Cars and Courage: Iron Mike Rally Kicks off Pinehurst Concours Weekend
Company press release.
VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. (April 28, 2014) – The 2014 Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance weekend will begin in style with a display of cars and courage Friday morning as selected vintage autos and their owners will head to Fort Bragg to spend a day of fellowship with the troops and their families.
Approximately 50 rare cars and their owners from the field of 119 participating in Sunday's auto showcase will head to the largest U.S. Army base, hosting 10 Heroic Soldiers for the ride in an inspiring car caravan dubbed 'The Iron Mike Rally.'
The vintage vehicles will be given a 'Start Your Engines' command from Village of Pinehurst Mayor Nancy Fiorillo and leave in two waves beginning at 9:45 a.m., heading through the quaint Village of Pinehurst, down Highway 2 to Southern Pines, and then off into the scenic North Carolina countryside.
The Iron Mike Rally will then travel down the installation's roads, circle past the Iron Mike Statue, and then converge on the base's expansive Polo Field. The unique automobiles will be on display from 1:30 to 3 p.m. as a show of support for the nation's service members and families.
'Based on last year's reaction from the entrants and soldiers the Iron Mike Rally was a priceless opportunity to showcase the capability and global significance of Fort Bragg,' said Jay Howard, president of the Pinehurst Concours. 'The entrants not only learned about the missions of Fort Bragg's units, they were awed by the commitment of today's service members.'
Active service members attending the Iron Mike Rally will have a free opportunity to view the cars up-close and vote on their favorite. The owner of the wining vehicle will receive the 'Soldier's Choice Award' to be handed out at the awards ceremony Sunday afternoon at Pinehurst Resort.
'The soldiers and their families will be able to see some fantastic automobiles without leaving the installation,' Howard said. 'This year also presents another opportunity for our entrants to develop a greater appreciation for the brave men and women serving our country.'
In addition to the rare automobiles, Miss North Carolina, Johna Edmonds, will sing the national anthem at the opening of the display. The Golden Knights will also jump in and the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Chorus will perform.
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'Last year was great and there is an anticipation level on base of even better things to come. The field of cars making the trip is quite impressive,' said Tommy Bolton, Civilian Aide Senior to the Secretary of the Army. 'The rally participants are in for a special treat as well. They will be introduced to America's finest – the American soldier and his or her family. They are the true heartbeat of America.' Joe Parsons of Raleigh will drive his 1963 Studebaker Avanti R-2 Supercharged in the rally, his second straight year participating. The 74-year-old Parsons was so moved by last year's Iron Mike Rally experience that upon returning to the Triangle the Army veteran signed on a USO volunteer at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. 'I really felt the need to do something for the servicemen,' Parsons said. 'I feel it is rewarding. Being involved in the relationship with Fort Bragg is just a distinct honor. All of the Concours across the country have charities but I don't see anything that can come close to what the Pinehurst Concours does for the military.' The Patriot Foundation is one of four charities that benefits from the Pinehurst Concours Foundation. 'This is a powerful convergence of a world class car showcase, the most famous golf destination resort in this country, and our charity that helps families of paratroopers and special operations soldiers, our country's most elite, and the finest ever to serve our nation,' said Patriot Foundation spokesman Chuck Deleot. 'We believe it is the responsibility of all our citizens to help the families of our fallen and injured soldiers. The Pinehurst Concours clearly understands this, and can make a substantial impact on many shattered military families.' Tickets to the 2014 Pinehurst Concours, including VIP entry to the Putter Boy Pavilion, can be purchased online at www.pinehurstconcours.com, by calling 910–973-6594 or at the Pinehurst Resort Main Pro Shop, Carolina Hotel or Village of Pinehurst Putter Boy Shop. Tickets will also be sold on site the day of the event. The 2014 Pinehurst Concours will kick off a celebrated six-week period at one of the world's top golf resorts, which hosts the 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open Championships in consecutive weeks in mid June. Photo Credit: 2014 Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance
