Fireball Run: The race to help parents find missing children across the United States is ON!

IT’S AMAZING RACE MEETS MOTORSPORTS! The journey starts SEPTEMBER 23rd in HENDERSON-LAKE LAS VEGAS Nevada and finishes 8 days, 18 cities, and 3500 miles later OCTOBER 2nd at the luxurious resort community of GALENA, ILLINOIS!

o RALLY AMERICA WITH NEW FRIENDS
o SOLVE CLUES & COMPLETE MISSIONS TO SCORE
o HELP RECOVER MISSING CHILDREN
o COMPETE IN RACE TRACK EVENTS
o MEET CITY LEADERS, FANS, AND MEDIA DAILY
o ATTEND VIP CELEBRATIONS IN EVERY CITY
o TAKE PART IN A MEDIA SENSATION
o EXPERIENCE A LUXURY ADVENTURE
o ALL INCLUSIVE ENTRY FEE
o AND…WIN THE FIREBALL RUN

You are the Pawn and America is the game board. It will take more brain power than horse power to successfully navigate the country in this part rally, part game, part race.

The adventure also incorporates adrenaline charged track competitions at the following locations: LAS VEGAS SPEEDWAY Las Vegas, NV; DODGE CITY RACEWAY Dodge City, KS; HEARTLAND PARK RACEWAY Topeka, KS; and CORDOVA DRAGWAY Cordova, IL!

Want more information about how to register?

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO GET A PRIVATE INVITATION TO THE 2010 FIREBALL RUN ADVENTURE RALLY

What ever happened to MOB EXOTICS?

Looking for information about MOB EXOTICS? We’ve moved!

Our little local social networking group of exotic car owners and Italian car enthusiasts went national back at the start of 2009. You can still participate with other members at local, regional and national events. However, the biggest change is that instead of meeting up here to look for posts about weekly events, car club members get to chat online with other family and friends thanks to FACEBOOK.

Yep — that’s right… the old MOB EXOTICS has it’s own Playing in Traffic Group on facebook –complete with a photo gallery anyone can contribute car photos to, a special events board, and chat between Maserati, Ferrari, and Lamborghini living friends (Fiat, Lancia, and Italian Motorcycles like Ducati and Moto Guzzi, too).

Simply type http://www.italianizzato.com and it will take you right there.

Click HERE to GET ITALIANIZED!

If you are really ambitious and want access to more car news, you can follow Jack and Kae Davis online —

Jack Davis is on Twitter @ferrarifans and on Facebook

Kae Davis is on Twitter @cafecars and on Facebook

You can subscribe to Kae’s EXOTIC CAR EXAMINER column on Examiner.com by visiting www.autopopnews.com, too.

2009 Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival and Car Show happening in Sunny Florida October 16, 17, 18

Lake Mirror Classic poster for 2009 event in Lakeland, Florida, October 16-18, 2009

The Mercedes-Benz Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival in downtown Lakeland, Florida is one of the most scenic and popular classic car events in the southeastern United States. Presented at beautiful Lake Mirror Park and throughout downtown Lakeland, FL, the 10th annual event is expected to attract over 500 show vehicles and 30,000 spectators.  The event is presented FREE to the public.

Legendary endurance racer, Hurley Haywood, is the Honorary Chairman, My Classic Car will be filming a segment with host Dennis Gage, and Bobby and Judy Allison will be attending as honored guests.

From the Lake Mirror Classic website:

Hurley Haywood has been described as a pioneer, a legend, and a one-of-a-kind driver. He has appeared in ads for upscale products such as Rolex and television productions for Porsche. Currently, he is the Vice President of Brumos Motor Cars, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida and remains active as a professional race driver, despite stepping down from a full-time driving role in 2008.

Hurley will continue to drive for Brumos in selected endurance races this season, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona.  For all of the other races in 2009 he will continue working on race strategy and planning for the team. He also serves as Chief Driving Instructor for the Porsche Driving Experience as well as for Brumos U, the company sponsored driver familiarization school.

Winning the 24 Hours of Daytona five times, the 24 Hours of LeMans three times, and the 12 Hours of Sebring twice has made Haywood one of the world’s most-accomplished drivers. He was the first to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona in the same year. In fact, with a total of ten wins, he has won more endurance classics than anyone else in racing history. Hurley Haywood’s ability to consistently be smooth and fast, coupled with his knowledge of the racecars, has put him in the winners circle time after time. The 2009 season opener Rolex 24 at Daytona found Haywood back in a familiar place on the podium, as he co-drove the Brumos #59 car to a 3rd place finish.  His level of experience and contributions to motorsports makes him a highly valued member of the Brumos team on all levels.

Classes for 2009 Concours d’Elegance

The Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance will feature a select group of the highest quality automobiles which will be judged by a team of CCCA and AACA judges.  The Concours Committee will pre-select 100 vehicles from the 500 plus applicants expected for the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival.  These prestigious vehicles will be presented along the promenade of Lake Mirror Park where they will be judged and on display for the public to enjoy.  The preliminary categories for the 2009 Concours d’Elegance are:

• Brass Era Vehicles
• Pre-War Classics 1925-1942
• Pre-War Production Cars 1900 – 1942
• Post-War Production Cars 1945-1962
• Commercial Vehicles thru 1959
• Muscle Cars 1964-1972
• Domestic Sports Cars Thru 1972
• Foreign Sports Cars Thru 1972
• Cars of Particular Interest

To request an event registration application   (Click Here…)

To download the (PDF) Supplemental Application for the Concours d’Elegance  (Click Here…)

Budweiser Hot Rod Rendezvous

The opening event of the Lake Mirror Classic is a Free outdoor concert and party held at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater on Friday evening. Over 10,000 people attend the Hot Rod Rendezvous enjoying rock & roll music, food and wild cars. When the band takes a break all the hot rods crank up their engines for the Hot Rod Rumble and make some music of their own. The Hot Rod Rendezvous benefits Junior Achievement of Polk County.  Registration for the Hot Rod Rendezvous is separate from the Saturday car show.  Vehicles must be pre-registered and the fee is $15 per vehicle .

Downtown Car Show – Open to all types of Classic Cars

Hundreds of classic and collectible vehicles including Street Rods & Custom cars will be displayed on the streets of downtown Lakeland on Saturday. The cars are assembled in groups of similar makes and models in a 16-block area of downtown. Although the event is not judged, ribbons and prizes are presented to vehicles selected as sponsor favorites.  Participants receive a Goody Bag from area merchants and event sponsors, a custom display sign for the vehicle, breakfast and lunch for two and event souvenir.  Vehicle Pre-Registration fee is $40 ($50 after Oct. 1, 2009).

Mustang “Show within a show”

The Lake Mirror Classic will include a “show within a show”. The Mustangs registered for the Lake Mirror Classic, which has historically been a display only area with opportunities to win sponsor choice ribbons, will be a separately judged class with trophies to the top cars.  Two special trophies will be awarded to Best of Show Early Model and Best of Show Late Model.  These two winners will be invited to join the Concours awards presentation at the Lake Mirror Park Amphitheater at the culmination of the show.

The judged Mustang class is open to all years of Mustangs from ’64 1/2 to current. Stock, modified, race car, or anywhere in between, it doesn’t matter. So register your Mustang now and join fellow Mustang owners for a great day around Lake Mirror, Lake Mirror Park, and downtown Lakeland.

Sunday Road Rally and Brunch

The Lake Mirror Classic will conclude on Sunday morning with a fun road rally over the back roads of central Florida.  Brunch will be served and prizes distributed at the rally’s conclusion.  The driving route will cover approx. 50 miles. Registration is $30 per person.

Classic Wooden Boats & Amphicars

A popular feature at the Lake Mirror Classic is the distinguished group of classic wooden boats moored along the ornate 1920’s-era seawall of Lake Mirror. The classic boats present a stunning display adjacent to hundreds of classic automobiles.  Participants receive a Goody Bag from area merchants and event sponsors, a custom display sign for the vehicle, breakfast and lunch for two and event souvenir.  Vehicle Pre-Registration fee is $40 ($50 after Oct. 1, 2009).

Antique Motorcycles

The Lake Mirror Classic also includes a category for antique motorcycles. Selected models are showcased on the terraced steps of the Lake Mirror Amphitheater adding a two-wheeled dimension to this classic event.  Participants receive a Goody Bag from area merchants and event sponsors, a custom display sign for the vehicle, breakfast and lunch for two and event souvenir.  Motorcycle Pre-Registration fee is $40 ($50 after Oct. 1, 2009).

Special Thanks to the Volunteers and Sponsors of the 2009 La Dolce Vita Automobili Exotic Car Show at Black Horse Country Club in Monterey, CA Friday August 14

La Dolce Vita Automobili 2009 was a smashing success during Monterey Car Week! The Italianizzato Club and Kae Davis of AutoPopMedia.com by Connections Prep wants to thanks all the great exotic car show sponsors, volunteers, and vendors who also participated in  making the festival such a success for the kids of the Shriners Hospital for Children. If you are reading here, cheers! Please show your support for the following businesses and professional organiations, and we’ll see you again in CA next year!

		Specializing in Exotic Vehicle Sales. www.catsexotics.com
		The only exclusively Lamborghini Service facility in the US. www.drivenexotics.com
		Car Care, Detail Supplies, Garage Organization, Car Accessories. www.griotsgarage.com
		Alfa Romeo Bulletin Board and Forums www.alfabb.com
		The finest selection of automotive and aeronautic books available anywhere. www.autobooks-aerobooks.com
		The motoring scene guide to automotive events and adventures. www.autoevents.org
		Automotive Traveler Magazine and AutomotiveTraveler.com allow you to indulge your passion for great cars, challenging roads, interesting people, and fantastic destinations. www.automotivetraveler.com
		www.autopopmedia.com
		Find the car of your dreams. www.bringatrailer.com
		For over 31 years Car Collector magazine has been the leading authority in the collector car industry, supplying factual automotive articles to avid collectors and enthusiasts. www.carcollector.com
		CarProperty.com is here for Car Collectors, Car Enthusiasts, Race Fans, Race Track Administrators, Specialty Parking Facility Operators, Car Condo Operators, People in Large Metropolitan Cities and Automotive Business Professionals. www.CarProperty.com
		Celebrating the Automobile… Past and Present From American Muscle to German GTs to Italian Supercars to Japanese Sports cars and just about anything that catches our fancy. www.carsinpedia.com
		Modified, Luxury and Exotic Car News, Photos and Videos www.carzi.com
		ClassicDriver.com – the exclusive webzine with more than 5,000 luxury and classic cars like Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce. Daily updated articles.
		The Drivers Network by Car and Garage Aston Martin Life · Bentley Life · Ferrari Life · Maserati Life · Aston Martin Life · Panoz Life www.thedriversnetwork.com
		Etceterini.com is dedicated to the history, documentation, and preservation of etceterini cars. By definition etceterinis are hand made small displacement Italian racing cars which were produced from the late 1940’s to the early 1960’s. Most of these beautiful cars used Fiat running gear and had their own chassis, hand hammered aluminum bodies, and engines. They raced throughout Europe in races such as the legendary Mille Miglia and also competed heavily in American SCCA racing.
		Whether you enjoy the do-it-yourself lifestyle, museum style, eclectic collector style, or something in between, Garage Style Magazine is all about your style! www.garagestylemagazine.com
		The Hub Garage Where car people connect www.hubgarage.com
		www.luxvelocity.com
		Store, organize and showcase your car photos. www.madwhips.com
		Monterey Car Week. August 10-16, 2009. Monterey, California. The one and only source for all event information during the internationally famed Monterey Car Week. Here you will find schedules for all your favorite events, local hotels and restaurants. www.montereycarweek.com
		Classic car news & events diary with features and video clips and thousands of classic and performance cars for sale, buying advice and car specs. www.classicandperformancecar.com
		All about the antique car – The daily magazine & marketplace dedicated to the pre-1940 car. www.prewarcar.com
		The premiere automotive High-Definition (HD) video and photography site on the Internet. From vintage vehicles to muscle cars to modern imports and exotic sports cars. Also; videos of motorcycles, boats and speedboats, aircraft and pretty much…anything that involves speed and motion! www.speedandmotion.com
		Sports Car Digest – The Sports, Racing and Vintage Car Journal www.sportscardigest.com
		It’s simple. Sub5Zero is dedicated to cars that go fast. The unique breed of autos that can reach 60 mph from a stop in under 5 seconds. The true test of an exceptional vehicle. www.sub5zero.com
		The online magazine for French and Italian Classic Car Enthusiasts. www.velocetoday.com
		Velocity Magazine is dedicated to the car enthusiasts of Orange County. Our mission is to create a community for these car enthusiasts by providing them profiles on distinctive cars and their unique owners. Velocity offers a perspective on Orange County and its car culture that can’t be found in any other publication. www.velocitymag.com
		Vintage Motorsport — The Journal of Motor Racing History www.vintagemotorsport.com
		The world’s largest online community for people that love vintage cars. www.myvrl.com
		TheWeeklyDriver.com features the new car reviews of syndicated automotive journalist James Raia as well as other automotive content — industry news to TheWeeklyDriver.com blog. www.theweeklydriver.com

For more information on future sponsorship opportunities for the 2010 year and beyond,
contact Cindy Meitle via email (Cindy@carprusa.com) or at (480) 277-1864.

Are you ready for your cross country road trip or local California day trip to La Dolce Vita Automobili 2009?

An Invitation from Bayonet and Black Horse and La Dolce Vita Automobili

We invite you to come enjoy the return of an annual tradition. Beautiful Italian Sports Cars, Exotic Cars and Vintage Race Cars plus additional European examples will be displayed as art for public admiration on the lush greens of Black Horse Golf Course on Friday, August 14, 2009 from 9:30am to 5:00pm during Monterey Car Week, the most significant week on the global collector car calendar. Monterey Car Week attracts up to 100,000 additional visitors to the peninsula each August who come from all over California, across the United States and around the world to attend more than one dozen events including Vintage Races, Classic Car Auctions, Rallies and Car Shows.

For years, Black Horse was the popular site of an event that attracted thousands of spectators who came to admire chrome, paint, wheels and the amazing design of Italian cars plus wonderful vendors boasting art, Automobilia and more. La Dolce Vita was established to deliver a beautiful event back to the Black Horse Golf Course where exceptional examples of cars with names like < /font>Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat, DeTomaso and Ferrari can be showcased against a backdrop of lush greenery near the Pacific Ocean.

Special Car Features

There will be many exciting features at this year’s event. A very special display of Lancia cars will showcase models as early as the 1916 Lancia Theta driven by Jan Vorboril in the Peking to Paris Rally. Jan will be on hand to autograph a new book written about the rally entitled Peking to Paris 2007 which chronicles adventures driving across Mongolia, Europe and more.

Alfa Romeo Spiders through the Ages offers a wide variety of beautiful Alfa Romeos. Current entries span early models such as a 1931 6C 1750 to the recent 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Alfa Romeo’s newest design masterpiece that marks Alfa Romeo’s re-entry into the North American automotive market after more than a decade.

The annual Maserati Days Celebration will be held during La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse. Visitors can expect to see dozens of unique and incredible Maserati cars including both Vintage Race Cars and luxury car designs.

Lamborghinis have always been a popular sight and are always a crowd pleaser. La Dolce Vita has several dozen Lamborghinis on board in every color of the rainbow plus many additional unique configurations you won’t want to miss. The Lamborghini owners are exceptional folk who love to share stories about the cars and don’t mind camera-happy fans who love to snap photos from all around. After all, these cars look spectacular from every angle! A great surprise for both spectators and the media,La Dolce Vita will have a new 2010 Lamborghini LP 670 SV on display for all to admire! This car does 0-60 in 3.2 seconds!!!!

While La Dolce Vita Automobili is an Italian car-centric event, there is also a European display showcasing other cars as art. Featured Marques of the Peninsula invites cars being showcased at other Monterey Car Week events to display on Friday such as Bugatti which is featured at Sunday’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Porsche, the featured marque at the weekend’s Historic Races.

A unique celebration is attracting additional French cars, that of the 75th Anniversary of the Citroen Traction Avant. These cars were state-of-the-art at the time of their offering and truly ground-breaking vehicles. Traction Avant cars do not number many in the United States, but the display is building quite nicely. Additional Citroens include Jerry Hathaway’s land speed record breaking Citroen SM. Jerry won numerous records in this car but his wife came along and took the record for her own!

Entertainment and Special Features

Visitors will enjoy live music sponsored by Blue Fin on Cannery Row, a wine pavilion, great food, beautiful cars and wonderful people in the region Steinbeck spoke of in his novels for years. La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse will deliver a special treat mid morning as the Grapes of Wrath vehicle made famous in the movie The Grapes of Wrath pulls in to amaze visitors. This is a masterpiece reworked to perfection by car aficionado and eclectic automotive creator Gary Wales. The car will be on offer at the famous Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in early 2010.

An Automotive Design Pavilion will offer visitors a look into the future of cars. Featured students and graduates of the Academy of Art University School of Industrial Design in San Francisco, California will showcase a myriad of work. Digital renderings of cars will be on display via computer kiosks. Easels will display 3’ x 4’ drawings and large, beautiful painted clay mod els will showcase projects aimed at car design decades from now. These are the future designers of collector cars, cars that will be admired generations from today.

For a Great Cause

The underlying goal of La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse is the “preservation of admiration of collector cars among future generations”. In keeping with this theme, every adult ticket purchased also admits one guest age 17 and under free and visitors are encouraged to bring the whole family, particularly sons and daughters or nieces and nephews who can see these beautiful cars up close and personal and hopefully develop a strong interest that will carry forward for years to come.

The La Dolce Vita Automobili Scholarship Fund has been established and will benefit from funds generated from a silent auction during the event. The auction, presented by Grand Stand Sports & Memorabilia offers sports, movie and music memorabilia ranging from autographed musical instruments and photographs to Super Bowl helmets. Collectors Foundation has been chosen to facilitate the funds which will be distributed to young career-minded individuals pursuing a career in automotive design.

La Dolce Vita Automobili believes in helping the children of America. A portion of all tickets purchased will be donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children. This organization assists children born with missing limbs, children who are burn victims and more. Recently, Shriners Hospitals for Children transported tiny burn victims by airplane from a preschool fire to the Sacramento, California facility. Assistance is not based on financial or social status. If a child needs specialized services that Shriners offers, they will help the child. Learning about Shriners Hospitals for Children is important to La Dolce Vita and hopefully, event spectators and participants will better understand the services offered and share with family, neighbors and friends who may have a child in need of assistance that can be helped by the organization.

Come join us on the lush greens of Black Horse Gold Course Friday, August 14, 2009 from 9:30am to 5:00pm. In the tradition of the greatest concours event in the world (Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance), air conditioned luxury buses will deliver spectators from spectator parking to within yards of the first exhibit. We’d love for you to join us for a day of automotive nirvana on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula in Northern California.

La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse is sponsored by Cats Exotics, Driven Exotics and Griots Garage.

Please use code LDVBH (all upper case) to obtain discounted tickets online at http://www.montereybayconcours.com/SPECTATORS/spectator.php
or call 253 334-1078.

We hope to see you next week!

Bayonet and Black Horse and the La Dolce Vita Automobili Team

Sneak Peak at Ferrari 458 Italia: Lust at first sight

Yes, it’s the word of words. Ferrari may be ready to make the 458 Italia.

Sneak peak photos reveal an Enzo – esque flair, a striking roof line, and a $225,000 – $265,000 price range that is sure to make the car a competative seller. Our initial impression is that this car will appeal to all the Ferrari buyers — old school classic and vintage owners, guys driving the F430, 612, and 599, and gals and young (younger) first time buyers who are looking at Ferrari for the first real time thanks to the addition of the new Ferrari California line from the Cavallino Rampante house of Fiat Group.

Here’s the sneak peak pic of the Ferrari 458 Italia concept car that has everyone’s  engine revving:

OMG -- I <3 U FRR ARI: Ferrari 458 Italia looks faster than FIOS

La Dolce Vita at Monterey Car Week 2009 invites Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini Italianizzato Club friends from the Mid-Atlantic region and from East Coast to West Coast

AN OPEN INVITATION TO ALL EXOTIC CAR FANS ACROSS THE NATION TO VISIT 2009 ‘LA DOLCE VITA’

Greetings Exotic Car Examiner friends and Italianizzato Club members from across the nation!

We, the event hosts from a very special charity benefit car show called La Dolce Vita Automobili at Black Horse, would like to extend a friendly welcome and invitation to all car lovers and auto enthusiasts across the United States. The incredible Concours D’Elegance style event showcases beautiful Italian Sports Cars, Exotic Cars and Vintage Race Cars and also offers specialty displays with more beautiful European and Italian model girls just ready to pose for perfect pics.

The La Dolce Vita Automobili event takes place on Friday, August 14, 2009 during Monterey Car Week, the most significant week on the global collector car calendar. For decades, more than 100,000 car enthusiasts have descended on the Monterey Peninsula each August to attend what have become more than one dozen public events over a 7-day period…

Click HERE to read more

Fiat Group seeking to buy Italian Carmaker Bertone: Industry rumor confirmed

Fiat Group has finally confirmed it’s intention to put a formal offer in to buy the Italian auto maker design house Bertone. Want to know more? Here’s a bevy of links to help you get in the know.

Fiat Group and Bertone as influencing Italian stock market trade factors: Exotic car business news Wednesday, July 15th, 2009: Exotic car discussions among investors abound. International stock market investors looking at trading shares related to the Italian markets have been… Keep Reading »

Exotic Cars 101: What is the Bertone BAT 11 and how it is related to the Alfa Romeo? BAT is an acronym for “Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica” — a classic concept design car that’s been around in the exotic car world as an… Keep Reading »

Rumor confirmed: Fiat Group to make offer to buy Italian car design house and auto maker Bertone RUMOR CONFIRMED: FIAT GROUP TO MAKE OFFER TO BUY ITALIAN CAR MAKER BERTONE   Early this morning (July 15, 2009), Fiat Group appears to have… Keep Reading »

Fiat Group rumor about bid on Bertone confirmed:

Click HERE for more FYI Details on the design house

The Bertone car… Keep Reading »

Hospice of Chesapeake Bay area is beneficiary of Ferrari Club Exotic Car Show ‘Gilligans Island’

BREAKING AUTO NEWS: Photos are starting to come in from the 2009 Gilligan’s Island festival held Saturday June 6, 2009 in Pasedena, Maryland. Sponsored by Craftsmen Developers Dennis Gilligan (www.craftsmendevelopers.com), the event was sanctioned by the Ferrari Club of America and overseen by Mid-Atlantic region club president Bill Ebert. Several thousand dollars were raised for the local charity Hospice of Chesapeake Bay (www.hospicechesapeake.org). More information about the event, pictures, and additional follow up articles will be published shortly.

FCA-MAR with Host Dennis Gilligan on Microphone

2009 Gilligans Island Car Show in Maryland

As a first annual FCA-MAR sanctioned event to be held for the local Hospice center in nearby Chesapeake Bay region, the intimate function “Gilligan’s Island Ferrari Club Exotic Car Show to benefit the Hospice of Chesapeake” boasted quite a few spectacular Ferrari cars in addition to a fine assortment of high end luxury vehicles and other state of the art exotics. Show cars of note included a vintage Ferrari Dino, a Ford GT, and a Ferrari Super America.

Festival features included lively Cajun music, catered barbecue from local upscale restaurant Adam’s Ribs, live and silent auction components, and an award ceremony. Trophies were awarded based on fun Gilligan’s Island television show themes like “Professors Choice”, “the Mary Ann Award”, and the “Ginger Grant”.

The event, staged with Concours D’Elegance style green grass fields and cars parked showcase-style along winding blacktop areas under a heavy canopy of well manicured but predominantly indigenous Maryland trees, allowed guests to wander and roam the property freely.

Drew Davis at FCA-MAR 2009 Gilligans Island Ferrari Club Exotic Car Show in the Concours D'Elegance Ferrari Field

Attendance numbers neared 200 guests, with 100% of the $45 per person ticket proceeds going to the Hospice Center to help fund their programming. Car show attendants were also treated to imported beer, bubbling champagne, and Cohiba cigars (all compliments of the gracious hosts), with visitors able to browse through cars and on site vendor art.

Gilligan Estate Ferrari Car Show in Pasedena, Maryland June 2009

Craftsmen Developers and the Venue History: Going Green

Craftsmen Developers is a green land development firm based in Glen Burnie, Maryland. A community minded company, owner and company president Dennis Gilligan believes “Going Green” begins with, “a green attitude…. simple things, like recycling paper or more complex matters like reshaping communities to minimize runoff and maximize green space.”

Craftsmen Developers leadership instills a “Going Green” culture throughout the company.  Heading forward into the 21st century, son Coner Gilligan, Vice President, is often seen working closely with father Dennis and placed in charge of many of the forward thinking land development projects.  “The culture of caring for the environment is not just a family business approach; we’re committed to thinking multi-generational when it comes to  building in such a way that is environmentally friendly, elevates employee and contractor sensitivity towards the environment, and fosters sustainable development designs in its projects…” says the young up and coming and very professional prodigy.

Craftsmen Developers was the key sponsor for the 2009 Gilligan's Island Ferrari and Exotic Car Show

According to the Gilligans, “The Company’s land designs attempt to maximize porous surfaces and limit disturbed areas. They direct civil engineers and consult with local jurisdictions to allow for more flexible “Green Designs”… Craftsmen Developers believes strongly that it can and will improve the environment by creating “Green Neighborhoods”.

As a visitor to their Maryland home and private property for any exotic car show, it becomes immediately apparent that this is a family in which all the business partners practice what they preach. Click HERE to see a map of current land development projects with Craftsmen Developers in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

Pool at Gilligans Island by Craftsmen Developers

All the elements of the main house, guest houses, garages, and outlying buildings on the Gilligan estate are laid out in harmony with the coastal wildlife and plants that spare the space with the Gilligan family. Combining modern features with reclaimed wood and stone left over from local restoration projects, the site boasts many of the elemental architectural design features of a Frank Lloyd Wright home while adding curved window lines and built in interior artistic elements that blend seamlessly with the rounded swells of the property’s Chesapeake Bay coast. As a result, the effect is one that claims not only function but superlative form balanced with the natural elements surrounding — making the 5 acre residence a great place to host a fund raiser or private party.

Future Gilligans Island Events and Ferrari Car Shows

As the event was such a resounding success with guests, get your 2010 daybooks and pens ready. The Gilligans’ expect to set the date for next years and make a public announcement about their intention to again support the Hospice charity some time before the 2009 4th of July celebrations.

The early word from the FCA-MAR board is that they fully expect to support asking the Ferrari Club of American to again lend it’s supporting sanction blessing to the future annual events that will undoubtedly help the guests of the Hospice rest easier thanks to the gracious hospitality provided by the Gilligans and diverse group of 2009 festival attendants.

Until that time, the FCA-MAR group plans to be very busy, with many car shows, special group outings, and road galleries planned throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The Ferrari Club is an organization that prides itself on being a social organization committed to the promotion of the Ferrari brand and working to help all members of each local community meet their needs. As such, the organization often sponsors worthwhile charities that actively affect their own members residential communities like the Hospice Center of the Chesapeake and the upcoming Children’s Guild “Viva Italia 2009: Concours D’Elegance” scheduled to happen in September of 2009 at the Inner Harbor of Downtown Baltimore’s Harbor East.

2009 Gilligans Island Car Show was a pleasure with show co-hosts FCA-MAR President Bill Ebert and Maserati of Baltimore GM/Ferrari of Washington Sales Rep Jack H. Davis

Pictures of the 2009 Gilligans Island Event, Etc.

The club members and host officials expect to release more photos and press announcements in the coming week(s), including setting a date for a second annual hospice benefit on the Gilligan’s waterfront estate property.

To register for updates and information about exotic car functions happening across the United States and to post photographs or special events information for Italian exotic car lovers, visit www.italianizzato.com. There, you will be able to join other exotic car owners and car club members actively posting on Facebook to network socially and professionally; membership in the club is FREE.

To see more photos of the 2009 Gilligans Island event and other Ferrari, Maserati, or Lamborghini club events in the Maryland region, visit www.flickr.com/mobexotics/collections.

More “Gilligan, Lil’ Buddy” Contact Information

For more information about hiring Craftsmen Developers for your next building, consulting, or land development project, visit www.craftsmendevelopers.com.

To make a donation to the Hospice Center of the Chesapeake Bay region in the Gilligans Island event name, please visit www.hospicechesapeake.org.

More information about the Ferrari Club of America’s Mid-Atlantic Region can be found at their main website www.fca-mar.com.

To submit stories or photos about the Gilligan’s Island Ferrari Car Club Exotic Car Shows, please email the Exotic Car Examiner Kae Davis at cafecars@gmail.com.

To inquire about the purchase of a new or pre-owned Ferrari, Maserati, or Lamborghini, other exotic car, or high end luxury model, contact Jack Davis at 828-713-8030 (24 hours).

Ferrari lovers head out for Gilligan’s Island 2009 Special Event Charity Fund Raiser and Car Show

Gilligan’s Island

Charity Event benefiting the Chesapeake Bay Hospice Center

www.hospicechesapeake.org

Saturday, June 6 (11:00 – 5:00pm)

[Rain Date: Sunday, June 7]

Members and friends of the Ferrari Club of the Mid-Atlantic region will be gathering this Saturday June 6, 2009 [or Sunday June 7, 2009 if rain sets in] for a very special special afternoon car show event.

Ferrari Dino will be on display at the Gilligan's Island 2009 Event

Rallying at the Maryland waterfront estate of Dennis and Peggy Gilligan, car owners from all over the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic region will be showcasing more than 50 privileged Ferraris, all pristine and displayed Concours D’Elegance style at this second annual summer kick-off party event. There’s more news however, as the Italianizzato Club muscle has been hard at work again. Just this week, host Dennis Gilligan has expressly agreed to extend the invitation for other brands of exotic cars to plan a day trip down to visit the estate and showcase their vehicles. That’s big news for owners of other marquees like Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and custom American muscle classics and exotics like the Ford GT. You see, originally, the rumor spread that Ferrari club guys were not going to allow non-owners to visit or other car models on the private acres if we tried to attend.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione will be on display

What did Dennis Gilligan say when he heard that other exotic car club members were not being included in the Ferrari event invitation? “Are you kidding? My place is huge. Everyone I know in the Ferrari club is friendly and loves all kinds of cars. Everybody is welcome.” The Gilligan family says, “Bring your Exotic Car (or boat for that matter as dock slips/anchorage are available) and share our home and pool overlooking Rock Creek.  Reservations [on the main field] will be limited to the first 75 Exotic Cars and there is room to display 75 more [for a total of 150 cars on display next year].” Dennis also indicated that there is ample parking for all methods of transportation on his land. All he’s asked is that the Ferrari field, as a Ferrari club sanctioned event, exotic or show cars, and daily driver commuter parking be kept separate for the purpose of photography and creating ambiance. See how easy it is to attend an FCA-MAR event? [Tisk, tisk to those non-affiliated folks spreading silly exclusionary gossip in the chat rooms and by private messages on forums.] Included in the cost of admission is a catered lunch by Annapolis favorite barbecue restaurant Adam’s Ribs. Cost of entry includes beverages, “All the sodas and beer your can drink” says Dennis (sorry kids — 21 and up on the alcoholic beverages and yes, ID will be checked). The cost, just $45.00 per person, is fully tax deductible with 100% of the proceeds provided to the Hospice of the Chesapeake. You do not need to own or be showing an exotic car to participate in this event. All guests over the age of 16 are welcome; please contact the event host to make special arrangements for wheelchair or handicapped participants.

Ferrari F430 Challenge Car

Early registrants planing to display cars sent check by postal mail to the event location address:  Dennis Gilligan, 1316 Water Oak Drive, Pasadena, MD 21122. Late car show entries should immediately email the EXOTIC CAR EXAMINER at cafecars@gmail.com to express interest in joining the show this weekend (and include .jpg photos of their car along with make, model, year, and other pertinent contact details for the Gilligans to help be prepared for post-event coverage).

Please email Dennis Gilligan (dennisgilligan@comcast.net) or call 410-320-5878 for more information about the Gilligan’s Island Event, including for assistance with directions.

Expect Dennis Gilligan and son Conor of Craftsmen Developers to help host an awards ceremony featuring People’s Choice and various door prizes.

DON’T FORGET TO THANK THE FOLLOWING EVENT SPONSORS:

http://www.craftsmendevelopers.com

Adams Ribs – www.adamsribs.com (catering) Ferrari Club of America – Mid Atlantic Region – www.fca-mar.com Maserati of Baltimore – www.maseratiofbaltimore.com Ferrari of Washington – www.ferrariofwashington.com (Jack Davis, sales)

Compitzione & Sports Car – www.competizionecars.com Radcliffe Motorcar Company – www.rmccar.com Porsche of Annapolis – www.porscheofannapolis.com (Mike Mauer, sales) Artist – Randy Owens – www.randyowens.com (festival art) Exotic Car Examiner by Connections Prep – www.autopopnews.com