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November 2024
Volume 66, Issue 11
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From The Editor
Mike Willis
editor@svr-pca.org
I am looking forward to December and winter for Images of you and your Porsche in the snow. To be used for the "cover" of the winter Drifter issues.
Note any SVR member can submit articles to the Drifter for consideration for the good of the region. (Submit-al should be word DOC with attached or inserted images. And received by the 28th. )
When sending me a video it needs to be on a webpage (link) or a file not to exceed 5MB. Also images have the same limit. (I am able to resize most of them).
Please note text that is blue is a link. Also in some cases links in beaded in an image do not work by clicking on the image will have to "hand enter" them.
Also some of the event ads are also linked
When we use MSR (Motorsport Registration) all of those events advertised are linked to the specific registration. If the ad is an image then the click on it for the link.
Our Drifter Staff
Rik Larson, Proof Reader/Tickler
Skip Quain, Contributor
John Mueller, Advertising Manager
SVR Members - Event Chairs AND Contributors
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Welcome to Porsche Rocklin
If you're looking for a vehicle ready to redefine the driving experience and car ownership altogether, look no further than the Porsche brand.
Call Us today at 916.794.8560
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The Journey of a Porsche Technician
….and a Story of Two Black Porsche Targas
By Michael Born and John Mueller
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This story is about Lucas Czech, a Porsche Technician in Sacramento. While John was at the Porsche Sacramento Grand Opening in late September, he saw Rachel Nelson there who introduced him to Lucas. After talking to Lucas John realized he wanted to share his association with Porsche, and introduce him to our club members.
An immediate connection was made because both John and Lucas own Targa’s. Lucas’ black 1978 911SC 3.0L is optioned with Factory Aero. John’s is 40 years newer - a black 911 4 GTS optioned with PCCB’s. And they are both BLK/BLK/BLK.
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And since we all own Porsches, Lucas decided on the spot to join our club!
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Lucas’ story begins:
Lucas started out studying electrical engineering at SJSU, but didn’t feel a connection. He had been in love with Porsche from a young age, and since Porsche had partnered with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), while also being encouraged by his step mom, he started to go to school there.
To pay for school, he took a job at Bass Pro in Rocklin. On the way to work every day, he was passing the Porsche Rocklin site, and started inquiring about getting a job there. Luckily, one day he managed to meet with the service manager, who interviewed him - and gave him a job on the spot as a porter. A porter is one of those nice people that wash your cars after service, and also prep new cars for delivery! 3 months after he finished UTI, with a 4.0 GPA and earning “Student of the Course” for 11 of the 17 courses, he set his sights on the Porsche Technician Apprentice Program (PTAP).
Porsche Rocklin was so keen on keeping him, that they decided to sponsor the 6 months program in Southern California. A typical day would have classes from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then students normally had a job from 2-6 p.m. to pay for expenses. Generally graduates of PTAP have a choice of locations to work at, but Lucas decided to take a job at Porsche Sacramento, since he liked the new site.
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How did Lucas find his Targa?
While going to school at PTAP, Lucas’ step mother died suddenly. This was obviously very devastating for his dad as well as him, since she had been instrumental in getting him to go to UTI. Her funeral was on his 25th birthday - not a good time for the Czech family. To get his dad involved in something meaningful,and take his mind off the tragic situation, he started looking for a car that they could wrench on together. Of course, it had to be a Porsche! Budgetwise they were looking for either a 996, or an air-cooled. But if it was air-cooled, it had to be a Targa. They were looking for a while, many G-bodies, but they were either too expensive or needed too much work. Finally they ran across an ad on Craigslist in Burbank - a black Targa in front of a house. It looked dusty, like it had been under a cover and wasn’t cleaned in a while. Asking price was $50k. After talking to the owner Lucas learned a bit more of the history. The original owner had replaced the 2.7L factory engine with a 3.0L. He gave the car to his grandson, who drove it for about 6 years, before he got into a 930 Turbo.
Since he wasn’t driving the Targa anymore, he was looking for a buyer, but given it was his grandpa’s car, he was very selective on who should get it. He wanted to make sure the car continued to be driven, and not end up as a showpiece. After Lucas passed the first test, he flew down to Burbank to meet with the seller. He was picked up at the airport, and they drove in the Targa back to the house. While there, the seller flipped him the keys and asked if he wanted to go for a drive. So the two of them, Lucas in the Targa and the seller in his 930, went on the Angeles Crest Highway - if you don’t know about the Angeles Crest Highway, you should look it up! Of course an unforgettable experience! After the drive, while chatting about it, the seller decided to let the car go for $32k, because he felt it continuing to be in good hands!
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Where does Lucas see himself in the future?
Lucas is currently Bronze certified, the first of three levels for Porsche technicians. He is looking to get to silver soon, after a written and then a practical test at the center in LA. Ultimately his dream is to get to the Gold Level.. He only needs 4 more classes to make it! There is currently only one Gold Level tech at Porsche Sacramento - it’s very hard to become Gold Certified, but we believe Lucas has what it takes!
THE END
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Our commitment to this region, and its growth, guides our business and cultivates the decisions we make each day...and have made over the last 103 years and counting.
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Got an Event? Come to the Pizza and Planning on Thursday
· If you are thinking about chairing an event in 2025, then be sure and plan to attend the 2025 SVR Planning and Pizza event on Thursday, November 7th. It will be held at the same place as last year (Round Table Pizza --- Madison and Greenback in Folsom).
· And it only costs you $1 (payable at the door). We do request that you signup at MSR (no charge) so that we can have a people count. Registration is open NOW. Looks like 42 people signed up so far.
· What do you get for $1? Pizza, salad, soda. Other items are on your own.
SVR Voting is OPEN
· Voting is open now and closes November 20th.
· The candidate statements were in the October DRIFTER are also up on the SVR website (click on the Elections tab………it is the one on the far right of the home page).
SVR Christmas Party (in the afternoon)
· Has a waitlist ----- and it is getting longer. Signup on the MSR link.
· The Nelson’s are offering a unique Christmas event on Saturday, December 7th at their garage.
SVR New Years Day Tour
· Registration is now OPEN.
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Name Badge
· Remember to wear your SVR name badge to events.
Real Short This Month
· Just counting the days till someone else is in charge.
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Thanks to everyone who completed the recent survey that we sent out. Your input is invaluable for helping us plan events that are most important to you. If you would like to further your invovlement, please consider attending our Event Planning Meeting on 11/7. Below is a summary of the survey results: | |
Demographics
We had nearly 100 members respond, with the majority over 60, retired and with no children at home.
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Voluntering
SVR relies on volunteers to make the club successful. We received 27 responses from folks who would be interested in helping in a chairperson role, and 16 who would consider joining the board.
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SVR Events
There is a good distribution of interest across the various types of events that SVR offers based on survey responses. For those not attending events, being too busy was the most common reason, followed by attending events offered by other clubs.
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Non SVR Events
Drilling down on the events offered by other clubs, cars/coffee style events appear to be quite popular, with strong attendance at Folsom C&C and Eurosunday.
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New Opportunities
Tech Sessions tops the list for interest in events not currently offered, along with Track Days and more Family-oriented events. We will take all of this input in planing for 2025!
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Areas for Improvment
Pre-registration appears to be the largest complaint regarding SVR events, both in terms of MSR being too complicated for some users, and in the need to register for events at all. For most event formats, registration is required in order to plan events to the level that SVR prides ourselves on. However, more prominent is the number of survey respondents who indicate they do not feel welcome.
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For this, we as members need to take this to heart, and introduce ourselves to people we might not know. To further assist with this, the board has taken steps to provide an indication on the name badges for new members. So please feel free to introduce yourselves! | |
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Message from the Tour Chair
By Rick Duste
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It’s election season at SVR as well as for the country. ITS IMPORTANT THAT YOU VOTE as not all SVR offices are uncontested. In particular your vote for Club Secretary will make a difference. Read the candidate statements posted on the SVR WEBSITE and then place your vote using the Website www.svr-pcaor.org
2024 was a busy year with 11 day-tours, 2 new member tours, and 2 weekend overnight tours. An end of the year wrap up will be in the December Drifter. 2025 will be just as active. Come to the SVR Planning Meeting on Thursday November 7th to share your ideas and suggestions for the year ahead.
OKTOBERFEST TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WUNDERBAR…..FANTASTISCH….HAT ALLEN VIEL SPAB GEMACHT (A fun time had by all). The SVR McMahen’s Oktoberfest Tour is in the history books. 85 miles of twisty roads in the El Dorado and Placer County “Alps” culminating at Jim and Linda McMahen’s country residence for a proper Oktoberfest celebration. Thanks to Jim and Linda McMahen and their helpers Ira and Carol McKee, Kirk and Linda Bradford, Kent and Cindy Bandon, Cathy Keegan, Bob and Elaine Cannon and Andrew and Maryann Douglas for the awesome lunch event. And Michael Born, Stefan Hepper and Michelle Li (sans lederhosen and traditional woman’s dress), Ernie and Wendy Bulhoes, Mike and Emily Willis, and Rik Larson for leading and sweeping the groups of cars. And Michael Simcock, Simone Kopitzki and Matt Menning for the pictures. Kim Nelson and Kelley Murphy raised over $300 with the Share-The-Wealth raffle and impromptu auction.
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Porschettes
Susan, Gail, and Tammy
On a delightful autumn day, a group of Porschettes gathered for a refreshing outing that began with lunch at Cafeteria 15L, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious seasonal farm to table dishes. Following our luncheon, we strolled through the World Peace Rose Garden, where we admired the stunning, fragrant blooms and enjoyed the serene environment. The quotes posted to each unique rose, started with the founder Sylvia Villalobos’s vision: “A living reminder that peace begins within the hearts of each one of us – in our thoughts, in our words and in our actions. Daily each one of us has an opportunity to make our world a better place.”
The day concluded with a visit to the California Museum, where we explored the Women Inspires exhibit, celebrating the achievements and contributions of California women changing our world throughout history. This enriching experience fostered our connection, inspiration, and appreciation among the attendees.
Next Porschettes gathering will be Holiday Party on December 12, 2024 at Fats Asia Bistro. Please sign up now at http://msreg.com/Porschettes-Holiday-Party
FYI, You do not need to drive a Porsche to any of the Porschettes events. Gail and I have received several questions regarding this issue. We encourage you to invite another Porschette to go to an event to meet more women.
Warm regards, Susan, Gail, and Tammy
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SVR's November 16th Turkey Run Rally Updates
The Turkey Run Rally is measured and Richta control points have been set. The Rally is approximately 4 hours in duration, including breaks, and 150 miles in length. It is designed to be fun for all with simple instructions and a route, using mostly low volume roads, that traverses primarily agricultural and rural areas of Sutter County including a loop through and around the scenic Sutter Buttes. The Rally will finish in Lincoln at Siino’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill located at 815 Twelve Bridges Drive. Your can checkout their menu on their website (www.siinosrestaurant.com). https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/turkey-run-tsd-rally-brookfields-rancho-cordova-pca-sacramento-valley-events-833989
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Nelson's Garage located at 2771 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs
Click on the above AD for registration
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YOUR LOCAL EXPERT IN ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS
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Member of the Month Kristy and David Wilce | |
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October Dinner at Frank Fat’s
By Collin Fat
Photos by Collin Fat
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SVR members enjoyed a 10-course gourmet dinner at Frank Fat’s restaurant in downtown Sacramento. Frank Fat’s is the oldest restaurant in the Sacramento area and was founded in 1939. It’s hosted all the governors of the Golden State since Earl Warren in 1943 as well as the more recent governors such as Gavin Newsome, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Brown, and Pete Wilson among the notable regulars of the restaurant.
The dinner was scheduled some time ago by hosts Bob Peake and Patti Osterholm and was the same night as the Sacramento King’s home opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Traffic was challenging for all members trying to fight commuter traffic getting to the restaurant, but all made it on time for the festivities. Seating was limited to 30 members and the event was sold out quickly after the opening of registration.
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L/R: Brian and Bonny Marten | |
L/R: Linda and Kirk Bradford | |
Weyland Fat and Bob Peake sharing the history of the restaurant | |
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L/R: Stan & Florence Wong, Ericka & Rick Duffy,
Collin & Elaine Fat, David Nubla and wife
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Some images from SVR Touring - Thanks Rick Dusty | |
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October Autocross Finale
By Collin Fat
Photos by Collin Fat
42 drivers registered for the final autocross of the 2024 season with many competing for year end points for the SVR Autocross Championship series sponsored by Porsche Rocklin. The weather was fabulous with fall like temperatures of 70 degrees, clear skies, and a slight breeze. Perfect weather for honing and assessing your driver skills and the handling of your Porsche. Drivers got 11 timed runs to record their fastest times, and many drivers did get their top times in the afternoon run session.
Top time of day went to SVR vice president, John Leet with a blistering time of 41.076, followed closely by Collin Fat, 42.561, Steve Nieslony, 42.808, Greg Zajic, 42.919, and Matt Deter with a 42.966 rounding out the top five times. The complete results are now posted on the SVR website and can viewed at the following link: https://svr-pcaor.org/wp/autocross-results/.
The top ten finishers were as follows
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Matt Deter on his way to his top five finish driving his 2010 GT3. | |
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L/R: Grady Carter, JC Fat, John Leet
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On grid and getting ready to go | |
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John Leet on course setting top time of day.
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Redwood Region’s Stacy O’Connell
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L/R: Greg Zajic and Ray Witkowski
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In The Zone November 2024
Hello Zone 7,
October saw the last Zone 7 Series Concours and Autocross events. Thank you to Roy Schauben and Simone Kopitzky, our Concours Co-Chairs and Brant Ballantyne our Autocross Chair. They work with the Region Chairs and team to bring two series to our members. Thank you to ALL the volunteers that make these events happen. And thank you to all the participants. I invite each of you to come check out either or both of the Zone Series in 2025. We have many classes where you can be part of the event. Or come out and just visit. Calendars and information to come soon.
There is a Zone Series Awards event that will be held early March, look for info. Fun times, GREAT people and of course some amazing cars we all love. I participated in both series this year and learnt that even without the cleanest car or the “cleanest” / fastest course time you can have a blast. Now I know what to clean and what’s needed on the AX course. (Anyone got some rims for a Boxster? I “need” sticky tires, Ohhh and maybe some microfiber polish cloths)
Look for results on the Zone web and I’ll add to a future “In The Zone”.
November brings the time of year when we give thanks.
I am thankful for my family and friends. Many of my friends are those I have met through PCA over the years. I feel so fortunate to have YOU in my circle of friends. Best to you in these and the upcoming holiday season.
Looking forward to seeing you and an event.
Brian
Highlighted Region / Zone events:
Please let me know if your Region has an event that is open to other Regions / needs broader participation reach. I am happy to share that information.
Registration is now open for the Turkey Run Rally, SVR"s 6th and final time-speed-distance rally of the 2024 series. The Rally, with an interesting course that includes a loop around the scenic Sutter Buttes, is designed to be interesting to both the experienced rallyist and the first timer.
turkey-run-tsd-rally-brookfields
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Zone 7 Events - Website
2025 Zone 7 Autocross - Click here for information on the Zone 7 Autocross schedule.
· Dates and info to come
2025 Zone 7 Concours - Click here for information on the Zone 7 Concours series.
· Dates and info to come
2025 Sacramento Valley Region (SVR) Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) Rally Series
· Dates and info to come
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PCA/PCNA Events
Click here for a list of upcoming PCA events.
· Treffen Homestead, Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA, April 30 - May 3, 2025. Treffen website
· Porsche Parade, Oklahoma City, OK, July 6 – July 12, 2025 porscheparade.org
· Treffen at Sea, New England & Canada on the Enchanted Princess, 8/30-9/6, 2025. Treffen at Sea Website
2025 West Coast Race Series Schedule
PCA Club Racing registration is at: http://register.pca.org
Info to come
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New to SVR or just need a new name badge -- you can order a badge--
and send to:
Membership Director, at:
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Since we use e-mail for most of our communications, it is necessary to keep our e-mail address current with SVR and PCA. To update your information, go to www.pca.org and login. You can then make any updates (address, car, e-mail etc.).
Also, even though we receive the information from PCA monthly, you can send the same updates to: membership@svr-pca.org. New Member badges will now come with a removable colored sticker to encourage introductions at club events. They can be removed at any time. Welcome to the Sacramento Valley Region of the Porsche Club of America.
SVR - PCA Member Services
How do you join the Porsche Club? Go to: https://www.pca.org/user/join/membership -This is an online system that will request a credit card for payment. If you would rather fill out a paper form, contact 2023 SVR Membership Director, at membership@svr-pca.org
Not a Porsche owner but interested in the PCA? Try the PCA Test Drive program. For information, go to: www.pca.org/pca-test-drive Need to update your PCA information? Update your PCA record at www.pca.org
Do you have 2 e-mail addresses? Want Club info sent to a second email, work, home, spouse, friend...? It’s as easy as e-mailing your second e-mail address to the Membership Director, membership@svr-pca.org
How can I contact the SVR-PCA by mail?
Sacramento Valley Region-PCA,
Post Office Box 254651,
Sacramento, CA 95865-4651
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