Chattanooga MotorCar Festival Wraps Successful First Event

Chattanooga, TN -- More than 200 cars took part in three types of events -- High Jinks Rallyes through the Tennessee countryside, races on a 1.5-mile circuit called the Time Trials-Between the Bridges, and The Rendezvous of the Greats Concours d'Elegance -- at the Oct. 11-13 Chattanooga MotorCar Festival, presented by DeFoor Brothers and sponsored by Volkswagen of America.

Photo: Patrick Tremblay

The inaugural event was deemed a success despite a Friday morning incident  during a Time Trials race that injured two course workers after a car experienced a mechanical failure and hit a safety barrier.

Time Trials Awards

Brass Era: Perry Freeman, 1918 American LaFrance

Prewar: Bill Stelcher, 1929 Ford Model A

Front-engined Grand Prix: Chip Wright, 1938 Wolseley Special

50s-60s Small Bore: David Blakey, 1967 MGBGT

50s-60s Big Bore: Joe Palmer, 1965 Shelby Mustang

70s Small Bore: Norm Murdock, 1972 Ford Capri

70s Big Bore: Bill Elliott, 1970 Boss Mustang

Open Wheel: David Roberts, 1978 Lightning Indy Car

Can Am: Martin Lauber, 1966 Lola T70

Photo: Patrick Tremblay

Rallye Awards

Best Time: Randy Martin

People’s Choice: Mackenzie Jabaley

Concours winners received a bronze sculpture designed by local sculptor Cessna Decosimo. The People's Choice went to a 1961 Porsche 356 Outlaw, owned by Jerry Peters of Braselton, Ga. The 1928 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS Roadster, owned by Peter Boyle of Oil City, Pa., earned the Timeless Elegance award, and the Best of Show was presented to Al and Barbara Mason of Purcellville, Va., for their 1928 Auburn 8-115. Get all event results.

“We thank everyone who participated and supported our ambitious efforts to bring this unique motoring event to the City of Chattanooga,” said Byron DeFoor, founder of the Festival. "It took many months of sacrifice by many people, including employees and volunteers, to make this special event happen. We could not have done it without the support of everyone in Chattanooga, the sponsors and the passionate car collectors who brought their cars here. Thank you all."