Living The American Dream: Kolkmann Ends First Race Season In North America

DALLAS (October 24, 2018) – Park Place Motorsports’ Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama driver David Kolkmann ended his first race season in North America at the Porsche Young Drivers Academy VII (PYDA).

After only 10 months in America Kolkmann is headed back to Germany armed with a plethora of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohoma podiums, as well as the chance to say he attended the exclusive PYDA. Kolkmann earned this invitation through his impressive performance in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohoma championship. The chosen drivers were the first ever to experience the program in the state-of-the-art Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles (PECLA) in California.

“I feel really honored and thankful to have been a part of it and to have worked with such experienced people,” Kolkmann said. “It’s a great way to end my first year in America and I think it shows that Park Place Motorsports and I performed well during the season.”

Starting in 2012, Porsche Motorsport North America began hand-selecting four promising drivers at the end of the North American race season to partake in a two-day intensive training academy. The PYDA focuses on six main modules that have been identified as crucial to a racing drivers success; media training, physical training and nutrition, technical training, mental performance coaching, simulator testing and car handling.

The program kicked off Sunday, Oct. 21, with the nutrition and training module. The drivers met with a professional race car driver Jan Heylen to learn how to properly care for their bodies before, during and after a race weekend.

They then moved to a classroom for mental coaching and technical training. A strong mental game is crucial in racing’s constantly varied, fast pace atmosphere where one mistake could cost you a championship. A driver that is technically trained can better communicate car setup to the team making it possible to find the extra tenth of a second that could win a race.

“I took in a lot of information and I think it will take a couple of days to really process everything,” Kolkmann said. “I wrote a lot of notes and I´ll go over it on my way back to Germany. I think it will make me a better racing driver in every aspect which is one of the main goals of the Porsche Young Driver Academy.”

Kolkmann and company returned to PECLA Monday for the remaining three modules, starting with Media training. The drivers met with journalist Jamie Howe to learn how to professionally communicate their post-race thoughts, team names and sponsor plugs. Howe then handed the group over to Porsche Motorsport Factory Driver Patrick Long for simulator training. The drivers wrapped up the academy with a lesson on the skid pad to focus car control.

Upon the completion of the six modules the drivers sat down with key Porsche Motorsport figures such as Porsche Motorsport North America CEO Dr. Daniel Armbruster and Race Director Owen Hayes to discuss the takeaway points from the season as a whole and the Academy. Amidst the discussion, Kolkmann reflected on the whirlwind year he had experienced.

“My first season in America was fantastic,” Kolkmann said. “We were able to win a couple of races and we finished on the podium six times. Of course, we also had difficult races but that’s just a part of racing. I really enjoyed my time in America this year and I also found some new favorite tracks. I’m really thankful to Park Place Motorsports because they gave me the opportunity to make my first steps into American racing. It’s a great team, I really enjoyed working with them and cannot thank them enough.”

October 24, 2018October 24, 2018

Park Place Celebrates 21 Years at the Cattle Baron’s Ball with New Vehicle Donated to Raffle

Park Place Dealerships and the Cattle Baron’s Ball have a now 21-year relationship that has resulted in yet another successful event at Gilley’s Dallas, all for the pursuit of a cure for cancer. The Cattle Baron’s Ball is one of the largest one night fundraisers, and Park Place is proud to provide support through what we know best- and that is luxury cars.

For our 21^st year, Park Place donated the choice of a brand new 2018 Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, Porsche Macan, or Range Rover Velar, to the winner of the raffle.

As a core tenant of Park Place’s mission, giving back and community involvement is never overlooked but rather, constantly adapting and changing so that we can make a greater impact year after year. As leaders in the automotive industry, Park Place has been honored with the opportunity to give to the Cattle Baron’s Ball to benefit the American Cancer society, leaders in cancer research, for 21 years now.

Since 1974, Cattle Baron’s Ball has raised over $77 million for cancer research- which they cite happens mostly here in DFW. True to “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” mantra, the Cattle Baron’s Ball has proven year after year, that they in partnership with the community, are the world’s largest sing-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Cattle Baron’s has provided more than 30,000 services to cancer patients in North Texas, rides to and from treatments, and wigs free of charge. The American Cancer Society is the beneficiary of the event whose mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

October 23, 2018October 25, 2018

The 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase Shone Brightly Even in the Rain

Park Place Dealerships donates $55k Sprinter
to Salesmanship Club’s Momentous Institute

Rain or shine. Many outdoor events casually use the term, but few shine in the midst of challenges like the 2^nd annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase did on October 13^th at the Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas.

“It was an exciting day in a lot of ways,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships founder and chairman. “The rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of guests and we were able to execute the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase for the nearly 3,000 people who attended. Many of the private collectors brought their rare and pristine cars out to display them in the Collector’s Concours. The Porsche Club – Maverick Region came together to create an amazing Heritage Display to celebrate Porsche’s 70^th anniversary. And we were able to support a wonderful charitable partner in a big way.”

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. Schnitzer presented Patton Chapman, Salesmanship Club president, with the keys to a $55,000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van to help the organization with its transportation needs for the kids.

Throughout the day, guests saw more than $100 million worth of rare and unique vehicles from manufacturers, collectors and car clubs, including the first public display of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the iconic marque’s first ever SUV. Guests also enjoyed live entertainment, incredible food and beverages, as well as a Highland Park Village fashion show produced by Jan Strimple.

Parents even watched their kids play in the rain, driving miniature electric versions of Porsche, McLaren, Volvo, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus vehicles on the pavestone path. Guests also had the opportunity to meet 16-year-old racecar driver Kinzie “Kiki” Wilson. Featured in her red, racing shirt on the right of her Corvette, the Mansfield Legacy High School Junior is also the Varsity Cheer Captain while maintaining a 3.95 GPA.

Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker helped judge the Haute Hat Contest. The Lady’s Haute Hat winner was Anna Neiman (below) with a stylish Rolls-Royce-inspired hat that included working lights.

As the day drew to a close, the top three award winners from the Collector’s Concours were presented with the “Spirit of Park Place,” a hand-crafted sculpture by Dallas artist Brad Oldham.

Best of Show went to Randy Johnson for his 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C.
Chairman’s Choice Award – Fred Cornwall – 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental, originally hand-built for Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton as an engagement gift for her fiancé Georgian Prince Alexis Mdivani.
Salesmanship Club Award – John Kobell – 1980 BMW M1.

Other award winners included:

American Classics

1^st – 1959 Chevrolet Corvette – Rocky Rainbolt

2^nd – 1932 REO Royale Rumble Seat Coupe – Rob Anderson

3^rd – 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe – Rob Anderson

American Modern:

1^st in Class – 2009 Dodge Viper – Alan Wilson

British Classic

1^st – 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Limo – James Stewart

2^nd – 1966 Jaguar E-Type OTS – Clark Kirby
3^rd – 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II – Michael Davis

British Modern

1^st – 2012 McLaren MP4-12C – Warren Huddleston
2^nd – 2012 McLaren 12C – Patrick Chiu
3^rd – 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith – Erick Johnson

Italian Classic

1^st – 1964 Ferrari 330 GT 2 + 2 – Cory Richards

2^nd – 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta – Jerry Quam
3^rd – 1979 Maserati Merak SS – Betsy Crawford

Italian Modern

1^st – 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C – William Hale

2^nd – 2005 Ferrari 430 – Derrick Blanton
3^rd – 2001 Qvale Mangusta – Anatoly Arutunoff

German Classic

1^st – 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible – Whitney Stark

2^nd – 1996 Porsche 993 Turbo – Raj Gill

German Modern:

1^st in Class – 2015 Audi R8 – Brad Harslem

Supercar Classic:

1^st in Class – 1993 Jaguar XJ220 – Barry Fromberg

Supercar Modern

1^st – 2015 Porsche 918 Weissach Martini – John Savickas

2^nd – 2013 Zagato Perana Z-One – Dave Copps

International:

1^st in Class – 1972 Citroen SM – Gordon Sauer

Porsche GT:

1^st – 2015 Porsche GT3 – Robert Caglia

2^nd – 2016 Porsche GT3 RS – Michael Lee

Partners included the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|Urban, Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, Event Architecture, Bachendorf’s, Brad Oldham Sculpture, RideCentric, GL Seaman, Lockton, Hagerty Insurance, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, Cox Automotive, Dealer Industries, Garages of Texas, Ratcliff Financial Services, Maui Jims, Jack Black, The Vineyard at Florence, Steinway & Sons, D Magazine, and NBC 5.

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, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

October 16, 2018October 16, 2018

Mercedes-AMG Aspires to Put the HYPE in Hypercar

Not all supercars are hypercars, but all hypercars are supercars. After the Paris Auto Show Mercedes-Benz announced some big plans to put the hype in Hypercar with now named Mercedes- AMG Project ONE. The name reflects the mission to bring Formula One technology and capability, to the road, providing performance seekers with a completely performance driven, aerodynamic driving experience.

The Mercedes- AMG Project ONE is set to be the top-of-the-line model- another allusion that’s logically referenced by its official name. The new hypercar is highlighted by active aerodynamics, which is going through extensive wind-tunnel testing. This technology features a multi-part, two-stage extendable rear wing for maximum downforce in race mode, all to bring racing tech to a street-legal motor vehicle.

The car itself is exciting, but the client experience to spec a Mercedes-AMG Project ONE has elevated and evolved into an exclusive Mobile Showroom titled “The Future of Driving Performance”. It’s in this mobile showroom that potential clients have the opportunity to sit the cockpit of the most recent rendition of the Hypercar and experience a demonstration of the individual equipment options. Right now, it’s only available on the Grounds of the Munich Mercedes-Benz branch, but we’ll definitely be keeping our eye on the evolution Mercedes’ contribution the hypercar circle. Read more information on Project ONE on Mercedes-Benz.com

October 16, 2018

Update from Park Place Racing: Too Fast To Handle

BRASELTON, Ga. (Oct. 13, 2018) – Park Place Motorsports ends its 10-hour fight after three due to an undiagnosed gearbox issue at Road Atlanta.

Spencer Pumpelly made heads turn as he turned determined laps when disaster struck during the Motul Petit Le Mans. The No. 73 Park Place Porsche GT3 R slowed to a stop on track. Pumpelly maneuvered the No. 73 Porsche out of harm’s way before coming to a full stop, albeit a little too well. Pumpelly was stranded out on track for nearly 30 minutes as he waited for a yellow flag and a tow back to the paddock.

The time between the No. 73 Porsche stopping on track and being delivered back to the paddock caused the team to fall over 30 laps down. While the issue was fixable, the race was determined not to be, and the team decided to retire.

“To start the stint the car was fantastic,” Pumpelly said. “We put a lot of work into it over the course of the stint to make it faster, but I was really surprised when I got in on fresh tires how fast it was for the first few laps. It was a car that seemed to be good over every stage of the race. We started to lose grip as the tires wore but we still were running a lot faster than the people we were chasing.”

“Tim (Pappas) did a great job to keep us in the hunt and on the lead lap. Suddenly coming out Turn 5 the revs skyrocketed, and I lost control and forward drive. I knew right away something had broken and I tried to diagnose it hoping it got stuck in neutral. Unfortunately, it was terminal, so we safely came to a stop out of the way and that was our day. I can’t be happier to be back with Park Place Motorsports and work with these guys. It was a fun weekend, a fantastic car and great comradery.”

While running, Pumpelly ran a lap time of 1:20.536, the second fastest lap of the race behind points leader Madison Snow in the No. 48 Lamborghini. Before retiring from the race, Pumpelly propelled the No. 73 through the field to the lead lap and 10th place after being put a lap down during the pit stop Pumpelly jumped in to relieve Tim Pappas. Wolf Henzler did not get track time after the recon lap before the race.

Park Place Motorsports finishes its partial season having run six races in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In three of those six races, the team finished the race as the highest finishing or as the fastest Porsche in the field. Park Place Motorsports has yet to announce its plans for the 2019 season, for updates through the offseason visit http://parkplacemotorsports.com.

October 9, 2018

News From Park Place Racing: Conquering Road Atlanta Again

DALLAS (Oct. 9, 2018) – Park Place Motorsports takes confidence into the Motul Petit Le Mans after back-to-back podium celebrations in California.

In the GT Daytona class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Porsche Factory Driver Jörg Bergmeister drove a nail-biting race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. His efforts gave the team a second-place finish. Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama driver David Kolkmann received a third-place finish in Race Two at Sonoma Raceway after penalty dissolved the initial winner’s accomplishment.

At Road Atlanta Park Place Motorsports’ No. 73 Park Place Porsche GT3 R features an all-new lineup. Endurance driver Tim Pappas will take on the 10-hour endurance event with Spencer Pumpelly and longtime Porsche favorite Wolf Henzler. Pumpelly ran a season with Park Place Motorsports in 2015, during that year he and the team won Petit Le Mans in GTD. Henzler has never before run with Park Place Motorsports. All three drivers bring the experience of winning at Road Atlanta in the GTD class.

While Park Place Motorsport shoots for one last taste of champagne before the end of the 2018 season, Team Principal Patrick Lindsey and Bergmeister will fight for their second podium of the FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season at Fuji Speedway.

“I’m still upset that these two races conflict but I’m excited for our lineup in the 73,” Lindsey said. “We want to win, and that is what this lineup will do. Wolf has a ridiculous amount of experience and is one of the best Porsche has to offer. Spencer is a solid driver. He’s someone I’ll always trust with my team. Tim has the competitive spirit and experience to get the job done. I expect to see a trophy when I get back from Japan if everything goes their way.”

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama lineup stays the same with David Kolkmann of Germany returning for the final event. He stands third in the Platinum Class points championship. He is 19 points behind second place and 20 points ahead of fourth. A good weekend could give Kolkmann a final boost while a less than desirable weekend could take him out of the top three, which are honorably mentioned during the awards banquet following Race Two at Road Atlanta.

“If I could change anything for David I would go back and change Sebring,” Lindsey said. “To be so close in the points championship is really the difference between two rough races at Sebring. My hope is David ends the season with two strong performances. He can walk away happy with what he’s done this year. His talent and attitude carried him as-far-as possible with the help of an amazing team behind him of course.”

Park Place Motorsports kicks off a long week at Road Atlanta with Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama practice Wednesday, Oct. 10. The days become longer as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practices both day and night for the Motul Petit Le Mans and Race One for Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA takes place Thursday, Oct. 11.

Race Two for Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA and qualifying for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship are set for Friday, Oct. 12. Finally, the weekend and 2018 season come to an end Saturday, Oct. 13 with the start of the 10-hour endurance race, the Motul Petit Le Mans. For a full schedule visit http:/imsa.com.

October 4, 2018October 5, 2018

What Exactly Is Concours Casual: Fashion Tips for the Luxury & Supercar Showcase

There’s nothing quite like a new attire request, like ‘Concours Casual’, to make even the most in-the-know fashionista shake in their on-trend boots, block heels, or flats. We are requesting attendees of the 2^nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase to dress in Concours Casual wear, a perfect (albeit previously undefined) garb request for a luxury lifestyle and car showcase of this magnitude.

To help shed some light on what to wear on October 13^th, we partnered with Highland Park Village, the presenting sponsor of our first ever LIVE Runway Show, to give you key insights into planning the perfect Concours Casual outfit to enjoy a full day of luxury fashions, high-performance cars, and indulge in local bites and refreshments. See below for the expert tips for Liz Thrash, Director of Personal Shopping at Highland Park Village.

_____________________________________________________

How would you describe “Concours Casual” Attire?

“Being fashionable and keeping in mind the setting is key – guests have the unique opportunity to see hundreds of the world’s most impressive vehicles along the Four Seasons fairway, so finding a look that’s sensible given the turf and elements, but also striking, is what the day is all about. Focusing on statement accessories is always a simple way to have high impact. Think bold handbags that are easy to carry, earrings that provide the wow factor, and a flowy dress or low block heels that will make the day that much more enjoyable”

What are some key trends, we should be aware of as we transition into fall?

“It’s safe to say animal prints and western are definitely in! Also, both of these are great for transitioning looks from day to night, so working in pieces of both – whether through cowboy boots, or a belt with great detailing, or a pair of leopard print heels – will be the key to mastering a couple of this season’s biggest trends.”

What are some suggestions for attendees of the October 13th event?

“Again, comfort will be key so that you can enjoy every aspect of the event, but take the opportunity to elevate key elements – a light, but well-tailored blazer for the men (Zegna’s collection is perfect for the man who appreciates incredible tailoring, but with an athletic edge), a loose, yet bold dress that is easy for all-day wear, and even versatile clothes for kids (The TOT has the cutest clothes for the littlest auto enthusiasts)!”

Accessory must-haves for the day of the event?

“Make sure and grab a handbag that is easy to wear and carry – something that will has a shoulder strap is perfect. Sunglasses are a must, and the possibilities are endless!”

Finally, can you give us a quick preview as to what our spectators will see on the runway at the showcase?

“Highland Park Village’s Fashion Show will be featuring an incredible mix of looks for every style — from the colorful and youthful pieces from Alice + Olivia, to the approachable and eclectic mix from MARKET, and even the polished hand tailored touches of Hadleigh’s. An array of looks will be captured on the runway and we can’t wait to unveil this season’s fabulous collections! Our hope is that guests can experience a small part of the true and charming essence of our historic shopping center through the incredible brands that bring it to life, and then join us in Dallas for dining, shopping and more! ”

Our last note to complete your showcase ready outfit is to add the most perfect hat (think derby-esque and high-fashion) and enter our Haute Hat Contest.

Join us and our friends from Highland Park Village on the Concours and at the LIVE Fashion show by securing your General Admission Credentials before we run out. Credentials are available for purchase at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

September 28, 2018October 3, 2018

Woolworth Heiress Barbara Hutton’s 1933 Rolls-Royce To Be Featured at the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

Oct 13^th Luxury Lifestyle Event Benefits Momentous Institute

There’s a story behind each of the 150 unique cars in the Collectors Concours at the 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase to be held 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, October 13 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. Perhaps none more romantic, or ultimately as tragic, than the story behind the 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental built for Barbara Woolworth Hutton, one of the wealthiest women in the world at the time.

At age 12 Hutton had inherited the Woolworth 5 & 10 fortune from her grandfather and a large share of the E.F. Hutton brokerage firm from her father, one of the co-founders. Built during the Great Depression, the luxurious carriage was the most expensive car built at the time. She gave the car to her fiancé Prince Alexis Mdivani of Georgia (now Russia) as an engagement gift. Since the Prince was a pilot, Hutton had the instrument panel designed like an airplane cockpit, including the installation of an altimeter in the dashboard.

The happy newlyweds drove the car throughout Europe on their honeymoon in the summer of 1933. But apparently, the marriage wasn’t built on as strong a foundation as the car. Hutton divorced the Prince in May of 1935. Several months later, Prince Mdivani was driving the car at a very high rate of speed (reportedly over 80 mph) on a country road in France when he crashed and died. Although badly damaged, the car was returned to Rolls-Royce where it was completely restored. The current owner, Fred Cornwall of Dallas, is only the eighth owner of the historic car.

“The chance to see this magnificent car in person is truly a special opportunity,” said Liz Shafton, senior marketing manager at Park Place Dealerships and chair of the event. “I was fortunate to see this splendid jewel recently at the Crespi Estate in Dallas. She will take your breath away.”

A few other notable cars include a 1940 Lincoln which was given to Babe Ruth by the New York Yankees; the very first 1957 Chevy 150 (body #1 serial #2); a ’64 Aston DB5; a Porsche 959; several Ferraris (including a 2005 Enzo) and a 2018 Bugatti Chiron. In total, the show will feature more than $100 million worth of exceptional automobiles.

A panel of experienced judges will select the Best of Show, Chairman’s Choice, and a Salesmanship Club Choice winner. Each of the three top award winners will be presented with a hand-crafted sculpture, created by Dallas artist Brad Oldham, best known for his Traveling Man sculptures in Deep Ellum.

“Brad Oldham Sculpture and Park Place Dealerships have enjoyed a long relationship,” said Christy Coltrin, Brad Oldham’s business partner. “We both have a commitment to design, quality and artistry. The “Spirit of Park Place” award is meant to invoke iconic imagery of speed and flight.”

Tickets for the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, which sold out in its inaugural year, range from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes complimentary tastings and beverages by area restaurants. Tickets are available online at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

“Area Car Clubs will display the best of their members’ vehicles in the Car Club Showcase,” continued Shafton. “They’ll bring some extraordinary Lamborghinis, Corvettes, Shelbys, Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces.”

Park Place will feature all of their luxury and exotic brands and even a few rarely seen new cars. Guests will be among the first in Texas to see the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan luxury SUV, as well as the new McLaren Senna, an ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach and the Lexus LFA, one of only 50 of the 500 hand-assembled vehicles with the Nürburgring package.

Participating restaurants featured in the VIP lounge include LAW, OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Taverna, Bistro 31, K?i, Toulouse Café and Bar, Lombardi Family Concepts, Cool River Café, III Forks Restaurant, One Sixty One Bistro, Texas de Brazil, Mirador, Carlton Provisions, Frost 321 and Make Your Life Sweeter. There will also be a great lineup of food trucks including Ruthie’s Rolling Café; Bellatrino Pizzeria; Texas de Brazil; Fast Furious; and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda.

The luxury lifestyle event benefits the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, which is committed to building and repairing social and emotional health for children. Each year, the organization serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services.

“The Luxury & Supercar Showcase is a celebration of fashion, food, music, and of course, amazing automobiles,” explained Shafton. “Highland Park Village will present a runway fashion show produced by Jan Strimple. There will be live entertainment throughout the day. And the Kids’ Zone will have a 60-foot downhill Hot Wheels track and a life-size McLaren 720S made entirely of LEGOs.”

Partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|Urban, Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, AT&T, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, Event Architecture, Bachendorf’s, Brad Oldham Sculpture, RideCentric, GL Seaman, Lockton, Hagerty Insurance, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, Cox Automotive, Dealer Industries, Garages of Texas, Ratcliff Financial Services, TropicSport, Maui Jims, Jack Black, The Vineyard at Florence, Steinway & Sons, D Magazine, and NBC 5.

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, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

September 27, 2018September 27, 2018

Safety First with National Child Passenger Safety Week

For parents, nothing comes before their child’s safety. Yet according to the Center for Disease Control, 59 percent of car seats are used incorrectly, limiting their ability to effectively protect. It’s National Child Passenger Safety Week, and Park Place Volvo Cars is devoted to upholding our manufacturer’s vision for safety. Our team couldn’t be more proud to sell vehicles we know are some of the safest in the world, providing our clients with that extra ease of mind that they and their child passengers are safe on their journeys

Of particular note, the Volvo XC60 (one of our most popular family luxury compact SUVs) is one of the most awarded vehicles in Volvo’s history, including the prestigious the overall safest car in Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards and the ‘World Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Luxury Compact SUV’ by Cars.com.

The awards speak volumes that with every new model that is released and all improvements or updates made to the new model years that Volvo Cars is well on their way to meeting their Vision 20/20: Our vision is that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every 33 seconds, one child under the age of 13 is involved in a crash and many times deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of car seats, boosters, and seat belts. The effects of an improperly installed car seat are all too real, which is why you’ll typically find that if a dealership or service does not have a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, they will forgo reinstalling car seats and recommend a certified tech to do so after a service.

This Saturday ends National Child Passenger Safety week with Car Seat Check Saturday, where Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, will at the bare minimum check your car seat for free. The Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician will educate parents about choosing the right car seat for a child, installing a car seat correctly in their vehicle, and using the car seat acceptably every time. They can also discuss the importance of registering the car seat with its manufacturer, and what to expect if the seat is subject to a safety recall.

Park Place Volvo works closely with many locations who have a Certified Technician available in the Dallas area and highly encourage that you make an appointment or show up to a location nearest you to have your car seats. checked. For a list of locations to get your car seat checked Saturday (or any time) visit http://cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked

“Car seats matter and having the right car seat installed and used correctly is critical, ” says Donny Lambrecht, general manager of Park Place Volvo. In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers. Improving child safety in Volvo vehicles has long been a guiding principle with the manufacturer. Did you know that Volvo Cars played a key role in the development of rearward-facing child seats and introduced the world’s first booster cushion in 1978? Today, the company continues to innovate using technology and expertise to build the safest cars.

For more information on a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician near you, please visit: http://cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked

September 18, 2018September 19, 2018

Bentley Celebrates Centennial with 100 Year Details in All New Models

News from Bentley Motors: Bentley is honoring its 100^th year by introducing a special Centenary Specification for all of its models.

Inspired by celebrated models and events from the company’s illustrious past, the Centenary Specification will feature on all Bentleys built at the factory in Crewe, England, between January and December 2019.

Centenary badging, distinctive seat embroidery, unique treadplates, and other special details will identify each car as part of the celebrations – ensuring they become true collectors’ items.

Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, the company has been guided by a simple principle to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”.

Through decades of expertise and innovation, Bentley has designed, engineered and built the world’s most desirable Grand Tourers with a unique combination of luxury and performance.

Centenary Specification: A Mark of Distinction

The Centenary Specification is a collection of exquisite detailing that reflects the attention to detail and unrivaled levels of skilled craftsmanship from the brand.

Unique Centenary Gold front and rear badging will match the special wheel center badges and treadplates with a ‘1919-2019’ display. The steering wheel badge, key fob and gear selector all feature a similar use of the celebratory design.

A special centenary welcome light will greet passengers and bespoke seat embroidery has also been created, with Centenary Gold headrest logos and Centenary Gold Contrast Stitch or Cross Stitch available on these special models.

Inspired by the exquisite metalwork found on vintage Bentleys – such as EXP 2 of 1919 and the 1929 ‘Birkin’ Blower – Centenary Gold is a refined metallic gold, honoring the company’s rich heritage and racing triumphs while interpreting for the modern day with an elegant warm tone and a deep fluid shadow.

The color has been specifically crafted to shine and reflect light like jewelry. It will be used in Bentley’s Centenary logo and will be synonymous with Bentley’s celebrations.

The First 100 Extraordinary Years

Born in 1888, founder W.O. Bentley grew up as an engineer enthusiast. It was no surprise to people who knew him that W.O. eventually turned his attention to building cars that would satisfy his own extraordinary expectations as a driver, an engineer and a gentleman.

Bentley Motors was established in 1919 and by September 1921 the first production model was proudly delivered to its owner, Noel van Raalte, at a cost of £1,050. The car carried Bentley’s hallmark radiator casing and Flying ‘B’ insignia.

The Bentley models of the 1920s became some of the most distinctive cars of the era. W.O. also became a fan of developing racing engines and his cars famously triumphed at Brooklands, Indianapolis and the Isle of Man. The legendary achievements of the Bentley Boys brought success at Le Mans on five occasions. For Full Details on Bentley’s Centenary visit www.BentleyMotors.com/100Years

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Park Place Dealerships donates $55k Sprinter to Salesmanship Club’s Momentous Institute