Calling all Bay Area, CA pelicans!

[maishaldan]

Hello, my name is Bert Espinosa, and before I make a request of the Bay Area, CA Porsche owners; I want to give some background. Over a year ago, I stumbled on to this board after deciding that an air-cooled 911 was my dream car; the car I’m buying when I make a little money. Before then, my “wish” car was an 997, then an NSX, E36 M3, then finally an S2000 before finding the right car for me. To me, the old 911 embodies many of the things that I believe a sports car should be. It’s small (cars are huge now, an 80’s Honda Accord is smaller than an ’09 Civic). It’s light, and free of electronic nannies; with a no-nonsense interior (Sat-Nav, what’s wrong w/a map?!?) In short, it’s everything that many performance cars AREN’T today. A few months ago, I even went to a PCA Concours event to see these cars in person ‘cause they’re so rare. There are two SC’s that drive down my street sometimes, and every time I’m outside; I think, “Hopefully they pass by”

In addition to discovering the car, I feel equally happy for discovering this board and the wealth of information and helpful people here. At first, I do admit that I was intimidated by level of technical ability of the members here; people rebuilding their own engines and welding their own panels…damn! But, I soon found out, many of those same people started at my level and advanced through the help of others on these forums. That sealed it for me.

Now, on to the request. Unfortunately, I have never even ridden in one. Sure, I had a fun, fast ride in a 997 once, but, I’d love just to sit in an old mid-year 911. I’d love to experience all those things that make the early 911 great. AGAIN, please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not looking to drive the car (I ain’t the quickest ride on the track, but I ain’t that dumb); I’d just love to take a ride in it. I’ll gladly throw in $25 and/or buy you a beer because I know gas ain’t cheap, and again; I really would like to know what it’s like in a 911 before I begin the shopping process, which is a long time from now. So, if enabling a grown man to stare at your car and then giggle like a child in your passenger seat this Saturday evening or Sunday for a few bucks sounds like a good time; please give me a PM. I’m hoping someone is willing to go for this, ‘cause plan B is individually hitting up cats on Craigslist who are selling their 911's for the same thing, which isn’t as fun.

*So hopefully, you drive an SC or 3.2, AND if you drive a cab or targa; that would be really cool (Long before the Porsche bug bit, I decided that open-top motoring is just too much fun.) If you drive a coupe, still cool, ‘cause in the end, I’ve driven in convertibles before, but I’ve NEVER ridden in, (much less driven) a mid-year 911. Just for reference, I live in Martinez, but you would be doing me this awesome service, so I would be going to you.


Thanks a lot, Pelicans,
-Bert

[Grady Clay]

Join PCA.

There are a lot of regions in the Bay Area. You will find each slightly different but just like Pelican, each have a wide variety of interests. Don’t be dissuaded by any ‘nay-sayers’. You can find like-minded enthusiasts in any region. PCA is a membership club. We (you) can make it anything you (we) want.

There are also several other Bay Area clubs dedicated to track events, (particularly Porsche). There is even a Bay Area Pelican Yahoo? Groupe. Go to every event possible just to watch and meet people. It may even be productive to ‘hang out’ at some of the independent shops specializing in early 911s. Try out everything. Everyone likes to talk Porsche.

Best,
Grady

[maishaldan]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

Join PCA.

Grady,

I'd love to, unfortunately this is what I get directly from the PCA website under the sub-heading "Membership" from "Join PCA": Membership is open to all Porsche owners, co-owners or lessees, who are 18 years or age or older.

And since I fit none of those ownership criteria, am not a family member of an owner, or even know a member, I can't even become a family member or even affiliate member. Not being in the market for one right now eliminates me from PCA Quest. However, I do continue to look for track/autocross events that don't conflict w/my schedule (1st year med-student). I will take you up on the independent shop recommendation, thanks for that.

-Bert

[Grady Clay]

Bert,

PM me. I'll make you my 'family member' until you get a 911.

EDIT: You don't need to be a member to go to all the events. You probably need membership to enter track events. "Guests' are welcome at all events.

Best,
Grady

[juanbenae]

where in the bay are you? we've have a spin off group from here we've tabbed BAP (bay area pelicans) that is quite active in track & wrenching events. my car is not drivable right now as it is under transformation (see link in sig) so i am not lined up to give a ride along, dont even have a passenger seat... if you email me though the board i will be happy to get you some contact info for me to chat. i am in the south bay, sunnyvale and would be happy to spend some time with you talking cars. cant speak for my BAP brethren, but we are spread from petaluma to prunedale so if you are east or north i can put you in contact with some other top notch cats.

you can fer sure be notified of our next big group track event, prolly at sears point to make a run out. the spring wing ding is due, just not confirmed. its our generally well attended to open the season event and generally turn out is high.

grady, what about my future? adopt me one time why dont ya???

toby

[vash]

we could put you in car311 (toby's car) and blow air over you with a leaf blower. then maybe a few of us can make vroom vroom sounds and push you around sunnyvale. j/k.

go to an autocross. you get free rides all day.

[Scooter]

You do not have to own a Porsche to join PCA. Just contact them.

[jeffgrant]

Scooter is correct.

Just tell them you are actively looking for one to purchase, and that's good enough. (Assuming you're 18)

We've had a guy in our region that's been "actively looking" for about 8 years now. And counting.

[Mahler9th]

Lots of good info already posted. In terms of a "ride," my car, although sometimes driven on the street, does not meet your specs. Sorry. I am sure that someone will chime in with an offer.

In the East Bay, the PCA region is called Diablo. I am not a member, preferring instead to be a member of the Golden Gate Region. Both are excellent, along with the Redwood, Loma Prietta and others not too far away. Just check out www.pca.org.

In terms of events, you are limited only by time and budget. Check out each region's web site for different types of events and activities. In terms of racing and track driving, be sure to note the upcoming Golden Gate Region PCA Club Race at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows in March. And the weekend before, The Porsche Racing Club will be at Sears Point.

Making friends/social contacts leveraging the PCA can be invaluable as you search for a car. Quite often, there are unadvertised cars around and you can sometimes get an inside track on just what you are looking for.

Just start showing up at events and introduce yourslef around, and I am sure you will connect...

- Mike

[C4 Pazzo]

Bert,
I don't have an SC, but you're welcome to a ride in my '70T Targa if you want to see what a low-powered car feels like. If you want to ride in an SC or 3.2, just show up at the GGR Alameda AX on March 21. You should be able to find an instructor willing to give you a ride. You'll get a really good idea of how these cars handle, much more so than a drive on a public road. Plus, if you've signed up for PCA by then, you can drive any car in the event.

Doug

[Rufblackbird]

Originally Posted by car 311

where in the bay are you? we've have a spin off group from here we've tabbed BAP (bay area pelicans) that is quite active in track & wrenching events. my car is not drivable right now as it is under transformation (see link in sig) so i am not lined up to give a ride along, dont even have a passenger seat... if you email me though the board i will be happy to get you some contact info for me to chat. i am in the south bay, sunnyvale and would be happy to spend some time with you talking cars. cant speak for my BAP brethren, but we are spread from petaluma to prunedale so if you are east or north i can put you in contact with some other top notch cats.

you can fer sure be notified of our next big group track event, prolly at sears point to make a run out. the spring wing ding is due, just not confirmed. its our generally well attended to open the season event and generally turn out is high.

grady, what about my future? adopt me one time why dont ya???

toby

oooooh...so how do i join BAP? i just moved to santa clara a month and half ago...

toby? same toby i met a few years ago when i was in the area (feb 2005 i think)?

bert - i'm a bit far from ya, but if you want a ride i'd be more than happy to give you one in a sc powered '72 targa...

[VZ935]

I will be at Sears Point (Infineon) on Saturday up by the Kart track.. .. We just put a new engine in the 935 so come on over and we will duct tape you to the roll bar and take you for a ride

Golden Gate Region of PCA ... you can contact GGR and ask them if they need volunteers for corner workers at their next event . You can ask if they will hook you up for the lunch time drive around with someone with a car that fits your description . I find that people are usually very excited about turning someone onto or contributing to their passion. Go to

http://www.pca.org/regions/regions.asp?Zone=7

Click on the golden gate region and then navigate your way to the whoever is the competition or time trial director and shoot them an email. It is a great way for you to get involved and probably get a ride around one of the may local tracks we have in Nor Cal. I believe they even pay and feed the corner workers . Just an idea

[butzi73]

Hey Bert,
I live in Pleasant Hill. I would second the idea of going to the Alameda Auto-X. I'm going to try to make it but I'm not 100% sure yet. If you see my car come say hi and I'll give you a ride, (even though my car is and early one). Mine is usually the only silver car with Mexico Blue wheels and blue Carrera script. I'm sure you can get some other fun rides there with an instructor. It would help if you had a helmet.

By the way there is a great Porsche repair shop really close to you called Pacific Power Motorsports. They are just east on hwy 4 a few miles from Martinez. When you find a car you might want to buy you should take it to them for a pre-purchase inspection. They used my car in some of their web site photos, which were actually taken at a previous Almeda Auto-X.

[maishaldan]

First of all, I want to give my sincere thanks to the following people for the funny and helpful replies:

Grady, Toby, vash, Scott (Scooter), Jeff, Mike (Mahler 9th), Doug (C4 Pazzo), Jeff (Rufblackbird)-welcome to the Bay, man; VZ935, and butzi73.

People like these have made me feel so glad that I've found this community and chosen the marque.

Of course, I have exams the Monday following that Alameda autocross, but if I keep up w/my material, I ought to be able to make it out there for a really cool study break. I did a little looking around the site and will likely talk to one of the instructors to work the cones and try to bum a ride-along. The sad thing is, I tried this months ago on the Golden Gate site, but all events at the time were at the far airport close to Monterey, so I stopped looking...idiot. I guess it's time to find a helmet.

[logan2z]

Originally Posted by Rufblackbird

oooooh...so how do i join BAP?

I'd love to find out how to join as well. A recent 993 owner in the South Bay...

[juanbenae]

Originally Posted by Rufblackbird

oooooh...so how do i join BAP? i just moved to santa clara a month and half ago...

toby? same toby i met a few years ago when i was in the area (feb 2005 i think)?

jeff, made that trip to the mainland you spoke of a few years back eh? yes same toby that you met for a few drinks at murphy's law that night. i think there were a few of the BAP boys there that night if i recall?? glad to have you out for good. email me and we can get in touch again. id like to check out your car, and if you wanted to pop over you could see the state of my current build.

so on this "joining of BAP",,, not really an application or secret handshake. we at one time used to do a lot of canyon runs and such, but with in the last few years the "inner circle" (inside joke) have been more dedicated to track events and beer/wine. not at the same time though... we will make an effort to post in the regional forum of upcoming events so you guys might head to the track to find us in the paddock. no committed group track days slated yet, but something should be declared soon.

great bunch of guys that have become more than just car buddies, they are some of my best friends.

t