Mercedes-Benz Club of America Gears-Up for 'Biggest Party of the Year'

StarFest 2012 brings classic cars, racing, celebrities and more to Phoenix, Sept. 28- Oct. 3

PHOENIX--Sept. 13, 2012: The Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) MBCA, the largest Mercedes-Benz enthusiast organization in the world, will host StarFest® 2012, its biggest event of the year September 28 - October 3 at the famed Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. The event, featuring a classic car competition, autocross driving, acceleration runs and more, is hosted by the Desert Stars (Arizona) Section of MBCA, presented by Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), and supported by generous sponsors with an affinity for Mercedes-Benz and the people who drive them.

StarFest® 2012 represents the largest biennial convention of MBCA members in North America. For five days, the restful oasis of the Arizona Biltmore will be transformed into a virtual playground of classic and contemporary Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Club Members and their guests will have the chance to participate in a myriad of events and activities designed for aficionados of every age and driving experience.

At nearby Firebird International Raceway, participants will learn the art of defensive driving; take part in the national launch of MBCA's new "Safe Drivers, Safe Families" teen driving program; and rev-up their engines for acceleration runs, time trials and competitive autocross.

On September 30, guests will be invited to a Concours d 'Elegance ("competition of elegance") to view and participate in the judging of privately owned and extremely rare Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Wayne Carini, popular host of TV's "Chasing Classic Cars" on the Velocity for Discovery Channel will serve as Honorary Chief Concours judge to help emcee the day's activities and present a special award on behalf of autism research. Seminars, tech sessions and workshops will unveil facts about the past, present and future of the iconic Mercedes-Benz brand; teach vehicle preservation from master restorers and announce the newest benefits and discounts available to MBCA members.

"We're betting this year's StarFest will be the biggest and best in MBCA history," boasts Bud Cloninger, Desert Stars' Section president and StarFest 2012 Committee Chair. "It promises to be the ultimate confluence of Mercedes-Benz horsepower; celebrity star power and some of the most impassioned Mercedes-Benz drivers in the world -- members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. If you're in Phoenix, we encourage anyone, MBCA member or not, to join us at the Concours d 'Elegance on September 30 on the Biltmore's Squaw Peak Lawn."

Sponsors of StarFest 2012 include Becker Autosound, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, GAHH Automotive, Hagerty Insurance, JC Taylor Specialty Automotive Insurance, Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, M.B. Motors Ltd., MBZ Autoparts, Meguiar's Inc., Mercedes-Benz Financial, Road-Ready Certified, Vintage Euro Parts and Yokohama Tire.

For more information, visit StarFest 2012