In the news release, Monterey Motorsports Festival announces
Mecum Auctions as Title Sponsor of inaugural one-day event
Aug. 19, issued 02-May-2024 by Monterey Motorsports over PR
Newswire, we are advised by the company that the date has been
updated to August 17, 2024. The
complete, corrected release follows:
Monterey Motorsports Festival returns to Car Week in 2024 with two
Italian automotive legends on board
MONTEREY, Calif., May 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Following its much-celebrated 2023 debut as a
unique, innovative and interactive event for automotive
enthusiasts, Monterey Motorsports Festival promises an
awe-inspiring return to Monterey Car Week in August.
MMF founder and CEO Paolo Manca
will build on the success of his inaugural event — heralded for its
unique blend of entertainment and technological innovation — with
the help from an Italian automotive legend and a renowned events
coordinator.
Famed in the Italian motoring scene with a 40-year career as the
former chief test driver of Lamborghini, Valentino Balboni will appear at MMF when it
returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on Aug. 17, from 2-10
p.m.
Manca also has announced the addition of former Lamborghini
communications director Raffaello
Porro to the team, bringing his wealth of experience to a
similar role with MMF.
Manca said he is "beyond excited" to welcome both automotive
industry legends to the fold, believing they will only elevate MMF
into a hallmark event on a global stage.
Balboni is so monumental in Lamborghini history that the brand
created a special edition car just for him. The Gallardo LP 550-2
"Valentino Balboni" edition was
limited to only 250 units and, unlike the contemporary Gallardo,
was converted to rear wheel drive at Balboni's request, thus
reducing the curb weight by 66 pounds.
In his role as marketing and communications director, Porro
brings decades of experience in the creation and promotion of
cultural and entertainment events, particularly within the
automotive sector. Among his records, still unbeaten: 350 cars from
29 countries for the 50th anniversary of Lamborghini,
the highest speed on the Miami Int'l airport runway with a
Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and the spectacular presentation of
the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster on an Italian aircraft carrier in
the military port of Abu
Dhabi.
From Modena, Italy, Porro is
already familiar with the Monterey
Peninsula. His hiring comes two weeks following his
departure from Concorso Italiano, a preeminent, Italian-focused
lifestyle event during Monterey Car Week. Porro said he is excited
to help expand on the event's "fresh and exciting offerings."
"Joining this dynamic team is an honor, and I'm grateful to
Paolo Manca for his confidence in
me," he said. "The Monterey Motorsports Festival breaks new ground
with its innovative spirit, aiming to revolutionize the
traditional, conservative narrative of Car Week."
A graduate in Modern Literature, Porro embarked on his career at
Fiat in 1991, before joining Lamborghini in 2009. Since 2014, he
has offered his skills as an independent strategic advisor to
industries, including automotive, sailing, aerospace, biotech, and
the performing arts. Porro's decade-long tenure as co-organizer and
ambassador for Concorso Italiano underscores his substantial
contributions to the automotive community.
Manca said Porro's respected organizing and public relations
expertise will be invaluable, particularly outside the U.S.
"Launching this event last year, our aim was to introduce a
novel and exhilarating element to Monterey Car Week," Manca said.
"With ambitious plans for our second edition on Aug. 17, we rely on a strong, inventive team —
now further bolstered by Raffaello's involvement."
MMF highlights for 2024
Promising an unforgettable experience for car enthusiasts and
visitors, the 2024 event will showcase an array of classic and
modern vehicles, including rare and exotic models from across the
globe, complemented by unique aviation highlights.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a broad spectrum
of automotive marvels, from the latest offerings by leading
manufacturers to vintage treasures dating back to the early 1900s.
The festival will feature a diverse range of vehicles, ensuring
something for every interest.
MMF goes beyond static displays, offering interactive activities
such as racing simulators, vehicle wrap demos, off-road exhibits,
live entertainment, and a variety of food and drink options, making
it an essential destination for anyone passionate about the
automotive world.
Throughout the day, guests can engage with a wide array of
industry representatives, from car manufacturers and dealers to
custom shop owners and technology experts, gaining insights into
the automotive world through interviews and panels.
The festival also offers a range of activities suitable for all
ages, including simulators, video games, live installations, and
interactive areas inspired by motorsports, ensuring an engaging
experience for both adults and children.
Open until 10 p.m., the event
extends into the evening with MMF Under the Lights, featuring
nighttime viewing, live performances, dance groups, food courts and
outdoor bars.
Mecum returns as MMF sponsor
A long-time participant in Monterey Car Week through its
renowned auction (this year held Aug.
15-17 at Monterey Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa), Mecum
Auctions will resume its sponsorship with MMF.
Founded by company President Dana
Mecum in 1988, Mecum hosts large-scale collector car
auctions throughout the year, including as host of the world's
largest collector car auction held each January in Kissimmee, Fla.
2024 Event details
- Date: Aug. 17, 2024
- Time: 2-10 p.m.
- Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds
- Tickets: General admission, VIP and special rate tickets
are available here.
- Credentials: Members of the media, influencers and
content creators should apply here.
- Nonprofit partners: Heritage Foundation; Boys and Girls
Club of Monterey County; Monterey
County Family Justice Center; Seneca Center; Alliance on Aging; Gil
Basketball Academy; Monterey Rape Crisis Center; Monterey Symphony;
Animal Friends Rescue Project; Sun Street Center; YMCA Central
Coast; Alzheimer's Association; Legal Services for Seniors.
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SOURCE Monterey Motorsports