Fall Fling with the Madison Automotive Apprentices

by John Odden

We had 11 cars and 16 members who met in Ruckersville, VA. We ventured over the mountain to Harrisonburg for a beautiful crisp fall morning driving tour. Many of those attending had not driven Rt. 33 West from Ruckersville over the Blue Ridge Mountains. We had some very enthusiastic participants who loved the drive! Fellow member Engelbert Muelhaupt commented This drive reminded me of the many drives I made through the Black Forest in the Bavarian Alps. Many members drove directly to Harrisonburg and met us in the City Hall parking lot for a car gathering before lunch. James Madison University students participated in the car show/gathering. At noon we all walked to lunch which took us through the Harrisonburg Farmers Market which was another terrific event. After lunch we drove to the MAAP facility on the north side of town. This was without question the highlight of the day to see some very unique and valuable Porsches. In the shop was the 2019 Porsche Parade Best in Class and Best in Show 1964 Porsche 356 SC. This car is owned by a Shenandoah Region member and was restored at the MAAP facility.

MAAP is a non-profit organization which is affiliated with James Madison University. Each year they accept student apprentices (who must apply and be selected) to learn and work on restorations as well as motorsports. The focus of the program is Porsche! After viewing the MAAP facility, the Madison Motorsports club led a driving tour to West Virginia.

Member Larry Markley shared this comment: As relative newcomers to the club, my wife Carmen and I weren’t sure what to expect from the Fall Fling event. We were more than rewarded. The mix of cars – beyond just Porsches – was great, as was the interaction of owners and those from the adjacent farmers market. The nearby MAAP restoration facility we visited after lunch is a hidden gem. The cars there blew us away; we’re still processing what we saw. Many thanks to Cole and Suanne for sharing. Capping the day was the 30-mile mountain drive into West Virginia. We enjoyed every curve. We’d do it all over again.

If you are in Harrisonburg, it is worthwhile to stop by and visit MAAP. They are located at 1070 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.