Historic Churchill Downs, home of the world famous Kentucky Derby, welcomes a different kind of horsepower on October 1-3, when it plays host to the 2010 Louisville Concours d’Elegance. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is the 2010 presenting sponsor and will also be the Featured Marque of this up and coming Concours.
“Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is pleased to be the presenting sponsor of the 2010 Louisville Concours d’Elegance,” said Paul Ferraiolo, President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America. “This event is quickly becoming one of the premier Concours in North America, and we have selected this setting to present the new Rolls-Royce Ghost.
“The world famous Churchill Downs is a breathtaking venue for the extraordinary cars on display and the organizers of this event show an unparalleled commitment to excellence blended with traditional southern hospitality. The atmosphere of the Louisville Concours complements the Rolls-Royce marque; a name synonymous with peerless luxury and motoring excellence for over a century.”
Nominations for the 2010 show field are still being accepted and can be made online at the Concours website: www.concourslouisville.com, or you can call the Concours offices at (502) 212-8373. The 2009 event drew some of the country’s top collectors and a judging panel to rival many of the more established Concours in America.
Collectors from 28 states, including The Patterson Collection (Jim Patterson is a Louisville native), the late-John O’Quinn, Malcolm Pray and the Lane Motor Museum, exhibited with Patterson’s much-celebrated 1939 Bugatti T-57C taking home the Best of Show crystal trophy.
Those who think Patterson had the deck stacked in his favor (being that the Concours was in his hometown), should know that the judging panel who selected it were some of the top judges from across the United States and Canada.
Serving as Chief Judge was British Columbia’s John Carlson, chief judge at the Vancouver BC Steamworks Concours. Carlson painstakingly recruited a panel of judges with a collective resume that was second to none. Ed Gilbertson (chief judge of Pebble Beach) was on hand as Honorary Chief Judge, and Chief Class Judges included Paul Sable, Robert Follows, Mike & Susan Tillson, Nigel Matthews, and Paul Ianuario to name a few.
The 2009 Grand Marshal title was shared between noted car enthusiast (and Pebble Beach announcer) Ed Herrmann, and Charles Moyer, both of whom are scheduled to return for the 2010 Concours, along with Ed Lucas, the Voice of the Concours, who will again serve as the event’s master of ceremonies.
Carlson also returns as Chief Judge and promises to match, or exceed the 2009 judging panel. “The complete judge’s list is still being compiled, but I’m proud to say there are some very big names in the collector car hobby who have agreed to judge at this year’s Louisville Concours,” Carlson said.
Weekend activities include a Friday Road Rally through the backroads on the Bluegrass State to the quaint town of Bardstown, Kentucky and the famous Heaven Hill Distilleries, where participants will enjoy a catered lunch and private tours of this historic bourbon maker. Later that night is an informal “Blues, Bourbon & Barbeque” gathering for exhibitors, judges, special guests and sponsors.
Saturday kicks off with the Concours’ unique Dawn at the Downs Champagne Brunch. This event allows an unprecedented view of the million-dollar thoroughbreds that call Churchill Downs home, going through their morning workouts, brunch in the Kentucky Derby Museum, followed by private walking tours of the world’s most famous thoroughbred racing venue.
The evening concludes with the Concours-Eve Gala where guests mingle in the paddock of Churchill Downs, sipping fine Kentucky bourbon and watching historic Kentucky Derby races on the huge JumboTron before adjourning to Churchill’s Millionaire’s Row for dinner and a live charity auction.
The event raises money for Brooklawn Child & Family Services – a local non-profit home for children who suffer the effects of severe abuse and neglect.
Sunday’s Concours takes place in the infield of Churchill Downs in full view of the famous Twin Spires with 18 classes of both judged and display (non-judged) automobiles from all eras. A new and interesting display class this year, the Vintage Fire Trucks, is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Spots are still available for collectors wanting to nominate a car for the show field. For a complete list of classes and to nominate a car, collectors can go to the Concours’ web site at: www.concourslouisville.com.
You can also purchase general admission and VIP tickets, as well as Louisville Concours merchandise at the website. For more information, call the Concours offices at (502) 212-8373.
[Source: Louisville Concours]
Last years event was truely wondeful. A first class Concours that should not be missed. Seeing the horses working out in the early morning was a treat for the participants.
The judging was extremely well done. It was fair! They used a 100 point system with an elegant factor. The teams of 3 were efficient and professional in every way. If you are serious about playing cars don’t miss this event!
This is a classy show for all ages.