O.T. - Tradition, Honor, Porsche - Musings....

[Dan Chambers]

I've always been a bit "old-fashioned" when it comes to the concepts of honor, tradition, and repsect for the past. It was instilled in me at a very young age that history is the most valuable tool for improving one's own personal future, and avoiding the mistakes of the past. "Those who can't remember the failures of the past are condemned to repeat them" is one of my most favorite quotes.

Tradition, like history, is a very important and valuable concept to me. Tradition helps carry the history of a company, a club, a league, or group forward with respect and honor. Tradition perpetuates the positive aspects forward, and maintains a code of ethics and values. To honor tradition, is to show respect for those things that we find most important to perpetuate and carry forward.

Porsche has developed a tradition of building one of the finest automobiles in the world. Through strict adherence to the methods and practices of engineering and construction, Porsche has been recognized world-wide as a leader in car manufacturing, racing, and now, sales. With their adherance to company tradition, they have earned an honorable reputation as "the best".

Of the influencial and honorable people in our lives, teachers/mentors/instructors have the greatest impact in our progression toward a better life. To teach is an honorable and noble thing. To be recognized as a teacher/mentor is an honor bestowed on few in society. There can be, and have been great scientists, great leaders, great workers, great thinkers, great people. But to be a teacher, is to be in an honorable field that separates those of great skill or ability from those of great respect, honor, and influence. Teachers/Instructors carry forward the traditions of the past. Teachers/Instructors use the most useful tool for improving our future: the lessons of the past. Teachers/Instructors hold the key to our future.

As we enter another season of driving events, I'm hopeful those Instructors in PCA-SDR will remember how important and honorable being an Instructor is. The power of influence Instructors maintain holds the key to our club's future, and helps maintain the honor, and tradition of one of the greatest Regions in the Porsche Club of America.

I look forward to seeing the Instructors at our driving events, and working with them throughout the year.