Niagara

The current President, Vice President and their spouses of the Niagara section traveled 500 miles to Indianapolis for Mercedes Grande. They enjoyed seeing the downtown area around their hotel.  There was a unique opportunity with Al Unser Jr. and an up-close look at his race car. They toured the amazing local dealership, danced at the  '60's party, and of course, spent a day at a huge car show, just to name a few of the activities. On their return, our membership enjoyed a video show and commentary on the event at our monthly meeting. 

Performance Driving at Talladega Grand Prix Raceway

11 June

The Alabama – NW Florida and Peachtree sections jointly host this event with assistance of some of my Porsche Club fellow instructors. 

Also in attendance were both AL- NW FL Pres. Jim Sparacio and Peachtree Section President Gary Edwards who co-chaired the event with me. 

Performance Driving Committee chairman, Arno Pitzen drove his AMG SL from Austin, TX.

Our special guest was MBCA Marketing Director, Ken Engelman who remarked that he was impressed with the energy of the MBCA members and guests.  Among these was Ken’s brother, Dave some of whose professional photos are included with this report.

I had the best job of the event: instructing 21 year old twins Kristen and Nicole Jebeles.  You may recall that they were the stars of StarFest® 2019 with their ML.  Their driving skills have advanced so much that Nicole instructed a much older novice gentleman.

In this event four of the students and two of the instructors were women.  Participants ranged from 21-91.  Cars included 2 S-classes, a GLE AMG, SLS, and several other AMG’s.  Some MBCA members drove other cars.  All progressed with their driving skills and had a great time.  Again, no cars were damaged.

Altogether I drove 3500 mikes and then helped PCA with a national instructor school at TGPR followed by their 2 day Performance Driver Education event at Barber—that is their motivation for helping MBCA.  This was a wonderful and grateful experience.  The only thing better would be sharing it with more MBCA members.

Not even PCA can stage their events without partners, friends, and other students in other brands participating.  At that last event 40% were not PCA members.  These events are a great source of non-dues income.

Make plans to join us at Summit – Point WV (GWS Section) on 24-25 Sep and then drive through the Smokey Mountains with us to visit the Mercedes-Benz factory in Alabama on 30 Sep followed by two days on the Barber track or driving in the mountains.

Lots of fun driving in great cars, meeting interesting people, sights and experiences you will treasure.  What’s not to like?

Jim Roberts, DAL

Photo Credit: Kathouse Media

MERCEDES FREUDE

(The Joy of Everything Mercedes)

The MBCA’s brand new National Event, Mercedes Freude, was held at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the first week of November.  Adding to the club’s largest attended National Event were several St. Louis Gateway Section members. After four days of receptions, educational seminars, day trips, competitive rallies, and a final banquet, most members stayed on for Legends of the Autobahn and the renowned Hilton Head Island Concourse d’Elegance.  St. Louis Gateway Section member, Ed Knoll, won both the overall People’s Choice award and Best-In-Class at the Concours and Rick Siefert won Best-In-Class at Legends of the Autobahn.