Autocross Co-Chair — Michael Oest
Active since 2008
Michael is motivated by competitive integrity. He wants autocross to remain approachable without losing its edge—where new drivers feel welcome and experienced drivers still feel challenged.
He is an instructor for PCA, SCCA, BMW CCA & several other autocross clubs, bringing broad perspective across different organizations, rule sets & driver backgrounds. Introduced to PCA autocross through his father’s 1998 Boxster, Michael has driven nearly everything at the limit, from exotics to JDM cars. Those years of comparison have solidified his belief that Porsche builds the most driver-centric cars on the road, with the 997 GT3 serving as a personal benchmark.
Autocross Co-Chair — Travis Brown
Active since 2012
Travis prioritizes fairness through systems. His focus is on making sure autocross works—operationally & competitively—so drivers trust the process & feel outcomes are earned.
With a background in engineering & program management, he thinks in cause and effect: how preparation affects the day, how classing affects competition. What keeps him engaged is the balance of precision & camaraderie, especially sharing the sport with his son. One of his favorite memories is his son’s first autocross on the water at San Pedro, with perfect Southern California weather—a moment that captures both the technical & human sides of the program. For Travis, the 992 GT3 represents Porsche’s motorsport DNA at its most focused.
Chief Driving Instructor — Derek Punch
Active since 2023
Derek focuses on improving driver performance through instruction that balances technique with mindset. He works with drivers at all levels to refine fundamentals while developing the mental discipline required for competitive autocross.
With experience instructing across PCA, SCCA & BMW CCA, and a background in national-level SCCA competition, Derek brings a perspective shaped by both teaching & competing. Competing in a close battle for the 2024 CC13 championship and receiving the Instructor of the Year award the year prior are among his most meaningful club experiences. Being asked to serve as CDI by the leadership team reflects his commitment to the program.
His passion for performance driving began early—building a 2180cc VW Bug in his native Trinidad as a teenager—and continues today through autocross & track driving.
Safety Chair — Storm Hagen
Active since 2014
Storm is focused on creating an environment where excitement & safety coexist without compromise. He works closely with course designers to ensure layouts meet or exceed club guidelines, overseeing spacing, sight lines, and buffer zones that protect both drivers & spectators. On event days, he leads course setup, inspections, and ongoing monitoring to maintain a strong safety culture throughout the event.
His background as both a dentist & a pilot shapes his approach—detail-oriented, methodical & disciplined, with a strong reliance on checklists, situational awareness & calm decision-making under pressure. Introduced to PCA-LA Autocross in 2017 after purchasing his first Cayman, Storm was quickly hooked. While he enjoys driving fast cars, it’s the camaraderie & competition within the club that keeps him deeply involved.
Tech Chief — Ryan Bracci
Active since 2024
Ryan oversees technical inspection for PCA-LA Autocross, ensuring every car on course meets PCA safety & mechanical standards. He leads the tech process from start to finish—verifying compliance, coordinating volunteers & maintaining a consistent, welcoming experience for both new & experienced drivers. His goal is simple: create a safe, organized environment where drivers can push with confidence.
With over four years of hands-on autocross experience across PCA, SCCA, Cal Club & San Diego regions, Ryan brings a broad, systems-level view to the role. He has worked major events including SCCA Solo Nationals in Lincoln, sharpening his eye for detail & best practices at a national level. Raised around cars by a father who ran an automotive business & spent time at the Chick Iverson Porsche shop, Ryan’s passion for Porsche is rooted in precision, heritage & community—values he brings to every event he supports.
Tenth Chasers Lead/Former Chief Driving Instructor — Dennis Wolfe
Active since 2009
Dennis focuses on understanding over speed. His teaching centers on what the car is communicating & how discipline, precision & repetition compound over time.
With decades of Porsche ownership, over 16 years of consistent motorsport experience & time spent as a factory-trained instructor at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles, Dennis brings deep institutional knowledge to the program. A former Chief Driving Instructor for Autocross, he now serves in an emeritus role while leading advanced driver coaching for experienced competitors—often referred to as “Tenth Chasers,” drivers focused on refining technique, consistency & marginal gains at the highest level. He bought his first Porsche in 1988, a Guards Red 944 Turbo, and remains committed to mastery earned through mechanical sympathy & long-term development rather than shortcuts.
Instructor — Jasmine Zhang
Active since 2022
Jasmine focuses on confidence-building, especially for drivers new to performance driving. She’s attentive to how intimidating autocross can feel at the beginning & works to make learning approachable without diluting the challenge.
Introduced to PCA-LA autocross by longtime member Evan Fullerton, she found community through both instruction & documentation—capturing moments, sharing progress & highlighting the joy alongside technique. Her appreciation for Porsche comes from the way the cars reward feel & precision, explored through her 718 Cayman T.
Autocross Team Member — Tristan Zafra
Active since 2017
Tristan supports PCA-LA Autocross operations, contributing to event-day execution and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps events running smoothly & consistently.
