Beware of Cavallino 2022 changes and Canossa

Well May 6th the Formula 1 circus comes to Miami for the first time. Two birds and all that...

 

For the sake of transparency and for those that don’t already know. Canossa and Cavallino are both owned by Motorsport Network:

https://www.motorsportnetwork.com/our-brands

 

One issue is that Cavallino needs all the good judges it can get. As you know, the judging corps is shrinking due to attrition/aging/death. So getting rid of these judges, so rudely and abruptly is a bad move. People who attend know and like these judges, as well. They are friends. And to do this all at the last minute? Why? They should have maintained the status quo for their first year running the event and then made tweaks after talking with the participants.

 

Well put. Im curious to understand why they do not want to allow these 5 dealers/judges while allowing others. It's pretty understandable that judges who know these cars from inside out would also make a living dealing with them. Why not? It would be a shame to lose people like Gary on the field.

I remain positive about the new ownership despite what is being said and the bump in prices. I guess this year will answers my questions. See you all there on Thursday.

 

Wow! Lots of Drama... Lots of promises. Hope the booted judges are made whole.

 

At minimum they should be reimbursed for their expenses.

 

Sounds like they are more interested in the tortellini than they are in the cars.

 

This: Exactly This

 

Wrong.
One of the "five judges dis-invited" is Marcus Willis from the UK.
Marcus, whom I have known for quite some time, is an outstanding classic car HISTORIAN but yes, he is employed by a car dealer: Girardo & Co.
I have worked with Marcus for more than ten years and he is an avid Ferrarista.

Also wrong:
Another of the "five judges dis-invited" is Jordan Batson from the UK.
Jordan, whom I personally know as well, is not a car dealer. Absolutely not. He is an employee in the PARTS department of DK Engineering the UK. I last met Jordan late October during a trip in Italy and he is a very enthusiastic gentleman with fine manners.

Neither Willis nor Batson are car dealers. Absolutely not.

I understand Ferrarichat.com is owned by Motorsport Network, which also owns Canossa and Cavallino.

For those who don't know what IAC/PFA (note correct abbreviation) is: International Advisory Council for the Preservation of the Ferrari Automobile.
The group was started in 1984 by Ed Gilbertson, Chief Judge at the Cavallino Classic and the Pebble Beach Concours, in an effort to bring some structure, guidelines, standards, and organization to the judging of Ferraris at major events. Emphasis is on originality and authenticity, not cosmetics or cleanliness. All meetings of the group (International Advisory Committee for the Preservation of the Ferrari Automobile) are open to the public and everyone who wants to is encouraged to attend.
The Council (normally 20 people) presently consists of the following:
· Phil Bachman
· John W. Barnes, Jr.
· Keith G. Bluemel
· Alan C. Boe
· David Carte
· Chris Current
. David Eichenbaum
· Donovan Leyden
· Robert T. Devlin
· Parker Hall
· Marcel Massini
· Christian Philippsen (consulting member)
· Rick Race
. Bob Smith
· David B. Smith.

The group also formerly included Phil Hill, Wayne Obry, Gerald L. Roush, David G. Seibert, Richard F. Merritt (all deceased).
Disclaimer: Above list is not totally up-to-date and not complete at all, my apologies for that.

Regular attendees include Richard Fritz, Kendall Merritt, Brian Crall, Paul Gilpatrick, Adolfo Orsi, Charles Betz, Brooke Betz, Leslie Blinn, Steve Ahlgrim, Martha Bachman, PB Bachman, Patrick Ottis, David N. Seielstad, Larry Benson, Sam Smith, Clem Simmons, Tom Shaughnessy, Heinrich Kämpfer, Brian Hoyt, Dustin Wetmore, Eric Peterson, Paul Russell and Sherry Lindberg.
Apologies if I have left out anybody's name.
The minutes of each meeting are also generally available by contacting Ed Gilbertson/Sherry Lindberg. Usually, meetings are held twice a year, once in Palm Beach at the Cavallino Classic, and once at the FCA National meet.

Additional information about IAC/PFA can be found in the excellent publications "Prancing Horse" (Ferrari Club of America members magazine) and also in "Ferrari Market Letter". Both highly recommended.

Marcel Massini

 

How the f@@k is that a question for Marcel? That is a question for Canossa. It was their action and decision. Quit being such a shill for them.

 

Canossa should consider hiring Alec Baldwin as spokesperson to help with their public persona..

 

That promise was FINALLY made. It was in no way their opening offer.

 

Only after being shamed into doing so.

 

It has been asked many times and dodged just as many. Some of us are far more informed than you.

 

Google says it is only 213 miles from Southlake/TX to Austin/TX..........

Marcel Massini

 

Fixed it -above- for you Robert: you should have mentioned that Cavallino, Ferrarichat and Canossa are all owned by Motorsport Network.

 

Especially considering the late surprise notice.

 

Guys,
Back to topic. I am a National level 1967 Corvette NCRS judge and we too deal with similar issues hinted at in this post. Once can deduce that the decision here was to reduce the appearance if inappropriateness of "dealers" doing the judging and that their judging may be used to make money, be swayed etc. At least that's the inference i am drawing here. Some kicked out but not others. I get it...
We, as i've said, deal with it in the vintage Corvette community too.....but one thing that all agree with (owners, the organization, spectators, etc) is that everyone wants the BEST and MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE judges judging their cars at these levels. Otherwise, they're no different than a wash and show car show....yawn

The difference in attaining NCRS Top Flight at a Chapter level is much different than attaining Top Flight (the equivalent of Platinum) at a NATIONAL level. To me, Cavallino is regarded as the pinnacle show to attain an award at. The owners and spectators will continue to want that. Otherwise, it will be like a glammed up Cars and Coffee.....The balance, direction, rules AND TRUST are all keys to a prestigious show being successful, respected and one that sets itself above and beyond other shows.

Let's face it....we're all men (mostly) on this forum. Men don't like change...NONE of us. LOL. Just ask ANY of our wives....That's how we're built. The new management wants to "improve" the show. They have ideas. They have bosses. We, as spectators, owners etc have expectations of how the show should run. To be successful, EACH side needs to listen to the other and find compromises. Otherwise, the show is hopeless....Without attendees it fails.

Just my two cents.....
I'll be at the show with my lovely wife....so if anyone wants to hear form the horse's mouth that men don't like change my wife will happily provide confirmation of same at NO CHARGE...

With all sincerity
ARA