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2006 Festival of Speed
By: Fritz Kloepfel
Photos by the author
March 03, 2006

Article Images


Mankind’s fascination with motion can be traced back almost as far as history itself. Foot races, horse races and bicycle races chronicle this fascination going back many centuries. At the dawn of the twentieth century powered transportation began to develop, and it’s been an explosion of speed ever since. Cars, planes, boats and motorcycles feed our passion, and fuel our fantasies. A chance to bring them together is a cause for celebration. Add a generous portion of fine food, good drink and enthusiastic people and you have a festival. A Festival of Speed.

This year’s third annual Festival of Speed in St. Petersburg, Florida was a perfect example. Friday evening’s “Jet Port Reception” held in the AvantAir hanger at the St Petersburg/Clearwater Airport got things off to a running start. The hanger was cleaned and prepared as though it was the Grand Ballroom of a luxury resort. Jets, prop planes and helicopters shared space with the likes of Bentleys, Aston Martins and the car that looks like it might fly, the Spyker. Porsche was this year’s Honor Marque, and they were well represented. The brilliant orange Jagermeister Porsche 911 race car parked right by the entrance gave notice that you would be viewing the best of the best at this event. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and cocktails helped make the presentation even more pleasant as a strolling saxophone player provided a light jazz background.

On Saturday afternoon the marina just across the street from the beautiful host hotel, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, was populated with a variety of yachts representing the best in aquatic style, grace and speed. At this “Yacht Hop” an incredible meal was served on the water allowing guests to enjoy their lunch while floating among the opulence. A quick walk up the dock puts you back on historic Fifth Avenue which was lined with flamboyant Lamborghinis, stately Rolls Royces and the occasional Lotus. Champion’s all conquering ALMS Audi R8 was parked there next to the brand new Cayman S race car they will campaign this year. Motorcycles and cross-over vehicles like the three wheeled T-Rex also competed for spectator’s attention. It was an interesting juxtaposition to see the Champ Car styled Indy Street two-seaters rolling down the old brick street looking like they had arrived early for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.

Saturday night was set aside for the “Evening Gala.” It started with cocktails on the patio of the Vinoy and then moved to the breezeway which was festooned with sparkling custom choppers and race bikes along with some gorgeous automotive art from the likes of photographer Jonathan Kendall. Dinner took place in the actual Grand Ballroom of a luxury resort. The Renaissance Vinoy Resort created the perfect atmosphere for a feast amidst race cars, luxury cars and exotics. The Mercedes SLR McLaren was a highlight, as was the artistic Spyker parked in front of one of the very special works of art provided for the event auction. The recently introduced Gallardo roadster was parked in one corner while the Champion “tuner” Porsche F77 guarded the opposite corner. The food was spectacular, the company interesting and the setting was as exciting as the Porsche GT1 that was centered in the main entry. An Evening Gala indeed.

Sunday brought early morning showers, but eventually the skies cleared and it was time to place cars on the lawn in beautiful Vinoy Park. Perched on the edge of Tampa Bay, this park was a spectacular setting to showcase the more than 250 vehicles which were entered in the Concours. Panteras and Avantis gathered in groups. Porsches poured across the park while Aston Martins made a compact bunch. The Rolls and Bentley crowd found a spot by the marina and the Ferraris gathered with the St. Pete Pier as a backdrop. There were muscle cars, classics, and my personal favorite, a re-creation of the famous Jaguar XJ-13. The XJ-13 was a racer that never actually raced. It was a one of a kind mid-engine car that many believe was the most beautiful thing to ever come out of Coventry. While the original is housed in a museum in England today, this stunning replica allows us the opportunity to see what might have been had Jaguar’s financial situation been better in the early 1960’s allowing the car to race at le Mans. Dressed in British Racing Green, with flowing curves and a genuine Jaguar V-12 mounted behind the driver, I find the proportions and lines to be pure perfection.

The variety of cars was notable, but the number of high dollar exotics was probably the most impressive aspect of this gathering. A Porsche GT1, a Mercedes CLK, a McLaren F1 and an Enzo make an extraordinary gathering. But throw in an FXX and not one, but two Maserati MC-12’s and you have a truly staggering collection of rare and expensive machinery. For many people the opportunity to see even one of these cars might never come along. For the enthusiast, the chance to see two or three on the same day is exciting. But a gathering of this sort, in an area like Tampa Bay, is beyond exciting. It’s awe inspiring, and that’s how I was left. In awe.

The Festival of Speed in St. Petersburg has taken a giant leap forward this year. The caliber of each of the events increased, the attendance was up, and the number and quality of cars went through the roof. If this is any indication of what to expect next year, I’ll be first in line.