PCA: To join or not, convince me either way.
 

Hey all,

I was pitched pretty hard this morning by the local region rep at cars and coffee and am sort of neutral on the idea of joining. I'm sure everyone with good or bad experiences is sure to draw from those so I'm expecting to get a wide variety of responses here. I'm mainly interested in the driving events which makes me wonder if my money/time wouldn't be better spent on something like the SCCA or something else.

Would love to hear some experiences!

Thanks,

Erik

Its $50 / year

Big deal.....join, you might like it, if you don't, don't renew

+1

I don't do much with my club but have met some great people at the vents I did attend.

Every chapter is different, so every experience will be different. Attend a few meetings, seek out the other track rats and see if there is a fit.

Just the Panorama magazine is worth the $50.00/year

Not familiar with your area or how close you are to tracks but find out the PCA Driver's Education schedules for the tracks you are willing to travel to. My experience is that PCA has a great instructor pool, offers from 90 minutes to two hours of track time per day (instructed), and they run a fun event centered around safety. Rennlist has a much more focused forum on Driver's Education, you may want to ask some questions there also - Racing & Drivers Education Forum - Rennlist Discussion Forums

And yes, I joined PCA as a total newb back in 2005 and have been racing for 5 years, a PCA National Instructor going on 3..

Join. You get to DE!

As the others have noted, unless your region has some serious local dues on top of the national dues, it's pretty cheap. While I had reservations as to whether it was right for me, I joined anyway as I figured there was no other way to know for certain.

That said, there are things you can consider. Is your region local to you? Or will you need to drive for two or more hours just to get to the starting point for a day event? What types of events do you think you will be interested in? Does your local region do much of that? Is your local region active, or stagnant? What type of owners are active in your region, older air-cooled cars with owners who tinker and do their own work? Or late model cars that normal people can't service themselves?

As for some of the other comments above, not all regions do DEs at all regularly. (Mine doesn't, seems to be almost no interest in that.) And while the Panorama magazine is nice, it's not reason to join in my opinion.

While I had reservations about how well the local region would suit me, I did join to find out first hand. Turns out that I was correct to be concerned, my region doesn't suit me at all. I probably won't be renewing my membership when it next comes due. The PCA doesn't suit everyone.

I joined 8 years ago, I was so excited to be part of the group until I went to a new members meeting. Within the first month of me joining there was a meeting, so I gave the boss the night off and while she was out with one of the neighbors, I and my two little heads go off to the Porsche dealer where this event was taking place. I couldn't wait to get there. I should have stayed home, what a bunch of pompas asses. I was wishing that I had not joined until I went to a DE with my current club. What a bunch of great folks, never made me feel unwelcome or as an outsider. 8 years later I'm still a proud RTR member and will be as long as I can keep renewing my membership.

Being a new owner I haven't yet joined the PCA. I was wondering if it offers anything other than the magazine, events and the web site. For example, the MBCA offers its member a 15% discount on parts, which if you are buying parts for an older car can add up fast. They also offer discounts on new cars (up to $1500). Just curious.

I've got one year of PCA membership here in the Central PA region. I ate and drank more at the various events than what I actually spent in my membership. :D Add to that the local companionship, meeting some folks that have an amazing stable of P cars, and some which have had fantastic history in motorsports. I even met a gentleman in his 90's that was an F1 mechanic in the late 50's and 60's and a Luftwaffe pilot that flew a Messerschmitt Me 163 rocket powered fighter.

I've belonged to 3 different local regions and loved every one. The National group just plain sucks. All they care about at the National level is the latest gee whiz expensive Porsche.

Panorama will be redone shortly. It's become a pr organ for PCA. Once the Turners retire PCA can turn it into a real magazine. At least we can hope.

The real value is in the local region.

Richard Newton
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I'm in PCA, it's OK, but SCCA has different makes of cars. It's a totally different experience for us true car guys. Try both then decide. Or you may keep both and do some events of each.

If you do DE it's worth it, otherwise don't waste the $50!

All you need to do is meet one or two peeps that share your enthusiasm that you can BS and fiddle around with cars with and it's worth it.

Generally, you will meet folks with newer cars that couldn't give a rat's ass about the workings of their cars. That part is a bummer. I would rather BS with a dude at Home Depot in the plumbing isle that the new Porsche set.

As to the higher level PCA zone reps and such, they are self absorbed narcissistic ass hats who don't have time to shoot the breeze with the low life. Not all, surely, but from my experience, definitely yes. Makes me want to puke - a lot. Pompous effers.

Get to some DE's and talk with folks in your circle and they got a lot of time for you.

PCA members are much more willing to talk about, share stories, of Porsche design FLAWS (rubber clutch) vs other venues.

Well said! When I was DE'ing I had a handful of friends that would do most anything to help, the rest were idiots and the non air cooled ones just want you off the track.

PCA Potomac's been really good--I was concerned it'd be all new car owners, but we really do have a good mix of cars / people. I don't race or do the DE events, but have been a regular at rallies and drive n dine events because I can get my son (now 16 involved) in navigating and my wife sometimes enjoys these also. The local Porsche dealers also are good sponsors for local PCA events and that's been a real plus, because they're actually things we'd have done whether or not with the Club.

I recommend trying it out.

Dave

I've been a PCA member my entire Porsche ownership (914 and 911) and its worth the money, they host a lot of nice track days and DE's in the AZ region, plus some auto-x's for the days its nice to just go and beat on the car

Plus my local PCA was cool with me turning up with my NG900 when the 914 decided it didn't likes it ignition system anymore and I had already paid for the auto-x day, which was nice of them! and yes on touring tires the 900 was competing with boxsers ;) if I could have control the wheel spin and or had the r compounds on would have run a lot better times

Anyways I enjoy my membership, but I'm also an SCCA member the PCA gives me more opps to run my car on the track compared to the SCCA (as the VERY active SD is so close to me as well) the SCCA is fun to go to as well, lots of awesome cars to see. If you want to really race your car than why would you not join both? haha

We have had 911's since the early 80's and have always passed on PCA membership. Defining moment was while exhibiting our spyder (which by the way, is built with a substantial amount of 911 DNA), a couple of PCA fellows decked out in full dick-head regalia, monogrammed shirts, PCA hats, pins, probably even had Porsche underoos on, began in very loud terms to refer to our car as a "nothing car...a throwaway car..." etc.

Join PCA? Kiss my ass. We do alot of different car events with people who LIKE to talk to us...

Forward up a couple of years, same car on exhibit and two very nice PCA members approached us. We probably spent 45 minutes visiting with them. Both were members and local club officers. We joined after that.

We've now been members for a couple of years. Though I'm disappointed with the no DE events in our chapter, most of the people are the write-a-check kind, not hands on a upgraders/repairs (though a few are), I have to say that I've met some pretty terrific people.

All in all - worth the join. Plus, Pano is always a pleasure to get in the mailbox.

angela

I haven't joined PCA either -- worried that I wouldn't really fit with the new-car crowd. But I know a couple of guys in the local club who still know how to turn a wrench. The club does DE, so that would be a plus when I get my car sorted out (a challenge when it's the daily driver and the weekends are filled the kids' stuff). Started to join a few times, but either didn't have my VIN handy or plain refused to put my date of birth (I think online app requires that, but paper doesn't). Thinking about it again, thanks to this thread.

Angela, wow. I just took a look at the Itsy Bitsy Spyder thread. What a car!

It gets me a 10% discount on any parts from the Porsche dealer (which isn't too many parts).

Good people in our area..

BEST!

Doyle

I've been driving Porsches the past 20 years and I've never joined *****. I can't tell the later model Porsche owners to BMW owners; not to stereotype the entire crowd but "pompous" is the best word I can use to describe it.

A good portion of these guys care more about the badge on the car and bragging rights then the car itself or the driving experience. Not people I care to associate with.

BTW - I love my car, but it is still just a CAR... not a lifestyle.

There are asses in every group of people, it's best to let the person asking the question find out for himself if the group of people that frequent the PCA Driver's Education events near him are people he would like to know better or not. He also should know that he can join ANY PCA region after he's in (you get assigned to the nearest one when joining IIRC), and many in my area transfer to a region that fits their "style". Along with that know that it makes no difference what region he's in, he can attend any PCA DE, anywhere in the US, that is sponsored by any region, anytime!

As for the "later model Porsche owners", I started out DE'ing in a brand new 997S so I guess I must have been even more pompous then than I am now, which is hard to believe!
P.S. - I also own a BMW 335i so I must be the PRESIDENT of pompous!
:D

Hi GaryR... as I said, "Not to stereotype the entire crowd"

There is also a lot of truth to what you say about the region; there will be regional differences for sure... I live in California so 'nuff said there! lol

Actually GaryR; I am more impressed you can even step foot in that POS 335i having a D class SC and 3.2 TP SC :D

...and believe me, I am speaking from experience as I have given BMW a few chances; last one was my grenaded M3 and I was so nice to it during the break in period. Porsche 30 year old technology is far more reliable.

With our chapter here in FL, you easily get more out with the events we have. We are fortunate to have three very engaged dealers and we get to see car unveils before the general public. They are always nice affairs. We also host the 48 Hours at Sebring club race along with another chapter which is an awesome event.

Like everything, a good attitude going in is helpful but I have met a lot of very good friends thru PCA. This includes some people from National PCA and some engineers from der mutherland.

The DE is program is where our local club shines as I am a National Instructor like many other folks on this board.

My advice; Put yourself out there and simply ask the local membership chair what you will receive and upcoming events. Don't get hung up by comments on this board as you can make your own decision. I can hang out with everyone from grease monkeys to CEOs and I always feel hanging with a crowd of business owners (hotly toity) can be beneficial in one way or another.

yeah, screw those national guys :)

C'moh, fellows, it's a car club. I love cars and in particular Porsches. Even with all the PCA events I attend, I still get withdrawal if there's a weekend without a PCA event. Wife doesn't understand why I have to get up early on Saturday morning to drive an hour to attend a cars and coffee that may or may not have another Porsche attending. Point is, I'm a car guy. My region welcomed me with open arms and I soon found many others who were just as car crazy as I was. Still, through it all, it's only a car club. Don't over think it. Region leadership changes, almost every year, so if you didn't have a positive first experience, try it again.

I don't know about you, but to me, it's alot more fun to drive with several other P-car owners to an event than by myself. Nothing like looking in the sideview mirror in a turn and seeing a line of Porsches.

It's $46/year Give it a try. Go to a region event with your mind wide open. Step up and introduce yourself, even if you're an introvert. Remember, it's human nature to want to hang with people you know. Region leaderships, at least the good regions, will make a strong effort to approach those who are regulars. Doesn't happen all the time.

In 2013, our monthly magazine, Panorama, will get a new Editor. I think most of you will be pleasantly surprised by the person taking over the magazine and the subsequent changes that will occur during the year.

You know what I really love about PCA? There is no class structure. When I go to events, people rarely ask what I do for a living (if they do, it's to find out how I volunteer for PCA and hold a full time job). My circle of friends in PCA include both blue and while collar. We all hang out. Why? Because we're car guys and driving our Porsches is just more fun than driving a golf ball.

yeah, screw those national guys :)

C'moh, fellows, it's a car club. I love cars and in particular Porsches. Even with all the PCA events I attend, I still get withdrawal if there's a weekend without a PCA event. Wife doesn't understand why I have to get up early on Saturday morning to drive an hour to attend a cars and coffee that may or may not have another Porsche attending. Point is, I'm a car guy. My region welcomed me with open arms and I soon found many others who were just as car crazy as I was. Still, through it all, it's only a car club. Don't over think it. Region leadership changes, almost every year, so if you didn't have a positive first experience, try it again.

I don't know about you, but to me, it's alot more fun to drive with several other P-car owners to an event than by myself. Nothing like looking in the sideview mirror in a turn and seeing a line of Porsches.

It's $46/year Give it a try. Go to a region event with your mind wide open. Step up and introduce yourself, even if you're an introvert. Remember, it's human nature to want to hang with people you know. Region leaderships, at least the good regions, will make a strong effort to approach those who are regulars. Doesn't happen all the time.

In 2013, our monthly magazine, Panorama, will get a new Editor. I think most of you will be pleasantly surprised by the person taking over the magazine and the subsequent changes that will occur during the year.

You know what I really love about PCA? There is no class structure. When I go to events, people rarely ask what I do for a living (if they do, it's to find out how I volunteer for PCA and hold a full time job). My circle of friends in PCA include both blue and while collar. We all hang out. Why? Because we're car guys and driving our Porsches is just more fun than driving a golf ball.

Depends on what you want out of it.

You have the car guys.
Then you have the wine and cheese folks. Which is usually the newer cars and the cars worth too much to drive.

But like posted above. Its more about the people. Attend a couple events and see if you connect. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Here in PDX I autocross with the PCA. And I attend a once a month meeting with the Portland 911 Pelican group. Seems to be about all my schedule can handle. I've created some great friendships. My .02c for this am. Off to PIR for an autocross.

these are great replies!

I agree national does nothing for me but send me a card once a year and a book once a month - my region dues are in addition to national so in order to join I need the other -

my region offers tons of great events I go to and none of them require membership but many offer early registration for members and when things fill up fast, that is a benefit.

I am also connected to the club quite deeply with regards to the Driving events and actually attend all the board meetings - which is more or a deterrent than benefit - but I support the club because the club supports me - I get more out of the club in the form of the interactions I have with other members than I get from my job - it's really been an excellent experience for me

your results may vary and my results are not typical :D

When the National President of PCA replies, it is a hot topic! Heck he replied the same message twice!

I have not had any negative experience with the National Board and I have been heavily involved for the past five years. Keep in mind the National Guys all started out at the local club level and they spend a heck of lot of time with and for the PCA. We even have ex-President Tom Bobbitt in our region and he is an awesome guy to hang out with and DE drive with.

Manny Alban is PCA National President for those not aware.

Yes, Manny is the man, a Great guy (as is Joe) and I too joined the PCA back in the 80s when my hair was dark & I weighed in at 135lbs.

As many have pointed out, regions vary, some really great ones, others just plain suck unless you are part of the "CLick" or a Boxster Leaser:rolleyes: Regions also sometimes change as the age, some for the better, others for worse, but I have met some great people through PCA and as a Track guy, yes you save money, plus the other benefits like Pano and if you don't like the way the local region operates, you don't have to go to their events, you can still do DEs & national events & choose what local events you might want to do, that is what I did, as I live in FL. but my home region went down to the boxster leaser crowd, but since I have been around, I remember hanging out with friends on the West Coast, how as a visitor, I was welcomed with open arms, plus, this region still mails out a new letter instead of electronic, so my region is in CA, while I live in FL, and works out very well too.. As Manny said, spend the $46 try it out, if you don't like the region, there are others, plus the wealth on knowledge that PCA offers on the older cars by being able to point you to the right people to answer questions, and like Joe, I too am a National Instructor and there are always great times & people at the track, with both old & new cars..

Like most things in life you can get out of it by what you put in it. I've met Joe - Byron and even Manny at club events. All good folks and I wouldn't have had that opportunity without the PCA club catalyst.

Honestly in the events that I've attended, the "new" Porsche crowd isn't really that apparent, yeah there are a few that know what your car is worth and asses your value as a person accordingly but thankfully, I haven't seen a whole lot of that. It's a good group by and large, some complain that it's become more a "wine and cheese" organization vs a sportscar organization but there is any number of flavoured events for your particular interest. Cheers

Check out your local and nearby chapters. I joined PCA and the local (Los Angeles) region, Well, L.A. has no , zero, driving events. Then I found Orange Coast Region - great auto-cross events and a couple of years now of DE and Time Trial. All run by great people. Well worth my time and money.

I think the savings I got with the insurance company for my PCA membership makes me come pretty close to break even. I do like to read Panorama. I haven't had too much of a chance to get to know many local PCA members. That might change my opinion.

I have an 86 coupe that I do a chunk of the wrenching on myself AND I do wine and cheese. :D

Go ahead an join the PCA, it's one of the smallest checks you'll ever have to write for your Porsche, and if you don't like it then there's no need to renew.

It's a social club with a focus on people who own and enjoy Porsches. If the local region doesn't do what you want, go to a board meeting (typically held monthly) and tell them what you want to get from the club. Others on here have said, you get out of it what you put into it.

Anyway, I have meet terrific people who have everything from very early 50's 356 cars to a 2013 Boxster that I saw today at an event.

As a PCA member you can go to activities held anywhere by any region. Signing up is a no-brainer.