Auto Industry News: Wekfest 2019 Prepares for Season Finale, Pop the Bubbly at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, & WARN Pays It Forward

In recent weeks, auto news has been focused on both global tensions and domestic decisions that stand to significantly impact the automotive industry. While there is always something to analyze, like worldwide auto sales, American tariffs, and the rise of EVs, we wanted to infuse a more upbeat vibe in this week’s reporting.

Wrapping up in LA and preparing for its summer finale on the East Coast, Wekfest 2019 proves that it’s one of the most impressive displays of JDM car culture. Some of the world’s most spectacular automobiles were front and center at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, with one special ride taking home top honors. And WARN Industries, the epitome of premium quality and class, reminds us about the power of paying it forward through charity. All that, plus some exciting updates on the go-fast circuit.

Wekfest 2019 Ups the Wow Factor

Once a grassroots-inspired annual event, Wekfest is now a global celebration of refined automotive passion blended with the sub cultures of modern youth. Since its establishment in 2008, Wekfest quickly evolved into a preferred destination for the JDM community—in part because of careful screening and meticulous review of exhibitors in attendance, which promotes a truly authentic show experience.

“What used to be an outdoor affair on the waterfront at the iconic Queen Mary transitioned to the L.A. Convention Center a few years ago, as the future of the events park in Long Beach was uncertain … What started as a grassroots gathering on a shoestring budget has quickly escalated into a full-time business that includes a multi-city (as well as Japan) tour, apparel, and the name, whether intentional or not, is shaping itself into a lifestyle brand of sorts,” says Super Street Magazine.

Enthusiasts from all corners of the country gather in San Jose, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New Jersey to witness a showcase unlike anything else. And Wekfest 2019 did not disappoint:

The cars are the true stars in Wekfest. The exclusive power of the Wekfest’s clout has really generated enviable showings of those special cars that you can only see at the show. This makes the show special and a must-attend, if you are into the JDM. The car modification and upgrade market force is in full display on hundreds of cars. Not only the tuning of the engines under the hood … there were more and more Instagram-worthy looks that just beg to be photographed. The money and efforts and time spent on these means bragging rights to peers and the proud production of love of cars. We highly applaud their dedication and passion! – Wheels and Heels Magazine

Wrapping It Up in Jersey

It’s no secret that summer events in SoCal appear to be increasing in volume and reception, with event staff vying for enthusiast engagement, support, and attendance. Thanks to a loyal fan base, savvy social media marketing, and incredible events, Wekfest continues to expand despite increased competition. If you haven’t had a chance to walk the show floor, Wekfest 2019 prepares for its summer finale on Sunday, August 25th at New Jersey Convention Center. 

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Let’s shift from the excitement of Wekfest 2019 to the sophistication of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Once per year, the gorgeous Central Coast of California becomes the center of international car culture. Monterey Car Week grew around the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which started in 1950 and has become the premier concours event in the world. Since many enthusiasts were in the area for the Pebble Beach show, other groups began having gatherings in the same area around the same time. As more and more events sprung up around Pebble Beach, it became known as “Car Week.”

Now, there are dozens of car events in Monterey during August. Highlights include: the Automobilia Monterey Expo, the Concours on the Avenue, many prestigious auto auctions, The Quail Motorsports Gathering, and, of course, the Pebble Beach Concours. Speaking of which…

A Bentley has won top honors at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Fitting, given that the British marque is celebrating its 100th year (centenary, as Bentley calls it). The Best of Show winner is a 1931 Bentley 8 Liter Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer owned by the Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie. It is powered by an 8.0-liter inline-six and claimed a top speed of over 100 mph in its day. This particular car has bodywork by coachbuilder Gurney Nutting and is said to be one of two vehicles built in this configuration. It was restored in 2004 and acquired by its current owner in 2010. – Car and Driver

According to records, the last time a Bentley took home the Best of Show trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was 1965. Taking home top prize on your 100th anniversary? A priceless victory that makes the losing streak somewhat easier to swallow, we’d say.

WARN Industries Tees Up for Charity

Eighty-eight golfers participated in WARN Industries’ 5th Annual WECIP Golf Tournament at Oregon City Golf Club. The Warn Employee Community Impact Project (WECIP) is an employee-supported organization dedicated to helping non-profit charitable organizations that serve WARN’s local community of Clackamas County. Particular emphasis is placed on those organizations that serve families, children, women, and the environment.

This year’s event raised $48,000! According to the company, a luncheon and raffle was hosted after the tournament with all proceeds being donated to the WECIP fund. In addition to the golfers’ donations, 34 of Warn Industries’ and Warn Automotive’s valued suppliers contributed to the success of this event, through a combination of monetary donations, sponsored holes, and product for the raffle, including Keystone Automotive. 

Around the Circuit

NASCAR

All three series were in Bristol this past weekend, and the track’s events surely didn’t disappoint.

Gander Outdoor Truck Series

Defending series champion, Brett Moffitt, held off 17-year-old Chandler Smith after a restart with three laps left, clearing his Toyota on Lap 199 to win by .743 seconds in Thursday night’s UNOH 200.

An aggressive Ross Chastain took third, after earning a safety violation for an uncontrolled tire and spinning out Raphael Lessard. He defended his driving saying, “When you have the fastest race truck, you can’t just ride in line. It’s what filled this place up 40 years ago and we have to fill it back up.”

Xfinity Series

Friday’s race when to Tyler Reddick, who took advantage of Justin Allgaier’s unfortunate wall contact and flat tire to nab his fourth win of the season. Despite starting last for failing pre-qualifying inspection four times, Reddick crawled his way back up to the lead by the end of the first stage, spun out, returned to the front, and eventually lead for the final 11 laps. Chase Briscoe followed in second with John Hunter Nemechek in third.

“I don’t know (how I won),” a happy and stunned Reddick told NBCSN. “We came down pit road and it just got too tight. I thought we were done for. I don’t know what happened, everything just happened in the right spot. … As you can see, I’m speechless.”

Monster Energy Cup Series

Denny Hamlin took his fourth win of the season on Saturday night in a dramatic battle that denied an underdog his first-time win. Matt DiBenedetto—who found out four days earlier Leavine Family Racing won’t be bringing him back next season—took the lead with 103 laps left. But, Hamlin, despite a damaged car and lost tire earlier in the race, soon caught up and overtook with about 11 laps to go.

The first thing the winner did when he climbed from his car was apologize. “I’m so sorry to Matt DiBenedetto, Mike Wheeler. I hate it. I know what a win would mean to that team. But I’ve got to give 110 percent.”

NHRA

Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals wrapped up in Brainerd on Sunday, with Leah Pritchett ending her year-long dry spell, nabbing her first Top Fuel win of the season. This is her eighth-career Top Fuel title and 14th win overall including Pro Mod and Factory Stock.

Ron Capps took the Funny Car final, beating out teammate Tommy Johnson Jr. for his 63rd career win. And Jason Line nabbed his first Pro Stock victory of the season—on his home turf, no less. The Minnesota native nosed out Erica Enders with a final margin of just five-thousandths of a second.