Rooted in Rosso - FCA Charlotte

     Set the scene: it’s August 1988 Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Ferrari Club of America Annual Meet; I’m there.

     Fast-forward 37 years, September 2025 Charlotte, North Carolina, I’m there.

     Difference being in 1988, I was in my mother’s stomach, not yet born, but working registration at the track. Always reported as miserably hot and muggy, with the only relief being the hidden box fan.

     I have attended various FCA events, even before I was born, and they all share a common thread: community.

     Over the years, I have volunteered for registration, logistics, Mercato vending, and almost every other position you can think of.

     Due to diligence and study, the last several years have found me in my judge’s uniform, blue blazer and khakis, early morning waiting for marching orders.

     This year I was the Chief Class Judge for Class 10, 458 Italia and Speciale. It is expected judges are experts with years of experience.

     In fact, many times we are the last say, a result of our own obsession with a particular model range. We make decisions on originality and hard calls about how a vehicle might have been delivered.

 

     The concours is only a small portion of the larger experience, a side effect of the members who attend. That dynamic is paramount while reporting on the 2025 FCA Annual Meet in Charlotte, NC.

     The teamwork it takes to orchestrate an Annual Meet is only parallel to the opening night of a Broadway show. Levels of innovation appear, with miracles being pulled off early morning on a field as the rain threatens.

     Registration staff spend hours on zoom calls brainstorming efficient ways to fill and distribute out welcome bags.

     Judges are volunteers who have flown in from across the world for a couple of hours focused on the field.

     Track instructors, Mercato merchants, and all the support staff who make an Annual Meet run are the silent heroes of our hobby, thank you.

     On Sunday, as I pulled onto The Ballantyne property a sea of Rosso could be seen from the road. The main lot was sectioned off filled with rows of owners roaming and connecting.

 

     This is when the blood really starts to flow, exhaust notes in the distance, laughter in the lobby paired with a little “Southern Hospitality”.

     Registration was tucked away downstairs, overlooking grounds coming alive for the evening’s garden-style welcome event. With credentials and poster in hand, it was time to mingle.

     While walking the lot one interaction left an impression. A young local inquired ‘what’ profession owners need to obtain a Ferrari, to which the response was simply “ask why they own a Ferrari”.

     Owners will weave tales of camaraderie. Storytelling is a common thread in car culture and Annual Meets build lasting plots.

     The garden party was one of those moments: perfect weather, casual dining, and light entertainment.

     Members grouped at tables, stood and laughed, or danced to the evening soundtrack. I chose the second option.

     Denise Ferrari, Oregon, brought her best stories, keeping energy high. As evening fell, owners scattered to interior bars or back to rooms for much-needed relaxation.

 

     Five AM arrives early most days, but not on concours morning. Owners are starting  to unload their vehicles. Field logistics are walking the green identifying soft spots and plotting parking.

     Event staff are building ramps, entrances, and awnings to help facilitate smooth execution.

     As a judge, the five AM alarm means it’s showtime, put on the uniform and get to business. Breakfast with the team, expectations from Leslie Blinn, Chief Concours Judge; all part of the process. The real magic begins when we walk out on the field.

     This year’s field held approximately 130 cars with around 90 judged.

     As we celebrated 50 years of the 308 a special display was arranged near the club house. Sharing space with a 365 GT4/BBLM, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and 246 Dinos, not bad company.

 

     Six rows of expertly placed vehicles lined the club’s driving range, giving the illusion of a Crayola box.

     In keeping with the Daytona theme, a showstopper was the 1 of 599 Daytona SP3 with a striking two-tone livery.

     Judges completed their assignments just in time for the three o’clock awards ceremony. Platino, oro, and argento trophies were presented, with major awards being carried out after the completion of Coppa Bella GT.

     Traditionally judges fly in, perform, and fly out leaving much of the event a mystery. While we get credentials to attend, time rarely allows.

     Being local, however, meant I made a final stop at Charlotte Motor Speedway before heading back to Knoxville.

     Generations of driving talent filled the pits, smell of high octane fuel hung in the air, and unrestricted exhaust symphonies sealed the experience.

     Cassidy Noland said it best: “You didn’t grow up wanting to drive a Red Bull, it was a Ferrari.” Several groups ran throughout the day with instructors on hand to coach drivers.

     Specific moments get lumped in with the broader event. Attendees remember how they felt while participating but not always which car won.

     The “newest” model from the local dealer changes, but members tweak vehicles for decades chasing the rush of a trophy.

     Event locations rotate across regions, while the same community congregates every year for just a few more laughs.

     My experience at the Annual Meet is always unique, but what keeps me engaged is the consistency of the people.

     I cannot wait to hit the alarm at five AM and throw on the uniform. Until next time, Forza Ferrari!