A Message from the 2026 President – May 2026
Board Updates & Governance
Below is a summary of the highlights of board meetings over the last few months. While most of the time are discussing events for the membership, we also need to tackle administrative tasks of running a board:
- Communication & Transparency: This is a focus of mine and I will continue to present these updates to the membership, so you all know the “happenings” at NER and the accomplishments of the 2026 Board.
- Website Refresh and Document Storage: New website is live. Congrats to Ryan and his team for this needed refresh. Please look for additional updates over the remainder of the year. We are also reviewing how NER documents are stored to ensure effective transitions to those boards in the years to come.
- Policies, Procedures & Bylaws: Policies & Procedures drafts of these are in process and will ensure the Board operates efficiently and in accordance with our bylaws. Note we put the Bylaw update on hold to ensure when there is a “fix and clarify” we update everything needed once and we need to operate under the current version to fully understand all necessary tweets.
- Email blasts: We are working to ensure future email blasts are consistent month to month so everyone will know when to expect them and looking to add some human interest stories from current members.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Springtime is here and cars are out of storage. It is great to see Porsches out driving on the streets again. Activities have been planned, some have already occurred and some are right around the corner. The favorite events have stayed, and new concepts are being explored, especially in our Social events.
Driving & Track Events
- Autocross (AX): The 2026 season kicked off with a well-attended Ground school event at Devins and welcomed some DE folks to work on car control. Pizza was had by all with an AX course in the afternoon. If you have not tried AX, no time like the present – it’s an exciting way to see what you and your car can do. All registration is on motorsportreg.com. If you are curious what this is all about, check out a video here Welcome to AX
- Driver Education (DE): Registration is open now at motorsportreg.com
- HPDE Primer: May 22 at Thompson – a low-cost, half-day opportunity to try DE for the first time.
- Tech Form: The 2026 tech form and process is available online at Tech form and happy to report NCR and NER have adopted the same process to make this easier for all. The DE tech team have established 2 tech sessions showing how to “self-tech” your car and videos for assistance at the link above.
- The Ramble: As I write this, all are home from a great Ramble at the Sagamore Hotel and still wishing for more and looking forward to next year. I look forward to seeing the recap for 2026 and another fabulous event next year April 23-25, 2027, in Newport RI at Newport Harbor Island Hotel.
Rallies & Tours
We are delivering on your requests for more driving tours and working to spread them out across the region:
- Spring Rally: Another rainy Sunday for the route which started at Billiards Café in Ayer MA. But you all showed up and the event was a huge success.
- Summer Rally: Currently in the planning stages and should be announced soon.
- Dow Fall Rally: Our annual tradition continues and look for details later in the spring/summer.
Social Events
The Social Committee is expanding our “Porsches & Coffee” locations and adding more tech sessions.
- Porsches & Coffee: Starting this year, you will see Cars & Coffee in both the “North” and “South.” We will also be attending Larz Anderson for Porsche Day on Sunday July 26th.
- Summer Outing: “Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd.” Porsches are headed to the Lowell Spinners ballpark on Saturday August 1. Look for details to come but let’s say I need to warm up my throwing arm, and the kids should wear their running sneakers. Should be a great event for the full family.
Concours
The Concours Committee has been formed and is planning an exciting event for Sunday September 13th at Westport Rivers Winery in Westport, MA.
- New Location: As Audrain has expanded their schedule, it was determined to move our event outside Motor Week.
- While some things change, others do not: While the location has changed, we expect our Concours event to be another hit with a beautiful backdrop of the vineyards. While cars are being shown, there will be wine will be available for tastings and purchase (by glass or bottle).
Events Around the Region
- DER Porsches in the Park: Downeast Region is hosting their annual Porsches in the Park on Saturday July 25th at Bug Light Park, South Portland ME. This is a great charity event with proceeds going to the Dempsey Center which provides personalized and comprehensive cancer care. See details on how to register at Porsches in the Park. And who knows, maybe Patrick Dempsey will attend as he has in some prior years.
- PCA Porsche Parade: The PCA Parade is at Lake Placid June 14-20, 2026, with registration open for all events. It is a great time to meet Porsche enthusiasts from around Zone 1 and the country. It has not been in Zone 1 since Jay Peak, VT in 2016
Fun Facts
- NER hosted the Porsche Parade in 1961 in Berkshires, MA and was gifted a sterling silver Porsche 356, autographed by Ferry Porsche. This has been passed down President to President since and currently sitting on my mantel.
- Speaking of Parades, NER won the Membership award at the 1998 43rd Porsche Parade at Steamboat CO
- While most of us have only heard of AX at Fort Devens because it is a GREAT location, we used to run autocrosses at a number of locations such as Mitre Corp in Reading, Burlington Mall, Needham Nike Site, Dighton Nike Site, Auburn Mall, Ft Devens (old course), Univ NH parking lot , Revere Greyhound track parking lot , Smith & Weston lot in Springfield MA, Bose parking lot and Convention Center in Boston
Get Involved
NER is fueled by the passion of our volunteers. If you have an interest in helping out, whether in a small way or by joining a committee, please reach out to us at [email protected].
I look forward to seeing you all on the road and at our events very soon!
Kristin Larson
2026 NER President
