President’s Message

President’s Message – March 2026

We welcome in the meteorological Spring, but you cannot tell by the continuing snow and ice and salty roads.  However, in a few weeks we will welcome the vernal equinox when flowers begin to bloom, daylight grows longer and Porsches poke their heads out of their garages.  Happy St Patrick’s Day!

One of our Winter family traditions and a fixture on our February calendar for 31 years, the 2026 Super Slot Car races were held at our valued sponsor, Porsche Annapolis.  It was a full house, nearly 80 people attended, including 30 children.  In addition to the racing, Porsche Annapolis provided an arts and crafts table with Porsche related painting activities. Additionally, they provided lunch that complimented the chili brought by members for the annual chili cook off.  Many thanks to Dan Zadra for leading this terrific event again this year. Great Job Dan!   Thanks to Dennis Zadra, Steve Wood, Marsha Buss and Rob Blizzard (PA) for setting up the event on Friday evening. And thanks to many of you that helped with the breakdown and clean up.  The event was so admired by Porsche Annapolis; they offered to host again next year!  

As I’m preparing for the March 11 Board of Directors Meeting, I am in awe of the number events already on the calendar and am so thankful and appreciative of all our volunteers.  We are extremely fortunate to have such a passionate group that takes their enthusiasm well beyond the Porsche brand for all of you.  Remember to thank them when you have the opportunity as this is their only compensation. As always, everyone is welcome to attend the Board Meeting, just let me know so I can save you a seat at the table.

The Social Committee has set up a breakfast at Eggcellence in Annapolis on March 7 and an After St Patrick’s Day dinner at Kelsey’s Irish Pub on March 24^th.  Thanks to Stephanie and Randy for bringing members together to provide opportunities to engage with one another, meet new members and enjoy the food and camaraderie.  The February Social Dinner at the Blackwall Barn and Lodge was a sell out and a wonderful evening was had by all. 

Our Tours Committee, led by Rich Ehrlich, are settling in for the season.  Tour and Rally School will be held at our valued sponsor, Porsche Silver Spring, on March 28^th.  The first tour of the year, the Off We Go! Tour is on April 11^th.  This was so popular that Rich added a second date, April 12^th.  Weekday Wanderer’s first event this year is on April 22^nd.  These weekday events were well attended last season.  Thanks to Rich and the guest tour masters for putting together another full season of backroad touring.

The Autocross Committee, led by Greg Hartke, has signed the contract with Ripken Stadium for another fun filled season.   The AX school will be held on April 4^th and the first racing event will be on April 25^th. There will be a total of 7 AX racing events ending on October 17^th.

Our valued sponsor, Porsche Owings Mills, is preparing for a Tech Session on March 14^th.  Join us for an up close and personal overview of the 2026 Porsche Restoration Challenge. Peter Simpson, POM Service Manager, is planning to discuss the restoration philosophies and plans for the two cars he is submitting in the challenge. 

The Membership Committee, Mark, Rob and Rob, have set up the first New Member Party and Tech Event of the year at our valued sponsor, Porsche Hunt Valley, on March 21^st.  Please join us as we meet and greet the new members and make new friends.  As a bonus, this month we will have Ryan Juarascion, Owner of Cosmetic Automobile Repair Specialists join us to conduct a paintless dent repair hands on workshop.

On Sunday March 22^nd, we will assemble at the P1 Sim Racing facility in Annapolis for an exciting and intense race event.  The simulators are incredibly lifelike, and the atmosphere is filled with adrenaline.  Lunch will be served in their upscale lounge, allowing you to catch all the action on the big screen TVs.

Thanks to all of you for making Chesapeake Region so much fun! It’s the cars that bring us together, but it is the people that make it special.

Let’s be careful out there.

Steve

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President’s Message – February 2026

We are one month into the New Year and I want to thank our Executive Committee and committee chairs who have had a busy month planning our events calendar and budgets. 

Autocross and Tour events are on the calendar as well as our annual slot car racing, crab feast, CC57 and many other activities.  Check out the calendar as more events from the Social and Tech Committees will be posted soon.

Our annual After Holiday Party at the Turn House in Columbia was a resounding success.  Legos were a big item this year as well as the usual artwork gifts.  The Tefler design Brumos art was the most stolen gift, registering 16 steals.  The Tefler Gulf 917 Daytona limited edition was stolen 12 times and the 1976 Silverstone Porsche 935 artwork 10 times.  The toolkit gift was stolen 13 times.  I must hand it to those who attended, the gifts this year were definitely kicked up a few notches from previous years.  Thanks again to Bob and Manny as they always entertain us!  And thanks to all the volunteers who helped organize and set up and break down. 

The first board meeting of the year was scheduled for Tuesday January 27^th at the Green Turtle in Hanover, but the snow and ice postponed the meeting until February 2^nd.  As always, everyone is welcome to attend, just let me know so I can save you a seat at the table.

The 2026 Porsche Parade (June 14-20) registration is open and in less than 24 hours 2026 members registered.  The population of Lake Placid is only about 2200!  The hotels in Lake Placid can be found at https://www.porscheparade.org/PhaseIRegistration, but most have filled up.  You can still register and stay in an Airbnb or VRBO or Bed and Breakfast.  Phase 2 opens on April 15^th for events and banquets registration. 

Super Slot Cars, our winter family tradition for 30 years, will be held on Sunday, February 15^th at our valued sponsor, Porsche Annapolis.  Registration is open in MSR, but unfortunately, we are at capacity.  Please add your name to the waitlist as I will do my best to include everyone who wants to attend.

Social has announced Saturday morning, February 7^th, 8am breakfast at Eggcellence in Annapolis.  Registration is open.  The February Social Dinner will be on February 17^th at the Blackwall Barn and Lodge in Columbia.

The holiday season’s annual charity drive for Linda’s Legacy and Kindertime was a tremendous success and I have an update from the Mt Washington Children’s hospital.  540 families and 1564 children were served.  The hospital distributed over 15,000 toys and books and 330 winter coats were distributed. Thank you for your generosity.  

The Chesapeake Region will be celebrating our 65^th Anniversary March 20^th.  Are you interested in helping plan a terrific event?  Contact me at president@pcachs.org

Don’t forget to check out the 2026 calendar. 

Thanks to all of you for making Chesapeake Region so much fun! It’s the cars that bring us together, but it is the people that make it special.

Let’s be careful out there.

Steve Buss
President, Chesapeake Region

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