first miss in ten years - my wife does not care and resents the costs so I guess we will skip it Costs have gotten a little crazy - for two to go on the field Saturday is $400 and $200 for lunch I can afford it but it seems out of control - no more regular tracking, no Yacht Hope etc - frankly I think it turned into s**t. Plus didn't go for a room quick enough so room rate was $1090 per night - BS
Yea, we went the last two years, but not this year. I remember two years ago at lunch they restricted you to one 6 oz. soda or water ..... wth. We're passing primarily because the FCA meet is in Daytona, so we will do that this year.
So the annual "Cavallino is too spendy" thread begins. Yes, it's expensive, but I've attended every year since it started in 1992, and still think it's worth it- the quality of the cars is excellent, and the venues sublime. No event is perfect, and this one is no exception, but it remains big fun. My two big ones every year are Cavallino and the Grand Prix de Monaco, despite the cost. To each, his own . . .
Tickets are a bit expensive yes but you dont see that quality of Ferrari anywhere else, at least in the US. Not even Pebble. I dont buy ticket for the lunch as it is overpriced (i used to but then realized id rather eat by the cars..) and the Breakers has a little lunch place with decent sandwiches and salad. I usually only do Thursday to Sat. The track has amazing cars as well and tickets are just 40$ or so..
Last year I went to the Friday track day. It was pouring rain, but many priceless Ferraris there and on the track. This is the bargain event of the weekend. My wife and I went to the concour several years ago. Great cars, but from pics I have seen from years after it looks like the same cars are there frequently. I will be heading to FL on the 13th, but returning the weekend it starts, so not able to go. Maybe next year.
It is well known that I have never gotten along with John Barnes due to our differences during the Supercar Weekend days... Since that time I (slightly) have matured.. and yes the event has changed... But my honest opinion after visiting Pebble Beach, showing two cars at The Quail Motorsports Gathering and doing a considerable amount of European and American events over the past few years... is that in MANY ways Cavallino is un-paralleled. The location, ambience, quality of cars and the "buzz" it creates around the charming town of Palm Beach is great. No matter what... it is still one of the best. As an event promoter/producer events change, they grow, they evolve and they are an absolute nightmare to produce! My hat is off to anyone who can keep an event like this going for so long... Its truly a labor of love.
It looks like there won't be any Ferrari Dealers there this year either. It's my understanding that none of the Ferrari Dealers are going to be there this year either. I think it's just gotten way out of hand what they are charging, not just for attendance but for setting up as a vendor so I guess it's going to be a little different this year...
Two divergent points of view.....and I agree with both! The event is unique, but $400+++ (as a couple) is just not good value, in my opinion. John has the perfect right to charge as much as he wishes. As a "serial attendee" for many years it does feel like I'm seeing a lot of the same cars over and over. Maybe just age? But for all who are going I wish you fair weather and a great experience!
Falling on the same weekend as the Rolex 24 was a deal breaker for my wife and I. Love Palm Beach and big fans of the Breakers but the Rolex is too much fun.
I heard the track days are going away too. They don't make any money at it. I like the show. I did the full week several years ago (track days and the concourse). It was a wonderful experience.
I agree with the OP, I am done for a while.....Costs are really exaggerated. It was really expensive at 100$. Now it's just gone insane. I can agree with expensive, cannot agree with insane.... And the "crowd control" excuse or wanting to limit the attendees is a poor one. If it wasn't about lining their pockets they would make a sizeable charity donation. Guess what? they don't so BS on that. This could have been a great yearly event to attend. As it is now, it has become an event to attend every decade or so. Nothing wrong with an annual bashing of the Cavallino show prices, this is a forum and we should be able to give our opinions. I attended the Finali Mondiali event at the beginning of december and it was Spectacular!!! Almost 1000 Ferraris were there, Got to Speak to Kimi, Vettel, Arrivabene, Marchionne, Races, Pit lane passes, unlimited food and drinks (including alcohol) in the hospitality lounge, charging stations, virtual racing for 4 days straight for 175$ TOTAL???? Parking cost me 30$ for 4 days and we brought our big 40' bus!!!! THAT was a bargain, a classy event, so much fun and so enjoyable
What did dealers bring? Honest question. I know some dealers brought clients cars but that i assume was not out of pocket for the dealers. If they are not coming as vendors to show 488/F12/Lussos and the ferrari merchandise, then it is not a big loss.
More then a rummer - FNA is totally staying away along with the dealers who they told to stay away - so no new cars from FNA - thats a major loss and no dealer cars or Ferrari vendors - will give it a not better feel They are not going because of the extremely high costs to FNA and the dealers - guess I was feeling the same way on my opening post
And you know what's funny, today on the radio here in Boston, the Breakers was advertising a promotion. If you booked now through Feb. 2nd, they are giving $100 a day resort credit. When I heard that I'm thinking they aren't booked for Cavallino?
I'm hearing it goes way beyond that. Personally I don't think FNA cares one bit what it costs the dealerships. I mean, when did that start?
That is total BS. We are skipping too but for other reasons. On a side note, VIP tickets to the Villa d'Este Concourse for the private day on Saturday are 450 Euros. 190 Euros for VIP tickets for the public day at Villa Erba.
