2008 Events MSR Autocross • August 2 MSR Pool Party at the Churinetz's • August 2 MMP Open Test Session • August 29 MSR Autocross • September 6 Fall Drivers Ed • September 12-14 MMP Open Test Session • September 12 MMP Open Test Session • October 17 MMP Open Test Session • November 14 <--Click on EVENTS or Calendar for more info.
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| Feature Articles |
by Tom Willingham
MSR, Gossett Team Up for Another Big Year
by Michael Guthrie –Newsletter Editor
2008 MSR Spring DE
by Chuck Gant
PCA Escape 2008: Escape to the Land of Enchantment
by Vu Nguyen
Harness Standard Amendment
by David Pear
Memphis Motorsports Park Open Test Sessions
by Sean Daggett
Porsche Palooza/Mid-Tenn Fun Run #8
by Shane Van Wey
MSR Board of Directors for 2008
by Don Adams
Another Great Event
by Michael Gomez
Harness Standard Amendment: In addition to the standard SFI and/ or FIA approved five and/or six point system, the standard will allow a four point system that meets the following requirements: 1. Meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209 2. Attaches to the factory seat belt mounting points 3. Each belt is designed to work in a specific vehicle and that vehicle tag must be attached to the belt system An example of a system that meets the above criteria is the Schroth Quick Fit system. New Harness Standard FAQs
MSR Board of Directors for 2008
President:
Don Adams
Vice-president:
Keith Smith
Secretary:
Alan Davis
Treasurer:
David Pear
Newsletter Editor:
Michael Guthrie
Membership Chair:
Sean Daggett
Safety Chair:
Ty Dove
Driving Event Chair:
Bob Buckmaster
Rob Hale
Chief Driving Instructor:
Bob Churinetz
Social Chair:
Gail Churinetz
Autocross Chair:
Salomon Mizrahi
Rally Chair:
Shane Van Wey
Board Members at Large:
Keith Chism
Janet Chism
Nathan Haynes
Past President:
David Brumfield
WebMaster:
Laurie Bailey
Drivers Wanted for Road Trips
Half the fun of attending out of town events is sharing them with your fellow Memphis club members. If you are planning to go to any events this year, especially any driving events, send me an email and I will mail you a list at least once per month of who is going where and when. These road trips can be a lot of fun and we can also help each other out by sharing rides, hotels, beer, etc. Send your name, email address, and events you plan to attend to Rod Johnson at RSA93rod@aol.com.
Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering or helping out at any of our events, please don't hesitate to give any club officer a call. There is no better way to help out the club and meet great people than to lend a hand at one of our events.
The registration process for drivers ed has changed. Please read all
of the information carefully. Follow the link below to get information on the
new registration process:/newreg.pdf
Notice - Drivers Ed Rules Change
Helmets - Rule change requires Snell 2000 or higher for driving events in 2007. SA95 helments are no longer allowed.
Harness/restraint changes for 2008 - please see new PCA rules for driver and passenger harness/restraint systems that will go into effect for 2008.
Porsche Palooza/Mid-Tennessee Fun Run #8
See more photos at palooza07/index.htm
Shoo... made it home. That was a long drive... Great time up at Palooza though. Awesome and very well planned event. I highly recommend attending it next year if you can. They really did a great job. The Tennessee group of Porschephiles were very well represented this year and took home a lot of prizes, including one lucky duck who won the drawing for a brand new set of Bridgestone tires!
Some really nice cars present. The Saturday morning drives were awesome (I went on the War Eagle drive which was 3 hours and very nice most of the way!
If you would like any of my pics we took, let me know. I have attached one for your general viewing pleasure. I would love to see what some of you got while there picture wise!
Thanks to Dick Price from Little Rock who met us for lunch at the Whole Hog Cafe, adn then led us most of the way to Palooza through some nice territory in AR. If any of you are ever in that area, Highway 7 is a must drive! I would take it over the Pig Trail (Hwy 23) that we drove up there(Palooza) on. We drove back today on Hwy 7, from Harrison to Russelville.
As a forwarning, the MTFR #9 will be the first Saturday of December, 12/1/07. At this point, unless something better comes up, we are going with a route suggested by David Bailey, that will start in Henderson, TN (South of Jackson) and end up somewhere else! ha! David is going to be sending out route info to the group - sorry I do not have exact details yet...
Cheers all and have a pleasant week, especially any of you veterans out there. Thank you for your service to our country, past and present.
Thanks,
Shane Van Wey
6th Mid-Tennessee Fun Run
Drivers enjoyed a beautiful drive in the country for the 6th Mid-Tennessee Fun Run on September 15, 2007. See more photos at /funrun6/index.htm
MSR, Gossett Team Up for Another Big Year
by Michael Guthrie -Newsletter Editor
WHEN Gossett Motor Cars and PCAMSR team up, great things happen. As you can see here, we have a new trailer, and because of another stellar sponsorship from Gossett, we have designed and wrapped it with this cool design, featuring the awesome GT3-RS.
Gossett Motors played a big role last year as well. Their sponsorship has aided the club in many ways that we have all benefitted—from obtaining much-needed, first-class equipment for our driving events, to assisting with other activities, including some of the amazing parties we have thrown. And this year is off to an even better start.
I would like to personally thank Billy Smith (General Sales Manager), Michael Ricketts (General Sales Manager), David Graham (Porsche Sales Team Manager), Tim Reginold (Certified Porsche Sales), and Lisa Lilley —all of Gossett Motors— for their efforts in helping make this happen. And a huge thank you goes out to Al and David Gossett for making it all possible.
I want to personally encourage club members to visit Gossett when you’re purchasing a new vehicle. You may think you have a good deal somewhere else, but good things happen for club members at Gossett— even if you’re not buying a Porsche. MSR, Gossett Team Up for Another Big Year.
Last year at out Spring DE, Michael Ricketts spoke to the club and he said “All I ask is you drop in and give us the opportunity to make you a deal!”. He went on to say “No matter what, you come find me, and give me a chance to make something work out for you.”
And, I say, why not? They’re reaching out to us, so please return the favor. It might land you the best car deal you’ve ever had.
PCA Escape 2008: Escape to the Land of Enchantment
September 18-21, 2008
Albuquerque, NM
http://escape.pca.org/Welcome.html
The “other” big Porsche Club Event of the Year.
It’s often the case that Porsche Parade is on one coast or the other, but not everyone can get the time or has the budget for the big trip all the way across the country. What to do? Come to PCA’s “other” big event of the year, Escape.
Escape 2008: Journey to the Land of Enchantment will be hosted by the Roadrunner Region (see http://www.roadrunner-region-pca.org/ )in the Southwest’s fastest growing city: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Centered in the middle of the state, Albuquerque will serve as the hub for an amazing array of driving tours through the USA’s Land of Enchantment. Well known for its magical scenery, unique blend of cultures, great food, arts, and its great driving roads, New Mexico offers all the great elements needed for a PCA event, including:
· A non-competitive, socially oriented event with lots of driving tours and fantastic food and friendship.
· A great opportunity to drive and show off your car without all the added pressure of crawling around under your car with toothbrushes and bags of rags.
· A tour of the country-side with old and new Porsche friends, not having to worry about what your time or your rally score is.
If you can’t make it to Parade -- or if you have the time for a second great PCA event -- be sure to put Escape 2008 on your calendar and Journey to the Land of Enchantment.
What is Escape? A new PCA tradition! Conceived by PCA in 2005 to be the alternative for those not making the trip across the country to Parade, Escape has been held on the “opposite coast” for the past three years, in California Wine Country, the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, and the historic regions of Virginia and Maryland. Now add the spice and cultural diversity of New Mexico. Escape is a non-competitive event held each year in a Porsche-friendly locale with driving tours, social events, car-shows and an opportunity to take in the local culture and cuisine with all your great Porsche friends. Take an opportunity to see New Mexico during one of the best times of the year: autumn. The trees are turning, the aroma of roasting chili is in the air, and the sights and sounds of Porsches will be all around.
Thursday, September 18
Get in early enough to get registered, checked-in, and rested. You’ve got a big weekend ahead of you. You may want to spend a little time getting to know the neighborhood, do some shopping, and looking over some of the other great cars in the parking lot. Our host hotel and our local club will have a car-washing station to get your Porsche back into pristine condition after the drive. Then...
It’s over to Albuquerque’s finest country club, Tanoan (see http://www.tanoancountryclub.com ) , for an informal “show and shine” car show and some great brews and brats in the early evening glow that reveals the mystery of the Sandia Mountain’s appropriate name. Don’t stay out too late. We’re just getting started.
Friday, September 19
Rise and shine early because you’ll have to choose between a number of great driving tours and lunch spots. We’ll have tours heading south to Soccoro and the world-famous Very Large Array, out to magical Acoma Pueblo, through the “East Mountains” to Santa Fe, and up through Los Alamos and the Jemez Mountains. Every driving tour has been chosen with four things in mind: great roads for Porsche driving, fantastic scenery, unique New Mexico culture, and excellent New Mexico cuisine. Don’t hold back, but keep something in reserve. Friday night means a great steak-fry at Albuquerque’s world famous Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. (see http://www.balloonmuseum.com/balloonmuseum.shtml )
Saturday, September 20
Hope you didn’t stay out too late the night before because we’re doing it all over again. Sorry you missed one of the tours from the day before? Don’t worry, we’ll be doing them again. Trips across the rainbow of New Mexico culture, food, driving and scenery will have you gasping...and wishing for more. Own a Cayenne and don’t want to stay on the “beaten path?” Not to worry, we’ve got a great tour planned through the deserts, canyons, and mountains of New Mexico that’s “not too hard and not too easy,” but just right to have a little “high clearance” fun without getting too crazy.
Saturday night tops off with our farewell reunion dinner with lots of fun and prizes.
Sunday, September 21
Farewell...so soon. While the official festivities have ended, New Mexico is ripe for exploring. This time of year is one of the best. With all the kids in school, the summer heat retreating and winter a couple of months off, September is one of the best times of the year to do a little exploring on your own. It’s Chili Season, so you’ll take in the aroma of freshly roasted chilis wherever you go. Whether you decide to revisit one of the tour destinations and go off exploring on your own, there’s no end to the kind of fun you can have with a Porsche in New Mexico, the Southwestern Land of Enchantment.
July 17, 2008
See more photos at /sonic_0708/index.htm
Mid-Tennessee Fun Run #15
June 21, 2008
See more photos at /MTFR15/index.htm
MSR Attends 2008 EXOTIC ITALIAN CAR SHOW
See more photos at /italian0608.htm
June 7, 2008 PCA - MSR Autocross #2
See more photos at /autox0608/index.htm
After having taken part in my first autocross back in May, I decided to pitch in as a volunteer this time around. I arrived at the Memphis Motorsports Park compound at about 8:30 AM and helped Soloman, Sean, Rob, Bob, David and the rest of the crew unload the trailer, set up the cones for the day's course and get the timer tent organized. By 9:45 AM everything was in place and we were open for business. We had a pretty good turn out of about a dozen various models of Porches and one Nissan, which were divided up into two groups for the runs through the course. I brought my camera equipment along and served as the day's event photographer. As the autocross got underway, I moved around the course capturing various angles of all the drivers and their cars twisting and turning through the course.
Having participated as a driver back in May, I can tell you that it isn't as easy as it looks. You can walk through the course before hand and think you have the track layout in your head, but once you are behind the wheel of your car with that helmet on your head and cones coming at you at a pretty good clip, things can get confusing fast. Throw in a bit of competitive nature by all concerned and you're in for a rousing good time. The time to beat, I believe, was posted by David Pear at just a tad over 30 seconds. Most of the times for the entire pack seemed to be in the 30 to 40 second range. As a semi casual observer this time out, it seems to me that doing donuts and shifting into reverse definitely adds precious seconds to your course time. Of course those are just the kind of antics that make the event more entertaining for the folks watching.
Each group ran through the course three times before giving the cars a rest while the other group hit the pavement. Volunteers from each group manned the radios and corners to report missed gates and cone hits. The event was a real team effort by all concerned. I think most of the participants got in around nine runs before the heat wore everyone out and it was time to wrap things up. Once again everyone pitched in, gathering up the cones, striking the tent and repacking the trailer. All in all a good time was had by all. If you haven't come out for one of these events yet, give it a try in July. Even if you just show up and volunteer, you'll have a lot of fun and get to know some of your fellow club members and other participants, not to mention have yourself a nice drive to the track in your favorite automobile (hopefully a Porsche).
by Tom Whittington (1987 911 Carrera)
Mid-Tennessee Fun Run #14
Tennessee Tubs 7th annual BBQ at Cal Turners ranch
See more photos at /mtfr14/index.htm
2008 MSR Spring Drivers Ed
by Chuck Gant
I did my first DE this weekend in Memphis. Man, was that a good time! I have only had my Porsche for about six months and before this I had never done any sort of performance driving training. This has got to be the biggest bang for the buck to learn to drive your car. The Mid-South PCA really put together a good event and both of my instructors were great. I worked on smoothness, visualizing the fastest line through the corners and feeling the edge of the performance envelope of my car. I highly recommend trying it out at the next DE this fall.
One thing to consider is the possibility of dinging up your beloved P-car. That was a major concern of mine all weekend, so I did hold back a bit. I was concerned about everything from rock chips to hitting the wall and took appropriate measures to mitigate the risks. A few others didn’t. I just saw the smashed S-2000 on Jeremy’s photo album. I didn’t know that occurred on Saturday. What a shame. On Sunday, I went back out and got one run in before the rain came. Unfortunately, a guy in a fairly new Nissan 350Z spun and hit the wall on the long straight. I didn’t see it happen, but definitely heard it. The rumor in the pits was that he had a brake rotor break while accelerating down the long straight away, locking up his right front wheel and spinning him down the track, finally hitting the wall. His car was beat up pretty bad. So, these are an eye opener for me. Even when you are doing things right, bad things can happen.
You can see more photos at /de0408/index.htm. Most of these pix were taken by my Dad, so the majority of them are of my car. I took a few of some of the other cars out there. The caliber of automobiles was amazing. My instructor owned the GT3 RS you see in the pix. What an amazing ride. I asked him how he could stand to risk getting it dinged up. He said “We buy them to drive them, not to look at them.” He also has the pink race prepped ’73 911, which is also a really neat car. There were also two beautiful Ferrari’s, a black GT3, several nice, new Carreras, 993s, 911s, a Lotus Exige, Z06, BMWs and a bunch of really neat track cars. I highly recommend this event for anyone interested in P-cars.
Chick HERE to view Track Video from Jeremy Sweeney
Chick HERE to view some great DE Photos by Darrel Brock
PCA MSR Crawfish Boil 4/23/2008
See more photos at Crawfish_0408/index.htm
Viking Cooking School (February 19, 2008)
See more photos at /vik.html
2007 MSR Fall Drivers Ed
Porsche line-up at the MSR Fall Drivers Ed on October 6-7 2007
See more photos at fde07.htm
Fellow Enthusiasts,
Another great event was held by the fantastic members of Porsche Club of America Mid South Region at Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis on October 6-7. As usual, there were a glorious array of cars. From the vintage 911 of Greer Haynes to the gorgeous silver and orange 997 GT3 RS of Tico Capote. Sorry for the drool marks, Tico. PCA members came not only from Tennessee, but from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Total participants in attendance were 83 including 37 PCA certified instructors. The consensus from the veterans was that the track was a little slippery compared to previous events and placed a premium on being smooth and deliberate with technique. But after all, that is what the emphasis should be at a Driver's Education event, right?
Memphis Motorsports Park continues to impress me as it provides a unique array of corners that will challenge any car and any driver. Turn 1 is reminiscent of the carousel at Road America and places a premium on overall chassis balance and smooth throttle application from turn in to track out. The kink is an underrated and a fantastic corner to practice pre turn-in throttle lift for corners such as the kink from Daytona's infamous infield or turn 11 at Watkins Glen. If autocross is your passion, it doesn't get any better than "the Ms" as outside front loading via delayed turn-in and chassis rotation are the order of the day to navigate those waters. If Road Atlanta is your favorite, "the 90s" are the place to perfect your technique for 10a/10b to execute that roller coaster pass dropping into 12 as you see on TV. And Grant's Tomb is the creme de la creme. No reference points, parabolic in nature, and difficult to master with any semblance of consistency. Reminds me of the last turn at Moroso or turn 2 at Barber.
Making the transition from racer to racer/instructor continues to be a rewarding experience beyond my expectations. Students continue to be a breath of fresh air as their overwhelming enthusiasm makes the process effortless. The satisfaction of having the student reorient their mindset from "wait until you see God, then brake" to the classic "slow in, fast out" continues to be the biggest obstacle for students from the novice to advanced run groups. In fact, I was joking with other instructors as Sunday drew to a close that I have never told a student to brake later. After all, the easiest way to go faster is to get to the power sooner, right Don?
A funny anecdote if I may... I had a "new" car on track this weekend that I knew was a little short on brakes for the power/weight and had a moment every driver fears - no brakes. As a matter of safety, I "prime" the braking system before braking zones with taps from my left foot to gauge braking system integrity as well as "set" my brake pads. I had noticed a bit of a soft pedal for a couple of laps, but then the worst happened. No pedal resistance whatsoever when I went to prime the system. As the priming happens well before the brake zone, this allowed me to initiate braking well before my intended braking point. Unfortunately, the pedal went all the way to the floor and my frantic efforts to build pressure with pumping were to no avail. As I had my student with me, I said as calmly as possible, "We're having a bit of a braking issue. But we're still looking at our apex..." In retrospect, I think it was said more for me than him. To avoid an off track excursion, we ended up carving what would be described in racing parlance as a rain "rim shot." Once the vehicle was under control, I immediately threw out my left arm as a signal to other drivers behind me that I was having an issue and proceeded to pit lane all the while pumping the brakes furiously. Now I know why pit lane speed limits are mandatory as just when I thought my brakes were reconstituting they left me again. Fortunately, I was able to come to a stop and my student ran for the restroom. I was thinking, "It wasn't that bad, was it?" To this day, I wish I had a picture of my student's alarmed facial expression when he approached me with the realization, hours later, that we had experienced complete brake failure from about 150mph. Sorry, Doc. I hope you can find it your heart to forgive me.
An open invitation to all the wonderful Porsche Club of America Mid South Region members. Plans are underway for my second Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. Please feel free to drop by and say "Hello." In fact, should you chose to attend, please purchase a "Hot Pit Pass" (short sleeves, long pants, and closed toe shoes required) and come by during the race itself. I would be happy to show you the telemetry, discuss current strategy, and introduce you to anyone famous that may be available. Last year, The Racers Group had such luminaries as Johannes van Overbeek, Ralph Kelleners, Jim Pace, Andy Lally, Spencer Pumpelly, and, of course, team owner, Kevin Buckler. In addition, Speed is often there getting updates which involves such racing dignitaries as Derek Daly, Dorsey Schroeder, and Brian Till to name a few. In addition, just down pit lane there the the stars of the sport such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Tony Stewart. It is quite a spectacle.
Here's wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year.
Michael Gomez
Memphis Motorsports Park Open Test Sessions for 2008
Well, maybe not "all." Mostly I'm just talking to you track junkies out there. Believe it or not, its time to start thinking about getting back out on the track. In 2008, the Memphis Motorsports Park has scheduled 10 open test sessions/track days for all qualified drivers. This is a great opportunity for all local racers to work on their skills as well as those who just want to go out and drive their cars. If you took advantage of it last year you know what a great opportunity this is.
The first session is scheduled for February 22nd. For registration forms and complete information visit the MMP website at http://www.memphismotorsports.com/roadcourse/opentest.php. The qualifications for experienced drivers is listed below. See you all at the track!
DATES
Friday, February 22, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
EXPERIENCE LEVELS
The Open Test Sessions are open to participants with on-track experience only. The sessions are not open to novice drivers or those that are looking for a training session. Novice drivers should attend a driver’s education or other training session with a sanctioning organization and participate in a minimum of four (4) supervised track days prior to considering participation in an open test session.
All participants must designate their experience level on the registration form and provide written documentation to support their designation. Written documentation may include a license from a sanctioning body, driver’s sign off form from a sanctioning body, or other written documentation providing proof of high speed solo on-track experience.
Participants must designate the experience level based on a 1 to 5 scale (Intermediate [1] - Instructor [2,3] - Licensed Racer [4,5])
All participants must be 18 years of age and have a valid state issued driver’s license.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please be sure to note the required experience levels. As stated, Novice drivers will NOT be permitted. -
and the ever important disclaimer -
These are NOT PCA sactioned events. These events are run by and are the sole responsible of Memphis Motorsports Park and this information is provided only as a courtesy to Club members.
