Need Input on PCA!

[M.D. Holloway]

Need Your Input on PCA national and local chapters. I was wondering what your impression was on PCA in general and your local chapter in particular?

Do any of you get involved in the events?

What do you think of PANORAMA?

How about your chapter’s monthly mag?

What would you like to see PCA national and regional chapters change?

[BigD9146gt]

Hey Mike, when i was a member i liked reading Panorama, the local San Fransico magazine was ok, more like a fun auto traider read.

I went on some Rallies and drives, the Poso Run on Superbowl Sunday in San Luis Obispo is a blast. As for Autocrosses, forking over the dough at the POC Short Track events is the way to go. Even other local clubs that rent out short tracks and big tracks for the weekend are the best bang for the buck if getting track time...

[SandyI]

After a year of competing in the POC Short Track series, I joined the L.A. PCA to get myself more seat time. But the L.A. branch PCA president couldn't give me the most basic information on competition at Streets of Willow, the race track in his region. He referred me to the San Diego branch. Very disappointing.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by SandyI
After a year of competing in the POC Short Track series, I joined the L.A. PCA to get myself more seat time. But the L.A. branch PCA president couldn't give me the most basic information on competition at Streets of Willow, the race track in his region. He referred me to the San Diego branch. Very disappointing.

I don't know where you were going to get more seat time with PCA. That is unless you consider sitting in line at a once-in-a-while autocross for one of about 8 one minute runs to be seat time.

I can get that much seat time just warming the tires driving at the OTR open track days. I'm not dissing you. Variety is good. But, I think I'd rather just drive the curvy roads than sit.

[SandyI]

I guess I'm really confused. Didn't the PCA run at Streets of Willow last year?

[ted]

Originally posted by SandyI
I guess I'm really confused. Didn't the PCA run at Streets of Willow last year?

You bet come give us a try.

Not sure what Zeke is refering to, maybe the OC PCA AX events?

The SD PCA holds near 10 AX events a year at Qualcomm stadium.
Where they get 12 to 13 laps per event for $40.

A twice a year 3 day Performance Driving School hosted by SD PCA is a great value.

The DE's at SD Qulacomm stadium are fun deal too with 4 or more run sessions for $80.

The 2004 SDR TT schedule ran at California Speedway (with POC) Buttonwillow, Pahrump, Big Willow and SOW last year.
Except for CS, with average turnouts drivers get 5 run sessions on Saturdays and 4 sessions Sunday before timed runs. Timing is handled by a transponder system.

SDR PCA has hosted the 3 day California Festival of Speed at California Speedway for several years.
Fun club with over 2000 members and very active in performance driving, charity donations and the wine and cheese stuff too.

My only gripe is that the west coast PCA club racing schedule is kinda light.
http://www.pcasdr.org/home/index.html

[924Sman]

Plenty of DE events and Club Races. I did 8 events in one season attending DE so there IS plenty of track time offered by PCA.

Panorama is a form of revenue as it shows in the amount of advertising placed but does have some interesting stories and it's part of your fees so no big loss to anyone.

Regions vary in size and activities. Some like my region are too small to throw large events so they focus on eating,drinking and showing off cars.

Remember this club is run totally by volunteers! Each region has limitations as to activities.

You DO NOT have to be a member of the region in which you reside if you wish, you can join a more active region to fit your needs.

And for the members, I had several I NEVER have met offer to help pay my way to my first race. PCA members in good standing are in good hands when the chips are down as they will be there to assist anyway they can. And very willing to help one understand our cars and racing them etc.

PCA does have some issues we don't care for but do as much as possible to make things SAFE and FUN and that is what the club is about....fun,education,safe events and friendship. For 42 bucks@2 years not a bad deal at all!

[Zeke]

I QUOTED SANDYI AND HE SAID, L. A. PCA!!! According to their events calendar they had ONE DE at SOW and ONE autox which was labeled GPX, which shouts to me Grand Prix region.

So you guys go ahead and tell me all about the L.A. REGION race events. If there were more, I can't get any info on them. I guess if Sandy wants to guest at the SD or OC events, that's fine with me, you or God, but HE SAID "L.A."

quote:
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Originally posted by SandyI
After a year of competing in the POC Short Track series, I joined the L.A. PCA to get myself more seat time. But the L.A. branch PCA president couldn't give me the most basic information on competition at Streets of Willow, the race track in his region. He referred me to the San Diego branch. Very disappointing.
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Now let's read that one more time. Does that sound encouraging? OK. So, if I join GranPrix region here in Long Beach, do I get to accumulate points and contest the championship in San Diego with only my GP membership?

If I do, then I will modify my statement about the "once in a while" events since all I have to do is drive 106 (more for Sandy) miles each way to San Diego to run....(how much cumulative track time did you say, again?)

[cstreit]

The CHicago Region has a very active chapter with events nearly every weekend. HPDE 1-2 per month, Rally's, AX, and socials fill all free time if you want to.

- Do any of you get involved in the events?

Very few. Club Racing has gotten too expensive for the average Joe to be a front runner. Do the occasional DE or social for fun, maybe 1-2 per year.


- What do you think of PANORAMA?

Good read. Could use more tech talk and less "Bob from the Potato Region bought a new Boxster this month"

- How about your chapter’s monthly mag?

Ugh. I'm SO tired of seeing the same 15 people in the magazine.

- What would you like to see PCA national and regional chapters change?

Less emphasis on clique type events and more Tech sessions, grassroots kinda stuff.

[ted]

easy Zeke,

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Zeke
Now let's read that one more time. Does that sound encouraging? OK.

Yes, many non San Diego residents are members of the SD region PCA. SDR offers many performance driving opportunities.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Zeke
So, if I join GranPrix region here in Long Beach, do I get to accumulate points and contest the championship in San Diego with only my GP membership?

Yes, even better would be to apply to the San Diego region and get their slick monthly mag the Windblown Witness.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Zeke
If I do, then I will modify my statement about the "once in a while" events since all I have to do is drive 106 (more for Sandy) miles each way to San Diego to run....

Many attend AX or DE events at the Q in Dan Diego from as far away as Santa Barbara. Zeke you seem focused only on the AX segment? The TT tracks are all north of LA actually closer to him than the San Diegians.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Zeke
(how much cumulative track time did you say, again?)

Depends if you are asking AX, DE or TT?

For AX 12 to 13 laps on longer faster tracks which for AX events rates actually well above average when compared to AX events across the nation. Then include another 8 laps as a student in your intructors car.

The DE and TT events I already stated above. Basically the same as OTR per day but our events are on weekends and we race for both days, so per event almost twice as much as you are use to.

For a first timer I would suggest try one AX event. Then return for the Performance Driving School, twice a year sells out in advance, very popular. Friday eve catered classroom, Saturday several drill stations, threshold braking, accident avoidance, skip pad throttle steer, mini AX course and one or two more. Sunday is a large AX track to execute what you have learned. No timing involved just laps with your instructor in your car, and sometimes you in his car.
Sunday instructor pairing is one on one.

Zeke never saw your ranting side before, guess we both learned something.
I'd offer you a pamprin and an herbal tea but I expect the humor would be lost on you.

[Zeke]

Wrote ted a PM. I'll wait to see what he says and then reply here. If I have to bake a crow, someone got a recipe?

[ttweed]

Originally posted by Zeke
If I have to bake a crow, someone got a recipe?

Milt- you and Mike (ted) are both right. LA Region PCA is not even on the HPDE (High Performance Driving Event) map. San Diego Region is very active, however, and you would be much better off joining our region with your interests.

POC is the driving club in LA for Porsches, have you joined with them already?

TT

[ted]

Like TT said we're both right, thanks for the PM Zeke.
You experianced the rest now experiance the SD PCA.
I'd say we owe each other a beer sometime.

[Zeke]

TT, yes, I have joined POC. Mike, sounds like a plan, but it's gonna have to get a little warmer than this last week.....

And....., I really don't mind the trip down to Qualcomm, it's the trip back. I hate the check point. I'm driving this racer, no more trailers for me. Sitting in stop and go Sunday traffic is not my deal. Maybe I can get a cheap room in Solana or somewhere up that way.

No crow, then?

[ttweed]

Originally posted by Zeke
I really don't mind the trip down to Qualcomm, it's the trip back.

I hear ya. I think the best thing to do would be to go out to dinner here in SD and wait until about 8-9:00pm to drive back north.

But hey- it's no picnic driving back thru LA to SD from Willow Springs or Buttonwillow on Sunday nite after a long weekend on the track, either!

It might not be worth it for you to drive down to the Q for the autox events, as you will only get 12 laps or so AND have to work corners, but the DE events there are a bargain- 4 or 5 20-minute sessions with paid corner workers--plenty of seat time for the dough, and they set up a faster course than autox events, usually a couple of 100+mph straights, depending on your car. The first DE events are April 10th and May 30th. No official timing, but the Hot Lap transmitter will be set up.

The first PCA-SDR Time Trial event at SOW on Jan. 22-23 will also provide lots of seat time, with transponder timing throughout the weekend.

When will your car be ready?

TT

[ted]

Originally posted by ttweed
But hey- it's no picnic driving back thru LA to SD from Willow Springs or Buttonwillow on Sunday nite after a long weekend on the track, either!

The first PCA-SDR Time Trial event at SOW on Jan. 22-23 will also provide lots of seat time, with transponder timing throughout the weekend.

When will your car be ready?

TT

For real on the drive, the 15 with the freeway construction is a hassle, leave to late Friday or Sunday and its solid with the L.A. flow to Vegas and back for the weekend. Next time I might take the 5 and risk going through L.A. if it avoids gridlock.

Some AX/DE events are on Saturdays, Saturday drive home would be better..or Zeke stick around and will go out and get some grub. Forget the crow, I'd never ask a vegitarian to taste crow.

Thanks for the DE dates Tom T, on my list.

My car is down for a month or so, how soon for yours Zeke?

PS. A middle of the summer DE by the beach in San Diego is much nicer than a middle of the summer race day at any desert track.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by ted

My car is down for a month or so, how soon for yours Zeke?

PS. A middle of the summer DE by the beach in San Diego is much nicer than a middle of the summer race day at any desert track.

Damn, you got that right. I have raced Willow in the fierce wind, bitter cold and blazing heat. Seems like the only time I have ever really been comfortable out there is about 10 AM on a Spring or Fall day before the wind kicks up.

One nice thing about full face helmuts and driver's suits is that the drivers can be protected, while the crew or family is left to fend for themselves with hats and jackets. First thing I do when I arrive in the cold season is to don the suit and maybe a jacket over that. I'll wear my helmut in the paddock if it's windy enough.

Thanks for asking about the car. Tom asked as well. All the parts are here, I just picked up a whole box of nuts, bolts, latches, etc. from the plater. all done up in gold cadium. I'm actually gonna post a pic of the stuff on the 911 board it looks so neat. Anything up to a 100 lb.s for $55. Incredible! Of course, I forgot about a half dozen pieces and they want........, yes, $55! Anyone got up to 99 lbs. they want done.

Should be done in time for the DE, TT season. Well, running, not painted.

[DanS911]

Glad this didn't turn into a Cali pissing match!! (WHEW)
Especially since Mike (you remember him the origional post guy) is from the loan shark state. (Did I read that right?)
Anyway Mike all I can add is that here in Fla the PCA is a great way to meet great people and there are enough events, DE and autocross to keep folks busy most months of the year.
For the anual fee it's hard to beat.

[ted]

Originally posted by LubeMaster77
Need Your Input on PCA national and local chapters . I was wondering what your impression was on PCA in general and your local chapter in particular?

Dan the poster requested local chapter info.
Florida is only mentioned as his home state?
Maybe you read something into it...

[SandyI]

Will the upcoming PCA SOW event be using the entire track, including "the bowl" turn?

Also, when I run my car in the POC STS event 1/30, I'm running G-stock and not required to have 5-point harnesses. Is there a stock exception for the PCA event? Or will I have to install a track bar and 5-point harnesses to run the TT event?