2016 Calendar Getting Around with the Las Vegas Region

Note: Items highlighted in red indicate a new event or change

in the status of a scheduled event and deserve your attention

2017

January

4 (Wed) LVR Board Meeting, at Gaudin

Porsche, 6 pm.

8 (Sun) Members' Breakfast, 9:00 am

at the Red Rock Country Club.

The details are below.

15 (Sun) Annual Holiday-Season Party.

The Porsches and Panache kick-off event of the LVR year. At Cili's. Registration is now open. Details below.

Still Upcoming

State Park Expedition to Wild Horse and South Fork State Recreation Areas and more.

Comments, questions, suggestions regarding this Newsletter may be sent to: lvrnewsletter@gmail.com

More information about the Las Vegas Region may be found at http://www.lasvegaspca.com

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January 15, 2017 (Sunday): LVR After-Holiday Party (That's just two weeks from today)

Our Region's annual really-dress-up-party and dinner will be on Sunday January 15, at Cili's Restaurant at the Bali Hai Golf club, located at 5160 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

The venue is nicely glitzy, and provides a perfect opportunity for the ladies to dress to the nines and for the gentlemen to wear suits or tuxes.

Since some folks have to work the following day, we're going to have cocktails from 5 to 6 pm, with dinner following.

It's heavily subsidized (as in cost) by the Las Vegas Region, and we have to know how many will attend so as to work out the details with the restaurant. The cost to LVR members is $39 per person; the cost for non-members is $80 per person. Everyone gets a free raffle ticket!

Just below is a link that takes you directly to Motorsport.reg, where you can RSVP and pay the appropriate dinner cost. Space is limited and registration closes on January 11! So act now to be assured a place at the table.

Click here to register for the LVR After-Holiday Party: After-Holiday Party Registration

Mark your calendar, and get your nice duds ready.

For further info now, contact Salomon Braun at sbraun5@cox.net.

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Editor's Thoughts:

We've just finished our sort-of-annual review of this Newsletter's e-mail distribution list. We do this to delete e-mail addresses that consistently bounce, are reported as non-existent or undeliverable, or which haven't been opened at all in at least 12 months.

This review has led to a couple of "interesting" observations.

First, through 2016, the Newsletter distribution stood at 620 to 640. The list consists of LVR members, some members of other car clubs in the area, and others who have specifically asked to receive the Newsletter such as family members, associate members, or vendors. Now, your Editors like to think we are very active in the Las Vegas Region. What amazed us is how many on the distribution list we absolutely don't know. Most of these receiving the Newsletter, at least a couple of hundred, open them regularly, and yet we never see them in person.

Most car clubs, including PCA regions, have only a less-than-major portion of their members active. The LVR is no exception. We have all sorts of events and activities, some of which should promote at least a little participation by our subscribers. But we believe we have never met 75% to 80% of those on the list. This astonishes us! How can so many folks own (or be interested in) a Porsche and not interact at all with the local Porsche club? And yet they regularly open the Newsletter.

Next, a substantial number of our subscribers were left on the list simply because they opened one Newsletter or other mailing, or maybe two, over the entire last 12 months. To us, this doesn't have a good explanation as to why only one or two, and we suspect these were inadvertent openings. But we left them on the distribution anyway. This appears to increase even further the number of "mystery" and inactive members.

Last year, 2015, we deleted 137 names from the distribution, leaving us at about 620 at the beginning of 2016. This year, we erased 67, leaving us, after new member growth, with 579 as of right now.

Who are these people? We invite answers.

Here's a reply from one of the other editors . . .

Show Us Your Car!

You are among the greatest group of car nuts west of the Mississippi. Our monthly breakfasts and Third Thursday Socials are loaded with food, beverages, networking with like-minded Porsche People, and much technical and social camaraderie. Some of the venues we've been to before, and sometimes places are new to us. All are interesting and fun.

It's all about the people. We all share the love of anything Porsche-related. From our DE events to Friday drives for breakfast, from Gimmick Rallies to the Porsche Parades and Treffens, from meeting a mechanic or owner of a car just like yours for a chat about problems and solutions, to washing and waxing in preparation for a weekend tour or Cars and Coffee, you've found the most precious resource for the care of your car and hobby.

Come to our events! Show us your car! Let's see your smiling face! How about a photo of your "garage queen's" throne room! Share photos from your favorite drive; share the story of your hunt for the favorite car; share the triumph of your first rebuild. That story and those pictures are worth immortalizing in electronic print.

We've all been there; maybe you're experiencing the newness of that first special car or the angst of IMS bearing failure. Perhaps you're learning new skills on a race track during DE. Have you found the perfect wash and wax routine to deliver the trophy? (Some secrets are worth sharing.)

The point is that the club's members are its true strength. We rely on volunteers, and your participation is your key to unlocking the wealth of knowledge and friendship the club represents. The membership socials are the first step to a deeper understanding and a deeper relationship with your vehicle. The DE events teach you the subtleties of car control at the edge and lead to a greater enjoyment of daily driving.

So, come share with us and take us to a new level. Share your experiences and the love of a fun drive by planning and leading a one-day or weekend drive to a unique destination. We look forward to seeing you. And as a reminder . . .

SO, JUST WHAT DO WE DO IN LVRPCA?

Social: It's not just the cars . . . it's the people!

Las Vegas Region is a very gregarious group of car people. We hold a number of primarily social events throughout the year.

Holiday Party. The premier event of the year is the annual Holiday Party. This event is held at an elegant restaurant or country club and gives members a chance to put on their tuxes and dinner gowns and spend the evening with other Porsche enthusiasts and guests.

Third Thursday. As the name implies, these events are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month during the happy hour time frame. A new location is chosen each month giving members the opportunity to experience a variety of locations and ambiance and get to know your fellow Porschephiles.

Members' Breakfast. On the first Sunday of each month members gather for breakfast, camaraderie, and good chatter. The chatter and food are good (separate checks). We take about 2 minutes for announcements, introduction of new members, and any updates regarding upcoming events.

Car Shows. A setting where Porsches are displayed for general viewing and/or inspection competition. Our shows are typically "shine and show" where cars are shown, but not officially judged, although a "peoples choice" award is often given.

Driving: Dedicated to the belief that . . . getting there is half the fun!

Annual Driving Tour. Each year we plan an extended drive to one or more locations of particular interest (natural beauty, historical significance, etc.). These tours are designed to be relaxed, no pressure drives with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local scenery, attractions, and cuisine. Recent tours were to Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, Mammoth Lakes, and the Oregon and Northern California seacoasts.

Friday Tour and Breakfast. On the first or second Friday morning of each month, members get together for scenic drive around the Las Vegas area with a stop for a relaxed breakfast and chatter. Examples of recent breakfast tours include drives through Lake Mead National Recreation Area to Overton with breakfast at Sugars.

Porsche Parade and/or Treffen North America. The Porsche Club of America hosts two annual gatherings widely separated in time and location. The annual Parade is a weeklong gathering of people and Porsches from all over the world, held in a different location each year: The 2016 Parade was in Jay Peak Vermont. Next year it will be Spokane Washington. The two of them each year,

of the "big" Porsche Club events of the year. It's often the case that Parade is on one coast or the other, and not everyone has the time or budget for a trip like that, perhaps all the way across the country. Treffen provides you with other optiosn. Two Treffens are scheduled for 2017: Treffen Hill Country (Austin, TX) in March/April and Treffen Mountain Vibes (Asheville, NC) September.

Rallys:An event wherein a driver and co-driver complete a predetermined route along open roads following a specific set of navigational instructions. Can be a TDS (time-distance-speed) or a 'fun' or "gimmick" rally.

On The Track . . . High Speed car control and driving techniques.

Driver's Training. A driving course designed to teach and enhance high speed driving skill and technique on an actual race course. Training includes classroom sessions, on-track 'exercises' plus supervised lapping sessions. Driver's Training includes both Novice and Intermediate level options and is a Pre-Requisite for participation in a Driver's Education event.

Driver's Education. High speed driving events on a closed-course racetrack (e.g., Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch) where drivers are grouped according to experience and other criteria. Prior Driver Training participation is required.

Off The Track . . . Low speed car control and driving techniques.

Autocross. Although the LCR does not currently sponsor an Autocross, many Zone 8 Regions do. A low-speed driving event, teaching one how to maneuver one's car around a set course of pylons on a closed circuit. Instruction is usuall available, and drivers compete against the clock. No modifications to one's car are necessary. Some safety equipment needed (helmet). Check out the Zone 8 website for upcoming autocrosses near you.

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Notices from the Board:

For the first time in a long time, we're going to have an actual Membership Meeting in conjunction with the monthly Members' Breakfast on January 8.

The newly-approved Bylaws of the Region require it.

We'll have a Call to Order (if that's even possible), an Agenda, and everything. You can be part of the quorum. That's exciting all by itself.

Some of the LVR Board members will speak (briefly we hope) on their areas of activity and responsibility.

You LVR folks will have the opportunity to act like real members, ask questions, make suggestions, object to stuff, and generally participate in the Region governance.

In case you get bored with the live presentations, we'll also have a running slide show of our activities during 2016.

And don't even think of leaving early; armed guards will be posted.

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Letter to the Editors:

I would like to share a personal experience with my friends about drinking and driving. This might save you the cost and embarrassment of being arrested for DUI.

As you know, people have been known to have unexpected brushes with the authorities from time to time, often on the way home after a "social session" with family or friends. Well, last week, it happened to me. I was out for the evening to a party at a great Mexican restaurant, and had more than several margaritas coupled with a bottle of rather nice red wine. Although relaxed, I still had the common sense to know I was somewhat over the limit.

That's when I did something I've never done before...I took a bus home. On the way home, there was a police roadblock, but since it was a bus they waved it past. These roadblocks can be anywhere and I realized how lucky I was to have chosen to take a bus, and I arrived home safely without incident.

This was a real surprise to me, because I had never driven a bus before.

R. Kramden

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Now . . . . on to the Coming (or just happened) Events

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January 4 (Wednesday) 6:00 pm: LVR Board Meeting at Gaudin Porsche

The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Las Vegas Region will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday evening January 4 (assuming the board has recovered from the excitement of the fireworks along the strip the preceding weekend) at Gaudin Porsche.

This month, the first meeting under the new Board, we'll be working on the calendar for 2017, perhaps discussing the LVR budget for the year, probably ratifying the updated Region Bylaws, and figuring out who's going to say what at the "Membership Meeting"(see the next notice).

All LVR members are welcome and are encouraged to attend and contribute to the running of the Region.

A light dinner will be served. We're usually finished by about 7:30.

For information, contact Mike Dugan at mduganre@gmail.com or 925-470-7706

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January 8 (Second Sunday, or, we just couldn't see getting up early on News Years Day):

Members' Breakfast. 9:00 am at the Red Rock Country Club.

This month, the first breakfast of the new calendar quarter, will, under the newly-updated LVR Bylaws, be an official "Membership Meeting." of the Las Vegas Region. At the first breakfast of each quarter (January, April, July, and October) it will be a real (to wit, official) club meeting. But, we will still be able to savor made-to-order breakfasts, from eggs to omelettes to pancakes and a seemingly endless buffet with just about anything you could imagine including smoked salmon (plus onions and capers and bagels), unlimited bacon and sausages, yogurt, cereal, fresh fruit, muffins, pastries and CINNAMON BUNS (no, there will be no synonym buns), and on and on.

The cost for the unlimited breakfast is just $14 per person, payable upon entry to the dining room. And, we have our own coffee and juice bar in our part of the dining room.

After breakfast, the members of the Board may offer brief reports of events and issues in their area of responsibility. There will also be the opportunity for members to make suggestions, ask questions, or otherwise act like actual members of the Region.

We have the entire entry circle for parking to ourselves; it's quite a Porsche show itself. The dining room is spacious and quiet (except for the frequent spirited discussion). The socializing is lots of fun. Sometimes free car magazines are given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

It can't get any better. It's your own fault if you miss it. But, we are there at the good graces of the RRCC, and they would appreciate us dressing for the occasion and location: no cargo shorts, no short shorts, no untucked shirts unless hem is even all around (shirt-tails must be tucked in). No shower clogs. Collared shirts only. And tipping is always welcome, including the valet, who watches over our cars while we're inside.

For information, contact Mike Dugan at

mduganre@gmail.com or 925-470-7706

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March 29 - April 1, 2017 (Thu-Sat): Treffen Hill Country (TEXAS) . . . Registration opens Wednesday, January 4 at noon

The next Treffen North America will be held in the Hill Country west of Austin, Texas. If you went to the first Treffen in Olympic Village at Lake Tahoe, you know what a fantastic event it was. If you missed that event, you will not want to skip this one.

ACTIVITIES

Each Treffen North America will have two days of "Drives," which attendees may join for a nominal fee of $34. Friday's "Navigator's Day Off" (NDO) activities are $99 each. On Drive days, directions will be provided at no cost to those who want to follow the route but do not want to attend the lunch. For Navigator's Day Off Drives, directions will not be provided to those who do not pay the fee - they are free to explore the area at their leisure.

NDO activities will be announced soon. Check out Drives (Thursday and Saturday) below.

The base registration fee of $375 pp - separate from Drive and NDO activity fees - includes:

Arrival reception on Wednesday
Breakfast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Car show and reception on Thursday
Food event on Friday
Two afternoon socials
Two-steppin' BBQ on Saturday
Apparel with event logo

DRIVE: Let Hill Country Region members lead you through the beautiful "Hill Country" located in the hills west of Austin

DINE: Join your fellow travelers for tasty German food, a snack at the track or the while dancing at the Texas Two-Steppin' BBQ

EXPLORE: Immerse yourselves in the German heritage of the communities of Gruene and Fredericksburg or discover the things that "Keep Austin Weird"

Thursday - Drive ($34 pp includes lunch)

Highland Lakes, The Oasis, and Bluebonnets ($34)

Hill Country Trails and Barbecue ($34)

Fluss Strasse nach Gruene (River Road to Gruene) ($34)

Texas Hill Country and Wimberley Tour ($34)

Hill Country Roads: Devil's Backbone/Luckenbach/Fredericksburg ($34)

Self-tour ($0) - Lunch on your own

Friday - Navigator's Day Off ($99 or explore the area on your own)

TBA

No drive ($0)

Saturday - Drive ($34 pp includes lunch)

Highland Lakes, The Oasis, and Bluebonnets ($34)

Hill Country Trails and Historic Gruene ($34)

Fluss Strasse nach Gruene (River Road to Gruene) ($34)

Texas Hill Country and Wimberley Tour ($34)

Self-tour ($0) - Lunch on your own

For more information click here: http://treffen.pca.org/index.cfm

The HQ hotel will be the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Austin. PCA has negotiated a "spectacular rate" at this four-star hotel and has contracted for a substantial room block to accommodate the attendees. The resort has also offered to extend the conference rate both before and/or after Treffen. A booking code will be provided in the registration process; use that code when making hotel reservations to receive the "spectacular rate."

Remember, registration opens Wednesday, January 4 at Noon local time (2:00pm CST). The first Treffen sold in a couple of hours or less, so if you plan on going, set your alarm for noon on Wednesday the 4^th of January and register.

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Porsche News and Stuff:

2016 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car at Gaudin

Pictured is a 2016 Porsche GT3 Cup Car, 1 of 30 imported to the US. Claiming podium finishes at both Sebring International Raceway and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, this Cup Car completed a full season of racing in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama, sanctioned by IMSA and is in compliance with FIA Homologation Regulation

(NOT STREET LEGAL). The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama is one of Porsche's 20 single-make Cup Challenge series in the world. The series produces intense, exciting competition for semi-professional and aspiring professional drivers in the worlds' most produced and iconic race car, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car. Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas is proud to offer a one of a kind opportunity to purchase this car

With aspiring young talent competing head-to-head with mature veterans, GT3 Cup Challenge USA competes in support of top North American series, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, at the most prestigious venues in North America, such as Sebring International Raceway, Watkins Glen International, Road America, and Circuit of the Americas.

Offered by Gaudin at $189,991.00

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Sentimental Sunday:

We continue our review of the historic "Burma Shave" road signs from our distant past:

A MAN, A MISS		SHAVE THE MODERN WAY
A CAR, A CURVE		NO BRUSH, NO LATHER
HE KISSED THE MISS		NO RUB-IN
AND MISSED THE CURVE.		BIG TUBE 35￠!
BURMA SHAVE		BURMA SHAVE

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Before We Go . . .

Other Events You Might be Interested in. Check this calendar often as it changes frequently with additions and deletions.

Zone 8 Calendar: October - December

Check the Zone 8 website for more information on each event - - Zone 8 PCA

January
Sat	21	Z8	Zone 8 Awards Banquet-The Queen Mary Long Beach [-ad-] [-register-]
Sat/Sun	28/29	SDR	DE TT-Chuckwalla [-register-]	Z8 Points Event
February
Fri/Sat	24/25	AZ	DE [-register-]
March
Sat	4	SDR	AX-Qualcomm [-register-]	Z8 Points Event
Mon	6	GPX	DE AX	Z8 Points Event
Sat/Sun	11/12	SDR	DE TT-Chuckwalla [-register-]	Z8 Points Event
Wed/Sun	29/2	PCA	Treffen-Hill Country-Austin [-register-]

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The Las Vegas Region Board of Directors . . . . 2017

Mike Dugan - President. mduganre@gmail.com 925-470-7706

Phil Reese -Vice-President; Newsletter Co-Editor. philreese356@gmail.com 702-478-6911

Salomon Braun - Past President, Drive Events Chair. sbraun5@cox.net 702-423-2677

Joan Kramer - Secretary. kramerjoan52@gmail.com 702-808-5615

Mike Hill - Past President. myevo8isfast@yahoo.com

Reid Smith - Treasurer. reidhorn@yahoo.com 702-399-4945

Nita Burrows - Membership Chair. nburrows986@gmail.com 702-395-3886

Scott Hatcher - Rallymaster. shatcher.hcc@earthlink.net 702-525-8991

Jim Miller - Newsletter Co-Editor. quais64@me.com 702-835-3298

Brian Schmidt - Track Events Chair. bschmidt@gcwengineering.com 702-655-6883

Scott Mann - Chief Driving Instructor. scott@renegadehybrids.com 805-857-4001

John Burrows - Teen Survival Driving Event Chair. jcb986@aol.com 702-395-3886

Todd Trimble - Social Chair, Social Media Chair. todd@trophylv.com 702-682-1111

Ken Short - Webmaster. ken@ictusinc.com 415-672-1034

Board members at Large:

Linda Reese linandphilabuster@gmail.com 702-478-6911

Barbara Barron barbarabarron@hotmail.com 702-210-5560

Warren Donaldson wd0073@gmail.com

Board meeting minutes: The Board minutes are posted on the LVR Web Site each month after they are approved by the Board. Or.... you can come to the Board meetings and see the goings-on for yourself.

The Region's web site is www.lasvegaspca.com

Our Facebook page is LVRPCA Facebook

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Name Tags are available

To order your Las Vegas Region, Porsche Club name tag, please print clearly the name you want on each tag. Enclose a check or money order for $10.00 made out to Abbott Trophy with your return address printed clearly. Mail to:

Abbott Trophy

953 Sahara A32

Las Vegas 89104

702-735-4995

Att: Mike Mayer

Mike will send your name tag back to you within 10 days to the address you indicate.

As an alternate, Trophies of Las Vegas has a metallic-material badge available, featuring an attractive brushed metal surface, with your choice of lettering.These cost $10.00 as well. The Club Emblem in cloisonne may be affixed, forming a very attractive name badge. The cloisonne emblems are generally available at each Members' Breakfast or at a Board meeting for $5.00. Contact:

Trophies of Las Vegas

4295 S. Arville St.

Las Vegas

702-362-2233