Aerial photographs of Concorso Italiano 2002 are now on-line for viewing.
<http://www.concorso.com/ARCHIVES/02inreview_aerials.asp>.
Concorso Italiano 2002 Highlights
First may I give thanks to our loyal Sponsors Girard-Perregaux, Automobili Lamborghini, Bugatti, Fiat USA, LinelTex, Maserati, Meguiar's, Budget Rent-a-Car, and Premier Financial Services.
This year's Concorso Italiano featured a wide range of racing cars and some important racing stars, including Phil Hill, Denise McCluggage and Carroll Shelby. The many fans who were gathered in the bleachers were tantalized by Denise McCluggage's recount of her racing experiences in the Maserati A6GCS, 300S and Osca, to name a few. Denise was in good form and all smiles as she presented the Best of Show trophy to Jon Shirley for his Ferrari 860 Monza 290 MM Scaglietti Spyder. Restored by Butch Dennis of Pete Lovely Restorations in Puyallup, Washington, this car has literally won everything, as I'm sure most of you know. And having just returned from the Mille Miglia in Italy, quickly washed and cleaned up, the First Place was well deserved.
Another very memorable moment was when the chief designer of Ford's all new 2002 GT40, Camilo Pardo, drove this incredible machine onto the stage and, to our surprise, Carroll Shelby opened the passenger door and stepped out. Again the fans were mesmerized by Carroll's quick wit and fond memories. A car guy through to every last ounce of his sole, Carroll is a true folk hero and genuine racing star.
No sooner had Carroll driven off in the GT40, we all heard the sound of a wonderful Ferrari, the 1961 196 SP Dino, driven by the man who won his first world championship in this very car at the 1961 Nurburgring, Mr. Phil Hill himself. Charles Wegner's racing Ferrari was undoubtedly one of the hits of the show. After giving Phil Hill his world championship in 1961, the car went into storage and had not been seen in public for 38 years until August 16, where it debuted at the Concorso Italiano for the first time in its complete original patina, unrestored. Credit should be given to Bill Noon of Symbolic Motor Cars, who was instrumental in recovering the car and getting it into the hands of Charles Wegner. Listening to Phil Hill and Keith Martin talk and reminisce about experiences with this car was indeed one of the highlights of the show and, at a certain moment, the paparazzi flooded the stage and camera shutters could be heard popping off like rapid fire popcorn as Phil Hill took out his sharpie felt pen and signed the driver's door for Charles. To say this was a special moment is an understatement.
Ron Jackson, president of Girard-Perreguax USA, was having fun showing the fans his first place winning 360 Ferrari challenge car along with the driver, Cort Wagner. Cort has been winning everything in sight with this car, and his enthusiasm bubbles over when you talk to him. Sponsored by Girard-Perregaux and prepared by Ferrari of Washington, it is not possible to go into all the wonderful and exciting cars and people that cross the stage. You just had to be there. We will, however, be posting the photographs (over 100!) on the Concorso Italiano Web site for you to have a look at.
The Council General of San Francisco was very eloquent in his presentation at the beginning of the half-time events, which included a short opera presentation by Erasmo Aiello and a fabulous fashion show that was snappy, fun, and kept the crowd clamoring for more. The models had plenty of attitude as they pranced up and down the ramp showing off the latest styles.
A very special and appropriate moment was shared at about 9:00 a.m. in the morning when those in attendance heard the National Anthem being sung over the loudspeakers by a member of the United States Marines. I was in the Corral at the time, and I remember the buzz of noise begin to dim; silence took over the field as people removed their hats and faced the stage. This was clearly a moment when a patriotic sense overcame us all. For me, a rush of emotions pass through my mind, thoughts of pride, resolve and love of Country.
Nobody yelled "play ball," but after the National Anthem, the noise level went back up and the "car guys" returned to doing what they do best, having fun. The Concorso Italiano atmosphere was everywhere. If there was a complaint, it was that there was too much to see, too much to do, and too much fun to be had. All the vendor tents were doing brisk business, and the motorcycle guys returned in force this year as one of their own, the much respected John McCoy, was to be the official judge of the motorcycles. Over 45 bikes were present and there were some incredible pieces of machinery, as I'm sure most of you had a chance to see. Many thanks to our motorcycle friends who participated this year with some terrific examples.
The Corral was expanded this year to include over 125 Corvettes. On the Main Display could be found some super cars of non-Italian origin, including the all new Bugatti Veron with over 1,000 horsepower and capable of 250 mph. What a machine! Also on the green was a McLaren and a Saleen S7 Super Car. Sitting next to the Saleen was Steve Moal's incredible Ferrari-powered "Torpedo" Hot Rod that some were whispering had stolen the show. This car, built for Eric Zausner, was as close to a work of art as one would ever see, and Steve Moal deserves all the credit for producing such an inspiring automobile.
We look forward to your e-mail comments. As soon as we being receiving your comments, we will post them to the Web site for all to read.
Looking forward to next year already, Janet and I send you all our very best regards.
Ciao.
ci@concorso.com
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