This year’s Stafford Tour during Porsche Parade 2025 was a milestone for me — it marked my first time as a PCA tour leader. With Jeff’s wife Amy serving as my navigator and a caravan of mostly seasoned Maverick PCA drivers behind me, we hit the road for a scenic and story-rich drive through central Oklahoma.

Before we hit the road, I gathered everyone in the parking lot for a quick driver briefing—captured in the photo below. It was my chance to walk the group through the day’s plan, outline the route, and share a few simple but important strategies for staying together on the road. Most of the crew were fellow Maverick PCA veterans, so we already had great rhythm as a group, but I still wanted to set the tone for a smooth, fun, and coordinated drive. We talked about how to handle traffic lights, when to tighten the convoy, and where to fall back if we needed to regroup. It may have been my first time leading a tour, but from that moment forward, it felt like we were in sync—rolling as one well-oiled machine.

I was a little nervous at the start. But once we rolled out, nerves gave way to confidence, and the group quickly found its rhythm. We moved like a Swiss watch — or perhaps more accurately, like a flat-six symphony in motion.

The skies were wide, the roads were open, and the day delivered a perfect mix of history, horsepower, and heartfelt nostalgia. I had GoPros mounted on both the tow hook and rear deck to capture every mile, stop, and smile.

Stop 1: Fort Reno Historic Site and Museum

Our first destination was Fort Reno, a frontier military post founded in 1874. Originally created to keep peace during the Indian Wars, the site later served as a cavalry remount station and even a German POW camp during World War II.

The Fort Reno Museum, housed in a restored officer’s quarters, gave us a glimpse into military life on the plains. It featured exhibits on the Buffalo Soldiers, 19th-century cavalry equipment, and stories from the post’s varied past. We were warmly welcomed by the museum staff and took a great group photo with our Porsches lined up in front of the historic buildings under the moody Oklahoma sky.

Bonus Stop: Lucille’s Historic Gas Station on Route 66

On our way to Weatherford, we made a quick but unforgettable stop at Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station — one of only two remaining upper-story porch-style stations in Oklahoma.

The station stands as a nostalgic reminder of America’s love affair with the open road. Each Porsche in the group pulled up in front while a photographer captured the moment. I dropped the top on my Racing Yellow Boxster and told Amy to stand up in her seat for the shot. I turned to the camera with a little smirk, and it turned out to be one of my favorite captures of the day. Route 66 spirit, fully embraced.

Lunch Stop: Lucille’s Roadhouse

We continued the theme with lunch at Lucille’s Roadhouse, a Route 66-themed diner just down the road. Originally owned by Lucille Hamon — affectionately known as the “Mother of the Mother Road” — the roadhouse is full of memorabilia and mid-century charm.

The food? It was okay. Classic diner fare that hit the spot, but didn’t steal the spotlight. What made the stop memorable was the vibe — surrounded by neon signs, chrome accents, and the hum of fellow PCA members swapping stories. It was the camaraderie, not the cuisine, that made the meal.

Final Stop: Stafford Air & Space Museum

Our final destination was the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford. Named after Oklahoma native and Apollo astronaut General Thomas P. Stafford, the museum is packed with artifacts from both aviation and space exploration.

From standing beneath a Titan II rocket to admiring lunar modules and flight suits that actually went to space, it was a powerful reminder of what engineering, exploration, and a little daring can achieve. We even posed for a group photo under a massive Saturn rocket stage, with the American flag flying proudly above us.

Wrapping It Up

This was my first time leading a PCA tour, but with Amy’s navigation and the Maverick crew driving like the pros they are, it couldn’t have gone better. The Stafford Tour had it all: historical depth, Route 66 nostalgia, a cosmic finish — and most importantly, great people.

Thanks to everyone who joined. I’m already looking forward to the 2026 Porsche Parade in LakePlacid, NY.