Posted on

We’re Not Done Yet: Park Place Motorsports Enters Race for Final Push for Porsche Cup

Park Place Motorsports enters the Hankook 24 Hours of COTA at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, with drivers Alan Brynjolfsson, Trent Hindman, Spencer Pumpelly, and a fourth driver.

This week’s race will be the first undertaking of the 24 Hours of COTA for Dallas based Park Place Motorsports. The inspiration to log additional miles in 2019 comes after Brynjolfsson regained the lead in the Porsche Cup standings after winning both SprintX West race in the SRO Pirelli GT4 America finale. German competitor Christian Reid now finds himself sandwiched between Brynjolfsson and Hindman, as Hindman respectively sits third.

The duo joined by Pumpelly will hope to upset the 24-Hour field and take home a win to offset the points potentially earned by Reid in the FIA WEC 4 Hours of Shanghai, which takes place Sunday, Nov. 10. An excellent finish could tip the scales in Brynjolfsson’s favor and give him the Porsche Cup win as well as a new Porsche 992. If Hindman hangs on to his current standing, he will take home a €25,000 Euro check.

The lineup will run the No. 73 Porsche 911 GT3 R, generation I, as opposed to the current generation II model, the team ran this season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. While it will be a first for both Hindman and Brynjolfsson to be behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R, it won’t be the first time they dominated at COTA. Brynjolfsson and Hindman took home two wins in the Pirelli GT4 America SprintX East series in early March for the kickoff of the 2019 SRO America season.

The weekend begins with private testing on Thursday, Nov. 14, followed by official practice on Friday, Nov. 15. GT Qualifying also takes place Friday with the 45-minute session set to go green at 3 p.m. CT. Friday concludes with night practice taking place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, sees the course go green for the first half of the 24-Hour race. The green flag drops at 11:30 a.m. with Part 1 coming to a close at 10:30 p.m. The final 13 hours begin Sunday, Nov. 17, at 8 a.m., with the checkered flag officially falling at 9 p.m. local. Watch Qualifying and the race live on the 24Hour Series YouTube page.

TEAM QUOTES

Alan Brynjolfsson

“No pressure, this next race will be pure enjoyment,” Brynjolfsson said. “I get to finally drive and experience the superior power, braking and downforce of a GT3 car; something that I can’t believe I haven’t done yet. I’m jumping right in with a 24-hour race, but I’m backed by some awesome co-drivers; Trent Hindman, Spencer Pumpelly and Richard Heistand. My only worry is I’ll get hooked and have to double my budget for next year.”

Trent Hindman

“Fortunately, the Park Place Motorsports/VOLT team had spent some time at COTA earlier this year with the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR,” Hindman said. “It’s a technically demanding track where seat time usually reigns supreme. Having that recent experience of running there will help with Alan’s transition into a GT3 car for the first time. It’s awesome to be a part of his progression and I think he will adapt very well to the pace of the car. It’s just nice to have the band back together for one last time in 2019.”

Richard Heistand

“This will be my first time at COTA and in a Porsche GT3 R,” Heistand said. “As you can imagine I’m excited for the new experience and for the opportunity with Alan, Patrick (Lindsey) and Park Place have given me. When I returned to racing in 2018, I competed in Porsche Supercup so while the GT3 R is new to me, racing with Porsche is not and I’m very happy to be back in the Porsche family where it all started.”

Spencer Pumpelly

“The 24-hour race at COTA will be my first time running this event and my first time driving with Alan and Trent,” Pumpelly said. “I’m looking forward to giving it a strong go and hopefully a top finish. The car is the one I raced in the Petit Le Mans in 2018 and I have a long history with Park Place. I know what each is capable of so if we can avoid the pitfalls that can lurk in any 24-hour race, we should do well. “

Posted on

Getting Better All the Time: the 2020 911 Carrera and Cabriolet

“This new 911 series is the most revolutionary in the last 25 years.”

So declares Jordan Mizrach, General Manager of Park Place Porsche Grapevine. And while that’s something one might expect him to say, it’s still a bold claim.

Consider Porsche’s conversion from air- to water-cooled engines in 1998. Then the 2016 switch from naturally aspirated engines to flat-six twin-turbos. Pretty drastic stuff.

So what makes this eighth-generation 911 (internally coded as the 992 series), so radical?

“Just drive it,” Jordan suggests.

Let’s start with an up-close-and-personal look at the first 992 release: the Carrera S, with 443-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.

“There are subtle changes throughout,” says Paul Kim, the dealership’s SEM (Sales Experience Manager) and all-around Porsche-nista. Unlike in years past, all 992 models will now wear the same bodywork – rounder hips, flared fenders and a wider front and rear track (45 mm and 54 mm). And that beefier body is actually seven percent lighter than the outgoing model, thanks to more aluminum and composite materials.

He also points out that the hood resembles the famed “slantnose” from the 1975-89  Turbo series, aka the 930.

But Paul really gets a kick out of the rear gills under the back window. “Nine gills line up on either side of two larger middle slots. Get it? It’s a 9-9-2! Who says German engineers don’t have a sense of humor?”

He’s also a big fan of the lush interior, full of fine leather and thoughtfully arranged controls. Five toggles on the center stack evoke a vintage 911 layout. Seating is super-comfortable and well-suited for long trips – almost unthinkable a mere decade ago. Trim options include wood or carbon fiber inserts.

The classic five-dial instrument cluster dates back to the very first 911. But technology has supplanted the dials surrounding the large tach with maps, safety and driver-assist systems and other information. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system features an expansive 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen for nav, entertainment and other apps, including Apple CarPlay integration.

“Here’s a Porsche world-first,” says Paul. “Wet Mode is a standard function that automatically detects water via acoustic sensors in the front wheel housing, then activates PSM, PTM and PTV for better stability.” (The acronyms refer to Porsche Stability Management, Porsche Traction Management and optional Porsche Torque Vectoring.)

We’re all about stability, so we heed Jordan’s admonition to “just drive it.”

“Just Drive It:

Tooling around town, the Carrera S is as docile as you’d expect from a finely-engineered German luxury car. The remarkable eight-speed double-clutch automatic transmission, dubbed PDK – mercifully short for Doppelkupplungsgetriebe – shifts invisibly while in Normal mode. The only way to sense any change is to watch the tach.

But when a patch of open road beckons, it’s time to switch to Sport mode (or even Sport-Plus for the hardy soul). The Carrera S drops nearly a half-inch, the gears stretch the revs higher, the suspension tightens noticeably and the docile house pet transforms into a snarling beast, rampaging to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds (it feels faster) and hits 100 mph a few seconds later. Like, three.

And there’s more where that came from. The aptly-named “launch control” feature provides NASA-esque thrills. From a dead stop, the driver puts their foot on the brake, then floors the accelerator. The engine rises to a bellow, telling the computer, “Oh, it’s fun time now!” The computer tells the driver to release the brake. Instantly, the astonishing power band unspools with abandon as you rocket down the road.

“Launch” is such an inadequate word.

And all the while, the Carrera rides as securely, as controllably, as responsibly, as nimbly and as manageably as if it were on rails. Very fun, tight, swoopy rails.

There’s never any sense that the front will go one way or the back will go another or that the whole thing is about to unravel. The sense, instead, is that the engineering behind this drama is palpable, innovative, brilliant and amazing. 

“See what I mean?” Jordan asks with a grin. Paul laughs out loud.

No doubt about it – This new 911 series is the most revolutionary in the last 25 years.

The Carrera S and all-wheel-drive 4S models are available now in both coupe and cabriolet (convertible) versions. The base model Carrera and Cabriolet (with 379 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque) are available for order now, with delivery in the first quarter of 2020.

Available at:

Park Place Porsche Grapevine

1280 Texan Trail

Grapevine, TX 76051

(855) 341-2068

 

Park Place Porsche Dallas

6107 Lemmon Avenue

Dallas, TX 75209

(214) 736-5680

Posted on

Park Place Drives Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum Through October 31st

Park Place Dealerships is the official automotive sponsor of the 14th annual Autumn at the Arboretum. The festival opened September 21 and runs through October 31.

With the theme, “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the Dallas Arboretum’s fall festival features ‘Great Pumpkin’ topiary characters such as Linus, Sally and Franklin looking through the pumpkin patch, as well as Snoopy and Woodstock on top of his dog house. Of course, mixed amongst these Fall character staples are some luxury cars from Park Place Dealerships on display around the pathways of the Arboretum.

Park Place Volvo Featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
Park Place Motorcars Dallas Featured at Autumn in the Arboretum

“Park Place Dealerships is honored to continue our 10-year partnership with the Dallas Arboretum,” said Park Place Dealerships CEO Neil Grossman. “You know it’s fall in Dallas when the Dallas Arboretum’s annual fall festival opens.”

Guests can snap selfies with Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, and Marcie behind the iconic brick wall. Or get lost with Pig Pen in the hay bale maze. Catch the Peanuts Gang at their gourd decorated schoolhouse for the annual autumn carnival. Named one of “The Best Pumpkin Festivals to Visit This Fall,” by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Autumn at the Arboretum features breathtaking fall colors.

“Known for amazing and creative displays, our 50-member horticulture team creates an awesome Pumpkin Village display where more than 250,000 people visit during Autumn at the Arboretum,” said Alan Walne, Dallas Arboretum’s board chairman. “They experience the garden in its fall glory, walk in the pumpkin houses, and enjoy the programming throughout the garden.”

This year’s festival features 150,000 fall-blooming flowers and plants; 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash; 3,000 ears of corn; and 1,500 corn stalks in the Pumpkin Village. Also 900 bales of hay mixed with 24 types of pumpkin; 17 squash types and seven gourd types.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Karma, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

Park Place Maserati Dallas featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
Park Place Porsche Dallas featured at Autumn in the Arboretum
Posted on

Member Spotlight: Park Place Porsche Dallas’ Service Director

Meet Jenny Drummond, Park Place Porsche Dallas’ Service Director and Valued Member of the Park Place Family.

The first thing you might notice about Jenny Drummond, Porsche Dallas Service Director, is her ethereal calm. It’s a reassuring quality to have when discussing intricate service issues on the exotic German brand.

The second thing you’ll notice – her thorough expertise. A client needs to replace his worn-out manual clutch. She explains what’s involved, then suggests replacing the IMS bearings too, as long as the assembly’s already open.

If you’re a Porsche person, you already know that her suggestion makes great sense. She’s also a natural when talking about the benefits of N-rated tires and why brake squeal isn’t a big deal.

“I’ve been around these cars for a long time,” she smiles gently. “You learn.”

Jenny comes by her technical prowess naturally. The Dallas native grew up in nearby Waxahachie and from an early age, eagerly pitched in on home repairs with her dad, as well as hunting, fishing and skeet shooting. “I liked working with him and developed an affinity for activities like that. Even today, I’m the one who’s hanging flat-screen TVs and tearing out drywall around the house.”

She laughs, but her husband Joe surely appreciates such a handy partner. (They were high-school sweethearts, married in 1991 and have three children.)

And that leads us to one more thing to notice about Jenny. In her own quiet way, she enjoys demolishing stereotypes.

“There’s a big misconception about dealerships,” says the 19-year Park Place veteran. “People think the hours are terrible, that we live bell to bell, but we don’t, of course. Management knows that family is more important than anything. We do our best to ensure a good work-life balance.”

She also believes that a related misconception – “Automotive is a man’s game” – means that women are missing out on industry opportunities. To change that, she’s a founding member of the “Women in Automotive Council,” an internal group that organizes community events and activities to promote greater career awareness.

“It’s not just sales and service, although those are good fields, too,” she says. “The automotive field presents women with wonderful opportunities across the board to build a rewarding career doing something you like. The old stereotypes are long gone.”

“When I first started in the business, a co-worker told me that if I didn’t plan on doing this for the rest of my life, I’d better get out now,” she laughs. “I’ve been here ever since and haven’t looked back once!”

Learn more about career opportunities at Park Place by visiting us online at ParkPlace.com.

 

 

Posted on

The Path to Porsche Perfection: Service Tips from the Pros

“This 911 GT3 R isn’t that different from the street version,” insists Andrew McNamara, gesturing at a race car that, with its roll cage, massive hood scoop, enigmatic dash switches and bare-bones interior, looks nothing like a showroom model at all.

“It’s got air conditioning,” he adds with a helpful laugh.

As Car Chief for Park Place Motorsports, Andrew oversees a 15-member team responsible for several high-performance cars that compete in numerous racing series, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship organized by IMSA (International Motor Sports Association).

His team keeps these vehicles at the ready, starting with pre-race shop preparation, track support, maintenance and, when it’s show time, lightning-fast pit stops. Afterwards, they tear down each car and start all over again.

As a result, he’s well acquainted with every screw, nut, bolt, fastener, headlight, pedal and tank on all the cars under his care. Believe him when he says there are more service similarities between a race car and a daily driver than one might think.

In particular, he’s referring to “consumables,” or things that are subject to wear and tear and need replacing, as well as general maintenance.

“We go through things in 60 minutes that you might not go through in 60 months, but the care principles are quite similar,” he says. “It’s a matter of degree. Tires on your 911 daily driver will go 10, 20 thousand miles, maybe more, and last several years, whereas we go through three or four sets in a weekend. You might flush your brake fluid every two or three years. We do it almost daily. Same with brake pads. And you’ll probably never need, or want, to look into your gas tank. For us, it’s a must.”

“Race car tolerances are much higher than for a daily driver,” says Jenny Drummond, Service Director for Park Place Porsche Dallas. “But the essentials are the same. It’s common sense to keep up with regular maintenance, because it’ll extend a vehicle’s life and keep performance levels where they need to be.”

In her 18-year career at Park Place, Jenny recognizes Porsche’s absolute commitment to precision, build quality and excellence. But she also acknowledges that things break now and then.

“They’re machines and machines break,” she explains. “Perhaps an owner lowered the convertible top in higher-than-recommended wind one too many times. The important thing is that when something goes wrong, we’ve got the correct tools and technical expertise to make it right again.”

“Jenny and her team are experts,” Andrew adds. “I see the same cars over and over, but they see thousands of different Porsches a year. Very little surprises them. They know, better than anyone, the ins-and-outs of how to keep their client’s cars in tip-top shape.”

Jenny and Andrew’s Top Ten List for Daily Driving Porsche Perfection

  1. Porsche gave you an operating manual, so read it. Not as entertaining as a Harry Potter novel but when it comes to caring for your car, the info is magical.
  2. Oil is your vehicle’s lifeblood. Change it every 3,500 miles (for conventional), and 7,500 – 10,000 miles (for synthetic). Don’t drive that much? Change it every year.
  3. Bringing a 911 to a whoa is super-important – check brake pads and rotors at every oil change. And change your brake fluid every two years (or sooner if you’re assertive with the pedal).
  4. Check your coolant and use Porsche-brand, as it’s synthetic and only needs replacement every ten years.
  5. Check tire pressure and tread depth monthly. Even if your tires are low mileage, check the date code – if they’re six years old (or more), replace them. Old tires lose their grip and detract from the exceptional driving experience you deserve.
  6. Your 911 is fuel-injected but it still needs new air filters every 40,000 miles or so, depending on how clean they are. Be wary of aftermarket filters that claim to increase horsepower.
  7. Speaking of filters, don’t forget to change your cabin air filter annually to keep that sweaty sock smell at bay.
  8. Batteries are just like people – they don’t do well when idle. Give them some exercise every week, if not daily, with a nice drive. And a Porsche battery maintainer is a savior if you don’t drive daily.
  9. Keep your spark plugs sparkling with regular changes every 30,000 miles (for turbos) and 40,000 miles (for non-turbos) or every four years. And check that owner’s manual for the best type of plugs for your vehicle.
  10. Keep your interior neat and tidy. Won’t help your mechanicals but a clean Porsche is a happy Porsche and makes for happy drivers and passengers, too.

Interested in following Park Place Motorsports? Check their upcoming schedule of events.

Click to schedule an appointment for your Porsche at Park Place Porsche Dallas or Park Place Porsche Grapevine.

Posted on

The Porsche Taycan: Over 300 Miles of Supreme Performance Without A Drop of Gasoline

Update July 2019: Porsche has officially announced that the Mission E is now the Porsche Taycan, which translates to “lively young horse”, referencing the center of the Porsche crest.

“The new electric sports car is athletic and performance-oriented; a car that is capable of longer distances, and represents freedom”, explains Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. Here comes the first electric sports car with the soul of a Porsche.

The Future of Porsche Sportscars

The future of Porsche Sportscars looks absolutely stunning with the first ever purely electric sports car in the performance brand’s history showcasing a combination of revolutionary tech and a futuristic exterior- all while remaining true to the epic Porsche style of the past 70 years. The Porsche Mission E Concept project head, Stefan Weckbach, notes that Porsche expertise lies in the “complex, efficient, and high-performance powertrains” similar to the iconic and truly rare 918 Spyder or 919 Hybrid.

Performance and Powertrains:

Take one look at the Mission E Concept specs and it’s unmistakably a sportscar. The exterior shows futuristic elements and upgrades to the aesthetics without hiding the iconic Porsche proportions. As with Porsche sports cars, the technology used is based on motorsports tech. For example, the two PSMs (permanent magnet synchronous motors) propel the front and rear axles,  forward and conserve energy when braking are similar to those found in the 919 Hybrid that won Le Mans, one of the oldest endurance, sports car races.

The Mission E is a powerful concept with over 600hp that can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, and further up to 124 mph in less than 12.

Dynamic Driving: Avoiding the Straight and Narrow

According to Porsche, the essence of Porsche is truly experienced driving down “winding roads” and hugging tight corners. The Mission E Concept candidly agrees with that assertion.  The specs show that the battery lies flat throughout the underbody to lower the sportscar’s center of gravity and enhance lateral dynamics. The even weight distribution achieves a balance between the front and rear of the concept car, allowing the all-wheel-drive system and Porsche Torque Vectoring to operate to their full potential.

What is Porsche Torque Vectoring: PTV Works to actively enhance vehicle dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction with a rear differential lock, it works by intelligently braking the rear wheels as the situation demands. For the driver, this means strong resistance to destabilizing side forces, outstanding traction, and great agility at every speed – with precise turn-in and well-balanced load transfer characteristics. What else? Tremendous fun in the corners.

The Taycan is race track ready with an equipment closet containing an active suspension derived from the 911 chassis. According to Porsche.com, expectations are high for this full-electric sportscar concept to lap the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in less than 8 minutes.

What is the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring? A 150,000 person capacity motorsports complex located in Germany with four track configurations including the Nordschleife, which is 14.73 miles long. Porsche broke the lap record earlier this year with Timo Bernhard at the helm, clocking in at 5:19.55 driving a Porsche 919 Evo.

Everyday Practicality in 15 Minutes

Not only has Porsche doubled the standard charging voltage to 800 volts, but they have subsequently reduced the charging time. The Lithium-ion battery powers the car for more than 300 miles on a single charge, and only needs 15 minutes to recharge for 250 miles worth of range.  Appropriately called turbo-charging, the 800-volt technology will be installed in charging stations along German freeways.  But, do not fret if the 800-volt station isn’t available; the Mission E can be charged with the conventional 400-volt station or in its own garage.

The Taycan (formerly known as the Mission E concept) has two electric motors (1, 2). Its 800-volt powertrain enables short charging times and extended range. The lithium-ion battery (3) is integrated into the underbody, which improves weight distribution and also enables inductive charging. The conventional charging port is located in the front left fender (4) (taken from Porsche.com)

 

The Designer’s Dream

There has not been a Porsche created that doesn’t reflect the brand’s heritage, making it an instantly recognizable machine. Aptly deemed, “Thrillingly different, yet reassuringly familiar,” the Mission E Concept reflects that tradition with distinct innovations like integrated aerodynamics. Integrated air channels enhance airflow around the wheels to reduce excess pressure and the risk of lift. The new concept evokes memories of the 918 Spyder with its arrow-like front, the 911 with its distinctive front fenders, and the 911 GT3 RS with broad recess runs from the overlapping front hood over the roof.

What’s new? Even more discreet design. The Matrix LED headlights hover within the air intakes. The four points surround a flat sensor used for driver assistance systems, with a border that serves as a turn signal. The flow of surfaces is not disturbed by side mirrors; instead, cameras are mounted on the sides. The handles on the rear doors are integrated with the shell, and a continuous arc of red light connects the rear fenders with a back-lit Porsche insignia located below it in black glass.

Move inside, and the dashboard shows ingenuity based on the cockpit design of the very first 911. A passenger can activate the holographic display with the wave of the hand, while either the driver or the front passenger can operate the radio, navigation system, climate, phone, and apps in a touch-free form. Every played charades? Well this a game of intuitive gestures detected by sensors inside the Taycan.

With the Porsche Taycan, the future is electric…and fascinating, indeed.

 For more information visit Porsche.Com

For Park Place Porsche Inventory or Inquiries Visit ParkPlace.com

 

 

Posted on

The New Porsche 718: Perfectly Irrational

Hungry for every curve and optimized for the racetrack. 

The Porsche 718 family welcomes two new members to the model family: the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder.  Poised with agility and intimate proximity to power, these sportscars will delight those who enjoy an unadulterated driving experience. 

Both the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spider share a technical base – a Porsche first- with a newly developed four-liter six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine together with a six-speed manual transmission.  While this GT4 represents Porsche’s entry-level GT road model, the Spider “lends itself to all kinds of curves.” And with both models being able to accelerate 0-60 in about 4.4 seconds from stopped, it’s clear these are designed with the iconic Porsche Performance in mind.

View each model’s specs and see a preview of its performance, courtesy of Porsche. 

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

The 718 Cayman GT4 produces 50% more downforce thanks to an improved aerodynamic design.  A major player in that improved design is a single-chamber arch rear silencer which creates space in the rear section for a functional diffuser and ultimately accounts for 30% of the downforce at the rear axle.

  

 

Porsche 718 Spider

Porsche terms the Spider variant as a “pure machine for driving pleasure,” sporting a lightweight convertible top that can combat top speeds. Top up or down, you’ll still get the thrilling power and aerodynamic improvements, and at 120 km/h (about 74-75 mph), the rear spoiler will automatically come up.

 

 

For the full technical write-up on the 718 GT4 and 718 Spider, visit Porsche Newsroom.

 

Posted on

Park Place Motorsports Wins 24 Hours of Le Mans

The Park Place Porsche sponsored No. 56 Porsche 911 RSR took home the prestigious title of 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and World Champion of the FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season.

Park Place Motorsports driver and Dallas resident Patrick Lindsey won the GTE Am points championship title in Le Mans, France but it wasn’t until 24 hours after the checkered flag fell that he was crowned the winner of Le Mans with co-drivers Edgidio Perfetti and Porsche Factory Driver Jörg Bergmeister. A post-race penalty was given for fuel capacity error to the winning Ford of Houston based Keating Motorsport. This is the same penalty Team Project 1, the German-based team that runs the No. 56 Park Place Porsche, received after winning at Fuji International Speedway. The time penalty did not strip the No. 56 of its win.

 

The crowning achievement of Le Mans winner is one that can often escape even the most talented teams and drivers, but Lindsey and company took home the honor in their first WEC season. The Super Season put on by the FIA WEC was to restructure their race season so the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which initially fell early in the race of the season, would now mark the finale. The Super Season featured two races at Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans and competitions in Europe, Asia and the United States. Lindsey took home two wins, and three podium finishes out of eight rounds.

“Well, it’s certainly unexpected news,” said Lindsey. “Winning the championship was the goal going into the race and having accomplished that with a second-place finish was beyond satisfying. With the news that we are now the winners, it’s a lot to wrap my head around.”

“For starters, I felt like we had already executed the perfect race, so to be made the winners – even post-race – feels like the perfect reward to the team for such a monumental effort. It’s the biggest race victory in my career and to go along with capping off the Super Season championship is just too amazing to express.”

“Pride in my teammates, relief of the past months of trying to maintain the championship, and of course, thankfulness of the full support of my wife, family and friends are emotions just swirling around that I can’t really distinguish. I’m looking forward to digesting it all and getting a little perspective of the whole thing, then figure out how to do it all again.”

What’s Next

Lindsey now rejoins teammate Nick Boulle, of de Boulle, and Porsche Factory Driver Patrick Long in the No. 73 de Boulle Porsche 911 GT3 R ran by Park Place Motorsports for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen International in New York. Park Place Motorsports is tied for third in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Daytona Team Points Championship. Watkins Glen International is the halfway point of the 2019 season and is the third installment of the Michelin Endurance Championship. The endurance championship features North America’s most elite endurance races including the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen airs on NBCSN Sunday, June 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. ET in a delayed broadcast. To watch the six-hour race live use IMSA.tv and NBC Sports app or listen to the race live with IMSA Radio. For more information on Park Place Motorsports visit http://parkplacemotorsports.com.

Posted on

Motorsports Update: Park Place Takes First Podium of 2019 in Detroit

Park Place Motorsports finished second in the Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear after dominating the weekend at the Raceway at Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan with Canadian driver Zach Robichon and Porsche Works Driver Patrick Long. 
 
Park Place Motorsports second-place finish came after leading nearly half of the 100-minute race. Both drivers took turns out in front of the GT Daytona Class. With 47-minutes remaining Long was passed in the tight confines of Turn 5. While he fought off multiple competitors the No. 14 Lexus of Richard Heistand and Jack Hawksworth slipped past Long and kept the No. 73 Park Place Porsche 911 GT3 R hot on its heels until the checkered flag. 
 
Though Long spent much of his stint hunting down the leader, teammate Robichon had a very different race. Robichon inherited pole position and never relinquished the lead. He led the GTD field for 42 minutes opening up a 2.3-second gap over his competitors. Robichon conquered two of the five restarts with ease. A perfect pit stop kept Long in the lead after the driver change. 
 
Park Place Motorsports second place finish at Detroit is highlighted by earning the new Porsche 911 GT3 R first pole position in North America. This is also the first GTD Class podium of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season for the manufacturer. In Championship Points Standings Long moves up into third for the Drivers’ Championship and second in the WeatherTech Sprint Championship. 
 
Calendar
Up next for Long is the Official Le Mans Test at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France. Team Principal and co-driver Patrick Lindsey will fly Long as well as other IMSA drivers to the test where he will also compete. The Park Place sponsored No. 56 of Team Project 1 of Lindsey unveiled its art livery by Richard Phillips for the 24 Hours of Le Mans ahead of the test. The next event for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is June 30 at Watkins Glen International.
 

Driver Quotes

 
Zachary Robichon, Driver of the No. 73 Park Place Porsche 911 GT3 R

“It was a fantastic weekend with Park Place Motorsports,” Robichon said. “I’ve never raced with Park Place before or raced at Belle Isle Raceway, so it was a weekend of firsts for me. Luckily this wasn’t my first street track and I was able to settle in pretty quickly.
 
“It was great working with Patrick Long and the whole Park Place Team. We were able to meld very easily and get up to speed in the car. It was a great race where we held the lead for a long time, we just missed out a little bit at the end and brought it home in second which was still exciting. This was my first time on the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship podium and my first podium with the Porsche 911 GT3 R. I’m glad we were able to be competitive and help Park Place move up in the championship.”

 
Patrick Long, Porsche Works Driver, No. 73 Park Place Porsche 911 GT3 R

“I’m really proud of the whole Park Place Motorsports organization,” Long said. “We were at the sharp end of the field all weekend. The racer in me is disappointed and wants a victory for the team but the realists understands this is where championships are made or lost. The second yellow is ultimately where the plot twisted. The Lexus was able to drive by me on the back straightaway on that restart. We were better on the long run but a little bit low on pace on the short run. It was a great job by Zach and the whole team today.”

Posted on

Patrick Long Shares 3 Professional Tips for Handling Your Porsche

Poised for the Track, Ready For the Road

“Driving events are a great way for people to feel the capability of their Porsche, no matter what they drive, you’ll see your daily commute isn’t as rough as you’d think.”

The prestige of the Porsche marque is legendary. Power performance and iconic body styles make these sports cars standout- on Dallas’ Interstate 35 and on the race track.  Professional race car driver Patrick Long is no stranger to the Marque, he began making a name for himself in 2003 as a Porsche Factory Driver. Since then his list of wins and accomplishments lends him to being somewhat of an expert on Porsche handling.

So whether you’re a true ‘track rat’ or simply someone who takes to cruising local highways, we thought imparting some of Patrick Long’s professional wisdom on the Porsche 911 could enhance your drive and help you (safely and responsibly) get the most of your Porsche experience.

Q1: Many driving tips we hear repeated like, ‘adjust your seat and mirrors’ or ‘look ahead’ that as adults we often consider as just for new drivers. Why is it actually important for anyone interested in performance driving?

Positioning in motorsport and in a daily routine, you know driving to work, are in a complete parallel

On the Track

“Positioning in motorsport and in a daily routine, you know driving to work, are in a complete parallel. Naturally, safety is number one, your protection and visibility out of the car are crucial.”

“Posture and stability in a racing seat is so key for us in surviving long hot days in a very stiff and harsh racecar. Hitting speeds close to 200mph force racing drivers to constantly be looking far ahead, as things happen fast on the track.”

On the Road

“Change that out for driving down the freeway or through a neighborhood and you’re rewarded by the same technique of awareness and visual scanning and seat position. My own preferences include sitting low so that I’m near the chassis, making sure my steering wheel hits at my wrist at the top of the wheel and I’ll have a slight bend in my leg in relation to my proximity to the pedals.”

 

Q2:  Let’s assume most people don’t take their 911 to a track day. They’re kind of missing out on seeing just how far they can push their car. For those using the 911 as a daily driver, what would you tell them about trusting the capability of the vehicle?

On the Track

“When we are fortunate enough to give customers rides on a racetrack with their street cars, it blows my mind how agile and efficient these cars are, they perform really well.”

“One thing I tell people about any Porsche is not only are they high performing, but the performance is on tap over and over. When we are fortunate enough to give customers rides on a racetrack with their street cars, it blows my mind how agile and efficient these cars are, they perform really well. I am not only referring to the 911.  A Porsche Panamera or Macan are staggeringly good.”

On the Road

“Porsche prides itself on the DNA of its racing heritage – light, low and well-ventilated means we can hustle Porsche product on the tracks, lap after lap, with consistency. Driving events are a great way for people to feel the capability of their Porsche, no matter what they drive, you’ll see your daily commute isn’t as rough as you’d think.”

Q3: Tires are always important. Why do tires correlate so closely to your car’s performance?

You are only as good as the four contact pads connecting to the car

“Tires are so key. You are only as good as the four contact pads connecting to the car. Imagine you have all the right clothes on, but your feet are frozen, burning or hurting as you walk through extreme weather. Everything matters a lot less than your feet at that point. It’s the same with cars; don’t think that a tire is black and round and the inexpensive or old and worn is as good as the fresh and proper tire for your car and weather conditions. ”

On the Track

In motorsport, we focus on compound and construction of hundreds of models of tires. It’s shed a ton of light on the temperature of the road and how your tire’s rubber responds and either works or really struggles. I will take the proper compound of a tire over fancy tread design any day. 

On the Road

“The age of your tires has a massive effect on how they perform as well, don’t think of it only in tread depth. There is a lot of reading on this subject, but I suggest consulting your dealer for input on whether you are on an ideal type of design and compound for where you live and what type of driving you do.  Most important, seek info on the age of the tires; they will be able to tell you right away based on the markings of the sidewalls.  This is especially important for seasonal usage or collector cars where mileage might have little factor into the need to replace your tires.”

 

Learn more about how to handle your Porsche from track to road:

Follow @parkplaceracing and @parkplacetexas for more race updates and driving tips from the Park Place Motorsports Drivers. Have a question? Email us at social@10.2.54.33 and we’ll ask our professional race team for their input!