Porsche Parade 2025: Celebrating 70 Years of PCA in Oklahoma City
This year’s Porsche Parade wasn’t just another gathering of enthusiasts—it was a milestone. Porsche Club of America celebrated its 70th anniversary right here in Oklahoma City, and it brought together people, stories, and experiences that I’ll never forget.
And in true Parade fashion, it wasn’t just about the cars. It was about family—both the Porsche family itself and the family we bring along for the ride.
Jackie, Brody, and I rolled into the Omni on Sunday, meeting up with Max and Pracilla (his girlfriend at the time). After grabbing a quick bite, the pool was calling—our way of recharging before the week ahead.
Little did I know how many memories that rooftop pool would hold.
A fellow Bald man waded through the water straight over to me after having noticed my Eagle, Globe, and Anchor tattoo, and that simple question—“Where’d you serve?”—turned into something much bigger. We swapped stories, and as they told me about their time in Desert Storm, I shared about my Sgt., Sgt. Taylor.
Sgt. Taylor was a good man and a great Marine. He was one of those leaders who shaped you not just in the Corps, but in life. Sadly, he passed away from cancer caused by the burn pits we all know too well from that era. The crazy part? Three of the Marines I met had gone to high school with him. Imagine that—decades later, halfway across the country, I’m standing on a hotel rooftop pool deck, meeting men who shared classrooms and football fields with a Marine who changed my life. Small world doesn’t even begin to cover it.
That moment grounded the whole week for me. Porsche Parade is about the cars, sure—but it’s also about connection, history, and legacy. In a way, that poolside encounter set the tone for everything that followed.
Monday...Parade officially kicked off with dinner at Stella in OKC. Funny enough, Jackie and I had stayed across the street before and always said we’d go there. Porsche Parade made it happen for us.
Meanwhile, Max got in some sim racing action, and the rest of us enjoyed more rooftop pool time. Food, fun, and family—exactly what Parade is about.
Tuesday was the drive to the Stafford Air & Space Museum, and it’s a day I’ll never forget. Along for the ride were three generations of Porsche—Hans-Peter Porsche, his son Daniel, and his grandson.
I had the honor of meeting Hans-Peter and Daniel, and to my surprise, Hans-Peter waved me over at lunch. Noticing my Parade t-shirt, he asked about my family, my Swabian roots, and my story. That conversation went on for more than half an hour. And then, the moment I’ll carry forever—Hans-Peter giving me the “Stamp of Approval” for my Parade shirt. Meeting your heroes is one thing; having them validate your passion is another.
The museum itself was a hit—even Brody loved the scavenger hunt, rockets, and planes. But true to form, we ended the day back at the pool.
Our Wednesday drive took us to the Chickasaw Cultural Center. The grounds were beautiful, the exhibits packed with history, and the traditional Native American meal unforgettable.
Brody ditched us to hang out with Max’s crew (can’t say I blame him), while Jackie and I explored on our own. A couple hours later, though, the Oklahoma heat had us dreaming of—you guessed it—the pool.
Thursday morning kicked off with the Gimmick Rally, and it was a blast. A little backtracking, a little teamwork, and a lot of laughs—it was classic Parade fun.
That night split the family up: Jackie and Brody went to OKANA, a brand-new waterpark, while Max and I had the privilege of being among the 250 cars chosen (out of 1,300) for the Display of Porsches. Cocktails, conversations, and stunning cars filled the evening.
The highlight? Reconnecting with Gunner Mench, president of the Hawaii PCA Region, whom I first met at Parade 2021 in French Lick. Gunner’s father was Porsche’s first U.S. photographer, and Gunner himself is full of incredible stories. I can’t wait to take him up on his invitation to Hawaii one day, see his collection, and maybe even drive one of his Porsches along the coast. WHAT A FREAKING DREAM!!!
Friday was my turn to shine—I organized the drive to Pawnee Bill Ranch and The Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Even though it’s practically in our backyard, it didn’t disappoint. Touring Buffalo Bill’s home was eye-opening, and lunch at The Mercantile hit the spot. Sometimes the best drives are the ones closest to home.
The big finale: The Parade of Porsches. Only about 100 cars were selected, and our 2015 911 Turbo S was among them. This was the moment I had been looking forward to all week.
But, in full honesty, it was bittersweet. Due to a last-minute route change by the OKC Police Chief, instead of showing off Porsche artistry through the heart of the city, we were shuttled down alleys and less flattering streets. For an event of this magnitude, it was a disappointment—and frankly, an embarrassment.
Still, the spirit of Parade can’t be dimmed by one wrong turn.
At its heart, Porsche Parade isn’t just about cars—it’s about the people. From Hans-Peter Porsche to old friends like Gunner, from Marines who shared stories of Sgt. Taylor to my own family making memories by the pool, it all comes together here.
So, to everyone who made Porsche Parade 2025 in Oklahoma City unforgettable—thank you. I’ll see you again, on the road.
Stay Driven
Sgt. Engster, Martin M. USMC
