Simplicity and conviviality are the common threads of this Spring Weekend. Claude Varon, President of the French Porsche Club Federation, is very keen on this:
« Priority is given to the pleasure of driving on the circuit, safety and conviviality. We are not here to other than being able to enjoy the exceptional moments that are offered to us, driving our vehicles, meeting the other drivers, exchange and talk about technique, circuit speed or cruising speed! »
The race takes place on a circuit entirely privatized by the Federation Porsche Spring Meeting, in partnership with the Porsche centers and the company Porsche France, whose director was present
This first weekend of May was an exceptional opportunity to offer Porsche owners (members of the Federation) exclusive conditions to enjoy driving their favorite vehicle!
More than 1720 members attended and 800 vehicles were able to drive around the circuit, in “parade” mode or at high speed during the sports sessions… Claude Varon is pleased with this operation which took place under a sun protected by the mistral, which gave it its all! "1724 registered, that's 11% more participation compared to 2018 and this proves the success of this quality event."
The big Porsche spring festival took on a bit of an Italian accent this year because 25 crews from the Venice Club had come to join the French.
The new 911/992, a serious asset for the Porsche brand!
The Porsche center in Lyon was responsible for transporting and introducing two of these magnificent felines to allow for circuit testing, either as a driver – coached by an instructor – or as a passenger, enjoying the pleasure of being driven by François Delecour, the driver: thrills guaranteed for the many passengers who had the chance to take part in this test, throughout the weekend.
It was very interesting to experience the little moment of apprehension (for some) before getting into the car and especially the return, at the precise moment when the door opens and the smile is the first thing you see!!! And no, not relieved smiles but rather beaming and somewhat triumphant smiles!!
This was the case for the guests of Rombat / SC Power (batteries and battery accessories), about fifteen of whom had access to this adrenaline-fueled moment. We don't know how many of them rushed to the Porsche stand to write an order form, but the desire, if it wasn't already there, certainly grew during the 3 laps of the track!
They have hearts that go "vroom" before attacking. the First Porsche Ladies Rally !
Around 60 of them will be taking the start on June 27, for a journey across France that promises great moments of tourism, friendly competition and driving performances, thanks to the regularity tests and circuit sessions. 100% female, this tourist rally is the first organized by the Federation of Porsche Clubs of France, to highlight female driving and give the 30 teams involved the means to demonstrate their expertise over more than 1200 km.
Women drivers, a reality that hasn't made many friends
Women driving is nothing new and yet it took decades of "proof" and reaching the 2000 vintage and the near disenchantment with car ownership for women to be recognized as competent in the field!!! Indeed, in the past, it was almost always reluctantly or in difficult situations that men "let" women take the wheel: war for example, where nurses drove jeeps and other military vehicles. However, it was from the appearance of the motor car that examples of brilliant sportswomen existed in France, like that of Marie Marvingt, (special mention for this extraordinary character) who obtained his driving license in 1899 and participated in several car races in the Sahara... drivers like Camille Du Gast, who participated in the Paris Berlin in 1911 or, closer to us, Michele Mouton..And, very recently, Lilou Wadoux, rally champion before she had a driver's license! Ladies drive and drive well. Yet the urban legend persists and the jokes on the subject are still going strong!
It is this legend that the FPF tackled several years ago by setting up driving sessions, training courses and creating opportunities for the ladies to stick the rubber of their tires to the asphalt of the circuits...
A good example is the group created by Aline Caranicolas within the Club Motorsport, one of the clubs affiliated with the FCPF.
At the Motorsport club, Aline is the soul of the “First Ladies”
For Aline, the First Ladies are not just a driving group, as they also practice other activities aimed at encouraging people to share and building self-confidence. The background is still track mastery, and it's a bit of a laboratory, a necessary step for the ladies to also want to come to the circuit. At each circuit, I set up workshops to try to introduce women to new driving skills, with coaches to support them. Unlike men, women are willing to start from scratch, and the coaches say they are very attentive and progress quickly. These workshops teach the driving position. You could say that after getting your driver's license, you have to get your pilot's license. ! ».
A practical advantage of riding with Aline's group is that you benefit from all the regulatory requirements: filing with the FFSA (French Federation of Racing Federations), compliance with medical and safety regulations, and organizing your ride on the circuit. Everything is well-organized, and you can enjoy your time with complete peace of mind. It's reassuring and stimulating.
The first time women discover the circuit, it is often with their husband, owner of a Porsche in which he comes to drive… The laymen that they are then a little apprehensive about the husband who drives fast… The fact of learning to drive this vehicle – even if the gentlemen have a little trouble “lending” – reassures them. And once they have seen them at work, the man is more inclined to let his wife take the wheel, since he knows that she has the skills…
The Motorsport Club is the FCPF's "competition" hub and also a laboratory for female driving.
Aline, RS pilot, carries out this activity with conviction First Ladies. " We're seeing more and more women with their own vehicles, including touring cars. We're passionate about the brand, the speed, and the aesthetics. We try to combine all of this within a safe context. The important thing is that the entire Club office supports the activity. The Motorsport Club is the official track driving club, but we're not the only ones doing it... And women have their place. ».
Patrick Vegeais is the President of the Motorsport Club (FCPF member).
Phala, a farmer and Porsche driver, launched the “French Ladies”
As she likes to point out with a mischievous smile, she practices the beautiful profession of farming in Drôme Provençale. By marrying a truffle farmer, she embraced the profession and its natural environment... But she also learned to share her husband's passion for beautiful cars.
Having successfully completed a few stages of "car education," Phala took the wheel of the iris blue 993 with flamenco red interior acquired by her husband. This is the source of a passion for Porsches that not only has not faded over time, but has particularly grown since Phala joined the Porsche Club Portes de Provence (one of the 29 official Porsche clubs of the FCPF) in 2007.
9 years and numerous tourist rallies later, she became more involved in the communication of major events of the Federation of Porsche Clubs of France and in particular in the promotion of driving among women.
This is how in 2018, Phala launched the "French Ladies" section and built a team spirit that resonated with women drivers and also in the minds of the leaders, who decided to organize the Rallye Ladies des Clubs Porsche de France in 2019.
The Rally, a tourist ride with a few bursts of speed and a hint of regularity!
The 1200 km route takes place over 4 days, starting on the morning of June 27th from the Roissy Porsche Center, run by a lady, Maud Gallice.
After a stop in Burgundy, where a track session will take place, the crews will head southeast on June 28th, to arrive in Savoie and see it from above, on the hairpin bends of Maurienne. Saturday, June 29th, it will be time to attack the Grands Cols des Alpes and cross them, to reach the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The engines are cut off the same day, near the beaches of the Mediterranean...
This tourist rally includes regularity tests, organized on roads open to traffic, as well as a track session. A jury will establish a ranking to reward the most successful teams.
Registration for the rally closed very quickly, with the limit of 30 all-female crews having been set for logistical reasons. These charming and determined crews are made up of French Ladies driving Porsche coupes and convertibles.
Isabelle Briglia
