What started as a simple request by Suesan Way; President of the Grand Prix Region of PCA and Michael Dolphin; PCA Zone 8 Representative, turned into a massive undertaking on my part to get 356r’s to come to the California Festival of Speed at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. The simple request; help get 10 356’s for a display. Yeah right. I had 3 weeks to do it.
It turned into a full scale grassroots effort by all my 356 friends to have a respectable showing that other PCAr’s to marvel at our wonderful 356’s and their enthusiastic owners are capable of.
Twenty Seven 356’s, and their 35 participants showed up for 5 hours of action filled, exhilarating fun.
Along the way, we had many ups and downs. But above all else, we had fun. This would not have been
possible without the great support from PCNA, Pacific Porsche, PCA Zone 8, and PCA Grand Prix Region.
This was strictly a 356 sub event, no other organization support us. More on these supporters as we go
along in the story. The 356 underground spoke, and the message is that we are a very tight knit group in
SoCal. 356r’s became the envy of all the other Special Interest Groups (SIG’s) that came to the event. Through
a series of backroom dealing :^) we were all able to go to the front of the line for many of the event
happenings. Members came from Santa Barbara to San Diego and from the beaches cities to Murrieta to
have a great time.
After we registered for the event, we were directed to a wonderful spot of prominence at the entrance
to the paddock. Everyone coming had to walk past the many traditionally colored 356’s. This wasn’t just
sliver, black, or white. We were multi colored. Participants who walked by, stopped to admire,
photograph, and ask owners questions. In the process, many new generation PCA members were given
a brief history of early Porsche’s and our passion.
Many admirers walked away eating their hearts out wishing they were owners of 356’s. We were
equally proud of our favorite Porsche cars. As I said, there were many events packed into 5 hours of fun.
A PCNA run autocross course, parade laps, Zone 8 concours, PCA Club racing, and finally our Porsche Design 356 watch drawing. By the end of the events, I was one tired guy. I had been up since 2:00AM scared that all my plans would fall apart. But
that did not happen and I went away from this event knowing that all my friends went away with grins
as big as the one on the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland. What a boost to my ego. I’m still on my
high. We pulled it off with only PCA and minimum direction from Suesan Way to make sure everyone
had fun.
The first event for the 356’s was not with their cars, but in new 2010 Panameras and Boxsters. PCNA
setup an autocross course in one of the parking lots. Thanks to Kerry from PCNA, and Lennie of Pacific
Porsche, we were accorded front of the line privilege. PCNA setup early to give our group every
opportunity to test drive Panameras and Boxsters. We all had such a great time. What a big difference.
We were able to compare 1960’s state of the art to 2010 state of the art. Give me the smell of gas and
noise of 356 romance, but hey, I do like my air conditioning and stereo also. Patt, there is room in the
driveway for a new Porsche… honest.
We then had time to visit the paddocks, vendor’s row, and look at the Zone 8 Concours. At the vendor’s
tents, we got some great deals on Porsche paraphernalia and memorabilia. One vendor gave away free
Porsche factory posters; another was selling Porsche Design at 60% discount.
We all met back at our cars for our parade laps. This time, our own Dal Lee; now aptly named “Group
Leader”, lead us on our own laps. Thanks to Dal, we got extra laps. Hey, it pays to have connections.
Again to the ire of others who were left wondering how we once again were given the first grouping
with our own leader. A big thanks goes to Dal Lee for organizing this and keeping us safe. As you can see,
I didn’t do the parade lap. Frank took Kevin Yee with him on the laps. It was Kevin’s fourth time in a
Porsche and the first time on a track. This time was Frank’s second time on at Fontana. The first time
was with POC Club racing. He had a wonderful time.
The sight of 27 356’s on the track at one time was awe inspiring. The last production 356 was made 45
years ago, all these beautiful examples are representative of Porsche’s past, showing their resilience,
circling the track at respectable speeds and agility. Being able to experience and witness this event put a
tear in my eyes.
Then came the highlight of the day, the Porsche Design 356 watch drawing. Everyone, including
passengers that came in a 356 was given an opportunity to win. The watch drawing was part of a
challenge offered by Lennie Yee and Pacific Porsche to drum up 356 participation. Lennie told me
to get 30 356’s to come and he would give us a watch to give away. In the end 29 signed up. Close
enough in hand grenades and horseshoes. We gave away the watch. Oh, the winner? DeWayne Ichirui!
His new nick name is now “Lucky”. Ask him how many raffles and drawings in a row he has won.
We all went away refreshed and invigorated for the upcoming Summertime 356 activities and all
pledging to come again next year. I have already started planning next year, with some added twists. For
those who were couch potatoes and didn’t come, you missed one hellva event. You should plan on next
years PCA Zone 8 California Festival of Speed at Fontana.
Normally, the last paragraph would have been the close of the story, but I wanted to give special
recognition to Gustavo Borner. While on the track, Jon Schmid broke his clutch cable. Jon, being the Boy
Scout, came prepared with a spare cable! Don’t forget, these were always a part of the normal tool kit
as delivered from the factory. Well, with a few shade tree tools, Gustavo and his son helped Jon put the
new cable onto Jon’s Roadster in the parking lot. Try that in one of the new fangled cornpooter cars. We
all watched. Again, a big shout out goes to Gustavo!!!
There has been lots of talk from the past to the present, how Porsche does not care about 356r’s. That
maybe the past, but this is now. Both Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America are showing they do
care. With support for this and other events like the Registry Holidays and Dana point Concours they are
trying very hard. So, whenever there is an opportunity please thank them for their support.
KTF.
