The JAMAH Motorcar Collection races into its second year with unstoppable momentum. The impact of the line has never been more apparent than at Monterey Car Week 2023, where JAMAH owner/designer Nancy Gale celebrated the debut of an exciting new JAMAH x Gunther Werks collaboration at the Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Monterey Car Week 2023 was an event to remember, thanks to the remarkable hospitality provided to the RR1 members in attendance.
Wheels Down: Monterey Car Week 2023
Nancy and her fiancé Michael arrived in Monterey with their dear friends and fellow RR1 members Bob and Susan Frazier and the inimitable Cristina Cheever of Robb Report. From the moment the plane touched down, Bob stepped into his new role as JAMAH’s unofficial head of sales as he paraded around town showing off pictures of the bespoke JAMAH bag that Nancy designed to match Susan’s Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner.
Although Nancy was officially attending Car Week to debut her Gunther Werks collaboration, there was more excitement in store: she was about to embark on a McLaren love story. After creating her groundbreaking TNT Wine Caddy to represent dear friend Peter Li’s McLaren 720S, Nancy had been doing all she could to learn about this innovative auto maker. When the TNT Wine Caddy debuted, Nancy sent a picture to her steadfast champion Kathy Ojjeh. A love story for the ages, Kathy is the cherished wife of the late, larger than life and universally beloved Mansour Ojjeh, “the unknown driving force behind McLaren.”
JAMAH TNT Wine Caddy customized for Peter Li’s McLaren 720S.
Unbeknownst to Nancy, Kathy forwarded the picture to Nick Martin, Executive Director of Business Development for McLaren Racing Limited. He immediately connected Nancy with the McLaren Automotive Ltd. team: Andrea Bermúdez, Global Marketing Director, and Tony Fisher, Automotive Luxury Collaborations. They excitedly jumped on a call to discuss potential collaborations, and Nancy and Andrea realized they would both be attending Car Week… and could soon meet in person!
Meanwhile, Nancy discovered that Lauren Ackerman of Ackerman Family Vineyards, a new friend she met at the 2023 Robb Report Cali Coastal Rally, would be pouring her wines at a car week event for McLaren owners. Lauren had already seen (and loved) the TNT Wine Caddy and encouraged Nancy to join her.
As soon as Nancy arrived, Lauren introduced her to Brett Muney of Axcess Worldwide. As they chatted, Nancy became enamored with his sweet yet edgy sense of humor, and she was thrilled when he suggested that Nancy meet Andy Thomas, Vice President of Marketing at McLaren Americas. Nancy’s response: “I’ve been stalking him on LinkedIn!”
After schmoozing with Lauren, Brett and other McLaren fans, Nancy went to hear the panel conversation between Andy Thomas and Amanda McLaren, daughter of McLaren founder Bruce. Blown away by her humble and beautiful spirit, Nancy was excited to introduce herself and share the small-world story that Amanda herself had given wine caddy owners Glenna and Peter Li their McLaren factory tour.
Meanwhile, Lauren was upstairs pouring for the exuberant Rachel Allen of El Ray Vineyards, when Rachel saw the wine caddy on Lauren’s table and proclaimed that she must have one! She and Nancy met for the first time that night, but it wouldn’t be the last.
An evening with Bizzarrini at Laguna Seca.
Later that evening, Nancy walked into what would turn out to be one of the most memorable events of the week: a beautiful RR1 dinner hosted by the ever charming Julian Jenkins, CCO of Bizzarrini, in the pit of the Laguna Seca race track. RR1 members were treated to a sumptuous meal in the most iconic setting: seated at beautifully curated tables, surrounded by Bizzarrini memorabilia, in the pits of Laguna Seca, as the sun was setting, with beautiful music floating over the room… and just when it seemed it couldn’t possibly get any better, James Valenti, a gifted tenor, wowed the group with two electrifying arias.
The next day was the big event: the debut of the third JAMAH x Gunther Werks collaboration at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. JAMAH bags have previously been offered as complementary additions to Gunther Werks’ remastered Porsche 911s, but for this year’s Touring Turbo Edition Coupe, the two companies came together to offer a mandatory option: JAMAH carryalls that snugly fit the wells behind the driver and passenger seats, allowing for maximal storage space in the tight Porsche 911. The handles of these sleek
bags feature Gunther Werks’s new logo, an X that symbolizes Gunther Werks CEO Peter Nam’s commitment to shielding himself from the naysayers. Peter and Nancy couldn’t be more aligned in their philosophies of work and of life. Nancy was thrilled by the reactions of Quail attendees who appreciated this uniquely innovative JAMAH Motorcar Collection design.
Taking in all the magic of the Quail, Nancy happened upon the Koenigsegg display where she struck up a conversation with Trisha Hollingsworth and Kevin Kilip from AMCI Global, an automotive marketing agency that works in close partnership with Rolls Royce. The three marveled over the hot and cold cup holders of all things, considering the Gemera’s 1.7 million dollar price tag! When their conversation turned to the JAMAH Motorcar Collection, they insisted that Nancy share this groundbreaking concept with the Rolls Royce team.
JAMAH fitted luggage for the Gunther Werks Porsche 911 (993) Touring Turbo Edition Coupe.
It was finally time for Nancy to meet the illustrious Andrea Bermúdez. She was absolutely lovely, and Nancy was over the moon to witness her incredibly effusive reaction to a selection of pieces from the JAMAH Motorcar Collection. As they said their goodbyes, they made plans to brainstorm McLaren x JAMAH 2024 collaborations.
Before Nancy could move away from the McLaren display, she looked up and spotted Rachel Allen. She joked to herself that Rachel might think she was following her, but then had a laugh that it was Rachel who was following the wine caddy!
Nancy’s next attempt to leave was thwarted when she ran into Amanda McLaren, as there was no way she could turn down the opportunity to hear more of the rich and cherished history of her dad’s namesake brand from his very own daughter.
Finally on her way out, Nancy practically bumped into the esteemed Andy Thomas. They continued their conversation over lunch, and Nancy took pleasure in the fact that she had gone from LinkedIn stalker to friend.
Throughout the day, Nancy kept her eye on the Rolls Royce display in search of Trisha and Kevin, but to no avail. Just before leaving the excitement of the Quail, she decided to make one last attempt to find them, which sadly proved unsuccessful. Now zero-for-three, this attempt however yielded a welcome surprise: another chance meeting with Rachel Allen, who happened to be chatting with another LinkedIn stalkee of Nancy’s, Martin Fritsches, President & CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas.
After the Quail, Nancy and Michael veered away from the rest of the RR1 group in order to enjoy their now annual dinner with dear friends Bill and Nichole Lyon at the Tap Room. Next stop: the Czinger party, where RR1 members enjoyed mingling with Kevin and Lukas Czinger and Shamin Abas.
Saturday morning, Nancy and Michael joined Bill and Nichole at Laguna Seca! As a follow up to last year, when they watched Bill eat up the track in his Alfa Romeo, this time they cheered him on as he raced his Bugatti.
They then hurried back to the Carmel Valley Inn, where Bentley hosted a spectacular lunch for RR1 members. In the midst of two JAMAH Bentley commissions, the timing could not have been more serendipitous. Cheerleaders Cristina and Bob were thrilled to introduce Nancy to Mike Rocco, VP of Sales and Operations for Bentley Americas: a funny, impassioned gem of a person who epitomizes all that Nancy Gale stands for. As Nancy always says, everybody needs a Michael!
Mike Rocco, Vice President Sales and Operations, Bentley Americas with Bentley and JAMAH client, Bob Frazier, CEO/COB, Frazier Aviation, Inc.
Bill Lyon after taking the track at Laguna Seca in his 1927 Bugatti T-35B.
Nancy and “her” Michael enjoy an evening with Bentley!
When Nancy woke up Sunday morning, she was flooded with excitement for the Concours d’Elegance, the culminating event of car week. Heading onto the grass, Nancy felt exceedingly lucky to have spent time with the esteemed Robert Ross, automotive consultant at the Robb Report. Though their paths crossed at last year’s event, it was this year that the two were able to truly connect. The 2023 Concours d’Elegance was a special event for Nancy and the RR1 members because they had the privilege of witnessing Robert Ross debut his coveted 1966 Lamborghini 400GT Interim Touring Coupé. The RR1 group was deeply honored to support Robert; he will always be their best in show.
Robert Ross on the The Pebble Beach Concours lawn in front of his 1966 Lamborghini 400GT Interim Touring Coupé.
But Robert Ross wasn’t the only source of Concours fun. Nancy was doubly lucky, as she also witnessed Bill Lyon show his 1934 Packard 1106 Twelve LeBaron Runabout Speedster on the lawn.
Just as Nancy thought the day couldn’t get any better, Cristina surprised her with a fangirl moment by introducing her to Beth Paretta, female automotive icon and one of AutoWeek magazine’s “Secret People” who will change the car world.
Yet another highlight of the Concours was an exclusive RR1 visit to the Lamborghini villa where Stephan Winkelmann, Global Chairman and CEO, and Andrea Baldi, President & CEO of Lamborghini America, schooled RR1 members on the history and future of the brand. It was an especially exciting week for Lamborghini as the brand was celebrating its 6oth anniversary. Mission Craft Cocktails topped off the party with the perfect spirits. Marcin Malyszki and Amit Singh, the dynamic duo behind the company, brought life to the villa!
With the day finally coming to a close, Nancy was strolling off the lawn when she heard a voice calling her name. To her surprise, it was none other than the elusive Trisha Hollingsworth! Nancy was elated that she hadn’t missed the chance to reunite with Trisha and meet more of the Rolls Royce team.
Nancy was left breathless by each and every event at Car Week 2023, but at the end of the day she continues to marvel at the beautiful friendships that are ignited by the car world.
Taking their friendship with Bob and Susan Frazier to 40,000+ feet, Nancy and Michael were thrilled to spend a magical week with their loyal and most entertaining friends.
The first thing that Nancy heard about RR1 member Debbi Diggs was her desire for a car that would match her signature turquoise nail polish! The two hit it off immediately. The enchanting and most supportive Debbi and her always entertaining and completely smitten husband Jim never failed to deliver the laughter. An added bonus was learning about Jim’s son Zac, a personal stylist in Rome, who Nancy has since connected with on Instagram.
After an exceptionally brief meeting at the closing dinner of the 2022 RR1 Car Week, Nancy was grateful for the return of the dazzling Debbie and Russ Potee. (Think Scarlet O’Hara or Golden Girls Blanche Devereaux weds local celebrity sailor/distinguished attorney.) Newlyweds Linda and George Doetsch continued the honeymoon era of their fairytale love story, with George enjoying both of his passions: cars and his equestrian phenomenon bride. Rounding out the Maryland gang was firecracker couple Margy Scherr and Richard Maffezzoli.
The charming Alex Johnson made a fabulous new addition to the RR1 gang with his warmth, generosity and perfect splash of sarcasm. Amy and Steve Bassett brought the southern charm, while good friends and car lovers Roy Arnold and Bill Cuddy delivered just the right amount of boys’ club energy.
View from stunning Carmel Valley Ranch.
RR1 attendees were treated to one luxurious experience after another. The always endearing Christine Meagher, Director of Marketing and PR at Lalique, and Nick Dawes, Senior VP of Special Collections for Heritage Auctions, entertained the group with witty banter and Nick’s deep knowledge of all things luxury. The week wouldn’t have been the same without the energy of CJ Gormley at Hope Family Wines, Nicole Wells of Paul Hobbs Winery, George MacDonald of Far Niente and Edward Panchernikov of Caviar Russe.
In what has now become a tradition, fearless RR1 leader Cristina Cheever rallied the troops by once again demanding that everyone “Follow the yellow bag!” She continues to offer her unyielding support to everything Nancy and JAMAH, but in an ultra-satisfying turn of events, Nancy finally had the upper hand when she was the one making the introductions to impressive figures in the car world, including Amanda McLaren, Andrea Bermúdez and Rachel Allen.
“Follow the yellow bag!” RR1 fearless leader, Cristina Cheever.
Nancy continues to be deeply grateful for her time with the stellar players of the Robb Report team. Since Viju Matthew’s 2022 Robb Report feature on the JAMAH Motorcar Collection, he remains Nancy’s stalwart supporter, spurred on by his captivating and fashion forward wife - and newly converted lover of yellow - Ginger. Rounding out the team is the dynamic Luke Bahrenburg. President of Robb Report & Head of Luxury, PMC; Luke brings life to any party.
Monterey Car Week 2023 was one for the books. From the debut of the most recent JAMAH x Gunther Werks collaboration to the extraordinary reaction to the JAMAH Motorcar Collection, JAMAH’s momentum is unstoppable!