Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/240136
EDITOR'S COLUMN By Stan Thorne Introductions... Time for an introduction and a rhetorical question. The Introduction: It is with as much bravery as I can muster that I step into David Lessmann's shoes as the next editor of Der Sportwagen. Who am I? Well, I have been a fan of the flat 6 since I was about 9 years old. I still remember the fall afternoon when a friend of my father's took us for a ride in his 911 Targa. Must have been a mid '70s car because I can still see the metallic cinnamon brown hue reflecting the fall sunshine. One ride, stuffed in the back, know where to sit. But, I came back. I am so thankful that I did. I have met some great guys who share my car passion. I find joy in knowing that I am not the only one who would rather watch a car race on Sunday than football. PCA is right when they say, "It's not just the cars, it's the people." My lovely wife and I have had more fun zipping through the back roads of Missouri, headed who knows where, following all kids of beautiful German engineering, only to arrive at a winery or dinner event to meet new wonderful people. If "One ride, stuffed in the back, with the sky above me, the wind whirling around me, and the song of the engine in my ear - I was hooked." with the sky above me, the wind whirling around me, and the song of the engine in my ear and I was hooked. I then graduated from matchbox cars to posters on my wall, to screen savers on my computer and finally a prancing horse in my garage. While the car was the goal it is the club that has made the car fun. My lovely wife and I joined the PCA about 6 years ago. My first event was to the weekly breakfast meeting. To be honest my first visit reminded me of what it was like to ride the kindergarten school bus all over again. I did not know anyone and I did not 4 you have not joined us on a fun run, ice cream social, autocross, shrimp boil, or Christmas banquet I highly encourage it. You will meet some really neat people. And speaking of neat people…. through the process of becoming the new editor. The Rhetorical Question: Analog or digital? PDK or stick? Air or water? And for us, print or online? All have advantages over the other, some more than others. In our case, print or online, technology has moved so far forward that we need to move with it. I plan on utilizing some of the latest technology, like video and voice overs, to bring articles, events and drives to life. I hope that you find these additions an enhancements to your Der Sportwagen reading experience. Der Sportwagen will primarily be available only online from now on. Should you need a printed copy for a friend contact me directly at dersportwagen@ gmail.com. I will do my best to take care of your needs. - Stan MY DREAM GARAGE I want to thank David for his dedication to Der Sportwagen and Taken at Rennfest IV keeping it the great club resource it has been. I, as an avid reader of the club magazine, have always looked forward to receiving each subscription in the mail. The variety of articles has always made the publication a wonderful read. My collection in the "man cave" is getting quite impressive. As I timidly step forward I hope he, and you the reader, all will continue to help and guide me January / February 2014