FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK – APRIL 2026
- April 4, 2026
- Desert Drives, From The Presidents Desk, Uncategorized
- Posted by Gary Lea
- Comments Off on FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK – APRIL 2026
April Update: Full Throttle into Spring
Greetings to our wonderful Porsche family!
March came and went in the blink of an eye, and April looks like it plans to do the same. Is it just my old age, or is time somehow shifting into a higher gear every year?
🏁 HPDE
Our next HPDE event is scheduled for May, and registration is now open, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
We had hoped to run the course in reverse this time, but unfortunately, that will not be happening. No explanation, just a firm “nope.” That said, running the standard configuration won’t stop us from having another fantastic event.
Every time you get out on the track, you learn something new. I continue to be amazed at how much each session improves both skill and confidence. Those car control skills carry over directly into everyday driving and help tremendously when navigating the… let’s call it creative traffic we encounter daily.
🗺️ Tours
Reid, our resident master tour guide, is hard at work planning new tours for the year. If past tours are any indication, we’re in for something special.
We also have a surprise tour planned for September, and that’s all I’m allowed to say. Sharing any more details might result in my sudden and mysterious disappearance.
🌄 Day Drives
Topock Drive was a great success this year, with approximately 20 cars making the run. We even met up with JP, Romi, and the crew, who clearly opted for the “we’re really hungry” pace on the way to Topock.
Everyone had a fantastic time, and best of all, there were no incidents.
Well… almost.
We did encounter one particularly dedicated “keeper of the speed limit” who ensured no one exceeded 25 mph through the first twisty section, despite the presence of multiple turnouts. While the car ahead of him kindly moved aside early on, our truck friend remained committed to his mission. Thankfully, we were able to get around him once we reached Oatman.
Our Gunlock Reservoir drive, originally scheduled for March 28th, has been moved to April 18th, and the announcement has gone out.
We had such a great time on the last run that this one deserved a repeat. While the mild winter means the waterfalls may not be at full strength, the latest update as of April 2nd suggests there is still a reasonable chance we may see them flowing.
“Our greatest horsepower isn’t under the hood—it’s the people who make this club what it is.”
❤️ Charity
Giving back continues to be a core part of our club’s mission. We remain actively involved in both volunteer work and fundraising efforts.
Last month, we had the pleasure of presenting checks to our beneficiary organizations. More details can be found in the Drives section.
We are also placing special focus on Gaudin Technical Institute, which is now operating as a fully donation-funded organization. This is an incredible cause that truly deserves our support.
🛞 Chef William’s Red Rock Motor Club
Our very own Chef William hosts a gathering on the first Monday of each month at Red Rock Country Club.
The event begins at 5:00 p.m. and is open to everyone. A great group of people always attends, along with an impressive lineup of cars. Food and beverages are available for purchase in the clubhouse, making it a perfect way to spend the evening.
☕ Cars und Kaffee
Held on the last Sunday of each month, this event continues to draw a fantastic crowd of automotive enthusiasts.
We welcome everyone, and the variety of vehicles never disappoints. Alongside our Porsches, you’ll see Italian exotics, British sports cars, Japanese GT-Rs, classic American muscle, off-road rigs, and even vintage motorcycles.
We meet from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Good Wolf parking lot at Imperial Street and Commerce in the Arts District. Coffee is available for purchase.
🥤 Espresso and Exotics
A newer addition to our Sunday lineup is Espresso and Exotics. And let’s be honest, you can never have too many great car gatherings.
This event takes place on the second Sunday of each month, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at Mothership Coffee at The Bend (8740 W. Sunset Rd., Unit F-150).
It’s a fantastic event hosted by a great group of people, many of whom are fellow Porsche enthusiasts.
See You on the Road
Our club continues to grow because of the energy and enthusiasm of our members. Whether on the track, out on a scenic drive, or gathered over coffee, it’s the people who make every event memorable.
We look forward to seeing you at the next event. Until then, drive safe and enjoy every mile.
2026 Board Members
Gary Lea – President
Reid Smith – Immediate Past President / “Yoda”
Mark Coronado – Vice President (Brunches)
Marnie Cameron – Secretary (Charity)
Ed Hanford – Treasurer (Finance)
Jed Weintraub – Director (Compliance)
Open – Historian / Insurance
Val Dodd – Director (New Members)
Farhaad Shiekh – Director (Social Media / Webmaster)
Craig Shanklin – Southern Utah Director
Ken Hollman – Southern Utah Director
Chanelle Bautista – Director
Richard Burns – Director
Brad Cameron – HPDE Co-Chair
Brian Schmidt – HPDE Co-Chair / Chief Driving Instructor
Richard Cruz – Tour & Drive Co-Director
Barbara Barron – Chief Volunteer Officer
Paul Jarrett – Porsche Dealer Representative
Martha Burba – Mix & Mingle Coordinator
Lynda Colluci – Brunch Speaker Coordinator