Oppo Inquiry 

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390) 11/20/2015 at 10:31 • Filed to: What to do?

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I got an email from the local Porsche club to come and see the unveiling and test drive the new Cayenne S E-Hybrid on Monday. but there’s a problem.

In an email, I’m just a regular person who they know nothing about. In real life, I’m a relatively poor as hell, have no money, not rich, 20 year old college student. And black. I’m not so sure they’ll even let me sit in it or drive it even, as I feel this kind of thing is for the people with more than $200 in their pockets...

What should I do?

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:36

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At first I was gonna say look fancy and drive the 944. Then I realized thats off the road now.

So I’ll go with, do you really want to go out of your way to drive a hybrid SUV?

Twism > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:36

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They invited you, it would be rude not to go.

is it mentioned somewhere that they want you to buy one? No? Then enjoy the free champagne and snacks, and go for a drive!

djmt1 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:37

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Forget that bollocks and go drive a Cayenne. Make sure to take pictures.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:37

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Uh, go and enjoy yourself? You’re overthinking it a bit imo.

 V8 Rustler > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:37

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And black.

Not this again...

Just drive it. I’ve done test drives of WRX STIs, Infiniti M56, M235i and such, which I cannot afford. I always state that I have no intention to buy it, that I just want to test drive it, and they have no problem with letting me drive the car.

duurtlang > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:37

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Do you want to go? Then go. Dress respectably and, if you feel insecure, take a printed version of the email. But still go.

JGrabowMSt > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:38

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1) You do not have to go with any intention of buying. I’m going to a BMW event later today. I don’t own a BMW, nor do I see myself purchasing one any time soon.

2) It’s free, no? Go, check out the car, be a Porsche enthusiast. If it costs money, that’s different.

3) The experience of going is what matters. Do you think you’ll be the only young person there or the only black person there? Even if you are, you’re there for the same reason everyone else is. You got an email invite.

Stop thinking so hard about it. Go, and if they’re snobby, find out who runs the email list and contact them directly with your experiences and concerns about attending future events. These are open events for a reason, they’re made for enthusiasts to come out, check out the cars, and meet each other. It’s not all about the car. You’d be amazed who you may meet or what doors it may open in life.

TL;DR: Go. Have fun. Don’t think so hard about the simple things, think hard when they become complicated.

MultiplaOrgasms > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:39

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Don’t make negative assumptions about people making negative assumptions about you for being “different” and just go there anyway.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis 11/20/2015 at 10:41

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Actually it's not. There's no salt yet.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > duurtlang 11/20/2015 at 10:42

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I do want to go, but my social awkwardness and anxiety is always an inhibiting factor for things like this.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Twism 11/20/2015 at 10:43

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Well it's not mentioned, I just assumed that would be the primary audience.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer >  V8 Rustler 11/20/2015 at 10:45

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Well I've never done anything like this before, so it's good to know someone here has. I do appreciate the input.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:45

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1) Arrive.

2) Drive.

E92M3 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:46

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They don’t care about any of that. Yes, ideally they would like to get a few purchases out of the experience. I saw all types of people at a recent ///M Trackday Experience BMW invited me to. Everything from college kids to seniors that could barely drive. If you asked me to be judgemental, and guestimate the number of people in attendance that could afford to buy a new ///M car based on first impression, and the cars the arrived in I would guess less than 10%.

The good news is none of that matters. The people working the event were what I would guess to be college interns, or recent graduates with a degree in Marketing getting their foot in the door. They also had a few old retired racers I never heard of that were doing this part time for extra income. There was a couple of executives there to answer questions and lead the informational/welcome session.

They certainly weren’t running peoples credit and turning them away at the door. Now go enjoy yourself. Once you get on their list they will invite you to many more future events based on my experience.

EL_ULY > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:46

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Nah...poor minorities get invited to Porsche events all the time. Especially when there are 2 Porsche in the household....... yeah.....

Lol don’t trip buddy. I find high end Ride-and -Drive events all the time. Drive the cars for a good while and then say NOPE in the sales pitch :]

jariten1781 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:47

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Man, just go if you want to...you were invited. If they’re dicks, don’t go to the next one.

This isn’t hard.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:50

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You have $200 in your pocket? You’re doing better than some of the older, married folks on Oppo.

If you want to, just go. Since you’re a Porsche guy anyway, you can meet some more of the Porsche club members. Some of the guys here are saying “Dress respectably,” but seriously I’d say just make sure your clothes aren’t all covered in the dirt, grease, coolant, and other fluids that come from wrenching on the 944. Since you’re already involved with the Porsche club they’ll probably see this as cultivating a lifetime of brand loyalty.

duurtlang > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:51

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See it as something to learn from. Explore and expand your boundaries. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but what could possibly go wrong ? Even if they won’t let you drive. You’ve got nothing to lose, which makes it a perfect place to learn from.

My assumption is that the vast majority of people showing up won’t be purchasing one of those hybrid Cayennes. You’ll be among that majority. You’ll also be surrounded by fellow Porsche enthusiasts. I bet many will react surprisingly well to an enthusiastic 20 year old who shares their love for the brand.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:51

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Honesty compelled me not to test-drive a Dart of all things when it was offered, one time. That being said, 80% of class level is an act. Sauce: my broke-ass socially awkward lower middle class self managing to mostly avoid embarrassment among wealthy people I came to know and/or work for. Extremely tiring for someone without native people skills, but rewarding - though I know this is anecdata.

Go there, have some punch, slobber freely on the new model, and as long as you look sharp you’re imputed to have what it takes.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:52

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My best friend is black and when we look around dealerships he gets offered test drives more than me because he dresses well. Race (I wish everywhere) in most cases isn't a problem.

Justin Hughes > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:56

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You should go, and if they give you any trouble for any reason - age, race, whatever - you post about it here on Oppo. And we call Porsche on that crap. If you go and they treat you wonderfully, post about that as well, and give them the good publicity they would deserve for that.

My experience *mumblemumble* years ago with BMW in situations like that was quite good. They didn’t care that I was young or broke. I am white, so privilege and all that.

B Reynolds > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:57

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It would be a great way to overcome that anxiety, putting yourself out there would be a good confidence builder. Bring a friend for support, wear your nicest shirt and if they don’t like you because you are a poor young black guy then “accidentally” crash it. OK that was a joke but you should go!

Jonathan Harper > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:58

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You should get out of your own head and go. Like someone else said below, dress nice and act like you’re supposed to be there. The amount of times I’ve got to shit like this is very high, and in most cases I really have no business participating.

Stop being so self depreciating.

Twism > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 10:59

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Most of the time these are enthusiast event. They invite as many people as they can in the hope of getting a few customers. They don’t expect to sell a Cayenne to 100% of the people there.

put on some nice clothes and go see them; just be upfront that you have no intention of buying one, but you just wanted to see the truck and maybe drive it.

(and seriously, go for the free booze and food!)

Xyl0c41n3 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 11:05

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I’m just a regular person who they know nothing about.

No, you’re an automotive — and especially, a Porsche — enthusiast.

I’m a relatively poor as hell, have no money, not rich, 20 year old college student.

No, you’re a talented writer who has already penned numerous entertaining and informative reads about your own Porsche and your FoST. Your work includes reviews of those vehicles, as well as maintenance updates, car meet recaps, and more.

Also, you do realize that recent Jalopnik hire Justin Hughes is currently a university student, as well? So is OppositeLock owner Porsche9146. If one is good enough to be a staffer at the largest automotive website in the world and the other is good enough to head one of the most popular and inclusive auto-enthusiast reader’s forums, then you’re definitely good enough to attend this Porsche event.

And black. I’m not so sure they’ll even let me sit in it or drive it even...

What does your race have to do with your acceptance at this event? You think there aren’t Porsche owners who are POC? First of all, this isn’t 1950s Mississippi. Nobody’s gonna look at you sideways just because you’re black. Second of all, Porsche ain’t stupid. This is a PR event, so there’s no way in hell they’ll let any of their people look at you sideways, either.

Go to the event, K-Roll. Enjoy yourself. Sit in the Cayenne, test drive it if they offer test drives. Go in there with the attitude that you’re there to review the vehicle and the event. If anyone asks, tell them that’s why you’re there. Then, follow through. Come back to Oppo and tell us all about it.

I’m looking forward to reading it. :)

Milky > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 11:06

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I went to this designery thing as a Freshman, so I dressed like shit and drove my SC400. Only to find out the line to get in was also the valet (free with the event). So I had to explain how the doors worked(they didnt) on my straight piped, no interior beater to valet.

My friend took this photo with the caption “lets see the valet do this”. We all laughed ... well they laughed and I had a great time. Point being, fuck it! Go and have fun. Take a friend with if possible is my only thought.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Twism 11/20/2015 at 11:10

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I'll see what I can do.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > E92M3 11/20/2015 at 11:11

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I'll give it a go.

yamahog > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 11:17

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Remember, they invited you! You’re a second-generation Porsche owner and enthusiast, this is your chance to drive some new cars and have your opinion heard, do it and have fun!

Thomas Donohue > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 11:18

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I was at the Porsche world roadshow last year at Monticello Motor Club in NY State. Same deal....I got an email, they had no idea who I was. It was my first ‘dealer’ event, and even though I have a used Boxster, I had no intention of buying anything. I assumed I’d be hassled all day by dealers wanting my phone number, email address, bank account and social security numbers before I was able to drive a car. Not one of those things happened.

I got there, and the Porsche employees were very nice and welcoming. The group of other drivers I met were just as nice, and no, they weren’t all white guys in thier 50’s. I was paired up with a ~25 year old that was a BMW fan, had ZERO intention of buying a Porsche even if he hit the lottery. Didn’t matter. We signed some waivers, grabbed some helmets, and 30 min later I was doing 100+ mph in a Cayman GTS on the track with the guy who had never met me in the passenger seat. We switched every few laps, drove the Boxster GTS, 911 Targa 4, Macan Turbo, Panamera S, and then took a lap in a brand new 911 Turbo S, although that car was driven by a Porsche factory driver who had also driven LeMans in the 80’s. I had bruises after that lap in the Turbo. Wow. One of the best days of my life.

The point of this long story is that not once, not ONCE, did a dealer approach me and ask me if I wanted to buy a car. I was shocked. Not once did anyone from the Motor Club (it’s a private, country-club racetrack) look at anyone and hassle them about their age or if they were really in the market for a Porsche or a year of track time for their Ferrari. The salespeople had tables and walked around with name tags in case you had questions or wanted more info, but did not put the hard sell on anyone. I got a follow up email from my local dealer a week later. That’s it.

I hope you have a similar experience (albeit with just the Cayenne!). As someone else here said, if anyone makes you feel out of place, get a name and write a letter to Porsche NA. You got invited, go have fun and don’t take anyone’s shit.

Oh, and don’t crash the car. For that you will probably be removed from the mailing list.

E92M3 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 11:31

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Do it! I’ve been to 4 or 5 of these things. It’s literally show up, listen to a speaker for 10 mins, drive the cars, eat some free food, and collect your swag.

Cé hé sin > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/20/2015 at 11:50

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All the more reason to go!

Anyway, it’s a free ride of a car that you mightn’t otherwise easily be able to arrange.

Cé hé sin > Twism 11/20/2015 at 11:51

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Maybe not when full of any free champagne, though...

DasWauto > Xyl0c41n3 11/20/2015 at 13:21

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I think you meant Justin Westbrook, not Justin Hughes. Threw me for a second wondering if I had missed another new hire.

Xyl0c41n3 > DasWauto 11/20/2015 at 13:34

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Yeah. I did. Sorry... working on about 5-6 hours of sleep over the last 48. I’m very, very tired.

Thanks, Das!

Jack Does Cars > DasWauto 11/20/2015 at 21:36

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Lemme just go out and say that Justin Westbrook is a really cool guy. I met him back in June, and I’m really glad I did.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 11/22/2015 at 16:18

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opefully this reaches you in time. My advice as a porsche enthusiast:

1) Clean up and dress nicely

2) Have lots of pictures of your 944 and your Dad’s 944.

3) Enjoy the car(s).

Anyone else’s opinion is meaningless. By dressing decently and cleaning up, you’re showing respect. That is expected of all parties. You’re obviously not going to buy that day HOWEVER you are an enthusiast who might someday be making bank. THEN they want you to remember those times you test drove porsches as a teenager in college for engineering. The beauty of money is that no matter the color of the person holding it, the money itself is always green. Most places can’t afford to be racist anyore and if they are racist? THen you knowto not waste your time with them now and in the future.