Are there any New Mexico Pelicans?

[gerard vaglio]

Well, me and my 911 are in the process of relocationg from CA to the land of enchantment.

I'm single but I have lots of family here and I'm ready to re juggle some of my life priorities. Work and family will now become family and work.

I've had my sc for about 15 years and I'm interested in finding out if there is much of a Porsche community here.

I'll need some recomendations on local mechanics and roads to drive. Meeting for coffee and repairs/drives would also be welcomed as well as any other pointers from the locals.

The car won't be here for a few weeks but I thought I would put out some feelers in advance.

Thanks, looking forward to responses, happy holidays all.

[k9handler]

look for Russ Kelso (spelling") as he has a great shop and connections in Albuquerque...and races a very fast 914. There are a few guys in that area that are Pelicans, think the Santa Fe area.

[jamesnmlaw]

Yep, Russ is a good contact. His shop is in Corralles (little town between ABQ and Rio Rancho, on the west side of the Rio). I wouldn't take a P-car to anyone else for 500 miles around.

The Porsche Club here in NM is Roadrunner and is fairly active. Lot's of good club events and racing.

Best road to unwind? Head west on the highway 550 (highway to Farmington and Durango). Bring your disposable underwear, cash bond information, proof of health insurance and write your blood group on your chest with a Sharpie. It is a "wooo-geee" road, built for Porsche running by our dope smoking, mountain climbing, iron-man marathon racing ex-governor Johnson. Present governor (fat-boy) had nothing to do with it.

Let me know if you need other information. I got a house for sale, too.

[Danny_Ocean]

I have a home in Las Cruces, but won't be living there for 2 more years. I'll look y'all up then.

[2.7RACER]

Gerard,
The Road Runners are an active PCA region. We like to Autocross about 10 events each year. We get together at the Owl Cafe for lunch each Wednesday in Albquerque to swap stories. The Owl is at Eubank just north of I-40. Lots of social stuff to. Like our Fiesta, a three day social, concourse, rally, AX and more social events each Memorial day weekend.
A number of us instruct at the local Road Race circuit, Sandia Motorsports Park. A nice 14 turn, 1.66 mile track.
We also race in Colorado with the PCA folks from Colorado.
Russ Kelso has a great reputation around here, but there are others that also offer fine service, Wittlers, Jim's, Chet's, and European Auto, to name a few.
John Hamil builds race cars with a national reputation.
Those of us that do our own work get our parts from Pelican.
Just another sleepy wide spot on the highway to somewhere else.
Welcome,

[gerard vaglio]

Hey, thanks for all the help, it just so happens that I'm looking at houses in Coralles this week. Nice to know there is a local shop if I get into trouble.

The Owl Cafe sounds like it's going to be one of my favorite places, looking forward to stopping by there when things calm down a little.

I'll start looking up the PCA Roadrunner chapter as well.

All good tips.

My car is a 79sc with a newly rebuilt 3.2 short stroke and slightly hotter cams. New transmission has a backdated ring and pinion as well as a lightened flywheel. As you might imagine, all this makes my car almost as fast as a Toyota Camry.

This move is looking better every day!

[slow&rusty]

I'm just north in Colorado Springs..if you ever want to take a run up to Rockies!

My sis lives in Las Cruces and I visit her often.

Yasin

[Type911]

Russ Kelso has worked on both my 911's. Great guy, honest & very reasonable $$ wise. The Road Runner region is quite active, you are moving to a great area for Porsches.

Iam up the road 3 hours in Durango, CO. Come springtime, plan on a trip up here, awesome alpine roads...what these cars were made for.

Good luck w/ the move. I hope you like Green Chile, if not you will grow to love it.

-Chris


ps: Every August you can look foward to this cool Porsche event in Corrales, NM

Sunday Porsche Pics

[Type911]

Here is Russ Kelso's contact info.

505-898-6487

[75Carrera]

I believe Earl Wittimore (sp?) still owns the Owl Cafe. He has been a Porsche guy for many years. Don't know if he still us or not. He owns the Luna Mansion in Los Lunas too. I bought my first Porsche from him in 1979. Good ole friend but I haven't talked to him in years.

[vash]

if you end up near el paso texas. there is a healthy group down there. those guys get to do cheap cheap track days. i think you pay $75 for all day fun at ARROYO SECO raceway. the track is in Deming.

from the bay area to NM? i will do the same in the future. i own land in ruidoso, and i plan to build a retirement home there.

us bay area guys should get together to say bye. we never did meet you.

[sbmackie]

I'll be the umpteenth to chime in for Russ. If he's booked solid, Witler's on Central is also good.

See you at the track!

Scott
1982SC

[gerard vaglio]

Thanks for all the replies, I met with Russ and he was extreamely helpful.

The car wouldn't start and he actually came out to the house and got it running. I then followed him to his shop where he set the fuel mixture accuratly with his equipment.

What can I say, Russ is the best, I was blown away and I highly reccomend him, it's not easy finding this type of guy.

Many thanks,

Gerard