Taking the Mystery Out of High-Performance Driver Education
Rennsport Reunion 7
Volunteering-the Ultimate Expression of PCA Participation
Member Profile: Lutzo Kovacyk
Using the Porsche Configurator to Your Advantage
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Horizontally Opposed (HO) is the official publication of First Settlers Region (FSR), Porsche Club of America (PCA). All opinions, views and information appearing in HO are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the PCA, FSR, its Officers or the Editor.
The HO Editor reserves the right to edit all material submitted for publication. Permission is granted to reprint any material provided that full credit is given to the author and to Horizontally Opposed.
This publication, and previous publications of Horizontally Opposed, are available to view on-line at www.fsrpca.org.
Advertising rates, schedules and commercial partner marketing support is available to all parties interested in engaging the members of the First Settlers Region of the Porsche Club of America. Please contact HO Editor, Brad Jublou, at editor@fsrpca.org for more information.
Presidential Musings, Erik Apotheker
Bring on the New Year
As I sit here this February evening, having just sorted through all my Daytona 24 photos, I am turning my attention and focus to sharing with you some of the goings-on in the region. It feels a bit late in the year to be wishing you a Happy New Year, but the more I contemplate the statement, it becomes less awkward and the more I find it apropos, for I am truly excited about what the new year represents: new chances, new challenges, new opportunities, new experiences.
While 2023 was a good year, I have a strong feeling that 2024 will be even better and FSR will no doubt be a big part of it. Every FSR member volunteer has contributed to the overall success of the region and has set the stage for the story that is about to unfold. I could not be more grateful for their contributions.
This year, FSR will celebrate its 65th anniversary as a chartered region of the Porsche Club of America. An ambitious slate of activities has been crafted and we are pedal to the metal to make this all come to life. While our current list of activities can be found in our app and on our upgraded web site, here are a few of the events that I am very much looking forward to.
High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) which will be held at VIRginia International Raceway on April 26-29 and October 11-12. See the HPDE article in this issue for more information on what this program is about and how easy it is to get started.
The Simulator Seats Open House in Richmond during February has surfaced additional member interest into computerized virtual racing. Most are looking for a novice-level-cost-effective way to get started in sim racing. Some aspire to participating in the PCA Sim Racing Program, others prefer something more casual. If you have interest in learning more, please reach out to Carl Bess (secretary@fsrpca.org). All are welcome.
Each year we host a Meet the New Members Social, but this year we aspire to a more substantial shindig, bringing members together from across the region – we are one region, after all. Look for Keith Stone (Activities Officer) and Ken Thomas (Membership Chair) to share the details soon.
New this year, we will be coordinating some “Dine Outs.” Gatherings will occur at local breweries or other popular venues and are designed to support member socials supplementing our breakfasts and Rennsport Rendezvous. Some will be announced well in advance, some will be “pop-up surprises” with only a week or so advance notice. Stay close to our Facebook Group and our emails to be kept aware of the happenings.
Willing to get some sauce on your fingers and enjoy a burger or hot dog with friends? Then the Summer BBQ in Chesapeake may be just the ticket. Look for some surprises to help celebrate our 65th, too. Carlton Harris, one of our Vice Presidents, is finalizing a few details and then we will open registration.
How about an off-road experience? Or two?? Let’s get the tall Porsches out and about and learn a bit more about their capabilities. At least one of the experiences will be navigable by any non-lowered Porsche. As always, Porsche use is not required on any of our driving adventures.
Gimmick Rallye – yes! Weekend Tours – yes! Fun Runs – you betcha! We aspire to at least twelve events this year, but we could use some help making this all come to pass. Contact Keith Stone (activities@fsrpca.org) if you are willing to help – even if just for an hour or two.
Remember to consult our Facebook page, website, or our app (with the added benefit that we can reach you easily if changes occur) for more info.
I also look forward to participating in some of our Charity Committee’s events, which are already off to a strong start with fundraising and fun-raising community outreach opportunities. See Ruth Apotheker’s article in this issue.
On a more personal note, I have set a few automotive goals for myself, some of which you may find interesting.
- Attend the Daytona 24 Hour and Sebring IMSA races which are affectionately called the 36 hours of Florida. It’s been years since I last did both in one year.
- Head over the pond and visit Brooklands, the world’s first purpose-built banked motor racing circuit in the world, and the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation.
- Expand my creative side and passion for technology by learning more about generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The hope is to bring some ideas to life without having to rely on my stick-figure-oriented drawing capabilities.
No matter what is on your list this year, I hope FSR events are part of it. Our members are always so inviting and just plain fun to talk to, so come on out.
Keep the Porsche Spirit!
For those who may be interested in my first AI endeavors…
New Members October, November, December 2023, January and February 2024
Welcome to all our new First Settlers Region Members! We are happy to have you join us. Please come to an event soon and meet some fellow members, have some fun, and see a lot of beautiful Porsches.
October 2023
Jose Matos TI Hurricane South Mills NC 2012 911 Carrera S
Ryan Dacey Portsmouth 1996 911 Carrera
Emrol Lindo Henrico 2023 911 Carrera
Cyrus McCormick
Daniel Bayangos
Virginia Beach 2006 Cayman S
November 2023
Chesapeake 2023 Cayenne
Damien Desormeaux Suffolk 2002 911 Turbo
Michael Delwiche TI Arizona Yorktown 1976 914 2.0
Scott Golightly Richmond
2016 Cayman GTS
Kristin Schrimper Columbia 2001 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Henry Stere Richmond
Trevor Lucas
2000 911 Carrera 4
Chesapeake 2014 Cayenne Turbo
When you ask the computer to create a picture of a “slate grey Porsche 356.” This one fits in the corner of the garage. Quite the space saver.
AI impression of what a “First Settlers Region Porsche Club meeting” looks like.
“Porsche Parade.” There’s always one in the crowd... Now unveiling the “2050 Porsche, steampunked.”
Michael Holt
Robert Williams
Teague Avey
Robert McCarthy
Richmond 1999 Boxster
Richmond 2022 Cayenne
Glen Allen 1979 911SC Targa
Midlothian 1997 Boxster
Thomas Kelly Richmond 2007 Cayman
Juan Garcia
Arvid Josefsen
Antonio Mendoza Reyes
Doran Glass
Markos Dragas
Nic Nilson
Fredericksburg 2008 911 Carrera
Virginia Beach 2012 Panamera 4S
Powhatan 2014 911 Carrera
December 2023
Norfolk 2006 Cayman S
Virginia Beach 2020 Taycan Turbo
Norfolk 2009 911 Carrera S
Ben Jenkins Maidens PCA Test Drive
Andrew Bergan
Newport News 2003 911 Carrera 4S
Martin Sydnor Kinsale 2008 Cayman S
Douglas Swan TI Northwest Glen Allen 2006 Boxster S
Nima Baradaran TI Ohio Norfolk 1969 912
Carl Kesgen TI Florida Crown Williamsburg 2012 911 Carrera S
Mike Pickett Yorktown 2007 Cayman S
Darius Hood Newport News 2017 Panamera 4
Frank Campion Norfolk 2018 718 Boxster S
January 2024
Craig Wright TI Hurricane Hartfield 2014 911 Carrera
John Craddock
Thomas Herring
Louis Vu
Philip Clinton
Michael Smith
White Stone 2024 911 Carrera GTS
King George 2003 911 Targa
Virginia Beach 2014 Cayenne
Virginia Beach 2018 Macan GTS
Virginia Beach 2017 718 Cayman S
Kate Parker Richmond PCA Test Drive
Chris Champeau
Steven Fox
Richmond 1982 911 SC
Chesapeake 1984 911 Carrera Cab
Lee Millard Portsmouth 1978 911 SC Targa
Henry Pitcher
Virginia Beach 2017 718 Boxster S
David Burton Richmond 1974 914 2.0
Michael Denat Hanover 1987 944 S
Phillip Harrison
Renny Stocum TI Central NY
Rhonda Khabir
Alec Walko
Virginia Beach 2005 911 Carrera S
Virginia Beach 2001 911 Carrera 4
February 2024
Williamsburg 2018 Macan S
Virginia Beach 2014 Cayman
Zac Carroll Ashland PCA Test Drive
Kenneth Harbour Hampton 2009 Cayman
James Albano
Virginia Beach 1985 911 Carrera Cab
Thorleif Barbru Williamsburg 2016 911 GT3 RS
Scott Crenshaw Richmond 2023 Panamera 4
Hamza Khan Richmond 2002 911 Turbo
Michael Hughes
Moseley 2021 911 Carrera S
2023 Membership Report, Ken
Thomas, Membership Chair
2023 was a strong year for First Settlers. Primary Membership grew 4.8% to 876 and total membership, when including co-members, grew to 1332. We had 104 new members join during 2023 and 23 transfers into the region. Both PCA Test Drive and PCA Juniors memberships also continued to grow. Renewal rates were strong each month.
Thanks to all our members who actively engage in recruiting new members and to our dealerships and independent shops who support our membership activities.
Member retention is also key to our growth. Thanks again to all our members who engage new and existing members and welcome them to events.
Finally, thank you to all our members who plan, organize, and lead our many quality events. Remember, it’s not just the cars, it’s the people!
Ken
Member Anniversary Milestones for the First Quarter 2024
Congratulations to all our members who celebrate membership milestones in the first quarter of 2024. Thank you for your loyalty to the Porsche brand, Porsche Club of America, and First Settlers Region. We hope you are enjoying your membership and all the benefits that are available to you. If you haven’t come out to an event lately, consider joining us for an event this year. First Settlers offers many popular events throughout the year with a focus on driving, socializing, and charitable activities. Our monthly breakfasts are very popular also. Hope to see you at an event soon.
George Brooks
Eddie
Steven
Marco
George
Rob Cully
Steven Karnes
Kevin McHugh
William Thorne
Jeffrey Taylor
James Lynch
Barry Miller
Roland Peacock
Fred Parkinson
David King
Roops Ramdon
Vaughan Xavier
News from the Secretary, Carl Bess
First, I must start this edition’s news with a hearty congratulations to John Greene for completing four years of outstanding service as the First Settlers Region Secretary! Secondly, I want to thank those who voted for me as John’s successor; and no, John, the election wasn’t stolen. However, that briefcase of unmarked bills you gave me made accepting the “reins” much easier… just kidding!
This quarter’s entry in Horizontally Opposed provides some key points from the annual Open Board of Director’s (BOD) meeting held in November of the previous quarter and the inaugural meeting of 2024 in early January. As a gentle reminder, the BOD will convene bi-monthly throughout 2023, and attendance is open to everyone. All meetings take place on ZOOM, so if you wish to attend, simply ask any BOD member to receive the ZOOM link in advance. Here are some of the highlights from the November and January BOD meetings:
• This year marks the 65th anniversary of First Settlers Region, so stay tuned to hear more from Erik on recognizing and celebrating this landmark event.
• Erik also announced newly elected board members, preceded by his personal kudos to John Greene for serving as region Secretary for the last four years. The new board members, effective 1 January 2024, are Scott Hoffman as Eastern Vice President (E/VP); Keith Stone, who’s moving from E/VP to Activities Officer; and yours truly as Secretary.
• Alongside Erik, who continues as FSR President, are Mike Ball as Western VP, Jerry Kent as Treasurer, and Melinda Cagle as Past President. These officers combined with newly elected officers previously mentioned constitutes the Executive Council (aka EXCOM).
• Continuing in their BOD and Committee roles are Dave Wallace as Assistant Western Vice President and Driving Tour Chair (dual-hatted), Carlton Harris as Assistant Eastern Vice President, Ruth Apotheker as Charity Chair, Marco Estrada as DE Chair, Ken Thomas as Membership Chair, Mark Hugel as Safety Chair, Jim Hamel as Tech Chair, George Michaels as Event Registrar, Brad Jublou as HO Editor, Roops Ramdon and Greg Kahles taking care of Social Media, Jacob Kay minding the Goodie Store, and Jason Horner as Webmeister
• Based on the resounding success of “Air and Auto 11” last year, look for a reprise this autumn at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach.
• FSR DE dates for this spring are April 26-28; however, there is no contract as of this writing. As always, volunteers are needed and welcomed, so please contact Marco or Kira Mellups if you’re interested.
That’s all for this installment, and thanks to all our volunteers!
Charity Committee Update, Ruth Apotheker,
Charity Chair
Thanks to the Charity Committee for all their support and hard work, and for member involvement! Special thanks to Kathy Kent, who put so much effort into helping us prepare for 2023. Since joining the committee, Jenny Kay has been a vital contributor, bringing so much experience managing charities and activities. We were also so lucky to have Betty Kendall, who was always available to jump in and participate in any event. We could not have done it all without them. It was a big transition, and with the support of many, we had a successful year. Here is a recap of the activities and money raised for each approved FSR charity in 2023.
Horizons Hampton Roads is a summer enrichment program for impoverished children. Two high school students from the program spoke at the Chesapeake breakfast in May about how important the summer program has been for them. During the summer, when the program was running, we had 2 on-site visits with our members bringing their cars to the schools so the kids could sit in them and take pictures. According to the director, it was one of the highlights of the summer for the kids. Horizons participated in Air & Auto 11 by having an information table, and several student volunteers assisted with the CHKD lemonade stand, helped park cars, and sold raffle tickets. FSR raised $4,268 for Horizons.
Samaritan House owns fourteen safe houses for victims fleeing violence and in threat of losing their homes. Tom Higgins from Samaritan House visited the Chesapeake breakfast in May and spoke to our group. In July, we collected a full Cayenne load of pantry items from both Chesapeake and Williamsburg breakfasts. FSR raised $4,681 for Samaritan House.
Vet Dogs provides much needed service dogs to American military vets, active-duty military, and first responders who are disabled. They were the 2023 recipient of funds raised by charity lap participation during our two drivers education events at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). FSR raised $800 for Vet Dogs.
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) is Virginia’s only freestanding pediatric hospital providing comprehensive services in more than forty locations. CHKD visited our Chesapeake breakfast in September and educated our members on all the great programs they have. CHKD had a lemonade stand at Air & Auto 11, which complemented our food options for the event. FSR raised $4,403 for CHKD.
The Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia and Feed More had great support. Our Turkey’s in the Trunk event raised $16,638 and delivered over 3,000 lbs of food to the Food Bank. Feed More received $7,720 plus food thanks to the generous support of our Richmond area members.
The Charity Committee for 2024 will continue to consist of Ruth Apotheker, Jenny Kay, and Betty Kendall who all participated in 2023. This year, we are lucky enough to have two new members joining our group: Michele Curtis and Ernestine Hibbert. In addition to our normal fund-raising activities, Breakfast Raffles, Air & Auto, and Turkey’s in the Trunk, we are planning some community outreach events. We started the 2024 year off with participating in Women United Stone Soup on February 10th in Norfolk. Members participated in the event by bringing ingredients to help make 3,500 meals for those in need in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area. It was a fun, fast paced event, and of course, the FSR club table finished first. Also in February, we had a career night with Horizons students where FSR members got to talk about their careers and interact with the students. The Charity Committee also rescheduled our tour of CHKD’s new facility. In March we had a great opportunity to learn more about this amazing facility and the good works it is involved in.
Looking forward, the Charity Committee will be planning more community outreach programs, for example, Porsches visiting the Horizons Summer Program, volunteering with RocSolid to pack school supplies into backpacks, or building playground sets for children with Cancer. We are also looking forward to engaging with United Way programs such as the Day of Caring. We would love for you to join us - please reach out to the Charity Committee if you have a community outreach event that we can support (charity@fsrpca.org).
On the cover:
Phil Grandfield went to Rennsport Reunion 7 (RR7) last year and came back with A LOT of pictures. This one shows two of the many 917s in attendance at speed. Three FSR members collaborated on a great article about RR7, which you will find on page 12.
If you wish to submit a photo or original piece of art to be considered for a future cover, please email editor@fsrpca.org.
Editor’s Corner
Brad Jublou
At Air and Auto 11 last year, Phil Grandfield rolled up to me in his Boxster and said, “I’ve got something for you.” He popped the latch and there in his otherwise spotless trunk were a bunch of old copies of Horizontally Opposed, from various past years and in various formats. Reading through them later, I was struck by how different, and yet how similar FSR was as a club over the years. Humorous club members; lots of great activities; impressive technical expertise. Volunteering, Fun Runs, social events. And oddly enough, the feeling I got was one of... nostalgia. I felt nostalgic about this club that I wasn’t even a member of back then. But the point is: our Region is still like the one reflected in those old issues of HO. We’re still that club, with the same passion for our cars. And in this, the Region’s 65 year, that’s a legacy worth maintaining.
Brad
DUDE, I’m trying to give you notice of your winnings. Call me!! by Erik Apotheker
I love getting emails from PCA National Headquarters with the title: “CONFIDENTIAL - Raffle Winner” because they simply don’t arrive in my inbox often, and when they do they signal that one lucky FSRian is about to get a fantastic surprise. It was just such an email that arrived mid-January.
FSR has had other raffle winners and it’s always fun to conjure up ideas for how to share this information and generate an even bigger surprise than would be natural. This time, it was made even more challenging as our lucky recipient, Eric McGrane, was a bit more elusive than we have previously experienced. In an era of robocalls, call screening, and phishing scams, its not too surprising.
It was a Facebook thread that got Eric to act. How fortuitous it was that he commented on a member’s “great day for a ragtop drive” post and that I came across it. Able to entice him into a few rounds of discussion, with his Spidey-sense on maximum, Eric finally investigated, found my posts were credible, and called me.
Hearing that a new Porsche is coming your way is never a bad thing. Hearing this shortly after Santa washed and did a ceramic refresh on his sleigh adds to the season of giving. But having this happen only few weeks after your loved Boxster fell victim to an accident, is far sweeter.
Back in October, Eric had a mishap when he tagged a curb in a parking lot in his 718 Boxster S. At the body shop, it was discovered that when he hit the curb it sent crumple force back along the wheel and towards the cabin, actually slightly displacing the firewall and shifting everything a bit towards the A-pillar. As a result, the repair estimate was $42K, and his car was totaled.
As Eric stated in a recent FSR Facebook post, “Being in total shock, I decided that I would hold off on getting another car, and instead would race towards my goal of early retirement. However, I also had purchased a few raffle tickets for the fall raffle...I actually won one of the 2nd Grand Prize awards!”
“Seeing this as being destiny to get another car (at least that’s what I told my wife), I decided to leverage this amazing opportunity (my raffle winnings) to seek out a Boxster GTS. And I’ve done just that... found a 4.0 Boxster GTS in Texas that was spec’d almost exactly how I would build one, with only 3K miles on the clock. I would have preferred to build the exact car I wanted, but I’ve been reading that GTS allocations have dried up, and that it can take >1 year to get your car built and delivered. Now though, hopefully this upcoming week I’ll be able to take delivery at the house!”
An FSR member for about 7 months, we hope to see Eric at some upcoming events. Great ROI against those 8 entries purchased – CONGRATULATIONS Eric McGrane!!
Taking the Mystery Out of High-Performance Driver Education
By Marco Estrada & Erik Apotheker, with contributions from Mike Ball, Jeff Curtis, Scott Hoffman, Bret Jacobson, Brad Jublou, Alex Llorente, Kira Mellups, and Kevin Pirkle
For many PCA members, High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) events represent a chance to experience a thrilling and educational pursuit that can elevate driving skills to new heights. Seasoned and novice drivers can explore their vehicle capabilities in a controlled and safe environment. Still, those unfamiliar with HPDE sometimes become overwhelmed by a perceived lack of access to the information they require to make participation decisions. With the help of your fellow FSR members, let’s take a deeper dive into the HPDE program.
The Essence of High-Performance Driving
At its core, HPDE focuses on teaching drivers the art of high-performance driving, emphasizing safety, precision, and control. It provides a structured platform for enthusiasts to enhance their skills on the track while gaining a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics. FSR events are conducted per the Minimum Standards as established by the PCA National Driver Education Committee, whose mission and purpose are to disseminate information learned from the organizers and to provide a common continuity among PCA driving schools.
Classroom and Track Sessions
HPDE typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and on-track driving sessions. Classroom sessions cover essential topics such as safety rules, proper seating position, visual cues, vehicle dynamics, braking techniques, situational awareness, and how to understand the anatomy of a turn. Instructors, often experienced racing professionals, share their expertise to help participants grasp the fundamentals of high-performance driving.
On the closed course (usually a local track), participants get behind the wheel to apply the principles learned in the classroom. Since every student has different needs, all sessions are also carefully monitored, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for drivers to explore their limits and experience the thrill of high-speed driving.
Vehicle Preparation
Before hitting the course, participants must ensure their vehicles are well-prepared for the demands of the day. Basic
safety checks, tire inspections, and brake evaluations are crucial components of vehicle preparation. Understanding the importance of proper maintenance contributes to a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Skill Progression
HPDE is structured to accommodate drivers of various skill levels. Novice drivers receive personalized attention from experienced instructors who guide them through the basics of track driving. As participants progress, they move up through different skill levels, each offering new challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Safety First
Safety is paramount! Rigorous safety protocols, including helmet requirements, vehicle inspections, and clearly defined rules, are in place to minimize risks. Instructors play a vital role in ensuring participants understand and adhere to these safety measures, creating an environment where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Community and Camaraderie
Beyond the educational aspect, HPDE fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts passionate about high-performance driving. Participants often form lasting connections with fellow drivers, creating a network of like-minded individuals who appreciate the thrill of these experiences.
How Members Commonly Get Started
“I started with HPDE in the spring of 2010 by having a friend (Jacob Kay) tell me how great it was – he had done the fall event in 2009. He was encouraged to try it by other members.” – Bret Jacobson
“I had owned and driven conservative cars in a conservative manner my whole life, and one day, I saw a Cayman in a parking garage. I had no idea what it was until I looked it up. While researching, I also saw search results for PCA and Summit Point. Not only did I learn something about that beautiful car, but what I could do with it.” – Scott Hoffman
What Were Your Concerns
“I was afraid I’d not do well and would be asked not to attend another event.” – Scott Hoffman
“Hurting or devaluing the car.” – Kevin Pirkle
“One was that I knew it would be male-dominated, and I was worried that I would be marginalized as a woman driver.” –Kira Mellups
“Lack of basic knowledge.” – Bret Jacobson
“The costs; I was going through a divorce and had no clue if I could afford this.” – Jeff Curtis
“Can you teach an old dog new tricks?” – Mike Ball
The Game Changer
“Advice: driver upgrades first, then car mods later.” – Jeff Curtis
“I decided that I would never know for sure if I would be marginalized unless I gave it a try, so I just did it. There were no issues at all; everyone was so open and friendly.” - Kira Mellups
“John Kopp explained what I could expect and how the program was structured. That re-assured me that it was a safe and controlled event.” – Marco Estrada
“Assurance from an experienced track-goer that my car would be fine made the difference.” – Kevin Pirkle
The Best Advice I Received
“Start with a stock car. Don’t worry about timing your laps or counting how many cars you passed or how many passed you. Follow the instructions and directions and learn. It’s one of the most exciting things you can do, and there is very little risk to you or your car.” – Scott Hoffman
“Give it a shot; use your vehicle for how it was intended. It’s more dangerous to cross the street these days.” – Jeff Curtis
“Talk to people and ask questions; everyone is wonderful and helpful, and they want to share.” – Kira Mellups
“Have fun. Do not worry about speed. Just learn to drive smoothly. Get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself – it happens less often as we get older.” – Bret Jacobson
“High-performance driving is safe; it is structured and fun. Don’t think any of us would ever be able to reach the limits of what our cars can do. Going and learning about your vehicle and proper driving techniques will not harm your Porsche; they are over-engineered.” – Marco Estrada
“My brief HPDE encounter helped me understand weight transfer, entrance versus exit speed, as well as keeping RPMs up. I feel strongly that it made me a much better and in control driver.” – Alex Llorente
Some Random Thoughts
VIR is a good place to have your first HPDE experience. Long straightaways, technical sections, elevation changes, and lots of runoff areas (in case you need them) make it ideal for novice and experienced drivers alike.
With no exceptions, the budget must always be able to cover basic safety gear (helmet, gloves, etc.), and high-performance brake pads are strongly recommended as your experience increases. Having a reliable car will maximize the learning experience.
HPDEs are attended by drivers with just about every kind of car, from older air-cooled Porsches to the latest GT3. Corvettes and Miatas are also common.
However, you are placed in a group with drivers of similar experience, competency, and pace.
“You will go from unconsciously incompetent to consciously incompetent within about 10 minutes, so as good as you think you can drive, you can’t. Submit to the process, and you will learn things you never imagined were possible. Dial back your ego and be open to the learning process.” – Kevin Pirkle
Long Term Benefits – I have Become a Better Driver
“I’ve avoided at least 2 serious accidents since 2007 because of driving awareness combined with knowledge of vehicle dynamics, quick thinking and car control.” – Kevin Pirkle
“My situational awareness is so much better and my confidence in myself and my car is much improved.” – Scott Hoffman
“More aware, confident, and better at defensive driving. I read other drivers considerably better than before.” – Jeff Curtis
“I have avoided several accidents because I was looking ahead and anticipating.” – Kira Mellups
“My takeaway for the street is increased situational awareness. I learned to pay attention to all the cars around me and judge their reactive speeds. I can recognize well-driven cars and poorly-driven cars very quickly. Also learned to drive very smoothly and to keep the car balanced at all times.” – Bret Jacobson
Passing and getting passed is equally fun.
Give it a try. Improving as a driver will indicate what car modifications you may wish to consider.
They are rarely required. A car that is safe and well-maintained is all you need.
While it is the general feeling of many in the HPDE community that it is safer to participate than to drive back and forth to the event, certain risks are evident, and on-track insurance has become available and quite affordable.
Conclusion
High-Performance Driver Education is an exhilarating journey that combines education, skill development, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re looking to become a more proficient driver or simply craving the excitement of the racetrack, HPDE offers an avenue to explore the capabilities of yourself and your vehicle in a controlled and supportive environment. Whether you are considering registering for a full weekend or one of the FSR DE Introduction Classes (~$100), strap in, absorb the knowledge, and experience the thrill of high-performance driving at its finest.
But a few words of caution. Any activity has inherent risks, and one should consider them prudently. Be sure the driver is as well maintained as the vehicle – consider your health profile and consult your medical professional if you have concerns. Additionally, this adventure can become very addictive. The weekend experiences make for great memories and stories you will share come Monday morning or at the next club gathering.
Rennsport Reunion 7
By Kevin Pirkle, Phil Grandfield, and Frank Watson
Photos by Phil Grandfield and Frank Watson
(Editor’s note: Rennsport Reunion 7 [RR7] was held September 28 – October 1, 2023, at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California. Several FSR members attended, and three of them share their observations and perspectives on this incredible event.)
Kevin Pirkle
As reported by the Porsche Cars North America Newsroom 10/1/2023:
The biggest Porsche gathering ever saw over 91,000 guests attend the Rennsport Reunion
I was nearing my 7th birthday. My memory still vivid as ever, I recall a chocolate brown 911 Turbo turning from Presque Isle Boulevard onto 12th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. It wasn’t often that I would see a Porsche back then, so it was a really big deal, and I’d watch it until it was completely out of sight. Without a computer and the internet, it would be years before I would learn that these rolling pieces of art were more than just a beautiful shape! As it has since turned out, Porsche cars have won more 24 Hours of Le Mans races than any other marque, and the theme carries to several tracks and series the world over. While Porsche’s first ever Le Mans victory was claimed in a 917 on June 14th, 1970 (which also happens to be my birthday…grin), it would be a couple of decades before I learned this and began to fully appreciate the racing heritage of that chocolate brown Porsche. That same year in 1970, Brian Redman was a Porsche Works driver and also drove Porsche 917s for John Wyer Racing of England, a team that made the famous Gulf Oil livery as famous as it could be prior to Steve McQueen’s 1971 movie, Le Mans
One of many 917s at RR7
Fast forward 30 years from Brian Redman’s time in those 917s, and along with Bob Carlson, spokesperson for Porsche Cars North America, these two gentlemen conceived the idea of a “Rennsport Reunion.”
The Porsche Rennsport Reunion is an automotive event and the world’s largest meeting of classic Porsche racing cars and their drivers. Porsche has been organizing the Rennsport Reunion since 2001 to honor its own motorsport tradition. (Wikipedia)
Now, just let your mind wander a bit, and try to imagine what you might see during four days at a Rennsport Reunion…famous, past and present cars and drivers, live racing, historic car display, Porsche Classic Restoration representatives, most every specialty vendor known to Porsche owners, sprawling PCA sponsored car corrals by model all the way back to 356s, and enough common interest to stop nearly anyone and make new friends from across the globe. But don’t stop there; because at Rennsport Reunion, you can truly see, hear, smell, touch, and feel everything that Porsche is. Everything. And it does not disappoint!
I’ve had the great fortune of being at RR5, RR6, and this year, RR7. Since this is an article written by a few of us to share our experiences, I’ll leave some to the others. My first RR was incredible, no doubt, and I still take time to visit the 917s in person and watch multiple sessions per day of the Weissach Cup and Eifel Trophy run groups on Laguna Seca…there’s no doubt that I love watching the vintage 2.5 Liter and under 911s and 914s on their 5.5 to 6 inch tires more than any other race group! But my purpose for RR6, and to an extent with RR7, was to meet with the people that I don’t get to see but every 3 to 5 years…both friends, of course, and vendors that support this brand with
everything from body parts to go fast parts, from seats to suspension components. Why? Because when you put the largest gathering of Porsche enthusiasts on the planet in one place for nearly a week, all of the problem solvers and collective brain power of our community are readily available to the attendees. Interested in backdating your 964? Want to make your G body into an off-road rally car? Having trouble locating a part? Need ideas for a future project? Can’t seem to find that perfect fix for that squeaky front suspension? Want some inspiration for your next purchase? It doesn’t matter what it is. If it’s Porsche related, there’s an answer at Rennsport Reunion on the infield of Laguna Seca. And after attending three of these since 2015, I’ve made friends that will last forever. I even had an opportunity to visit former FSR member, James Pfeiffer, at his home in Carmel Valley while in town. I’ll pass the baton to some others who can tell you about their experiences as well, but if you ever want to reach the pinnacle of Porsche community, there is none greater than Rennsport Reunion. The next one is likely 3-5 years away. Start planning…
Phil Grandfield
Porsche’s history of success in motorsports is the primary reason I was attracted to the brand. Porsche’s first class win at Le Mans was in 1951, only three years after the company started building cars. That very car, the 356 Aluminum Coupe, was driven on the Laguna Seca track at RR7. Porsche’s first overall win at Le Mans came in 1970 in the mighty 917; the first of 18 more wins since. Watching 917s race at RR7 was my number one reason for making the pilgrimage to Laguna Seca. Only about 55 were built and 17 of them were at RR7. Porsche was also dominant at Le Mans with the 956 and 962’s in the 1980’s. Several examples of these cars were in the paddock and on the track at RR7. All great reasons to make a trip to California!
The first IMSA Camel GT Champion winners were Peter Gregg and Hurley Haywood in a 914-6. Yes, that car was at RR7. Porsche has won the Daytona 24 Hours 18 times and has an additional 80 class wins. Many of those cars were at RR7. Surely, you’ve seen a photo of the Lowenbrau 962, but come to Rennsport to see and hear it on the racetrack.
The first overall Le Mans win by the 917 was piloted by Richard Attwood and Hans Hermann; both drivers were at RR7. The most successful Porsche drivers at Le Mans are Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell with four wins each. I met them both at RR7. Other big name racers signing autographs and talking to fans included Brian Redman, Jackie Oliver, Mark Webber, Patrick Long, Timo Bernhard, Jochan Mass, Romain Dumas, and George Follmer. If you have any interest in Porsche Motorsports, Rennsport needs to be
on your bucket list. Oh, and there was a concert by some guys you may have heard of – The Doobie Brothers.
I bought my four-day ticket as soon as they went on sale. Then I called an old friend, shipmate, and fellow Porsche guy who lives in Carmel to bum his spare bedroom. It was great to take advantage of his local knowledge of how to get to the track. Once inside the gate, there were no restrictions to keep fans from walking among the 300 plus race cars. I was in heaven.
Derek Bell
935s on the track
The seven run groups combined cars from similar eras together. The Weissach Cup group included older 911 RSR and 935s, bringing back memories of watching Hurley Haywood back in the Camel GT days. This time it was Patrick Long hammering a priceless 935 in door-to-door racing. The schedule also included a “by invitation” PCA Club Race and a Carrera Cup North America race.
Ahhh…. the 917s. I had seen one in a museum and on an exhibition lap at the Daytona Rolex 24, but I had never seen a 917 “racing.” The starting point was the 908 chassis and ten months later the 917 was unveiled with a 630-horsepower flat-12. Standing next to a 917K when it fired up in the paddock gave me goosebumps. In 1972, the turbocharged 917 came to the Can-Am series in North America and dominated yet again. The Penske Racing, twin-turbo, 12-cylinder, 1,100 horsepower, George Follmer/Mark Donohue driven, 917/30 won the Championship in 1973. You guessed it: that 917 and other turbos were at RR7.
Alois Ruf’s 901
Want a new 911 GT3 R? Get in line to buy one of 77 being built and bring $1 Million. I’ll never own one, but I’ve seen one up close and on the track at a competitive race speed. The Mission X all-electric concept is a beautiful design, but this old guy would rather see it with a gasoline engine. The 963 is the current car Porsche is racing in the IMSA Prototype class, and it was within touching distance at RR7. How about the oldest 911 in existence? It was parked outside of the PCA hospitality tent. Walk up and take a look inside.
My job as a volunteer in the hospitality tent was crowd control of the fans in the signature line. After the line was closed, a fan from Belgium
walked up and asked if he could slip into the end. He’d come from all the way from home specifically to get an autograph from his hero Jacky Ickx – the famous Belgian racer. I let him in and watched the two men chat for ten minutes. All weekend long the racing celebrities were amazing with their grace and patience with the fans.
I met a man from the Porsche Club of Mexico as we stood together looking at the Porsche 550 Spyder that raced at the Carrera Panamericana in 1954. He told me he remembers watching that car race when he was 12 years old. I will remember the look on his face for a long time.
Jacky Ickx
Then there was the Porsche Corral parking lot and streets in Monterey. Porsches everywhere! I saw a bug splattered 918 Hybrid Spyder parked with the masses. Ever seen a 959 – the first Porsche super car? There were five of them side by side in the Historic display.
The people and the cars were all there and not just to look at as in a museum or a concours. Walking through the paddock you could look under hoods and into cockpits, chat with folks, and hear the sounds history. You are so close that you had step out of the way as the cars left the paddock for the track. Some of the races were high speed parade laps but others had competitive cars with elbows out passing for position. Turbo boost was turned up and exhaust pipes spitting fire. It was great to watch!
The next Rennsport will likely be in 2027 and my money is on it being at Laguna Seca again. Maybe not fair to the faithful who would like to see Rennsport move around, but being in California didn’t stop 91,000 people coming from all over the world. The site really is perfect, combining a great racetrack with a beautiful central California-dreaming location. Besides, hotel prices will be ridiculous regardless of the location and I’ve got a friend in Carmel!
Frank Watson
After reading articles and hearing rave reviews from Kevin Pirkle about RR6, I made my mind up to get tickets early to RR7 and see it for myself. I was mainly attracted to two things: early racecars, especially 917s, and Laguna Seca itself. It also was a good excuse to revisit Monterey, a coastal town of beautiful vistas and great restaurants.
Jeanne Lovelock and I arrived in Monterey the day before RR7 opened and did some sightseeing in Carmel and 17 Mile Drive. We had lunch on the terrace overlooking the 18th green at Pebble Beach, my second favorite golf course.
By Frank Watson
The next day we arrived early to Laguna Seca. I was immediately impressed by the very steep road in. When you crest the hill that separates it from the highway, this beautiful track lays out before you, filling the entire valley that it sits in. And it was full of Porsches of every size, age, and type. Having seen the track many times on video, I was struck by how much elevation change there was everywhere, not just at the famed Corkscrew. To top it off, the entire track had just been repaved. It was flawless.
We started by visiting some of the cars on display or just parked in the staging lots. Where else can you compare two Carrera GTs side by side? But we were drawn back to the fantastic track. We hopped into a courtesy Cayenne for a ride straight up the hill to the Corkscrew Turn where there were hospitality seating, beer and snacks overlooking the Corkscrew and the entire track and paddock. It was a magnificent view with fire breathing 917s twisting down the hill after cresting the top.
We spent all four days at the track watching cars (and tractors) new and old roaring their way around that perfect asphalt ribbon. At my age, I am retiring from HPDEs and am resigned to that fact, but I must admit, I really wanted to do a few laps around that magnificent track. I hope you get a chance to see it and better yet, drive it someday.
Photo
The final two turns viewed near the Corkscrew. Photo by Frank Watson
Volunteering—the Ultimate Expression of PCA Participation
By Scott Hoffman, Eastern VP
My favorite PCA event t-shirts are the ones I’ve received from volunteering in Regional, Zone, or National events. A common saying printed on a few of my t-shirts states, “PCA--Fueled by Volunteers.” As a club we excel because our events are planned, coordinated, and executed by a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers. I’m exposing the real secret for our members. Often the most fun you’ll have at our events is when performing necessary tasks as a volunteer
I have met many folks that join PCA and then choose not to participate in some events because it may not be suitable for them or their Porsche for various reasons. However, the club always has plenty of opportunities for volunteering at those events you didn’t think were suitable for you. For example, you may not be interested in driving your beautiful Porsche on a racetrack during a High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) event. However, you may have overlooked the various ways to participate as a volunteer. Many of our events can be fun, whether you’re actively participating or volunteering to execute that event, and often volunteering also results in incentives you didn’t expect.
Please consider the numerous options for running for an elected position, becoming an appointed a board member, stepping up to be a committee chair, or filling one of the dozens of volunteer spots we need to keep each of our various events fun, safe, and viable for FSR.
Here is a list of volunteer positions you could fill—not only at the Region, but also Zone 2 or even National level. If you have questions, reach out to one of the officers or someone you know that is currently filling or has filled these positions in the past. You won’t regret the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and have a great time doing it.
Executive Council (*Elected), Appointed Chairs, and Committee Positions
• *President
• *Eastern Vice President
• *Western Vice President
• *Secretary
• *Treasurer
• *Activities Officer
• Assistant Eastern Vice President
• Assistant Western Vice President
• Membership Chair
• Driving Tour Chair
• Communications and Marketing Chair
• Newsletter Editor
• Webmeister
• Social Media Coordinator
• Goodie Store Manager
• Email Administrator
• Driver Education (DE) Chair
• Chief Track Instructor
• DE Registrar
• DE Tech/Safety Coordinator
• DE Volunteer Coordinator
• Tech Chair
• Charity Chair
• Safety Chair
Major Region Programs/Events
Activities:
• Chair
• Event Coordinators
Car Shows:
• Show Director
• Volunteer Lead
• Event Registrar
• Set-up and close down
• Parking volunteers
• Judges
• Check in, on-site registration
• Sponsor/Vendor Coordinator
Charity Program:
• Charity Chair
• Event Registrar
• Event Coordinator
• Sponsor/donor Coordinator
• Auction and raffle Coordinators
Dining/Cookouts/Wineries/Breweries:
• Event lead
• Site coordinators
• Event Registrar, on-site check-in registration
• Parking volunteers
• Location set up/close down
Driving Tours/Fun Runs:
• Chair
• Event leads
• Route developers
• Route testers and digital creators/editors
• Event Registrar
• On-site check-in/registration
• Group leads
• Group sweeps
• Photographer
• Hospitality/Meal coordinator
• Location set-up and close down
HPDE:
• DE Committee Chair/DE Event Chair
• Chief Track Instructor
• Classroom Instructor
• Event Registrar
• Chief of Tech Inspection
o Tech Inspectors
• On-site check-in, registration
• DE Volunteer Coordinator
• Grid workers
• Charity laps
o Fee collector
o Lead
o Sweep
o Starter/Flagger
• Hospitality/Happy Hour coordinator
Newsletter (Horizontally Opposed):
• Editor
• Contributors
• Sponsor coordinators
Region Events Registrar
Tech Sessions:
• Tech Chair
• Event Coordinator
• Event Registrar, on-site check-in/registration
• Parking
• Hospitality (as needed)
Turkeys in the Trunk:
• Event Chair
• Registrar
• Parking
• On-site check-in/registration
• Food Weighers
• Hospitality coordinators
• Fun Run coordinator
Zone 2 Club Race:
• Event Chair
• Registrar
• Steward’s assistant
• Grid workers
• Scrutineer ’s Assistant
• Scales
• Timing and Scoring (T&S) Assistant
• Timing and Scoring Runner
• Hospitality coordinator
IMSA race at VIR Porscheplatz/Car Corral:
• Parking lot attendant
• Tent Check-in and registration
• Tent worker
PCA Porsche Parade (multiple positions)
PCA Treffen (multiple positions)
Porsche Rennsport Reunion:
• PCA Tent support
• PCA HPDE support
Club Race volunteers. Photo by Art Sinnott
Working at the Foodbank. Photo courtesy of Phil Grandfield Turkey Transfer. Photo by Brad Jublou
FSR Member Profile: Lutzo Kovacyk
By Brad Jublou
Ladislav (“Lutzo”) Kovacyk, proprietor of LMN Motorsports in Virginia Beach, is a well-known figure in the Porsche community who also happens to have an incredible backstory. Born in Czechoslovakia when it was under communist rule, Lutzo came to America at the age of 13. “My grandparents had moved to the U.S. years earlier, but they moved back to Czechoslovakia during the Great Depression because there weren’t any jobs in the U.S. then,” Lutzo explained. “But my Dad, who was an American citizen, returned to the U.S. in 1966, and he sent for the family and we arrived in America in January of 1968. My English was limited to ‘Hello’ and ‘Goodbye’ and I could count from 1 to 10. That was it.”
In 1969 his father opened his own garage in the Pittsburgh area, specializing in European imports, but mainly VWs and early Porsches. Lutzo, age 14 at the time, worked in the shop as well. “I had to spend a year working on just VWs,” Lutzo allowed; “There was no just starting on Porsches!” Lutzo would go to school and then hitchhike to work. “My Dad’s shop was open 14 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Lutzo said. “Hey, you come to a country with nothing but three suitcases, you work your ass off.”
In the ‘70s Lutzo got interested in Formula V and Super V Indy cars, working with several different teams and eventually with Chip Ganasi’s Indy car team. He started by just sort of “hanging out” at the tracks and lending a hand. Lutzo admitted, “The first three races I went to before I got hired I slept in my Volkswagon.” After a while his interest in racing focused solely on race cars.
In 1981 Lutzo sold his father’s shop, which he had been running after his father fell ill, and went to work at Ted McWilliams’ dealership to get Porsche factory training in order to further his career. And then in 1986 he went to work for 5th Avenue Motorcars in Pittsburgh, where he worked on Porsches and also on Ferraris and Lamborghinis, just to broaden his base of experience.
Checkered Flag Porsche in Virginia Beach was looking for a new technician in 1991. Lutzo applied for the job and got hired. Why head south? “I was OVER the Pittsburgh winters!” Lutzo said. “Tired of the weather and I wanted to get away from the rust!” He worked at Checkered Flag until 2001, when he then went to work for Eurosports. There, he helped put the RPM – Race Prep Motorsports – program together. “After that it was pretty much full-time racing in Rolex series,” Lutzo said. It was during this timeframe that he started working at the same time with Mike Levitas, Randy Pobst, and a bunch of other drivers at TPC Racing. At TPC Lutzo performed duties as Crew Chief and Chief Mechanic for their GT3 Cup cars.
In 2006 Alegra Motorsports in Tampa called and asked Lutzo if he would join their team as a Mechanic and he accepted. There fol-
Lutzo (far left) and friends with a couple of hot GTIs
Lutzo, Mike Levitas and Randy Pobst ca 2004-2005
lowed more travelling, more competing in race series across all over the U.S. and Canada, culminating with the team’s first place win in the GT class at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in 2007.
In 2008 Lutzo was working with the Bennett Racing Team and was again at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, this time with a Ferrari. “It was a crazy race,” Lutzo remembered. “They wrecked the car during the last night practice. We had to put the car back together – took us all night until Saturday morning. We started 29th and we finished 29th.”
Lutzo’s only racing experience after that was ChampCar racing with his son Marc and several drivers. Lutzo said, “ChampCar racing is like affordable racing, and they can be 7, 8, 12, or 24 hour races. We had two Boxsters and drivers would buy stints. We would provide full support for the customer during the race. And it was pretty good. But after a while I finally said ‘Enough of this.’’’
Summing up his racing career, Lutzo said, “Altogether I did
seven 24 hour Daytonas and those were just...so much work. The downside was that a driver would wreck the car, say ‘Sorry,’ and then head for his hotel room. I decided that was enough. But it was good because when I was with TPC and Alegra, I was working with drivers I had watched on TV. And now I was in their ear telling them what to do. That was kind of nice.”
Lutzo also spent many years as a High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) instructor. I mentioned that in a story in the winter issue of HO, Porsche racer Mark Devlin gave him a shout-out for his instruction. Lutzo wryly replied, “That’s because I never said ‘Brake,’ just ‘Gas gas gas!’” Lutzo also had a reputation for being an all-around go-to guy at track events. He always stepped up when someone had a technical issue, working on a number of attendees’ cars (not just his customers) because that’s just the type of person he is.
When asked how Marie, his wife of 38 years, tolerated his many absences when he was off supporting racing teams, Lutzo replied that he always felt that he had her complete support. “Plus I was making a six-figure salary, plus all expenses, so that helped,” Lutzo quipped. The rest of the family is rounded out by two grown sons and a daughter: there’s Marc, LMN’s front man; Nick, who works with drones and is a Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Reserve; and Amanda, who’s a stay-at-home mom. Between the three of them Lutzo has ten grandchildren! “And they’re all doing great, which is all I care about,” Lutzo said.
Something most people don’t know about Lutzo? He loves to play the guitar. Lutzo has a collection of eleven guitars and playing them is his favorite hobby. “I learnedcto play the guitar when I was seven – even though I was deaf at the time,” Lutzo said, “But I found that if I put my jaw against the guitar I could hear it.” He was even in a rock band when he was in his late teens/early 20’s, named The Blue Sugar Band. “We played the college circuit, mostly, you know – bars and clubs and places like that,” Lutzo related. “We did eventually get noticed and got a chance to have a
Lutzo with 2007 class winner Alegra Motorsports Porsche GT3
Lutzo (left) and one of his Champ cars
The names behind the LMN name; Nick, Lutzo and Marc
recording contract! But in the middle of contract negotiations, I walked out. Too many ‘you cant’s’ – can’t do this, can’t do that; I didn’t like that. One night we had dinner with Blue Oyster Cult and Styx, and they were giving us their inputs on what they went through. But then at the same time all this was happening my Dad got sick, and I had to take over the business, so I just walked away and never looked back.”
Lutzo started LMN Motorsports in 2006, when he was still heavily into racing support. It eventually became clear that he had to make a choice: either racing or customers. He chose customers. “My original plan was to have a little shop where I could enjoy myself, maybe work on one car a week,” Lutzo said. But that was not to be the case. Lutzo and his skilled team quickly made it onto the radars of many of the Porsche owners in southeastern Virginia and beyond; their reputation for outstanding service, complete honesty, and fair pricing built LMN a fanatically loyal customer base. The dream of having a garage that was almost a hobby faded as the shop became busier and busier, typically having around 20 appointments a week, as well as additional project work, doing everything from oil changes to engine rebuilds to classic Porsche restoration. Lutzo shrugs and says, “What can I say? I guess I could be my own worst enemy sometimes.”
In his 53-year history of working on Porsches, Lutzo has seen all the changes there have been over the years as the marque has evolved and branched out. From air-cooled to water-cooled, flat sixes to V8s, coupes to four-doors and SUVs. From carburetors to Manual Fuel Injection to CIS fuel injection to digital motor electronics. “Everything has changed so much,” Lutzo reflected. “The cars have changed; the people have changed; even the people who are buying these cars have changed. It’s a completely different world from when I started.” For a long time, though, some of the various changes over the years weren’t that hard to navigate. “914s, 924s, 944s - none of them were that hard to work on,” Lutzo said. But things got more complicated with the proliferations of microchip-based control units. “We went from having one computer in a car to...having a whole bunch. Each door now has a control unit; wipers have a control unit; every knob that used to control power off and on, is now a control unit. There are 110 control units in a new Panamera.” “But I always wanted to keep up, to keep learning new things.”
Air-cooled knowledge is growing scarcer as the older generation of mechanics retire, and the challenge involved with teaching younger technicians on older cars is sometimes daunting. “Young guys will have to learn; that’s just all there is to it. The problem is the automotive industry is changing. Very few people rebuild things anymore, mostly due to the risk. If you rebuild a motor, and fortunately this has never happened to me, but if it blows up and does significant damage to the engine, you now owe the customer a new engine. And if you can get an engine for only 2-3 grand, that’s not too bad. But it’s not like that anymore; a Porsche short block without the heads now is a little over $14,000. And a complete engine is in the mid-twenties.” And there are other barriers to entry-level technicians. “It’s hard to walk into a Porsche dealer looking for a job as a tech,” Lutzo said. “They would have to find a shop like mine to get a job and get some training. But it’s not just the knowledge they have to learn; it’s the feel. They have to learn how to feel when the bolt’s about to break. The second thing they have to learn is common sense. They can’t overthink the problem.” Lutzo also explained that in a shop like his, the mechanics have to learn how to do it all. In addition to motors, they have to know electronics, plumbing, and HVAC. And there’s a high level of complexity to seemingly simple tasks. Lutzo explained, “Take the 991. If you have to change an air filter, I have to take the whole back of the car apart. Same with a Panamera; I have to take off the front bumper cover.”
Another issue is that a lof of younger people simply aren’t interested in working on air-cooled cars. They would rather just plug a computer in. “I’ve been looking for young people to train on repairing air-cooled cars, but I’ve found very little interest. I have taught BJ Bird for the past 15 years everything I can about them. He came to work for me straight out of automotive school and has done a really great job picking up on the idiosyncrasies of the older cars and getting to the root of their problems,” Lutzo noted. “And there are some talented young people around the country now who are learning it. We have also just rehired a technician that worked for me for about a year over 15 years ago and then went to the dealer world. His name is Ryan Tarquinio and he’s a very sharp technician. I am giving these guys all the knowledge I can pass along because someday they will need to carry on without me and I feel our local Porsche community will be left in good hands with them.”
Lutzo with the band
Using the Porsche Configurator to Your Advantage
Aftermarket vs Factory Options
By Rick Lull
As most folks know, car manufacturers have embraced the Internet as a selling and marketing tool, giving anybody the opportunity to virtually build and option a vehicle to his or her desires. Our mutually favorite brand is not any different in this respect, as every model in the current lineup is available for manipulation on porsche.com.
First, some background. We came to the brand in 2022 as we continued to look for a new vehicle, primarily for my wife, Jessica, to use as a somewhat daily replacement for her minivan. We had started our shopping in 2021 and all we had managed to do was eliminate a few choices. We looked at many options, both on the world wide web, as well as in person, and drove offerings from a wide range of manufacturers.
One of the consistent impressions we got from many of the vehicles we looked at was that they were missing the feeling of being a car. Many of them felt like computers on wheels, or they had an overwhelming amount of technology that pushed the emotional response of driving to the background. Both of us grew up driving manual cars, and daresay have some “traditional” views and expectations. This led us to looking at the SUV options from Porsche – both the Cayenne and the Macan. We appreciated the focus on the driving experience, with the technology being in place to assist the driver, but never taking front and center
After a test drive and some discussion, we decided we would like to have an S model Macan. As this was early in 2022, not much was just sitting on the lot for purchase. In working with our sales associate at Euroclassics, he offered that we could build and order whatever we wanted and have it in 4 to 6 months.
This turned me onto the Configurator, which I confess can be a bit addictive. Once you have a build, you can save it to your my.porsche.com account or just mark down the code to come back to that particular build. The effort of deciding what we wanted and what we didn’t want, and weighing the economic aspect of our choices, gave me the kernel of an idea that has resulted in this article.
Unlike many other manufacturers, Porsche doesn’t do comprehensive bundling or grouping of options into a package. Almost every option is available à la carte, even if it perchance is included in a package. Some models have more packages than others, and sometimes you may find where the package forces a certain choice on you that you may not want. In general, the Configurator is good about not letting you create an invalid build. Some choices do not visually display correctly either, and a warning is provided, noting this. Of course, what you see on the screen may or may not reflect real life experiences as there is variation in computer monitors and software, and when you are looking at a car live, all sorts of factors can come into play – is it bright sun, or is it overcast, is the car freshly washed and waxed or does it have a few weeks’ worth of dirt on it, and so on. If you are on the fence about a particular selection, see if you can hunt up additional “real-life” pictures or see it in person.
Let’s first talk about some consistencies across a variety of the range. My best example is the Fire Extinguisher.
I have seen cars on fire on the side of the road, and I imagine that anybody who has been driving for any length of time has as well. Any vehicle that is “fully involved” is a situation for a trained fire department, as vehicles are full of stuff that is either combustible by nature (gas, diesel, oil) or can be set alight and once burning, resists being put out (rubber, foams, paint, wire insulation, carpet, etc.) without some significant effort. As my parents owned a Ford Pinto when I was a child, which happened to catch fire (admittedly in a minor way) while I was inside, in a car seat, I have a personal appreciation for a quick initial response to actual flames.
Yes, the extinguisher from the factory is a small 1kg/2.5lb model, so you are NOT going to be able to do anything besides knock down an incipient fire or potentially provide a window to get an occupant out, which is sufficient for our goals.
Fire Extinguisher in our Macan; factory option
Porsche’s disclaimer about the Configurator’s views
As a small aside, electric cars are potentially an even more serious issue, as they do NOT respond well to water-based efforts to put them out. One volunteer firefighter of my acquaintance mentioned to me in passing that one bulletin regarding them suggested dumping a few (I’m thinking “a few” is probably ten) tons of sand onto the burning EV, to deprive the fire of the oxygen it needs. That did not seem a reasonable or practical response to me, and my contact agreed. He did share with me that apparently a department that was faced with a burning Tesla pushed it into a large body of water, which did indeed resolve the issue with the fire! Anyway, let’s come back to your beautiful Porsche sportscar. Maybe you enjoy a cigar on your drives, but have lost track of it and the glowing end is making contact with the last service invoice on the floor behind the seat, or maybe you were a bit too aggressive on the brakes and you have some smoke and maybe a small flame or two showing themselves. That’s a problem that being ready and willing with the extinguisher in hand gives you a leg up on, keeping this a funny story to be told at an FSR breakfast gathering instead of a tragedy spoken of in hushed tones.
I included this on the Macan on a bit of a lark, initially, but after consideration, I realized it was cheap insurance in its own way. On the Macan, it’s $140. On the 718 and 911, $180.
911 Configurator Screenshot for FE option
I checked the box and thought, extinguishers are cheap at Home Depot, right? Every house has a few, so they are bought with regularity. (Hopefully not used regularly!) So, I dutifully checked Home Depot. The home types are around $30, so now we just need a mount! Pelican parts has one for the 718, $135, plus shipping. Other mounting options are available from a mix of providers. Something to keep in mind, if you look at the picture of the factory installation, is that it’s well integrated into the seat and is out of the way. So maybe the mount you find will fit, maybe it won’t. It’s still more expensive than just checking the box, and that’s before you factor in the time it would take to install.
If we want an official Porsche assembly, Suncoast Parts lists a retrofit kit - score! They list it for the 911s going back to the 996 generation, the Boxster/Cayman from the 986 generation, as well as the Panamera, Taycan and Macan models. And it’s $749.95, plus shipping. OUCH! Guess we will keep that box checked.
In general, other options that make sense to select versus trying to retrofit include roof transport options, locking wheel bolts, and the various Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) options. There are probably more of them, but my goal with this article is to promote some awareness and provide a few examples, and not to exhaustively examine every possible option and package in the portfolio. If somebody ever develops a spreadsheet or other analysis in a manipulatable format of all the factory options and the aftermarket equivalents, even for a single model, that person will be owed a debt of gratitude by the Porsche community
Here is a table to summarize some of these options. The headers help describe what is what here. There isn’t 100% parity, but I feel this is a great illustration of the sort of thing I am writing about.
Let’s move onto a Macan and Cayenne concern and leave the sportscars behind for a bit. Let us consider the trailer hitch. The fact that we are talking about towing is potentially offending all the purists out there, so they can just skip these next few paragraphs, but for everybody else, we will dive in.
Both Porsche SUVs can be outfitted with a standard 2” hitch receiver. This gives you a bunch of flexibility, not just towing a small trailer or boat (Cayenne has a 7,700 lb towing capacity, Macan’s is 4,409 lbs), but gives you the option for a hitch-based bike carrier, a cargo platform or a recovery point.
As a safety aside, do NOT use a trailer hitch ball as a tie point for recovery. The balls are NOT rated for the sorts of stresses experienced during those evolutions. There is a serious risk of failure, damage, and injury. There is dedicated recovery point hardware available and if you are planning on spending time off-road or wish to be prepared for something like moving a downed tree out of the road, make the investment in the correct gear, PLEASE
1. My estimate based on searches and buying used headlight assemblies from eBay
2. My estimate based on searching and buying used headlights from eBay. If you wanted to source new from the usual places, they are approximately $3500 each. Don’t forget you will need to update the various ECUs with PIWIS.
3. PDLS+ isn’t available on the 718 as of this article’s writing so this is hard to determine.
4. From Suncoast Parts
5. Price from Yakima to retrofit on a naked roof, on sale November 2023. Normal price is $734.
6. Suncoast Parts
7. This is the VacuumTrack system with a max weight of 70Kg, and a max speed of 120Km/h, which is 74 mph
Porsche wants $660 for the hitch on either vehicle.
We opted for this on our Macan and I believe the integration of the hitch into the back of the Macan is sharp.
If we wanted to buy the hitch from U-Haul, and have them install it, it would be $799 on the Macan, and $1461 for the Cayenne. Wow!
I can’t speak for how well the wiring will be done by the installer at your choice of store, but for less, you can have the factory do it and be able to get the dealer involved if you have a problem. A worthwhile investment.
Now, we will pivot into something that is linked to a specific model.
I was fortunate to be offered an allocation for a Carrera T this summer (2023) for delivery in 2024.
As the T is aimed at the enthusiast, the interior options are not as broad as what is found in other models, so as a way to dress up the interior, you may have some of the trim painted in your exterior color. This is a $0 option on the T, S and GTS. Three pieces get the color treatment:
- The center console area around the cup holder (lower console trim)
- A band of color on the upper door card (door trim)
- Lower instrument panel trim; this is a strip across the flat horizontal part of the dashboard, before it turns downward
Other models have an option to get carbon fiber or leather in these trim areas at an extra cost. The Turbo model has a Paldao wood option for these areas, which looks as elegant as a full tuxedo, but comes at a commensurate cost, of course. Interestingly enough, this Paldao option is cheaper as a retrofit, somehow. $1900 in the Turbo’s Configurator, but $1488 from Suncoast8 . Granted, that is just the parts price, so unless you totally do it yourself, it would cost more to have somebody do it for you as a retrofit.
Back to our example, my T build.
If you did not opt for this, and decided you wanted to retrofit into having some color, as the plain black bored you after a few months, these components are available through your normal parts sources, so no worries. Or maybe you will just buy something in black or white and have it wrapped or custom painted. So, let’s do that!
Lower center console trim - $350. Door trim - $1055. The instrument panel trim? Looks like that might be something to source from your friendly parts counter; Perimeter Porsche of Atlanta has the diagram book online and if I’m reading it correctly, it’s $380 plus shipping.
Now you have the parts and you have to install it. The instrument panel is some Torx fasteners and a bit of fiddling. The lower center console trim looks to be a snap in and snap out, so that should not be too tough. Those door card pieces are a different story. Allow me to quote Suncoast’s webpage for them:
“Professional installation required. Door panels must be removed, and these pieces must be plastic welded or otherwise adhered to the door panel.”
Huh. I recommend checking the box.
Let’s flip this around, and talk about an option that you should NOT select: the Exclusive Design Gas Cap.
Factory option - $160, no matter your model.
Suncoast lists this for $139, as of this writing, so if you really want this, buy from Suncoast and save yourself the $20 to put some more gas in your ride and take the long way home!
Configurator option for factory installed hitch receiver
