Summer is hopping with Mercedes-Benz Club of America sectional and regional events all over the country; it’s proving impossible to keep up with them all. Please visit www.mbca.org to find upcoming activities. You won’t be disappointed.
StarFest
What a way to kick off the summer with StarFest® 2018, MBCA’s national biennial event, this year hosted by the Alabama Section. The best part of StarFest is seeing old friends and making new ones who share a passion for Mercedes-Benz. This is true for all MBCA events. Where else can you talk shop and drive cars with other fanatics?
Seeing the hotel parking lot overflowing with vintage and modern Mercedes-Benz cars offered a unique level of satisfaction. I had the distinct privilege and treat in joining the judging crew to inspect some of these cars at the StarFest Concours, hosted at the MBUSI Visitor Center. It can easily be said that club members take great pride in their cars; that was illustrated at the concours display. To all our members who participated: Job well done.
It was awesome seeing attendees participate in so many events, from driving tours and road rallies to the concours and track activities. Is there really a better way to spend your time with friends and family?
Kudos to the Alabama Section for putting on MBCA's flagship event. And a special “Thank You” for gifting your time to plan and execute a wonderful week. And a big shout out to Mercedes-Benz USA and Hagerty Insurance, critical sponsors of the event. Thank you.
Sandhills Motor Festival
If you have never been to Pinehurst in North Carolina, it’s worth a visit, particularly during an MBCA event. The Triangle Section partnered with the local Porsche clubs in hosting the inaugural Sandhills Motor Festival, and it was a hit.
The event kicked off with the perfect scene of cars resting at Little River Farms, Golf & Resort. The evening was excellent as members connected and enjoyed a Southern-style barbecue as they prepared for the next day’s driving tour and concours hosted at The Village Green, a community park.
Again, I had the privilege to help set up the concours field and judge the Silver Star Preservation class. It was great to meet members and talk about their cars. There are far too many stories to share in such a small space, but it's incredibly gratifying to hear the meaning behind some of these cars.
It’s gratifying to mention that the Sandhill Motor Festival raised funding to support a full scholarship for Sandhills Community College. It’s always exciting to hear how many of the MBCA sections support their local communities.
Next year’s Sandhills Motor Festival will include partnerships with other car clubs and promises to be a worthwhile new event to attend. Be on the lookout as the Triangle Section plans for 2019. You won't want to miss it.
A special shout-out to Steve Redwine and the Triangle Section for hosting a successful inaugural event: Another job well done.