Hello Zone 7!
November in Northern California and Nevada. Aren’t we fortunate?
While Porsche owners in many parts of the country are preparing to tuck their cars away for the winter, we’re still checking the weather forecast, looking for a favorite stretch of road, and making plans for another weekend behind the wheel. Sure, the mornings might be a little cooler, and we may need to dodge an occasional rainstorm, but we still have some wonderful driving days ahead of us.
And let’s face it, there’s something pretty special about a crisp fall morning, a Porsche warming up in the driveway, and the anticipation of a great drive with friends.
As we begin to wind down another very busy PCA calendar year, I’ve been reflecting on just how much has happened across our ten Regions and throughout Zone 7 in 2026. What an incredible variety of activities, events, and experiences we’ve enjoyed!
From autocross and concours to club racing, driver education, scenic tours, tech sessions, social gatherings, and some truly outstanding special events, our Regions have once again demonstrated that there is no shortage of things to do in PCA.
And perhaps more importantly, there’s no shortage of wonderful people to do them with.
A Year Worth Celebrating
Think about everything that goes into a typical PCA year.
There are the early morning gatherings where a simple cup of coffee turns into a two-hour conversation about cars. The driving tours that take us down roads we might never have discovered on our own. The autocross events where competitors celebrate each other’s improvements, even while trying to beat one another by a few hundredths of a second.
There are concours events where hours of preparation and attention to detail are proudly displayed. Track weekends where drivers continue learning about their cars and their own abilities. And then there are the social gatherings, dinners, celebrations, and special events where the cars sometimes become secondary to the friendships.
We’ve also had the opportunity to participate in larger Zone and National activities, including Porsche Parade, Werks Reunion Monterey, and Treffen at Sea. These events remind us that our PCA family extends well beyond our individual Regions.
I hope that somewhere along the way this year, you tried something new, visited another Region, met some new friends, or simply enjoyed your Porsche a little more than you expected.
That’s what it’s all about.
PCA – Fueled by Volunteers
I’ve said it before, and I’ll continue saying it because it deserves repeating: PCA is fueled by volunteers!
As your Zone 7 Representative, I have the privilege of working with the leadership of all ten Regions. I get to see a great deal of what happens behind the scenes, and I can tell you that the amount of time, energy, creativity, and dedication our volunteers contribute is truly remarkable.
To our Region Presidents and Boards of Directors, thank you for your leadership, your commitment, and the countless hours you devote to keeping your Regions active, healthy, and welcoming.
To the Committee Chairs, whether you’re responsible for membership, events, tours, autocross, concours, safety, communications, social activities, or any of the many other functions that keep a Region moving forward, thank you.
And to the volunteers who simply raise their hands and say, “I can help,” you are every bit as important.
You are the people who arrive early to set up, stay late to clean up, organize registrations, prepare calendars, coordinate volunteers, answer questions, manage equipment, and solve those last-minute challenges that inevitably come along.
Sometimes the most successful events are the ones where nobody notices how much work went into making everything run smoothly.
But I notice. Your Region leadership notices. And I hope our members recognize and appreciate those efforts as well.
More Than Just the Cars
One of the things I enjoy most about PCA is watching what happens when people with a common interest come together.
We may have joined because of the cars, but for many of us, the friendships and experiences become just as important.
I’ve watched members who barely knew one another become great friends. I’ve seen experienced drivers take the time to help someone attending their very first autocross. I’ve watched longtime concours participants patiently share their knowledge with someone who just wants to learn how to better care for their Porsche.
And I’ve seen volunteers step forward, time and time again, simply because they enjoy being part of something special.
That sense of community is what makes PCA different.
Whether you own a vintage 356, an air-cooled 911, a Boxster, Cayman, Macan, Cayenne, Taycan, or the latest GT car, there’s a place for you in this club.
It’s not about what you drive. It’s about the people you meet and the experiences you share along the way.
Looking Toward 2027
While we’re reflecting on 2026, our Regions are already hard at work preparing for 2027.
Calendars are being developed, venues are being secured, and plans are coming together for another year of driving, competition, social activities, and special events.
We also have some exciting National opportunities ahead, including Porsche Parade 2027 in Boise, Idaho, Porsche Parade 2028 in Traverse City, Michigan, and another Treffen at Sea in 2027.
I encourage you to start thinking about what you’d like to do next year. Perhaps there’s an event you’ve always wanted to attend or an activity you’ve been curious about but haven’t yet tried.
And here’s another thought: consider volunteering.
You don’t have to join a Board or commit to a major responsibility. Sometimes helping at registration, assisting with an event, or volunteering for a few hours is all it takes to make a real difference.
Who knows? You might discover that being involved behind the scenes is just as rewarding as participating in the event itself.
Stay Connected
Even as our calendars begin to slow down for the holidays, there’s still plenty happening around Zone 7.
Be sure to follow our Zone 7 Facebook page, along with the dedicated Zone 7 Autocross and Zone 7 Concours pages. They’re great places to find announcements, photos, event information, and updates from throughout the Zone.
And don’t forget the Zone 7 website, where you’ll find Region connections, calendars, event information, registration links, and news as we begin preparing for 2027.
A Final Thought – And a Thank You
As Thanksgiving approaches, it seems especially appropriate to take a moment to appreciate what we have.
We’re fortunate to enjoy some incredible cars, beautiful roads, a wide variety of activities, and, most importantly, a community of people who share our enthusiasm.
To everyone who has participated in an event this year, thank you.
To those who organized, chaired, supported, or volunteered at an event, an even bigger thank-you.
And to our Region leadership teams, thank you for everything you do to make PCA the club that it is.
Ten Regions. Thousands of members. Countless experiences. And one common passion.
That’s Zone 7.
There are still some great driving days ahead before we turn the calendar to December. I hope you’ll take advantage of them, enjoy your Porsche, spend some time with friends, and maybe make one more memory before the year is over.
I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving.
And as always, if you see me at an event, please come say hello. I’m pretty sure we’ll find something to talk about!
Brian Adkins
PCA Zone 7 Representative
Diablo Region
brianpadkins@gmail.com
510.695.5030