Well, the last quarter of 2008 was a good way to end the year. Many of the Regions were either busy in that seasonal period of the last vestiges of daylight and warm weather or in the closing celebrations and recognitions of the year.

While this report highlights the activities themselves, I have to emphasize that these Zone 8 and Regional Porsche Club members, just like all over the globe, are some of the nicest, friendliest and genuinely hospitable folks that you ever encounter. I enjoy these events because of these great friends and wonderful folks – the cars are secondary

On the first weekend of October 4-5, I had the pleasure of another glorious multi-event weekend participating in the Golden Empire Region’s California Challenge Concours, Rallye and Autocross. This very small Region (43 members) has rolled out the welcome mat for several consecutive years – at least ten that I remember. The planning and hospitality accommodations are always superb – combine that with at least three great meals and the competitive events are welcomed in helping to burn a few calories. I have been able to participate as a Concours Judge and Driving Instructor as well as a participant and enjoy every minute. Congratulations and thanks again to (Dr.) Tony Garcia for the work of he and his crew!!

The following Sunday, October 12, Santa Barbara Region held its “32nd Annual Concours By the Sea” at one of the loveliest sites in California – a grassy bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean on a clear and sunny day. For many years, this has been one the must-attend events in Zone 8. As well, the partnership of the Region with its local Porsche Dealership is highlighted by a phalanx of brand-new (and limited-edition) Porsche vehicles on display, a generous Porsche Selection goodie-store and the participation of manager, Walt Branscome and his crew. I have had the pleasure of serving as a Concours Judge for almost each of the last 12 years. A surprising perennial highlight of the event has been an exceptional outdoor sound system with great music choices and the distinct ability to clearly hear announcements and information. Concours Chair Bill Sampson and President Nicolas Liakis had reasons to be proud that weekend.

I visited with colleague Larry Sharp at the World Sports Car Championships at Laguna Seca just another week later, October 17-19. Another great weekend in California though somewhat tempered by what turns out to be the last runs of the RS-Spyder LMP2 cars….

With one weekend to catch up at home, another weekend comes up quickly for the Central Coast Region’s Concours d’Elegance in Avila Beach. This region has collaborated with the larger Avila Beach community and coordinates Porsche participation in a larger Concours that features all of those other cars we admire. I had the pleasure of training new judges for the Concours and serving as the head judge for the event. Here again was a beautiful location among gentle rolling hills, waterways and just enough trees to add to the ambiance without either falling sap droplets or acorns!

And on the next weekend of October 31st-November 2nd , I traveled to Arizona Region’s 31st Annual Phoenix Flight Multi-event Weekend. I once again had the opportunity to judge some of the exquisite cars and hard work of many of the Region’s members and friends. I used that day to build up an appetite for the exquisite and celebratory awards-charity banquet held that weekend as well. This is another shining example of a Region’s dedication to a standard – I have attended several Flights and each has been well worth the travel.

On November 8, I and the Zone 8 Team had the pleasure of hosting the Presidents of our 13 regions in our annual fall meeting. Calendar negotiations, rules, National news reviews, PCA updates and more occupied a full day. Our Zone work is far more than a single Zone Representative could handle – I publicly express my sincere appreciation to Tom Brown – SDR, Linda Cobarrubias – GPX, Ken Short – LVR, Tom Gould - SDR, Joe Nedza – OCR, Paul Young – SDR, Vince Knauf- SDR, Gary Peterson – SDR, and Neil Heimburge – SDR.

I also got the opportunity to spend a Saturday morning with members of the Los Angeles Region at their monthly Breakfast at the Spitfire Grill in Santa Monica. While football season was already well on its way, these conversations were filled with Porsches and the shared camaraderie of tales and revisionist-histories of our Porsche experiences and remembrances.

Lastly, I attended the San Gabriel Valley Region’s Annual Celebration Brunch on a cold but sunny day in Alhambra Ca. It just so happens that I live in the middle of this Region but have had a continuous membership in the Grand Prix Region for over 20 years. I do get continual ribbing from my literal Porsche neighbors but it is always a joy to join this group for any of their activities. There is a great amount of energy among this group. There have been new and willing workers joining the fold and the fold still includes a great number of long-time members. It is among this group that some of my longest-term Porsche friends are. In fact, this group also includes a number of generations of Porsche families. It is always a pleasure to join them.

So with the holidays comes a short respite.

In this second year as a Zone Rep, I can no longer rely upon the “newbie” designation. I am looking forward to continuing to aid our Regions in their growth, relationships and challenges. I consistently remind them that I am their resource as well as servant and that “representative” is the job that I do for them.

Michael Dolphin
Zone 8 Representative - Porsche Club of America
Co-chair - Zone 8 PCA California Festival of Speed