Category: Desert Drives

Hello fellow Porsche enthusiasts—meet Charles and Barbara Washington.

We have been Las Vegans since 1990, moving here from the Florida Gulf Coast—and what a change that was. Barbara was a CPA, small business consultant, accounting department manager, and I was a computer scientist, statistician, mathematician, project manager, university faculty member, systems architect, pre-AI expert systems developer, and involved in several other related fields of study.

This is our story.

Charles

My father used to say that someday he was going to dust the world.

He grew up on a farm and remembered long days working in the fields while cars sped past on the dirt road, leaving behind drifting clouds of dust. In those days it was called “getting dusted.” He would raise his fist and declare that when he grew up, he was going to drive [...]

Our recent Cars, Coffee & Conversation gathering at Corsa Coffee was the perfect blend of community, conversation, and, of course, incredible cars.

The first-arriving member’s Porsche wasn’t just parked—it was showcased inside the Corsa Coffee showroom, becoming the centerpiece of the morning and a true conversation starter.

With more than 25 Porsches in attendance, the lot featured everything from modern performance icons to beautifully maintained classics. The result was an impressive display that drew admiration from members and guests alike.

A Warm Welcome to New Members

One of the highlights of the morning was the strong turnout of new members. It was wonderful to see so many fresh faces joining our Porsche family, connecting with longtime members, and quickly becoming part of the camaraderie that makes our club so special.

Events like this are a great reminder that while we share a passion for cars, it’s really the people that make this community thrive.

A [...]

I recently attended a discussion about the PCA Juniors program, and it really got me thinking.

We often talk about attracting younger members to strengthen the future of our club. There’s no question that younger generations are essential to the growth and long-term success of any organization, and we are no exception.

To be honest, many of our members are a bit older. I include myself in that group at 72 years young. When I first learned about the Juniors program, I immediately signed up my oldest granddaughter, who is now 17.

She already has her eye on my 2009 Carrera S and has made it very clear that she plans to claim it someday. She loves cars, and her dream Porsche is a 1973 911S in green with a tan interior. Whenever she visits, her favorite activity is going for a drive together in the Porsche.

A Personal Perspective

My own Porsche journey started [...]

San Francisco Cars und Kaffee Debuts at Stunning New Location!

The San Francisco chapter of Cars und Kaffee celebrated a successful debut at its brand-new venue on Sunday, March 26th. The event moved to the impressive 4,000-square-foot Deeb Spec car showroom in San Rafael, owned by Michael Deeb — JP’s partner from the Bid Nerds.

Attendees were treated to far more than just the cars. The spacious showroom housed an outstanding collection of classic and collectible vehicles, while the walls featured Michael’s eclectic and sophisticated art collection. Instead of the usual vintage gas pumps and 1950s oil signs, guests enjoyed rare Porsche and Italian car prints that made the space feel like a true automotive gallery. Many remarked that the art on the walls was every bit as spectacular as the cars outside.

A huge turnout filled the area, with classic and collectible Porsches (and other fine cars) parked all around the building. Enthusiasts traveled [...]

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 [...]

🏁 Shifting into Spring: Track Days, Tours, and Club Gatherings

Greetings to our wonderful Porsche family!

The year is already off to a fantastic start, and it’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of the first quarter of 2026. February brought plenty of activity for the club, with everything from track time to planning upcoming tours and drives. As always, it’s inspiring to see so many members getting out, enjoying their cars, and sharing the experience with fellow enthusiasts. The calendar ahead is packed with great events, and there is something for everyone whether you enjoy the thrill of the track, a scenic tour, or simply gathering with friends over coffee and great cars.

HPDE

We kicked off the year with our first High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) event on February 21–22, and it was a fantastic success. Our team continues to run a truly first-class operation, and the positive feedback from participants [...]

The Las Vegas Porsche Club of America continues to prove that a passion for performance cars goes hand in hand with a passion for helping the community. This season, club members came together for several meaningful charity initiatives that reflect the heart and generosity of our Porsche family.

Bringing Holiday Joy to Foster Children

The holidays were made brighter through our annual Toy Drive benefiting local foster children. Club members donated thoughtfully selected gifts to ensure children who might otherwise go without could still experience the excitement of the season.

Donations ranged from sports equipment and model cars to more than $500 in gift cards for teens. While the number of gifts was impressive, what stood out most was the spirit of generosity behind every contribution.

“Our greatest horsepower isn’t under the hood — it’s the generosity of our members.”

A Successful Gala Night and Silent Auction

In addition to spreading holiday cheer, the [...]

What More Could You Ask For?

Arrival

When the original event was postponed without a new date, we decided not to waste a perfectly good day. Instead, we gathered at Tivoli Village to support two great local businesses: the first anniversary of Scissors & Scotch and the grand opening of JMA Chocolates, located just a few doors down.

About 20 cars rolled in, lining both sides of the street in front of the two establishments and turning the area into an impromptu Porsche display.

The Moment

Friends stopped to admire the cars while members caught up over chocolate and conversation. We were even joined by the infamous duo of Steve and Steve, our good friends from the Mercedes Club, who came out to enjoy the afternoon with us.

The weather cooperated perfectly. It may have been a little warm for February, but the sunshine made for an ideal day to talk cars and enjoy Tivoli [...]

Gary Lea President

Mark Coronado Vice President

Ed Hanford Treasurer

Marnie Cameron Secretary

Craig Shanklin Director So Utah

Ken Hollman Director So Utah

Richard Burns Director

Chanelle Bautista Director

Val Dodd Chairman – New Members

Brad Cameron HPDE Chairman

Brian Schmitt HPDE Co-Chair/CDI

Paul Jarrett Gaudin Porsche Representative

Reid Smith Immediate Past President

Richard Cruz Drives and Tours

Farhaad Shiekh Social Media / Webmaster

The sound of engines echoing off the mountains and a full paddock of Porsches can only mean one thing: HPDE season is officially underway.

We kicked off the new HPDE season with another fantastic event this past month. We had a terrific turnout with approximately 77 cars, an incredible group of instructors, and an army of dedicated volunteers helping everything run smoothly.

It’s clear that our program continues to grow little by little, and we’re excited to be back to four events this year.

Our next HPDE is scheduled for May 17–18, and registration is already open. Be sure to sign up early so you don’t miss out.

And here’s a little teaser: we may get the chance to run the Charleston Peak track in reverse. That would turn the circuit into a completely different driving experience. Imagine tackling our beloved Corkscrew (currently Turns 9, 10, and 11) from the opposite direction. Whoa buddy… that [...]