Get Your Motor Runnin’

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: 2018/04 - April

The Highlands Motoring Festival weekend, June 7-10, promises to be bigger and better than ever.  

Organizers expect 125 entrants, with 15-20 entries representing the special interest class of the year, Vintage Race Cars. The first entry accepted into this class is a 1972 BMW CSL Group 2 factory racer, which won its class at Lemans in 1973.

In addition to vintage race cars the festival will have 7 judged classes for pre-1990 cars so there is likely to be something for everyone’s interest.  Platinum sponsors Mercedes, BMW, Porsche-Audi, and Ferrari-Maserati will also display several of their newest and most exciting models at event activities and on the day of the show.

For the second year Monte Carlo Casino Night will kick things off on Thursday, June 7, from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Highlands Falls Country Club. Volunteers, including members of Highlands Rotary Club, will bring the Monte Carlo experience to the festival. Attendees can spend their hard won “play” cash during the live auction at the end of the evening. Pre-registration is encouraged. 

Friday, June 8, is the ever-popular One Lap of the Mountains, this year featuring a new route of less traveled roads around the Western North Carolina mountains. This popular driving event is a detailed road rally but is non-competitive.  Participants will gather for coffee and a light breakfast at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and then depart for the day’s drive. Pre-registration is required and spaces fill up quickly.

Friday night is the welcome party at the newly-opened The High Dive, on Carolina Way, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. This event is open to participants and the public, and gives everyone a chance to mix, mingle and talk cars.

Saturday, June 9, from 10:00.A.M. until 4:00 P.M. is the main event, the “Cars in the Park” classic car show at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and along 5th Street.  There is no charge for spectators, but donations are appreciated.

Saturday night at 6:00 the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center sponsors its Saturdays on Pine concert series at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.  

The Festival wraps up on Sunday, June 10 with “Cars and Coffee” at Wright Square on Main Street from 9:00 until 11:00 A.M.

The Motoring Festival Committee and hardworking volunteers work year round to ensure this festival’s success for the enjoyment of participants and spectators, and the benefit of their chosen non-profits. Recipients of all proceeds this year will be The Literacy Council of Highlands, R.E.A.C.H. of Macon County, and the Community Care Clinic.

To register for events, or for more information about the festival, visit their website at highlandsmotoringfestival.com.