News from Pocono

Track time at the Poconos, and the Ferraris will be there...

Pocono 2004: June 25-28th, Be There!

There are two major events in the US which celebrate the Italinan car; the Concorso Italiano in Monterey, and Le Belle Macchine d'Italia, in the Poconos. Both have a very different flavor, and it is difficult to make comparisons. The Concorso event is part of a very wild and wonderful weekend of cars in August, and draws the best Italian cars from the west coast. Le Belle is more of a private event for owners, but is the only event to feature an on track event as part of the festivities. Details are on their website at http://www.italiancarsatpocono.com.

A look at the Best in Show awards since 1998 indicates that Le Belle also attracts some pretty impressive machinery: 1998, Nick Soprano's 405S Maserati; 1999, Peter Sachs' 335S Ferrari; 2000, Alfredo Brener's ex-Shah 5000GT Maserati; 2001 David Scaite's 1951 F1 Ferrari 212; 2002, Willem Van Huystee's 1932 8C 3000 Maserati; 2003, Lawrence Auriena's Alfa Type 33 Stradale.

The participants are categorized by marques representing Alfa Romeo, DeTomaso, Ferrari, Fiat, Iso/Bizzarrini, Lamborghini, Lancia, Maserati, Motorcycles, and an Open Class. The judging for awards is performed by clubs representing each marque. Each marque is divided into classes and evaluated under standards set by the individual clubs. The class winners within each marque are then judged against one another for the honor of "Best of Show".

On the mountain top, the layout and scenery is superb.

We always enjoy going to the Poconos for the event. All the major clubs participate, and ensure a wide variety cars. The total numbers don't compare to the west coast event, but there is less redundancy and equal quality. In 2002, the venue was changed to a new and much more suitable location at the Skytop Lodge, an executive retreat nestled in the heart of the Poconos. The address is simply that, the Skytop Lodge in Skytop, PA. Directions can be found on the website.

While the concours uses the Skytop facilites, the track event is hosted by Pocono International Raceway, about 15 miles away. The track features a 2.5 mile road course with 8 turns. Two "S" style turns, a 170 degree hairpin, and two 3,000+ ft. straights joined by a 16 degree banked turn providing the opportunity to drive one of the foremost super speedways in the country.

All track eligible cars must pass an extensive tech inspection performed by Ferrari of Long Island. Only Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, DeTomaso, Iso, Bizzarrini, pre-approved limited production sports cars and vintage Italian automobiles are eligible for open track groups.

Many Ferraris to choose from, but a wide assortment of De Tomasos, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Alfa Romeos and Abarths always make the show.

After passing tech inspection, each eligible driver is evaluated on skill level as determined by representatives of SRE. The drivers are then placed in the respective "Groups" and matched with instructors for further evaluation.

Every year the event hosts a number of special guests, onhand to discuss everything from automobile design to yachts. This year, Lamborghini CEO Dott. Giuseppe (Joe) Greco, Lamborghini Factory Test Driver Valentino Balboni, and the irrespressable Piero Rivolta plan to be enjoying the event as special guests.

Plan to be there, time is is running short. There is also a rumor that there will be the biggest gathering of 450S Maseratis ever, along with gathering of special bodied Bizzarrinis. As an added bonus Lamborghini will be offer rides for charity with Dott. Greco & Valentino Balboni. A chance to ride with a Factory Test Driver on a High Speed Race Track--Stayed tuned for a report from the event.