remains a priority.
Our dilemma is not unique and has been experienced by other clubs. The reality of market forces is threatening motorsports. With rapid development, autocross sites are disappearing as rapidly. Driving long distances to motor sports sites is the new reality. While our site loss was due to personal political decisions vs development, it’s doubtful that Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore will change his position. Nevertheless, we are continuing to present our case to him.
A survey was emailed to autocross drivers on November 15 from Bob Schoenner.
Please complete the survey
to assist in our planning and decisions. Your candid feedback is essential. (Check your spam filter if you don’t see it in your inbox.)
While other clubs have been driving distances to autocross, we have been spoiled having a great site in our own backyard. However, change is a given, and we are accepting the new reality. Although the site involves additional driving time, we are enthusiastic about the Ukiah possibility. We hope that we can iron out all the details for the 2019 season and will keep you posted as we hear more.
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Redwood Region Holiday Party
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Don't miss the holiday party to beat all holiday parties! What other party will you go to where everyone attending owns a Porsche? Join us in Marin at the Club at Harbor Point in Mill Valley. Food and ambiance provided by The Lighthouse and musical entertainment provided by Julien of Good Time DJs. The cost is $75 per person for a plated dinner.
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Sharks, Coyotes & Porsches: Register Now
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Join us February 2, 2019 for an organized drive down to San Jose to see the Sharks vs. the Arizona Coyotes game. Tickets are $100 per person (refreshments and parking not included).
We're holding 25 seats and need full commitment from everyone planning to attend by December 14, 2018. Sign-up quickly to ensure you get the tickets you want (limited to 4 tickets per person). The
MotorsportsReg page
will support a wait list, so please sign-up even if you aren’t among the first 25.
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Ben Davoren
Redwood Member
Twenty-five Redwood Region Porsches gathered under smoky skies at Vintage Oaks in Novato on Saturday November 10 for the annual Two Bird Café run, led by Bob Hall. We had a great mix of old and new in our Porsche complement and quite a color palette as well. This makes the pre-drivers’ meeting discussions between our driving enthusiasts quite spirited. I still can’t figure out if my Sapphire Blue Carrera S from 2017 is the same as Sharon’s Sapphire Blue Cayman GTS from 2016!
Since this is our only November club event, we probably spent a bit too much time talking and reminiscing, but then we headed out onto 101 North for a short drive to the San Antonio Road exit. This road really shows off West Marin with curves, drops into valleys and plenty of wildlife and vintage farmhouses along the way. Being in the middle of the pack means you get to watch beautiful cars slip along this scene. We are pretty lucky to live where we live.
Our midpoint stop is the Marin French Cheese Factory, a nice place to find more than just cheese: dried fruits, vinegars, deli items, jams, jellies – you name it! This is also one of our favorite parking lots for backroads runs because we can get all the cars in one picture (thank you again, Paige Gaines!).
Back behind the wheel, we headed down to the start of Lucas Valley Road to head east. This was a real treat because they had just finished a major repaving project the day before our drive. There’s not much I like better than new asphalt! After a nice series of twisties, we pulled the built-in U-turn on this excursion so we could run them in the other direction on our way to Two Bird in San Geronimo.
As usual, Kurt Fischer herded us into this great spot (with plenty of parking) where we had a reserved room and a special menu already set up, letting us get right down to the business of reliving the excellent drive we had just had, comparing it to prior years and talking about our future events (like the Holiday Party on December 15, don’t miss it!). The staff at Two Bird do a really nice job of handling our party of 40 or so, and the food is great, generously portioned and downright economical. Come join us next year!
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Alan Geddes Redwood Region Secretary
Our next board meeting is scheduled for 7:00 pm on November 27, 2018 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
.
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Membership Report & Information
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Tom Short Membership Director
In October 2018, 33 PCA Redwood Region members marked five or more years in the club, including three members with 40 or more years in the club and four who marked over 30 years!
Congratulations and thanks to those with anniversaries. I hope you are enjoying your membership and taking advantage of all the great benefits our club offers.
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 -- they're a great way to meet other PCA members and have some great fun with people and our amazing cars.
If you spot any errors or have questions about membership, please
email
me.
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1999 Boxster, 102k miles. Great condition. Runs very well. Many new OEM parts, clutch, air oil separator, all secondary air injection parts, water pump, coolant tank and system flush, fluid update, motor mount, drive belt, idler pulleys, LN spin on oil filter assembly, brake fluid flush, battery and more. A/C blows cold. Spoiler doesn't deploy. $7250
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Got something to buy or sell Porsche-related? We'll post it here for free. Send us details and a picture by the 5th of the month to be included.
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Boxster Wanted
This Redwood member is looking for a 2009-20012 model 987.2 Boxster, preferably an S with PDK. My 2003 Boxster was rear-ended in May and subsequently totaled by the insurance company, so I'm in the market again. Reach out if you have one to sell or know of any coming on the market soon.
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1995 928GTS for sale Red/Black 87k miles. Everything works on this prime stock automatic. Exterior/interior are clean and correct showing only normal use. Well maintained by Porsche professionals and owner using all factory parts. Recent T/B and cam gears. Factory manuals plus many extra parts. Currant registration and smog, clean title and CARFAX. Owner since 2002. Used for touring only. $60K.
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Great lodging solution for builders or vacationers: 2016 Keystone Cougar 327RES, 5th Wheel
32ft., 3 Slides, Sleeps 4, Odometer: 1100, Dry weight: 10590. Perfect for long term lodging while rebuilding or camping on your destination vacation
property. $34,950K (bmw not included)
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Got something to buy or sell? We'll post it here for free. Send us details and a picture by the 5th of the month to be included.
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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
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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
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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
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Dress in style and get your Redwood Region branded items in our Goodie Store.
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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.
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Thanks for supporting our Club!
Stacy O'Connell
der Riesenbaum Editor
Porsche Club of America, Redwood Region
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