2006 P2O Success Story

Porsches 2 Oxford returned again to the quaint brick streets of uptown Oxford on July 29th.  For the second consecutive year, this unique event took place in the hometown of Miami University.  A turnout of 215 shiny German sports cars created one of the largest gatherings of the marque in the Midwest.

P20 returned to the city after a breakthrough trial run in 2005 when over 140 Porsches made the pilgrimage.  Dubbed ‘a casual Porsche party’, this laid-back approach blends perfectly with the small-town feel Oxford exudes. Onlookers won’t find stuffy white-gloved judges here, only passionate owners renewing old friendships while making new ones in one of the most picturesque settings in the tri-state. 

Activities take place directly ‘uptown’ as Oxford residents like to call the city’s central plaza of bricked streets, boutiques, eateries, fountains, greenery, and band shell.  The entire uptown area is blocked off to make room for all of the German hardware. In keeping with the casual feel, parking is unassigned and there are no class distinctions.

With such a large turnout, all Porsche makes and models were present. A number of Cold-War 356 coupes, cabriolets and Speedsters; vintage 911s, 914s, 928s; an ultra-rare 959, and newer Porsches such as Boxsters and Caymans made the journey. License plates from Tennessee, Minnesota, Ontario, and all places in between were enough proof for organizers to book the event for the same weekend next year.  This year’s attendees represented a total of ten states and Canada.

“The turnout is all the evidence we need,” said P2O co-chairperson Brice Kadel, who was instrumental in the show’s development and responsible for its transition from Pinckney, MI, three years prior.  “Last year was our first year in Oxford and we drew 140 cars on faith alone. This year we trumped that by more than fifty percent. There are two reasons for our success. First, the Oxford Visitors Bureau and Diana Durr have embraced us from the beginning. And second, organizers have created a winning formula that keeps the event light-hearted and all about fun. Every car commands equal respect here no matter its monetary value. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the tremendous sponsor support we’ve received to make this event possible.”

Durr is the Director of the City of Oxford’s Visitor’s Bureau and echoed Kadel’s sentiments. “This is a great event for Oxford…bringing more than 200 cars and 450 people to Oxford during Miami’s summer break.  It’s a nice summer boost for all the uptown merchants.  Additionally, this is a first class event that we at the Visitor’s Bureau are proud to help host.”

Door prizes, Top-25 people’s choice awards, and a 50/50 drawing to benefit the Oxford Family Resource Center were among other afternoon activities. There was also a late afternoon drive to Hueston Woods State Park – creating in the process the longest moving line of Porsches in Ohio history.  Organizers also added a Sunday autocross event at the Miami University airport.

“This event has no ceiling,” said Chris Rieman, in charge of P2O’s media and publicity efforts. “We foresee this quickly becoming one of the largest, annual, Porsche gatherings in the country.  Oxford has the infrastructure to handle it -- and P20 has the appeal to attract the participants.  It’s perfect combination for success.”