2013 Events
Wine and Cheese event, Cincinnati – April 6
Our kick-off event for the year was attended by 28 enthusiastic people from a variety of Ohio and Kentucky cities from Cleveland to Lexington. People enjoyed the wine and cheese selections as well as the other food goodies. We planned to watch the movie Senna, but the group turned out to be more interested in watching March Madness basketball games, so that is what we did. There was an impressive display of Senna model cars and memorabilia provided by Ian and Brittany De Barros for all to enjoy even without the movie. The conversations were lively and inclusive. Clearly everyone was very happy to see one another again after the winter months and to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Michael Kelly
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Purdue Grand Prix, West Lafayette, Indiana - April 19
To increase student interest in the 56th running of the Purdue Grand Prix, we intended to display a range of Ferraris prominently in the center of campus to build on last year’s success. The weather caused more than a few complications – three cars couldn’t get there due to floods, one car had a mechanical problem on the way there and a few other issues came up. In the end, we had four cars brave the cold, sleet and snow. We talked to a small number of students, but it must have been inspiring as the race the next day was packed. This kart race, modeled on the Indy 500, raises money for scholarships for deserving Purdue students.
A special thank you to the Ohio member who let me borrow his car for the event again since he couldn’t attend – that kind of generosity is one reason this is a great Club. Thanks to those who actually got to display their cars, and to all who intended to display their cars but couldn’t due to the weather, to help raise more scholarship money!
Michael Kelly
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Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour, Bardstown – April 27 & 28
Our first ever overnight event was a huge success based on the many positive comments I got from all involved and from the fact 19 people from all over Kentucky and Ohio went on the trip.
We started the day with breakfast at the Fort Mitchell Country Club, courtesy of our sponsor Collection Auto Group and their soon to be open Mercedes Benz of Fort Mitchell. It was an elegant setting and the food was delicious. A police escort from the Fort Mitchell Country Club to part way down I-75 was most appreciated as it kept us all together until we were fully underway and able to stay together; thank you Collection Auto Group for providing the escort.
Bob and Marcella Miller did an outstanding job planning every detail for the entire weekend. We visited three distilleries the first day – Woodford Reserve including an excellent lunch, Wild Turkey and Four Roses. Not only were the distilleries a treat, so were all the roads Bob and Marcella picked for us.
We had a delightful dinner at Bourbon City Bistro, which most of the group was able to attend. Our conversations were numerous and we got the chance to rekindle old friendships and bond with new friends. And, our tables were just lively as the table of kids going to prom, including the young man in the camo tux.
Day two started at Maker’s Mark, including being able to dip purchased bottles in their trademark red wax and a nice outside lunch provided by the FCA and our sponsors Midwestern Auto Group, Maserati of Cincinnati, Maserati of Cleveland, North Coast Exotics, Evans Automotive, NJB Automotive, The Barcza Group, Esoteric Auto Detail and Studio 47. We then visited both Heaven Hill and Jim Beam.
Most all the tours were very informative and some were quite amusing. Each distillery tour had its unique characteristics and all welcomed us warmly. We got to fill and seal a new keg, open an aged keg, and sample the mash at various stages of the process. Plus, we got to blow the bottles clean and fill them. We were treated to a history lesson for a number of places including the origins of the original house and facility. But, for a number of us, the best part was the free samples at the end.
A huge thank you to Bob and Marcella for their outstanding work putting this wonderful weekend together, it will be a lifetime memory.
Michael Kelly
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Valley Vineyards, Cincinnati – May 4
We kicked off our 2013 Valley Vineyards run with about 25 people in attendance. After meeting in Montgomery we started our cruise inspired by Brittany's grandfather, where he first taught her to drive on!! After the scenic views and the weather holding out for us we arrived at Valley Vineyards! As everyone arrived we chatted and admired the cars for a while in the parking lot then went inside for fantastic conversation and a great lunch! After lunch we sang Happy Birthday to Michelle, Steve, and Sarah! As lunch was winding down we continued great conversations until the early afternoon, what a fabulous way to start out the 2013 events! We can't wait to see everyone at the next event!! Thanks to everyone who came out!
Ian De Barros
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Spring Drive To The Mon Ami Restaurant And Winery, Sandusky - May 5
On Sunday, May 5, 2013 the Northwest Ohio Region and the Akron/Cleveland Region of the Ohio Chapter combined for the second annual Spring Drive. The original dire weather predictions failed to materialize and a beautiful day developed resulting in record attendance from both groups.
The Northwest Ohio Group met at the monthly Cars N Coffee gathering at Tim Horton’s in Sylvania where a record crowd of people and cars was also present. The Ferrari Club participants of 22 cars and 40 people left at 11:00 for the two hour drive along the beautiful, winding Portage River to arrive at the Mon Ami Restaurant and Winery in Port Clinton, Ohio at 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, we were surprised and delighted to find several additional cars who had not participated in the drive.
In addition to the Northwest Ohio Group, Doug Ehrler directed 20 cars and 40 people from the Akron/Cleveland departure point in Sharon Township in Eastern Medina County along picturesque Ohio Route 162 to arrive at Mon Ami about 1:30 PM.
Total attendance at Mon Ami was estimated to be near 100 people and 45 cars, surpassing all of our original expectations. Everyone enjoyed the gourmet brunch provided by the Mon Ami staff who were able to accommodate the overflow crowd with extra tables and plenty of delicious food. Brief discussions of upcoming Ferrari events were provided by Michael Kelly, Hal Nichols and Doug Ehrler, with Michael highlighting the FCA 50th Anniversary Activities.
Following brunch, participants were invited to the Marblehead home of John and Shawna (thank you very much) where delicious desserts were served.
Based on the impressive attendance, good food and great fellowship it appears the Spring Drive to Mon Ami will become an annual event and the Mon Ami has reserved the first Sunday in May for 2014.
Hal Nichols
The first event for FCA-Ohio Cleveland/Akron 2013 kicked off Sunday May 5th at a local member's house in northern Summit County (thank you Larry and Jill). The weather was sunny and warm. It was refreshing to see friends after a long off season. Although Ferraris dominated, the brands of Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Spyker were represented. After a light breakfast, we were off. A route of 2 lane back roads through rural north central Ohio was the perfect venue for an exhilarating driving experience. When we arrived at the Mon Ami winery, a partitioned parking lot welcomed us filled with an additional assortment of Ferraris and exotics from the Toledo Region's drive. Nearly 100 guests enjoyed brunch. After all were finished, we traveled by police escort to a member's lake house were hospitality and car talk continued. As this second annual event doubled in size and enthusiasm, it will surely be repeated.
Doug Ehrler
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Ferraris at Ferrari's, Cincinnati – May 25
We started our third event of the year enjoying the collection of vintage and unique cars that get together every weekend at Fuel, Cars & Coffee near downtown Cincinnati. On this occasion, our FCA members made quite the appearance with 15 cars! After fueling up on java we took a brisk trip through Mariemont village center and some back roads to Ferrari's Little Italy restaurant, catching quite the attention along the way! Lunch was wonderful with the company of old and new friends.
Ian De Barros
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Ault Park Concours, Cincinnati – June 9
Special parking spots were again reserved for a number of FCA members’ Ferraris at this year’s Concours. Ferrari drivers from across Ohio and Kentucky attended, including one of our newest members and his dad. The cars made an impressive show outside the show, much to the delight of people who were on their way to the Concours and passed by our cars. There were even more FCA members who attended the Concours, which set a record for Concours attendance.
Michael Kelly
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50th Anniversary Event, Cincinnati - June 21
The temperature on Friday June 21, 2013 was hot and so were the cars lining up for the FCA 50th year anniversary motorcade! The collection ranged from classic 308 GTS and 400i to a 355 Spyder, a 328 GTS, a 1990 Testarossa, a 360 Challenge Stradale, the 50th year anniversary 599 HGTE, and finally a 2014 Nissan GTR!
The chorus of mechanical precision made its way through the back roads of Cincinnati to an exquisite dinner event at Jag's Steak and Seafood in West Chester, Ohio. The cocktail shrimp were as large as F1-style paddle shifters, and the filet mignon was as sublime as the wine vintage we enjoyed. The evening was fantastic with our warm and friendly FCA family, including several brand new members. It ended late into the night, giving little time to prepare for our next day's motorcade to Columbus, to begin another day's celebration! Such is la vita dolce!
Thank you to our sponsors Midwestern Auto Group, Maserati of Cincinnati, Maserati of Cleveland, Evans Automotive, NJB Automotive, The Barcza Group, North Coast Exotics, Esoteric Auto Detail and Studio 47 for making this event possible.
You can see photos of the event in our Event Photos section.
Ciao Ferraristi!
Ian De Barros
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50th Anniversary Event, Columbus - June 22
Following a spectacular dinner event in Cincinnati the night before, we continued the celebration the next morning bright and early. One of our generous members offered their home for a steak and egg breakfast for 15 people going in the motorcade to Columbus. Besides steak and eggs, a wide variety of fruits, bagels, juices, coffee to wake up from the night before, and much, much more were enjoyed by all. It was an amazing feast.
We fired up the cars and departed for Washington Court House to meet the Columbus contingent who drove to the midway point. We met at a Shell station but the 599 managed to just look longingly at the pumps vs. needing to drink from them.
Our combined Columbus and Cincinnati members drove to Midwestern Auto Group, who sponsored the Columbus event, to do some quick maintenance and meet even more Columbus members. Our escort grew to over 20 cars and an enthusiastic group of drivers and passengers.
Our substantial motorcade made its way from Midwestern Auto Group to the Hollywood Casino for our Columbus 50 Anniversary celebration. We put the 599, the lead Testarossa and a beautiful Dino on the balcony and circled a reserved parking area with the rest of our cars.
Jeff Alexander did an outstanding job on the silent auction, resulting in an impressive display of auction items. Four tables overflowed with cool gifts including a great painting of a Ferrari being touched by the finger of Enzo in a play on Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel painting, a personal training certificate, a Mid-Ohio driving school, a Valentine One radar locator, a Ferrari F1 road race set, many many clothing and car care items and a host of electronic gear. There was truly something for everyone.
To help make the event more enjoyable, Hollywood Casino set up three tables for people to learn how to play craps, blackjack and roulette, using play money. The tables were crowded as many people wanted to get in on the action. You could hear the cheers, whooping and hollering as someone won big throughout the event. After developing new skills, a number of people headed to the actual casino and many gambled into the evening, one being a $300 winner.
The Casino also brought in their top chef to prepare food for our enjoyment. The flavors were amazing, with incredible scallops – they were the size of your fist and the best ones I’ve ever had.
We raised over $6,000 for Ronald McDonald House, exceeding our expectations. THANK YOU to Midwestern Auto Group for sponsoring the event, to Hollywood Casino for donating the venue, food and staff, and everyone who attended for making the event so successful.
Michael Kelly
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50th Anniversary Event Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland - July 14
Ferrari Club of America Ohio Chapter held the first of two Cleveland 50th Anniversary events on Sunday July 14th. The venue was the world famous Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. The facility was generously donated for the night by our sponsor Collection Auto Group. Vintage and modern Ferraris decorated the terrace. As the sun set over Lake Erie, the party transitioned into the lobby. From appetizers to dessert, an Italian designed array of food pleased all. Michael Kelly welcomed guests with a short speech and introduced guest speakers Mark Thomas of Collection Auto Group and Mary Horoszko of the Ronald McDonald House. The Rock Hall was open for our private viewing, which many attendees enjoyed. Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio coordinated a silent auction that encouraged friendly, competitive bidding for a variety of prizes. All proceeds that night benefited RMH Cleveland. We expect to have raised more than $4,000 between our two Cleveland 50th Anniversary events. See photos in our Event Photo section.
Doug Ehrler
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50th Anniversary Event 599 and Baton Turnover, Ft. Erie - July 15
This was the most fascinating location I’ve heard of for a turnover. On July 15th Toronto FCAers Lindsay Gillespie and Julie Newey met Doug Ehrler (Cleveland) and me (Cincinnati) at Old Ft. Erie, site of the bloodiest battlefield in the history of Canada. The fort is in excellent condition, and there were gentlemen there dressed as 1812 Canadian and US soldiers. In addition, one of the cannons on site was operational and fired a blank for us. We enjoyed talking with Lindsay and Julie about the Toronto event the day before as well as the fort and all that was going on with it. Crossing the border back into the US took time due to the long line, but was straightforward. The 599 is not so happy waiting in a line moving one car at a time, slowly – it vastly preferred the highways on the way back to Cleveland. See pictures in the Event Photos section.
Michael Kelly
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50th Anniversary Event Tre Belle, Akron - July 17
Ferrari Club of America Ohio Chapter hosted its second 50th Anniversary event Wednesday July 17th at Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle in Bath Ohio. Ferraris enjoyed a private section of the parking lot that attracted crowds of on lookers. The historic Ferrari 599 HGTE One Lap of America vehicle was on display. Guests could sit in the car or participate in the drive/ride program. Thirty FCA-Ohio guests enjoyed wine and cocktails in a private dining room. This transitioned into a five course gourmet Italian meal. A silent auction further helped raise funds that all went directly to Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio. Conversation and friendship lasted well into the night. Thanks to all who helped make this a truly memorable evening. For our two Cleveland events, we expect to have raised over $4,000 for RMH! See related pictures in our Event Photos section.
Doug Ehrler
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50th Anniversary Event 599 and Baton Turnover, Youngstown – July 18
Doug Ehrler (Cleveland) and I (Cincinnati) met the Ziccarelli men - Frank Sr, Frank Jr and Dave, of Pittsburg in our final turnover of the 599. Café 422 in Youngstown was our meeting place. We were able to get to know one another over a delightful lunch, which Frank Sr. was kind enough to treat us all to. Turns out besides our common love of Ferrari, two of us have a set of twins. After five events in Ohio spread over a month, it was bittersweet turning the car over to our new Pittsburg friends. See photos in the Event Photos section.
Michael Kelly
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Annual Meet, Columbus - July 27
Ohio’s 12th annual state meet returned to one of our favorite settings, Brookside Country Club. Despite steady rain, we had a great turn-out of about 50 people from all corners of Ohio and a reasonable number of water-proof cars. A few braved the rain to get awesome photos of water drops on the highly polished exotics.
Our day was spent indoors chatting with old and new friends. Lunch brought more time to talk and savor a hearty meal together, and both the food and conversations were excellent. A brief summary of club business and future events was followed by many raffle prizes from our generous sponsors. For those who wanted more than the goody bag contained, shirts and barware were sold to our members due to the 50th Anniversary logo. The sun came out just as the Board meeting concluded and made the drive home more pleasant.
Thanks to our generous sponsors for making the event possible – Midwestern Auto Group, Maserati of Cincinnati, Maserati of Cleveland, North Coast Exotics, Evans Automotive, NJB Automotive, Barcza Group, Esoteric Auto Detail and Studio 47. See related pictures in the Event Photos section.
Michael Kelly
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PDX at Mid-Ohio, Lexington – August 9
We again had great weather for our annual Performance Driving Experience. 28 people from all over Ohio and Kentucky attended with 12 driving, one for the first time. We had drivers in each of the 4 available driver groups, and everyone did a great job of driving safely and increasing their skills. Thank you to our instructors for volunteering their time to help ensure people learned the track safely and well. Lunch and refreshments were provided by the FCA Ohio and our great sponsors Midwestern Auto Group, Maserati of Cincinnati, Maserati of Cleveland, North Coast Exotics, Evans Automotive, NJB Automotive, The Barcza Group, Esoteric Auto Detail and Studio 47. Thanks to Bob and Marcella Miller for again making all the arrangements for this event. Craig Reed, our Studio 47 sponsor, and I were able to provide rides to a number of passengers, some of whom had never been on a racetrack before.
Thanks to the SCCA for partnering with us again for a wonderful event. The SCCA does an excellent job keeping everyone safe, starting with technical inspection and continuing until the last driving session of the day. We appreciate your excellence.
Michael Kelly
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Drive and Trinity Motorsports Tour, Lima – August 17
Our first ever Lima event was a big success! We had a fantastic turnout of twenty seven people from all over Ohio and Kentucky. We met at Trinity Motorsports for a tour of their excellent facility. Serving both cars and karts, they have prototype capabilities as well as an autoclave. Accomplished racer Shawn Bayliff is President of Trinity Motorsports Group, Inc. and a Lima native. The rally was a lot of fun, 215 miles of a very scenic route, including passing by where Johnny Appleseed planted his apple seeds. The rally had two firsts for me –a goody bag including a CD of car related songs that played just long enough to complete the route by the end of the CD; the other was starting half the cars off clockwise and the other half off counterclockwise. It was fun to see the cars coming in the opposite direction at the halfway point. Besides the CD, the goody bags had bubble gum to chew along the route, a pen to record your answers to the questions along the way, CARS tissues and an awesome shirt – all part of a very clever theme.
The rally ended at Trinity Motorsports where we had a wonderful lunch prepared by Michele Bayliff.
A big thank you to Aric Hersh for organizing the event, Zef Hernandez for creating the CD, Dave Wikette for coordinating attendance and Shawn and Michele Bayliff for opening their shop to us and for the great lunch.
Michael Kelly
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"Cindy Express", Lebanon - August 24
Wow, what a turn-out, 41 people for lunch, 33 people on the drive, from as far away as Cleveland! Nothing stirs an appetite like seeing old friends, making new ones, and the roar of 20 engines running and twisting in unison through the countryside. The weather was perfect, and the cruise led all the way up to the half-way point at the outlet mall near Columbus. The 120+ mile cruise ended at Cindy and Jim's residence where their hospitality treated all of us to another phenomenal lunch! While we had to sadly say farewell to Robert and Mona, who are moving out of state; we look forward to seeing them back in Ohio at one of our future events. We appreciate their invitation to visit and attend an event in their new hometown.
Mille Grazie to Glenn for arranging the cruise and Cindy and Jim for hosting the lunch!
Ian De Barros
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Football & Ferraris: Pro Football Hall Of Fame, Canton - August 25
On a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, over 30 Ferrari football enthusiasts attended the Canton PRO Football Hall of Fame. They all came to enjoy over 15 Italian cars, lunch, a question and answer period by Earl Gibbs, owner of North Coast Exotics in Cleveland, and a tour of the newly renovated and expanded Hall of Fame (HOF).
The HOF began in 1963 and is celebrating 50 years with a $27M expansion this year. There is now more than 100,000 square feet total at the museum. New exhibition galleries now fill two levels of the original rotunda. There is a new HOF store and upgraded artifact collection storage space. It also includes a new display of the iconic Jim Thorpe statue. A special exhibits gallery has been installed with new displays periodically changing throughout the year and also many new interactive exhibits.
The front entrance parking lot was cordoned off for special parking for the Ferrari Club members. As many other HOF visitors attended the museum, they got “more for their money” when they arrived to see the display of late models Italian cars as well as some very seasoned Italian “machinas”. In attendance were two Californias, a 430, 360, 550 M, 456, TR, 328, 400i and a few Lambos and Maseratis. And just to show that the Ferrari Club of America is diverse…an Aston Martin even joined the group! We had members traveling from Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as many local members in attendance.
Everyone truly enjoyed the comradery. The Ohio FCA wishes to thank everyone who attended. A big thank you goes to Earl Gibbs for his discussion and financial support of this event.
David Bitonte, Canton/Akron Rep
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Italian Gathering, Columbus - September 1
The 2013 Italian Gathering was again a huge success. Over 100 Italian automobiles were on display with a wide spectrum including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, De Tomaso, Fiat, Abarth, Lancia and Alfa Romeo. Some of the most unique cars on display were an awesome Ferrari 365 GTS, a completely restored Lamborghini Miura, a Ferrari F-40, a 1957 Fiat 1200 Spider and a Lamborghini LM 002.
Mother Nature provided full cooperation with a beautiful sunny day. Participants came from all around the state of Ohio and adjoining states. A huge thank you to George Evans and his staff for their work and effort. As a result, over $15,000.00 was raised for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Wendy's Wonderful Kids.
Dave Wikette, Bob Miller, and their families staffed the Ferrari tent and provided some very welcome cold water to anyone that stopped by. Articles from the 50 Anni di Passione were also available. Mark your calendars now if you don't want to miss the next Italian Gathering on Sunday, August 31, 2014.
Giorgio Bittoni
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Grand Prix of Italy party, Cleveland– September 8
The second annual Grand Prix of Italy Party was again held at the home of Doug and Tracy Ehrler. Sixty guests arrived with their cars ranging from vintage to late model Ferraris. The brands of Porsche and Fisker were also represented. Appetizers and beverages were enjoyed pre-race while all became acquainted. Attention was shifted to the race after the "red lights went out". A delicious lunch was served from D’Agnese's Café. To compliment this, four specialty martinis had been hand crafted: Alonso's Apple (Ferrari), Team Red Bull (Red Bull-Infiniti), Silver Arrow (McLaren), and Italian Flag (tri color). Long time F1 fans and novices both enjoyed the competitive race. Although Ferrari finished 2nd and 4th, it did not dampen the day. The driver's and constructor’s championship are still within reach for Maranello. Several FCA door prizes were raffled off. An after race "warm down lap" included a sheet cake bearing a true replica of Monza and coffee and tea.
Thanks to all who took time out of their schedules to attend this event. It was the largest Ferrari event in Northeast Ohio in several years. Next year it will return.
Thank you to Earl Gibbs of North Coast Exotics who helped sponsor this specialty event.
Doug Ehrler
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Remote Controlled Car Race, Swanton – September 21
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon eleven of us gathered at the house of two of our generous members for our first ever RC car race. A very challenging road course about 50’ wide had been set up in their driveway apron for radio controlled cars to run on.
We started with lots of conversation and a very nice lunch with delicious cookies provided by the FCA and our sponsors Midwestern Auto Group, Maserati of Cincinnati, Maserati of Cleveland, North Coast Exotics, Evans Automotive, NJB Automotive, The Barcza Group, Esoteric Auto Detail and Studio 47. When we were all full, most all of us were ready to try our hand at piloting the cars around the track.
First off, let me say it is a lot harder than it looks when the cars are coming toward you as you have to reverse how you apply the controls. Rick gave us some lessons on this point and a number of others, but seeing is believing, and at one point there were six cars on track simultaneously, but not all of them going in the correct direction. The trick of driving RC cars towards vs away from you took a while for us to master, but master it many did and the competition really heated up at that point. Times came tumbling down and many were feeling good about our performance, then Rick showed how it’s really done with his blistering lap. It sure gave us a target to shoot for. In the end, Aric was victorious and he won not only a bottle of wine, but also a drive in Rick’s FF. Wine for second and third place was also awarded (and the bottles had 2 and 3 in their names respectively, very clever). We raised over $300 for Toys for Tots. Besides the track, we all got to admire the Ferrari Horse in stone on the pool deck, which was awesome. Thank you for opening your home and garages to us Rick and Barb Lederman!
Michael Kelly
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Rush movie preview, Cleveland - September 26
Collection Auto Group hosted a private preview of the film "Rush". It was held at Valley View Cinema. FCA-Ohio was joined by the Lotus Club of Ohio. Ferraris, Maseratis and Lotus' were parked on the expansive front sidewalk for display. These cars drew quite a crowd of movie goers. The film was
everything you would expect from a Ron Howard production. It was very special to enjoy this film with other F1 enthusiasts before it's general release.
Thanks to Bernie Moreno and Mark Thomas for coordinating and funding this unique event.
Doug Ehrler
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Rush movie, Cincinnati – September 28
The Cincinnati Area FCA members met for our Club's first movie outing to catch Ron Howard's "Rush" at the West Chester AMC theater. Thanks go to Rajeev Singh for making all the arrangements for the event. Tickets were provided by the FCA and our sponsors Midwestern Auto Group, Maserati of Cincinnati, Maserati of Cleveland, North Coast Exotics, Evans Automotive, NJB Automotive, The Barcza Group, Esoteric Auto Detail and Studio 47. Many of us had a late lunch after the movie. The movie was very entertaining and successfully exposed the competitive nature of race car drivers, and what it takes to be successful in such a competitive sport like Formula 1. Meanwhile, our cars were attracting equal amounts of attention outside in their reserved spaces! We look forward to another FCA club movie date!
Ian De Barros
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Fall Color Tour, Cleveland – October 13
Sunday October 13th was FCA-Ohio's annual Fall Drive. Most cars met at Starbucks in Solon. There were familiar drivers and new faces alike. After beverages and conversation, we were off. The traffic was light and frequently no offer cars were around. Fall foliage was peeking early this year. After 62 miles of Northern Ohio back roads we arrived at Lago Winery. As we pulled in we were met by a member's Enzo and MC-12. These are not cars seen every day. Bob Naples, owner of the vineyard, had these two cars displayed in a Ferrari decorated barn. An open wine bar and endless Italian appetizers were enjoyed. This continued for an extended amount of time. We then transitioned to the main building for wonderful lunch buffet in a private patio. After deserts, guests could tour the winery or partake in more car talk. Everyone enjoyed great wine and food, exceptional cars and a unique atmosphere. It was a relaxing end to the 2013 events for Northern Ohio.
Doug Ehrler
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Taste of Italy, Cincinnati – October 19
This year the format was changed to make it both a broader and more intimate event. Both objectives were achieved with almost 300 people attending to see nearly 40 vehicles.
The day started with a drive put together by Kurt Niemeyer. Despite the rain, an enthusiastic crew in nine cars got together at the start for a drive and set out on what a number of us later described as a diabolical route (my wife got queasy twice on the test runs, it was that fun a route, and she’s experienced). There were twists, blind hills, blind turns, a covered bridge (twice), roads without street signs, a stop at the shore of a picturesque lake (at least when it’s not raining) - altogether an amazing route that was a ton of fun and a nice driving challenge. The drive ended at Ferrari’s Little Italy appropriately enough, and more of our members who were not able to make the drive joined us there. We all had a delicious late lunch before heading to Maserati of Cincinnati, one of our sponsors, to get our cars into position for the show.
The evening event was refreshingly open with the new attendance plans and everyone was able to move about freely. The weather cooperated too, with the rain stopping and the evening becoming crisp and clear. A variety of hors d’oeuvres were available, and attendees partook generously. A beautiful and impressively large wooden bar was brought in from Wooden Nickel Antiques and the refreshments flowed freely. A number of exhibitors were on hand to inform and entertain the crowd. Our FCA booth had a lot of visitors and hopefully some of them will become new members. It was another great event and I want to thank Maserati of Cincinnati for holding it.
Michael Kelly
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Ravenwood Castle drive, Columbus – October 27
We had a picture perfect day for the end of the driving season! One by one the drivers showed up at the rally point and parked next to all the other enthusiasts in the lot. We stepped out of our vehicles and enjoyed meeting one another and admiring all the fine sports cars. The temperature was moderate which allowed for open top driving for those with Spiders! Every day in life should be this good! This drive was open to all kinds of great sports cars. In attendance were several Ferraris, a Viper, a red Lotus, a Challenger and a couple GTRs. There were Porsches, BMWs and a black sporty Mercedes. I was pleased to see another 512TR join the group! There was a 458 Italia Spider in black, a 360 Spider in red, a 360 in yellow, a 412 in gold, a 328 in red, a Dino in red and a 599 GTB in Rosso-Mugello.
As we departed the first rally point we had to get past a series of traffic lights before being able to caravan on the highway. As the leader I kept the speeds low to allow everyone to catch up. Once everyone was accounted for on the road, our caravan of dreams stretched for a mile. The sight of all these colorful and powerful sports cars following behind me was amazing. I enjoyed watching them in my rear view mirror as I began driving an uphill turn in the road. Before starting our run through the hills, we once again gathered together to get ready for an hour and a half drive through some very twisty roads with banked curves and high speed turns and hills. My friend in my BMW 850 drove last in the caravan and kept me informed once everyone was on the highway. When leaving the second rally point, he had to block the road to allow all the cars to follow each other without local cars getting in between us.
As we began to drive, I got up to a speed as fast as the roads would allow. When beginning the next section of the drive, no slower traffic was in front of me. After making a left turn we drove uphill like a shot and the echoes of exhaust music could be heard echoing in the ravines and wooded hills. The sun was shining through the trees, the leaves were a beautiful Autumn color and blowing all around the roads as we sped by. It really is special to see these great cars being driven as intended! Many of the roads had quick little hills that put your stomach in your throat, then force you deep into your seats just as quickly. Over and over these hills challenged you to keep on the throttle, through banked turns, flat Ss and steep downhill runs that resemble roller coasters. These roads don't allow you to get calm. There are many places of white knuckle driving where you feel like you're driving at your own personal limit while being aware that the car has much more to give. Times like these will be remembered in the Winter by those brave enough to push themselves to the limit in the Fall during our Ravenwood Castle Run!
Once at Ravenwood Castle, we arranged the cars under the trees and around the entrance. When walking in to the castle, we immediately noticed the wonderful smells of freshly cooked food awaiting us! The staff at Ravenwood had prepared a dinner that provided many tasty choices. There was a salad bar and a desert bar with pumpkin cheesecake that is my favorite! Once we were gathered in the dining hall, everyone was having a great time socializing and enjoying the buffet. All the drivers really enjoyed themselves and everyone agreed to put the Ravenwood Castle Run on the schedule next year!
Thanks very much!
Tim Whalen
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Quaker Steak & Lube + Drive, Cincinnati - November 9
We set a record for the number of people enjoying our traditional Quaker Steak & Lube event with 48 people from all over Ohio and Kentucky in attendance!
The event started with 35 of us meeting at Quaker Steak & Lube, which was kind enough to open early for us. After a bit of pleasant conversation, all 35 of us went on a fantastic, very challenging drive planned by Kurt Niemeyer, with some modifications by Beverly and Colleen Kelly. The drive was a seemingly unending string of curves, with plenty of them being blind or off camber, hills, valleys, and a covered bridge just for fun. Thank you to Kurt, Colleen, and Beverly for planning such a great drive. We even had a very kind police officer, who, upon seeing us all trying to get through a stop sign one by one while still staying close together, stopped traffic for us and ensured we stayed together. Thank you officer!
The drive ended right where it started at Quaker Steak & Lube. Our cars were again displayed in a roped off area for all to enjoy safely. Following many conversations around the cars, everyone came inside for another great lunch served by the excellent staff at Quaker Steak & Lube. Serving a party of 48 is no easy feat, and they did a wonderful job. Thanks to our great sponsors Midwestern Auto Group, Maserati of Cincinnati, Maserati of Cleveland, North Coast Exotics, Evans Automotive, NJB Automotive, The Barcza Group, Esoteric Auto Detail, and Studio 47, we were able to give away a number of nice prizes. Jonathan Wikette did a nice job pulling and announcing all the winning numbers. When he first started helping, he had to stand on a chair to be seen; now he’s grown to be a fine young man, much like the Club has grown over the years from a small group to the large number of enthusiastic members we are today.
This was our 35th and final event of 2013. Here’s to more fun in 2014.
Michael Kelly