by Bernard Martin

I had been reaching out to Bill Warner for nearly a decade to visit us at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.  It wasn't until he passed the torch of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance to Hagerty that he could find the time.  So, it was really an honor to invite him to be the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) and recognize his incredibl contribution to automotive history. Bill Warner brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a contagious enthusiasm for all things automotive. His candor and humorous stories speak for themselves, as you'll see in the video below.

Not many know that Bill Warner was born in Pittsburgh in 1943 but spent his life in Jacksonville, Florida. Bill's journey from Jacksonville to motorsports photography, then racing, and to the founding of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, reflects a lifetime devoted to the art and history of motoring.

In my interview with Bill from the 2024 PVGP, he shares stories about, among many other things, the origin story of the event and his even delves into his favorite cars ever displayed at the Amelia Island Concours, offering viewers a rare glimpse into his own personal insights and tastes. Bill’s passion shines through as he emphasizes that a Concours is ultimately about the people—not just the famous attendees, but also the volunteers and the camaraderie they create.

A standout moment occurs when he shares his impression of modern electric vehicles with 'piped-in' sound effects, just as the open-wheel formula cars begin their opening lap on the PVGP racecourse—an impeccable coincidence that we could not have timed better, even if we had planned it.

The Backstory on Kip Wasenko
During the interview, Bill acknowledges Kip Wasenko in the audience. I suppose I should provide a bit more backstory that you won't get in the video. For those who don't know, it's been said that Cadillac’s styling was stuck in a rut until GM put Kip in charge of a new two door concept car, and it was Kip who brought Cadillac back to its roots to embrace its racing heritage.

"Kip is credited with several significant designs. These include the Buick Wildcat Mid-Engine PPG Indy Series Pace Car, the Two-Rotor Mid-Engine Corvette Concept Car where he received his first Design Patent, and many Indy 500 and Daytona 500 Pace Cars. Kip was Cadillac's Chief Designer and is best known for the Design of the Cadillac EVOQ that was named “Best Concept Car at the 1999 North American International Auto Show."  This design initiated the Art & Science Design Direction which was recognized as a Design Renaissance for Cadillac. The EVOQ was sold to the public as the Cadillac XLR and XLR-V two seater performance sports car Kip felt Cadillac needed.

Kip applied the same Design Philosophy to the CTS-V, STS-V and the Cadillac LMP Race Car, developed with Riley & Scott, that raced LeMans. In addition, he designed the winning CTS-VR World Challenge Cadillac Race Cars by Pratt Miller. These race cars and the technology learned from Cadillac’s Racing Programs have contributed to the success of the world respected Cadillac V-Series Performance Cars. In February 2005, Motor Trend magazine recognized Kip’s contribution on their Power List, Kip continues on the track racing today!" (www.allantexlrinvitational.com)

The Backstory on Luigi Chinetti Jr.
During the interview, Bill and I look to Luigi Chinetti Jr., who's literally in the front row of the audience, to answer question about Ferraris. Bill playfully asks, "Would you prefer a short wheelbase Ferrari Berlinetta or a GTO?" The answer is in the video below, but to appreciate the significance of this exchange, it's really important to understand the Chinetti legacy.

Luigi Chinetti Sr., born in 1901 in Italy, was a pivotal figure in Ferrari's history. A skilled mechanic and racer, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times, including Ferrari's first victory in 1949, where he drove nearly 23 hours himself. He got stuck being in the United States at the outbreak of WWII and became a US citizen which resulted in Chinetti becoming Ferrari's first dealer in North America, establishing the brand's dealer network on the continent. In 1958, he founded the North American Racing Team (NART), which played a crucial role in promoting Ferrari in American motorsport.

Luigi Chinetti Jr. followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a prominent figure in the Ferrari world and a talented racing driver. He began his racing career in the late 1960s, participating in events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. His deep knowledge of Ferrari and his contributions to the brand's legacy are well-recognized.

The Chinetti family's connection to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) and the Cortile is also significant. In 2023, Luigi Chinetti Jr. was honored as the Grand Marshal of the PVGP, highlighting the family's enduring influence in the automotive world. Their legacy continues to inspire enthusiasts and participants at events like the PVGP Cortile, celebrating Italian automotive excellence.

This interaction between Bill and Luigi really underscores the deep connections and rich history within the motorsports and automotive community that is a thread throughout our entire conversation.  In fact, this interchange led to a complete change in my "interview" later at the Cortile Lunchean when I just let these two share the floor. It's Hope and Crosby on stage! LOL.

A Memorable Conclusion
One of Bill's favorite memories that he shares in the video involves John Surtees, the legendary racer who remains the "only person to win World Championships on both two and four wheels." Albiet, I think Nuvolari should be mentioned, with an asterisk, every time this quote is used, hence why I'm using it as a quote.

Anyway, Surtees brought his iconic 1956 MV Agusta 500 to the 2001 Amelia Island Concours, where he was being honored, and the bike won an award. Bill recalls how, as he was calling out Surtees as the award winner,  Surtees didnt appear and Bill initially was told he had left the event before being really surprised by his grand entrance to accept the award. You'll need to watch the video to appreciate Bill telling it.  This serendipitous moment about awards couldn’t have been scripted and literally led seamlessly into our PVGP presentation of a special award to Bill from the my friend Paul Pigman from Amalgam. Watching Bill’s reaction as he received the award was truly touching; his genuine grateful emotion and surprise brought a truly poignant and heartfelt close to the interview.

Watch the Full Interview
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear Bill Warner’s stories and insights. From his favorite cars to his reflections on the people who make events like the PVGP and Amelia Island Concours so special, this video is a really a must-watch for automotive enthusiasts.

by Bernard Martin

The location of any event can make or break its success. For automotive events, especially prestigious gatherings like Concours d’Elegance or classic car shows, the venue serves as more than just a backdrop. It becomes part of the story, enhancing the experience for attendees, participants, and sponsors alike. At Concours LLC, we understand that selecting the right location is paramount to delivering an unforgettable event.

Setting the Stage
The venue must align with the event’s theme and audience expectations. Whether it’s the lush greens of a golf course, the historic charm of a century-old estate, or the modern elegance of a luxury resort, the setting must exude character. For instance, a Concours d’Elegance held at a location steeped in automotive history or cultural significance creates an emotional connection and elevates the prestige of the event. And don't forget that you need to not only know your audience demographics but also how it cater to the right audience.

Destination Matters More Than You Think
It’s not just about the venue—your event destination can actually affect whether or not your guests will show up. In fact, 72% of event attendees say destination is a significant factor in whether or not they attend an event. Before you do anything, you have to make sure your event destination takes into account your event’s objective. You want to think about which destination (city, venue, and event space) will help you achieve your overall goal—whether it’s to promote your product, drive brand awareness, close deals, or cater to the right audience.

The Three Cs of Concour's Destination

1. Convenience: A venue may be super unique and awesome, but convenience is one of the biggest factors in event attendance. Begin by choosing your city carefully (is it easy to get to for your target audience?) and then choose a venue that’s conveniently located near restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, etc. For a Concours event, you really want it to be on or near a resort or a property where owners can walk to their rooms from the showfield. You need a hotel that can handle not only the cars for display but also parking for the car transporters to load and unload. Remember, it has to be convenient for those handling the cars and not just the owners—and truck drivers, mechanics, and detailers need accommodations that are reasonably priced. And don't forget your sponsors! Where are they staying? Where are they eating?  If you don't consider their budgets you're going to be cutting away at potential dollars that could have gone toward sponsorship revenue.
2. Climate: Don’t underestimate the power of bad weather on your event. Climate is a key factor to think about, especially since your event will likely take place outside. The first step is to research and find an annual precipitation and temperature chart for the geocoordinates of where you expect to hold the event. Look at the dates you are considering. If your host hotel is "always empty" at that time of year, perhaps there is a reason. Be prepared with contingency plans for unpredictable weather changes. You must have a rain plan, whether it’s the ability to move inside or reschedule to a different day. More about this later.
3. Cool Factor: Throw an event in any old city, and you might have a tough time luring out-of-town guests. But throw an event in, say, Sonoma, and you just might get people thinking, “Well, I’ve been wanting to plan a vacation, and I’ve never been to wine country, and work will pay for the flight…”. Or what about the ability to fly into a major city but 45 minutes away is an incredible resort with lots of rooms and stellar views. Downtown may be cool, but not as cool as a resort with a unique offering and great views!

Timing Is Everything
That’s one reason why we recommend Concours events be held on Saturdays, which puts the gala after the awards show and not the night before the awards show. People can let their hair down and talk about the cars that won instead of rushing to catch a flight on a Sunday night. This schedule creates a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. It also gives you a rain date on Sunday if the weather is absolutely horrid on Saturday!

Elevating the Experience
It all starts with looking at the Conours location as something more than just the place where content gets delivered. The venue—and the way it’s set up—should elevate all of the elements that the attendees find important. So to choose the right venue, we need to start by asking ourselves: What do attendees care about?

Based on a recent survey of 180 planners, it largely boils down to these four things:

• Access to interactive technology
• Flexibility of the location to meet the event objective
• Availability of networking spaces where attendees can engage each other after hours.
• Opportunity to discover authentic local culture, food, and experiences

Not every piece of the event is in your control. Think about it: The way peers interact with one another, the overall energy at the event, these are the “intangibles” that we can’t predict or force.

What we can control, however, are what we like to call the “tangibles.” Through these, we can at least try to prepare for the elements that are ultimately out of our hands. The city, venue, logistics for car load in, staging, seating, food and beverage offering, AV, decor, and agenda—all of these help set the stage.

Of all of the “tangibles,” choosing the venue is the single most important. It has a direct impact on the rest, and, more importantly, it has a direct impact on an attendee’s decision to attend.

Scenic Appeal
Stunning landscapes and architectural grandeur can enhance an event’s visual appeal, making it more memorable and media-friendly. Picturesque settings not only draw more attendees but also provide photographers and media outlets with compelling imagery, boosting post-event coverage. Imagine iconic cars displayed against a backdrop of rolling hills or a pristine coastline—these are the images that linger in memory and on social media feeds.

Staging the Concours for photography is just as crucial. Much like a painting, where you work from background to foreground, you must carefully consider what appears in the background of each image where a car will be staged. The goal is to create a backdrop that enhances the videos and photos of the car. Thoughtful planning of the winners' stage and its presentation is equally important. This is where onsite planning begins: from the background to the foreground and from the end of the event awards ceremony backward to the starting setup. By prioritizing these elements, you ensure that every shot captures the essence of the event beautifully.

Infrastructure and Amenities
A well-equipped venue can significantly impact the comfort and satisfaction of attendees. Consider facilities such as restrooms, food and beverage services, and shaded areas. Additionally, the availability of modern amenities, including high-speed internet for live streaming and robust electrical infrastructure for EV displays, can enhance the event’s appeal and functionality.

Community and Local Support
The support of the local community can be a game-changer. Partnering with nearby businesses, tourism boards, and civic organizations can amplify promotional efforts and generate goodwill. Communities that embrace an event often bring added resources, such as volunteers, sponsorship opportunities, and a built-in audience. This support can also ease permitting processes and foster long-term partnerships.

Creating a Legacy
The best venues are those that become synonymous with the event itself. Think of Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, or Villa d’Este—these locations have become iconic within the automotive world, drawing enthusiasts year after year. Building a long-term association between an event and its venue can create a legacy that resonates with future generations of collectors and fans.

Selecting the right location is an art and a science. At Concours LLC, we meticulously evaluate every aspect of a potential venue to ensure it meets the highest standards for our events. By prioritizing setting, accessibility, scenic appeal, infrastructure, community support, and security, we create experiences that leave a lasting impression. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the cars—it’s about the unforgettable moments shared in the perfect place.

If you've got questions or need some more ideas, give us a call!

by Bernard Martin

by Bernard Martin

Concours d'Elegance, which translates to "Competition of Elegance," originated in 17th-century France as a parade of horse-drawn carriages among the aristocracy. These events were held in parks and gardens, where wealthy participants showcased their luxurious and ornate carriages. As the automotive era began in the early 20th century, these competitions evolved into exhibitions of high-end automobiles, celebrating their craftsmanship, design, and innovation.

Concours d’Élégance de Dinard
The modern Concours d’Elegance began in the 1920s, blending automotive design with high fashion in sophisticated settings. The Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Époque (FFVE) recognizes the Concours d’Élégance de Dinard, held on September 4, 1921, in the chic resort town of Dinard on France’s west coast, as the first official Concours d’Elegance.

This landmark event attracted over 100 vehicles for the rally, with 30 cars competing in the Concours itself. It was not merely a showcase of luxury automobiles but also a celebration of the latest fashion trends, as prominent personalities from the arts, industry, and fashion sectors, including André Citroën, founder of the Citroën automobile company, gathered to enjoy the spectacle. The glamorous seaside resort provided a fitting backdrop for this marriage of style and innovation, setting the tone for the elegant and exclusive Concours events that followed.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
One of the earliest examples of a Concours d’Elegance is the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, originally known as the Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este. This prestigious international competition for motor cars was first held on September 1, 1929, just two months before the Wall Street Crash. It was a collaborative effort by the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este, and the Comitato di Cura di Como, taking place at the opulent Villa d’Este hotel on Lake Como, Italy.

From its inception, the event became a celebrated showcase of elegance and cutting-edge automotive technology, attracting affluent collectors, designers, and manufacturers. After a hiatus of several decades, the Concorso was revived in 2009, with the BMW Group partnering with the Villa d’Este hotel to organize the event. Since then, it has continued to draw international attention and acclaim, solidifying its place as one of the most distinguished automotive exhibitions in the world.

The Three Pillars of a Concours d’Elegance
Not only did automakers and coachbuilders use the Concours d’Elegance as a prestigious platform to debut and promote their latest models, but fashion houses seized the opportunity to showcase their designs, often creating ensembles that complemented the cars on display. These events became a theatrical blend of artistry and innovation, where automobiles and haute couture were inextricably linked. To elevate the glamour, renowned stars and socialites were invited to present the cars, embodying the sophistication of both the vehicles and the fashion.

A Concours d’Elegance brought together the “three Cs”

• Constructor - the carmaker
• Carrossier - the coachbuilder
• Couturier - the fashion designer

Each contributed to the spectacle, with the car’s design reflecting modern engineering and style, the coachwork highlighting craftsmanship and creativity, and the attire emphasizing elegance and trend-setting fashion. These synergies elevated the Concours beyond a mere car show, transforming it into an immersive celebration of luxury, design, and cultural refinement. It was a place where cutting-edge automotive innovation met the artistry of bespoke tailoring, creating an aspirational lifestyle that continues to define the spirit of Concours events today.

Post-World War II, the focus shifted to showcasing restored vintage and classic cars, emphasizing preservation and historical significance. Today, these events are prestigious gatherings of automotive connoisseurs, blending art, luxury, and heritage.

The partnership between luxury resorts and Concours d’Elegance events has been a defining factor in elevating these exhibitions to global prominence. Two of the most renowned examples--Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance—demonstrate how these collaborations blend breathtaking settings with unmatched elegance and refinement.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance began in 1950 as a complement to the Pebble Beach Road Races, an event aimed at showcasing post-war automobiles. Organized by the Del Monte Properties Company, which owned the Pebble Beach Resort, the Concours quickly became synonymous with sophistication, held on the iconic 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Over time, the event expanded to feature immaculately restored vintage and classic cars, drawing elite collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. The seamless connection between the event and the Pebble Beach Resort remains central to its prestige, offering participants and spectators an experience that merges automotive artistry with the natural beauty of the California coastline.

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Similarly, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, founded in 1996, owes its success to a strategic partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. When the resort approached Bill Warner, a seasoned automotive photographer and enthusiast, the vision was clear: create a premier event that would position Amelia Island as a luxury destination. Warner delivered by blending motorsports history with the charm of rare and exotic automobiles. The Ritz-Carlton’s lush oceanfront lawns provided an exquisite backdrop, and its dedication to providing a world-class experience became integral to the Concours’ rise to global acclaim. This collaboration highlights how a resort’s elegance and hospitality enhance the overall prestige of a Concours.

The bottom line: Top-tier Concours d’Elegance thrive on their ability to integrate luxury, art, and history within a resort setting. The venues provide more than just scenic beauty; they create a framework of exclusivity that attracts the world’s most discerning collectors and connoisseurs. By incorporating elements of high fashion, fine dining, and cultural sophistication, these events elevate themselves beyond automotive exhibitions, offering a glimpse into an aspirational lifestyle.

This synergy of resort partnerships, artistry, and heritage is what sets the most prestigious Concours apart, making them not only celebrations of automotive excellence but also sophisticated cultural events.

Concours d’Elegance events have evolved into more than just exhibitions of rare and exquisite automobiles; they are immersive experiences that celebrate the intersection of art, design, and luxury.

From the historical significance of Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach to the innovation of modern events like Chantilly and Audrain Newport, each Concours brings a unique blend of heritage and contemporary sophistication.

As these prestigious gatherings continue to inspire automotive enthusiasts worldwide, they remain a testament to the enduring allure of elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural refinement in the world of classic and modern automobiles.

by Bernard Martin

In recent years, the increasing competition among photojournalists and photographers has led to a surge in organizations enforcing the copyrights of images. Major firms such as Getty Images, widely believed to have pioneered this practice, and now the Associated Press (AP), are aggressively managing the licensing and use of photographs. While these efforts protect photographers’ rights, they have also created unintended consequences, particularly in the world of motorsports and other live event.

The Problem at Sporting and Automotive Events
At racing events, car shows, and concours d’elegance, photographers capture thousands of images featuring teams, drivers, cars, and venue activities. Historically, these images were shared freely with participants, fans, and team members, fostering goodwill and providing valuable promotional material. However, with the rise of copyright enforcement firms, individuals and organizations depicted in these photos are increasingly being asked to pay for their use—even when the photographer who took the image is unaware of the situation.

For example, race engineers have found themselves approached for payment years after posting podium photos on their websites. These photos, often taken by credentialed photographers under event-issued media passes, become entangled in copyright disputes, leaving teams, sponsors, and venue owners frustrated. The photographers themselves frequently lack control over how their images are monetized, as they may have signed agreements that transfer enforcement rights to agencies like Getty or AP.

Legal and Ethical Implications
This practice raises several ethical and legal questions:

• Fair Use vs. Licensing: Teams and participants often assume they have implicit permission to use images in which they appear, particularly for non-commercial purposes. However, current copyright laws provide no such exemption.
• Lack of Transparency: Many photographers are unaware that their images are being used to demand payments from event participants.
• Strained Relationships: This enforcement approach risks damaging relationships between photographers, event organizers, and participants, potentially deterring media coverage.

Proposed Solutions
To address these challenges, sanctioning bodies for racing events, as well as car show and concours organizers, should consider implementing standardized media usage policies. Below are key recommendations:

1. Standardized Media Release Forms – Include a clause in media badge applications that explicitly grants the venue, team owners, race drivers, car owners, and team members the right to use images for non-commercial purposes. – Ensure photographers retain commercial licensing rights while clarifying the scope of permissible use by participants.
2. Event-Specific Licensing Agreements – Create event-specific agreements that outline permissible image use for promotional purposes by teams and participants. – Include a clear opt-in or opt-out provision for photographers who do not wish to transfer enforcement rights to third parties.
3. Education and Awareness – Educate photographers, teams, and participants about copyright laws and their implications. – Provide workshops or informational materials during events to ensure all parties understand the terms of media use.
4. Collaboration with Copyright Agencies – Encourage organizations like Getty Images and AP to adopt more flexible licensing terms for event photography. – Advocate for policies that prioritize collaboration over enforcement, fostering a more amicable relationship between all stakeholders.
5. Adopt Digital Watermarking and Licensing Platforms – Utilize platforms that enable photographers to license their images directly to teams and participants at fair rates. – Implement digital watermarking to ensure proper attribution while maintaining control over usage.

Let’s Keep It Fun
The current system of copyright enforcement for event photography creates significant challenges for photographers, event organizers, and participants alike. By adopting standardized media policies, fostering greater transparency, and encouraging collaboration, the industry can balance the rights of photographers with the practical needs of teams and venues.

This approach not only protects intellectual property but also promotes a positive and cooperative environment, ensuring the continued success of motorsports, car shows, and concours events.

At the end of the day, we’re all here because we love motorsports, car shows, and the amazing people who make them happen. By working together and adopting some common-sense solutions, we can keep the focus on what really matters—celebrating the passion, performance, and community that bring us all together.