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I got an e-mail flyer from Concurso Italiano for August 14, 2009.

I note that the event is under new ownership, what I couldn't find out from the website is where the event is being held for 2009. Anyone have any solid info whether it will be at Marina Airpot again?

I couldn't make it last year and I really go for the Historic Races so I'll probably make a long weekend and attend the Concorso as well, but it sure would be nice to see it back on grass.

Julian
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quote:
Originally posted by garth66:
The early bird registration for exhibitors was $75 in 2008.


That's what I thought, $125 is a big jump, but $75 was probably too much of a bargain for 2 people plus car. Then again keeping the exhibitor costs low encourages more cars which in turn brings in the paying spectators. Although I bet most of the attendance is always from car exhibitors.

I'll be going, especially if it's on grass again.

Julian
Email I received today:

Dear Fellow Enthusiast,

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tom McDowell. I recently acquired the Concorso Italiano from Jack and Leslie Wadsworth. For many years, the Concorso has been a trend setting show with many traditional aspects that all have anticipated and enjoyed each year. From humble beginnings in the early 90s evolved a special camaraderie that most of you have shared. The founders, Frank and Janet Mandarano, brought in legendary Italian personalities who were honored to be part of the experience of being with you, their fans, in a one-on-one basis on a lush green lawn surrounded by the cars they had designed, raced, or engineered.

I understand well, that great moment when Piero Ferrari, Sergio Pininfarina and Luigi Chinetti Jr. drove up on stage with Piero driving the 3-seat Ferrari Dino Concept and the three of them began discussing their fathers and their lives in their father's business. The huge audience gathered in and around the overflowing bleachers. Their questions were answered - all in good humor - and the cacophony from the paparazzi cameras signaled this was something very special, and it was!

We, the new Concorso owners, believe that holding the 2008 event at the Marina airport was an unfortunate decision. It will not happen again. We seek to quickly return the Concorso experience back to the one you have known in the past.

I have now been the owner of CI for two weeks and have had time to speak with several past guests, and read the letters and press reports. Clearly, many of you take a more personal interest in this gathering of fellow enthusiasts and perhaps have a "protective" and/or somewhat "territorial" feeling about it. You may even feel cheated or let down.

Like many of you, I am not pleased with this unwelcome turn of events and vow here and now to correct Concorso Italiano. It will be steered back to its core beginning-to a place we all enjoyed for the right reasons.

SO AFTER ALL THE TALKING IS DONE WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

We plan to return Concorso to a beautiful golf course on the peninsula in 2009. A classic car should always be displayed on a green lawn. The venue will be agreed upon shortly. Our goals for the provision of a wonderful dining experience at a reasonable cost and the experience you all should expect, are at the forefront of our minds.

That said, we would like to hear directly from you about your own expectations and special things you might like to see at this very special event. We want to know what you, the true enthusiasts, are thinking. Please email us at ci@concorso.com or call (425) 742-0632. We are most serious about making Concorso Italiano the first-rate experience for you, your families, and your friends that it has been in the past. We will be listening. And we plan to make the 2009 gathering one to remember.

Very truly yours,
Tom McDowell
Mercer Island WA.
So the e-mail I got today says the new venue is The Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, which is just down the road from Laguna Seca Raceway.

Puts a new twist on what to do, especially for those (like me) who tend to stay out in Salinas. I guess it's far enough inland to avoid the cold morning sea fog too.

At the end of the day I'll follow the rest of the DT family, it's more about meeting up with friends than seeing a bunch of F cars.

Julian
Last edited by joules
It is a nice venue that is close to the track and also to the PCNC's hotel. Traffic maybe somewhat of an issue for people coming in from outside.

I am a bit miffed with the CI folks, through. They continue to ignore Panteras. Other than the awards pages, there is only one picture of a Pantera on their website. It is actually a picture of an F car mislabeled as a Pantera.

FWIW, Tom Tjaarda will be at the La Dolce Vita aka the "alternate Concorso".

PI said it will follow the flow. POCA has no official stand.
Pantera International exists to support DeTomaso owners and further our hobby. I'll support the event that owners want to attend. I've spoken with the concorso folks & explained my position. Everyone is looking at the two big Ferrari clubs, wondering what they will do, because the momentum is with them. You better believe the Concorso's new owner (Tom McDowell) is working hard to get them back to his event. If he could make an announcement that the Ferrari Owners Club & Ferrari Club of America have committed to attending his event, the event at the BlackHorse will die. He's got a lot on his shoulders, I've wished him luck. Unless the two Ferrari clubs make a split decision, one of these events is destined to fail. I'm hoping Tom McDowell can unite everyone, so the clubs don't have to decide between two events. That's crazy.

Mark says POCA remains neutral, thats cool. We need to work together, keep all the DeTomasos in one location. I have some work to do in this regard myself. That's about where everybody outside the Ferari clubs is, we're on hold as the Concorso drama develops.

-G
For those that haven't followed this real close, the financial issue is worthy of note:

THE Concorso is now up to $125 for EARLY registration (through May 31), which allows two people to enter in the car. Raises to $175 after that date.

The NEW event has a $50 per car and driver only early registration (though May 31), with an additional $25 per person entering in the car. Raises to $65 and $35 after that date.

Early/late costs for two people in the car are thus-

$125/$175 at Concorso
$75/$100 at La Dolce Vita

You can easily do the math and realize you'll have to budget higher to attend Concorso.

Most of us know how entry to Black Horse was for the old Concorso - tolerable at best. None of us know how the entry to either of the new events will work out. The new La Dolce Vita event at Black Horse is in a new section so I imagine entry roads will be similar but different. The new Concorso golf course is on the main highway from Monterey to Salinas - the main Laguna Seca Raceway entry road - and that road can be a REAL crawling nightmare at times.

Concorso says they are having a dedicated entry for vendors and exibitors, but a Google look at the golf course left this concept rather unclear to me. The Clubhouse is the upper, "B" marker on this photo. There is one main road to the course entry which can be accessed from either the highway or South Boundary Road to the North, and one potential entry to the far SE corner of the course just off the highway (just off the edge of this photo). Now S Boundary Road is a road for Laguna Seca entry that comes off General Jim Moore Blvd was/is the entry road for Black Horse. I see no other options other than these two.

George, can you perhaps contact them and try to learn just where/how they are doing entrants' entry at the new location?

I'm leaning to the new event at this time. We all admit, themselves included, that Concorso blew it last year.

This old saying keeps coming back to me:

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Larry

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Last edited by lf-tp2511
I have not heard back from the Ferrari clubs yet. The La Dolce Vita owner said that he expects the Ferrari clubs will endorse Concoro but that many of the members will go to La Dolce Vita.

I have polled the eight POCA chapters within driving distance of Monterey about their preferences. I expected an even split, but everyone has been for La Dolce Vita. Tom Tjaarda and price were the most often mentioned deciding factors. (This was done before the Concorso price reduction announcement.)

POCA will likely endorse La Dolce Vita and help put together something appropriate to commemorate the De Tomaso 50th anniversary.

There are no plans yet for judging, though the event organizers are open to it. That's a lot of work and some expense to organize and run, so I am not up for it. George, what are PI's plans for endorsement? Does PI plan to run a judging event at whatever venue you go with?
My advice to each and every Pantera owner is do not purchase your tickets yet. One of the things Mark mentioned in a post above is that there is indication that BOTH Ferrari clubs shall endorse the Concorso. Remember what I've said from the beginning, the momentum is with those two clubs. The drama is just starting. April will be an interesting month in regards to those two events. Things may look entirely different by the time the month of May rolls around.

-George
quote:
Things may look entirely different by the time the month of May rolls around.

BTW, early registration cuts off May 31 for both events.

I'm strongly, can't see any reason I'll change, leaning to the new event, La Dolce Vita, at Black Horse.

Tom T. is going to be there, their website actually pictures a Pantera, they are celebrating De Tomaso's 50th...pretty well seals the deal for all of us, IMHO.

I really don't give a rat's ass about the Dancing Donkey cars and where THEY decide to go. If I want to see rows of the same car after car, I can go down to my local Ford, Toyota, Chevy dealer.

But waiting for a month or so can't really hurt anything, so as George suggests, I'm not putting my money down quite yet.

Larry
quote:
Originally posted by msm_portata:
POCA will likely endorse La Dolce Vita and help put together something appropriate to commemorate the De Tomaso 50th anniversary.

There are no plans yet for judging, though the event organizers are open to it. That's a lot of work and some expense to organize and run, so I am not up for it. George, what are PI's plans for endorsement? Does PI plan to run a judging event at whatever venue you go with

Originally posted by msm_portata:
Here is the initial list on the La Dolce Vita website.
http://www.montereybayconcours.com/EVENT/features.php

On Monday, their designer should have the full page advert with Jan's car.


So ... I take it that POCA has offically decided to make La Dolce Vita a POCA Sponsored event, but doesn't really want to do the work, judging, running or deal with the costs.

POCA wants Pantera International to do it for them ....

Am I understanding this all correctly ?
Last edited by coz
quote:
So I take it that POCA has offically decided to make this a POCA event

Endorse is just that; he is not trying to make it a POCA event. The endorsement is only an attempt to direct Pantera owners to one event, the new event (La Dolce Vita) at the old location (Black Horse). His intent is that for unity, Panteras would be best served if we had some direction on which one of the two Concourse events to choose. This would help ensure we have a maximum representation at ONE event, rather than being spread over two peninsula locations. I think this is a good move on Mark's part as President of POCA.

quote:
but doesn't really want to do the work, judging, running or deal with the costs (of a judging event).

Correct, and rightly so.

Traditionally, P.I. has been the recognized club for events during the Monterey weekend. In that capacity, P.I. has been the representative club at the Concorso, and until last year when they decided to drop it after nearly 20 years, P.I hosted a luncheon and Corral at the Laguna Seca Historics.

I, and other members of PCNC, stepped up to the plate and saved the Corral parking tradition at last year's Historics. It was a last minute decision, and being something new to PCNC, it took A LOT of getting-up-to-speed back-room effort. But it needed to be done. Mark was active in that effort, and knows the time, effort and headaches it took to pull it off.

Should there be a desire for a judging at the new event, Mark (probably with last year's Corral efforts still well-remembered) has decided it will not be organized by POCA.

quote:
POCA wants George and I to do (a judging event) for them....

Where did you get the THAT idea?

P.I. has always incorporated a judging at the Concorso; thus it is nothing new to P.I. Should P.I. decide to work with the organizers of Concorso, it seems reasonable to assume P.I. would continue with their handling of a judging event. Mark merely stated POCA was not up to the task of doing such a judging at the new event and asked if P.I. had considered continuing their judging at the new event IF THEY ALSO endorsed La Dolce Vita.

With George not yet ready to endorse either of the two competing events, the issue of ANY judging event at ANY Friday Concourse is up in the air.

Mark is merely wondering what thoughts P.I. has on this issue, and letting it be known that POCA will not be doing one as a POCA-run event.

The De Tomaso Family benefits from having two owner clubs. They each have their own flavors, strengths and weaknesses. Some owners are exclusive to only one club, others like me, support both clubs. POCA has traditionally had the Fun Rally as their premier gathering. P.I. has had the Monterey Weekend as theirs. With the Corral issue of last year, this event-specific distinction has become a bit blurred.

If P.I. decides to move to La Dolce Vita, I would hope they would bring their traditional judging event with them.

And do it all for the De Tomaso Family (not POCA) just as they have been doing for many years.

Just my thoughts - not Mark's, not POCA's, not PCNC's.

Larry
Last edited by lf-tp2511
Thanks Larry. That pretty well states it.

To be clear, neither CI nor LDV will be a "POCA-owned" event. I simple want to evaluate the pluses and minuses and make a recommendation. POCA will not take money from either event to steer people there. POCA will provide information about both events in the Newsletter and website.

The net of the judging event is that I already have way too much on my plate to organize a judging event. Even if I had time and energy to spend on it, I would defer to PI who has certainly earned the right to first-refusal to any judging event anywhere in Monterey for all their years of work on the judging event at CI.

Basically, there three options now: PI can run judging event at CI, LDV, or nowhere. It is George's decision. We will certainly support him and get the word out about whatever he decides. If he chooses LDV, we can put up a united program involving PI, POCA, and Tjaarda Designs. If he chooses CI, we will certainly let everyone know. If he chooses not to do it at all, we can all sit back, drink beer, and make comments about Ferrari drivers. :-)

Like nearly everyone I have spoken with including the Adlers, I am going to LDV. If the Ferrari clubs go to CI and LDV folds next year, so be it.
As George recommends, I am going to hold off buying my tickets as there is no downside to doing so.

I am going to write up a note for the May Newsletter with the list of pluses and minuses, so that people can see what they will and will not get in time to be able to make their purchase decision.
It would have been appropriate for Mark and I to speak privately before any public announcement of a "likely" event choice were made. In light of this Jim's comments are fully understandable, he has my full support. These forums are not the venue for Mark and I to discuss plans.

I had answered Mark's question before he asked it. My plans at the moment are to watch and wait, nothing has changed. I am not going to buy into the drama or the need for a hasty decision. The event is in August, its only March. We have until the end of May before the prices go up. I am in no hurry to make a decision, does that surprise anyone? I'm half Okie, I'm not in a hurry to do anything. I believe anyone in the DeTomaso hobby that has committed to LDV has committed too hastily in light of what is happening with the Concorso since Tom McDowell has come aboard.

Everyone was disappointed in the location of last years Concorso, but all was not negative, that venue did have some positive aspects, the event moved forward in some ways. I asked many attendees if they would return the following year, and surprisingly to me the response was universally yes. Why? Because its not about the venue, its about the gathering, its about seeing old friends, its about the cars, its about passion. Those of you who didn't attend missed out on a good day (and a nice sun burn, Smiler ). I think its a shame that we have two events now, with the possibility that they shall create division amongst the various marques, and the clan of Italian car owners as a whole. For this the blame lies solidly on the upstarts.

What about loyalty. The Concorso organizers have given the clan of Italian car owners 23 years of memorable events. They screwed up last year, so do we now abandon them? Or do we admit that everyone screws up every now and then, and give them a second chance, like an old friend? I would be ashamed to tell anyone that I am abandoning the Concorso because they screwed up once in 23 years. It wasn't a malicious screw up, they didn't fool anybody, they announced the event was being held at an airport long before they collected any money. Don't the preceding 22 years they didn't screw up count for something? In my book they do. Everyone who has expressed unhappiness with last years event has asked the Concorso to return to the greens. Well .... its done just that. Tom McDowell has only been on board a few short weeks, and already he's inked a contract with a golf course; and judging from Mark's earlier comment, it appears he has the support of the Ferrari clubs. I say WOW! and kudos Mr. McDowell. He's given us what we asked for, but now that's not enough? If the LDV had not been established, wouldn't everyone be excited that the Concorso was returning to the greens? Give Tom McDowell a chance. What if in the next few weeks the 50th anniversary of the founding of DeTomaso becomes part of the Concorso program? April is going to be a month of change in regards to these two events. From my point of view there's many aspects to my decision regarding which event I shall attend, including a test of my character.

Whichever event has the momentum, whichever event the majority of Italian car owners & spectators shall be attending, that's the event where our marque needs to have representation.

-George ... watching and waiting
Last edited by George P
George,

Have you, or anyone else, contacted either group to see if they will include a celebration of 50 years of DeTomaso in their programs? I am sure that this would be of extreme interest to people trying to figure out which event to go to. I also know that doing these shows is an incredible undertaking that is not to be poo pooed, but then again, a landmark like a 50 year anniversary should have some weight too -- it is an opportunity that comes along once.

I understand the loyalty aspect of the Concorso, but an acknowledgement of 50 years would have to be weighed against either venue. Wouldn't it be something if both places had a 50 year celebration!

I would also agree on your assessment of waiting to see what develops. Makes sense -- there is no reason to rush to decision at this point.

May the best event win.

Sounds like the VHS vs. Betamax or the Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD format wars of years ago. Unsettling would be a good word -- until one can see which event has it together the best.
So if both places do this 50 year celebration, does that mean they get 25 years each ?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DeMopuar:
I understand the loyalty aspect of the Concorso, but an acknowledgement of 50 years would have to be weighed against either venue. Wouldn't it be something if both places had a 50 year celebration!
I know the guy that owns Laguna Seca Golf Club and he informs me that Concorso is confirmed for 09 at his course under new ownership. He said that they are attempting to bring back some of the magic of the early years all in a classic golf course setting, instead of that god awful Marina airport. I have tickets to the Quail and I am thinking of selling them so I can go back to my roots and attend Concorso.
quote:
Lamborghini Club America and Valentino Balbo

Well, Lambo OC and their tight, sweet little tarts is DOA, and I really can do without the hip hop/disco club 'dudes' who tool in with their lime green Lambos.

And as for Valentino Balbo........

who? Confused

Still heavily leaning to the new event, La Dolce Vita, at Black Horse.

I want Tom to sign some stuff for me. Wink


Larry
quote:
Well we all know which event Larry is going to but how about PI and POCA?

Big Grin

POCA has already said they endorse the new event - go back and the read earlier postings in this thread.

PI is still fence sitting until at least May - again, go back and read the earlier postings.

My loyalty is to our cars and our designer, and unless C.I. can clone Tom, he is only going to be at LDV.
Larry
Well I don't think it's so cut and dry yet, there's a definite momentum in supporting the CI event, and not the 'breakaway gang'. If the other Italian marques like Alfa and Maserati endorse CI too, what does that leave for LDV? Probably just all the non Italian/Euro cars that parked on the out field at CI previously, not much 'Dolce Vita' in that!

As George stated with two overlapping and competing events, one ultimately will fail.
quote:
Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:
quote:
Lamborghini Club America and Valentino Balbo



And as for Valentino Balbo........

who? Confused

Still heavily leaning to the new event, La Dolce Vita, at Black Horse.

I want Tom to sign some stuff for me. Wink


Larry


Valentino Balboni is Lambo's test driver since the 60's. He never had another job but at Lambo. Started as an apprentice and then moved to testing cars. He is a nice guy and certainly does not fit the image of a Lambo driver.
There is a nice story -which he claims to be 100% true- when testing a Countach his break pedal used to refuse service; when he finally managed to pull the car over he saw the problem a young cat was stuck between the pedal and the floorboard. He claims it was a black cat...
Some history; ofcourse I do realize that your Valentino who could be cynisism and I am making a complete donkey of myself, but hey hard to spot in posts...(the donkey and the cynisism..)

Michel
I met Valentino at the Le Belle Macchine d'Italia Pocono event a few years ago. (FWIW, the people who run the Pocono event are the same ones running the La Dolce Vita.)

The follow is an excerpt from my trip report at http://www.realbig.com/piperma...-October/089039.html


Just before lunch, I hopped into (well, folded myself into) a Lamborghini Murciélago for some hot laps with Valentino Balboni at the wheel. Just before I got in, Valentino expressed some concerns about the tires but decided to go out anyway. Despite visions of the Space Shuttle o-rings and heat tiles in the back of my mind, I got in, after all this was the Valentino Balboni.

www.portata.com/panteraadventu...ges/balboni_tire.jpg

Valentino does not like to wear a helmet despite his wild, high-speed driving style, so they had his head examined. If you look closely, you can see a blue inspection sticker on the side of his face, which he actually wore all day. He also sported red, white, and blue arm bands -- he knows his audience.

Even with a helmet, I was able to squeeze into the Murciélago then buckle up with the center-mounted seatbelts with not too much trouble.

While we were waiting for the hand signal to go, Valentino checked out the curves ahead as any good Italian driver would.

www.portata.com/panteraadventu...s/balboni_curves.jpg

We rolled through the pits and queued up in a long line to get on the track. This gave us a chance to talk about the Murciélago and about Panteras (Ah, they are ah nice ah car.)

When we got the signal, we effortlessly rollout onto the track at 100 mph and into a high banked turn. While other cars got high up on the bank, Valentino actually just apexed the turn as is if were a gentle sweeper. After hitting 170 on the back straight, we unexpectedly (at least to me) came to a chicane with a 90-degree turn that abruptly took us from the very wide oval track onto what looked like a golf cart road in the infield.

If you have seen Balboni in person or on the Top Gear episode, you know that he likes to drift the corners. The scary part is not the drifting. It's not the drifting at insane speeds. It's the passing cars in the corner at insane speeds with all four tires disconnected from the pavement.
Tom Tjaarda has confirmed his attendance at the Concorso Italiano with Tom McDowell

It seems Tom Tjaarda's appearance at LDV was greatly exaggerated

FYI - Frank Mandarano, the founder of Concorso Italiano, has joined Tom McDowell as a consultant. Frank has told me in a phone conversation that the following clubs are on board for the concorso:

Ferrari Club of America
Ferrari Owners Club
The Lamborghini Club
ISO Club
Fiat Club

Last edited by George P
LOL....
You old ladies are just too funny....

Anyone still going to La Dolce Vita with Mark and Larry, hope you like Masaratti's.

I'm still laughing....See you guys at Concorso...
(Love you Larry)

quote:
Originally posted by LF - TP 2511
POCA has already said they endorse the new event - go back and the read earlier postings in this thread.
PI is still fence sitting until at least May - again, go back and read the earlier postings.
My loyalty is to our cars and our designer, and unless C.I. can clone Tom, he is only going to be at LDV.
Larry

[QUOTE]Originally posted by LF - TP 2511:
Okay, Now I'm heavily leaning to attending C.I. Wink
Larry
Last edited by coz
Don't get me wrong I love my Pantera as much as the next guy!
But, has Tom McDowell, or Frank Mandarano contacted the Pantera clubs yet? Once again it seems like the Pantera is just a Red headed stepchild!
It seems like they may not care if the Panteras are there or not! I'd like to think I'm wrong! It was nice that they contacted Tom Tjaarda! Does he even own a Pantera? Just my 02cents! Besides its too costly for me this year being unemployed.

Love my red headed stepchild
Curt



quote:
Originally posted by Cowboy from Hell:
Tom Tjaarda has confirmed his attendance at the Concorso Italiano with Tom McDowell

It seems Tom Tjaarda's appearance at LDV was greatly exaggerated

FYI - Frank Mandarano, the founder of Concorso Italiano, has joined Tom McDowell as a consultant. Frank has told me in a phone conversation that the following clubs are on board for the concorso:

Ferrari Club of America
Ferrari Owners Club
The Lamborghini Club
ISO Club
Fiat Club

Curt,

Kerry McMullen (LDV) had not attempted to contact me until last week.

The Concorso remains in contact with Pantera International throughout the year every year. Tom McDowell has been in contact with me since he came on board.

We are not red-headed step children. The Concorso Italiano has always given the Pantera corral special consideration, much to the chagrin of the Lamborghini owners. The last many years at the Black Horse we were located in a big open area just outside the clubhouse, situated between the club house and the stadium. Ours was the first corral people saw when they enter the event. Our location is very high profile on purpose, because the event organizers realize the Panteras are good at attracting attention & wowing the attendees. Frank Mandanano told me today the Concorso plans to give our corral such a location again.

-G
Thanks George for the update!
I stand Corrected!
Curt

QUOTE]Originally posted by Cowboy from Hell:
Curt,

Kerry McMullen (LDV) had not attempted to contact me until last week.

The Concorso remains in contact with Pantera International throughout the year every year. Tom McDowell has been in contact with me since he came on board.

We are not red-headed step children. The Concorso Italiano has always given the Pantera corral special consideration, much to the chagrin of the Lamborghini owners. The last many years at the Black Horse we were located in a big open area just outside the clubhouse, situated between the club house and the stadium. Ours was the first corral people saw when they enter the event. Our location is very high profile on purpose, because the event organizers realize the Panteras are good at attracting attention & wowing the attendees. Frank Mandanano told me today the Concorso plans to give our corral such a location again.

-G[/QUOTE]
I did talk with George and he is very correct in that I always saw to it in the old days that our friends in the DeTomaso community were given some of the best real-estate at CI. This I am sure will continue with Tom.
I am really enjoying working with Tom at CI and we have some terrific plans coming your way, some of which you already know about. Other very important news will be breaking very soon. The event is returning to the days when Janet and I ran the show. Now this doesn't mean you will see me blasting around on my red Vespa yelling at people to "move their cars" it will be the silver Vespa! Just kidding, no Vespa this year for me. I add value by coordinating with the Italian special guest and other special ways.
For example "HOT COFFEE" in the AM. There is no excuse for an exhibitor to not have a hot cup of coffee and a tasty muffin in the early morning upon arrival. Oh you may ask where in the hell did Major Chili come from?
Well being a big time movie fan I loved the Chili Palmer character in Be Cool with John Travolta but it was taken so Major Chili, anyway who cares? Most of these handles are pretty stupid so Major Chili fits right in.
Remind me to tell you the story of DeTomaso at dinner in the Canalgrande when the soup spilled and he pulled his gun out and everybody scrambled for the floor. There are dozens of these stories.

I am really looking forward to a great 50th annaversary at CI and seeing all those fantistic panteras most of which can blow the panties off most F-cars.
I hope you will all plan to join us.
Ciao,
Francis G. Mandarano aka FGM aka Major Chili
63 Maserati Quattroporte 2nd car produced
67 Maserati Quattroporte second sires
05 Ferrari 360 Spider manual


[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cowboy from Hell:
Curt,

Frank Mandanano told me today the Concorso plans to give our corral such a location again.

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So now that we have established that PI is endorsing Concorso, that Tom T is going to be at Concorso, and it is DeTomaso's 50th, Who plans on attending Concorso ?

I would like to get a rough idea on how many DeTomaso's plan on attending and what models will be there.

Since it is DeTomaso's 50th, we are planning some things that will be special to mark this event as an event, for those that bring their DeTomaso's, the layout of the corral, additional guest associated with DeTomaso along with Tom T, trophies for this special occasion and other things we have in mind.

We are working on getting some very rare and special DeTomaso's there as well...

The 50th is very important to us and we want to make sure that we make a statement at Concorso that represents DeTomaso and it's community in all it's glory...

We have the full support of Tom and Frank of Concorso and they also want to contribute to our success in making our showing the best possible to celebrate this occasion and honor DeTomaso.

Please let me know if you are attending and what DeTomaso you will be bringing so that we can start planning and mapping out the displays and information boards that will set up around the corral.

Thanks.
Coz
quote:
Originally posted by MBLotus:
... We will be attending the Concorso with our newly restored 74L ... Steve & Kim Griffin


quote:
Originally posted by Joules5:
... I plan to attend with the GT5, keep a special spot for her ... Julian


Steve, Julian, great news, you know I always enjoy spending time & chatting with both of you.
Dear Enthusiast,

I would personally like to invite you to join us at this year's Concorso Italiano presented on the beautiful fairways of the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, Friday, August 14th.

We have been diligently working to restore Concorso to what you remember it to be. Over the past several weeks we have been providing updates about our special programs, honored guests, and car club support. We want to keep you informed so that you can see the progress that is being made. Frank and Janet Mandarano, as advisers, have been instrumental in building this 24th edition of the Concorso to include the following features and guests:
• The Ferrari 288 GTO 25th anniversary reunion inspired by Joe and Margaret Sackey. We are anticipating over 15 of these supercars.
• The 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of DeTomaso.
• Matteo and Luca Fioravanti, whose father Leonardo managed the designs of the Ferrari 288 GTO and many other Ferraris and Alfa Romeos.
• Tom Tjaarda, the designer of the Pantera will introduce his impressive Tjaarda PSV. (Personal Security Vehicle)
• Valentino Balboni, test-driver for Lamborghini.
• Lilli Bertone (wife of Giuseppe "Nuccio" Bertone) and Michael Robinson, Brand Manager and Design Director of Bertone Cento. We will have a small display of selected Bertone cars including some Alfas and Fiats designed by Bertone.

Keith Martin, long-time publisher of Sports Car Market and collector-car personality has returned as MC, to share his wit and knowledge with you. Concorso favorite Alan Richmond joins him as MC.

Concorso Founders Frank and Janet Mandarano are back, providing their vision and extensive contacts in the Italian automotive community to bring very special people to Concorso, just as they used to. FYI, Frank's very successful Car Guy Tour gets underway on Sept 27th to Oct.7th. The Tour visits places you only dreamed of: contact Frank at (206) 310-8380 or visit www.carguytour.com.

Most importantly, as the new owner of Concorso, you have my pledge that Concorso will be the absolute best all-Italian car event on the peninsula, just as it used to be. I guarantee there will be lots of complimentary hot coffee in the morning for exhibitors, and that exhibitors will enjoy the comfort of their respective hospitality tent and the camaraderie of their fellow enthusiasts.

If you're coming as a spectator, you'll be able to park on-site on the fairway and won't have to deal with bussing, which can be a time-wasting nightmare under the best of circumstances.

In short, when you make your plans for Friday, August 14th, I urge you to put Concorso Italiano at the top of your list. It will be the best Concorso ever.

Here are some of the clubs that have officially endorsed the new Concorso, and that will have an official presence:

Ferrari Club of America-Pacific Region
Pantera International
Ferrari Owners Club
Lamborghini Club America
FIAT America
Iso-Bizzarrini Club
Allanté Club of America
American Lancia Club

For more information about Concorso, see our website at www.concorso.com. To purchase tickets and/or register your vehicle, click here www.concorso.com/tickets.htm. Don't delay; best pricing is still available. I look forward to seeing you at Concorso.

Sincerely,
Tom McDowell
Owner, Concorso Italiano
(425) 742-0632
Now that The FCA and LCA have "officially" endorsed Concorso, who does that leave at La Dolce Vita? Are we going to have half of our cars at one event and half at another? A bunch of us from Canada are seriously considering making the trip with our cars, but it will be a shame if we are split into two camps. Has POCA offically endorsed one over the other? I gather that PI has made Concorso its official choice.

I have been watching both Concourse sites and haven't seen much evolution at La Dolce, so I am hoping the critical mass is with Concorso and there will be one GREAT event and not two marginal ones. Can any of you guys going to the "other" even post your thoughts and intentions, especially if you have changed your minds from earlier posts.

Thanks!
Mark
More news from Concorso on what going on...

1. 50th Anniversary of DeTomaso
2. 25th Anniversary reunion of the Ferrari 288GTO
3. Tom Tjaarda
4. Lilli Bertone and Michael Robinson
5. Valentino Balboni
6. Matteo and Luca Fioravanti
7. Hospitality is provided for all Exhibitors which includes hot coffee, pastries in the AM, fruit, bar snacks, and bottled water all day.
8. A separate entrance for Exhibitors. Spectators will have free on-site parking.
9. A broad selection of food and beverage choices.
10. A special guest who will be receiving the La Bella Macchina award
11. A broad selection of vendors (with profiles of selected vendors to
be announced in the coming days.
12. The Elvis Presley Pantera, on loan courtesy of the Peterson Museum
Early Bird Pricing to Close June 30th

This is a quick reminder that the last day for Concorso Italiano’s early bird pricing is Tuesday, June 30th. We urge you to visit www.concorso.com to take advantage of the special prices before they change.
The following features are only a portion of the special experience that awaits you on the lovely lawns of Laguna Seca Golf Ranch on Friday, August 14th:

• DeTomaso, the 50th Anniversary
• Ferrari 288GTO, the 25th Anniversary and the largest ever gathering of this Ferrari
supercar
• Tom Tjaarda, the legendary designer and his latest concepts
• Valentino Balboni, renowned Lamborghini test driver
• Lilli Bertone and Michael Robinson of Bertone Cento
• Matteo and Luca Fioravanti of Fioravanti SRL, creator of the 288GTO
• Many exciting cars in the Concorso Centerpiece Display including:
o Elvis Presley’s famous Pantera, with the bullet hole intact
o The Tjaarda special Pantera
o The famous Bertone-designed BAT 11
o The 1955 Ghia Gilda Coupe Concept
o As mentioned, the largest ever gathering of the 288GTO
• A cornucopia of culinary delights
• Sun, heat, and the summer weather you expect
• On site parking, with NO BUSING
• Fashion, music, and the full restoration of a legendary event
• A special award ceremony to honor Jay Leno, car collector and entertainer
If you are looking for raw energy, and a sea of bright colors join us at Concorso Italiano for the annual celebration of Italian style. If you want solitude, there are probably a few city parks where you can convene.
The party is at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch on Friday, dont miss it.

Admission Tickets
• $85 through June 30
• $100 July 1 - August 14
• Children 12 and under are free
when accompanied by a paying adult.
Includes:
• One Admission Ticket
• Complimentary On-site Parking
• Event Goody Bag
• Collector's Magazine
(while supplies last)
Food will be available
throughout the event!


Italian Vehicle
•$100 through June 30
•$150 July 1 - August 13
• Children 12 and under are free
when accompanied by a paying adult.
Includes:
• Entrance for your registered vehicle
• Entry for two vehicle occupants as the vehicle enters the event
• Two Vouchers for the Italian Vehicle Hospitality Pavilion
• Event Goody Bag per person
• Collector's Magazine per person (while supplies last)
*all other guests or handlers in your party must purchase an additional admission ticket


Italian Motorcycles
• $75 through August 13
• Children 12 and under are free
when accompanied by a paying adult.
Includes:
• Entrance for your registered
motorcycle and yourself into the event
• One voucher for the Ducati Hospitality Pavilion
• One Event Goodie Bag
• Collector's Magazine (while supplies last)
• An additional ticket is available at a discounted rate of $25 for Motorcycle passengers (limit 1)

*all other guests or handlers in your party must purchase an additional admission
ticket at full price.

Non-Italian Vehicle
•$150 through June 30
•$200 July 1 - August 13
• Children 12 and under are free
when accompanied by a paying adult.
Includes:
• Entrance for your registered vehicle
• Entry for two vehicle occupants as the vehicle enters the event
• Two Vouchers for the Non-Italian Vehicle Hospitality Pavilion
• Event Goody Bag per person
• Collector's Magazine per person (while supplies last)
*all other guests or handlers in your party must purchase an additional admission ticket.
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