Michael was a gentle giant of a man. For many years his presence and input at club management, drive tours, and yes, at wine tasting, insured the continuing growth and success of SBR. Michael passed away on December 30 after battling a difficult illness (not coronavirus). He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and two children, Scott and Heather. They were at his bedside at the time of his passing.
Michael served our membership in many different duties and responsibilities. He was region president and superb explorer of the finest wineries throughout Santa Barbara’s wine country. Driving his Speed Yellow Cayman, he and Beverly could be seen for miles ahead of the pack, ensuring that no one missed a turn or a driveway into the vineyards. His laugh was magnetic as it brought smiles and joy to fellow participants. His was always a steady hand, and he was forever giving of time and energy. He will be missed.
As businesses open up, please remember to support our sponsors and Thank Them for all they do to support us!
We all hope the country and the world can bring the coronavirus under control in 2021. It’s still with us, but I am not going to dwell on it here..
What I will dwell on is that the Club has a full slate of drives that take all of the precautions mandated by PCA and common sense. You can find information about these events in this issue and always at pcasb.org. You can also check Facebook and Instagram for information. We are finding that these drives sell out very quickly, so be alert if you are interested. Our Cars & Coffee format has proven popular. We will continue with that successful format rather than sit-down breakfasts until the Board decides it is safe and desirable.
All auto manufacturers, including Porsche, seem to be rushing into electric powered vehicles. The mandate to do so may be stronger in some West European nations than it is here. Porsche seems to have done only modestly with all-electric and hybrid cars in spite of the success of the high performance 918 and 919 in showcasing that technology. We visited Zuffenhausen in the spring of 2018 and our factory tour guide pointed out the construction of a new production facility devoted to electric vehicle production.
I suppose we all have our definition and prejudices about what a “real” Porsche should be. For some, of course, it must be rear engine and air-cooled. For others it must only have a manual transmission. Most of the great Porsche race cars have been mid-engine, so that is the layout of choice for others. Even though electric powered cars may well outperform gas and hybrids, I just don’t know where the visceral feel comes in with electric cars, but I do look for there to be one. Still, we hope Porsche maintains its unique status as a marque of style and performance and continues to bring us together as a drivers’ fraternity.
Stay well and enjoy driving your Porsche.
Rod Hersberger
rodhersberger@gmail.com
805 698 1659
The Porsche Club of America was founded in 1955 to meet the particular needs and interests of the owners of Porsche cars. Our general objectives are to promote the highest standards of courtesy and safety on the roads; the enjoyment and sharing of other events as may be agreeable to the membership; the maintenance of the highest standards of operation and performance of the marque by sharing and exchanging technical and mechanical information; the establishment and maintenance of mutually beneficial relationships with the Porsche WORKS, Porsche dealers, and other service sources to the end that the marque shall prosper and continue to enjoy its unique leadership and position in sports car annals; the exchange of ideas and suggestions with other Porsche Clubs throughout the world and in such cooperation as may be desirable; the establishment of such mutually cooperative relationships with other Sports Car Clubs as may be desirable.
The Santa Barbara Region of Zone 8, Porsche Club of America covers Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. We are a region of more than 700 members plus over 500 affiliate members. We were chartered in June, 1964 and celebrated our 50th anniversary on July 19, 2014 in Santa Barbara.
This region exemplifies national PCA’s motto: "It's not just the cars, it's the people." Lasting friendships are the rule, not the exception within our club.
We meet for Cars And Coffee on the first Saturday of every month at Johnny Rockets and Panera Bread in the Camarillo Premium Outlets from 8–9:30 a.m., and on the second Saturday each month at Leadbetter Beach near Shoreline Beach Cafe in Santa Barbara, from 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Our region offers competitive driving events such as autocrosses, driver education, and even a gimmick rally just for fun. We go on numerous exciting drives on back roads throughout Southern California and hold various social events including a chili cook-off, a progressive dinner and our holiday brunch. A highlight every year is SBR’s Concours d’Elegance where Porsches are judged in competition or just placed for display on beautiful grounds for all to enjoy. We also organize several extended weekend trips to places of interest such as Yosemite, Zion and Bryce National Parks. Most of all we offer friendly people driving great cars. We invite you to join us for some fun driving your Porsche with other car enthusiasts.
Click for Cars And Coffee directions
Check our Calendar for all of our exciting upcoming events.
Membership in the Porsche Club of America is open to anyone 18 years or older who owns or has ordered a Porsche automobile produced by the factory. A limited, six month "Quest" membership is also available for those searching for a Porsche to purchase. Dues are $46 a year, $90 for two years or $132 for three years and includes the monthly PCA Porsche Panorama magazine and our local monthly newsletter, the Der Auspuff.
The Santa Barbara Region hosts two monthly Cars and Coffee gatherings on the first and second Saturdays of each month. The first meeting is held at the Panara Bread and begins at 8:00 a.m. The second meeting is held at the Moby Dick Restaurant on Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara and begins at 8:00 a.m. All Porsche owners are invited to attend. Other activities are held each month throughout the year.
The easiest way to become a member of the Porsche Club of America is by completing an application online at PCA's website: JOIN NOW
Hard copies are also available through Membership Chairman Sue Kinsling at sue_kin@hotmail.com. We hope that you will consider membership in the Porsche Club of America, Santa Barbara Region. You won’t be disappointed!
Personalized SBR Name Badges are available to members by completing and mailing in the following form: PCASBR Name Badges
Send eMail to: pcasb_webmaster@outlook.com
Porsche Club of America, Santa Barbara Region
P. O. Box 959, Camarillo, CA 93011
Tow Hook
By Gary Krueger
PCA Members, send your photos to pcasb_webmaster@outlook.com