For the latest in Smoky Mountain Region events, check out our Calendar!
SOCIALS
Socials for the Smoky Mountain Region are held monthly, usually the second week of the month, split between Tuesdays and Thursdays to accommodate schedules. They usually involve a Happy Hour from 6 to 7 (PM), then sit down dinner (going “Dutch”), and are normally at a local favored restaurant such as Restaurant Linderhof, Cru, Blue Slip Winery, etc. Some Socials are more special and involved, such as the Christmas Social, or some other more structured event.
If you are on the region’s email list (which you should by being a PCA member), you will receive monthly emails with the details of that month’s social, and RSVP method. Socials are posted to the SMT Calendar as they are finalized throughout the year. Please join us for a Social, and see why “It’s not the cars, it’s the people”.
DRIVE OUTS/DRIVING TOURS
A drive out is usually a one day event comprised of driving some of the great roads we have here in east Tennessee with a stop for lunch somewhere along the way. The Smoky Mountain Region is also known to hold overnight drives so that we may experience roads a little further. Some drive outs are overnighters, extending the fun and distance travelled.
The drive outs are always carefully planned by a “tour meister”. You can expect nice curvy roads, wonderful scenery, and great friends.
AUTOCROSS
Autocross is a sport of trying to navigate your car through a defined course of pylons usually on a large parking lot, faster than your competition. Autocross courses are set up using soft orange traffic pylons which will not damage your car, but they do melt! Events are run at speeds usually between 40-65 MPH, usually in 2nd gear. Autocross is a “performance driving event” and a safe way to learn how to drive your car at its limit. You not only learn how to handle your car at speeds that you drive daily, but you also:
- Gain confidence in your driving ability
- Learn the limits of your car’s brakes
- Learn correct seating, hand, and feet positions
- Learn the limits of your car’s tire adhesion
- More details are available at Autocross Defined
Finally, Autocross is a social gathering of new and old friends and LOTS OF FUN! The SMT Autocross schedule can be found on the Calendar Page.
SPRING THING
Spring Thing is one of the longest running multi-events held by a PCA region, spanning over 40 years. This event begins with arriving at the event on Friday afternoon followed by socializing into the late evening. A Concours is held Saturday morning followed by lunch and a TSD Rally. An Awards Banquet is held Saturday evening (autocross trophies are given Sunday after that event), and then Sunday it is time to don the racing gear and go autocrossing. A great weekend of Porsche activities.
CONCOURS
A concours is a judged event where cars are prepared to “as delivered” condition. Points are deducted from a maximum possible value based on condition and cleanliness. Various concours rules are used depending on the level of competition. The annual Porsche Parade concours is the highlight of the concours schedule.
Further details on Concours is available here.
SHOW-N-SHINE
This is a non-judged event where Porsche owners gather to show off their pride and joys. The Smoky Mountain Region holds an annual event each winter called “Great Porsche Show Off”. In past years, upwards of 50 cars have been in attendance. This event gives those who do not usually drive their Porsches in the winter to dust it off and show it off (weather permitting, of course.)
MULTI-EVENTS
Multi-events are events that span several days over a weekend. Currently, Smoky Mountain Region holds its signature multi-event each year in April, The Spring Thing.
HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVER’S EDUCATION
A sub-group of Smoky Mountaineers has been getting into track events. It started with a half dozen speed freaks, and it now has blossomed into about a dozen regulars. The Track Rats hit about two-four events a year, mostly PCA sponsored “High Performance Driver’s Education” events in the southeast.
These are highly regulated, safety-oriented opportunities to see what these cars were built for. You start in an “onboard instructor” class (Group 1) and progress “up group” as your experience, ability, confidence, and observed “plays well with others” factor increases. You can show up with “right off the show room floor” stock or go as wild as you want with “mods”. Most stick to upgrading to track tires and brakes that don’t overheat, but your wallet and imagination are the limits on that aspect.
Most PCA events we run in are by the Alabama (Barber Motorsports Park) and Peachstate (Road Atlanta) regions. They have this down to a science, and usually “theme” the events, such as Father’s Day, Oktoberfest, etc. Registering with the two main online registration sites will get a ton of opportunities filling your email inbox.
Remember, smooth is fast, and shiny side up!