MICHIANA – PORSCHE CLUB
Who Are We? When you own one of the finest engineered automobiles in the world, you belong to a unique group of individuals who share a passion. The Michiana Porsche Club (Michiana Region of Porsche Club of America) was formed in 1973 to bring Porsche enthusiasts in the southernmost counties of Michigan and northernmost counties of Indiana together to celebrate these unique sports cars. Our goal is to provide a variety of activities so that members can choose what suits their interests whether they be social interaction, charity, driving events, car shows, help with technical issues, car care, advice on buying a used Porsche, attending Porsche related events together or just benefitting from the top quality monthly national Porsche Panorama magazine and dealer discounts offered to members. No matter what membership opportunities in which you choose to participate, you will learn to know some of the nicest people who share your passion for Porsche. It’s not just the cars, it’s the people who make this a club you’ll enjoy.
Social Events: In addition to our monthly dinner meetings held the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm (members arrive from 6 pm on) in the downstairs meeting room of Colombo’s Italian Restaurant on South Main Street in Elkhart, the Michiana Porsche Club hosts various Drive and Dive events where members select an interesting driving route to an interesting restaurant for a driving caravan and meal together. We’ve also combined those with museum tours or shopping sprees. In December or January we often host a Meet the Members Winter Party at a nice restaurant or member’s home with a raffle and special awards.
Charity Events: For the last number of years we have been one of the sponsors of School Supply Give Away of Gary, held each August, by providing funds, supplies, and members volunteering at the event. The give away was started by members Sharon and Ben Tyler years ago and provides backpacks filled with grade specific school supplies to over 1,300 students annually. We have sponsored auto mechanics students from the Elkhart County Career Center to attend competitions at the annual Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association show and provided financial support for Love Way, an equestrian program for children with special needs.
Driving Events: For those of you who would like to learn more about safety, car control, and performance driving in a controlled environment, we hold Autocross events on the the small test track at the Tire Rack in South Bend, Indiana and participate in neighboring PCA regions’ Driver’s Education events at area racetracks. After participating in these events, if you find you want actual competitive but still courteous racing experience, Porsche Club of America offers a licensing program leading to PCA Club Racing at famous racetracks around the country.
Car Shows: For the last 8 years we have hosted Porsches to Goshen on the first Friday of September, blocking off the street south of the historic Elkhart County courthouse and filling it with Porsches from the region and beyond as a part of Goshen’s First Fridays street party. We have also participated in car shows in Kalamazoo with the Mercedes Club, a show along the canal in the Village at Winona (near Warsaw), and as part of the Deutsche Marques show at the Gilmore Car Museum in Richland, MI.
Porsche Parade: Held in a different region of the country each year, the Porsche Club of America organizes a week long convention for members and their families that includes some form of practically all of the aforementioned events bringing together members from across the country. There you will see a collection of members most well prepared and immaculate Porsches in the Concours Car Show. There are technical sessions on every aspect of Porsche ownership, factory and supplier sponsored booths and banquets, driving and bus tours to area attractions, and events of all kinds, including those designed for your children.