From DER Prez

Try a Taste of the Track

by Don McGilvery, aka NINE44T

As summer winds down, it’s time to take stock in how the Down East Region is doing. Since our last newsletter, we've run several well-attended events: our traditional Ice Cream Run, a BBQ/Concours, and numerous group forays to New England and Canadian Driver Ed track events. And DER’s own Tom and Holly McKenney won the 356 Preservation Class at the Parade concours in Milwaukee; see story, page 12...congratulations, all!

For our membership size--about 150 strong--we are blessed to have a great writer, photographer, humorist, and certified “car nut” as our newsletter editor. Our Webmeister is a long-time PCA member, racer, and tech whiz who keeps our Internet site current in every way. We have a National Officer who plays a major role in PCA’s largest annual event, the Parade. We have a core group of “trackies” who enjoy driver’s education events organized and run by other regions.

Of all the activities offered by PCA, we have not yet attempted to organize a Driver’s Education event in Maine. Those of us who participate at DE events run by other regions have seen the complex logistics and financial commitments required to run these successfully. Our region's Board of Directors has chosen to enjoy such events but not attempt to try to conduct one on our own. We do feel, however, that these events, of all that PCA offers, provide a most valuable opportunity to learn advanced driving skills at higher speeds in a controlled environment at famous race tracks within reasonable travel distance.

To offer a taste of this experience, Down East region has joined forces with our neighbor, North Country Region, to provide a unique opportunity to witness and experience such an event. By now you have likely received an advance flier telling you about the details for this event to be held on October 27 at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon NH. I'd like to extend a personal invitation to any and all interested to join us at this exciting event. It is by far the best chance, and minimal cost (which goes to charity!) to see what we trackies have been talking about all this time. See our ad on the inside back cover for more details.

Like most nonprofit organizations or clubs, Down East Region’s success or failure lies on the shoulders of a small core group of dedicated and active members. I have been given the responsibility of President for your club for the past three years and am very fortunate to have a Board of Directors and other key volunteers who are willing to “dive in” at a moment’s notice to make our little club the great success that it is. This isn’t a pitch for my resignation; to the contrary, this column lets me express my thoughts and appreciation to be so deeply involved and an integral part of such a fine, well run club. Remember, it’s the people that make DER what it is – get out and join us for a tour, a concours, Drivers’ Ed blast, or just a casual ride to have some fine food with fellow members. Hope to see you out on the road, and soon!

Don

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