924Board.org

[mrgtturbo]

I may not have the money to join these clubs right now anyway, but it's been a happy thought for the last year... well, until I looked into them more. That's when my dreams were crushed.

What do they think, just because you own a Porsche you're loaded with cash?

Oh yeah, I think I'll join so I can cash in on that $1000- cash back thing for buying a new Boxster. huh?

Ok... so I live in an area that there is little to nothing in life but crazy people who talk to squirls, run from rabbits, and write books about their bad dreams. Steven King may have done well with this but the adverage Joe here in Maine can't afford to feed their wife, there are alot of big people in this state, maybe this is the reason for the few Porsche's seen on the road here, (as well as the number of sheep you see with woolless butts, but that's another story).

Anyway... Looking through what you get out of a membership this is what I see;

You pay your yearly dues, (a pretty penny), so that you have the right to pay out more money to a more localized club, so that then you can pay them again to be allowed involvement in the one or two things they have going on in the years time. Ofcourse unless you have some sort of special license, (which I do not yet understand how you obtain), you're limited to paying to drive your car on the track at a low speed as in a parade, or buy lunch at the same place, at the same time as other Porsche owners buy lunch... oh, but first you have to register for this lunch with the local club, and get a reservation for the resturant, and then drive a couple hours to get there on time.

Is it all about location?
I know Maine is not the "IN" place to be, but come one... what makes it worth it?

Maybe I'm missing something here, and I "DO NOT" mean to offend those of you who are members, I wanted to be a member... but come on.
If I'm hitting the nail on the head, I've got a better idea.

Each of you send me the $200- or so you invest into it within the years time, then I'll invite you to drive all the way up here for dinner, you wont have to worry about making the reservations yourself, even stay for the night in a motel with an indoor pool so you can have a couple drinks with dinner, oh and the best part.... you wont have to pay for any of it. The $200- would cover it.

Is it really worth joining?
Who here has?
Please offer me some insight to why I should still consider it.

oh... one more thing.... I take PayPal.
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81' 931

[Lizard]

I have joined the PCA, or PCNA in my region, cost $42 usd for 1 year of membership, no additional fees except for the track days/drivers ed, which is about $100 for the day, this covers the track costs for the day
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3 928s,

[mrgtturbo]

That's not so bad.

The way I read into it, I first had to join the PCA for $79- a year, so that I could join the local club, (forget the name), that was another 40- something dollars a year. Then I could be involved with the couple events they hold, (with the exception of racing)... for a fee.

I was like... WOW, all that money just to hang out with fellow Porsche owners a couple times a year.
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81' 931

[Lizard]

go to PCA.org and read there things, but I went to the events last year not even being a member, I actually was invited and asked to come even though I wasnt a member,

I would e-mail the contact at pca.org, and ask them what extra fees there may be, but for most of the events there are NONE, as it is a NON profit org,
the fees up here are none for all events excluding the Autocross ($35) and drivers ed/track days, which last year they said it was only $100 for the day. there are event where it is an overnight and you have your choice of paying PCA for the room and then if they get enough they get a discount, or you dont have to pay but you will have to find your own accomidations or sleep in your car,
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3 928s,

[Doodle]

Where I am, membership provides probably the cheapest way to get in a little controlled track time (where you get to know your car and your own limits) before deciding if you want too plunk down considerably more money for a competition license. $35.00 for a Saturday spent autocrossing with a bunch of like minded individuals versus $60.00 with other clubs. Free tech forums sponsored by major tire suppliers etc. Through an affiliation with the local BMW club, an opportunity to dyno the car for $50.00 versus the regular $130.00. Numerous social events, Saturday drive-abouts with a breakfast stop. Our region provides a lot of opportunities to interact with other automobile enthusiasts.

As far as the cost goes, somebody has got to rent the track, somebody has got to cover the cost of insurance for the event, pay for the equipment; flags, cones, timers, etc., pay to have the ambulance on standby, etc. etc. The point is the average person simply can't participate in any form of legal, sanctioned speed competition without the capabilities provided by an organization like the PCA and its regional members.

As with any "club", you only get out of it what you put in. 924Board is our free club. But don't forget, it's costing somebody somewhere, their time and other resources to provide this opportunity for us 924 enthusiasts to interact. I participate to the best of my ability because if I don't, there is no club.

I asked the same questions you are and in the end decided to drop $100.00 and try a 1 year membership. I've attended a few local events without my car even being on the road and had a good time. Met some interesting people and experienced some stuff I otherwise wouldn't have had the chance too.
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Doodle
Pre 77.5 Mars Red

[Khal]

I joined the Porsche Club of Queensland ( http://www.porsche-qld.org.au ) the first year I had my car. It was AU$80 for the year. It was good but I was a fair bit younger (25) than nearly all of the members so I didn't really "fit in." And of course, they have weekend sprints and such but I couldn't really afford to do that sort of thing (do you know the price of tyres?!), so I let my membership lapse.
Now it's AU$100 (~US$75) per year. Not too bad but, of course, that's just membership... you pay for everything else the club does. So I haven't really seen any value in joining. But it's just a personal thing. I never thought it was a waste of money, I simply didn't have the money to spend... public roads are free (BTW, I consider myself a very sensible, if not terribly skilled, driver. I only stretch my car where there's room to do so...)
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'80 924 Turbo

[Vince Ponz]

As the Public Relations/Photographer for the MetroNY club the fee is $42 a year. You get a national magazine and a local club magazine.
As for track days they cost about $100 a day, autocross $25, Concours $25 tech sessions $0 and treks to various places vary.
You do not have to attend any of these functions unless you want to.
Are they sometimes expensive, yes.
As a board member we buy trophies as awards and they are not cheap. At the monthly meetings we get an accounting of the cost of running the club by category. Our local magazine is very costly for a variety of reasons. Lots of pictures of the events, good quality stock etc.
As for Pano or the national magazine it is a fine publication but for you and I it is okay. Why? Lack of watercooled cars of course.
Part of the $42 dollars for the club tuition get returned to the local clubs for functions etc.

Now for my opinion. Sometimes things are not for everyone. Joining the club for me is a very nice thing. But it was not always that way.

In 1969 when I bought a new 911 I applied to the local Porsche club and they told me I had to be sponsered. I replied GFY. I did join in 1987 without the sponsor needed.

We hold about 40 functions a year. If the event is a two or three day event I count it as one function. Now if that is not enough for you then you can attend other clubs functions. I think we are one of the most active clubs in the US. Check our schedule in Pano which does not have all the Metro listings. Some have not been finalized therefore not entered.

Attending these functions we get to talk Porschespeak and enjoy ourselves for the day.
Any questions ask me.
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"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

[mrgtturbo]

1st I'd like to say, When I posted this question, my wife read it and was sure I would piss you guys off. The question was not meant in that way at all. I appreciate the open minded feedback I'm getting.

Maybe I should still keep in in mind for future days.
I understand there are expences in promoting track days, ect... This is totally understandable. But unless you can afford, or are allowed to take advantage of these days... I'm not so sure it's worth it. Keep in mind this is all baced on my understanding that there are only a couple track days a year in this area. I may have gotten discouraged too quick, with the multiple membership thing to dig enough to see everything they offer. Though it does not appear they offer much for this area, ( a couple meets in NH & one in ME... from what I saw). That also is understandable, there is only one Porsche dealership in the state, and so far I've only come across 2 other places that will even touch them beyond an oil change. So there is probably not much need to offer us Mainers a place to get together. Well, actually... I would think there to be more of a need to offer us that, but from the cost and club point of view probably not.

Again I thank you guys for your input. I must admit however, I am still hoping to hear opinions from a member in this area... (if one exsists).

If nothing else as mentioned... the roads are free... well.... kinda.
I've been nailed for one speeding ticket in my life, and to be honest I didn't know I was speeding... until I saw the lights, and there was no denying it. I let off the gas and looked down at the speedo, I was just falling under 95mph, (but he wrote me for 82mph in a 65zone). I was alone on the road, late at night, and had a lot on my mind. Not that I would make excuses, I'm just making a point, and that is this.... For years I've street dragged my Probe GT, nothing is more fun than beating up on Hondas, and Mitsu's. Most of them guys have lost their rights to drive time and time again. So I figure it like this... if one picks and chooses where and when they let it loose respectfully, has a watchful eye out for an unexpected passer-by a mile up the road, and the drivers are willing to bail on the race if anything isn't right, I see the road as a fine place to have some fun. However that's not the kind of fun I want to have in my Porsche, nor would I put her through that. The PCA may offer just what is wanted, but at what cost, and how long must you be a member to be licensed to engage in these activities? If too expencive it may be more cost effective to gather a group of people together, head to an abandoned airport, and race until the cops chase you away, (BTW... I was in school for Administration of Justice so my unlawful thoughts should probably stay secret. lol ) But being with other Porsche owners would definatly take the cake.

I'm not turning my back on it yet, I still need more info.
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81' 931

[mrgtturbo]

Vince, I did not see your reply when I posted previously.

Maybe I will shoot you a few questions.
Thanks.
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81' 931

[Kenodog]

Hey Doodle do you live up there permanent? I might be coming up for work for a few months.Is it worth it to bring my car or the Dakota?What are the roads like?
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1979 Euro 931, Olive
1981 931, Sabine
1991 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4, Ricky
1996 Ford E-350 ex-FedEx Van
2014 Mazda CX-5 (Kinderwagon)
2019 KTM 790 Adventure
2024 KLX300
2024 KLX140

[Diesel]

I was a member for a few years. I quit last year. PCA is for 911 owners, or Boxster owners who plan on buying a 911 soon. Just my opinion, YMMV (your monkey may vibrate).
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Dan Flanagan--2002 VW Jetta TDI, 83 Mercedes 300D,83 Mercedes Euro-240D

[TMB-Racing]

If your local Porsche club isn't active try checking out a local sports car club that allows all types of cars. We have several in my area and they all hold high speed lapping day's, autocross events etc.....

As far as speeding on public roads-how many years worth of PCA membership could have been paid with your ticket and high insurance for the next 3 years? If you push your car on a racetrack or autocross course I think you will find goofing around on public roads where you can't drive 10/10ths is not much fun at all.
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1 of 100 Sebring M471's ( G-prod racecar)
1977.5 GTU (Autocross/hillclimb car) 2006, 2007 ITB lap record holder-Larison rock Hillclimb

If speed kills, why am I still alive?

[Paul]

Most Porsche dealers will give you a 10% discount on parts and sometimes on service just by showing your PCA card. This discount alone makes my PCA membership pay for itself every year.

But then I have a Boxster under warranty, that I take in once a year for service.

It also allows you to apply to attend the Parade. My wife and I have attended the last 3 Parades, and have been accepted to attend this year's Parade in Fort Worth. At the Boise Parade, Peter Porsche autographed the inside of my Boxster's hood! Guess I got my money's worth that year!

[Vince Ponz]

Mrgtturbo,

In NY we have about 1800 members in NYC, Westchester and Long Island,
Norhtern NJ has about 1900-2000, and Conn has about another 1800.
That is a lot of members and yet there are Porsche owners who do not join. It is not a problem.
You just have to see the faces of the guys and gals who do participate in the envents.
Only last week at an autocross school a guy comes up to me to thank me for putting his two daughters in the local magazine. They were thrilled.l
As someone mentioned you could seek out other clubs.

As for street racing you could not catch me doing anything like that. It is too dangerous. You cannot believe how much safer it is on the track. No one wants to crash their Porsche. Too expensive. If you want to really scare yourself get on the track and go as fast as you want without anyone telling you what to do or how to do it. When the pucker feeling gets you apply the brakes.

Give it a try.
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"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

[-nick]

I'll agree with Diesel. You will likely never see another 924 at an event, they put a lot of emphasis on the new models. I've let my membership lapse. The only difference to me is now I pay an extra $5 for autocross events and I don't get Panorama anymore (again, which only supports the new models anyway).

I was a little disappointed that a younger driver (average age up here is ~40) wasn't welcomed a bit more heartily. I saw a lot of egomaniacs just out to impress each other, and this isn't to mention the cheaters at events ("Oh, you mean my tube-chassis-turbo-conversion car isn't allowed in a stock class?"). I also found that the ones interested in talking shop only seemed to want to tell you about how much they knew about your car, and even when they were wrong, they "weren't"...

Not to say that there weren't any genuine enthusiasts. I still meet some nice folks, but many of them stop coming after a few events. I know that PCA is currently trying to promote more younger members to join. Not sure how they're going to implement this.

-nick