California Festival of Speed 2013, Part 2; Club racing, vehicle encores and debuts…

Posted on April 24, 2013 by digitaldtour

Having spent the better part of the morning pouring over and photographing all of the participants and activities associated to the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Porsche 911, it was time for me to pursue another of my photographic passions; the purpose-built Porsche race cars of the Club racing program.

So as I made my way towards Garage 3, out of the corner of my eye I noticed a car up to that time that I had only seen in photos, but never in person until earlier that morning at check-in. Now I was face to face with the car, and ironically it was parked immediately across from the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the 911 display. The car in question belonged to none other than Magnus Walker, a high-profile member of the Southern California Porsche community, recognized collector of early 911s and creator of the Urban Outlaw brand. Now in front of me was the latest project come to life; his 1972 Porsche 911STR #002.

Magnus’s signature cross drilled and re-chromed door handles..

The spartan, 911ST inspired interior, enhanced by a vintage Racemark steering wheel…

The very cool, gold satin finished Group 4 PAG 15 wheels mounted up front -15″ x 8″ rims on Hoosier tires (as seen below)…

and out back – 15″ X 10″ Group 4 PAG 15 wheels, also on Hoosier rubber.

from the back, even more visible examples of Magnus Walker’s signature details; the Porsche side stripes, louvered rear deck lid, and the custom profiled fender flares (front and rear), complete with integrated 911R inspired tail lights…

The race inspired Porsche graphics installed on the louvered rear decklid, sourced from graphic designer, photographer, Porsche owner and blogger Bob Tilton of werkcrew.com.

Now it was time to visit Garage 3 to see what photographic opportunities awaited…

As I rounded the corner, I caught this silver Porsche GT3 below just as it was pulling back into the Garage area, and in time to watch one of the crew approach with one of the specially designed torque wrenches, specially created for tightening center lock hubs. What I found surprising was the amount of re-tightening that each wheel required. And as the morning wore on, this was a scene I saw repeated by the majority of teams running Porsche GT3 Cup cars. And if I recall, the center lock hubs need to be torqued to approximately 340 foot pounds, thus its overall size in order to generate sufficient leverage, and achieve the required torque setting.

The return and latest iteration of the DiscounTechnology Porsche GT3 Cup car below, which made a similar appearance at last years event…

And parked to its immediate left, was this pair of orange 2007 Porsche GT3 RS…

Keeping with the Porsche theme for the weekend, was this beautifully restored Porsche Junior Diesel tractor and trailer, parked outside of the 911 Design hospitality tent (which was located between Garage 3 and 2), which I had watched navigate throughout the parking lot.

Another beauty parked outside of the 911 design tent; a white 911 GT3RS…

And parked immediately to its left, was the centerpiece of the 911 design display: their Porsche 996 GT2 RSR. This is the same car that was featured on the cover of Excellence magazines May 2013 issue, and which was the subject of one of several featured articles.

A truly unique, highly modified custom one of a kind 996 GT2 from any angle…

As I continued through the parking lot, I came across a familiar looking GT3RS 4.0. and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be series # 239, making an encore appearance at this years event. I first encountered this very same car during last years event, and quickly added it to my growing list of GT3 RS4.0 sightings…

My next stop would be Garage 2… Once inside even more Porsche GT3 Cup cars to experience…

Venturing to the north end of the garage, I came across a bevy of GT3 Cup cars from the folks at TruSpeed…

Below, the tails of TruSpeed…

And for couple of little kids, there was even the opportunity for a thrill ride through the parking lot, courtesy of Continental tire (as seen below)…

My next destination would be to the east end of the covered seating area overlooking pit row. This additional elevation affords a great view of the cars flying by on the banking, as they approach turn one…

With the queuing up of the GT class cars in the grid area (below), this signaled the completion of the current on track session, and preparation for the next event…

The first lap formation at speed, accelerating from the start / finish line…

At the completion of the cup car event, and as I prepared to wrap up my shooting for the day, I came across this red 991 pictured below, which turned out to be the track escort for the weekends racing events.

So if this years event, and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Porsche 911 utilized a 2013 991 Carrera S as the lead, escort car, what do you suppose the lead car for next year event will be? Perhaps one of the new 991 GT3′s, since 2014 will witness the return of a Porsche LMP-1 race car to the 24 Hours of Le Mans? I guess we’ll just have to wait until next year to find out…

(All photos by the author)

California Festival of Speed 2013; A 50th Anniversary celebration of the Porsche 911, Club racing, vehicle encores and debuts…

Posted on April 14, 2013 by digitaldtour

This years California Festival of Speed, held at the Autoclub Speedway in Fontana California, during the weekend of April 5 – 7, was once again advertised as the “Biggest Porsche Event in the Southwest”. Based upon my observations and the comments I overheard, this years event more than lived up to the claim. In addition to the regular activities listed for the weekend (Swap meet, Concours, Zone 8 Club Racing and Autocross, and Vendor row), Saturday had been selected for the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Porsche 911 event. Given the sheer number of people crowded around the 50th anniversary display, this focused event would prove to be a huge success (see photo below).

But even before entering the track’s infield area, there were plenty of Porsches to be found within the Porsche Corral (i.e. Porsche only parking lot). This area became its own mini car show, with a diverse cross-section of model years and body styles represented. I later came to find out that the trio of early model Porsche 911′s that I was parked next to, belonged to three generations all from one family; the grandfather and his white 1967 911S, his sons silver 1972 911S, and his grandson’s orange 911T.

Even more impressive was the fact that the grandson had just learned to drive a manual transmission vehicle three days earlier, behind the wheel of the very same orange Porsche 911 T that he drove to the show. Three generations all with a passion for Porsche, and just one of many examples reflective of the success of the Porsche brand.

Word had gone out to the Porsche community back in February, that the Porsche Club of America was looking for owners (from within the Zone 8, PCA regions), with Porsche 911s representing model years 1964 through 2013, to participate in a 50th anniversary celebration of the Porsche 911, to be held at the California Festival of Speed weekend in early April. Owners were requested to submit information about their car and also include a photo for review. Given the sheer number of Porsches that reside within Southern California, this challenge was quickly met, and on the morning of the event, every production year was represented. PCA had located models from the earliest example represented (an ultra-rare 1964 Porsche 901), to the present day model, a 2013 Porsche Type 991 911 Carrera S. The display was arranged by model year, beginning with the earliest model, starting at the left end of the row and then moving chronologically to the right. Each vehicle was also displayed with a printed biography, mounted behind each car on the chain link fence, and which served as the backdrop for the entire display.

For those unable to attend the event, the following photos represent each of the participants from the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Porsche 911; every car has been documented by a front view shot and is then followed by a close up photograph of its biography…

Several overview shots of the collective “50th anniversary of the Porsche 911″ lineup below…

Around 11:30 AM, all of the participants and their cars were gathered up for a group photo, to be taken out on the race track at the start / finish line; queued up on pit lane, ready to head out onto the track (as seen below).

Once all of the cars had gathered on pit lane, they were then released out onto the track to begin their staging for the group shot (see below).

The early 911s beginning to be staged on the track at the start / finish line (below)…

Heading to the start / finish line to be staged for the group photo…

The first row of the early 911s being moved into position…

Cars and owners lined up and ready for their close-ups…

Fourth row of assembled Porsche 911s from the group photo (below).

Back row from the group photo…

With all of the cars aligned and the owners positioned outside of their cars, a series of photos were taken, and upon completion, the vehicles were quickly reorganized and then sent off to enjoy several parade laps around the race track.

Please stay tuned for my continued coverage from the California Festival of Speed / Part 2; featuring Club racing, vehicle encores and debuts.

(All photos by the author)

Under the influence…

Posted on April 2, 2013 by digitaldtour

What type of cars influence your automotive tastes? What current design or styling trends have made an impact on you recently? Do you prefer the classics over contemporary models? Regardless of your favorite make or model, design influences can be found everywhere, even in non automotive fields. Automotive designers have long been known to seek inspiration from the worlds of high fashion, jewelry, print. textile, sculpture, sports, military, aeronautical and Motorsports. And there is always the ability to draw inspiration from a manufacturers own design history and their brands genetic DNA.

A current trend making the rounds within the Porsche community is a renewed appreciation for the classics; be it the early 911′s (1964-1973)…

or a 1967 911R tribute…

or a celebration of Porsche’s 911ST models…

These latest trends have now overshadowed the previous craze of 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS recreations. And how appropriate that these newest trends are surfacing in 2013, a year in which Porsche celebrates their 50th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 911.

The focus and theme for this post came to me after a recent review of my slide archives, especially after coming across several images of an orange, 1967 Porsche 911 that I shot way back in May of 1974 at the Ontario Motor Speedway, two years after buying my very first Porsche 911 (a 1966 coupe).

This particular orange 911 ended up making a huge impression on me back in 1974, in part because of my growing interest in Porsche race cars (in particular the 1967 911R and the new for 1973 & 1974, Porsche 911RSR).

The modifications made to this car really spoke to me; from its Carrera RS front spoiler, to the full race, fiberglass whale tail out back, its lowered stance and the mini-lite racing wheels wrapped in Goodyear racing rubber. And with the removal of the bumper and rocker deco trim, it conveyed the purpose-built simplicity of a 911R. Ironically, several of these styling cues would find their way onto my 1966 911 over the next several years. It began with the addition of a 911S fiberglass front spoiler, and continued with the removal of the front, side and rear bumper deco trim, and in regards to my wheels, I decided to polish out my set of 4 -1/2″ X 15″ Fuchs 5 spoke alloy wheels, and concluded with the lowering of the suspension and adding a set of Koni shocks (see below)…

Which brings me back to the subject of influences. With this weekends upcoming “California Festival of Speed” event to be held at the AutoClub Speedway in Fontana on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (April 5, 6, 7), this is the perfect venue for being exposed to and learning about all thing Porsche, as well as witnessing firsthand some of the coolest trends being cultivated within the Southern California Porsche community. And with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Porsche 911 event being held on Saturday (April 6), what better way to view firsthand, examples of every production 911 model, culminating with the current 2013 type 991, 911 Carrera model. And who knows, you may even find yourself leaving the show under the influence…

(All photos by the author)

If you host it, they will come…

Posted on March 13, 2013 by digitaldtour

tOn Sunday March 3, 2013 the Porsche community once again rallied at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim, California, for the 356 Club of Southern California’s, 4th Annual All Porsche Swap and Car Display.

And what a turnout; with models ranging from the Porsche 356, 912, early 911′s, 914′s & 914/6, and 911 turbos. There was also the debut of a recently completed 911ST recreation, and the showcasing of a lone Porsche 904 GTS, and one brand new Red Porsche 991 Carrera S coupe.

The following images represent but a small cross-section of the incredible Porsches that came out for this years event…

And under the tents, was just one of several fresh restorations from the folks at CPR Classics (California Porsche Restoration) below. Their website offers up an insiders look at the many phases of their meticulous 911 restorations, and is a great visual tool for learning about Porsche 911s from the inside out. So should you be in the market for an early 911, check out their website for some very cool 911s using this link…

Another of the amazing restorations (in Viper Green) from CPR Classics…

One very cool 1972 Porsche 911ST recreation making its debut (below)…

Another example of the current trend in lightweight fiberglass hoods; correct right down to the unpainted underside, revealing the glassed-in balsa wood battens to add rigidity…

The sole Porsche 904 Carrera GTS in attendance; Butzi’s original blue 904-002 prototype below. (For additional images of this 904, please refer to this link to one of my previous posts).

And representing Porsche race cars was the Texaco / Havoline 962C, courtesy of the folks at Pelican Parts (as seen below)…

And last but not least, was one of the hidden treasures found out in the vendor swap area; a two toned VW bus, wrapped in Porsche factory graphics, and showcasing a pair of Porsche 917 autographed drivers side doors. One representing the Gulf Blue John Wyer #20 917, and the second, the #3 Martini Racing 917…

Given the amazing collection of Porsches, parts, vendors and people who came together for this years show, the 356 Club of Southern California can rest assured that if they host it for 2014, we will return…

(All photos by the author)

Truspeed’s Timex inspired Porsche GT3 Cup car: “It took a licking and kept on ticking”…

Posted on February 10, 2013 by digitaldtour

For anyone who was part of the overflow crowd that descended upon Cars&Coffee/Irvine on Saturday morning February 2, most likely the first vehicle you viewed was a yellow and black Porsche GT3 Cup car positioned at the end of the entry driveway, courtesy of the Orange County, CA based Motorsports shop TruSpeed (www.truspeedmotorcars.com).

As I pulled into the driveway and approached the TruSpeed car, even under low light conditions, I could see what appeared to be battle scars acquired from competition. I then recalled seeing a shot of a similar car from the previous weekends race coverage of the 24 Hours of Daytona, on the Speed Channel. So after parking and grabbing a quick bite, I was off to check out the Porsche race car.

As I approached, I recognized several friends from TruSpeed’s staff: Terry Brewer from their Sales Department, and Dennis Aase. one of Southern California’s premier Porsche race car drivers, and currently Truspeed’s Racing Manager. ( I first met Dennis back in 1972, while purchasing parts for my 1966 Porsche 911, from his company ( Aase Brothers Dismantlers), that specialized in used Porsche parts. I also would run into Dennis throughout the 1970′s and 1980′s at the IMSA series races when they came to the west coast. Dennis campaigned a 2.5 liter Porsche 911 in IMSA’s GTU class ( which can be seen below): his Porsche 911 on pit lane, taken during practice and qualifying for the 1980 Los Angeles Times 6 – hour enduro held at Riverside Raceway.

Now back to the TruSpeed race car…Clearly this GT3 Cup Car had been through a battle, so my first question to Terry was to ask about this car. He verified that it was in fact the Porsche GT3 Cup car that just competed at the 24 Hours of Daytona, and that even with the extensive damage sustained, their car had finished the race in 29th place overall, and 19th in the GT class. While I was shooting the car and talking with Terry, Dennis walked over and joined in on the conversation.

The vantage point and office for each of the team’s four drivers, during their respective stints, shared over the duration of the 24 hour enduro (above).

Truspeed yellow & black # 80, Porsche GT3 Cup car_3/4 rear view w/missing taillight and heavy collision damage_Cars&Coffee/Irvine_February 2, 2013

Having observed the damage sustained to the entire car (front, sides and rear), I had to ask Dennis about the visible carnage. Dennis proceeded to tell me about the frustrations that the team had experienced and endured (the loss of one wheel at speed, as well as being hit multiple times by their fellow competitors, with one of the last impacts sustained to the rear, causing enough damage to crack one of the rear motor mounts and even bend the red, rear engine support cross-bar (as seen below).

While Dennis was sharing more details regarding their race weekend, one of the TruSpeed crew members present was briefing a future race driver (seated behind the wheel), on the details and features found within the cockpit of a current Porsche GT3 Cup car (above).

TruSpeed had even prepared a printed summary sheet, outlining the efforts required and milestones they achieved while competing in the 24 Hours of Daytona race, which was displayed on the windshield (above).

Damaged nose with front splitter bandaged using racers tape (above).

An example of the cars front wheel, complete with racing centerlock hub, Brembro brake caliper, race wheel and tire (below).

Dennis and I both agreed that even with the excessive amount of damage that had been inflicted on this GT3, it was an amazing testament to Porsches build quality, that the car was able to continue turning laps at racing speed and successfully finish the race. And just like the 1960′s commercial tagline for Timex watches: the TruSpeed Porsche GT3 Cup car “took a licking and kept on ticking”…

(All photos by the author)

A last look at the final Cars&Coffee / Irvine show for 2012…

Posted on January 1, 2013 by digitaldtour

December was a difficult month for Cars&Coffee/Irvine, given the rainy Saturdays mornings that carried over from the end of November and into the first several weeks of December. Fortunately, for the last two weeks, the weather has cooperated and the event has been rain free. However, along with the arrival of winter to Southern California, came cold and brisk Saturday mornings as those experienced over the past two weeks; perfect for dusting off those racing jackets and for the consumption of the events namesake beverage, Coffee…

The final Cars&Coffee event for 2012 stayed true to form, and delivered up another cool morning with scattered gray clouds, but without rain. Porsche row was well represented and filled up quickly with some amazing cars.

The clear weather also brought out another frequent visitor to the show; the white 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera as seen below.

The owner was kind enough to open the rear deck, revealing the period correct, F.I.A. spec 2.0 liter boxer six race motor.

Parked over at the featured lot was this white 2011 Porsche GT3RS, with its tinted windows reflecting the approaching gray cloud banks…

A black, 1957 Corvette roadster, reflecting on its surroundings…

Parked across from Porsche row, was this like-new, low mileage Red 1989 Porsche Speedster, for sale and on display by the firm AutoKennel.

Another frequent visitor to Cars&Coffee is this beautiful silver, 1963 Corvette split window coupe, complete with fuel injected motor.

Another marque represented in large numbers that morning was Lotus, which included several examples of the new Evora coupe.

And located out on the very back row of the parking lot representing Audi, was this brand new 2012 R8, V10 Spyder, in Teak brown metallic.

Back on Porsche row, I had returned just in time for a brief conversation with Magnus Walker, just prior to his getting ready to leave. I wanted to ask him about the status of his latest creation, his 1972 911 STR 002, that I had been reading about on his website. He shared with me that the car was still undergoing its final shake down, fine tuning and detailing, but once the work was complete, he would return to Cars&Coffee to display his latest project. He then reached over to his passenger seat, grabbed several Urban Outlaw stickers and gave them to me, then wished me a Happy New Years, fired up his 911 and drove away.

Shortly after his departure and my grabbing this shot, the gray clouds that had been present all morning grew even darker, and a light drizzle began to fall. Reading this as a sign, I headed back to my car, and packed up my gear to return home. By the time I reached Anaheim on the northbound 5 freeway, the spotty drizzle had turned into full-blown rain, which continued for the rest of my trip home.

Ironically, I checked out the Magnus Walker website on Sunday the 30th and found the following post (Sunday December 30, 2012, “Hoosier in the rain”), recounting his sketchy return trip home from Cars&Coffee in the rain, which can be accessed via the following link.

This marks my last blog post for 2012, and I would like to thank everyone who visited digitaldtour.com this past year, and also to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy and prosperous 2013.

(All photos by the author)

A decidedly 1960′s themed morning…

Posted on October 4, 2012 by digitaldtour

Saturday morning saw Porsche row at Cars&Coffee filled shortly after 6 AM. By the time I pulled in at around 6 AM, there were only a half-dozen spaces remaining, scattered throughout the row. And as I was making my way over to the catering table for my weekly donut and OJ, those remaining space were reduced down to just two. By 6:15, the entire row had been filled, but not entirely by Porsches. The last two cars were a Mini Cooper and a sunbeam tiger, both friends of the owner of the Mini that was already parked when I arrived. While finishing my donut and talking with several friends, we noticed a red sports prototype pass behind Porsche row and come to a halt on the outside end of our row. From what I could see of the car under the early morning darkness, it looked to be a mid 60′s vintage Ferrari race car (perhaps a P3 / P4 model), so the next question was what is it, and is it the real deal?

The middle of Porsche row was occupied by several very cool, mid sixties vintage Porsches; one a pristine red,1966 911, and immediately to its left, a white, 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera race car, both frequent visitors to this event.

And surrounding these cars on both side were a mix of early 1970s vintage 911s , Porsche 356 and one spectacular 1970 914-6.

Hidden away towards the west end of the row was yet another surprise; a blue, 1950′s vintage Porsche 550 Spyder, one of several late arrivals to Porsche row…

Another of the late arrivals, but relegated to parking out on the last row of the lot, was another rare, 1960′s vintage Porsche; the green 356 Carrera 2 as seen below…

And rounding out the assemblage of late arrivals, was this always impressive and historically significant, blue 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS as seen below…

For those unfamiliar with this particular car, this is 904-002, a car not only designed by Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche, but the one that served as his personal car, with many unique design features found only on this car.

Now back to the mystery Ferrari; while still under the cover of darkness, I made my way towards where it had been parked.

Walking around the car, it sure looked like the Ferrari Prototype race cars I had seen in magazines from back in the 1960′s.

Red 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 recreation_3/4 rear view_Cars&Coffee_September 29, 2012

It had the Ferrari badging, gold Campagnolo wheels, and a weber carburetted Ferrari motor with racing exhaust feeding into dual mufflers, all visible through the rear window.

Purpose built interior with a gated shifter (above and below)

Another somewhat deceptive clue was the license plate; 67 330 P4. So the question still remained: was it really a 1967 Ferrari 330 P4? So off I went in search of an answer. After talking with several people knowledgeable about Ferrari’s, I learned the following: No, it was not an actual Ferrari 330 P4 race car, but a really cool re-creation, apparently using all Ferrari parts from a donor street car. An ideal alternative to owning a six figure, Ferrari race car, but one with the ability to be driven on the street. Kind of like the ultimate Ferrari project car…

Seeing just one of these 1960′s classics is a treat, be it Porsche or Ferrari, but leave it to Cars&Coffee to deliver automotive diversity in quantity each and every Saturday morning, and for me that is what keeps me returning each week.

(All photos by the author)

A Porsche 993 Carrera RS Club Sport comes face to face with its Doppelganger…

Posted on June 26, 2012 by digitaldtour

The morning of June 16, 2012 saw the return of the rare, mexico blue Porsche 993 Carrera RS Club Sport to Cars&Coffee/Irvine. However, parked and lurking amongst the Porsche faithful was a hidden doppelgänger; a rare example of a full race Porsche 993 Carrera RS Cup Car. Webster’s dictionary defines doppelgänger as a ghostly counterpart; double; alter ego. These three definitions could not have more accurately described the early morning encounter between these two Porsches…

And with a little jockeying, suddenly the two cars were parked side by side, each representing examples from the highly developed 993 Carrera RS DNA strand. Both the 993 Carrera RS and the Club Sport variants were built to fulfill the homologation requirements necessary for Porsche to produce their ultimate type 993 genetic offering; the full race Carrera Cup car. Powered by a 3.8 liter air-cooled six cylinder motor producing 305 horsepower, these became the largest air-cooled flat six motors to be built and sold by Porsche. And for those who were fortunate enough to attended Porsches Rennsport Reunion IV back in October, you may recognize this red # 9 Carrera RS Cup car as having been one of the competitors from the weekends Group 6 – Cayman Interseries / 911 Invitational races.

The following photos are a brief glimpse of this rare encounter between the two Porsche Carrera RS models…

And just as quickly as they had appeared, with a twist of their keys, both were brought to life and soon departing, under escort from a trio of early model Porsche 911s…

(All photos by the author)

California Festival of Speed, and two new Porsche GT3 RS4.0 sightings…

Posted on April 27, 2012 by digitaldtour

Saturday morning, April 21 dawned warm and hazy. However, on this morning I would not be making my weekly trek down to Cars&Coffee/Irvine, but would instead be driving out to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California to catch day two of the scheduled three-day “Festival of Speed” event. The weekend was marketed as an “Event for Porsche enthusiasts”, however there were other makes and models of street and race cars also present.

After arriving at the race track, my first stop was at the registration building. After signing the required liability waiver, I was issued a black & white checkerboard wristband (secured onto the left wrist of every participant by the registration staff), and given my parking pass. Now it was time to drive over to the infield parking area that had been designated for the weekends festivities. By now, the sun had begun to burn off the mornings haze, and was starting to bring some heat to Fontana. Exiting my car, I could hear the unmistakable sound of Porsche race cars with their distinctive exhaust notes echoing off of the grandstands, as they screamed past the start/finish line, beginning another lap.

As I made my way past the entry portal that divides the parking lot from the infield garage area, I noticed a cast bronze plaque mounted onto the vertical support column and went over for a closer look. It turned out to be a dedication plaque honoring Les Richter, for his contribution to the construction and completion of this racing facility. It also acknowledged his involvement in professional sports with inductions into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Now it was time to find out what treasures awaited out in the infield garages…

First up was this Gray Porsche 997 GT3RS, prepared by the folks from the GMG /Global Motorsport Group.

Its stable mate to the left was this black, GMG prepared Audi R8, with what appeared to be a combination of components sourced from Audi’s R8GT3 and LMS parts bin, and powered by a V-10 motor.

Located on the other side of the block wall, opposite the Audi R8 bay, was a bevy of Porsche GT3 Cup cars, all being prepared for the days scheduled events…

A Porsche 996 GT3 Cup car…

Now imagine my surprise when I looked over and saw this black 2012 Porsche GT3 RS4.0, casually tucked in amongst its GT3 brethren. This is the first and only RS4.0 that I have seen configured for racing, and also marks my 9th GT3 RS4.0 sighting. After I finished shooting the car, all that remained was to discover the series number for this car. A quick look inside, specifically at the cars glove box door ID plaque, revealed this car as being #239 out of 600.

O.Z. centerlock racing wheels…

Positioned next to the Black RS4.0 was the “DISCOUNTECHNOLOGY”, 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup car, and seeing it in person was one of those deja-vu moments; my son and I had watched this very car compete at Porsches Rennsport Reunion IV back in October at Laguna Seca. Here’s the same car at speed, shot while competing at Rennsport IV (see below)…

And located just one bay over to the right, was this spectacular blue 2011 997 GT3. This is the only Porsche GT3 that I have seen wearing this particular shade of blue. After shooting multiple images of the car, my interests in this particular GT3 finally caught the attention of its owner, who came over and introduced himself. I soon learned that this particular color (Aqua Blue metallic), was in fact a very rare color to be seen on a GT3. And apparently the people from Porsche were just as impressed, after seeing the car in person at Rennsport Reunion IV. Because of the rarity of this color being optioned on the GT3 model, the owner was asked by Porsche to put his car on display at Rennsport Reunion IV. The collective belief is that this may be one of the only 2011 GT3′s in North America painted Aqua blue metallic.

A very cool set of GMG / WC-GT centerlock race wheels…

My next stop was Garage 2, where I found even more Porsche GT3 Cup cars…

One of several examples of Porsche brand new 2012 GT3 Cup cars (seen above and below)…

And one of the largest torque wrenches you’ll ever see; the perfect tool for torquing down Porsches GT3 centerlock race wheels to approximately 340 ft lbs…

Located outside and parked in the rows between Garage 2 and 3, was this immaculate gray and red GT3RS, with its identical twin parked just off to its right…

After making the rounds at the two garages, it was time to check out the vendor row. The blue Porsche 997 turbo seen above was on display courtesy of Walter’s Porsche, and paired with a new black Porsche 991 cabriolet. In talking with the sales rep, I learned that this particular color had been sourced from Porsches 356 color palette, originally available for the 1957 to 1959 models, and known as Meissen Blue.

Situated down the row from the Walter’s Porsche display, were these seat shells from Lou’s Metal Shaping (phone# -562-201-4658, email – mr_mallet@yahoo.com). These beautiful, hand formed aluminum seat shells are intended for use in Porsche 356 speedsters, 550 spyders, and for Porsche 911 owners wanting an aluminum Scheel seat shell/s for their 911…

By now it was getting close to noon time; time to grab some lunch and something cold to drink. With food, drink and camera in hand, it was time to find a shady place to sit down, eat and get ready for the afternoons PCA (Porsche Club of America) club racing to begin. Fortunately, this track has covered infield seating that sets on top of the pit lane suites, and runs the length of and overlooks pit lane, offering up a great view of the racetrack, especially the start / finish line.

By 1 PM, the first group of cars was unleashed, and the first race underway, complete with an Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo spyder and a collection of Porsche 911′s (see photos below)…

White Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (above), with blue 3M masking tape applied as a protective covering…

The second race of the afternoon was the Porsche Club of America Club race for the GT2A class. The first two photos below capture the start of the race…

In formation, rolling up on the start / finish line, awaiting the drop of the green flag…

Hard acceleration after crossing the start / finish line…

The afternoons GT2A class winner (as seen above), streaking across the start / finish line…

After the races concluded, I headed back into the garage area, to make one last pass through before heading home. As I was approaching Garage 1, I saw my friend Eric sitting on his bike, visiting with his fellow racers. I had been looking for Eric and his race car all morning ( a red,1999 Porsche 996 GT3 Koni Challenge Cup car), but had been unsuccessful in locating him. I soon learned that he had been out on track earlier that morning (apparently while I was roaming the garages), thus I missed seeing his time out on the track. Unfortunately, with the summer like weather and high temperatures on this day, his car had begun experiencing overheating problems. Rather than risk catastrophic damage to his motor, Eric made the painful decision to sit out the afternoon race, and was now in the process of trying to locate a new water pump for his car ( believed to be the cause of his overheating problem). Eric pointed me in the direction of his car (parked over behind his trailer), so I could check it out and get some photos. He then rode off into the pit area on his quest to locate a water pump.

After shooting his car, I ran into Eric and his wife, still searching for the elusive water pump. As they headed back to their motor home to cool off from the afternoon heat, I said my goodbyes and was off for one last pass through the garage areas.

Just as I rounded the corner of Garage 1, the back-end of a white Porsche 911 caught my eye. As I headed in its direction, I initially thought it to be a GT3RS. However as I got closer, and was able to make out the graphics, I quickly saw that it was instead a GT3 RS4.0.

Given the rarity of these cars, I’m still amazed to this day that I have seen as many as I have in person, and now this latest encounter brought my total sightings up to ten. The day had presented me with another amazing opportunity to witness not just one but two of these rare GT3 RS4.0′s (in person and on the same day). I made my way over to the passenger side of the car to get a look at the glove box plaque, which revealed that this car was series # 331 of 600.

Now all I have to do is find one car from the 100 series and 500 series, and I will have experienced a complete sampling of the entire RS4.0 production range. And who knows what surprises or opportunities await tomorrow morning at Cars&Coffe / Irvine?

(All photos by the author)

A tribute to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche at Cars&Coffee/Irvine…

Posted on April 13, 2012 by digitaldtour

Saturday morning, April 7th saw the coming together of the Porsche faithful at Cars&Coffee/Irvine, as a tribute to the recent passing of Ferdinand Alexander (Butzi) Porsche. An email was circulated on Friday April 6, and forwarded to many within the Porsche community about a plan to pay tribute to and honor the memory of F.A.”Butzi” Porsche. The intent was to gather up as many Porsche 911′s as possible, to represent the model range from 1965 up to the latest 2012 iteration. Also hoped for was participation by any of the local Porsche 904 owners. The destination Saturday morning would be the “featured” parking lot area at Cars&Coffee. To further this cause, I forwarded the email to my friends Gene and Dave, both owners of Porsche 930 turbos, in hope of their participation come Saturday morning.

For a change, the early morning skies Saturday morning were clear and dry. As I pulled into the parking lot still cloaked in darkness, I was waved into the “featured” lot, to join the already present assortment of rainbow-hued Porsche 911′s. As I rounded the parking median, I encountered my friend Gene backing his black 930 turbo into a corner parking spot, and after he was settled in, I grabbed the space immediately to his right. As the lot continued to fill with even more 911′s, my friend Dave arrived in his 1984 Slate Gray 930 Turbo, debuting a brand new, upgraded turbo motor. By the time the sun had risen, the lot was filled with an even greater variety of Porsches, and what an amazing, colorful collection it was…

Dave’s slate gray 1984 930 turbo, and the first photos of his brand new turbo motor with mirror polished intercooler…

And parked shoulder to shoulder with the Porsche 911′s was this ultra rare, Grand Prix white, 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS Club Sport. According to Porsche, a total of fifty-nine GTS Carreras were built (50 to meet the Group 4 homologation requirements back in the day, plus an additional nine for good measure). And of the fifty-nine total cars built, only 15 were further modified to Club Sport specifications…

In fact, this is the only GTS identification displayed on the entire car, and almost invisible due to its monochromatic design…

From week to week, one never knows who might be seen strolling through the parking lot at Cars&Coffee. On this morning, local resident and American racing legend Dan Gurney (in the white jacket and blue sweater) and his wife were present (see photo above), taking in the sights and examining the mornings diverse gathering of Porsches…

And obviously, the tribute email reached the owner of this beautiful Porsche 904 Carrera GTS as witnessed below. A fitting tribute, since the Porsche 904 was the second milestone car penned by F.A. Porsche, shortly after his completion of the design for the 911…

Several other rare and unique Porsche models were also represented Saturday morning, and ironically were each parked in close proximity to one another.

The first was the pristine white, 1962 Porsche 356 Carrera 2, powered by the model specific, Carrera 4 cam motor as seen below…

The second model was a silver,1961 Porsche Carrera Abarth GTL (shown below), also sporting a 4 cam motor, and backed by a freestanding display that chronicled the cars racing history. This particular Abarth GTL is another example of a very rare Porsche, being part of the initial, limited production run of 21 GTL’s from back in 1960. This particular car (serial #1015), was the fifteenth of only 21 produced during that time frame.

And last but not least was the second Porsche 904 in attendance ( the blue model shown below), and the only 904 model to possess a very special connection to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche…

This particular car, a 1964 904 Carrera GTS, serial # 904-002 (of which I have written about previously), is not only historically significant because of its status as one of the surviving pre-production prototype models created, but also because of the unique design features unique to this car only. And no less important is the fact that this is the single 904 Carrera GTS to have been owned and routinely driven by the designer himself (Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche).

Thus the personalized California license plate that adorns the rear of the car; a clue to the cars historic significance, and reference to the identity of 904-002′s original owner.

As the morning came to a close, and the sound of Porsche boxer / flat six motors coming to life echoed throughout the parking lot, it was time to reflect on the event that had brought us all together that morning. And what better tribute and reminder to all present, than the photo of a young Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, photographed sitting on the fender of his design come to life, the Porsche 911. One only had to look at the Porsche participants that Saturday morning, or recall the Porsche 911 parking corrals at Porsches Rennsport Reunion IV, filled to capacity with 911′s from every model year and color as far as the eye could see, to understand the impact of this designers creative genius. And hopefully, the DNA from his original 911 design will continue to thrive, for future generations of aspiring Porsche 911 owners to experience and enjoy…

(All photos by the author)

digitaldtour

A photographic journey through the Southern California car culture

Category Archives: Porsche race cars

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Under the influence…

If you host it, they will come…

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A last look at the final Cars&Coffee / Irvine show for 2012…

A decidedly 1960′s themed morning…

A Porsche 993 Carrera RS Club Sport comes face to face with its Doppelganger…

California Festival of Speed, and two new Porsche GT3 RS4.0 sightings…

A tribute to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche at Cars&Coffee/Irvine…

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