From an evening luxury lifestyle cocktail reception to a full day of checking out exotic, classic and American muscle cars, this world-class event is sure to get your motor running.
The Festivals of Speed celebration on Friday and Saturday, May 6th and 7th, at the World Equestrian Center Ocala, will offer opportunities to see some of the world’s premiere vehicles in one of the most incredible venues on the planet.
And, new this year, will be access to The Equestrian Hotel, a paragon of luxury accommodations and deluxe service, as well as activities in the World Equestrian Expo Center.
The Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party luxury lifestyle cock-tail reception at the expo center on Friday evening will feature the Festivals of Speed Samba Team, boutique spirits tastings, rare bourbon and aged scotch, chef-attended culinary stations and a Kentucky Derby Hat Parade. The hat contest is open to all ages, so bring out your finest finery, best bowler and chicest chapeau and get ready to stroll.
On Saturday, expect to see dream machines from makers such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls-Royce, and powerful American muscle cars like Corvettes, Mustangs and Chargers. And everything in between, such as the 1970 TVR Vixen, a classic British sports car hand-built in Blackpool, owned by Gary Godek of Ocala, which received the Ocala Style Award of Excellence at the prestigious auto show last year.
Festivals of Speed was founded in 2004 by Joe Sabatini as the ultimate luxury showcase for discerning enthusiasts with a passion for all forms of transportation and has grown to be known as a premier exhibitor in the industry. The 2021 Festivals of Speed was the first car show to take place at World Equestrian Center (WEC) Ocala.
“We are pleased to be back again to this fabulous venue,” Sabatini says, “and we welcome car and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over to show their vehicles with us.”
In addition to all the horsepower on display this year, there also will be plenty of equine action on the WEC campus as well. The venue, which draws exhibitors and patrons from around the world, is the largest equestrian complex in the United States, with world-class indoor and outdoor arenas offering state-of-the-art amenities to accommodate numerous disciplines.
Sabatini says there will be Arabian horses competing throughout the property during the luxury car show and celebration and that attendees can avail themselves of all WEC has to off er, including fine wines and festive cocktails as well as exciting culinary offerings from noteworthy eateries such as Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, Filo’s Mexican Cantina and Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop, along with sweets in abundance at Miss Tilly’s Lollipops, which boasts artisan treats and one-of-a-kind confections, specialty toys at Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe and even some amazing “bling” at Lugano Diamonds.
The festivities kick off Friday, May 6th, with the Derby-themed cocktail event from 8-10:30pm. The motorsports gathering will commence at 10am on Saturday, May 7th, at the exhibition ring on the Grand Plaza, directly in front of the hotel.
Sabatini says attendees will have a rare opportunity to appreciate automotive masterpieces of design and engineering in a setting that is festive and elegant.
Guests also may tour the sprawling facility at their leisure and dine al fresco as they enjoy live entertainment on the Grand Plaza during the evening.
“This Four Diamond venue truly makes for an exquisite place to showcase these incredible auto-mobiles,” Sabatini offers. “We encourage everyone to come out and join us!”
General admission is $20; tickets for the cocktail party are $150 per person; VIP tickets for Saturday are $125 per person, available in advance only, and include an exciting culinary display, open bar, VIP credentials, VIP gift and more.
For more information and tickets, visit www.festivalsofspeed.com
