Category:
Visiting the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area
Release Date:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
Pinehurst, NC – A distinctive experiential twist will await entrants of the 2013 Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance, the “Iron Mike Rally.” This road rally, taking place on Friday, May 3, 2013, will include a picturesque route from the Pinehurst Resort to Fort Bragg, a show for the military and their families on the legendary Main Post Parade Field, as well as interactive experiences for all participants.
Entrants who take part in the Iron Mike Rally will receive extra consideration as their vehicles undergo the judging process at the inaugural Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance, on Sunday, May 5, 2013.
The Iron Mike Rally is named after the iconic “Iron Mike” statue, located near Fort Bragg headquarters, that represents all paratroopers, past, present and future. Fort Bragg is home of the United States Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces and is one of the largest military complexes in the world, with approximately 57,000 military personnel, 11,000 civilian employees and 23,000 family members on site.
Accompanied by police and military escorts, rally participants will drive the approximately 35-mile route from Pinehurst Resort, winding through the towns of Pinehurst and Southern Pines, before entering the Longstreet Gate of Fort Bragg. Participants will then arrive at the heart of the base, wind around the traffic circle at the Iron Mike statue and then enter the Main Post Parade Field. The massive Parade Field has hosted celebrations and ceremonies since World War I, including those involving the President of the United States and foreign heads of state.
Once the vehicles are parked, the Parade Field will open to military members and their families, who will have the opportunity to meet and interface with the Concours vehicle owners and drivers, and learn about the history and heritage of some of the world’s most iconic vehicles. At the same time, the Concours participants will be introduced to some of our nation’s greatest heroes, walking among and enjoying hands-on interaction with military displays and exhibits.
A special award – the “Soldier’s Choice” – will be given to the vehicle with the most votes by military guests attending the event.
“The Iron Mike Rally accomplishes two goals,” said Dean Kessel, founder and CEO of the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance. “First it provides an exciting route for our entrants to exercise their cars and obtain an advantage at Sunday’s Concours, but secondly – and more importantly – it’s a way for the entrants to experience and interact with some of our nation’s finest men, women and families.”
Support for the Iron Mike Rally and all of the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance events at Fort Bragg has been substantial, as opportunities have arisen to enhance the entrant and attendee experience.
“We are fortunate to have this opportunity provided for our soldiers and their families and look forward to being a part of the Iron Mike Rally,” said Tommy Bolton, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. “There are many automotive enthusiast on the Ft. Bragg complex who will enjoy seeing the cars and meeting the entrants, and this will be a wonderful opportunity to share the story of the American Soldier and Fort Bragg with these car owners and drivers and others present.”
“There is plenty of valued benefit for all participants to share,” Bolton continued. “This is indeed going to be a very special event.”
About the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance
For more than 100 years, Pinehurst has crowned champions in some of the most prestigious golf events in the world. Now a new champion will be named on the storied links, this time for “Best in Show” for automobiles at the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, May 5, 2013.
The Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance will combine the world-class amenities of Pinehurst Resort, special experiences for all attendees, some of the greatest vehicles ever created and an opportunity to benefit and honor the men and women of the military from nearby Fort Bragg, NC.
Four days of events are planned for the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance starting on Thursday, May 2nd with a “Taste of the Carolinas” Aerodrome Party at nearby Moore County Regional Airport. On Friday, May 3rd, many of the concours-participating vehicles will take part in the Iron Mike Rally, ending the day at a special event in downtown Pinehurst. A collector car auction will be held on Saturday, May 4th, as well as “The Pinehurst Concours Derby Party – A Celebration of Horsepower” gala event that evening at Pinehurst Resort. The inaugural Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance, featuring more than 150 of the most historic automobiles and motorcycles from around the world, including significant military vehicles, takes place on Sunday, May 5th.
Additional information about the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance, including the latest news about the event, may be found at www.pinehurstconcours.com. Please also see the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram and Pinterest page, all accessible via the website.
The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic development organization and non-profit authority of Moore County, North Carolina. The CVB mission is to promote the area as a destination for visitors, meetings, conventions and tours. The CVB is funded primarily by a three percent hotel / motel room occupancy tax paid by visitors to Moore County.