2019 Teacher of the Year Celebrations Remind Us Why #ParkPlaceCares

Over 30 years ago our first dealership opened on Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas and as the organization grew, so did the connection to the community in which it lived, and as a result, Park Place Dealerships also expanded their dedicated time and resources for the continuous betterment of their neighbors. Now, our approach to outreach remains simple through #ParkPlaceCares, an initiative that highlights our commitment to show support for the communities that support you. It’s resulted in over 300 plus organizations supported each year with time, money, and in-kind donations.

#ParkPlaceCares

We are so grateful for the surrounding communities that we’ve been grounded in since our first Mercedes-Benz Dealership in the heart of Dallas, and we take pride in supporting these areas of the metroplex in which Park Place conducts business and where our members live and thrive. Our mission is driven even further when we can work hand-in-hand with local partners to drive action and impact far past a singular donation, event, or vehicle use.

The Park Place Cares efforts are grounded in our Four Pillars of Giving: arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education through grants, in-kind donations, event sponsorships (and more). And when the summer months roll around, our community team gets extra giddy knowing that we have the opportunity to give back to the people in charge of educating the future of Dallas-Fort Worth.

A Kick-Off To Summer: Teacher of the Year

Over the years, Park Place has expanded their Teacher of the Year celebrations to support the exceptional teachers of the Carroll, Allen, Grapevine-Colleyville, Plano, Northwest, Prosper, Fort-Worth, Mansfield, and Arlington school districts. The winners are given the opportunity to drive in-style for a summer, a small reward for the years of dedication and passionate service to our community’s families.

In 2012, Matt Woolsey spoke at the Teacher of the Year award ceremony, commenting on his close connection (and now Park Place’s tight-knit relationship) to Carroll ISD and the annual Teacher of the Year program itself:

“I looked around the room and saw a few of my son’s teachers, several current teachers that are Park Place clients, my former principal Mr. Willingham, Mr. Lowery (former superintendent), and my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Anders. I let them know how proud I was to be a Dragon, how proud I was to be the parent of a couple of Dragons….”

These words ring clearly today as the tradition of educational giving continues, and our 2019 Teacher of the Year winners are enjoying their summers in a Lexus or Mercedes.

In August 2017, Park Place Motorcars Arlington proudly kicked off a new exclusive partnership with Mansfield ISD, gifting two deserving teachers with the opportunity to sport a luxury vehicle for an entire year. Anam Ali spoke to our Education Support in Arlington saying:

“When we opened the dealership in Arlington, it was clear that we had to extend our support to the surrounding community that welcomed us so warmly back in 2015. We are elated to begin a new partnership with Mansfield ISD as they embark on a new school year, and we are eager to see what we can accomplish together.”

Later in 2019, we expanded our reach to include Arlington ISD and thanks to client and My Place star Dr. Nathanial Hearne, we continue to spread our support in the Arlington area. Dr. Nate Hearne shared his My Place Moment with us earlier this year, which began when he coached Tony Carimi, an executive at Park Place Dealerships, in basketball as a young athlete.

With a foundation of trust already built between Tony and Dr. Hearne, there was only one place that could help Dr. Hearne surprise his wife with a new car, and that was Park Place.

Now, Tony and Dr. Hearne’s story has led to an increased presence for educational support in the Arlington School District, with $10,000 being donated to the Education Foundation since our dealership’s opening.

Education Application Opportunities: Summer Internships

While our educational support has evolved, Park Place’s focus on educating our up-and-comers is revitalized through an extensive dealer-wide internship program that continues to offer professional learning opportunities for 25-35 interns each year. Providing not just verbal and monetary support, but ample application-based learning opportunities is part of Park Place’s commitment to sharing our knowledge and making a difference in the surrounding communities.

This year, they are participating in a revamped program that allows each intern the opportunity to experience dealership life and corporate opportunities with a rotating schedule. It’s integral that we do our part to not just support our educators, but continue to do our part to prepare the next generation of automotive leaders.

Recap: A Summer of Giving

All of this said, the summer months are some of our absolute favorites. It’s Park Place’s opportunity to show our support for those that impact our communities the most, and hear the stories of excitement and shock as some of the most deserving people in the metroplex are presented with a new car for the summer, funds are donated to an education foundation for future classroom grants, or when we get to share a little of what we do with the future of the automotive industry. Park Place Cares, and we can’t wait to see what the future years hold as we continue to support Education in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area.

Follow @parkplacetexas and #parkplacecares to stay up to date on our community outreach and partnerships.

June 24, 2019

Lexus Takes Steps Towards a Crash-Free World with Standard Tech

Lexus Safety System+ now standard equipment across the 2020 Model Year lineup as Lexus moves towards eliminating car crashes.

Article originally published on the Lexus Newsroom

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were nearly 6.5 million reported crashes in 2017 (the most recent available data) many of which were avoidable. Collisions that result in injury can often be caused by a delay in a driver’s recognition of the situation and his or her ability to react accordingly.

In a move to help prevent such accidents before they happen, the Lexus Safety System+ will be a standard feature in all US Lexus vehicles starting with the 2020 model year.

“We are working toward preventing crashes before they happen,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division.“ That’s why we have developed some of the most advanced safety features on the road today, and now those systems will be standard equipment on every model we sell.”

Designed to help protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians, the Lexus Safety System+ is an integrated suite of four advanced active safety packages anchored by automated pre-collision warning and braking. They include:

Pre-Collison System with Pedestrian Detection

This system is engineered to help detect a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the Lexus under certain conditions. Should the system detect a pedestrian or a potential frontal collision, it’s designed to activate an audible and visual alert while automatically preparing Brake Assist for an increased braking response. If the driver does not brake in time, the system is designed to automatically begin braking before impact and, in some cases, can even bring the vehicle to a stop.

Lane Departure Alert

This system utilizes a high-resolution camera to monitor visible lane markings and determine the vehicle’s position within a lane. If an inadvertent lane departure or potential departure due to swaying is detected at speeds above 32 mph, the system attempts to alert the driver with audio and visual warnings and steering wheel vibrations.

Intelligent High Beams

To help provide added visibility for the Lexus driver as well as other motorists, Intelligent High Beams offer added illumination to help keep the driver focused on the road. When the road ahead is clear, the system defaults to high-beam mode, then temporarily switches to low beams when it detects the headlamps or taillamps of vehicles ahead.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

This system uses radar and camera technology to help maintain a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. If driving at highway speeds and the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.

A Future-Focused History of Commitment to Safety

Offering Lexus Safety System+ standard in the entire Lexus lineup all its vehicles represents the latest milestone in the brand’s 30-year history of creating and providing advancements and innovations in safety – designed to help prevent crashes and protect people. “A world without crashes is what we envision,” notes Christ. “It’s an ambitious goal, but one we’re committed to achieve.”

Additional groundbreaking Lexus safety innovations include crash testing ingenuity and real-world safety.

Total Human Model for Safety

The development of many Lexus vehicle safety features benefits from the Total Human Model for Safety, or THuMS, virtual crash dummy software. Unlike typical dummy models which provide 119 data points, THuMS provides millions of data points and represents actual humans in detail, including the outer shape as well as bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and internal organs¾enough to detect even a scrape or bruise. This means crash tests can be conducted to determine the impact on¾and solutions for¾an unprecedented number of potential collisions on a nearly endless variety of humans, from large to small, young to old, and even gender differences. THuMS technology represents such a breakthrough in human safety, that it has been shared with a dozen other automakers and research labs around the world.

Advanced Driving Simulator

Developed to better understand driver behavior, Lexus designed and built one of the world’s most advanced driving simulators. A massive, multidimensional structure covering a space the size of a football field, this futuristic simulator can travel the equivalent of 186 miles per hour, tilt up to 30 degrees, and move in six directions at once. Inside, ordinary drivers—in an actual Lexus vehicle—navigate their way through a 360-degree virtual world. This allows their reactions to be analyzed in real-world situations without real-world consequences.

Learn more about Lexus Safety Technology at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.

June 24, 2019

Pricing Released for the Next Generation Mercedes-Benz GLS

The largest and most luxurious SUV in the Mercedes-Benz line-up has raised the bar- again. Noted as the S-Class of SUVs the new GLS will come in around a $75,200, and sport the latest in intuitive Mercedes-Benz technology.

Progressive Interior Design

The new GLS includes various seating customizations, including a 6-person option with Captain’s Chairs. Clients also have the choice between a three-seat rear bench seat or two individual seats with armrests in the second row depending on your own wants and needs. Each seating row is fully electric and adjustable to increase the already generous amount of passenger space.

The steering wheel is “new generation” with Touch Control Buttons, two grab handles, a widescreen dual 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster, 64-color Ambient Lighting, and a 12.3″ multimedia display. Past packages including the Premium Package, Lighting Package, and the Parking Assist package are now standard on the 2020 GLS.

And of course, the MBUX intuitive experience technology with Intelligent Voice Control, Natural Language Understanding, augmented video for navigation, and the NEW MBUX Interior Assistant which recognizes arm and hand movements to support operating intentions.

Sophisticated Chassis

The new Intelligent Chassis is the only system of its kind in the market and is another new benchmark for this luxury SUV segment. The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension is paired with the 48-volt technology for outstanding suspension comfort, agile handling, and off-road capability.

Equipment Highlights- Standard

- - 3.0L Inline-6 turbo engine with EQ Boost for smoother acceleration and increased efficiency
  - 7-seat configuration or 6-seat configuration with Captain’s Chairs
  - LED Intelligent Light System
  - Revolutionary MBUX User Interface with Voice Control and Natural Language Understanding
  - MB Navigation
  - 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster
  - 12.3″ Media Display with Touchscreen
  - Touchpad in center console
  - 64-color ambient lighting and illuminated door sills
  - Heated front seats
  - Active Parking Assist with Surround View
  - Blind Spot Assist
  - PRE-SAFE® Sound and PRE-SAFE® Sound
  - Active Brake Assist
  - Car-to-X Communication
  - 9 USB ports and 115V household outlet
  - Nappa Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel with Touch Control Buttons
  - DYNAMIC SELECT
  - Power tilt/sliding sunroof
  - Wireless Charging
  - Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  - Burmester Surround Sound System
  - SiriusXM Radio
  - KEYLESS-START and KEYLESS-GO
  - AIRMATIC Suspension
  - 19″ wheels
  - Easy-Pack Tailgate and Load Compartment Cover

Extreme Test Driving of the 2019 GLS:

Imagine what the off-roading capabilities could be in the new 2020 GLS if the outgoing model can handle extreme terrain testing.

The 2020 GLS is expected to be available in the United States by the end of the year. Stay tuned to your Park Place Motorcars dealership for more info as it’s released.

June 21, 2019June 21, 2019

The New Porsche 718: Perfectly Irrational

Hungry for every curve and optimized for the racetrack.

The Porsche 718 family welcomes two new members to the model family: the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder. Poised with agility and intimate proximity to power, these sportscars will delight those who enjoy an unadulterated driving experience.

Both the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spider share a technical base – a Porsche first- with a newly developed four-liter six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine together with a six-speed manual transmission. While this GT4 represents Porsche’s entry-level GT road model, the Spider “lends itself to all kinds of curves.” And with both models being able to accelerate 0-60 in about 4.4 seconds from stopped, it’s clear these are designed with the iconic Porsche Performance in mind.

View each model’s specs and see a preview of its performance, courtesy of Porsche.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

The 718 Cayman GT4 produces 50% more downforce thanks to an improved aerodynamic design. A major player in that improved design is a single-chamber arch rear silencer which creates space in the rear section for a functional diffuser and ultimately accounts for 30% of the downforce at the rear axle.

Porsche 718 Spider

Porsche terms the Spider variant as a “pure machine for driving pleasure,” sporting a lightweight convertible top that can combat top speeds. Top up or down, you’ll still get the thrilling power and aerodynamic improvements, and at 120 km/h (about 74-75 mph), the rear spoiler will automatically come up.

For the full technical write-up on the 718 GT4 and 718 Spider, visit Porsche Newsroom.

June 21, 2019June 21, 2019

Park Place Motorsports Wins 24 Hours of Le Mans

The Park Place Porsche sponsored No. 56 Porsche 911 RSR took home the prestigious title of 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and World Champion of the FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season.

Park Place Motorsports driver and Dallas resident Patrick Lindsey won the GTE Am points championship title in Le Mans, France but it wasn’t until 24 hours after the checkered flag fell that he was crowned the winner of Le Mans with co-drivers Edgidio Perfetti and Porsche Factory Driver Jörg Bergmeister. A post-race penalty was given for fuel capacity error to the winning Ford of Houston based Keating Motorsport. This is the same penalty Team Project 1, the German-based team that runs the No. 56 Park Place Porsche, received after winning at Fuji International Speedway. The time penalty did not strip the No. 56 of its win.

The crowning achievement of Le Mans winner is one that can often escape even the most talented teams and drivers, but Lindsey and company took home the honor in their first WEC season. The Super Season put on by the FIA WEC was to restructure their race season so the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which initially fell early in the race of the season, would now mark the finale. The Super Season featured two races at Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans and competitions in Europe, Asia and the United States. Lindsey took home two wins, and three podium finishes out of eight rounds.

“Well, it’s certainly unexpected news,” said Lindsey. “Winning the championship was the goal going into the race and having accomplished that with a second-place finish was beyond satisfying. With the news that we are now the winners, it’s a lot to wrap my head around.”

“For starters, I felt like we had already executed the perfect race, so to be made the winners – even post-race – feels like the perfect reward to the team for such a monumental effort. It’s the biggest race victory in my career and to go along with capping off the Super Season championship is just too amazing to express.”

“Pride in my teammates, relief of the past months of trying to maintain the championship, and of course, thankfulness of the full support of my wife, family and friends are emotions just swirling around that I can’t really distinguish. I’m looking forward to digesting it all and getting a little perspective of the whole thing, then figure out how to do it all again.”

What’s Next

Lindsey now rejoins teammate Nick Boulle, of de Boulle, and Porsche Factory Driver Patrick Long in the No. 73 de Boulle Porsche 911 GT3 R ran by Park Place Motorsports for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen International in New York. Park Place Motorsports is tied for third in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Daytona Team Points Championship. Watkins Glen International is the halfway point of the 2019 season and is the third installment of the Michelin Endurance Championship. The endurance championship features North America’s most elite endurance races including the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen airs on NBCSN Sunday, June 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. ET in a delayed broadcast. To watch the six-hour race live use IMSA.tv and NBC Sports app or listen to the race live with IMSA Radio. For more information on Park Place Motorsports visit http://parkplacemotorsports.com.

June 21, 2019September 5, 2019

The Haute Hat Contest Returns to the 3rd Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

DALLAS’ MAD HATTER SHANE WALKER RETURNS TO JUDGE “HAUTE HAT” CONTEST AT PARK PLACE LUXURY & SUPERCAR SHOWCASE SEPTEMBER 28

Elegant ladies and dapper gents in stylish hats will be strolling around the lush grounds of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas Saturday, September 28 during the 3rd annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker will judge the “Haute Hat” contest again this year. Men and women will compete on the Million Air Stage inside the Porsche Pavilion to be selected for the most creative, stylish and outrageous hats.

“I was astonished by the creativity and participation of last year’s Haute Hat contestants,” said Shane Walker. “I anticipate even more Dappers and Divas strutting their stuff this year.”

Suggested attire for the day is Concours Casual, where guests are encouraged to pair a hat with their favorite resort-inspired ensemble while sporting comfortable shoes. Shane Walker Designs will have a Pop-Up store in the Porsche Pavilion where ladies and gents can purchase some of his uniquely designed hats.

Iconic luxury shopping and dining destination, Highland Park Village, also will present a runway fashion show featuring looks from prestigious brands Alice + Olivia, St. John, Trina Turk, Theory, and MARKET in the climate-controlled pavilion.

A Lifestyle Event

“The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase is more than incredible cars, it is a lifestyle event,” said Liz Shafton, Experiential Marketing Director for Park Place Dealerships. “In addition to fashion, guests will enjoy live music, pop up shops, and amazing food from premier restaurants and popular food trucks.”

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.

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 event also will include a Car Club Expo powered by Park Up Front as well as a Kid’s Zone complete with drivable cars for the littlest enthusiast.

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, NBC 5 and CultureMap.

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

Benefitting Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation

The luxury lifestyle event benefits the Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation.

Park Place Dealerships has donated a 2020 Lexus UX to be raffled at the Park Place Luxury Supercar Showcase. Tickets for the raffle may be purchased online at irvingfoundation.bswhealth.com or by visiting Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation at 1901 N. MacArthur Blvd. Irving. Tickets are $100 each and participants need not be present to win. Proceeds will benefit Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Irving.

Event tickets range 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.

About Park Place Dealerships:

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.

June 4, 2019June 25, 2019

Passion: The Next Addition to the My Park Place Story

“I was ruined. I had to have it.”

Earlier this year, Park Place made a splash delivering a McLaren Senna (valued at over $1 million) to Josh Snowhorn, long-time McLaren advocate and member of the Park Place family. But his story extends far past this one delivery, and in fact, the brand-new Senna is not a culmination point- but rather, another exceptional pit-stop on his automotive journey.

It all began when Josh was born- literally. “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.”

After that “good first car”, his McLaren legacy began with a friend who was visiting Dallas for a conference. “I had already been in his car and had that lust for it. He said let’s go down to the dealership and take a test drive.” Sure enough, after his test drive he was hooked- or rather, ruined, and he bought his first 12C.

Josh’s unique story continues- looking for the latest and greatest from McLaren to take to the COTA (Circuit of the Americas) track, and experience the McLaren brand the way it was intended: with passion and excitement- on the road and on the track. So what’s the next chapter in this supercar saga? I guess we’ll have to stay tuned for more high-performance adventures to come.

Listen to more of Josh’s Story.

Catch up on “My Place” moments or submit your own at www.ParkPlace.com/MyPlace

June 3, 2019

Motorsports Update: Park Place Takes First Podium of 2019 in Detroit

Park Place Motorsports finished second in the Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear after dominating the weekend at the Raceway at Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan with Canadian driver Zach Robichon and Porsche Works Driver Patrick Long.

Park Place Motorsports second-place finish came after leading nearly half of the 100-minute race. Both drivers took turns out in front of the GT Daytona Class. With 47-minutes remaining Long was passed in the tight confines of Turn 5. While he fought off multiple competitors the No. 14 Lexus of Richard Heistand and Jack Hawksworth slipped past Long and kept the No. 73 Park Place Porsche 911 GT3 R hot on its heels until the checkered flag.

Though Long spent much of his stint hunting down the leader, teammate Robichon had a very different race. Robichon inherited pole position and never relinquished the lead. He led the GTD field for 42 minutes opening up a 2.3-second gap over his competitors. Robichon conquered two of the five restarts with ease. A perfect pit stop kept Long in the lead after the driver change.

Park Place Motorsports second place finish at Detroit is highlighted by earning the new Porsche 911 GT3 R first pole position in North America. This is also the first GTD Class podium of the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season for the manufacturer. In Championship Points Standings Long moves up into third for the Drivers’ Championship and second in the WeatherTech Sprint Championship.

Calendar
Up next for Long is the Official Le Mans Test at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France. Team Principal and co-driver Patrick Lindsey will fly Long as well as other IMSA drivers to the test where he will also compete. The Park Place sponsored No. 56 of Team Project 1 of Lindsey unveiled its art livery by Richard Phillips for the 24 Hours of Le Mans ahead of the test. The next event for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is June 30 at Watkins Glen International.

Driver Quotes

Zachary Robichon, Driver of the No. 73 Park Place Porsche 911 GT3 R

“It was a fantastic weekend with Park Place Motorsports,” Robichon said. “I’ve never raced with Park Place before or raced at Belle Isle Raceway, so it was a weekend of firsts for me. Luckily this wasn’t my first street track and I was able to settle in pretty quickly.

“It was great working with Patrick Long and the whole Park Place Team. We were able to meld very easily and get up to speed in the car. It was a great race where we held the lead for a long time, we just missed out a little bit at the end and brought it home in second which was still exciting. This was my first time on the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship podium and my first podium with the Porsche 911 GT3 R. I’m glad we were able to be competitive and help Park Place move up in the championship.”

Patrick Long, Porsche Works Driver, No. 73 Park Place Porsche 911 GT3 R

“I’m really proud of the whole Park Place Motorsports organization,” Long said. “We were at the sharp end of the field all weekend. The racer in me is disappointed and wants a victory for the team but the realists understands this is where championships are made or lost. The second yellow is ultimately where the plot twisted. The Lexus was able to drive by me on the back straightaway on that restart. We were better on the long run but a little bit low on pace on the short run. It was a great job by Zach and the whole team today.”

May 27, 2019May 28, 2019

Texas Serviceman Welcomed Home after Deployment

Park Place Lexus Grapevine embraces service tech and his family after deployment.

The story began last spring. In April 2018, U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Joseph Rasey left North Texas for a deployment to Kuwait, leaving behind his pregnant wife Megan and two toddlers. While Sgt. Rasey was deployed, Megan gave birth to their third child, Hannah, last August, while the two older girls Josie-Anna and Martha-Eden celebrated their first and third birthdays, respectively.

On April 30, 2019, Rasey resumed his job as a service technician at Park Place Lexus Grapevine. But Park Place did much more than just hold Rasey’s job for him. They took care of his family while he was deployed.

“Joseph is part of our Park Place family,” said Gary Venner, Park Place Lexus Grapevine general manager. “So that makes Megan and the girls family, too. I can’t imagine how much this family has sacrificed for him to go and serve our country. We’re very proud of him. And we’re glad he’s home safe. We’re very happy to have him back in the shop.”

Before Rasey deployed, Park Place held a going away party for him at the Grapevine dealership

While Sgt. Rasey was deployed, Park Place Lexus Grapevine threw both girls a birthday party where the dealership gave them toys and books featuring their daddy’s voice so they could feel his presence while he was away.

“Park Place has proven they’re family,” said Joseph Rasey. “They took such loving care of my family while I was gone. There was never a question where I would work when I got back. Without doubt, Park Place is MY place.”

Sgt. Rasey just finished his third deployment. He also served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea. He was active duty for more than eight years before joining the U.S. Army Reserves.

Located at 901 East State Highway 114, off Minters Chapel Road, Park Place Lexus Grapevine is has been recognized as an Elite of Texas dealer 11 years in a row, and received a number one national ranking for customer satisfaction. In 2005, Park Place Lexus was the first automotive dealership to ever be awarded the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

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.

May 23, 2019

Park Place Launches 2019 Luxury & Supercar Showcase with Collectors Kick-Off

Registration open for 3rd Annual Luxury & Supercar Showcase Collectors Concours and Car Club Expo

Park Place Dealerships recently held a Collectors Kickoff Party at the MarineMax Dallas Yacht Center on Lake Lewisville to launch the 3rd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Dallas Fort Worth’s premier luxury lifestyle and automotive event will return to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28.

Guests were treated to a powerful lineup of luxury SUVs at the kickoff party that included the Rolls-Royce Culinan; the Bentley Bentayga; and the Maserati Levante. They also had the opportunity to board several luxury yachts at MarineMax, including the $1.5 million Galeon 500 Fly.

“The collectors were excited to hear this year’s Luxury and Supercar Showcase will be held entirely on the magnificent grounds of the Four Seasons TPC Championship golf course,” said Dave Evans, Chief Marketing Officer at Park Place Dealerships. “Our event is quickly growing into one of the foremost automotive celebrations in the Southwest. We are expecting a really distinctive selection of luxury, sports, vintage, classic and supercars from private collectors.”

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

Car Clubs Wanted

In addition to the juried Collectors’ Concours, Park Place is inviting area Car Clubs to submit the best of their members’ cars for consideration in the Car Club Expo, powered by Park Up Front. Submissions for both the Collectors Concours and the Car Club Expo can be made online at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

Fast Cars, Fashion, and Food

Representing some of the most coveted automobile brands in the world, Park Place will also feature some of the latest Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Land Rover, and Jaguar models at the event.

The Luxury Lifestyle event will also offer fashion, food and retail offerings within the Porsche Pavilion. There will be live music performances all day on the Lexus Live Stage and refreshing beverages in The Mercedes-Benz Beer Garden, all spread across the 1^st and 18^th fairways on the beautiful Four Seasons TPC Championship golf course. Offering something for everyone in the family, the popular Kid’s Zone will return this year, complete with drivable cars and games for the younger enthusiasts.

For the second consecutive year, Highland Park Village will present a runway fashion show and Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker will return to judge the 2019 Haute Hat Contest on The Million Air Stage.

Tickets

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,) admission tickets are already on sale atLuxurySupercarShowcase.com.VIP All Access tickets are limited and have sold out each of the previous two years.

Partners

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 Seamen, Ratcliff Financial Services, Garages of Texas, Thermal Printing and MarineMax Yachts.

About Park Place Dealerships