Diana and Jay
Jay: I was born in a small town in Mainland China, next to Gobi desert. My studies and work lead me first to NY, and then to the Bay Area, where I've been living since 2014. I am a semiconductors engineer.
Diana: I am originally from St.Petersburg, Russia, and met Jay when I moved to NY as a student. I've been living in the Bay Area since 2018. I am a biologist by training and work in biotech sales. We both joined PCA GGR in 2021 when we bought our first Porsche.
How did you get into Porsche?
Jay: I always love cars as a young boy, so I had Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Countach on my wall as a 5-year old. But as a teenager I got introduced to Porsche through video game (Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed), and was fascinated by its quirky handling and unique silhouette. Soon all my school textbooks were littered with sketches of 911s and it became my dream to drive one in real life.
Diana: Jay wanted to get one. I was never a car girl but I loved Porsche style and quality, and wanted to give driving a shot. It was love from the first sight for me, so sharing the keys quickly became a struggle.
Our 911 pick up day - Jay showing a picture of 911 he drew when he was 15
One of our first AX events (please don’t look at my time LOL - Diana)
Why do you drive? What motivates you? Do you have any goals?
Jay: The part I enjoy most is the feeling of being one with the car - using your feet, hands, body, and being in tune with the car movement. Chasing personal best around the circuit is intoxicating. There are so many factors and there's never a true perfect lap - that pursuit of perfection keeps me going.
Diana: Driving is a great way to hang out with friends or relax by myself. I also see it as a way to grow and learn. High performance driving requires undivided attention and focus, as well as controlling natural excitement and overcoming fear. I love the personal improvement and competition with myself.
What kind of Porsche(s) do you have or did you have?
2021 Carrera S Cabriolet in GT Silver (nickname 101 Express since it's a commuter car); 2022 Macan GTS in Gentian Blue (nickname Beefy Boy).
101 Express and Beefy Boy first drive together
Driving Sonoma for the first time (Image credit : Gorilla Tornado )
What is your favorite style of driving? (Track day, Autocross, Motoring...)
Track for both of us, but we love AX and social too!
Do you have any tips for those looking to get into driving and/car event?
Diana: have an open mind, and don't be afraid to try something even if you don't have any experience in it. I was afraid that not being a lifelong enthusiast would be something people count against me. But I found nothing but warm welcome in motoring, AX and track alike. It's truly such a fun and supportive community - when I talk to my non-car friends about PCA, they often say "wow, I don't even like driving but maybe I should get a Porsche just to meet people".
Can people follow you on Instagram or facebook?
IG: p_car_fun
Shasta Tour with PCA Zone 7 - Three days of breathtaking views and 1000 Porsche miles
Fun driving with friends - all dressed up for PCA GGR Lunar New Year Drive 2022 (Tiger Drive!)
What would you like to see the GGR club do?
Jay: Have a closer relationship with Porsche sales. The struggle of getting allocations is real and I wish there was a path for true enthusiasts to get access to new cars.
Diana: More driver education clinics! This is such a fun way to get a taste of performance driving without the pressure of an AX event or the commitment of track.
Sim practice before the track! (No, you don’t need to wear helmet and gloves … unless you really want to)
Is there something your GGR members who may be reading this may not know about you?
Jay: It took me 20 years from wanting a Porsche to getting one. I saw first Porsche in a videogame when I was 15. I was obsessed, but since I lived in a remote town in China, it took a few years to see one in real life - 1st gen Cayenne when I was 18. When I was 20 and moved to a bigger city for college, I finally saw a 911 (997). I was speechless! From there, it took me another 15 years to get my own 911.
Diana: While Jay was the driving force behind getting a Porsche, he didn't have any plan for what to do with it! So, once I had the keys, I completely took over planning our Porsche life: joining PCA, doing the first AX, volunteering, starting @p_car_fun. I was also the first person in our family to drive on the track, but Jay quickly followed and became obsessed. It's really fun to have a shared hobby as a family - we both get to use our strenghts and encourage each other to become better drivers and live a more fulfilling life.