06/09/2026
A Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Just Passed a Ferrari 250 GTO
You Can Help Inspire the Next Generation of Car Enthusiasts
One of the things I enjoy most about this hobby is helping bring new enthusiasts into the collector car world. At the upcoming Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, I will be giving away copies of The Enthusiast's Guide to Collector Cars to all 55 youth judges as a way to encourage the next generation of collectors, historians, and enthusiasts.
As part of my book signing events during the weekend, I'll also be sharing a fun automotive history lesson featuring a cartoon illustration of what is believed to be the first automobile model named after an animal. It's exactly the kind of quirky story that reminds us that collector cars are about more than just metal and horsepower—they're about the people, history, and fascinating stories behind them.
If you, your family, or your company would like to join me in this effort, books are available at my cost. Whether you help provide a single book or enough copies for all 46 youth judges, every contribution will help place collector car knowledge directly into the hands of young enthusiasts who are already investing their time and energy in the hobby.
As a thank you, I will recognize your generosity across my platforms, reaching more than 275,000 automotive enthusiasts through The Collector Car Podcast, YouTube channel, newsletter, and social media channels. In addition, I will be hosting book launch events throughout Cincinnati Concours weekend, including at the Hangar Party with Mota Car Club and during the Concours itself, providing additional opportunities to recognize those who help support this initiative.
Together, we can help inspire the next generation and ensure the future of the collector car hobby remains strong for years to come.
To learn more, simply respond to this email. Thank you for helping invest in the future of the collector car hobby.
Now, onto Ferrari GTOs, Mercedes-Benz GTR1s, Lightning McQueen, and an unforgettable weekend at the Velocity Invitational...
When History Comes Alive
One of the things that makes the Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway so special is that it allows enthusiasts to experience some of the world's most significant automobiles in their natural habitat: on the racetrack.
Throughout the weekend, some of the most iconic race cars ever built thundered around Sonoma's challenging circuit, filling the air with the sounds, smells, and sensations that made them legendary in the first place. Watching Ferrari 250 GTOs, McLaren F1s, or L88 Corvettes at speed provides an appreciation that simply can't be captured in photographs or books.
These cars were built to move, to compete, and to push the limits of what was possible in their era. Seeing them exercised as intended is one of the reasons Velocity Invitational has become such a unique gathering for enthusiasts who appreciate not just the cars themselves, but the stories they continue to create.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
In fact, I witnessed one of those surreal moments that could only happen at an event like Velocity Invitational.
As I watched from trackside, a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR stormed past a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. Think about that for a moment.
One car represented the pinnacle of GT racing in the early 1960s. The other was a technological marvel from the late 1990s built to conquer Le Mans. Nearly four decades of automotive development separated them, yet there they were sharing the same piece of asphalt.
It was a reminder that while technology changes, the pursuit of speed never does. A special thank you to Velocity Invitational founder and podcast guest, Jeff O’Neil, for not only hosting such an event but for setting up an exhilarating ride in a Dallara Barchetta. My episode recapping my experience at Velocity Invitational will post a week from Thursday.
Lightning McQueen Drove Into My Book
While walking through the paddock, I had another memorable moment that perfectly captures why I enjoy this hobby so much.
I ran into book contributor and Pixar creative director Jay Ward.
Not only did Jay graciously autograph my copy of The Enthusiast's Guide to Collector Cars, but he also took a few moments to sketch none other than Lightning McQueen inside the book.
As someone who has spent decades around collector cars, auctions, concours events, and racetracks, I have to admit there was something incredibly special about watching a simple drawing appear on the page from the person responsible for bringing one of the most beloved automotive characters ever created to life.
Another Contributor, Another Lightning McQueen
That moment reminded me of another contributor to the book, renowned automotive artist and designer Joan Creamer.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to catch up with Joan at the Greenbriar Concours d’Elegance where she shared one of her sketches of Lightning McQueen.
Like Jay, Joan has a remarkable ability to connect people to cars through storytelling. The difference is that Jay uses animation while Joan uses a paintbrush.
Both create something that resonates far beyond the automotive world.
Why I Wrote The Book
As I left Sonoma, I found myself thinking about how a weekend at the racetrack had unexpectedly connected so many of the themes that inspired The Enthusiast's Guide to Collector Cars.
A Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR passing a Ferrari 250 GTO.
A conversation with Jay Ward and a sketch of Lightning McQueen.
A memory of Joan Creamer's colorful sketch of the same character.
At first glance, those moments seem unrelated. But they're all examples of what makes this hobby so compelling: the people, stories, creativity, history, and experiences that surround the cars themselves.
Which is exactly why I decided to write the book.
The Thread That Connects It All
As I reflected on both encounters, it struck me how fascinating it is that two contributors from completely different corners of the automotive world are connected through the same character.
Jay Ward helped create Lightning McQueen.
Joan Creamer brought Lightning McQueen to life on canvas.
And at Velocity Invitational, I watched a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR chase down a Ferrari 250 GTO on track.
Different cars.
Different artists.
Different eras.
Yet all connected by the same passion.
Bring The Stories Home
If these stories remind you why you love cars, you'll find many more inside The Enthusiast's Guide to Collector Cars. Featuring insights from more than 55 contributors, the book celebrates the people, stories, and experiences that make this hobby so special.
Order your copy here: https://enthusiastsguide.thecollectorcarpodcast.com/ or through Amazon.
Thank you for your support, and for helping keep these stories alive for the next generation of enthusiasts. And as always, let’s connect this Thursday on The Collector Car Podcast.
Oh yeah, the podcast was recently ranked the 13th best automotive podcast in the US by Million Podcast…pretty cool. You can see the complete rankings at https://www.millionpodcasts.com/car-podcasts/?_src=f2_newcampaign&
Stay Driven,
Greg Stanley
