Louisville Concours at Churchill Downs

well, that show was definitely worth the drive! My wife and I had a great time looking at the cars. I took a ton of pics and even got to meet some FChatters. I'm looking forward to next year's show!

 

I’ve been trying to get my thoughts together regarding the show and must say I think a Concourse in Louisville is a great idea. I definitely don’t want to sound negative. However, I would like to offer a couple of observations

1. The location. While Churchill Downs and the twin spires are a landmark known around the world, the infield is not so great. In fact it’s quite unspectacular. I understand the marketing value of associating the show with Churchill Downs but the actual setting was flat, no trees, burnt out grass or pavement etc. There was a total disconnect between the infield and the ambiance of Churchill Downs. A nice golf course or possibly a horse farm, while maybe not as prominent in stature as Churchill Downs, would greatly improve the atmosphere of the show. As a comparison, look at the Keenland show and the grounds there. Also as a comparison I have watched the Concourso Italiano in Monterey go from arguably the premier Italian car show when it was at the Quail or even Blackhourse to a less than spectacular event this year when it was held at an airport – not unlike the infield – no trees, paved and just plain drab.
2. The cars. In general I thought the selection was pretty good although one has to wonder about the riced out 350z. I’m not picking on the Nissan as I had a 350 preorder and took delivery of the second one in Louisville – I just think Carl Kasper might be more appropriate – especially at an event that is attempting to be “selective”.
3. Participation of local car clubs – An area for interesting but not judged cars, would encourage a larger participation and would undoubtedly contain quite a few interesting cars – like Keenland does. I suppose it would also be a more appropriate location for cars like the 350z. Plus there are a number of local Ferrari’s, Lambos, NSX, GTs etc. etc. etc. that for whatever reason (either not accepted, or didn’t know about the show) that would have made the show much more interesting.
4. More advertising. Sure everyone on FerrariChat knew about the show and Rob Davenport seemed to be making the rounds and inviting participants at smaller car shows around town but I don’t think the general public was typically aware there was something going on. I heard very little about it – in fact I was talking to my brother who is a way bigger car guy than myself on Saturday and said I was going to go the Concourse on Sunday and he had completely forgotten that there was even a show.

All in all I am thrilled to see something like this being attempted in Louisville and am hopeful that it gets better each year.

 

You weren't impressed with the 650hp Z that blew off a little nitrous occasionally to impress the spectators
There were some more impressive cars in the parking lot for this type of venue.

I enjoyed the show and some of my thoughts are similar to yours. My main concern was the lack of a Sports Car corral outside the show. It would encourage local clubs and other enthusiasts to show up with their cars. I came with a couple of other Porsches and we parked at the back of the parking lot between some SUVs and Honda Accords. I expressed this concern to the organizers a few months ago and I can't see why it would be difficult to do. I was talking to the owner of one of the high$ Ferraris there and he expressed this fault to me comparing it to all the other shows that he participates in like Amelia, Cavallino, Pebble Beach etc...

Regarding the location. I can't think of another place in Louisville the can accommodate the number of cars and patrons, for parking, especially if it continues and grows.

Advertising is tough because it costs a lot of money. However, now that they have one under their belt, they can probably get the Courier Journal and some other local media to do some lead article prior to the show next year basing it on the success and charitable contribution that it will encourage.

 

The Pantera looks really cool . I would have liked the event to be timed at a different date than St. James.

 

I agree!! I was surprised that there wasn't a place like Keeneland has.

Matt

 

So they let a riced out 350z at the show and wouldn't allow Doug's porsche? Doesn't make sense to me...I choose not to go so my opinion doesn't matter. Just curious...how many Ferrari's showed up? Based on the pictures it didn't appear to be allot. I wonder how much money was raised for the charity? Also curious what the qualifications where of the judges? How do they get picked?

I agree...they should allow an outside corral for other sports car..too elite for me. But then again there's the guy with a shirt with ripped off sleeves. LOL! So I may just fit in.

 

Adam,

I agree with you the 350Z was out place IMO. There was some really nice car in the parking lot including Doug's car. I parked next to a nice 308 GTS QV for example.

Cheers,
Alan
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

So that 308 wasn't allowed in the show? Give me a break...there's a white porsche in the background and a Ferrari sitting in the parking lot? LOL!

 

OK, finally got a chance to go through my pics, they are posted here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/slapshots/

Here is a preview:
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

All valid points.

I spoke with some of the organizers about the specialized parking. it was something they wanted to do but had some issues with the venue that need to be worked out. Hopefully, now that the first event is under their belts, those in charge will realize what special event this really is. As far as venue and size, the infield was not overly impressive. But, just take one look over the fence line and it puts you right back in perspective.

Check out these shots to illustrate the point...

You also have to keep in perspective, this is a fundraiser. It was amazing how much money was raised at the black tie event. I saw 3 pairs of VIP tickets to the Jay Leno show and a private tour of his garage pull in $6500 a piece. All the money went to the Brooklawn Child and Family Services. This was a great organization helping out some boys that really need it.

Help these guys out. Remember, they didn't get paid to do this. The operation's success was based on the shoulders of all the volunteers out on the field. If you have suggestions, share them with the organizers in a thoughtful manner and help make it better. I think the club parking is very important. Let them know what you think!

kcv
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Nice pictures! Any of the white Corvette next to the black Pantera?

 

Car selection will be much tighter next year. Being a first year event, things need to get ironed out just a bit. There will not be a riced out anything next year.

As far as judges, Charlie Moyer was the head judge. He has done over 50 concours which include all the big boys. He brought in his crew which included myself. I've been judging high end concours shows for a number of years and chasing cars and their owners for over 30. All the other judges have been around for many, many years. We had a very hard job to do. There were many cars to go thru. I judged the Ferrari class by myself and the sports car class with another individual. we need to work on classification a bit better for next year. It was very difficult trying to compare a 31 MG vs a beautiful Pantera vs a a lovely jaguar ck120 vs a Lamborghini Espada vs ....Jim Patterson's 1953 #21 Corvette.

regards

ken

 

Good observations, a couple of mine


Great volunteers, very helpful and courteous

Great weather and fantastic cars. Great to be admidst million dollar cars when you've got little skin in the game

Good venue but agree Valhalla, My Old Ky Home, notable distillar or other shady grounds would be more pleasant.

Downside:

Could have hosted at least another 100 cars inside and 200 outside. Cause for so much rejection of entries I think was mistake.

Blunder:

There was a new "consignment auto dealer" (Indigo cars) located in the middle of the judged show grounds w/ tent, big screen tvs and couches. And a dealer I had never heard of until a week ago on another thread. This in my opinion was a huge detractor from the spirit of the show. Charity events should not be venue's for others seeking financial gain. I was disappointed to see Lamborghini of Ohio at the Lexington Concourso in 2007. Integrity of sponsorship means doing the right thing when others aren't looking.

 

There needs to be a shocked smiley on Fchat. Wow, a 1953? The car of my dreams

 

Sorry, none of the white Corvette. It was very nice. Carsinxs on here might be able to tell you a little more about the Vette, he was located nearby it.

 

You culled a 512tr and said you found another one however there was never another one registered as an exhibitor. So why did you cull this and other Ferraris? Was there politics in play here you want to share?

 

Come on "Harvey". You know that 350z was was cooler than a clean 512TR or any of the other cars that we know are here in Louisville. I am still dreaming about the purge of the nitrous and the Night Rider neons in the engine bay.

 

I really don't think there was politics at play at all. A transplanted Kentuckian now residing in Virginia was going to bring his tr to the show. Business reasons kept him from participating.

Again, this was a first year event. Some changes were made mid stream. It will be tighter next year.

regards

ken

 

Ken: I know that, - we spoke several times on the phone. Infact he called me a week later, when he did get accepted - which was great. I spoke w/ our DC guy, and found him hotel accomodations. I saw he couldn't make it which is a bummer no doubt. But that begs the question, why would organizers have (3) 308's, a 512tr and then purge the 512tr (reason stated we have another 512tr)for an 87 Testarossa unless there was a reason or politics. I mean its common sense a 348, 355 and 360 is an evolution in design of a particular model - why would one suggest a 348 encompasses the design run?

 

No info to add beyond agreeing it was indeed a very nice car. The owner was scarce when I was about, but then again, I was fielding lots of questions too. Nice pic PARS, one of the exhibitors was a resto guy who commented on how the black looked molten, even dusty! Good crowd. Some very serious iron/knowledgable owners. I'm sure everyone saw something (some thing's) different...

 

Well said. This is part of the reason I didn't want to be part of this. I think there were ulterior motives, but I could be wrong..If you are going to use this to help promote your own business then just come out and say it. No need to hide behind Brooklawn.

 

cool pictures by the way Pars.

 

I like to hear everyone's thoughts on the show. Thanks for the feedback. The show did have a few hiccups but I have a feeling when the numbers come in, it will be a success for Brooklawn, which is the important thing.

I also agree a little with Gershwin, I was surprised that IndiGO had its own tent. They were practically selling cars throughout the event. I think a better way to go would have been just to have displayed them as Concours cars and not had the entire promotional setup.

Thanks.

Your Pantera did look menacing, thanks for bringing it down. It took me a little while to find you Sunday morning because I was looking everywhere for the Mangusta

There really was something for everyone at this show. They had a great selection of muscle cars, Ferraris, European cars, vintage, it was all there.