Tag Archives: Monterey Car Week

Automotive Heaven at the Quail, Again. Monterey Car Week 2019.

Monterey Car Week 2019, how I miss you already. You may have read it here before, twice in fact, of this writer’s encounters at the Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. This fact remains, though: it’s worth writing about again and again. The Quail is more than just a car show, but an experience, not unlike being invited to the Palace of Versailles, albeit with cars. For those unfamiliar, here are the key components: The Quail Lodge during Monterey Car Week, fabulous cars (of course, it’s only obligatory), amazing people (and stars) you’ll meet, Michelin Star-worthy food and drinks, and your best mates with you to experience it all together. Heroically, every ingredient comes together in the perfect cocktail (one they figuratively and literally do serve, too).

Photo by Daniel Blodgett. The fairway at the Quail

Seriously, given a choice of blowing a wad of money in Vegas or going to the Quail, the choice is easy. This is an event for everyone – even if you have no interest in cars, the food (and the shear selection of food), will keep one entertained the entire day. And my, what food. More on that later, but just try not to salivate all over your keyboard or phone.

The People

Right off the bat though, let’s address those aforementioned stars: former F1 race-winner and FIA WEC Driver’s Champion Mark Webber, nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, racing legend Hurley Haywood, Indycar hero Dario Franchitti, 12 Hours of Sebring winner Marino Franchitti, Daytona 24 Hours victor Scott Pruett, racing commentator and Le Mans class-winner Justin Bell, former MLB pitcher CJ Wilson, and actor James Marsden (I did not get a chance to ask him about Westworld…). I also met Henry Catchopole of Carfection films and evo, one of my heroes for automotive journalism. His video on the Quail can be found here. I’m sure there are some that I’m missing. For a racing fan like myself, it’s nigh impossible to meet all your heroes in one place outside of a track paddock.

Photo by Daniel Blodgett. Ford GTs out in force. Notice that C pillar aero design on the red car.

FOOD! And lots of it

Next, the food. The Quail famously has multiple tents with vastly different menus from around the world. Each pavilion had their own name, such as Pacific Coast Highway, Road to Hana, Atlantic Road, Ruta 40, Guoliang, and Spartanburg. So, what does each name mean? Glad you asked: The PCA featured the food of California, with a prawn and avocado aguachile in a tostada form, as well as heirloom tomatoes. Hawaiian reigned at Hana by showcasing an ahi tuna poke bowl, rice noodle salad, and a mango salad. Norwegian-themed Atlantic Road served slow-cooked salmon with juniper and dill dressings, absolutely crushingly crispy surkal potatoes, marinated cucumbers, and roasted beets. Honestly though, some of the best potatoes I’ve ever had.

The Quail Food Pavillion
Photo by Mitchell Weitzman. Inside one of the many Quail food pavilions.

Argentina came to life at Ruta 40 with hanging pierna de ternera, or, hanging beef cooked coals, ready to melt in your mouth. Hainan-style chicken with ginger-scallion and sweet chili sauce was the main course at the Guoliang tent of Chinese dishes while Slow smoked pork with a mustard-barbecue sauce represented the Spartanburg, South Carolina pavilion. Componere Fine Catering was responsible for the culinary creations. Too much food to list? Yes, I skipped over half the dishes, and it was hard choosing which to gloss over. Drinks? How’s this sound: Fernet, ginger beer, syrup, fresh lemon, and Angostura bitters – that would be the Two to Tango. Or the Bixby Breeze, with Bixby Gin, wasabi, Meyer lemons, sage, and tonic – ultimate refreshment in the sun.

Drinks at the Quail
Photo by Mitchell Weitzman. Refreshing drinks aplenty at the Quail

Live music is a thing in each tent, too. I heard classical renditions of popular ABBA songs and even Lorde covers by the talented duets and trios. On top of that, there was another area with oysters and caviar. The caviar did have a sizable line, but oysters? That did not, and they’re way better anyways.

Cars and more (super)cars

So then, the cars. To be fair, BMW didn’t exactly have a presence at the Quail besides the first car to ever be produced by the Spartanburg plant. That was cool. But let’s talk about the hypercars we all dream about each day. Part of the Quail this year was the celebration of the McLaren F1 (hey, it is BMW-powered!), of which Gordon Murray’s gifted child turned 25 this year, and it didn’t disappoint. Several examples of the iconic poster-star were on display. 25 years on, it has aged dramatically well, looking thoroughly modern and fresh still. This same weekend, an F1 sold for a staggering $19.8 Million at auction…and that was below estimates.

McLaren F1 GTR at the Quail
Photo by Daniel Blodgett. The ultimate version of the McLaren F1: the racing F1 GTR Longtail

You like Paganis, Koenigseggs, Bugattis? Don’t worry, you’re more than covered. Seeing the exquisite details in Horacio Pagani’s realized dreams in person is almost beyond belief as the nuances and traits outnumber what the eye can process. The first ever Zonda was present, too, and I must say, I do prefer the older Zonda to the Huayra. It’s a clean, almost simplistic shape in comparison, but striking still with its aggressive proportions. In fact, I feel the only way to properly describe how a Zonda looks is to say it looks like a Zonda. Then there’s the ultra-limited Huayra HP Barchetta. Oh man, is that a synthesis of holiness. A chopped windscreen, giant air intake over the open-cockpit and driver’s head, and a MANUAL transmission…just epic.

pagani Zonda HP Barchetta
Photo by Daniel Blodgett. The Zonda HP Barchetta. That chopped windscreen, huge snorkel right above the driver’s head, and a manual. Perfect.

The coolest Bugatti isn’t new

Christian von Koenigsegg brought the new Jesko, what will likely become the fastest car in the world. Will it top 300 MPH? It looks like it’s going that fast stationary. An amazing car to behold as a result. But, we need to address Bugatti. And I’m not talking about the new Centodieci that they unveiled at the show, but the classic, almost forgotten about…EB110. This was the product of the 1990s, a time that produced cars like the F50 and Jaguar XJ220. Talking with those who’ve driven all of them, the EB110 is considered way ahead of its time and of any contemporary. It was the future hypercar before any knew what a hypercar would be. It came armed with a tiny 3.5L V12, albeit with 4 turbochargers, all-wheel drive, a 6-speed manual, and everyday drivability. That last part is what has become the defining factor of the EB110, from chatting with Kris Singh (Instagram car enthusiast Lamborghiniks) about his own EB110. It has become one of my favorite cars ever in a rapidly short span of time as a result of its grandiose splendor and coolness. I had never seen more until Monterey Car Week 2019.

Bugatti EB110 Super Sport Carbon
Photo by Daniel Blodgett. My new favorite supercar. Carbon-clad EB110 Super Sport.

Of course there were Ferraris, too

Though, what’s a car show without multiple Ferraris and Lamborghinis? All sorts of flavors and vintages were present to showcase Maranello and Sant’Agata’s finest. So yes, there were plenty of each. Another favorite was a stunning verde 512 Boxer Berlinetta due to the sheer outspoken beauty.

Photo by Mitchell Weitzman. Stunning Ferrari Boxer Berlinetta in serene green

Not vestigial by any means, Quail was a crown jewel of Monterey Car Week 2019. Its flame burns louder every year it seems. People from all over the world attend (accents and languages from each continent will be heard), with racing drivers I worship, and celebrities in every corner of the fairway (I refuse to name the annoying ‘youtubers’ that attended or recognize them as somebodies) . Annoyances? Mark Webber took questions from the audience during an interview, and an attendee asked him about Will Power. All respect to Will Power, an incredible driver, but why would you ask someone like Mark Webber about somebody else? It was a Mark Webber Q&A, ask Mark something about himself! Soft-rant over.

Photo by Daniel Blodgett. Mark Webber took the stage at the Quail

The Monterey MVP?

Attend the Quail once, and you won’t want it to be your last, but the first of many. 3 years in, and consequently, I don’t plan on relenting one bit. It’s the automotive Met Gala, a celebration of cars and car culture. Monterey Car Week 2019 delivered as expected, but this, this is peak Monterey Car Week. You can view the official Quail video here as well.

The late great Anthony Bourdain once said, “The way you make an omelet reveals your character.” The organizers have figured out the perfect omelet, one of opulent and creative extravagance. Yet, certainly with a variety to make each bite feel like the first all over again.

First ever Spartaburg BMW
Photo courtesy of BMW USA. The first ever American BMW in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Photo by Daniel Blodgett. The new Koenigsegg Jesko. Can it break 300 MPH?
Photo by Mitchell Weitzman. The Aston Martin Vantage Concept formed the basis of the Vanquish.
Pagani Zonda R at The Quail
Photo by Daniel Blodgett. Remember when a 6:47 at the Nurburgring was only thought possible by a race car?
DeTomaso
Photo by Daniel Blodgett. Rip-off? Inspired by others for sure, but it is riveting in person

Monterey Car Week, Only a Month Away!

A Preview to Monterey Car Week

Words by Mitchell Weitzman

It’s that time again. Next month (can you believe we’re in July already?), the Monterey Peninsula will once again play host to one of the largest car gatherings in the world. It’s time for Monterey Car Week. For those that have not been that are even remotely interested in cars, it  really is something beyond your wildest imagination. Every street corner hosts a legion of all your favorites exotics from the world over, be it Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, or our beloved BMWs, they’re all there. Then there are the shows.

So I’ve spliced together some articles from last year’s events as a preview for what is to come August 22-26 in CARmel.

Pebble Beach

Even in its 68th year, the annual Concours D’elegance, hosted at the spectacular Lodge at Pebble Beach across the 18th fairway, does not need a prescription to keep going strong. Just when you think the show could be dying out with the changing times, it keeps growing and growing. At the 2017 edition, the crowd was one of the all-time largest in the storied history of this event. This trend looks certain to continue into 2018.

Niki Lauda Ferrari’s. Photo by Daniel Blodgett

What is Pebble Beach Concours? It’s become one of the most renowned classic car shows in not just the United States, but in the entire world. It is a celebration of the automobile, not a eulogy to the past or excessive nostalgia. The prestige carried here is truly world-class. One will struggle to find a better, more exotic, and diverse selection of classics anywhere in the world. And then there’s the atmosphere. Ambience is an understatement. Everywhere in sight are automotive celebrities with their entourage in tow. Nearly all attendee’s are dressed to impress. It’s a bit like the Kentucky Derby. There’s a sense of specialness from just being in the vicinity, a priceless accord of extravagance. Most importantly, you are part of it all.

Every year at Pebble Beach Concours a brand is featured. 2017 celebrated none other than the Prancing Horse from Maranello: Ferrari. Hard to believe, but Ferrari has been a carmaker for 70 years already. Ferrari brought a mammoth display of 70 cars to commemorate plus those that were in the show itself. When Ferrari brings 70 cars of the richest heritage halfway around the world, that’s when you know that this is a serious car event.

Pebble Beach congregation. Photo by Daniel Blodgett

2018 will celebrate French manufacturer Citroen. While not sold in America for nearly half a century, their classic DS was a benchmark for luxury and comfort in the 1950s with a hydro-pneumatic suspension system. Classic Citroen’s remain an increasingly elegant proposition, showcasing the absolute best in not only French engineering and design, but in the world.

The Concept car lawn in front the Lodge each year brings the best in future automobiles, from the next great BMW’s, to the latest from Aston Martin. The Pebble Beach Concours D’elegance is an experience not to be missed.  Concours represents an escape to a day that you never want to end. The 2018 edition takes place Sunday, August 26th, 2018.

The Quail

The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering has been an event during Monterey Car Week since 2003, hosted at the eponymous Quail Lodge and Golf Course. This might lack the established pedigree and formality of the Pebble Beach Concours, but it makes up for it in so many ways and, in my humble opinion, even surpasses Pebble. Put it this way: I didn’t want to leave. The Quail is not just about the cars, but everything. It’s a royal tournament and everyone wants to be there. For car people, this is Cinderella’s royal ball.

Bottom’s up! Photo by Mitchell Weitzman

Let’s see, who was there representing the automobile aristocracy: Sir Jackie Stewart, Jay Leno, Horacio Pagani, Christian von Koenigsegg, John Hennessey, Bruno SENNA, Gil de Ferran, Dario Franchitti, Marino Franchitti, and Magnus Walker. Michael Strahan was walking about as well as boxer Amir Khan and likely many others who were more incognito. I mean, where else would you expect to see and bump into such automotive and racing elite? Maybe Monte Carlo.

Inside the Quail on the beautiful, lush fairway, you’ll find several (I think I counted five?) large tents sporadically about. Your entry includes whatever variety of food you desire and as much as you want. Food from the Far East, to Italian treats, to the seafood, including caviar and oysters.

3.0CSL. Proper stuff. Photo by Mitchell Weitzman

Oh, and there’s also drinks, the booze: Wine, champagne, cocktails, you name it. And they weren’t mixing with the bottom-shelf specials from Bevmo either. Though it is wise to control one’s self in such an environment, but seeing champagne flutes in ever other person’s hand is enticing.

Huayra. Photo by Mitchell Weitzman

This is what makes the Quail so special: even if you’re a Nobody there, it makes you feel special.

Concorso Italiano

Lamborghini Centenario. Photo by Daniel Blodgett

Oh, so you like Italian cars? Then this is your place. Get prepared for a sea of rosso. Ferrari there, Ferrari over there, Ferrari right in front of me. Ferrar everywhere. This is heaven for fans of La Scuderia. A barrage of Lamborghini’s and Alfa Romeo’s join too, but the almost crimson tide can’t be beat. The car corral plays host to many interesting machines, too. Last year there was an absolutely astonishing M1 parked on display as well as a Z8 and several newer M4’s.

Magnum PI must be here somewhere. Photo by Daniel Blodgett

Monterey Historic Races

Besides the usual car shows that engulf the Monterey Peninsula, there is one jewel that seems to grow in popularity each year: The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. What is it? Historic racing at its very finest. All the famous racing cars you read about or see pictures and videos of head to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to prove they’re not just museum pieces. Sure, some do cruise in their prized collectibles, but some truly are there to race.

It looks good. Sounds even better. Photo by Mitchell Weitzman

BMW is built upon its storied racing heritage, so of course a legion of Bavarian bombers take to the Corkscrew. We’re talking 2002’s, CSLs, and M1 Procars. These are simply the best of the best. Seeing them in person, to be brutally frank, is SO much better than a YouTube video. Compressed audio and even HD can’t come close to capturing the magic of one of these beasts. Here in person, the sound alone of the screaming ‘sixes raises hairs all over.

Circa $50,000,000 being thrashed on track. Photo by Daniel Blodgett

Almost as good as the racing itself is the paddock. Here, no special passes are needed to wander through the garages and racing cars while they’re being prepped. It’s a brilliant chance to see all the legendary cars up close. Owners and drivers are of the utmost friendly nature too. Vendors are out in full-force too with racing memorabilia and apparel. I even bumped into sportscar superstar Marino Franchitti and his wife Holly, a racer of vintage cars herself, at the Nicolas Hunziker tent.

Mazda 767b. THAT sound. Photo by Mitchell Weitzman

The best part, though, is the price. While events like the Concours D’elegance, Italiano, and Quail run hundreds of dollars, the Historic’s are only double-digits. How’s that for bang for your buck?

Is this 2017, or 1975? Photo by Daniel Blodgett

Other Sights

Singer 911. Photo by Mitchell Weitzman

The greatest part about Monterey Car Week though is, even if the prices for tickets seem to high, one can still go and have a great time. Why is that? People from all over flock to Monterey and Carmel for this one week. Each street and parking lot becomes a car show of its own, as every Lamborghini and Ferrari passes by. It is an atmosphere and ambience like little else this side of Monaco. If you like cars any small decent amount, trust me, you’ll be in heaven.

Favorite restaurants include: Baja Cantina for the supreme car and racing themed venue, Vesuvio in Carmel, and the Forge in the Forest. The Spanish Bay Inn, also down the historic 17 Mile Drive, is a great place to spot hypercars as well as Cannery Row. If it’s your first time at Monterey Car Week, it won’t be your last.

A BMW Blitz at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion

All photos by Daniel Blodgett and Mitchell Weitzman

Another year, another Monterey Car Week. Like a good Scotch, it never gets old. Besides the usual car shows that engulf the Monterey Peninsula, there is one jewel that seems to grow in popularity each year: The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. What is it? Historic racing at its very finest. All the famous racing cars you read about or see pictures and videos of head to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to prove they’re not just museum pieces. Sure, some do cruise in their prized collectibles, but some truly are there to race.

BMW is built upon its storied racing heritage, so of course a legion of Bavarian bombers take to the Corkscrew. We’re talking 2002’s, CSLs, and M1 Procars. These are simply the best of the best. Seeing them in person, to be brutally frank, is SO much better than a YouTube video. Compressed audio and even HD can’t come close to capturing the magic of one of these beasts. Here in person, the sound alone of the screaming ‘sixes raises hairs all over.

Competing with the BMW’s on track are period-correct models from Porsche, Ferrari, and even Chevrolet. And this is only one small group out of the dozen that runs over the weekend; That’s how much the Monterey Motorsports Reunion has to offer. The classes are diverse enough that, when coupled with short 30 minutes races, boredom is literally impossible.

The BMW CCA has a large presence as well, with a lavish camp overlooking turns 4 and 5. The car corral is equally impressive, with examples of the most desirable BMWs on display. Truly a show on its own.

Almost as good as the racing itself is the paddock. Here, no special passes are needed to wander through the garages and racing cars while they’re being prepped. It’s a brilliant chance to see all the legendary cars up close. Owners and drivers are of the utmost friendly nature too. Vendors are out in full-force too with racing memorabilia and apparel. I even bumped into sportscar superstar Marino Franchitti and his wife Holly, a racer of vintage cars herself, at the Nicolas Hunziker tent.

The facilities at Laguna Seca are world-class, being very clean and the access to almost any part of the circuit is tremendous. With it came perfect weather too, settling at about 70 degrees on a sunny, August day. Further highlights included seeing Mika Hakkinen race Emerson Fittipaldi’s McLaren M23 for demonstration laps and Mazda’s shrieking 767B.

The best part, though, is the price. While events like the Concours D’elegance, Italiano, and Quail run hundreds of dollars, the Historic’s are only double-digits. How’s that for bang for your buck? And this is more exciting. The racing resumes next year August 23-26.