By Deborah Thorne
It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that I step into the role of President of the Kansas City Region Porsche Club of America. Reflecting on my journey with this incredible club, I can’t help but share a story that began 16 years ago—a story that I’m sure resonates with many of you.
In 2009, my Porsche dream became a reality when my husband Stan and I purchased our very first Porsche, a 944 Turbo, with pocket money saved diligently week after week. What surprised me, was that this car wasn’t just a vehicle; it was the key to a new chapter in life.
Shortly after bringing it home, Stan decided to attend a KCRPCA Saturday morning breakfast. That morning was the beginning of a journey we never could have imagined. The camaraderie, the shared passion for all things Porsche, and the welcoming spirit of the club drew us in. Before long, we were regulars at club social events. We followed the lead car through the winding roads of Missouri and Kansas on a variety of Driving Tours. I watched as Stan couldn’t wipe the smile from his face as he talked about his first Drivers Education experience at Heartland Park and his statement that Autocross is the most fun you’ll ever have in 2nd gear. We got involved in charity events and soon we found ourselves completely immersed in the KCRPCA community.
Not long after, our garage welcomed a Porsche 996, and with it, our family adventures took on a new flavor. With the kids happily strapped in the back seat of the Blue Bullet, we hit the road, discovering the thrill of driving as a family. Memories from those trips are some of our most cherished, and they underscore what this club is all about — building a life enriched by shared passion and connection. In hindsight, we probably should have contained our excitement with the girls in the back seat as we “opened it up to see what she could do” since they definitely got the need for speed bug early. (Let me know if you need any help with speeding tickets – I’ve got a guy …)
Now they say, you never forget your first love and that was very true for us. Missing the distinct whine of a Turbo, we eventually moved to our current 2001 996 Turbo, affectionately named The Ghost. Its power and presence are a joy every time we take it out. And because life really is too short to drive boring cars, we added a 1999 Boxster as Stan’s daily driver—a car that embodies the fun and freedom of Porsche every single day.
As I step into this role, I carry with me the joy, friendships, and experiences that have defined my time in the club. I’ve been the club Webmaster since 2016 and have the distinct honor of receiving the national PCA award of Best Overall Website 2 times and plan to continue in that role moving forward.
My vision as president is to continue the legacy of those president’s before me to foster the welcoming spirit that first drew us in, while also ensuring that our events and initiatives bring fresh excitement for everyone— whether you’ve been with us for decades or are new to the world of Porsche.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing president, Fred Quintana, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the Kansas City Region PCA. Fred’s vision and commitment have helped steer our club to new heights, and we are all deeply appreciative of his efforts. I also want to thank our incredible board members and committee chairs for their tireless volunteer work. It’s your passion and hard work that make this club the vibrant and welcoming community we all cherish. Your efforts truly keep the wheels turning, and I’m excited to continue building on this amazing foundation together.
Together, let’s make this another unforgettable chapter in the history of the KCRPCA. Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to driving into the future with all of you.