Werks Reunion

[mrm930]

Anyone here make this years event? Would like to hear your comments

I have been going to Pebble Beach car week for the last ten years. This years Werks event was in my opinion - not well organized. It took 45 minutes to go less than 1-1/2 miles to get in. One person taking money for parking (donation fee?!) and the only entrance was also used as an exit. Traffic confusion at its height

The judge display cars were veery scattered and not well arranged. Vendors were okay - not many there - maybe a dozen. Then when we left they re-arranged an alternate exit only. We were in a rented SUV - so it was easier but still bad. Lower 911s and Ferraris were having issues.

Not sure I will go back again

[Mahler9th]

I have been to several.

I was there last Friday along with wife and friends.

I know the organizer and his wife well. Have known them for 25+ years.

I also know many of the volunteers.

There were a lot of major challenges this year, I think most due to Pandemic and new venue.

There were issues with vendors that did not come through and local police did not come through... lots of challenges and a first time venue.

I think they made the best of what they had. We got there at about 9:45 and it took a long time to get in. I was patient because I figured that they had their hands really full.

And I knew what I was gonna see when I got in: many friends, and lots of Pcars.

We did not leave until 4:30.

We saw many, many friends and I think there were about 750 pcars about.

We had a great time and fully understand what Tom Provasi and his volunteers had to deal with.

I was profoundly thankful to all of the volunteers-- they had their hands full.

[wildthing]

This is why I left San Jose before 7. Got there by 8, no traffic coming in. Left a bit before 2 and no traffic getting out. My wife drove the minivan behind me and no issues for spectator parking either. I can imagine spectators having a hard time coming in during peak hours.

[dannobee]

We brought the lowered GT2 and yes, it was a problem. Along with the horrendous line to get in. And why bother detailing the car when they routed us right through a dust storm at the entrance.

Of course I'll go again, but I'm not too keen on the venue. Or the line to get in.

[famoroso]

Our crew did a two-hour early-ish AM Werks Blitzkrieg. We arrived around 6:30a. As you might imagine, traffic, ingress and spectator parking were easy-peasy at that time. Early Bird avoids traffic and gets better parking at most Car Week events. So, part of the long traffic line is on you for opting to arrive when you did.

There were only like fiifty cars on the lower lawn upon our arrival, but but when we departed at 8:45a it was filling-in nicely. Sucked to have to leave when we did, but my '87 was in The Quail, so we had to slum it in Carmel. They did have to stop inbound spectator parking to let us out of the lot, which seemed like a bad omen for later in the day.

First year at a new venue, Covid weirdness in general (attendance seemed down everywhere the entire week, seating restrictions at indoor venues, reduced party capacities, etc), etc. It was what it was. The Werks organizers did a good job with what they had to work with. I've already heard of a few improvements they're contemplating for next year.

I'll bring both of my cars next year if they're able to address a couple of the big items. Regardless, I'll be there for the entire day, either as a participant or merely a spectator. Too many good people, friends new and old, etc. in one place, to miss out on it.

Last year, I would have happily accepted the challenges, in lieu of it being cancelled. It's all about perspective.

"Next time you're feeling
down remember life is all
about perspective.
I have a friend who has sex
2-3 times a day, exercises
twice a day, reads two books
a week, yet everyday he
complains about how much
he hates prison."

;-)

[Tony V]

We left San Jose at 8:00 and got to Werks at 8:50! Blasted down 101 in the 70-90mph range with another Porsche we met on the road. Followed the Werks signs and had no wait to get in. Enjoyed the new venue and having the vendors in a different area broke it up nicely. We liked the venue better than the last one and the addition of live music was a plus. Food vendors we subpar.
Yes, Tom and Sandy work their butts off putting on this event.

[mrm930]

no doubt - a lot of work went into this. I completely understand. I own a manufacturing business and you can only mention the covid issues for so long - bottom line (for me anyway) deal with it and move on. We have had to adjust and still are having labor issues - so we have readjusted our production.

Still felt "off" to me. The cars for judging seemed scattered and needed a bit of placement tweaking. Live music was a very nice add - always needed. Food was.......okay.

Loved it when it was off of Carmel Valley road by quail. However it was smaller but seemed alot more focused. Probably due to the smaller size.

The last location was a huge entry problem. Locals must have been really P.O.!

We'll see about next year. Ocean Concours and Werks were always a must on these trips. Werks may all off my list. Have to wait and see

[87turbolook911]

Hi all,

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Our sincere apologies for the entrance issues. 24 hours prior to the event, the access roads were even worse as they were an uneven rough dirt/rocky surface. We will find a better solution for entrances if we go back to the location.

The traffic mgmt group we normally hire was not available and other companies have not been able to hire folks. Our volunteers did their best.

Keep in mind we had two months to come up with a venue. Werks almost didn't happen this year.

Aside from that, I hope you did enjoy the event. We were happy to see record attendance.

With a year of planning time we will definitely improve for next year.

Vu

[Mahler9th]

Thanks Vu. And thanks for all you do.

Record attendance! Wow.

Sorry to hear about low cars with issues, and it sucks to detail your car and then have to drive into a dusty area.

My friend's '74 is likely in one of those shots posted by Mr. Amoroso. Non-sunroof with 3 liter drive train. He narrowly missed driving into a sand trap when entering.

We dealt with it, and again, many many thanks to Tom and Sandy P. and Vu and all the volunteers and their families for making the event possible.

For my wife and I it was a highly welcomed positive experience especially given the general circumstances of the Pandemic.

My wife and I have had many great Porsche-related experiences down that way... the '98 historics (we got to be there all weekend and even got to drive for free in the Monday DE in exchange for instructing), several huge paid spectator events where I got to race my 911 with PCA Club Racing 2002-2004, and of course RR IV where once again I got to drive and race in front of a huge crowd. And then of course RR V and RR VI. Plus now a few Werks events.

This latest Werks will always be special because of the situation.

Thanks to all involved.