Come along with us as we go for a “bugs’ eye view” ride with James Sofronas in the #14 GMG Porsche (pictured below). Sofronas had an incredible weekend at Long Beach this past April, starting from 5th position on the grid and working his way up to an eventual 2nd place finish. James Sofronas – along with business partner Fabryce Kutyba – owns GMG Racing, based in nearby Santa Ana. The Long Beach GP is James’ “home track” during the SCCA World Challenge Series. To score a podium here in front of the hometown crowd is a huge plus for James, Fabryce, and the entire GMG crew. We salute their success.

Enjoy this nicely made video…turn up the sound!

We just love the video camera angle…”it’s a bugs’ life – fast is good”.

The Targa Tasmania is a tarmac-based rally event held on the island state of Tasmania, Australia, annually since 1992. The event takes its name from the world-famous Targa Florio, the stellar event held on the island of Sicily. The competition concept is drawn directly from the best features of the Mille Miglia, the Coupe des Alpes and the Tour de Corse. We think it’s a very cool event. In 2011, Porsche Sent Walter Rohrl and (original from 30 years ago) co-driver Christian Geistdoerfer “down under” in their ‘81 911SC Rally Car. These videos are divided into legs 1-5.

Get some popcorn and enjoy!

The Porsche 918 RSR is Big News.

Big News for a couple of reasons: A) It signals a return to prototype racing and, B) it signals that Porsche is very serious about hybrid technology development.  What better way to develop solid engineering principles than racing?

Here at PML, we can’t wait to see the Porsche prototypes at LeMans once again.  If the GT3 R Hybrid race program is any indication, it won’t take the folks from Weissach long to have the 918 RSR running up front.

Here are a couple of videos to whet your appetite: Enjoy!

Palm Springs, November, 2010 – Joerg Bergmeister tries on the new Carrera GTS, and compares it with his “normal” ride; the #45 Flying Lizards GT3 RSR. Enjoy the footage.

“Rise And Shine…You Guys Were All Great…”

Porsche Great Britain has concluded their grueling “Boot Camp” for the six finalists vying for the two Porsche GB Scholarship 2011 driving slots. Before watching this “Day 3″ video, however, we suggest re-watching the “Day 1″ and Day 2″ videos here – see if your “picks” were successful!

Enjoy!

LeMans, France, 1977

Some vintage footage – during a qualifying session – of the Porsche 936 Spyder driven that year by Jurgen Barth, Hurley Haywood, and Jacky Ickx to overall victory. Their AVERAGE speed is claimed to be 194.65mph! While we certainly can’t vouch for the accuracy of that speed – they were very fast nonetheless. Watch how they turn all those Porsche 911 RSRs into “speed bumps”.

Enjoy.

Porsche Factory Rennsport Poster From 1976 Showing The 936 Spyder

“Rise And Shine…We’re Off To Boot Camp”

Six young drivers have been selected for the final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain (GB) Scholarship. They’re competing to win £50,000 towards racing in the 2011 Carrera Cup championships,  and to get a serious head start in their motorsport careers. Meet the six finalists as they go through a series of tests. They need to prove their fitness; their communication and media skills; and their ability to raise sponsorship – as well as their talent behind the wheel of the 911 GT3 Cup car.

These videos are courtesy of Porsche – UK.  Grueling stuff. Even the four “losers” will be winners, as they will benefit from this experience. We will have the finalists here, when they are announced.

We broke out in a sweat just watching these kids get pushed to their limits –  the only thing missing was an 0500 reveille…

Enjoy.

Does Form follow Function, or does Function follow Form? The chicken, or the egg – which is it?

“Form follows function” is a general principle associated mostly with modern architecture and industrial design. The principle being defined as the shape of a building or object should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose.

In the context of design professions “form follows function” generally and intuitively seems to make perfect sense, but when given a chance to think about it, things get cloudy – real fast. The principle becomes problematic and open to very broad interpretation. Linking the relationship between the form of an object and its intended purpose is not always easy;  nor always by itself a complete design solution. Defining the precise meaning(s) of the phrase ‘form follows function’ opens a discussion of design integrity that remains an important, lively debate…such as this video below, courtesy of Porsche Design.

Enjoy.

(Editor’s Note 11/12/10; This car has been sold – and it’s off to a new home in New Hampshire) John Audette is a dedicated Porsche enthusiast, based in Bend, Oregon.  Over the years, John has done some top quality restoration work on numerous Porsches, and has also had the pleasure of owning some other fine Porsches that he only considered himself  a “caretaker” for…

In March of 1968 Porsche published a customer bulletin entitled “Information Regarding Porsche Vehicles Used for Sports Purposes” that provided details, specifications and guidelines on building a car for competitive events such as rallying and circuit racing. Several years ago John decided to build-up a SWB 911 based on the criteria found in this handbook.

Here’s a video from Monterey of last year, featuring PCA’s Manny Alban interviewing John.

One aspect of the build John took very seriously was the use of NOS Rally & Competition parts, wherever and whenever possible.  Another neat characteristic of this build was John’s “three cars in one” approach. He has set up the car to wear one of three different configurations: Track Events, Rallys, and Shows.  There is a parts list, inventory, and set-up approach for each “application”. The full description, contact details, and more photos can be found here.

This is that car…and it’s now for sale.  John is starting a new business and would like to see this amazing creation go to a proper, Porsche Enthusiast home.

Enjoy.

John Audette's '67 Rally 911 At The Carmel Concours

Details...It's All In The Details, Note Period Correct Watches And Halda Tripmaster

More Details...Here We Have John's "Track Seats" And Schroth Harnesses

Heart Of The Matter: Original 2.0ltr Engine Punched To 2.7ltr With PMO Carbs

Again, this beautiful early 911 is available…Take a look here for complete details and contact information

11/12/10: This Car Has Been Sold

Flying Lizards Pilot Gets Beat At An Auction.

No, seriously…watch this video.

Corvette Racing pilot Johnny O’Connell auctions off a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity: A genuine Joerg Bergmeister “Ass Whoopin” for charity.  As comical as this auction is, it underscores what great sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie exists between the Flying Lizard Porsche and Corvette Racing camps in the ALMS Series.  All for a good cause.

This video really isn’t meant to be part of PML’s “regular” auction coverage. Nonetheless, we hope you’ll smile, and enjoy the show.