Latest news with #DanGurney
Forbes
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
The F1 deal with Moët & Chandon; Strategy, Stats And Storytelling
The new Moët & Chandon F1 Champions Corridor unveiled at the Belgium Grand Prix The Moët & Chandon deal with FI, commenced 2025, is a 10-year affair forming part of a wider ecosystem partnership between parent group LVMH and Formula 1 that also takes in trunk partner Louis Vuitton and official timekeeper TAG Heuer. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the F1 championship which falls in the same year, each brand has enjoyed its own headline moment. Louis Vuitton opened the season in Melbourne, the Monaco Grand Prix in May was the TAG Heuer moment and Moët & Chandon took pole position as title partner of the Belgium Grand Prix in July on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Moët and F1 have an unquestionable legacy. After all, it was a jeroboam of Moët & Chandon Champagne that Dan Gurney sprayed into the crowd to celebrate his 24 Hours of Le Mans win in 1967 that gave rise to the podium tradition synonymous with the sport for which Moët was an official Champagne partner from 1981 to 1997. The history with Spa goes back even further. It resonates profoundly with Moët as it is the closest Grand Prix to the house's Épernay heartland to which it has been linked from the F1 Championship's outset in 1950. Winning driver Juan Manuel Fangio was later invited by Paul Chandon-Moët and his cousin Count Frédéric Chandon de Briailles to celebrate his victory at emblematic estate property, Château de Saran. Belgium Grand Prix winner McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc celebrate by ... More spraying bottles of Moët & Chandon. What does the F1 Moët & Chandon deal actually mean? In concrete terms, the F1 deal constitutes three red and white branded moments played out for F1's 826.5 million global fanbase at the end of each Grand Prix) excepting those where alcohol advertising is prohibited in respect of local cultures). On site in the Cool Down Room (moment two) at Spa, Moët & Chandon CEO Sibylle Scherer described how they work. First up is the Parc Fermé (a French term meaning 'closed park' appropriated for use in F1) when the winning drivers jump out at the end of the race to celebrate with their respective teams. Next is aforementioned Cool Down Room where the drivers get to sit down and take a breath, albeit while being live streamed, before making their way to the Podium (moment three) where they follow in Gurney's footsteps, let rip with the Jeroboams and celebrate in front of a global audience. At Spa, Moët's title partnership was further feted by the introduction of a new Champions' Corridor leading from Cool Down Room to Podium. Evoking the famous 'tunnel' walked by of soccer and basketball players on match days, the Moët & Chandon version features a role call of previous champions printed on the floor; to which, of course, Belgium Grand Prix winner, McLaren's Oscar Piastri has been duly added. According to Scherer, said moments represent the living embodiment of Moët slogans: 'let us celebrate you,' and 'life is better when shared.' Now of course, there's another F1 specific version: 'victory is better when shared.' The Moët & Chandon branded Cool Down Room at the Belgium Grand Prix. Moët & Chandon F1 deal: Strategy and cultural participation Addressing a tough period for the industry—LVMH's half year results reported a 7% revenue drop across its Wine and Spirits category while the Comité Champagne reported a 9.2% year on year drop in sales for 2024— the executive was bullish in defending the F1 investment (doubtless considerable though she declined to put a number on it). "We've been part of the tapestry of motorsport since the beginning. It's part of our DNA, it's part of our history. We have 283 years of history, in 280 years, we will be still there. So we have to invest in the future, and we have to tell our story." The deal, two years in the making, continues momentum created by LVMH's $163 million sponsorship of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games but also capitalises on surging global interest in motor racing fuelled by Netflix's seven-series 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' franchise and, of course, the 2025 F1: The Movie starring Brad Pitt with the involvement of Dawn Apollo, the production company of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. 'I think the moment is perfect,' Scherer said, speaking to the sport's increasingly widening audience demographic—both geographically (in the region of 200 territories worldwide to Moët's 155 odd) but also in terms of profile. 'I remember 30 years ago when it was much less diverse. Now you see all age groups and more and more women.' With the F1 Academy women's championship which has spawned its own Netflix documentary series, this extends both on and off the grid. From a brand point of view, participation in such cultural phenomena cannot be overestimated she said. 'To connect the past with the future you have to be there where culture is made, you need to be culturally relevant. You need to speak the language of today and tomorrow. And again, that's what we've always done at Moët.' Cars on the Belgium Grand Prix grid. F1 Moët & Chandon deal: Synergy and shared values She continued, however, that it's not just about visibility. 'For us, it's really a very authentic relationship that we have with this sport' she said, citing the house's historic links with F1 but also shared values such as precision, craftsmanship and team spirit. "This is what Champagne is all about. It takes a village to craft a bottle of Champagne. It's not just the winemaker and the star, it's the people in the vineyards and production in marketing. Experience too is a major fil rouge across both businesses. "We're not about possessing a bottle," she says. "We're about enjoying it, creating memories. When you open a bottle of Moët for your birthday, or your child's graduation or your wedding, or your divorce, or whatever it is you're celebrating. you create memories, and this is who we are. Luxury, she added, is 'no longer just around physically owning something. It's the experience." Case in point, Moët collaborated with Louis Vuitton artistic director Pharrell Williams earlier this year on limited edition pearl decorated bottles celebrating birthdays with a global advertising campaign to match. Scherer revealed that we can expect a second 'super crazy beautiful' installment for spring 2026.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rare 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler Rescued After 40 Years in Basement
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A rare 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler, forgotten in a basement for over 40 years, has been fully restored to its original condition after being rescued in 2021. The highly collectible Dan Gurney Special edition is now turning heads once again thanks to a meticulous rotisserie restoration. Originally purchased new in 1969, the car was driven sparingly before being parked in 1980 and subsequently forgotten. Its remarkable story came to light in a recent episode on Lou Costabile's YouTube channel, where car restorer Everett Rutledge and current owner Steve Breedlove detailed the car's decades-long disappearance and stunning revival. Breedlove acquired the vehicle after locating it in the basement of a private residence, where it had remained undisturbed since the Carter administration. The Cyclone's confinement may have preserved its integrity: the car was discovered in extremely low-mileage condition, retaining its original 5.8-liter (351 cubic-inch) Windsor V8 engine. Only 1,025 Cyclone Spoilers were produced in 1969, and just 131 of them were Dan Gurney Special editions, named for the American racing legend. Even fewer—only 114—came equipped with the same interior/exterior color combination and factory AM radio, making this example one of the rarest surviving Cyclone Spoilers. Following a comprehensive frame-off restoration, the Mercury was returned to its original showroom appearance, complete with factory-correct details and paintwork. From its signature red-white-blue livery to its preserved drivetrain, the Cyclone now stands as a rolling tribute to late-1960s NASCAR-inspired muscle. 'It's an incredible piece of Ford performance history,' said Rutledge, who helped oversee the restoration. 'To find one this original and this rare—especially with such low mileage—is almost unheard of.' The story of this Cyclone's resurrection is not just about preserving a rare car, but about honoring the legacy of American muscle and the enthusiasts who bring it back to life.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Petersen Museum Celebrates 50 Years of Long Beach Grand Prix with Historic Race Car Exhibit
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Petersen Automotive Museum has unveiled a free-to-see exhibit featuring five legendary open-wheel race cars that have defined the Southern California street race through its many competitive eras. Running from March 20 to April 8 in the museum's lobby, the temporary display brings together a trio of motorsports milestones—Formula 5000, Formula 1, and IndyCar—with each era represented by a historically significant machine that once tore through the coastal streets of Long Beach. Among the standout entries is the 1974 Dan Gurney All-American Racers Eagle 755, the very first race car to ever compete on the Long Beach circuit. Piloted by Vern Schuppan to pole position in the inaugural 1975 Formula 5000 race, the car is now owned by Southern California collector Tom Malloy. Formula 1's golden years at Long Beach are represented by two machines: the 1976 March 761, once driven by Italy's Vittorio Brambilla and now owned by Richard Griot, and the 1980 McLaren M30 driven by a young Alain Prost, currently in the hands of Sean Allen. The IndyCar era comes alive through the 1981 AAR Eagle 8100, owned and driven in-period by Dennis Firestone, and a 1999 Reynard raced by Bryan Herta, now part of Erich Joiner's collection. What makes the exhibit even more unique is that all five cars are set to return to the track during the Long Beach race weekend's Historic Formula Exhibition. It will mark the first time machines from all three major racing eras will compete together on the storied circuit. 'This is a rare opportunity for fans to see and hear the very cars that made Long Beach a staple of American motorsport,' said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. Located along Los Angeles' Miracle Mile, the Petersen Automotive Museum continues to be a driving force in automotive preservation and education, offering car enthusiasts an immersive look at the vehicles and stories that shaped history.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A Five-Time IMSA GTP Winning Toyota is Up for Auction
It's not a Supra, but this 1990 AAR-Toyota Eagle HF89 race car will snap more necks than any other Toyota could. This particular race car was designed and built by Dan Gurney's All American Racers in partnership with Toyota for the 1990 IMSA GTP series. The Eagle was raced under both the HF89 and HF90 names to reflect chassis design updates after the 1989 season. With Juan Manuel Fangio II at the wheel, it won at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas, Sears Point, Del Mar, and San Antonio during the 1990 season, as well as a win at Watkins Glen in early 1991. This Toyota Eagle saw its last share of action with Rocky Moran at the wheel before being retired. This racing legend spent the next few years either in storage or on static display before receiving a cosmetic refurbishment in its period-correct Topeka livery in preparation for display at the Museo Fangio in Argentina. It was then purchased by its current owner in 2015, who entrusted the experts at Canepa with a two-year restoration that reportedly cost over $800,000. The Eagle was back in full force and stretched its legs once more at the 2016 Rolex Reunion. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2,140cc Toyota inline-four engine that uses Nippon Denso fuel injection, a custom Life Racing ECU, and dry-sump lubrication. The engine was overhauled in 2016 by Advanced Engine Research in Essex, England, along with custom engine and chassis harnesses and updated sensors to ensure peak racing performance even 35 years after it left the factory floor. The lubrication system was also reportedly updated in 2023. The car uses an aluminum honeycomb monocoque wrapped in carbon-composite body panels, with a Hewland five-speed manual transaxle, AP Racing slotted and ventilated disc brakes, coilover suspension with sway bars adjustable from within the cockpit, staggered-width 18' multipiece BBS wheels, and a single racing seat with a six-point harness. That transmission is said to have had its gears and dog rings replaced in 2023. Additional aerodynamic features that help the Toyota Eagle slice through the air include faired-in headlights, front dive planes, an intake snorkel, brake cooling ducts, and a dual-plane rear wing. Race cars come up for sale on a semi-regular basis, but a five-time IMSA GTP winner like this 1990 AAR-Toyota Eagle HF89 is hard to come by. It gets bonus cool points for being piloted by Juan Manuel Fangio II during all five of those victories. At the time of writing this, there are eight days left in the auction, with a current bid of $101,098. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive an FIA Historical Technical Passport valid through 2029, binders from the Canepa restoration, and a bill of sale.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Exquisite Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Re-Creation by Tempero Now On Bring A Trailer
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A meticulously crafted re-creation of the iconic Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, designed by the skilled hands of Tempero Coach & Motor Company of New Zealand, is now being offered on consignment in Arizona. This re-creation, built in the early 1980s using a donor 250 GT, replicates the Ferrari TR59, famously driven to victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring by legendary drivers such as Dan Gurney and Phil Hill. Under the hood of this remarkable vehicle lies a 3.0-liter V12 engine, constructed by Dennison International of North Puyallup, Washington. This engine, built to 250 GTO specifications, features a GTO Engineering block, Roelofs Engineering cylinder heads, and six Weber 38 DCN carburetors replicated by Roelofs Engineering. Its powertrain is completed with a robust Tremec five-speed manual transmission with electrically actuated overdrive, ensuring that it not only looks like a classic race car but performs like one too. The body of the car is adorned with hand-formed aluminum panels finished in a vibrant red, complemented by white #7 roundels, giving it the authentic race car appearance. The vehicle also features a host of period-correct details such as faired-in Marchal headlights, a wrap-around windscreen, and leather straps on the hood and decklid. These details are not just cosmetic; they enhance the car's historical authenticity and visual appeal. Riding on 16" Borrani wire-spoke wheels, the car maintains a classic yet functional stance, suitable for both display and active driving in vintage car events. The suspension system features an A-arm independent front setup and a De Dion rear axle, paired with coilover shock absorbers for smooth handling. The braking system is equipped with Dunlop calipers to ensure reliable stopping power. Inside, the cockpit is a throwback to the golden era of racing with fixed-back bucket seats upholstered in blue cloth, a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, and classic Jaeger instrumentation. This setup not only provides comfort but also an immersive driving experience reminiscent of 1960s race cars. This Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa re-creation is not just a tribute to one of the most successful race cars in history but also a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of its builders. Offered with service records, an FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form, and a clean Oregon title that lists the vehicle as a 1962 Ferrari, this car presents a unique opportunity for collectors and racing enthusiasts alike to own a piece of automotive art that captures the spirit and excitement of a bygone era. Avant-Garde is well-known as an award-winning, top seller (@911r ) on Bring a Trailer. We provide turnkey auction management for our clients. Avant-Garde presents cars in an unparalleled fashion, with a comprehensive history, descriptions, photos, and video for each vehicle. We want to put buyers in the virtual driver's seat so they can experience a vehicle as if they were present, giving them confidence in their purchase.
