PHILADELPHIA – The 7th Annual Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance, in partnership with the Delaware Valley Jaguar Club, will present a star-studded panel discussion on the racing and production history of Jaguar, the featured marque, on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

These popular discussions held on the stage of the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, during the Concours d’Elegance, are a highlight of the annual show that features car corrals, youth judging, and other family-friendly events at the famed museum.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Cool Cars for Kids and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to deliver care and support to children and families who struggle with the medical complexities associated with rare diagnoses.

This year’s panelists include Chip Robinson, who raced Jaguars for the highly-successful Group 44 in the 1980s; Michael Dale, former President of Jaguar North America, who was instrumental in the company’s decision to race its cars; and Dean Cusano, well known for his knowledge of Jaguars as a collector and restorer.

Interviewed on video will be Group 44’s owner and driver, Bob Tullius; Tom Walkinshaw Racing’s Tony Dowe; and Neil Smith, author of “ON THE PROWL: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team” – each discussing the incredible history of the marque and sharing the back stories only insiders could relate.

 

Chip Robinson – In 1984 Robinson joined Group 44 in the IMSA GTP Championship, sharing a Jaguar XJR-7 with Bob Tullius for much of the season, finishing fifth in the points and competing in his first 24 Hours of Le Mans. He drove one more year for Group 44, scoring his first GTP victory in the season finale at Daytona. 

Image Chip Robinson c/o Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance

Michael Dale – Dale was President of Jaguar North America from 1990-2000, responsible for British Leyland’s and Jaguar North America’s racing activities, which involved joining forces with Group 44 to achieve numerous SCCA National Championships and bringing Jaguar back to its racing roots at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Image Michael Dale) c/o Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance

Dean Cusano – Cusano has been in the automotive restoration world for over 45 years, is certified by Jaguar Clubs of North America to judge Concours and is a Northeast Regional Director of JCNA. He has been responsible for the restoration and distribution of more than 225 E-type Jaguars worldwide. He is the CEO of Motorsports Incorporated and a vintage Jaguar racing hobbyist.

Dean Cusano c/o Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance

Tony Dowe – Dowe was the managing director of Tom Walkinshaw Racing’s successful American operations in the late 1980s/early ’90s, running the Jaguar sports car racing programs and earning victories in the prestigious Daytona and Le Mans 24-hour events.

Image Tony Dowe – Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance

Bob Tullius, left, with Kas Kastner, the U.S. Director of Motorsports for Triumph Motor Company in the 1950s and ’60s. Tullius founded Group 44 Inc. in 1965 with fellow racers Brian Fuerstenau and Dick Gilmartin, competing exclusively for Triumph, MG and Jaguar until 1988. The team won 14 SCCA National Championships, three SCCA Trans-Am titles, and has more than 300 race wins – 11 in IMSA GTP. The team’s self-built Jaguar GTP car won four races in 1983. He raced until 1986, taking a 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1985 in a Jaguar. Group 44 closed in 1990.

Image Paul Brand c/o Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance

Neil Smith – British-raised and living in California, Smith attended his first Group C race in Brands Hatch in England at age 9, eventually becoming a scholar of sports car racing and its history. His fascination with Group C and IMSA GTP was the catalyst for the research that led to writing his debut book, “ON THE PROWL: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team.” He has worked as a journalist and co-drove in a U.S. national rally championship.

Image Neil Smith c/o Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance

Harry Hurst – The panel discussion will be moderated by writer/historian Harry Hurst, who is the Director of Programs at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, an institution he helped Dr. Frederick Simeone launch in 2008. Hurst has published three books about races in the “Glory Days of Racing.” His photos and articles have appeared in numerous books and magazines. Hurst is the founder of the Facebook group, “Glory Days of Racing.”

Image Judy Stropus c/o Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance

Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance at a glance

WHAT: The 7th Annual Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance, in partnership with The Delaware Valley Jaguar Club

WHEN: Preview Gala: Saturday, June 22 – 6-10 p.m. ; Concours: Sunday, June 23 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ; Jaguar Panel Discussion: Sunday, June 23 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

WHO: Families, classic car enthusiasts, collectors, racers, one and all

WHERE:  Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum – 6825 Norwitch Drive – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Additional information may be found at https://www.philadelphiaconcours.com/

Tickets may be purchased at https://www.philadelphiaconcours.com/event-details/2024-philadelphia-concours-delegance

Concours nominations: https://www.philadelphiaconcours.com/concours-nomination

Corral registration: https://www.philadelphiaconcours.com/corralregistration

About Cool Cars for Kids: Cool Cars for Kids, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, Pa. that brings together families of children with genetic conditions and classic car enthusiasts who share a common passion and appreciation for the one-of-a-kind. Funds raised from this unique partnership will directly forward its mission by supporting local and national charities – including The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – to deliver care and support to children and families who struggle with the medical complexities associated with rare diagnoses. www.coolcarsforkids.org.

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