Kruse Intl., Pinnacle Motorsports to Host Indianapolis Concours Gran Prix & Auction
Kruse International, Pinnacle Motorsports to Host Indianapolis Concours Gran Prix & Auction July 16, 2003 Indianapolis, IN-Kruse International and Pinnacle Motorsports have announced plans to hold the 1st annual Indianapolis Concours Gran Prix & Auction on Saturday, September 27, 2003. Held at the White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the event will coincide with both the Formula One Grand Prix and Jazz Fest. The concours portion of the September 27th event will feature 50 of the finest collector cars in the region. Vehicles will range from classics such as Duesenbergs and Stutzes, which were produced in Indianapolis, to exotic sports cars, such as Ferraris. Unlike a Concours d'Elegance, which features judging based on a point system by a group of experts, the Indianapolis event will feature celebrity judges. It is the hope of event organizers that in years to come the event will evolve into a world-class Concours d'Elegance. "The first year for any event is always a learning experience. Both Kruse and Pinnacle Motorsports felt it would be best to have a smaller-scale event the first year out rather than attempt a full-blown Concours d'Elegance," said Stephanny Hartzell, vice president of public relations for Kruse International. It is a tradition of various concours to be affiliated with charities. In keeping with this, a portion of the Indianapolis Concour's proceeds will benefit Christel House, an Indianapolis-based charity that funds and operates schools in India, Mexico, South Africa, Venezuela and Indianapolis. What inspired Kruse and Pinnacle Motorsports to establish an Indianapolis Concours? "Indianapolis has more automotive heritage than any other city in the world, with the exception of Detroit. It's where they built the Duesenberg and the Stutz. It's the racing capitol of the world. What better place to have an event that celebrates outstanding vehicles," said Dean Kruse, founder and CEO of Kruse International. Another event typically included at a concours is a fashion show, and the Indianapolis Concours is no exception. A fashion show, sponsored by Indianapolis Woman Magazine, the Helen Wells Modeling Agency, and Saks Fifth Avenue, will be held at the River House at White River Gardens. The day's events will conclude with a collector car auction, which will feature over 100 collector cars crossing the auction block. Admission for the event is $25 per person. Automobile marketing fees for the auction include a pair of tickets for the Formula One race, which will take place on September 28th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For more information on the Indianapolis Concours Gran Prix and the collector car auction, call (800) 968-4444 or visit www.kruse.com <http://www.kruse.com>.