“It surpassed our wildest expectations,” said Aaron Weiss, a San Marino resident and one of the founders of the show. “This put us on the map as being more than just a regional car event. We are now getting national exposure.”
It is also exceeding its primary stated goal, which is to raise money for charities. Former Mayor Dennis Kneier, who serves as treasurer of the Motor Classic, reported that sponsorships were up by approximately ten percent over last year’s event, which eventually gave more than $230,000 to charities—a number which will no doubt jump this year. Kneier said that sponsorships had also increased.
“I never thought we would get more sponsors, but obviously I was wrong,” Kneier said. “Sponsorships are merely people giving money to make sure this thing is a success.”
It would be difficult to the 2018 San Marino Motor Classic as anything other than a success. Though official figures are difficult to compile, Weiss estimated that approximately 10,000 visitors entered Lacy Park on Sunday to either view, work or in come other way participate in the event. Ticket sales showed a 20% increase over last year and more than 1,000 ducats were purchased at the door.
“It was a strong crowd,” Kneier added. “You didn’t get uncomfortable, but you certainly felt like there were a lot of people there all day long. You also got a feeling that this was certainly a place where you want to be.”
A Saturday evening gala, also held in the park, sold out, with 450 guests enjoying dinner and a performance by the USC Marching Band under the twilight.
The weather also cooperated for both events as Saturday evening wasn’t too cool and Sunday never got too hot.
Another draw was the initial display of ten cars that were raced by actor Paul Newman. Arranged in the center of Lacy Park, the Newman collection was probably the most popular attraction of the event.
Owned by television and podcast host Adam Carolla, the Newman race cars were entered in a special class entitled, “Adam Carolla’s Paul Newman Collection” and included a variety of Newman’s Datsun and Nissan race cars, including the famous Porsche 935 that Newman drove in the 1979 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Carolla made an appearance at the Motor Classic and was interviewed over the parks’ public address system, where he professed his admiration for Newman, but groaned that he woke up Sunday “in Portland, at five o’clock in the morning.” The good-natured comedian gleefully interacted with car enthusiasts during his visit.
The San Marino Motor Classic has become such a must-see social event that it’s easy to forget that there is an actual competition involved. Best In Show-Pre War went to John Groendyke for his 1930 Cadillac V16. George Alspaugh took home Best In Show-Post War with his 1947. A full accounting of honors and awards is available on sanmarinomotorclassic.com.
Weiss was ecstatic with the efficiency of this year’s event and also its national exposure.
“Of the 19 cars that were displayed at Saturday night’s gala, many were brought in from out of state,” Weiss told The Tribune. “The Best In Show was an out-of-state exhibitor and we also had cars from Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, Texas, Oregon and Arizona. That is a big measure of a show. These people are not going to ship their cars across the country for nothing. Just for them to be there is a big deal.”
An even bigger deal is the $1.6 million the show has produced for charities in its forst seven years. Last year, the San Marino Motor Classic doled out over $230,000, including $100,00 to the Pasadena Humane Society, $100,000 to San Marino Rotary Charities and $50,000 to the USC Trojan Marching Band. Disbursements from the 2018 event will be finalized at a later date.
Weiss thanked his all-volunteer staff for their effort and dedication before signing off with what has become his watchword.
“June 9, 2019,” he said with a chuckle, making sure everyone has next year’s event already on the calendar.
