President's Report - Fall 2006
We (I?) seem to have skipped the Summer and moved directly into Fall. How could that have happened? I would think that inexcusable laziness on my part has played a big role in that and I apologize for the lapse in performing my website related duties!
What has PCANFR been up to in the intervening months? Quite a lot I'm happy to say! First and foremost our folks in the Destin Florida area organized and executed our first ever Charity Event and did so in 'Jaw Dropping' style!
Charles 'Alabama Charlie' McPeak of our Destin group (along with other Destin co-conspirators) had the idea of raising funds for the Sacred Heart Hospital Foundation in Pensacola with an 'All Makes' car show at the Destin Commons Mall. Cars would be entered and voted on by the public (and/or their owners with 'cheating' encouraged) with cash donations towards the charity.
The end results? An astounding $40,000 went to the Sacred Heart Foundation as a direct result of this multi car club/owner effort! If it was exotic, it was there. From Ferraris and Lamborghinis to the ever conquering Porsches we so dearly love, the Marques were there. An entry list of close to 100 cars ensured a vast array of high performance automobiles for the public to enjoy.
It goes without saying that PCANFR is extremely proud of the job our folks in Destin pulled off and acknowledge that they have set yet another standard on how PCA can involve itself in activities that benefit both our membership and the communities we live in.
A well deserved 'Thank You!' and 'Hats Off!' goes to 'Alabama' and his henchmen in making this the incredible event that it was!
In other news, we're looking the Squeals & Wheels BBQ and Social in Niceville on the 15th of October dead in the face. DO make sure you RSVP via the instructions on our Upcoming Events page to ensure Bob and Beverly know you're on your way. You don't wont to miss this as it is always an affair to remember!
Also of note is our Holiday Party at the Bay Point Marriott Resort in Panama City Beach on the 2nd of December. Make you plans NOW to receive the special room rate PCA has arranged. See the entry on our Upcoming Events page for details and know that this is a great event that you'll most certainly want to attend.
On a broader scope you may be interested to know that PCANFR, in conjunction with PCA's Space Coast Region, is working on hosting the 3rd ever PCA Escape scheduled for October 2007. This is a new national level event for PCA and is in some ways a 'mini Parade' and in other ways not. Intended to provide a less hectic event with socializing as the key impetus, Escape is tasked with providing a fun 4 day get-together for PCA's faithful who may not be able to attend the Parade scheduled for that year.
Parade on the opposite side of the country from where you live? Can't make it due to distance issues? Not to worry - there should be an Escape on your side of the Mississippi that same year that you might be able to make to get your Porsche and PCA 'fix'! It's as simple as that and PCANFR is proud to be Partnering with Florida's Space Coast Region in bringing this about for 2007. Details will be forthcoming so stand by on how you can help plan and make this event a success!
I'd also like to take the opportunity to welcome aboard PCANFR's most recent sponsor - Smith Motorworks of Panama City, FL. Dave Smith and his crew have long been a fixture in Porsche ownership and racing in the North Florida area and we are proud to have them select PCANFR as an organization to assist and be associated with. Look for Dave's entry on Our Region's Sponsors page shortly.
On a more personal note, Mindy has allowed me to continue to explore the education necessary to enter Road Racing competition at its highest levels! Even after finding out that 'concrete + fiberglass = money'! In short my schooling continues. After a recent run at Road Atlanta with one day being in EXTREME rain (no exaggeration there) I successfully avoided any 'driver induced' damage!
I'll keep you posted on how things go. It is indeed great fun to drive fast in the proper environment with the best instructors available watching and critiquing your every move. Want to do the same? Check out the Panoz Racing School for details on how you can move into Road Racing with PCA, SCCA, HSR, SVRA and (Dare I say?) IMSA and ALMS!
My promise to the faithful is that I'll 1) Get the Winter post out in time for Winter (!) and 2) Improve the website as I'm learning lots of neat tricks at my new employer.
Take care and keep those Porsches in shape. You'll need them to attend the numerous events we have planned for the remainder of 2006!
Barry A. Waters
2006 President – PCA's North Florida Region (PCANFR)