It is nice to see new members join the Register - a mix of new 992 GT3 owners and new owners of earlier models. One of the most frequently asked questions I get is how many UK spec cars are there, and, with regards to that, what is their colour and distribution between the sub-models (i.e. Clubsport, RS, touring and normal)? Alas, whilst I have good numbers for the 996.1 and not bad numbers for the 996.2, details after that rely on DVLA registrations; and that shows GT3 and RS registrations only. Porsche does not reveal the model mix nor numbers let alone colours.
I will contact Porsche over winter and see if there is any way to get some updated information. If anyone has any numbers/insight here please let me know. In the meantime, enjoy the cars!
Porsche Clubs
I was looking at Porsche Clubs in Italy where we spend enough time to participate in local events. I noted how fragmented the Clubs are if you want to meet up regionally, as is the cost. For my ‘local’ Club it would be €350 to join and €300 thereafter. Some regions are €50 less, whilst the general association is also less but they don’t have a regional structure. I shall skip joining! Hopefully, I can guest attend something. If not, I will watch out for events at Monza (60 minutes away) or the PEC in Franciacorta (30 minutes away).
Event suggestions
I am looking for events for 2024 and, as always, would welcome suggestions – we tend to visit one GT3 specialist per year, sometimes twice but, due to the nature of the beast, there are only a few that help us with that. We have tried barbecues before, as well as local meetings, but always the numbers/interest made then non-viable. One skills training event was popular, but these are difficult to arrange and, as I found out when looking to do more, it’s a grey area for insurance – not a trackday or general motoring. If you have an idea, or an ‘in’ with some motorsport company/event, please let me know.
I don’t have any trackdays planned for the rest of this year but have a touring holiday in Europe. The 718 will come out for that – it’s just more comfortable and practical. I was playing around with the ‘Sport’ mode the other day and decided that’s how the car’s designed to be used. The ‘Normal’ mode is really what our Mercedes calls ‘Eco Mode’. I guess ‘Normal’ and ‘Eco’ was something Porsche did not like the idea of….
Officials’ Winter Conference
Lastly, the Club has its Officials’ Winter Conference in early November. I shall be representing the GT3 Register. If there is anything you want me to raise, any concerns, etc., please contact me. I have several points to make but, as always, I welcome a broader view of issues from everyone.
Happy GT3ing,
Alex