Art of Entertaining, Cincinnati – February 27th

We started off 2015 in style on February 27 at the Art of Entertaining in Hyde Park and meeting our Ferrari Club family once again. The evening was electric with the conversations of what had passed since our last meet in 2014, and everyone looked forward to the wine, fine food, and camaraderie of the evening! The warmth of the evening was a contrast to the bitter winter air, but a welcome start to 2015!  Thanks to Christian and Barb Blake for proposing and putting this event together.

Ian DeBarros

Cincinnati Area Representative

 

Buckeye Raceway Karting, Columbus - March 22^nd

The Columbus Area kicked off the 2015 season with an outstanding afternoon of karting, organized by Club member Marc Hollander.  Twenty Club members, guests and family members from all over Ohio came out on Sunday to the Buckeye Raceway kart track to match their driving skills against one another and the lap timer and enjoy the camaraderie of the Club.  The event allowed old and new friends to enjoy the competitive driving and swap Ferrari stories.   The afternoon was a great success…..good fellowship, good driving and no injuries.  Thanks to Marc Hollander for organizing this inaugural karting event.  I’m sure we will see this become a permanent event on the calendar in future seasons.

Jeff Alexander

Columbus Area Representative

 

Thoroughbreds at Keeneland, Lexington – April 4th

We congregated on Saturday April 4 to watch live racing at Keeneland raceway in Lexington! The races were exciting, albeit packed to the brim with spectators! After watching the thoroughbreds run loose on the track, we climbed back into our thoroughbreds and drove over to the Woodford Reserve Distillery for some bourbon tasting, and a foreshadowing of the Bourbon Tour to come later in 2015!

Ian DeBarros

Cincinnati Area Representative

 

Driving Tour Draws the Classics, Cincinnati - April 18th

Spring weather rolled through the Ohio Valley just in time for the annual Spring Classic Driving Tour, providing the best Saturday of the month for classic, collector and sports car enthusiasts to get behind the wheel for a day of fun. This event is an embodiment of “the Journey is the Destination.” Participants meander across southwest Ohio on roads picked more for their character, scenery and lack of traffic than the direction of travel.

This early season cruise came complete with moderate temperatures and cloudless skies, leading to a lot of top down motoring and the associated development of “Cabriolet tans.” In total, 86 cars (mostly sports cars) drove from the east side of Cincinnati for the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains — about 60 miles to the east in Adams County, Ohio.

The area is geographically intense. The proximity of the Appalachian Mountains and ancient glaciation make for a landscape that reminds drivers why they bought a sports car. The elevation can change dramatically as the roads flash to and fro, following creeks through the gorges as they drop toward the Ohio River Valley.

The variety of cars entered this year made for quite a scene at the start of the event. About a dozen people showed up early just to enjoy the ad hoc car show before the start of the cruise!

Porsche was the most prolific brand on the tour, with 356, 912, 911, 944, Cayenne, Cayman and Boxster models on the road. VW was represented by a Karmann Ghia, a Thing, a Baja Bug modified Beetle and a fun loving group of car lovers having a good time. Several BMWs drove, including a Z8, Z4, M5 and 2002.

MG owners turned out in TC, TD, TF, Y-type, Midget and MGB models to experience roads similar to those found in the UK. Almost as many Austin Healey enthusiasts made the grid in 100-6, 3000 and Sprite models, along with one Jensen Healey. Triumph drivers brought a variety of interesting machines — including TR3, TR250 and TR6 — to the party.

Ferrari’s 512TR, 575, 360 and 308 Dino, along with a Lamborghini Spyder, brought wonderful sounds and ultra-exotic coachwork. Other Italians included an Alfa Romeo Milano Verde and a classic GTV with a twin plug two-litre under the hood, a Fiat 500 and a Maserati Spyder. A Gran Turismo supplied more eye and ear candy.

Corvettes came in the guise of C-3, C-4 and C-6, along with corporate performance mate Buick’s Grand National, bringing traditional American power (and plenty of it!).

Additional machinery from Audi, Datsun, Dodge, Jaguar, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Morgan, Nissan GTR, Saab, Volvo spent the day winding along the ridges and through the valleys.  And a couple of grocery getter types tagged along with our rolling car show.

The number of entries prompted the organizers to plot two routes — one for late model cars and the other for vintage cars. The distinct routes allowed each group member to enjoy his or her car’s performance as originally intended.

The late model route went farther, faster, and included several legs on wide-open state highways, allowing the drivers to experience the strength of their machinery. The vintage cars concentrated on roads suited to smaller, lighter, ultra-nimble models. Three stops were planned for each route to allow the drivers and navigators to get out for a stretch and walk about — a necessity when traveling in cars made primarily for performance rather than comfort.

Finding facilities that can park 40-45 cars in a picturesque, rural county can be challenging. The organizers relied heavily on Adams County Convention & Visitors Bureau director Tom Cross for suggestions.

Each group visited an Amish market with a furniture outlet, bulk food store, sandwich shop, and bakeries filled with pies, cakes, breads, pretzels and other goodies. The Amish ladies will weave custom baskets too; several car owners were spotted measuring back seats and luggage racks to fit a basket that could be filled with pies for a safe journey home.

Antiquing is prevalent in the area and is a fitting breather from some of the character-filled roads; several stores in the area feature dealership, service station and other auto-related collectibles. The Rooster’s Nest Antiques and Barn Sale Antiques welcomed the sports cars and took them for a journey into the past. About this time, the folks with the grocery getter-type cars were getting very popular, those little sports cars were never known for cargo space!

The late model group wound its way along Ohio Brush Creek to the Tranquility State Wildlife Area, a scenic wooded area that is also home to the John T. Wilson Homestead, a nationally-recognized historic site. The John T. Wilson Homestead dates back to the 1820s, when it was a general store. Later, it was a station on the Underground Railroad. It has been authentically restored by Ralph and Patty Alexander and now operates as a bed & breakfast.

The vintage car group followed the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail around the county and visited the JZN Goat Farm, to the delight of kids (as in, baby goats) and people alike. Cheese and goat milk was sampled and many folks fed the young goats. This proved to be a popular destination. We listened to interesting commentary by Gayla Fritzhand on the making of goat cheese and milk. The goats were pretty entertaining, too.

Overall, the destinations offered a bit of diversion from the serious “car guy” stuff and provided entertainment for some of our not-as-enthusiastic enthusiasts.

The final leg of the driving tour celebrated hills, curves, twists and dales as the two itineraries merged for the final destination: the Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant in Manchester, Ohio. Offering fine dining and refreshing beverages after 120 miles of four-wheeled fun, the restaurant was packed with colorful, exotic machines. Departing west for home took many on a sunset cruise along the mighty Ohio River.

Experienced motorsports photographers Jeff Loewe and Scott Tengen photographed the proceedings and offer galleries (click on their names to view) for your enjoyment.

Kurt Niemeyer

Cincinnati Member

 

Ault Park Concours, Cincinnati – June 14th

In a stroke of good fortune, we were able to increase our parking space allotment and secure spots for 10 of our Members’ Ferraris (and one Lamborghini) at this year’s Concours.  Ferrari drivers from across Ohio and Kentucky attended, with cars ranging from a 400i to a 458.  Our cars made a very impressive show outside the show, delighting people who were on their way to the Concours.  Many of them lingered at our cars before entering the show.  We had even more of our FCA members attend the Concours, contributing to this year’s Concours setting a new record for attendance. 

Michael Kelly

Chapter President

 

Smokey’s Dyno/Drive/Gervasi Winery, Akron – June 28th

FCA Ohio hosted a "3" part event on June 28, 2015. The day began at Smokey's Dyno & Performance Shop in south Akron. A brunch was provided by SMOKEY'S staff.  A big THANK YOU goes out to Brandon Masidonski and Peter Zoumberakis for hosting us.  The brunch they provided included shrimp, bagels and muffins, as well as Italian dishes and fine beverages topped by Brandon’s hand-made prancing horse cookies, which were amazing. A tour was given of all equipment with the shop’s capabilities explained. The high point was a demonstration of the dyno with Brandon's Maserati GT.  Their dyno is capable of handling cars up to an incredible 2,500hp.

Under heavy cloud cover and temperatures 20 degrees below normal, we departed for a drive. The route started with a brief run down I 77 to Rt. 212. This road, along with Rts. 164, 332 and 151 afforded a spirited scenic ride. Light rain occurred but it was brief and dampened no one's fun. A 30 minute break for beverages was enjoyed in the lounge at picturesque Atwood Lake Resort. The true spirit of the day was demonstrated when one car broke down and several stopped to help and remain with the driver. Retracing our steps, we arrived at our final destination.

Gervasi's Vineyard was the setting for dinner.  Crowds gathered to view the cars as they parked under a blue sky and warmer weather. The drivers were met by other Club members who arrived separately. As always, Gervasi's Italian buffet was excellent.  Long after all ate, the crowd remained sampling wine and catching up.

Thanks to our sponsors Midwestern Auto Group, Maserati of Cincinnati, Cleveland Motorsports, Studio 47, Thomarios, North Coast Exotics, Evans Automotive, James Free Jewelers, NJB Automotive, The Barcza Group, Block-A-Chip, Clear Bra Ohio, Esoteric Auto Detail and Tom Vail’s All Ferrari Parts who made the Gervasi Winery portion of the event possible.

This new triple event will be looked forward to next year as all Members seemed to really enjoy themselves!

David Bitonte                                                               Doug Ehrler                            

Canton-Akron Representative                                          Cleveland-Akron Representative

 

Exotics on Park, Columbus  – July 10^th

The exotic car scene roared to life in Columbus on Friday July 10^th.  After weeks of unrelenting rain, the clouds parted briefly for Paulie Anthony’s annual Exotics on Park event, which raised over $10,000 for the Arthritis Foundation.

The evening started at the headquarters of Exotics on Park event and Primary Ferrari Club sponsor, Midwestern Auto Group in Dublin.  67 exotic cars assembled for the evening’s festivities.  I’m proud to note that in attendance were Ferraris from each of the last five decades, from the early 1970s right up to the brand new La Ferrari.  The line-up also included several other fine marques, including Lamborghini, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche (including a new 918), Lotus, Viper, McLaren, Maserati, Nissan GTR, and Rossion.

After hors d’oeuvres and some instructions from the Columbus Police, this impressive collection of vehicles fired up their engines and began a 90-minute, police escorted, no-stop-lights parade around interstates and highways, down High Street and through downtown.  Hundreds of onlookers stood on the sidewalks with cell phones in hand filming the parade.  I think we could all see our younger selves in the big, excited smiles of the wide-eyed children pointing at each car as it went by.

After the parade, the cars were parked in a reserved area next to Goodale Park and a private rooftop party was held across the street at Callahan’s Bar.  What a special way to spend a beautiful Friday evening in Columbus.

Jeff Alexander

Central Ohio Representative

 

All Italian Car Show - Stark County Italian American Festival, Canton  – July 11^th

The weather was 80 and sunny.  All Italian cars were called to the Stark County Fairgrounds in Canton, OH for a fun show.  Italian Cars from as far as Toledo, Guernsey County and Sewickley, PA were in attendance.  Over 35 cars and 54 people attended.  Best in Show by popular vote was a burgundy 1972 Ford DeTomaso Pantera with a 351 V8 Cleveland engine owned by Tom Lab. It was outstandingly beautiful.  While the majority of cars were Ferraris…458, FF, California, F430, 360 Modena, 355, 599, 550, BB512i, Testarossa, 308QV, etc., there was also a Lamborghini Gallardo, Alfa Romeo Spiders, Fiat Spiders, a Pininfarina Azzurra Spider, a 1961 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile (Convertible) with a 17 hp 2 cylinder engine as well as a Giugiaro Designed Lotus Esprit!  Also included were numerous Maseratis and specifically a 2016 Quattroporte, Ghibli and GT provided by Cleveland Motorsports, one of our sponsors.  A Fiat 500 POP was also raffled off.  There were numerous prizes awarded and many enjoyed the Italian Food at the Festival.

Much appreciation goes out to Earl Gibbs of Northcoast Exotics for sponsoring this event.

David Bitonte

Canton-Akron Representative

 

Honda Verizon Indy Car Series Race, Mid-Ohio  – August 2nd

On a warm and sunny day at Mid-Ohio, many race fans watched “home town” Graham Rahal in his Honda win the 90 lap race.  With 2 races left in the season, Rahal is 9 points behind race series leader Montoya.  It should be a great finish to the end of the series with 2 races left…as it’s anyone’s series to win!

A Ferrari California, two Maseratis, and a Fiat 2000 Spider left Akron to caravan to the race.  Along the way at Routes 71 and 30, an orange 458 Italia joined the group as potential new members of the FCA.  The group joined others from other parts of the state in the Ferrari Corral Parking Area on the infield to make an even dozen of us.  There were numerous other car clubs including Miata, Cadillac, and Corvette etc. to enjoy.  Vouchers were provided to FCA members for food and beverage at Mid-Ohio Concession Stands.  Many brought their own coolers with their favorite beverages! 

The crowd was very excited to see Graham Rahal take the lead of the pack during a caution with about 20 laps to go after a spin on turn 5 by Sage Karam.  Rahal started 13^th and worked his way up with a pit stop as the caution began.  Rahal celebrated in style drinking a milk shake from one of his sponsors, Steak & Shake.  Many of you will remember Graham’s father Bobby Rahal, winner of 3 Indy Car Race Series including the Indy 500 in 1986. 

Equally important, Bryan Herta Autosports’ Jack Hawksworth came in 16^th.  His car is sponsored by Bernie Moreno of Cleveland Autosports who is also one of our FCA OH sponsors.

Congratulations to both teams!

David Bitonte

Canton-Akron Representative

 

PDX at Mid-Ohio, Lexington – August 7th

The weather and our new tent location were near perfect for our annual Performance Driving Experience.  16 people from around the Chapter attended with six driving.  One student was driving on track for the first time; he was inspired by an instructor ride last year and wanted to experience being in the driver’s seat.  Everyone seemed to learn something and all cars were able to return home safely with only one off from our first-time track enthusiast.  Thank you to our instructors who volunteered to help students learn safely and well, we kept our students safe. 

Lunch and refreshments were provided by FCA Ohio and our great sponsors Midwestern Auto Group, Cleveland Motorsports, Maserati of Cincinnati, Studio 47, Thomarios, North Coast Exotics, Evans Automotive, James Free Jewelers, Merrill Lynch’s Barcza Group, NJB Automotive, Block-A-Chip, Clear Bra Ohio, Esoteric Auto Detail and Tom Vail’s All Ferrari Parts.  Tom and Beth Vail attended the event, with Tom driving.  Thank you once again to Bob and Marcella Miller for making lunch for this event.  Bob made an excellent grill master and it was a great spread of food.  

Thanks to the SCCA for again partnering with us for this fun event.  We appreciate all you do to keep everyone safe, starting with technical inspection and continuing until the last driving session of the day. 

Michael Kelly

Chapter President

 

Annual State Meet, Columbus - August 22^nd

Is there anything more beautiful than a scenic, lush green country club golf course on a bright summer day?  Of course there is….a scenic, lush green country club golf course covered with 40 stunning Ferraris on a bright summer day.  This was the setting for the Ohio Region’s fourteenth Annual Meet on August 22^nd at the Brookside Country Club in Columbus, Ohio.

Ninety owners and enthusiasts from all over Kentucky and Ohio celebrated the occasion with an al fresco lunch overlooking the field of Ferraris, Maseratis and a Lamborghini.  Owners brought Ferraris from as far back as 1963 to as new as “just picked it up from the dealer this morning.”

After thanking the Club’s sponsors, Chapter President Michael Kelly, reported on the prior year’s activities, results of officer elections, and the status of preparations for the 2016 International Ferrari Club Meet, which is being held in Central Ohio. 

We look forward to seeing you all next June in Columbus.  Our 2016 International Meet Concours is going to be at Brookside.

Jeff Alexander

Central Ohio Representative

 

Grand Prix of Italy, Akron  – September 6th

The 4th annual Grand Prix of Italy party was held on Sunday September 6th at the home of Doug Ehrler. Numerous guests attended from the area, as well as Columbus and Cincinnati. Most drove their Ferraris to support Scuderia Ferrari. The collection of cars ranged from 308 to 599. Upon arrival, FCA members were reacquainted over Italian appetizers-meats, cheeses, olives, roasted tomatoes, crackers and fruit. Conversation carried on so much that most had to be reminded when the race was starting. Although second and third on the grid, the two Ferraris didn't have the best start. During the race, a lunch of two pastas, sausage and peppers, salad and bread was enjoyed by all. True race fans were glued to the race, others were engrossed in conversation. As with tradition, team inspired martinis were sampled. Ferrari finished second and fifth. When the race was over, a Ferrari cake was cut while door prizes were raffled off. 

Many thanks to Earl Gibbs of North Coast Exotics for sponsoring the party, which was enjoyed by all 36 of the Tifosi in attendance.

Doug Ehrler

Cleveland-Akron Representative

 

Italian Gathering, Columbus  – September 6^th

The 2015 Italian Gathering held on September 6^th by Ferrari Club sponsor, Evans Automotive, continued the event’s 10-year tradition of excellence.  The appearance and memorabilia signing by famed Lamborghini test driver, Valentino Balboni, added a special level of excitement to this year’s festivities.  Mr. Balboni  signed memorabilia for over 2 hours and even signed a few lucky owners’ Lamborginis.  The event drew over 3,000 visitors and 126 Italian cars, raising $25,000 for the Dave Thomas Foundation.  

The competition in the Ferrari class was strong, with 52 Ferraris in attendance.  Marc Hollander’s 1974 246 GTS Dino won third place, Chuck Ungurean’s 1990 F40 won 2^nd Place and the 2011 458 Italia of Barry Boyles won first place in the Ferrari class.  The 2015 Pebble Beach Concours winning 1966 Lamborghini 400gt, owned by Dr. Raphael Gabay, won the Best of Show award.

Jeff Alexander                                                            Dave Wikette

Central Ohio Rep                                                       2016 International Meet Treasurer