Barrington auto show moving to Arlington Park

The inaugural Barrington Concours D'elegance was so successful, it outgrew its home.

That's why the main part of this year's weekend-long event, which features some of the world's finest cars, is moving to Arlington Park.

The Concours, which last year was held at Makray Golf Course, is moving as a way to accommodate more people, said Patty Dowd Schmitz, the event's executive director.

While saying organizers loved holding the event last year at Makray Golf Course, Dowd Schmitz said Arlington Park can hold more spectators, has more parking and has indoor space in case of rain.

"It is a beautiful venue," she said. "It is the right move for the Concours."

The show will feature more than 100 of the world's most rare, historic, classic, sports and performance racing cars and motorcycles.

Cars on display last year included a 1907 Packard 30 Runabout, a 1937 Austin 7 Nippy 2-Seater, a 1910 Ford Model T Touring and a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe.

Tickets for the Oct. 5 show go on sale June 7 at Arlington Park. They can also be purchased online at www.barringtonconcours.org.

The kickoff of ticket sales coincides with the track's Barrington Community Appreciation Weekend June 6-8. That weekend, Arlington Park is offering free admission to Barrington residents.

Those who purchase the tickets at Arlington Park will receive $10 off. General admission tickets regularly are $35 while VIP tickets regularly are $85.

Dowd Schmitz said her group will be highlighting the Concours throughout the track's Barrington appreciation weekend.

"We thought it would be a great opportunity to bring out some of the cars and showcase the event," Dowd Schmitz said.

While the car show will be at Arlington Park, she said the event is keeping the Barrington name and will have many related events in the Barrington area.

The weekend will begin Oct. 4 with a "Celebration of Speed" at the Autobahn Country Club raceway in Joliet. That day ends with a welcome dinner at the Onion Pub & Brewery in Lake Barrington.

The next day's Road Rally and "Village Day" will show off the Barrington area, Dowd Schmitz said.

The Road Rally will give everyone from Concours automobile exhibitors to families in their minivans a chance to ride through the winding hills and countryside of the Barrington area. And vehicles from various car clubs, including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, BMW, Porsche and Jaguar, will be stationed throughout town for everyone to see.

"We are still doing a lot of our events in and around Barrington," she said.

Barrington Village President Karen Darch said she is glad the event is returning for a second year.

"I thought it was a terrific event," Darch said.

Proceeds from the Concours will be split between the Barrington Area Conservation Trust and Hospice of Northeastern Illinois.

"That is the best part about it," Dowd Schmitz said of being able to donate to two worthy charities.