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The All-Electric I-PACE, the Newest Triple Threat in Jaguar’s Line-Up

Coming off the heels of a big win for the “European Car of the Year,” the Jaguar I-Pace secured another trio of top awards including the 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, and World Green Car. 

Schedule a Test Drive with the Award Winning I-PACE

“It is an honour that the Jaguar I-PACE has received these three accolades from the prestigious World Car jurors. We started with an ideal, to move towards our Destination Zero vision; zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion. I-PACE is our first step to achieving this, and it was conceived when EVs were little more than a niche choice. “

Even though it’s 100 percent Electric, Jaguar made zero sacrifices and adhered to their brand narrative and aesthetic when entering the EV market.  Prof. DR. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, shares the enthusiasm as the winners were announced:

“So we started from a clean sheet of paper to create a new benchmark – the world’s best premium electric vehicle, and a true Jaguar driver’s car. For I-PACE to be awarded 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car gives our first all-electric vehicle the ultimate recognition it deserves. I would like to thank the team who have created I-PACE for their passion in making it so outstanding. “

Since its formal introduction, over 11,000 thousand clients across the globe have taken delivery of luxury’s first 100 percent electric machine.  The I-PACE is not just any electric vehicle, but rather a complete standout option in its segment.

Details In Design

Some of the small details that led to the success of the Jaguar I-PACE include:

  • spacious interior
  • 90kWh lithium-ion battery
  • up to a 292 mile range
  • fast charging for 0-80% in just 40 minutes (100kW DC)
  • 10 hours to full charge on a domestic wallbox (7Kw AC) – ideal for overnight charging aficionados. 
  • a smart pre-conditioning system to raise or lower the battery’s temperature to maximize total range.

These details have led to a total of 62 awards in just over 12 months. And the best part? There are 100% electric options at Park Place Jaguar Land Rover so you can experience the World Car of the Year first-hand.

Schedule a Visit and Test Drive
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Park Place Reveals Mobile Pop Up for all New Automotive Experiences

Park Place Dealerships revealed its new mobile pop up at the 2019 DFW Auto Show this past March. The Mobile Experience Unit will be used across DFW at events throughout North Texas to bring the Park Place brand directly to the automotive enthusiast.

“The mobile pop up gives us the opportunity to expand the presence of our brand beyond the parameters of the dealership,” said Dave Evans, Chief Marketing Officer at Park Place Dealerships. “Experiences play a huge role with customers today and are the main drivers of customer engagement. We believe the mobile pop up allows us to engage with the consumer wherever we want to take it.”

 

During the DFW Auto Show, the pop up will be onsite to deliver an inclusionary experience for everyone who stops to visit the Park Place area. The mobile unit has already provided innovative experiences for clients at both the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase and at the COTA track.

Park Place continues to be an innovator in the automotive space by developing unique offerings to expose current and potential clients to the brands. In the past year, Park Place introduced and expanded Park Place Select, an automotive subscription service.

“As a company, we must be in tune with where our clients spend their time and how they use their vehicles,” remarked Evans. “Our client’s transportation needs are as diverse as they are, and range from attending festivals and sporting events to shuttling friends and family to racing their cars, or simply enjoying life. We expect the mobile pop up will help us deliver an unparalleled, client-focused experience.”

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 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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A Short History of Mercedes-AMG Prestige and Performance

The Mercedes- AMG Series is highly sought after, providing another breed of Mercedes-Benz performance to the market. Across the globe in Burgstall, Germany, the AMG was born in the year 1967 thanks to Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. What began as a passion for motorsports and a mission to develop racing engines is now an exclusive offering for the iconic luxury manufacturer.

Park Place Motorcars is Certified AMG Elite Dealer. You can actually configure your AMG dream at Park Place Motorcars Dallas in our AMG Showroom.
 

A Short History of the AMG Series:

Upon first glance, you will most likely notice that the AMG series wears a different, sportier look, where it is clear that performance is the ultimate goal without even looking directly at its engine. In 1971, AMG first made headlines with the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, finishing first in class and 2nd overall in a 24-hour race and quickly outgrew their Burgstall mill with a stark increase in customer requests for ‘high individualized, high performance’ vehicles.  The mid-1980’s brought the Hammer, which is a Mercedes-Benz 300E that topped out at nearly 190 mph and 375 lb-ft of torque. For the time, it was a sleek and powerful machine, making its mark in the automotive performance sphere.

It wasn’t until 90s, 20 plus years after its inception, that Daimler Benz and AMG signed an official agreement of cooperation. Fast forward to 2005, and AMG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler. In that same decade, the C36 AMG became the first Mercedes-Benz AMG model marketed in the United States.

AMG and Mercedes-Benz made continuous improvements over the next decade, introducing an engine developed wholly by AMG, releasing the Black Series with SLK55 and CLK63, the groundbreaking and most powerful C-Class (the C63) in 2007, and in 2010 creating an AMG, super sports icon, the SLS AMG with gullwing doors. Fast forward to 2015, and Motor Trend selected the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S as the 2015 Best Driver’s Car saying:

“It put all 503 of its horsepower to the ground like an all-wheel0-drive supercar and gripped the road through high-speed corners like a winged racer.”

The Present of AMG: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Edition 1

Announced in May 2018, Mercedes-AMG will offer a distinctive Edition 1 with an exclusive interior and exterior appointments for the 2019 model year.  The AMG Aerodynamics package for this exclusive Edition 1 includes a larger front splitter and integrated flics in the front bumper, and optimized diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler, which can be mechanically adjusted so the driver can adjust the driver characteristics to suit their individual preferences or specific circumstances.  

The Edition 1 is only available for the top-of-the-range AMG GT 63 S model, which sports the most powerful AMG engine to date, the AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine. The Edition 1 can reach a top speed of 195 mph and propel a vehicle from standing start to 60 mph in an estimated 3.1 seconds.

Other recent releases of AMG models include the new Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster, an extension of the Mercedes-AMG sports car portfolio. For a full history of Mercedes-AMG, click here.

 Park Place Motorcars, an AMG Certified Elite Performance Center

AMG Certified Elite Performance Centers allow clients to experience the thrill of the brand and we assure you the AMG Showroom isn’t your typical dealership experience. Park Place Motorcars is a certified AMG Elite Performance Center, where we can provide clients with a high-performance AMG experience.  Check out the video below and view our recent delivery of twin AMG GT Rs. Powered by a twin-turbo 4-liter V-8 that produces 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, the rear-wheel-drive sports car accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph. And it’s a real head turner.

 

Configure your AMG dream at Park Place Motorcars Dallas in our AMG Showroom.
 

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Volvo Cars Adds Additional Achievements to An Already Exceptional Resume

Following an all-time sales year plus worldwide honors in 2018, Volvo drives its momentum into 2019 with a strong sales start and continued recognition across media outlets.

Volvo’s all-new S60 luxury sedan and V60 luxury wagon as well as the XC40 luxury SUV have been named finalist for the esteemed, 2019 World Car Awards. The S60/V60 is a finalist in the World Car of the Year category. A 2019 victory would earn back-to-back titles for Volvo as the XC60 luxury SUV was crowned the 2018 World Car of the Year.

The XC40 is also in the running for World Car Design of the Year honors. Volvo’s XC40 continues its worldwide accolade tour as the small luxury SUV earned European Car of the Year in 2018.

Car and Driver also acknowledged the XC40 and four other models as Editor’s Choice award vehicles in 2019. After testing 500 cars from an assortment of makes and models, the XC90, XC60, XC40 SUVs, and V90 and V90 Cross Country wagons were recommended by Car and Driver editors.

Volvo’s XC90 was praised for its satisfying drive and proficient safety tech options. The XC60 was lauded for its fuel efficiency, the smooth Swedish design, trailblazing driver assistance. Interior design qualities of the XC40 were brought to the forefront as well as the SUVs ample cargo space and abundant tech features. The V90 wagon received kudos for the impressive interior, massive cargo space, and exquisite exterior styling. Finally, the cross country version of the V90 was admired for its luxurious design and enhanced practicality.

The Editor’s Choice awards honor vehicles that Car and Driver leaders would recommend to their family and friends based on inherent value, how well it fulfills its intended mission relative to its segment competitors, and how engaging it is from behind the wheel.

“For the experts at a place as trusted as Car and Driver to give five Volvo cars their Editor’s Choice award is a very big deal,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President Americas and President and CEO Volvo Car USA. “Now anyone considering a new luxury car should absolutely look at a Volvo.”

Further praise came from AutoTrader who named the XC90 as a Must-Have Certified Pre-Owned Car. 2016 to 2018 model years qualified for the “Good as New: 10 Best Luxury CPO Cars for 2019” list. Each Certified Volvo must pass over 170 points during the certification process, have less than 80,000 miles, and feature a detailed CARFAX history report.

“When consumers choose a Certified by Volvo certified preowned vehicle, they can be confident they’re fully protected,” said Rick Bryant, vice president Sales Operations, Volvo Car USA. “It’s great that Autotrader has recognized the XC90 as a must-have car.”

Volvo has experienced an 11.3% growth in global sales during the first two months of the year, as the early increase Y-O-Y was led by the performance of the XC60, XC40, and the XC90. In addition to the SUV lineup’s output, the S60 became the first American built Volvo, which is manufactured in South Carolina.

Do you have interest in purchasing an award winning Volvo model? You can search parkplace.com to inquire about New or Certified Pre-Owned Volvo Cars. 

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Lexus Earns High Praise from Kelley Blue Book Awards

For many, Lexus retains a strong place in driver’s hearts due to the brand’s 30 year history of ownership experience. If you drive a Lexus, there’s a good possibility it’s not your first, and if it is, it’s a  good chance it won’t be your last. 

In addition to celebrating its 10 millionth vehicle sold globally, Lexus recently earned the title of ‘Best Luxury Brand’ according to Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. KBB’s 2019 5-Year Cost to Own Awards are based on several factors outside a brand’s total cost of vehicle ownership well beyond the monthly payment. These vital values included insurance costs, fuel costs, fees, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.

Four Lexus models were KBB 5-Year Cost to Own category winners. The 2019 Lexus UX won the ‘Best Luxury Subcompact SUV/Crossover Award.’ The Lexus UX made its debut in December 2018 as a luxury subcompact SUV with intentions of being an urban explorer on wheels. A signature design, sedan-esque luxuries with SUV seat positioning, and intuitive technology have established a new niche segment for SUV enthusiasts.

The Lexus NX won the award for ‘Best Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover’. The NX driving experience is fashioned for owners who have a busy lifestyle and enjoy the sporty feel of the road. The NX300’s 2.0L engine outputs 235 horsepower (HP) with 258 lb.-ft. of torque, which produces enough power for one’s daily commute. Additional design and safety elements are available to enhance the athletic abilities of the compact model.

Earning ‘Best Luxury Mid-Size SUV/Crossover (2-row)’ is the 2019 Lexus RX. Lexus ignited the luxury crossover category with the RX model in 1998, and the RX hasn’t looked back since, as 2018 marked an all-time year for RX sales. The effective Electric Power Steering (EPS) provides exceptional driving feedback for all drivers. RX also empowers all vehicle occupants with cutting edge multimedia options including an eight-inch multimedia screen, Scout GPS Link navigation, and nine audio speakers.

The winner of KBB’s ‘Best Luxury Car’ went to the gifted and talented, 2019 Lexus GS. The midsize sport sedan offers a stout appearance and luxury appeal within the industry. A comprehensive standard safety system is designed to protect all occupants and drivers on the road as the Lexus Safety system+ offers a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High Beam (IHB), and more. GS drivers will appreciate the subtle Lexus interior styling plus modern touches of exterior character.

Enjoy all new or pre-owned Lexus models today from our Park Place locations in Plano and Grapevine. For more details on inventory options, visit www.parkplace.com.

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Inspiring Bespoke: Bentley Debuts Continental GT Number 9 Edition

Bentley Debuts Racing Model to Inspire Bespoke Creations. Book your bespoke experience at Bentley Dallas.

As Bentley produces their illustrious 2019 models to honor its 100th anniversary, the British automaker debuted a rare Continental GT to celebrate the milestone.

A jaw-dropping Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition appeared at the Geneva Motor Show early March. The Number 9 Edition pays homage to Sir Henry Ralph Stanley ‘Tim’ Birkin – one of the original ‘Bentley Boys’ of the 1920s and 1930s. Mulliner – Bentley’s in-house commissioning facility – manufactured the Continental GT that takes inspiration from the historic motorsport legacy. Only 100 Number 9 Edition models will be available this year following its hand built production in Crewe, England.

The Original No.9

The original No.9 was commissioned by Birkin, who was also a Bentley customer, investor, and racing driver. Following their use during World War I in aero engines, superchargers became more commonly tested on cars. A British designer and engineer, Amehurst Villiers, teamed up with Birkin to develop a supercharger that would increase performance. The supercharger would increase power and speed due to its positioning in front of the engine.

Nicknamed the ‘Blower,’ the 4.5L machine was raced at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours event by Birkin, who set a lap record at the track. The first No.9, which was also driven by D.J. Benefield and Eddie Hall, finished 2nd at the BRDC 500 mile event in 1930. Amazingly, each model produced today will include a wood insert from the seat of the original 1930 No.9 race car. The centenary vehicle was an imposing green car that eventually became regarded as the legendary racing Bentley of the pre-war period.

Each Number 9 Edition will have exterior components that feature an eye-popping ‘9’ graphic in the grille as well as special badge work, paint, and wheels. Interior stylings are highlighted by an exclusively crafted dashboard and special ‘Blower’ subtleties for the door panels and seating. All 100 models will also include 18K gold plated organ stops inspired by the original No.9 ‘Blower,’ and ‘1 of 100’ treadplates.

Today’s Bentley Continental models continue to deliver a stunning appearance with every glance and turn. Park Place clients are encouraged to bespoke their own Bentley models or view inventory to find special commissioned models available for sale. Visit parkplace.com or contact a Bentley Sales Experience Manager for more details.

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McLaren Dallas Delivers Million Dollar Senna

McLaren Dallas recently delivered a McLaren Senna valued at more than $1 million to long-time client Josh Snowhorn at a private reception at Park Place Premier Collection on Lemmon Avenue.

“I was born into cars,” says Snowhorn. “In 1970 my Dad picked me up from the hospital in an Aston-Martin DB5 Vantage – the James Bond car. My first car was a ‘bass boat blue’ Karmann Ghia with a white convertible top.”

Snowhorn is founder and Chief Strategy Officer of EdgeMicro, one of the most successful Edge Data Center companies in North America.

“My love of McLaren started when a friend of mine came to Dallas for a conference. I’d already been in his McLaren and had the lust for it. He said, ‘well let’s go down to the dealership,’ and he took me to McLaren Dallas. They let me have it for an hour test drive and I was ruined. I had to have it.”

The Senna is the most track-focused road car McLaren has ever built. It’s also the lightest. While it is street legal, it is “not sanitized to suit it,” according to McLaren’s website.

“I started with a 12C and went on and on. I bought lots of McLarens. The cars are amazing – that goes without saying. Other manufacturers also have great cars. But McLaren is family. From Tony Joseph, McLaren North America’s president, to the designers and engineers, the race team and the pit crew, they’re all approachable and accessible. I challenge you to find that with any other brand. That fabric is what makes McLaren so special.”

The Senna sports a mid-engine twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, sending 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That translates into a 0-to-60 time of 2.8 seconds… 100 mph in 5.1 seconds… but with an incredible aerodynamically designed down-force to keep the beautiful beast on the pavement.

“I own or have owned a McLaren 12C, 675LT, 570S GT4, and a 600LT. I now have my McLaren Senna (chassis #264) and will soon have a McLaren Senna GTR. My McLaren 570S GT4 (chassis #003, the first one ever in private hands,) is a legitimate racecar. But it’s forgiving to a gentleman driver like me. I’m no pro. I’m just a guy having fun with my friends.”

While Snowhorn lives in Austin, he’s quick to tell you McLaren Dallas is “his place.”

“This is my original dealer. Everyone here has always been so incredibly supportive. When I need something, it’s taken care of right away. It’s sort of an extension of the corporate McLaren family I mentioned earlier. McLaren Dallas is like home.”

From Left to Right: Heath Strayhan, General Manager of McLaren Dallas, Josh Snowhorn- McLaren Dallas Client, Tony Joseph- President of McLaren North America
From Left to Right: Heath Strayhan- General Manager of McLaren Dallas, Josh Snowhorn- McLaren Dallas Client, Tony Joseph- President of McLaren North America

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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Jaguar I-PACE Wins European Car of the Year, Drivers’ Choice Awards

It has been a year to remember for the I-PACE as the electric vehicle (EV) model has claimed 55 awards worldwide spanning multiple categories, which is quite the electric start- literally- for this 100 % percent EV leader. The introduction of the I-PACE contributed to Jaguar’s 1.2% Y-O-Y sales increase during January – December 2018. 

And as of last week this innovation in Electric Vehicle design won the European World Car of the Year at the Geneva Autoshow, a first for the United Kingdom automaker. The European Car of the Year is voted on by 60 automotive expert journalists from 23 countries and recognizes technological innovation, design, performance, efficiency, and value for money.

“For our first electric vehicle to also be the first Jaguar to win European Car of the Year gives us a huge sense of pride,” said Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover. “I-PACE was designed and engineered in the UK from a clean sheet of paper. It is the most technologically advanced battery electric vehicle. It’s a true game-changer. Winning European Car of the Year is an honour and real recognition of what our world-class team has delivered.”

The Jaguar I-PACE also won the MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award in the Best Luxury Utility category and overall Best of the Year. The Drivers’ Choice Award recognizes vehicles in multiple categories based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency, and value for the dollar. 

“It is a great honor to have the Jaguar I-PACE named 2019 Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Luxury Utility vehicle and Best of the Year by MotorWeek,” said Kim McCullough, Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. “With the I-PACE, Jaguar’s design and engineering teams created a world-class SUV that that builds upon the brand’s amazing history for innovation, design and performance.”

Other notable honors for the I-PACE include the Popular Science Best of What’s New Award in the automotive category and UK Car of the Year.

Jaguar features a 90 kWh battery inside the I-PACE that delivers an EPA estimated 234 miles on a fully charged battery with a 0-mph time of 4.5 seconds. The mid-size performance SUV also carries the sleek styling that the PACE family of SUVs has established within the automotive market.

Inside an I-PACE are innovative tech developments highlighted by the dual combination of touchscreens, in which the I-PACE became the first Jaguar to incorporate the Jaguar InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. Its human-machine interface (HMI) is designed to reduce driver distraction by separating information and interactive controls but still creating a physical connection between car and driver.

You can become one of the first local Jaguar drivers to enjoy the worldwide phenomenon by purchasing your I-PACE at Park Place Jaguar DFW. Visit https://www.parkplace.com/ to search for your 2019 I-PACE vehicle within our available inventory. You may also contact our Sales team to learn more or schedule a test drive about the electric SUV.

 

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The Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase is Set to Return on September 28, 2019

IRVING, Texas (March 4, 2019) – The 3rd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier luxury lifestyle and automotive event, will return this fall to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019.

“The community has come out in force to support this event the last two years,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships founder and chairman. “The third annual event will again showcase some of the most exotic and exciting vehicles that will please enthusiasts of all ages. What began three years ago as an engaging opportunity to celebrate our 30th anniversary has quickly turned into the foremost luxury lifestyle and automotive event in this region.”

Park Place Dealerships represents some of the most coveted brands in the world, including Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Land Rover, and Jaguar which will all be featured at the event.

In keeping with a true lifestyle event, Park Place will expand its fashion, food and retail offerings within the Porsche Pavilion. There will be music performances on the Lexus Live Stage and beverages at The Mercedes-Benz Beer Garden on the lush Four Seasons TPC Championship golf course.

Within the event will be a juried Collectors’ Concours, featuring a diverse selection of rare supercars, luxury, sports, vintage and classic cars from private collectors.  The motoring festival also will include a Car Club Expo powered by Park Up Front as well as the beloved Kid’s Zone. 

Iconic luxury shopping and dining destination, Highland Park Village, will present a runway show produced by Jan Strimple Productions for the second year. The fashion show will feature looks from prestigious brands presented exclusively in the climate-controlled pavilion on the resort grounds, with retail pop-ups for guests to shop the day of the event.

Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker will return to judge the 2019 Haute Hat Contest on The Million Air Stage with categories for stylish men and women. Guests are encouraged to pair a hat with their favorite resort-inspired ensemble.

Ranging from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages from dozens of the area’s finest restaurants, tickets are on sale at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com. VIP Tickets are limited and have sold out the previous two years.

In 2018, the top Collectors’ Concours award winners were presented with the “Spirit of Park Place” hand-crafted sculpture by Dallas artist Brad Oldham:

  • Best of Show – 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C
  • Chairman’s Choice Award – 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
  • Salesmanship Club Award – 1980 BMW M1

A Thank You To Our Returning Sponsors

Returning partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, VIP Lounge Sponsors Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|URBAN, Captain’s Lounge Sponsor Celebrity Cruises, The City of Irving, Hill & Wilkinson, Hagerty, Event Architecture, AT&T Business, AVSD Productions, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades Décor, Brad Oldham Sculpture, D Magazine and NBC 5.

Restaurants featured in the VIP Lounge include The French Room, LAW, III Forks, Cool River, Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Outlaw Tap Room, Kai, Toulouse, Whiskey Cake, Texas de Brazil, Princi Italia, CRU Wine and Food Bar, Pacific Table, Cork & Pig Tavern, Make Your Life Sweeter, and Carlton Provisions.

Additional sponsors include Lilium Florals, Perks & Provisions, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Furniture, RideCentric, iDesignMeetings, Marquee Event Rentals, Bachendorf’s, Jack Black, Maui Jim, Renegade Cigars, Tito’s Vodka, Peroni Beer, Waste Management, GL Seaman, Ratcliff Financial Services, Garages of Texas, Thermal Printing, and MarineMax Yachts.

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 16 full-service dealerships in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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Racing Jargon: Things to Know Before Watching Park Place Racing Compete

Park Place Motorsports (Park Place Racing) are gearing up for another race weekend in Florida come March: the Super Sebring.  As their sponsor (and might we suggest their number one fan too), we thought it appropriate to share some of their race lingo so that all Park Place members, especially those new to the racing circuit, can expertly cheer on their very own Motorsports team.

First Off, the Cars:

IMSA WeatherTech Championship GTD: The No. 73 in GTD is referred to as the No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Porsche for all races except the Sebring 12 Hour, the Watkins Six Hour and the Petit Le Mans in which it will be referred to as the No. 73 de Boulle Park Place Motorsports Porsche.

IMSA MICHELIN Pilot Challenge GS: The No. 7 is referred to as the No. 7 VOLT Lighting Porsche.

Track Terms:

Safety Car: Also known as a pace car, it is a car which limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of a caution period such as an obstruction on the track or bad weather.

Pitlane: Pitlane is an access road for getting on and off the track usually parallel to the front straight. Teams are each granted a spot on the pitlane used to service the car during a pitstop.

Paddock: A large open area here the team sets up their workspace. The paddock houses everything from the sanctioning body trailers to hospitality areas.

Technical Inspection (Tech): Tech is located in the paddock and run by the sanctioning body. Each car mush go through this inspection in order to make sure

Pass Around: Always performed under a full course caution, a pass around is awarded to cars not on the lead lap. It allows them to drive around the field and the safety car, gaining back one single lap.

Pit Stop: When a car enters the pitlane to be serviced. This includes taking on fuel, changing the tires or changing the driver. Multiple pit stops will be performed throughout the race.

Debrief: Following a driver’s stint they will all with the engineer to discuss the car. This includes talking about how the car performs on track, track conditions, and possible changes they feel should be made.

Morning Warm-Up: A 20-minute practice the morning before a race. This allows the drivers and teams to test out any last-minute changes and to get acquainted to that days track conditions.

Qualifying: A 15-minute session in which drivers compete to see who can achieve the fastest. This determines where the drivers will start the race from.

Kinds of Flags (and What They Mean):

Green Flag: Signals the start of the race or a restart.

Full Course Yellow (FCY): Signals an incident on course. Cars must assume safety car speed and fall in line behind the safety car. Competitors may not race or pass for position under a FCY.

Local Yellow: Signals a minor incident or piece of debris on course. Cars must only reduce speed through the turn in which the flag is flown. Upon exiting the turn, they may resume full speed racing.

Rolled up Black Flag: Signals an issue related to you or your car. This represents a warning. If you do not correct the issue you will be issued a penalty.

Black Flag: Signals you are receiving a penalty and should head to the pits. This is issued in accordance following a rolled up black flag.

Red Flag: Signals for all cars to assume safety car speed and head into the pits. A red flag stops the race, but does not stop the running clock. Red flags are most often thrown for weather conditions or severe on-track incidents.

Checkered Flag: Signals the end of the race.

 

Hopefully this helps you prep for the Super Sebring races mid March. If we missed any terms or you have any questions, send them to social@10.2.54.33. We’ll get our experts (like Team Principal, Patrick Lindsey) to help us respond.