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Park Place Racing Update: The Patrick Plan- Park Place Motorsports in 2019

Park Place Motorsports rejoins IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2019 with a full season GT Daytona class entry featuring Team Principal Patrick Lindsey and Porsche Factory Driver Patrick Long.

Lindsey and Long previously ran together in 2013 under the newly formed Park Place Motorsports banner. Then running the No. 73 in the Grand-Am Rolex GT series. The duo scored multiple top-five finishes and three, second-place finishes resulting in a fifth-place finish in the championship.

Years of experience later, Lindsey and Long are after the same goal, to win a driver and team championship together. Together they will take to the fight armed with the new Porsche 911 GT3 R for the 2019 IMSA season. The new GT3 R is a 911 through and through but with favorable upgrades focused on making the car driver and pit stop friendly.

“I’m extremely excited for our team this year,” Lindsey said. “We’re growing as a team, and we have the full support of Porsche Motorsport North America to chase a championship. We’re pursuing a lot this year. We’re running two new cars with the new GT3 R in WeatherTech and GT4 in the Michelin series. We’re hoping to run Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA for the second year.

“However, I do believe that we’ve never been in a better position to make the leaps we will make this year and to do them with great success. Maybe we won’t make them without setbacks or issues, but we will have success this year. Everyone on the team feels that.”

Park Place Motorsports is doubling down in Dallas with the extension of its customer program. An initiative first started in 2013 when Long was the factory driver at Park Place. Long helped lead the first ever track days held by Park Place Motorsports. While he will rejoin Park Place without plans of such an undertaking, he is familiar with the effort the team is putting forth to grow.

“Park Place is a great team and I enjoy working with them,” Long said. “They’re a group of very determined people with tremendous talent. We had some memorable moments when we last raced together, but I’m hoping we can build on those accomplishments this coming year. They’ve made great changes and additions during the offseason to the team which I’m sure will pay off during the season. I’m happy to be back with Patrick; he’s a great a teammate. Hopefully, we can make some magic happen this year.”

The first order of business for the No. 73 is the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 4-6. The annual event preludes the first official race of the season, Rolex 24 At Daytona which takes place Jan. 24-27. While no points are awarded at the Roar, a qualifying event to award garage spaces does take place during the event. For more news on the Roar visit imsa.com.

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When Fancy Cars and Fall Football Collide: Park Place’s Focus on Education On and Off the Field

Park Place has four, core pillars of community giving, with education and a passion for children’s advocacy, at the forefront of our involvement this past fall.  It’s no secret that Fall in Texas equals football season, and we are so excited to not only support one of Texas’ favorite past times but to also show our support for the local teams, like the Boswell Pioneers or Southlake-Carroll Dragons, as a part of our community giving efforts.

Boswell Football

This past season, we had the privilege of supporting the Boswell High School Football Team (see the 2019 team photo below) with not only cheers and encouragement as our Park Place Mercedes-Benz Fort Worth members attended the games, but through a donation to the Boswell Football Scholarship Fund.

This fund supports their local athletes with scholarship opportunities at the close of the school year for their future pursuits, and we are eager to hear what these kids accomplish thanks to their hard work, determination, and little extra help from their community. 

Boswell Pioneer Varsity Football

Southlake-Carroll Dragons

Similarly, Park Place is very involved in the Southlake-Carroll Community, with each of our four Grapevine dealerships showing up at home games at Dragons Stadium with plenty of team spirit and vehicles to enhance the game-day experience.

Southlake-Carroll Dragons Football Team, 2019

One well-known opportunity each year is our “Kick One of These [a field goal]” to “Win One Of These [a new car]”, donated by Matt Woolsey, General Manager of Park Place Jaguar Land Rover. 

The rules are simple (no practicing!) and the experience an absolute blast, as Park Place Members pack the stands alongside Dragon fans, eagerly watching the one lucky winner kick for a new luxury auto!

Kristen Hill at the Park Place field goal challenge, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Southlake, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

We haven’t had someone successfully make a field goal yet, but who’s to say we won’t bring back that community opportunity next year?

On the Radio with Colleyville Heritage High School

Radio is an integral part of our fall sponsorships and one that helps add an element of excitement to local fall football games for Colleyville Heritage High School.  Live commentary on the radio enhances the fans experience, when they may not be able to make it to the field for a live viewing. It’s all about experience at Park Place, so this radio sponsorship was a natural extension of our fall community involvement for area schools and athletes. 

Participating in school athletics has the ability to impact students far past just an athletic acknowledgment, and Park Place strives to support these programs in an effort to support their academic successes and futures far past just a singular football season. We encourage you to join us next season in cheering on your local high school football teams in person or by tuning into local radio to catch the play by play of our young student-athletes in action. 

Learn more about our community efforts at Park Place by visiting ParkPlace.com

To submit a sponsorship request click here.

To submit a partnership request click here.

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First McLaren Speedtail Squares Up to Real World Testing

 First McLaren Speedtail attribute prototype, ‘Albert’ squares up to rigorous real-world testing as development accelerates

The first hybrid powertrain prototype of McLaren Automotive’s breathtaking new Ultimate Series flagship, the McLaren Speedtail, will embark on a year-long test regime that will underpin the development of the first McLaren Hyper-GT. The punishing test program in the run-up to production commencing at the end of 2019 will see Speedtail prototypes running in Europe, North America and Africa, initially at bespoke automotive test facilities but later amongst traffic on ‘normal’ roads.

Deployment of the first Speedtail attribute prototype marks an exciting new stage in the development of the fastest, most aerodynamic and most luxurious McLaren ever made. The prototype is officially designated MVY02* but echoing the naming of development test mules of its legendary forebear, the 1992 McLaren F1, has been christened, ‘Albert’. This is a respectful reflection not only on the name of the McLaren F1 mule ‘Albert’ but also the Albert Drive premises in which the F1 was designed.

Distinguished by a unique testing livery, ‘Albert’ has a production-specification chassis and petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain, as well as the unique three-seat cockpit with central driving position. As the development and validation program progresses every aspect of the Speedtail’s performance will be honed as the full 1,035bhp available to Speedtail drivers to propel the prototype to 250mph is used – including in high-speed trials with McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver and former IndyCar champion Kenny Bräck at the wheel.

“The start of real-world testing represents a major step in the development of the McLaren Speedtail. As the first fully representative prototype, ‘Albert’ will build on the invaluable work still being put in by earlier development cars, allowing us to sign-off vehicle attributes including chassis dynamics; brake performance; damper tuning; tires; NVH and aspects of ergonomics and comfort. With a huge amount achieved already, the McLaren Speedtail is well on the way to fulfilling its destiny as the greatest McLaren road car ever.”- Ben Gulliver, Head of Vehicle Development, McLaren Automotive

The central driving position and three-seat layout of the Speedtail was pioneered by the iconic McLaren F1 in 1992. This configuration is uniquely McLaren, remaining exclusive among production cars until McLaren Automotive confirmed in November 2016 that it would be reprised for the next Ultimate Series model, then codenamed BP23.

The center-seat layout of the Speedtail was first publicly demonstrated in a ‘proof of concept’ model that was simply a McLaren 720S reconfigured with a single, centrally-mounted driving seat. Four further mules followed and these will continue to be used around the world for performance and durability testing, alongside the prototype vehicles.

Despite its test livery and the bodywork from the A-pillars forward, ‘Albert’ is fundamentally a Speedtail, with shape-representative body panels and dihedral doors around the unique carbon fiber McLaren Monocage core structure. The production-level specification allows Speedtail attributes to be proven in real-world conditions early in the development process, including for example ingress and egress to the three-seat cockpit.

As with the McLaren F1, 106 cars will be available and all have already now been allocated to owners. For more information or view the entire press release- visit cars.mclaren.com

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Park Place Motorsports Makes New Home In Dallas

Park Place Motorsports is making the great state of Texas its new official headquarters as the team continues to expand.

After a five-year relationship with sponsor Park Place Porsche of Dallas, Team Principal Patrick Lindsey is moving Patrick Lindsey Racing Inc., the asset of Park Place Motorsports, to Dallas. The new shop at 3281 Manor Way Dallas, Texas 75235 features 10,000 square feet of space and is located two minutes away from Dallas Love Field Airport; equal distance to Park Place Porsche of Dallas on Lemmon Avenue.

The proximity to Park Place Porsche of Dallas and Porsche of Grapevine allows Park Place Motorsports to sync further efforts in gathering notoriety of Dallas area Porsche enthusiasts. The race team hopes that being closer to Park Place will serve both entities with customer growth and create new opportunities for the people of Dallas in the motorsport realm.

While Dallas was ultimately the right option for Park Place Motorsports, it was not originally the only option when the race team considered moving. The long list of potential cities speckled California’s Central Coast. Ultimately, the wider arrange of extensive facilities and the chance to further ties with Park Place made Lindsey’s choice [to move to Dallas] an easy one to make.

“We’re happy to have finally found a space that places us so close to the dealerships,” Lindsey said. “The move to Dallas gives us the ability to have full time shop personnel and service much more than just the professional level race team and cars. Being closer to most of the races will give us the benefit of having the cars back at the home shop more often and even allow us to showcase our hardware at the Dallas and Grapevine dealerships when we aren’t racing.

“We hope the relationship continues to grow and prosper between the race team and the dealership; made easier now due to proximity. We’d like to come alongside Park Place and engage with the customers that show interest in motorsports and help them navigate the various avenues of the sport. We can also provide an opportunity for clients that are wanting to learn how to get more out of their Porsche or learn more about their car in general. In general, I’m happy to be serving the Dallas community.”

The move to Dallas comes on the heels of Park Place Motorsports’ recent announcement of its Michelin Pilot Challenge program as well as the hiring of Mike Johnson as Director of Race Operations. To read more on Park Place Motorsports plans for the 2019 race season visit http://parkplacemotorsports.com.

 

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The Season of Giving: Park Place Delivers Donated $55k Sprinter To Momentous Institute

Park Place Dealerships Donates $55k Sprinter Van To Salesman Ship Club’s Momentous Institute

As we enter a season of gratitude and giving, it’s crucial we take a step back to reflect on the why behind last month’s October 13th event. Rain couldn’t keep the crowds away from the 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase last month, where luxury manufacturers, local retailers, restaurants, and collectors came together to host almost 3,000 attendees for a day of fashion, food, and, of course, show-stopping vehicles.

The event benefitted the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920. Each year, the organization serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services. Ken Schnitzer presented Patton Chapman, Salesmanship Club president, with the keys to a $55,000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, on stage during the awards ceremony, to help the organization with its transportation needs for the kids.

during the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase in Irving, Tx, on October 13, 2018. (Michael Ainsworth)

The following week, Corey Bedford, Fleet Sales Manager at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine, delivered the shiny, new 2018 Sprinter Passenger van to Momentous Institute- red carpet style. Momentous Institute, owned and operated by Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, has been committed to building and repairing social-emotional health for all children so they can achieve their full potential. It was our privilege to host the community to benefit such a worthy cause for the second year in a row.

 

 

Stay tuned for more on information on next year’s 2019 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase by tuning into our blog (news.parkplace.com) and our social media channels (@parkplacetexas).

 

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The Volvo XC40 Earns Two “Bests” from Kelley Blue Book

Since its introduction, the Volvo XC40 has made quite the impact on the compact SUV market-including exceeding sales expectations originally set by Volvo Cars and in April, dubbed Volvo’s most successful product launch in the UK.

Now the 2019 Volvo XC40  has earned two more accolades from Kelly Blue Book: Best New Model and Best Subcompact Luxury SUV for 2019. Starting at $34,000, the XC40 offers plenty of passenger and cargo space within a small footprint.  It’s the perfect combination of modern aesthetics, intuitive design and technology, and safety from all angles.  

“We are extremely proud to win two more awards for XC40, especially these,” said Anders Gustafsson, President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “The people at Kelley Blue Book really know what they’re talking about. By bringing design, technology, and safety features from our larger award-winning SUVs Volvo can offer luxury subcompact buyers a great value in a great package.”

In Kelly Blue Book’s Review, they specifically call out the modern, two-tone paint scheme and the cutting edge infotainment system on top of its base safety features as some of the reasons the XC40 stands out in the subcompact SUV crowd. 

“The Volvo XC40 is an all-new vehicle, and it has wasted no time shaking up not just the Swedish automaker’s lineup, but also the burgeoning segment of subcompact luxury SUVs. In shape, style and attitude, the all-new 2019 XC40 goes its own way,” said Karl Brauer, executive publisher for Kelley Blue Book.

There is so much more to the ‘why’ behind the XC40’s successes since its introduction to the public, but instead of reading about it- why don’t you experience it for yourself? Check out ParkPlace.com to see our current and available inventory and give our team a call, they’d be happy to help you begin your journey to human-centric, Scandinavian luxury.

If you still need to research the XC40 or your next Volvo a bit more, check out the walkaround showcasing XC40 below and let us know if you have any questions.

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Bekim’s Sweet First Birthday at Porsche Grapevine

The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase Mini-Macan Winners Receive Luxury Delivery Experience at Porsche Grapevine.

Guests of the 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase had the opportunity to win a miniature battery-powered car all for themselves (or at least for their aficionados in the making).  Entering was simple (post a photo of the little ones enjoying the Kiddie Concours), and it was clear that guests were well aware of the stakes- snapping photos left and right for the opportunity to win hearts on social media and hopefully, a brand new Mini Porsche Macan.

That was at least the story for Xavier and Janet, and their almost one-year-old, Bekim, who has quite the head start in sharing in his parents’ love of exotic cars:

“We found out about the [Mini Macan] contest through the Park Place Instagram page. This seemed like a very unique and inclusive contest for our little one so, we decided to make it a point to visit, while at the showcase.”

When asked if the weather forecast almost deterred them from coming, Xavier and Janet shared that they just planned their day to arrive at the tail-end of the last round of forecasted showers so they could enjoy the outdoor experience, noting that “This is one of those events that you have to experience firsthand, vs trying to explain with pictures. Under the same weather circumstances, we would absolutely go again.”

By random drawing, Bekim’s entry (see below) in the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon won the ultimate prize just in time for his very first birthday. 

Given the special circumstances, our Porsche Grapevine team didn’t hesitate to invite Bekim, his older brother Elijah, and his parents, to the dealership for a luxury delivery experience sure to create lasting family memories.

Poised next to a couple other life-size Porsche’s ready to meet their owners, Denette Norlie, Service Director, set up the Mini Macan with a few extra surprises for the two boys.  After all, Park Place is their place too.

“Our experience at the Porsche dealership was absolutely wonderful! The amount of people that took the time out of their workday to help make this a special day for Bekim and to include his older brother, Elijah, is truly amazing! It really meant a lot to us all.” 

Not every one year old can say they receive a Porsche Macan for their 1st birthday, but we certainly hope the memories created last long after Bekim outgrows his first car.

“The Mini Macan might be a little tough to top for a 1st car. For Bekim’s 16th birthday, we aren’t quite sure what his first car will be. However, things will probably come full circle and his first actual car WILL be from Park Place.” – Xavier, Bekim’s Dad.
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The Transformed 2019 Lexus ES Now At Park Place Lexus

After nearly 30 years of success, Lexus has launched the seventh-generation ES to redefine its status among entry-level executive sedans.  Among other exciting design updates, Lexus is also introducing the first ES F Sport to the line-up, giving clients a brand new level of performance in this model family. The ES-F actually borrows its grille design from the flagship LS sedan. 

Last week, Park Place launched the all-new 2019 ES at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.

Key Design Enhancements

The key element to the updated design is the all-new Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform. Because of this, the ES sedan is longer with a wider wheel base to provide sharpened performance, more spacious interior, and a quieter drive. The overall design and performance update to this 7th generation ES is perfectly in tune with Lexus previous releases of the UX and updated LS, to reach a new market of buyers.

Project Chief Designer, Yasuo Kajino, describes the look of the ES as “provocative elegance.” 

For this Generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge traditional expecatations of buyers.

Low lines and fluid shapes represent some of the major improvements to the ES; the slim headlights with a distinctive L shaped marker, the latest iteration of the brand’s iconic grille nodding to the performance of the LC, and a low hood line highlight the visual enhancements to the classic ES. 

Transformative Performance

Why simply improve on something that’s already good, when you can transform a sedan traditionally known for comfort and quietness into one that is capable of delivering dynamic handling. 

“We knew the ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on and that can only be achieved with a solid foundation.” – Lead Engineer, Yasuhiro Sakakibara.

The all-new GA-K chassis structure gave the engineering team the opportunity to address some concerns including noise and vibrations, at the source.  One key update includes the installation of performance dampeners typically seen on Ultra Luxury and F SPORT models to reduce vibrations. 

Power and Efficiency

All ES 350s are powered by 3.5 liter V6 engines that are designed to deliver effortless acceleration and impressive efficiency.  Now the ES can adapt to high or low power moments by transitioning from the traditional Otto cycle during sporty driving or the more efficient Atkinson cycle when power demand is low.

What’s Otto and Atkinson? Otto Cycle is a thermodynamic cycle found in most automotive engines. Atkinson Cycle is a modified Otto cycle, which differs in delivering efficiency and increased fuel efficiency. 

A More Comfortable Cabin For All

No detail was left untouched for the driver and the passengers. The steering wheel on the 2019 ES is set a more natural angle, the pedal positions revised, and 10-way power adjustable front seats lend itself to a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.

The cargo room has increased versus the previous generation,  boasting 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space and additional underfloor side pockets for smaller items.

Do you remember we mentioned a lower roofline? Well, if you were worried the sleek roofline would affect your guests’ accommodations, we are happy to report that the answer is not at all. Headroom has been increased slightly through the use of a lower hip point and a carefully configured headliner.

The Next Chapter ES

The 2019 Lexus ES ushers in a new era from one of the brand’s most popular models. In line with previous model releases, the ES sedan is meant to engage with a broader range of guests by delivering both the expected Lexus luxuries and unexpected performance that traditionally is not a character of the Lexus mark. 

More dynamic styling and performance, unique cabin materials assembled by the finest craftsmen and the latest technology add a chapter to the ES story that hasn’t been told, but that all changes now at Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine.
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Park Place Lexus Grapevine Kicks Off GRACE Christmas Cottage Toy Drive

Holiday Event Included Unwrapping New Lexus ES Luxury Sedan

 Park Place Lexus, the official “Drive For Toys” sponsor of the GRACE (Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange) Christmas Cottage, hosted the kick-off party for the 2018 toy drive collection. 

The GRACE Christmas Cottage provides gifts for local children in a store-like setting and is open for a full two weeks prior to Christmas.

As guests arrived, they filled the back of several Lexus SUVs with Christmas toys.

“We’ve partnered with GRACE for many years now,” said Gary Venner, Park Place Lexus Grapevine General Manager. “We are blessed to help local families through our support of the GRACE Christmas Cottage. We want to make sure every child in our community has the best possible Christmas. The GRACE Toy Drive makes it easy to participate.”

The community is invited to drop off a new, unwrapped toy for the GRACE Christmas Cottage through December 15th at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, located at 901 Highway 114 East. Or drop them off at GRACE Christmas Cottage, 3100 Timberline in Grapevine. You can also make a monetary donation to the GRACE Christmas Holiday Fund at gracegrapevine.org.

during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

During the event, guests enjoyed eclectic bites from DRG Concepts, including Mediterranean fare, chicken tacos with cilantro rice by Wild Salsa, and chopped beef short ribs with horseradish and onion strings courtesy of Chop House Burgers.

during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

Seasonal cocktails were provided by Hendricks Gin and Reyka Vodka, with celebratory sips by Dark Horse Wine and Peroni Beer. Guests danced to popular tunes by the Adrian Garcia Band, then capped the night with innovative coffee creations by Nightowl Coffee Cart, including a delicious Peppermint Latte with a sprig of mint and crumbled mint cookies on top.

Pat and Janet McCoy of Colleyville dance during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)
Alan Tracy and Karen Roberts of Colleyville dance during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

The GRACE Christmas Cottage provides new, unwrapped gifts to families facing financial hardship due to limited income or recent emergency.  Each qualified family is given a voucher with a value based on the number of children in the family, allowing the parents to “purchase” donated toys, home goods and appliances in a private, store-like setting. This unique approach allows families to budget their resources and select unique presents while preserving the family’s dignity. More than 2,700 individuals and families are served at Christmas Cottage each holiday season.

Guests also got to see the new 2019 Lexus ES luxury sedan, featuring bold new styling inside and out, astonishing power and state-of-the-art safety and entertainment technology.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com