2009 Monterey Concours Choices UPDATE

Here's the latest update on what is available for you to consider if coming to Monterey this August.

FRIDAY EVENTS

1. Concorso Italiano has now formally announced it has a new owner (Tom McDowell) and a new venue for its Friday event. It will now be held at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch. This is a nice facility off HWY 68 between Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway and Seaside. It will certainly be a better venue than the Marina Airport. You should know, however, that the contract between CI and the FCA (Pacific Region) ended last year. The FCA is planning another official FCA Concours event (see below) and will NOT be hosting an extensive FCA concours at CI. There may be a limited offering of a few classes (early/new V8s, early new 12's, etc)???? This is not final, but under discussion at this time. LSGR does not have a view of the ocean, but does have a pleasant setting in the HWY68 valley. See www.concorso.com for info. Ironically, the glowing quote they used praising their event in their latest promotional materials comes from a PORSCHE owner! Not sure how that was relevant to us Ferrari owners??

2. As previously announced, Kerry McMullen and Jerry Kaye (a couple of East Coast car guys) are cooperating with the Maserati and Lamborghini clubs to put on an event at Blackhorse (former CI site) on Ford Ord on Friday. They have a website at www.montereybayconcours.com with more info. At this time, the website makes no specific reference to Ferrari's, and its not clear what level of Ferrari participation is expected or encouraged? One major potential downside to this event is the fact that the new golf course improvements have prohibited spectator parking on the course, and that all spectator parking will be off-site (at other Ford Ord locations), and spectators will be bused to the event. The last time CI tried this, it was a disaster. Let's hope the new-comers learned what went wrong and have addressed this? I am always wary when out-of-towners come in with big event plans (as evidenced by former CI management). So, I'm not clear on what this event has to offer to Ferrari participants??

3. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is back again at Quail Lodge this year on Friday. However, this event is presently SOLD OUT. This year, it will feature the 30th Anniversary of BMW's Motorsport divison, featuring the M1, a tribute to Hans Stuck, and the 50th Anniversary of Daytona Speedway. If you want to go, watch eBay for resale tickets (as some did last year). It is pricey, but limited to 1,500 tickets and has included perks of food and beverage unlike any of the other events. There will be a special invitation only display of 50 Ferrari's, featuring several significant racing Ferraris. I understand this exhibit is also fully subscribed and no further cars are needed. I missed this last year (as I planned and then aborted CI plans), but am returning this year. If you have tickets, congratulations, enjoy! If you don't, see the other offerings described above. Info at www.quaillodgeevents.com/pages/thequail.cgi

There are also other opportunities to show or Concours your Ferrari earlier in the week this year. Those events to consider include:

MONDAY
4. Carmel Concours on the Avenue, held in downtown Carmel on Monday and Tuesday. Monday features Ferrari's and Porsche marques only. Tuesday is a multi-class, multi-marque event with categories for European sedans and sports cars, post war American cars, and more. For more info, see www.motorclubevents.com. Organized by Doug and Genie Freedman, long-time Ferraristi (Doug is a past President of FCA), this event is now in its 3rd year and I highly recommend it. The ladies can shop while the guys drool over cars. What could be more civilized??!! Tired of polishing, go visit a local cafe or bistro and relax. I'll be there. Judging is in accordance with FCA guidelines. There is also a display class for newer cars.

THURSDAY
5. I have it from reliable sources that the FCA Pacific Region will host an official FCA Concours with full class judging at a to-be-disclosed winery location in the area. This has not been officially announced as yet, but if it happens where I think it will happen, it will be a winner. Stay Tuned.

SATURDAY
6. The Khaki's Party - Local men's clothing retailer, J. Lawrence's Khaki's has traditionally hosted a party in the parking lot near their store in the Barnyard in Carmel on Saturday afternoon. This event started for Ferrari's, and then expanded to all Italian marques (Maserati, Lamborghini, and other Etceterini's, NO PORSCHES PLEASE! ;-) ). There is usually a $25 fee to enter, with proceeds going to charity. They provide wine and food tastings from local providers, a silent auction, entertainment, and more. Its become a fun low-key party and tradition to stop by there on Saturday afternoon. Time is 4:30 - 7:00PM.

OTHERS PENDING
There are often other events that pop up from time to time that welcome Ferrari owners. Watch Ferrari Chat and I'll post as I learn of them.

Start marking your calendars!