For the third straight Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 race, the spotlight was on the #87 Farnbacher Loles Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entry of Keen and Werner. The trifecta victory increased their GT points lead to 29 points, 221-192, over Pontiac drivers Paul Edwards (Ft. Collins, CO) and Kelly Collins (Newport Beach, CA), who finished seventh.

Porsches occupied two positions on the GT podium, with the #TRG Porsche 911 GT3 of Justin Marks (Chico, CA) and Andy Lally (Newport, NY) finishing third and jumping two spots in the point standings to fourth.

The top finishing Porsche-powered Daytona Prototype was the #59 Brumos Porsche Riley of JC France (Ormond Beach, FL) and Joao Barbosa (Portugal) in eighth position in the 250-mile race held in staggering heat (almost 100 degree F) and humidity (more than 80 percent) on the Fourth of July.

The #12 Verizon Wireless Penske Porsche Riley of Porsche works drivers Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) finished a season-worst 11th, the last car on the lead lap. The race was won by the #10 Sun Trust Racing Ford Dallara of Max Angelelli (Monaco) and Brian Frisselle (Aspen, CO), the fifth team to win a Grand-Am race this season.

The Rolex 24 winning #58 Brumos Porsche Riley of David Donohue (Malvern, PA) finished 32nd overall and 17th in DP after Donohue had an electrical fire that shorted out his dashboard and forced him to be towed back to the paddock for repairs after just five laps.

Winning has become routine for Keen and Werner, who posted their fourth victory in seven races this season. “When things go bad in racing, they go really bad and I’ve been there before,” Keen said. “I don’t know if they can get any better than this, unless we can win the next race, too. “It was a pretty straight forward race. I qualified second, stayed second most of my stint, and gave the car to Dirk in good position. He brought it home and we increased the points lead, That’s as good as it gets.”

Werner faced heavy pressure from Mazda driver Sylvain Tremblay (Miami) in the closing laps, but held on for the GT victory after the Mazda overshot a corner trying to pass Werner late in the race. “I knew he was trying to make his attack by the end of the race and his car was pretty good,” Werner said. “When you are out there leading, you don’t have time to think about the end of the race. The good thing is the guy behind you has to push and find a way to pass you. He has to make a move and then I can react. “The key to our success is Leh keeps the car at the front and that puts me in a good position. I don’t have to push to get to the front and abuse the tires. The crew is working well right now and we like to reward them with a trip to victory lane.”

Porsche drivers now rank in five of the top eight spots in the championship battle. Farnbacher Loles’ Eric Lux (1acksonville, FL) is tied with TRG’s Spencer Pumpelly (Suwanne, GA) for third with 185 points.

Dreams of any Porsche DP championship scenarios probably melted in the heat at Daytona.

“We are doing a good job in the infield, and we go well when we run alone on the banking, but we hit the rev limiter when running in the draft on the NASCAR portion – just running out of gear,” Bernhard said.

“Slow … slower … slower-est,” Dumas said. “Even with more RPMs, the power was not there. You would want to go faster, catch the car in front of you and you could not. Plus, it was so hot! All you could think of keep going, keep pushing, keep trying and maybe the other driver would think of the heat. I have never before been so frustrated and so angry in the cockpit. When I get so excited, I speak more rapidly and the crew say they can not make out my words. Maybe it is better they did not understand me.”

“It was really hot in the car, and then I realized there was a fire (in the cockpit),” Donohue said. “The dashboard was dead, so I couldn’t do anything about it. They towed me back to the paddock, and the Brumos crew made the repairs and got me back out there. We had such high hopes for the race, and it was a big, fat nothing.”

Dumas and Bernhard still rank fourth in the driver’s standings with 182 points but luckily only lost four points to leads Scott Pruett (Auburn, CA) and Memo Rojas (Mexico), who finished seventh in their Lexus Riley. Winners Angelelli and Frisselle are only one point behind Pruett and Rojas heading into the next race, the Porsche 250 at Barber Motorsports Park in Brimingham, AL, July 17-19.

Round 8 of the Grand-Am Series takes place on 19 July in Birmingham in the US State of Alabama.

Current Standings after the 7th of 12 races in the Grand-Am Series

Race result
1. Angelelli/Frisselle (MC/USA), Ford Dallara (DP), 70 laps
2. Gurney/Fogarty (USA/USA), Pontiac Riley (DP), 70
3. Dalziel/Lester (USA/USA), BMW Riley (DP), 70
4. Pew/Valiante (USA/CAN), Ford Riley (DP), 70
5. Friselle/Wilkins (USA/CAN), Ford Riley (DP), 70
6. Negri/Patterson (USA/USA), Ford Riley (DP), 70
7. Pruett/Rojas (USA/MEX), Lexus Riley (DP), 70
8. Barbosa/France (P/USA), Porsche Riley (DP), 70
9. Krohn/van der Poele (USA/B) Ford Lola (DP), 70
10. Speed/Busch (USA/USA), Lexus Riley (DP), 70

Result GT class
1. Werner/Keen (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 66 laps
2. Ham/Tremblay (USA/USA), Mazda RX-8, 66
3. Lally/Marks (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 66
4. Assentato/Segal (USA/USA), Mazda RX-8, 66
5. Henzler/Lux (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 65
6. Pumpelly/Ballou (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 65

Points’ standings Driver DP class
1. Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas, Lexus, 199 points
2. Brian Friselle, Max Angelelli, Ford, 198
3. Alex Gurney, Jon Fogarty, Pontiac, 196
4. Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas, Porsche, 182
5. Michael Valiante, Ford, 172
6. David Donohue, Darren Law, Porsche, 162
Joao Barbosa, JC France, Porsche, 162

Manufacturers DP class
1. Ford, 224 points
2. Pontiac, 202
3. Lexus, 199
4. Porsche, 196

Driver GT class
1. Dirk Werner, Leh Keen, Porsche, 221 points
2. Paul Edwards, Kelly Collins, Pontiac, 192
3. Spencer Pumpelly, Porsche, 185
Eric Lux, Porsche, 185
4. Sylvain Tremblay, Nick Ham, Mazda, 179
5. Robin Liddell, Andrew Davis, Pontiac, 178

Manufacturers GT class
1. Porsche, 233 points
2. Pontiac, 204
3. Mazda, 199

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[Source: PCNA]

He knew I was a car guy from the few times we’d met. Before leaving on vacation with his girlfriend, he asked my wife if I would mind taking care of his Boxster while he was away. When my wife called me with the news, I could hardly believe it. This guy who barely knew me was just going to let me use his Boxster? Yes! Of course I said yes.

I hopped the Metro North train to my wife’s office at the end of my work day. I walked up the flight of stairs to her office, where the keys awaited me. I was jittery-I hadn’t driven a Boxster for a few years. It was dark. It was rush hour on I-95. But I had to drive this car.

I unlocked the door and settled into the low, supportive leather bucket seat. I noticed the wood accents on the steering wheel and emergency brake warmed up the stark black interior. Some people say there’s no reason for wood in a Porsche, but it looked great here. I was hoping for some music for the commute home. Checking the CD’s, I settled on “The Pretenders”. I turn on the car-she fires right up, and settled into a near silent idle. I load the CD, cue up “Middle of the Road”, blip the throttle, click into reverse and I’m off.

Nervous that this is a used car, and one that is not used often, I’m suspicious of everything-the steering seems nervous, or am I not used to the car? I get the car home, and I’m relieved. No problems.

The next day, I get the car cleaned. I feel better looking at it, getting to know her in the daylight. She is a joy, and is everything wonderful I recalled from my last drive of a Boxster. Tight. Focused. Lively when you want her to be. Just a real, docile, friendly sports car that isn’t scary, but oh, the sound she makes when the tach sweeps up!

Falling in Love with a Porsche Boxster

I visited all my favorite local driving roads with my wife in the week we had the car to ourselves. Any excuse to get out and drive was good enough for me. I had gotten used to the car as the week wore on, and yes, I was falling in love with it. It was with a heavy heart when the time came to put the Porsche back into its lonely parking spot back at the office building, where I knew it would just sit and collect dust.

Yes, the owner maintained the car, but my wife informed me his mechanics always complained he just had to drive the car more. I was asked to look after his Boxster each time he went on vacation-it was the only time the car got any real use. He knew I’d have the car cleaned and returned with a full tank of premium, and that I didn’t abuse her. I felt like I had assumed the role of caretaker, but only temporarily. I actually felt bad for the car. I enjoyed the Boxster immensely when I had it, but when the time was up, I knew she was relegated to the role of a dust magnet.

Eventually, I bought my own 911. I continued to get offers to look after the Boxster, but my wife finally told her boss that when I had the time I preferred to drive my own Porsche, which was true. Any Porsche is a pleasure to drive, but you cannot deny the connection between you and YOUR own Porsche.

With a weakening business, my wife’s boss decided to close his office about three and a half years ago. I’m guessing he sold that Boxster, and I hope that car is enjoyed on a far more regular basis than before.

As for me, I’m still happy with my ’76 911S Targa. But I will always have a soft spot for the Boxster. Should I ever buy one, you better believe the first song I’ll listen to is The Pretenders “Middle of the Road”.

Today’s post come courtesy of Tom Williams from Milford, CT. Tom, a member of the International Motoring Press Association, provides automotive news, reviews, commentary and editorials for The Garage (thegarageblog.com) and Car Keys (www.carkeys.ca). Tom first joined PCA as a member of the Central Pennsylvania Region in 1994 when he bought a 1987 924S. He rejoined PCA, this time with the Connecticut Valley Region in 2004 after he acquired his 1976 911S Targa.

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[Source: Tom Williams]

For those of you unfamiliar with this type of event, a TSD rally is a Time-Speed-Distance contest where two participants — a pilot and co-pilot — draw a pre-determined start time. Using this time, cars report to a check-in location where they are given a packet containing ultra-secret route instructions. Cars then drive to the secret start location, where they wait 30 minutes after their start-time to begin the actual event. Participants must follow the route and prescribed speed limits closely. The event includes several checkpoints which cars must clear, having completed the segments as closely to the “perfect” time as possible, with penalties doled out for going too slow/fast.

Before the event, participants had the opportunity to attend a “Rally School” to familiarize themselves with the event rules and language of the route instructions. It’s a good thing, too, because the instructions generally read like this:

Right at STOP — CAST 18 – SL40 CAST 39 – Left after “Red Cliff,” CAST 14 – etc.

We reported at check-in, a parking structure in Lionshead, and were glad to meet Lee Sammons, who is a “rallymaster” and was in charge of developing the route. Using our favorite line, “we’re journalists with PorschePurist.com,” we secured a few route details from Lee, who pointed out scenic areas and places where we might get lost. Good thing, too, because even after the rally school we were not exactly sure we would know how to follow the route directions.

We hopped back in the GT3/Ford, reset the odometer, and were off on the route. Aside from the gorgeous Colorado scenery, following a variety of Porsches was a definite highlight for us. Perhaps tipped off by the camera dangerously held out the passenger’s window as our fearless Motorsport Editor drove as if on a race track, drivers soon realized that we were there to photograph their cars. They played to the camera: some smiled, some waved, we got thumbs-up signs, and even a peek at a Ferdy Bear who was riding with a couple in a Guards Red C4S.

Aside from those who were there to enjoy, there were a few participants who were clearly taking the TSD Rally very seriously. Cathy and Mike Martin, driving a yellow ‘03 996 with black racing stripes, told us they had participated in the Targa Newfoundland Rally and that we could interview them later because they “were here to win on Mobil 1”! While most drivers and copilots smiled whilst driving, there were a few whose focus was palpable. I met a woman at the Mt Massive Golf Course (site of our second checkpoint) who exhaled, wiped sweat off her brow, and said, “this is stressful!”

At every checkpoint, friendly PCA volunteers worked seamlessly to enhance the participants’ experience. The first volunteer would call out the arriving car’s number, and the car would be registered. The remaining volunteers would hand the car a slip and send it on its way to the next segment. At the first checkpoint, volunteer Sean Cridland approached us and said, “are you from Porsche Purist? I want a case of Mobil Oil!” We were happy to take his contact information and continue on our way (congratulations Sean for finding Valerie and Christian and winning a case of Mobil1).

More scenic roads lead us to Leadville, CO, which reportedly has one of the coldest, snowiest winters in the country, often 9 months of snow! That was not the case today, where sunshine and perfect temps in the 70s greeted us. After taking a brief break there and enjoying several cars which we’d been following waving as they came by, we resumed our adventure through the mountains.

The Mobil 1 Rally finished at the epicenter of the Porsche Parade, the Keystone Conference Center. As cars came by, smiles were the norm, and Porsche owners fresh off their 3 ½ hour adventures through the Colorado roads crowded the parking lot. As we were ready to call it a day, Tim Drummer approached us and asked for a case of Mobil 1 oil for his Cayman S, becoming our second and final winner. The perfect end to an adventurous day!

Even though we didn’t have our Porsches with us, we truly enjoyed being a part of this event, a visual feast of nature and cars shared with friendly people. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Just a quick note of gratitude to PorschePurist.com’s Valerie Roedenbeck and Christian Maloof for the great coverage and photos. Of course, thank you as well to Mobil1 for supplying the oil for PorschePurist.com to give away and sending Valerie and Christian out to report and attend.

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The Historic Display section greeted us first, and there were quite a few memorable cars there. There was a widespread display of rare cars including a 1960 Carrera Abarth, a 356 Super-90 GT, and a 1966 906, always a crowd favorite. Motorsport Editor Christian Maloof, who owns and races a 1995 993, particularly enjoyed the ’73, ’93, and ‘97 RSRs on display. As far as race cars went, the 1968 908-2 Spider once driven by Bobby Rahal was a highlight for all Porsche race car lovers.

An immaculate 550 Spider, complete with leather clasps holding the engine compartment down, was a highlight for us. Its silver paint was pristine, and the owner clearly enjoyed driving and displaying the vehicle.

By far the most rare Porsche there was a white 1998 GT-1. It was on display next to the more “common” Carrera GT. For those of you who may not be familiar with the GT1, it was a homologated version of the Le Mans-winning GT-1 R. These ultra-rare road cars once sold for 1 million dollars!

There were two 959s on display. A 959 in polar silver (whose owner proudly proclaimed his use of Mobil 1 in not just this priceless race car, but his Cayenne as well) had once not been street legal in the USA.

In the GT3 department, there were quite a few interesting specimens on display, including the classic orange plus red, white and even silver cars. Some were clearly driven on the track, whereas others were a lucky owner’s garage queen, but all were spectacular.

There were plenty of beautiful 356s. One, a Porsche 356 Speedster proudly showed the Mobil 1 Pegasus and displayed its original toolkit.

Next to the Historic Display were six Porsche tractors. It’s important to remember Porsche’s beginnings, and the tractors serve as a reminder of the company’s early focus. Included in the display were Diesel Juniors, Standards, Super-Export 329 and a Goliath.

Everywhere, owners were lovingly cared for and displayed their cars, happy to tell us about their history, current use and even value. Every Porsche owner has his or her own way of enjoying his or her car, and at the Parade, it’s all good.

If you want to see our constantly updated album, take a look at our Pictures of the Porsche Parade 2009

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On the drive to Keystone, our 3 ¼ cylinder rental Ford Focus lacked the torque needed to attack the mountain passes, but it sure coasted beautifully once we managed to clear them. Luckily Motorsport Editor Christian Maloof was at the helm, as slow hands were crucial on this trip. It was on one such majestic coasting sessions that we caught up to our first P-car of the week, a midnight blue Cayman S. Oh, how it made me long for my own Fritz, sitting in my garage far away in Michigan.

On our final approach to the Parade epicenter, we pulled up next to a 993 whose color we did not recognize. The owner was kind enough to tell us it was oak green, a stock color in the 1970s, which he’d had custom-applied to his 993. We would soon learn rare and custom Porsches are de rigueur at the Porsche Parade.

When we arrived at registration, we were greeted by kind volunteers who handed us water, a bag of snacks, and instructed us to park and walk to the main building. The parking lot was awash in even more beautiful cars of all vintages – a 964 RS, two 996 GT2s, a lone 912, a 911 E and many more to mention. Owners were interacting, washing and otherwise enjoying the beautiful landscape.

The sound of modified 997s with aftermarket exhausts bounced off an immaculately preserved 356 winding by, creating a wonderful cacophony of engine sounds. The stark contrast of new and old Porsches made for an exotic palate of colors, shapes and sounds. The visual treats were aplenty, too: at our lodging check-in, the parking lot was taken by a Carrera GT, one of 50 Azurro California Blue 911 Club Coupes, and a 356, all in a row. Nowhere else is a Porsche lover faced with three such choices!

Registration was incredibly well organized, with clear signage, well informed volunteers and an overall positive attitude. We spent the next few hours talking with our friends Bob Rybarczyk from Mobil1 and Eric Gedeon from Rally Sport PCA, who had driven his Boxster from Ann Arbor to attend the event. We quickly found at these events one quickly makes friends, as people didn’t hesitate to approach us to ask us about our involvement with Porsche. (No takers on the case of Mobil oil yet, though!).

PorschePurist.com’s Christian Maloof

A highlight of meeting Porsche folks came when we met Vu Nguyen (executive director of the PCA, Leonard Turner and Betty Jo Turner (editor of Panorama Magazine). I enjoy my Panorama every month, and I was glad to be able to tell Betty in person what a phenomenal job she does editing our club magazine.

Today promises to be an equally exciting day. More and more Porsches are driving in to Keystone, and a few key events are on our radar. First and foremost, we’ll be joining Bob from Mobil 1 at the Concours D’Elegance early this morning. From what we have seen so far, there is bound to be an amazing display of perfectly cared for Porsches. We’ll be posting photos by lunchtime today, so join the judges in deciding which of the many is the most beautiful!

After the Concours, we’ll stop by the Historic Display to examine a bits of Porsche history that we’ll also share with you via Facebook and Twitter (if you haven’t already befriended/followed Porsche Purist, do so now!).

At 1:30, we’re scheduled to participate in the PCA Rally School. As we’re quickly learning, the Mobil 1 TSD Rally is no silly scavenger hunt. The rules are complex, the instructions require attention to detail, and the drivers who place well work very hard to earn their top spots.

We’ll probably close the afternoon with a visit to the Art Show, which showcases various depictions of the cars we love. We’ll tell you more about what we see and learn later today – stay tuned!

As the day goes on, we’ll work on putting together a complete photo album for your review as well. Lots more pictures to follow….

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