If you have been to almost any NCR event, you have probably seen this smiling face. Perhaps it was at a car show, or autocross, or DE, or at a banquet or rally. Meet Lisa Roche and her favorite car.
Lisa began her Porsche odyssey doing car shows with her ex-husband and his 914. When he refused to autocross his car, she bought her own ‘89 944. Starting out, she claims they were the slowest on the course, but she couldn’t get the smile off her face. Now, 20 years later, still loving it, Lisa and her partner Joe have fun battling for the fastest run times. She has won many Autocross Class Champion awards, including multiple National Porsche Parade events, Zone 1 Autocross events and a LFT (ladies fastest time overall) award at the 2009 Zone 1.
Lisa’s autocross experience shaped her excellent driving skills on the track. She drives in the Black (Advanced) Driving Group for DE events and especially loves to drive in the rain. With the rain being a great equalizer, Lisa has been known to pass much faster cars with her smooth car control skills. You go, girl!
I have always loved to drive, beginning with my little red pedal car when I was 5. My love affair with Porsche began in my late teens. A friend of mine had an adorable 911 he called “The Silver Bullet”. I loved the way it sounded, the way it smelled and the way it felt out on the road. One day we were zipping around when we came up behind a very slow Cadillac on a wide exit ramp. He said “Hang on!” and neatly proceeded to execute a pass. I was momentarily terrified but thrilled at the same time.
What does the Rally Program do?
We drive roads of New England and eastern New York in search of fun. We look for Porsche-worthy low-traffic routes in good condition, with twists, turns, elevation changes, and scenic qualities. We generally try to minimize highway driving, but recognize highways are often necessary to get us to the desired roads. We look for variety.
Typically, we will enjoy a meal together after a drive.
Most events are one-day affairs, but we offer three-day get-a-way weekends twice per season. These are generally further afield to a destination worthy of the effort and offer lunch and group dinner opportunities.
When do Rally events occur?
Our driving season begins in May and runs through October. Events run rain or shine. Dates and times for Rally Events are listed in each issue of Northlander in the “Rally Corner” column, announced in Rally Update email blasts, and are posted on the NCR Calendar on the website. Occasionally a date or time will change to accommodate constraints of a venue, so checking the Calendar periodically will keep you tuned in.
Who plans and manages the events?
North Country Rally Team coordinates planning and event management. NCR members plan events, test drive roads to make sure they are suitable, find rest-stop and restaurant venues, and staff each event. This is a 100% volunteer operation.
What do I need to participate?
Bring your Porsche plus a willingness to (i) meet new friends in the welcoming North Country tradition, (ii) drive unfamiliar roads and enjoy the curves and scenery, and (iii) socialize over food and drink.
We have just completed our first Rally Tour for the season, Sea, and Land Adventure. This was held on May 11, 2024 with a nice day for the weather. The Rally Tour was planned by Dani and Sven Doerge having their daughters lead group 2 and navigate. Great family event for them. They did a very nice job.
Click below to view the gallery.
We are pleased to announce we have five of our events now open for registration. This should be an exciting season with a few new adventures for us to enjoy. We are working to open the remining Rally Tours shortly. When registering if the Rally Tour suggest its full please sign up for the waitlist, if you have any issues with this please send an e-mail to rally@ncr-pca.org so we can make sure you are listed on the waitlist. Things do change and often spots open and we would like to make sure you have an opportunity to join if this happens.
Colorful leaves! Colorful cars! Colorful people! They all came together for our Foliage Run Through the Northand. Click on a thumbnail to see all the photos!
Judging by the photos, it looks like the Adirondack Fall Getaway was one to remember. Stunning scenery, a little history, nice cars - and most importantly - great people!
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