By Hank Menkes and Ben Rasmussen

In previous articles we have detailed our 2008 concours schedule, updated the Championship Points system, explained the annual trophies, and described the actual concours preparation and judging process. We thought, now that we are fully engaged in the concours season, this would be a good opportunity to catch up and reflect on some of our recent events and highlight what is still ahead.

By Drew Karpinski

Did you ever hear that saying about being careful about what you wish for?

As we set up for the first NNJR autocross this past Sunday (April 20), Jim Roca looked a little concerned. “I think attendance today might be a little light today, Drew. Usually the parking lot has a good amount of people already by 7:15, and hardly anyone is here yet.” “Huh,” I replied, half asleep. What do I know? I am usually still in bed at this point… I was amazed just to BE at the Meadowlands before 8:00AM. I took a sip of coffee, and replied, “I think we’ll get a pretty good turnout. It’s supposed to clear up by this afternoon.”

By Javier DeLaCruz, Rally Chair

Our first rally of the season had great weather, a very nice route, a cool end point and a loyal starting point sponsor. We started off at Prestige Porsche of Nanuet, one of our long-time sponsors just over the New York border. They let us hang out in their showroom and garage provided us with bagels, muffins and coffee while we went through and prepared for the day’s event. Chris Buccafuri took care of us while we were there and we were very grateful for the hospitality our rally teams had. In fact some even listened to the rally route instructions from within the comfort of a cabriolet in the showroom.
Jose and Patty DeLaCruz were the guest rallymeisters that day and they presented us with over an hour of challenging and beautiful roads right along the state border. Events do get trickier throughout the season, so this one was just tricky enough to keep it interesting, while keeping you on your toes. The only hiccup we had was that a train passed by through our rally route and held up a few teams, but they were able to get time allowances and it worked out for all.

By Bob Michaelson

We opened the driving season at Pocono with our annual spring event on the North Course. Because of the early April date, the weather can be iffy at this event. This year was no exception. Instructor day on Friday was wet and cold. Those that braved the conditions got as much track time as they wanted, as we ran an open track format. We managed to complete our instructor training with five new instructors appointed. Congratulations to Tom Calabro, Michael Mammano, Stephen Richmond, Nigel Roden and Stephan Tisseront, NNJR's new instructors. On Saturday and Sunday the weather improved. It was still cold, but at least it was dry. With the help of many volunteer instructors, we were able to accept 63 students into the event. Many were first time drivers and many had attended the Mid Winter track event. From the smiles on their faces, I know they all had a great time. Thanks to all of the instructors that came out just to instruct.

Track season really is in full swing now. We have driven our first events at Pocono and Lime Rock and will be on our way to Summit Point shortly. All registration for track events this year is on-line at www.nnjr-pca.motorsportreg.com! There are no longer any mail in applications in Porscheforus or on the website. If for some reason you do not have access to a computer at home or work contact me. I still get a couple of questions about where the track applications can be found!