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2025 March Driver Education Event at NJMP

2025 March Driver Education Event at NJMP

Schattenbaum held its first Driver Education event the weekend of March 22-23 on the Thunderbolt track at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP). The weather this time of year is unpredictable, but we were lucky with no rain on either day and lots of sunshine. Saturday was a bit warmer, about 60 degrees. Sunday started out near freezing, but warmed up considerably in the sunshine in the afternoon.
There was no rain, but as you can guess from the adjacent picture, there was plenty of wind to remind you that we’re not yet enjoying beach days.

In keeping with the unpredictable weather, the event hosted only about 50 drivers on
Saturday, and bit fewer on Sunday. Drivers brought a range of cars. Street cars included
models that you see every day on the highway as well as a group of recent Porsche GT3 RS models. Other drivers brought dedicated track cars, like these driven by members of Schattenbaum.

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March DE

We were hoping for close to 80 registrants, but the smaller turnout meant those present got to enjoy lots of open track time as a reward for coming out to this first DE of the year. With the smaller turnout, we divided the cars into three run groups, with new track participants having the chance to acquaint themselves to Thunderbolt without being preoccupied by traffic. Everyone’s cars went home in the same shape as when they arrived, but for using up some gasoline, tire rubber, and brake pads.

Parade Laps

The driver turnout for this DE might have been smaller than usual, but we had a big turnout for parade laps on the track.


At lunchtime on Saturday and Sunday, we welcomed about 20 Schattenbaum members each day to drive their street car on the track. Parade laps resemble driving on a regular highway. Speeds are limited behind a pace car, you don’t need a helmet, and you’re stuck behind the car in front of you. What parade laps offer that is special is a chance to see a racetrack from the driver’s point of view. That’s particularly special if you’ve had a chance to watch cars on the track negotiating the course at speeds that reach upwards of 140 MPH.

Upcoming Events

Don’t worry if you didn’t register for this event or participate in the parade laps. More
opportunities are on the way.

Here is a list of all the upcoming track events in 2025:

DateDaysEventTrackRegistration Link
May 10SatDrivers EdThunderboltRegister
July 17-18Thurs/FriDrivers EdThunderbolt/LightningRegister
August 8-10Fri-SunDrivers EdThunderboltRegister
August 8-10Fri-SunClub RaceThunderboltRegister
October 3-5Fri-SunDrivers EdThunderboltRegister
November 1-2Sat/SunDrivers EdThunderboltRegister

The team of Schattenbaum volunteers who run DE events is planning to host parade laps at lunchtime during our next DE event. That’s on Saturday, May 10, the day before Mother’s Day. Hope to see you there!

Tech Inspection

Hi Schattenbaum Members!

Welcome to March. It’s cold today, but temperature forecasts are heading up.  Nicer days for driving are coming, including our first Driver’s Education event at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville. That’s on the weekend of March 22-23.

All drivers who are registered for this DE must have a tech safety inspection in order to get on the track. For Schattenbaum members who are registered, the club will be hosting a free tech session at Bonomotors from 11-2 pm on Saturday, March 15th to perform the necessary safety inspection. You must be registered for the event to have your car put on a lift and looked over. We will not be performing any other services at this time.

Please confirm if you intend to attend by calling or e-mailing Mike Bono in advance. His contact information is below.

Bonomotors
1722 Hurffville Road 
Sewell NJ 08080
609-781-0577
Bonomotors911@gmail.com

In other news, we will have our regular member meeting on Thursday, March 20. Members will be discussing their experiences buying, owning, and even selling water-cooled Porsche cars, from the 996 on.  More details will be coming. 

Hope you can join us at the meeting and at the track. You’re always welcome to attend a DE event, as a driver on the track or a spectator in the stands.

Bob Stine
Club President

January 2025 Schattenbaum Member Meeting

January 2025 Schattenbaum Member Meeting

New Members and Planning Meeting

Our first member meeting of the year was on January 16 at the main facility at Valenzano Winery. In spite of the snowy weather, we had a great turnout, including a dozen new members to the region.

In addition to welcoming new members, this meeting introduced the incoming Schattenbaum Board and discussed plans for the upcoming year, including our Driver’s Education program, concours events, and social calendar.

 
Club President Bob Stine

Club President Bob Stine welcomed new members and
introduced the incoming Schattenbaum Board.
Schattenbaum Member Meeting

New Schattenbaum Board

In case you weren’t able to make it to the meeting, you can find a list of the Schattenbaum Board at pca.org.

Select the item “Region Officials” under the “CONTACT” menu near the top of the main PCA web page.

 
Club Vice President John Beidler

Club Vice President John Beidler described plans for
upcoming member meetings.

 

Plans for the Year

Board member Mike Bono (right) described the PCA Driver education program. More details and a schedule for the year are posted on-line at scattenbaum.org.

Board members Eduard Hanekom and Claudia Debusmann invited members to be on the lookout for upcoming concours and social events.

 

Good Food

Members enjoyed the food and hospitality. Judging from the bill, a few sampled wine too!

 

 

Our next meeting will be on February 20, also at Valenzano Winery. Hope to see you there.

Thanks to Bob Helm for the pictures from the meeting.

2025 DE and Club Race Dates

2025 DE and Club Race Dates

DateDaysEventTrackRegistration Link
May 10SatDrivers EdThunderboltRegister
July 17-18Thurs/FriDrivers EdThunderbolt/LightningRegister
August 8-10Fri-SunDrivers EdThunderboltRegister
August 8-10Fri-SunClub RaceThunderboltRegister
October 3-5Fri-SunDrivers EdThunderboltRegister
November 1-2Sat/SunDrivers EdThunderboltRegister

Click here for tech inspection form and additional info