May 1999

May Monthly gathering

We enjoyed a nice evening on May 10th for our monthly gathering. In the car park were Jack O’Brien’s MGA, John Hauser’s Healey, Adam Berusch’s Ferrari Boxer 512BBi, Thor Mirchandani’s Ferrari 365 GTC, Tim Simmons’ Alfa Romeo Veloce CE, a Fiat X19 , and Blake Frazier’s Z. We enjoyed looking at the proofs of the Phil Hill pictures sent by Peter Sachs of the Klemantaski Collection in connection with our efforts to collect an interestin display of automotive art celebrating the career of Phil Hill at the Corsa Rossa European Car Festival. We also had a lively discussion of Peter Krause’s Car Guys Driving School. Also of interest were several impressions of those who had previously met Phil Hill.

Although we had a good turnout of cars and a light turnout of folks, we had a great time much of which was spent laughing at each other. Adam drove his Ferrari up all the way from Charlotte for the gathering which was a treat in that most of us had not seen the car.

Ned Gallaher who owns a 3500 Lamborghini and drives a Lotus Mark 7 to work each day in Asheville was also mentioned as being an excellent source of technical expertise and service in the Western portion of the state. Ned maintains several Ferraris, Maseratis, Alfa Romeos, British Sports Cars in addition to the BMWs and Mercedes that come through his shop. Ned is an ex bicycle racer from the 1970s and 80s turned mechanic.

Ned’s shop is located at 120B Lyman street in Asheville just off of Patton. His work number is 828 254 2212. Those of us who attended the Ferrari Challenge at Road Atlanta in August 1998 will recall that ned was there and had driven his Lotus Mark Six to the track from Asheville. Ned ran his yellow 1960s Lamborghini at the Corsa Rossa Rally in October and competes in the 70 car plus British Car Days South Rally each year in his Lotus.

This month’s event is the Ferrari Club of America event at Chateau Elan. At this point Jim Clarkson is Driving his Ferrari 328, Thor Mirchandani is Driving his Ferrari 365 GTC with Amy Kudla, Steve Karapetian is driving his Ferrari 308 GT4 with Kate and Miriam, and Adam Berusch is driving his 1983 Ferrari Boxer. Also heading down To Chateau Elan will be John Hauser, Bill Craig and Blake Frazier.

Thor gave a report on the wine tour hosted by the MAARC and the newsletter was discussed.
John Hauser

Corsa Rossa’s European Car Festival Update!

When? October 9th 1999
Where? Historic Reynolda House, Village and Gardens, Winston-salem, NC

Our annual European Car Festival which began as an Italian Festival for the Italian olympic team in July of 1996 with 60 Italian cars on display evolved into a European Car Festival in October of 1998 with 120 cars. Given the pleasant response to last year’s festival we have the Southeast Region of the Ferrari Club holding their fall concours at the show. Also in response to our choosing this year to honor Phil Hill one of the United States’ most famous racing drivers this year, Brown Fox Books has donated 22 copies of Phil Hill: Yankee Champion to the awards for the 22 classes.

For those of you who do not have a copy of the book you can order one from Mark Godfrey at Brown Fox books at 1 800 450 7949. The book traces Phil hill’s career from his early midget racing days in California, to the Carera Panamerican Road Race to LeMans and his 1961 Gran Prix championship win with Ferrari. This 6X9 inch hardback has an extensive index and 114 beautiful and exciting images. The cost is $39.50 and $4.50 for shipping. We will have John Hauser’s current and Jack O’Brien’s 1961 edition at our May 11th meeting.

We are contemplating a tour instead of a rally after the show this year and would like your input. We had 26 cars drive the rally and many more request a driving tour encompassing the mountains around Hanging Rock and pilot Mountain State Parks outside of town coupled with a drive through of historic Bethania, Bethabra and old Salem. If you are new to the area and Corsa Rossa, for more information on last years show including registration, awards and photographs Click Here!

For information on the Festival call either Steve Karapetian at 336 766 1785 or Thor Mirchandani at 336 773 1008.

Don't miss these events!

Like Italian cars? Need a life? There's plenty fun stuff to do this year! For example, visit

Driving Tours in Europe !!

Ferrari Drivers Tour

Steve Barney is hosting a tour of England, Italy, France and Monaco Sunday May 9th through Tuesday May 18th. The tour will include driving at Brands Hatch in England with driving in a single seater, a visit to the Ferrari Museum in Italy and luch at Ferrari’s Cavallino Restaurant, Boat trips in Nice and Monte Carlo and grand stand seats at the Monaco Grand Prix followed by a trip to Paris. The land tour price is per peson based on double occupancy at $4,576. for complete details and reservations call New Horizons Travel in Charlotte at 1 800 333 8016.

Mid Atlantic Alfa Romeo Club Tour of Italy

The club will be hosting a trip from Setember 3rd through September 13th. Barry Ward of Charlotte is working out the details. The trip includes flying to Rome, a tour plus free time, picking up a rental Alfa Romeo and 6 days of driving.

The tour includes visiting Monte Catini near Florence, Rimini, San Morino to visit the San Marino Car museum with its collection of Racing Alfas, Ferraris, Maseratis, Lancias, Fiats, Oscas, etc. Then on to Milan via Maranello for lunch at the Cavellino ristorante and a Ferrari factory tour which has not yet been confirmed. In Milan there will be a tour of the Alfa Romeo Museum and reserved seats for the Italian Gran prix. The cost is $2,550 per person plus air fair estimated at $1,100 from Newark to Rome and back. The trip is planned for 32 people. Call Barry Ward at 1-800-333-8016.

Click here for more info and pictures from the European Car Festival!