Gulfstream Member's Contributions

Story & Photos Submitted by Christian Prakas

From a young age, I was captivated by the allure of Porsche

There was something about the sleek lines, the iconic silhouette, and that unmistakable sound of a flat-six engine that stirred my soul. The Porsche 911, in particular, was the car that always caught my eye. It's not just a car; it's the quintessential sports car, a benchmark of performance, and a symbol of automotive excellence that has stood the test of time. For me, owning a 911 wasn’t just about driving—it was about living a dream that had been with me since I could remember.

 In 2024, I finally took the plunge and bought my first 911. And let me tell you, the addiction was immediate. From the moment I sat behind the wheel and felt the engine roar to life, I knew I was hooked. It wasn't just about speed or handling—although the 911 delivers both in spades - it was about the entire experience. The connection between driver and machine, the way the car responds to every input with precision and grace, and the pure joy of driving something that feels like an extension of yourself.

 Once you get bitten by the Porsche bug, it’s hard to stop. It wasn’t long after I bought my first 911 that I found myself fully immersed in the Porsche community. I started attending as many Porsche Club of America (PCA) events as possible, eager to learn more, share stories, and just be around others who shared my enthusiasm. One of the greatest joys has been sharing this passion with my two-year-old son Brooks, who already lights up at the sight of a Porsche crest. It’s something special to see him get excited about the same cars that have fascinated me for so long.

 The bug bit me hard, and before I knew it, I was on the hunt for my second 911. I most recently acquired a 2002 996 that I track and drive as much as possible and then bought a Cayenne for a company car. As if that was not enough I’m on the lookout for a 991 GT3RS to complete what I consider my perfect garage.

 There’s something deeply satisfying about setting a goal, working towards it, and then seeing it parked in your garage. For me, it’s more than just acquiring cars; it’s about building a collection that reflects my passion and dedication.

 One of the greatest things about our car hobby, and Porsche in particular, is the people. There's a great saying in the car world:

"You get started because of the cars, but you stay because of the people”… I couldn’t agree more!

 PCA and the Gulfstream Region have become a great release for me and another way to spend quality time with my family while doing something we all enjoy. The camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the genuine friendships I’ve formed have been just as rewarding as any drive I’ve ever taken. It’s a community built on a shared love for these incredible machines, but it’s the people that make it truly special.

 So, why did I buy my first Porsche? It was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, but it has become so much more than that. It’s about the joy of driving, the thrill of performance, and the incredible community that comes along with it. And while the cars are amazing, it’s the people and the experiences that keep me coming back. Here's to more miles, more memories, and many more years of being part of this incredible PCA family.

Story & Photo Submitted by Brian Jacobs - Gulfstream Region President 2025-2026

My Entry Into The Porsche World Like Many, Came Via A BMW...

Just out of high school my friend had a 928 and I had BMW 2002, racing around always ended with me getting my doors blown off by the mighty V8.

Fast forward almost 10 years later to 1999 and I run into him at an autoX with his new 996 and me again in BMW... getting my doors blown off!

He introduced me to the world of HPDE and the best events around were of course PCA events. I was hooked, doing several events per month I worked my way up to PCA instructor and the camaraderie at the events would create friendships I have now had for 26 years.

I eventually started racing, teaching at skip barber and then starting my own driver development program. Porsche cars never really found their way into my life but I fell in love with the Cayenne picking up a 955 Turbo S and now a 958.2 turbo that has just passed 105,000 miles.

Some of my favorite times on the track include driving bumper to bumper lap after lap with our past president Kyle Rathbun and somehow never trading paint, 5 years ago when Kyle told me they were splitting the region, I did not hesitate to give my support to my friends that put in the hard work to make this region happen, and last year when Kyle said he was stepping down as president and the region could really use my help, I did not hesitate and ran for president, I am honored to carry the torch and be a part of all the incredible charitable work our organization does,

I really hope more of you will get involved because "It’s not just the cars, it’s the people.’

Story & Photos Submitted by Brian Hermany, Gulfstream Member & Website Editor

Like many young boys, I had the typical car posters on my wall and built model cars from a very young age.

Model car building honed my skills to be very detail oriented and taught me how mechanical things went together as well as what the specific parts were called. I began competing in model car contests at the antique car shows which my family and I attended. Quite a few times I came home with a first-place trophy. One of my favourite kits which I built and won several awards with was the Tamiya Jägermeister Max Moritz Turbo RSR type 934. 

This little model car started my passion for Porsche...

I still have the kit and original box in my shop today for inspiration.

At age 14 years, with my dad’s help and guidance, I restored my first real car, a 1968 Dodge Charger. When I turned 16, I had a cool car to drive to school and work. A few of my buddies had sports cars but I could never find the funds to get a good one. In my 20’s through my 40’s I restored and fabricated many classics and hot rods while building my career in Architecture. After my 40 hours in the office, I used to head into my shop where I do all the design, fabrication, mechanical, welding, paint, body, electrical and interiors on my project vehicles. I drive what I build and every vehicle is ready for a cross country adventure.

Life happened, I finally got my first "REAL" Porsche! 

I was in my 50’s, I was casually hunting for something cool to drive and my wife Heather spotted a Black Edition Porsche Cayman at a local car dealership. She has been a Porsche girl and PCA participant since the 1970’s. Her dad had several 356’s over the years. A 1958 coupe, a 1955 Continental and his prized 1956 Speedster.

Fast forward several years and the first Cayman was gone thanks to some guy plowing into the back of it on my way home from the office. This wreck led to the purchase of my next few Porsches a 1984 ROW 944, a 2014 Cayman S from Brumos Porsche and the latest addition a 1985 ROW 911 Targa. These things are like candy, so many cool colors and you can’t have just one!

Get out there and drive them and get your smiles per mile...

These cars were built to be driven and enjoyed.

According to Porsche, at least 70 percent of all the cars they made are still on the road today.

Story & Photos Submitted by Rich Tillotson

A Great Time for Porsches and Owners...

March 7th, 2025 was my ninth year attending Werks, as the first event was in 2017 and each year it gets better and better.

I have been a judge, a corral participant and also a display area exhibitor each time there was fun to be had, especially due to the laid back approach to the event and the car judging not as intense as a Parade Concourse as the owners story of his/her car is as important as the car’s condition.

 The Porsche model participation is second to none, the number of Porsches rival any other club event in both volume of cars and quality of each model represented and it is held here in Florida. There is a sister event on the west coast of the country but that might be a bit too long of a road trip for most of us. The Werks event on Friday is one of the many events held at Amelia Island starting on Wednesday and runs through to Sunday when the “big” show, the Amelia Island Concourse d’ Elegance, is held for the best of the best examples of multiple marques.

 There are great restaurants in the area, my personal favorites are in downtown Fernandina Beach as there are some outdoor dining options which allow you to watch not only the people but the cars as they cruise up and down the central street. 

 Now the only downside is that the weather is not one of the factors that Werks can control, last year was the first full rain day I can remember at the event but like true enthusiasm I believe the organizers noted that a very few Porsches did not attend due to the wet weather.

 We still had fun and it made for some interesting umbrella pictures, soggy clothes and lawn chairs but guess what? They all dried off but the smiles remained.

 I invite all Gulfstream members to consider a day trip or longer visit to the area this year or in the future during this event week, walk-in attendance is free, parking in corral and displaying on judged field do have a registration fee.

 So if you want to have some fun, see new and old friends, view Porsches in all models and colors, and go home with smiles and memories, Werks is highly recommended!