Thursday
Foundation Fest was three days of activities. It started with a private reception on Thursday night for the GENESIS car owners and sponsors plus a few other invited guests. This was the first opportunity for the seven car owners and three sponsors to see the exhibit. All were happy to see their cars. Jackie Jouret, author of the GENESIS exhibit book, and Kenn Sparks were our guest speakers for the evening. They talked about the history of the various cars and motorcycles in the exhibit.
We had three special guests for the evening. Byron Angel recently donated his 1992 E34 M5 sedan to the Foundation Museum with the intent to sell and raise money for the Foundation programs. See previous news story for more information E34 M5
Our other special guest was Lonny and Lou Ann Shirk. Lonny and Lou Ann were the latest caretakers of the Reid Pepin/Parker Spooner/Michael Izor 1970 E9 2800 CS. This car is now part of the permanent collection of the Foundation Museum. It will join other legendary cars like the Yale Rachlin 1974 2002tii or the Mark Woolley 1990 E30 M3. Thank you to Byron Angel, Lonny and Lou Ann Shirk for their support to the Foundation Museum.
Various GENESIS Car Owners and Sponsors
Lonny and Lou Ann with the Coupe
Byron Angel with his E34 M5
Friday
On Friday, this kicked off our two-day Museum viewing for the public. The weather was good. The field was filling up with BMWs of all ages and visitors could see the GENESIS exhibit. Visitors were restricted to enter the building at specified time slots. Masks were required as part of the social distancing program.
Kenn Sparks interviewed Don Dethlefsen (from The Werk Shop – our title sponsor), Rick Meinig (327/28 cabriolet owner), and Lothar Schuettler (501 Cabriolet owner) about the restoration of several of the cars in the exhibit. Fascinating to hear the different levels of restoration.
The donated E34 M5 was available outside for all that were interested in buying it, they could look at it, talk with Byron, and even take a test drive. Ultimately, the car was sold to a buyer out of Chicago, IL.
BMW Manufacturing had a tent here trying to recruit young engineers. Doug Payne and Extreme Colors brought out an M2 and showed off what they can do for your beautiful cars.
Cousins Maine Lobster and Table 301 food trucks were on hand during lunch for our visitors to enjoy some tasty cuisine.
The BMW Zentrum was open to the public. The BMW Performance Center held an autocross in the afternoon using the M240i. People had the opportunity to buy three laps for a chance to win a One-Day M School. The proceeds from the 165 people that entered was donated to the Foundation Museum and our programs. The fastest time of the day was by Drew Calhoun. Congratulations! Thank you to the BMW Zentrum and the BMW Performance Center for being a part of Foundation Fest and your support.
Our door prize winners on Friday were:
- Ashley van der Lande – GENESIS soft cover book
- Ed Barton – M5 print
- Necole Skipper – vintage BMW poster set
Saturday
The morning started with Cars and Coffee at the BMW CCA National Office. Just over 100 cars were on hand for this morning event.
Afterwards, many of the participants came over to the Foundation Museum and/or the BMW Zentrum.
Over the three days, we had 275 people visit the Museum. Not bad considering we are in the middle of COVID-19. By limiting the number of people in the building, the Museum was still available for all to see, but under safe conditions.
Our door prize winners on Saturday were:
- JP Albano – Book
- Marisa Lappin – M5 print
- Tyler Bowles – vintage BMW poster set