I have always loved to drive, beginning with my little red pedal car when I was 5. My love affair with Porsche began in my late teens. A friend of mine had an adorable 911 he called “The Silver Bullet”. I loved the way it sounded, the way it smelled and the way it felt out on the road. One day we were zipping around when we came up behind a very slow Cadillac on a wide exit ramp. He said “Hang on!” and neatly proceeded to execute a pass. I was momentarily terrified but thrilled at the same time.

Fast forward to nine years ago. After 30 years of marriage, two grown children, not retiring, but having more free time, Dennis and I decided to buy a 1996 Porsche 993 Cabriolet. We thought it would be fun for Sunday drives together. We joined PCA and soon learned about Autocross. What a great start to our adventure! Getting more familiar with what our car could do was outstanding. We also attended a Car Control Clinic which further helped us explore braking, turning and tire adhesion limits. Someone mentioned that PCA sponsors events in which you could learn to drive your car on the track and we were intrigued. Dennis signed up and drove, I tagged along, went for an incentive ride, and that was it! We fell in love with DE (Drivers Education) and have been having the time of our lives ever since.

I still remember my first event as a Green driver at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Waiting to go out on the track with my first instructor, Matt, my stomach was in knots. HOW DID I GET MYSELF INTO THIS MESS?!?!?! What was going to happen? Could I really do this? My instructor was kind and patient. He taught me how to navigate the corners and other cars at my own pace. Wow, it was awesome! I gained a bit of confidence. The second day of the event it rained and I was terrified all over again. I had a different instructor, John, who was also fabulous as he taught me to drive in the rain. He even made it fun! Having overcome my fear of driving on the track with other cars and in the rain, I knew I was going to be able to do DE.


Since then, Dennis and I have attended many events, not only at NHMS, but Lime Rock, Thompson, Palmer, Mont Tremblant, Calabogie, Tamworth and Watkins Glen (one of our favorites). Before marriage, Dennis and I attended a Formula 1 Grand Prix event at WGI in the 1970’s. I remember leaving there with the thought of how awesome it would be to get to drive on that track. It was amazing at my first DE there as a Green Driver to realize that long forgotten dream ... LIFE IS GOOD! I have a treasured photo taken at that event in which Dennis is right behind me driving our newly acquired track car, both of us with instructors. These days I get to drive Solo as I have progressed over the years to driving in the Black (Advanced) Run Group. I still enjoy having an instructor ride with me and often it will be my husband!

They say about PCA, “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people”. No truer words could be spoken. We share a comradery, a special bond unlike anything I have known. It’s hard to capture precisely in words. It’s not just about the Porsches, because we do not all drive them all the time. It’s probably more about the experiences we share, the support we give each other and the fun we have together. People of different ages, different backgrounds, different levels of talent that share one thing in common … WE LOVE TO DRIVE!


This article started out with me, but it is ending with you. If you love to drive your Porsche, and you have wondered what it can really do, or if you would like to experience the thrill of driving on a race track, you should consider signing up for a DE (Driver’s Education). DE offers an opportunity to advance your skills and explore the potential of your car in a controlled and safe environment. You will be amazed! Consider this an invitation, from me and all of our track family to yours, to join the fun.

Hope to see you in New Hampshire!
Pam Mascetta