PorscheFest '99

Carolinas PorscheFest’99 Concours

"From My Side of the Chair"

by Bob Blenis Concours Co-Chairman

Looking down the tree lined parking arena was a sight that would surely make Dr.
Porsche proud. Close to my right, a '99 996 cabriolet with 49 miles. Far to my left,
at the end of the line, a silver '56 356 cabriolet. In between, 35 of the finest this
marque has to offer. Many have been here since sun up, preparing for the show.

Around 9 am, three 5 man judging teams, orchestrated by Dr. Ed Coon, begin their
tasks. Exterior judges in white gloves - no dirty hands on these beauties - get the
first look for one minute. Then engine compartment, storage areas, and interior
areas get three minutes of scrutiny from their respective judges. It's really tough
judging brand new cars.

While all this is going on, there are the "accountants" behind the scenes, adding
all the score sheets. Then double checking. Then adding up the Peoples’ Choice
ballots. An addition error could be disastrous.

After all this comes the Best of Show choice. Members from each judging team
are selected to now judge the highest scorers to pick the winner. Three cars are
rejudged. Finally a winner.

The 37 cars represented a dozen classes in six divisions, and 15 judges had to
narrow these down to one. Their choice - a '97 911 C2S owned by Harvey and
Sharon Bordon.

The Peoples’ Choice, voted on by all present, was a near sweep. The winner was
the silver '56 356 cabriolet owned by Cam Ingram. The people have spoken.

The sun is now directly overhead and the rally is about to begin. Before I leave I
must thank all those judges, many who came only to judge. Thanks guys. To the
ladies who did all the accounting, thanks ladies. To my co-chair, thanks Ed.

To Chuck and Tina, thank you!!