As this post goes to the proverbial press, Mother Nature is contemplating whether or not to drop ice or rain on the northeast this weekend. Although March 2017 is nearly in the books, it feels like just yesterday that I was packing up my camera equipment in early December after what turned out to be the last C&C of 2016. Digital hibernation isn't really an option when you have folders upon folders of unedited pictures, but it was nice to at least give my shutter finger a few months rest from the regular action, the occasional commissioned work notwithstanding. But it's time to get back to it.
While this is not going to be an inclusive list, I will do my best to touch upon what is saved in my Google calendar for the 2017 season (and are open for public attendance). Additionally, the dates I listed may not be the entire event, but only the portion I'm able to cover. If you feel that I've left something out, or that something in particular should be highlighted (and attended), please let me know in the comments.
Iconic BMW M1 is on display high above the marque's floorspace.
New York International Auto Show - April 12–13, 2017
For the third year in a row, I'll be attending the NYIAS during the first of two media days. I'll have a plan in place this year, doing my best to cram all the goodness New York can offer into one very long 10-hour day. I'll probably create a catchy hashtag to use on Instagram. Who knows, I may even talk to industry folks. Only time will tell, but until then, please enjoy my 2015 coverage and my 2016 gallery on FB.
Although I didn't attend the 2016 Season Opener, Bergen Cars & Caffe's 2015 event was highly memorable.
Bergen County Cars & Caffe Season Opener - April 23, 2017
There are two major C&C groups in north Jersey. The Bergen C&C seems to attract newer metal, with a high percentage of BMWs, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and the like among their attendees. Founder and all-around nice guy Tony Boniello does a great job coordinating his meets and keeping the riffraff to a minimum. If you're marking this on your calendar, please familiarize yourself with the rules. All it takes is one errant driver displaying poor car control to shut it down. We don't want that. And rest assured the scarlet letter you earn won't stand for adulteress.
Sets of pictures from the upcoming PWC will be similar to this, just with newer machinery.
Lime Rock Park presents Pirelli World Challenge - May 27, 2017
For the first time in my three year history of visiting Lime Rock Park just once per annum, I'm going to add additional attendances to complement the Historics weekend that has become a staple to my schedule. During Memorial Day Weekend, Lime Rock hosts the Pirelli World Challenge, with seven healthy heapings of class action racing! Since my word-processing abilities are still recovering from my first taste of Lime Rock in 2014, you can find my coverage of that HERE.
Greenwich Concours d'Elegance - June 3–4, 2017
Entering its 22nd year in existence, the Greenwich Concours has easily become the premier concours on the east coast, taking place over two days and featuring an on-site auction organized by Bonhams. The action is split between Americana on Saturday and International on Sunday, giving show-goers the option of narrowing down their automotive nationalities if they so desire. For me, it's a long weekend affair, as there is a Grand Tour on Friday that takes Concours entrants and their cars through the beautiful countryside of Connecticut and New York. If you've never been to a show of this caliber, Greenwich is the perfect way to check it off your bucket list.
Read all about my coverage of the 2016 event HERE.
VW Cult Classic 12 presented by Nothing Leaves Stock - June 25, 2017
As someone who's owned Volkswagens for nearly all of my driving life, my VW-specific show attendance has slowed over the last five years or so. However, Cult Classic has been on my radar since I made the drive out to PA for the second annual event way back in 2007. Since then, the show has grown exponentially and organizers are expecting a record turnout for the 2017 iteration. My pictures from last year's event even made it onto the pages of Performance VW Magazine. I hope to have a repeat performance of that accomplishment. In the meantime, check out my album HERE.
Lime Rock Park presents IMSA Northeast Grand Prix - July 22, 2017
As with my summary of the PWC, I am looking forward to seeing, hearing, and photographing a different class of racing action at Lime Rock, most notably the GT Le Mans class! Last year, a pair of new Ford GTs tackled the track, along with the new Audi R8 and the Ferrari 488 GT3. I don't think I'm mentally prepared at the moment, but I have a few months to get my mind in gear.
Although this 'Bird Cage' Maserati wasn't taken out on the track this year, it did take top honors during the Sunday in the Park concours.
Lime Rock Park Historic Festival 35 - August 31 - September 4, 2017
The 35th anniversary of the Historic Festival along with the 60th anniversary of the track itself is going to be the perfect automotive storm of epic proportions. I can't even begin to imagine what special celebrations will take place during Labor Day weekend, but I am willing to bet, given the festival's proud history, that it is going to be something you don't want to miss. From the parade through town on Thursday, to the Sunday in the Park concours on...Sunday, and racing on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, it's a weekend full of excitement that can't, and won't, be contained by words alone. Please start making your accommodations now and check out my gallery from last year's #HF34 Tin Top racing HERE.
Hemmings Concours d'Elegance - September 17, 2017
For 2017, the Hemmings Concours packed their things and moved from the manicured grounds of the Saratoga Automobile Museum to the beautiful shores of Lake George. The aerial view on the landing page leads me to believe that no matter where the sun is shining, it's going to be a very photographically favorable day. Studebakers and Woodies are just a few of the featured marques, along with the annual classes. This will no doubt be a show to attend, and I'm looking forward to what the new venue has to offer the eye.
Alden Sherman stands proudly next to his Bugatti Type 35 that he drove himself to the show.
Alden Sherman Classic - September 24, 2017
I had the fortunate pleasure of being commissioned for the 2016 event, and will be making a return this year to capture what is sure to be another great Classic. The show's namesake, Alden Sherman, made his arrival last year in a stunning Bugatti from his collection of the French maker's machines. Given its location in the Weston High School parking lot, the show favors quality over quantity and delivers on that ideal. For anyone interested in a laid-back approach to a top-tier show, mark your calendar for this one. Here's a small album from the event.
Caffeine and Carburetors is taking a breather during 2017. There are no scheduled events for the town of New Canaan.
There are a few notably absent names, including Caffeine and Carburetors and the Hemmings Sports & Exotic Show, who have either taken a temporary hiatus or have permanently removed themselves from the schedule. The Ramapo Concours website is no longer active, leading me to believe that there will not be a 2017 show. The Monmouth County Concours, which I attended once in 2015, is shutting down due to the property owners selling the land it's held on. A real shame.
A few other shows are on my mind, but will be a last minute decision on my part. They include the Elegance at Hershey (June 9–11), or the Hershey AACA Fall Meet (October 4–7), and the Radnor Hunt Concours (September 8–10).
And finally, you can't forget the C&Cs! The 2017 schedule isn't out yet, but I plan on making sure that I'm available for the Paul Miller Porsche C&C. That always draws a huge crowd, with last year's car count eclipsing the 1K mark!
With all the excitement planned for this year, 2017 is bound to be a good one for the Bearded Mug moniker. Stay tuned and stay connected via Facebook and Instagram. And as always, enjoy!