pan american 599 in LA today

Bart, is that you??

 

I posted this earlier today in the other thread:


Autoblog seems to have info that they'll be in LA on wednesday:

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/u...ks-off-in-l-a/

Back in August, two Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano's began a 20,000-mile-long trek across the Americas. The trip began in Brazil and over the course of the next three months the two vehicles will wind there way through both South and North America, eventually completing their marathon in New York City this November.

Those of you fortunate enough to live in the So. Cal. area can check in on how the two 599s are holding up when they stop for a fill up at the La Cienega Shell station this Wednesday, between 7:30 and 8:30 AM. It will be an open forum with both the drivers and Shell's tech nerds, along with cookies, punch and 'gifts.'

The gas stop serves as the U.S. kickoff point of the Panamerican 20k, which is described by Shell as a chance for the two companies to show off their technological prowess.

All the details, including the address of the Shell station, can be found in the press release after the jump. If you're in the area, buy the team a Red Bull and wish them luck. And if you have a camera, some photos would be much appreciated.

PRESS RELEASE

All-new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to refuel at L.A. Shell station to kick off U.S. stage of Panamerican 20,000

WHAT: The Ferrari Panamerican 20,000 road challenge will stop at Shell stations across the United States to refuel with Shell V-Power as it makes its way from Brazil to New York City in two all-new Ferrari 599 GTB Fioranos. The tour will cover 20,000 miles in just 85 days, including a stop in Los Angeles where local car lovers can get a glimpse of Ferrari's most technologically advanced road car as both Ferraris refuel for the next leg of the adventure. In addition to this first look, auto enthusiasts can hear first-hand accounts of the journey's challenges and high points from the Ferrari team members and the Shell Technical Specialist who have been on the tour since it left Brazil. Shell customers will be treated to gifts and refreshments while they check out the new supercars and interact with the team.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 25
7:30-8:30 a.m.

WHERE: La Cienega Shell station
8500 W. Pico Blvd. (at La Cienega Boulevard)
Los Angeles, CA 90035

WHO: Shell and Ferrari Panamerican 20,000 team members and a local radio personality

VISUALS: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano's first appearance in the United States; Shell V-Power refueling. Panamerican 20,000 team will be available for photos and interviews. Please contact Beth Valone to arrange an interview.

BACKGROUND: Ferrari has a long technical collaboration with Shell, which is supporting its marathon journey. Shell is providing Shell V-Power fuel, a suite of Q lubricant products and a technical support specialist every mile of the Panamerican 20,000.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Be part of the Panamerican 20,000 at www.shell.com/us/20000 and www.shell.com/motorsport and download photos and other tour information at www.shell.com/motorsportmedia.

 

wow looking at the border cams in Tijuana there is absolutely no wait to cross...wtf??? But the black dotted line on the Ferrariworld map isnt blinking so are they moving or waiting for a later start?

 

I've read that they will be switching the support cars to Alfa Romeo 159 sportwagons once they cross the border. It would be great if anyone could confirm.

I'm going to try to catch them when they get near Chicago.

 

There is no information on the Shell site as to where the cars will be arriving in L.A. on Wednesday. I called Ferrari of Beverly Hills & I spoke with a sales associate who informed me that the event is being handled by Ferrari of NA & that he was under the impression that the event was not open to the public & was by invite only.

 

well I guess good news is that there is traffic on the 5 through North county, speeds of 15mph so if theyre heading up the 5 anytime soon theyll be stuck and someone should see them

has anyone talked to Ferrari of SD or Symbolic to see if there is any plans on going there at any point during the day? since they are planning on taking 16 hours to get to LA they must be stopping somewhere, my guess would be La Jolla would be perfect if for nothing more than a great photo op then probably again somewhere in the OC????

 

if u want to cam watch caltrans has cameras on the SD freeways live streaming, they jump from camera to camera but tell you where the camera is each time it changes

http://video.dot.ca.gov/

scroll to bottom to get to SD cams

 

just got off the phone with Symbolic, figured Id give it a shot, and apparently they have no clue as to this event, and all I could get was rude attitude telling me that they aren't a Ferrari dealer...lol.

 

Ditto. If you don't already know the info there's a thread about it in the Chicago forum: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125511

 

This is true. The event is supposed to be for Ferrari owners only and FNA was indeed handling it.

 

I stop at Ferrrai of San Diego Friday. They knew nothing.

A water hose blew as I was coming into my driveway Friday evening. I will not have it ready until Friday. Rats!

I will be missing this fun. I hope someone post photos of the event.

FNA is controlling this and is invite only. Me, I do not get invited to anything.

Oh, well.



12 cylinders or walk

 

anything yet? they have to be somewhere in SD right now, suprised no one has seen them

 

You could still walk.....

 

FNA does well to get my Rosso Ferrari mag to the door...I'll probably get my invite around New Year's Eve......

Next Friday for Houston, I hear.......

Sorry to hear of your troubles, Bartster!

 

so what happened with this today? anyone catch even a glimpse of the cars?

 

No. From what I can tell there's a closed party at FofBH tomorrow night and the Shell station thing on Wednesday morning. I think they head to Vegas on Wednesday in the AM. Other than that there's really nothing else AFAIK. I wouldn't be surprised if they are crossing tomorrow, the 24th.

 

There is a private function hosted by FNA at FofBH tomorrow. Only open to invited media and guests. Look for my writeup in the next couple days at www.lacar.com

 

Wait, so is the Shell thing on Wed invite only? I'd like to check it out before class if possible.

 

lame, I thought the idea of this event was to market the car, cant do too much marketing if you hide the cars, especially from those that can afford them. I wouldve thought that North County SD and the OC wouldve been big markets they wouldve wanted to spend a lot of time in, not Tijuana...lol!! I am also bummed because I thought last night as I was getting off work that perhaps they might be heading up the freeway at that time because they still had like 6 hours to be in LA on that Shell clock, but figured that was dumb and drove El Camino instead, oh well probably wouldnt have seen them anyways.