Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance Canceled
If you were hoping to browse the mouth-watering classics at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, don’t break out the collared shirts just yet. The event has been cancelled for the same reason everything else you wanted to do is now impossible. Pebble Beach officials have decided to nix the show, originally scheduled for August 16th, rather than risk the health of entrants, judges, and volunteers.
“My heart goes out to all of the people who are involved in the Pebble Beach Concours and who are impacted by this decision,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button for the announcement. “Many of our entrants have been working on a special car for years, and this was to be their moment. Some of our overseas entrants were nearing the point of putting their cars on boats and planes, and their own travel arrangements have long been made. The same is true for many of our international cadre of judges.”
Button continued. “We thank all of the enthusiasts who have gathered at Pebble Beach time and again to renew long-standing friendships, celebrate great cars and give so generously to Concours charities — and who have already expressed their support for the coming celebration no matter the date.”
With the event scheduled for August, it seemed as though Concours d’Elegance wasn’t in any real danger. Organizers actually informed applicants of their acceptance earlier this month, noting that entrants should plan to ready their vehicles even if there was a delay. Something must have changed to necessitate a full-blown closure.
Perhaps organizers just wanted to keep things simple. Rather than trying to find a way to pull the show off a month or two later than planned, everything is being transitioned to next year’s event. Features will remain as planned, with a display of previous Best of Show winners along the edge of Stillwater Cove and new special classes focusing on Pininfarina, the world’s oldest electric vehicles, Porsche 917, Talbot-Lago Grand Sport, and the Carrera Panamericana. They’ll just be happening on August 15th, 2021.
All tickets purchased to date for the 70th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will also be valid for next year. However, those seeking a refund may contact info@pebblebeachconcours.net.
“Pebble Beach Company has been pleased to host this event since its beginning, and we look forward to hosting the 70th celebration in 2021,” said Company CEO William L. Perocchi. “This event does more than celebrate great cars; it benefits so many people in need. Ultimately, the continued health and safety of everyone associated with the Concours is our number one priority, which led us to this difficult decision. We recognize that cancelling the 2020 Event will be disappointing to many, although we are confident it is appropriate under these unique circumstances.”
[Image: Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Don't think so. The Great Depression had a number of causes, including the lack of regulatory controls during the 20's. Any period of economic deregulation has always resulted in a short boom, followed by a large recession/depression. During the Great Depression, most governments took a hands off approach until the election of the greatest American president FDR. Roosevelt adopted Keynesian strategy which helped to create a social safety net, and enough government infrastructure projects to put a significant number back to work. The current economic situation is artificial. Once things re-open those who are working will have a pent up demand to spend their money. That should provide employment for many who have lost their jobs. Unfortunately a great many small business may close permanently. However people will still need haircuts, hair styling, dog grooming and similar services so most will be replaced by new stores. Hopefully at least some manufacturing will also return to North America. The reliance on the Chinese supply chain has proven to be both fragile and prone to political intrigue. For example 2 planes chartered by Canadian governments recently returned from China without any of their purchased cargo of PPEs. Intrigue on the part of Chinese officials forced these planes to return before being loaded. Not to say that there will not be suffering. There will, unfortunately. But not to the extent of the Great Depression, when there was no social safety net. Perhaps we will learn from this and replace the myriad of existing social programs such as employment insurance, welfare, food stamps, etc with one universal, cheap to administer Guaranteed Annual Income program. Similar to the CERT now in place in Canada. If your income falls below a certain level, you apply, receive a figure guaranteed to provide you with a certain level of income and each tax year it is reconciled.
And Laguna Seca thinks they are putting on the reunion with distancing procedures, They just sent out a newsletter. Just can’t see any of car week happening.