The Santa Fe Concorso Honors DENISE MCCLUGGAGE By Emmaly Wiederholt Photos Garrett Vreeland:
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his September 25th, the Santa Fe Concorso kicks off its yearly extravaganza celebrating rare vintage automobiles from around the world, showcased right here in our little City Different. However, 2015 is a particularly special year for the Santa Fe Concorso, as May marked the passing of racecar journalist, driver, photographer and enthusiast Denise McCluggage. Denise was a tour de force in the automotive field. She first developed an interest in cars while working as the associate editor at the San Francisco Chronicle in the 1950s. She served as the only female on the sports staff at the New York Herald Tribune before freelancing full time for several decades. Outside her writing career, she considered one of her biggest successes to be winning in a Ferrari 250 the grand touring class at Sebring in 1961. She lived well into her 80s, and called Santa Fe home since 1978. Denise, along with racecar legend Phil Hill and former automotive designer Dennis Little, conceptualized the Concorso, and the first event was held in 2010. In the last five years, the event has grown to include more than 100 entries each year. Several special events are in store this year. Luigi Chinetti Jr. will be present to speak and judge. His father, Chinetti Sr., was the first person to sell Ferraris in the United States and started NART, the North American Racing Team, to promote the Ferrari marque in motorsport endurance racing in this country. Another feature on display will be the Buick Y-Job — the first concept car — designed by Harley Earl. Also in store for spectators is Billy Gibbons’ “Cadzilla” hot rod. Gibbons, best known as the lead singer of the band ZZ Top, had “Cadzilla” designed by Boyd Coddington, the premiere builder of hot rods in his day. Of course, the regular Concorso programming will be in place as well, which includes an opening night VIP event Friday the 25th at the airport. Saturday the 26th has been declared Denise McCluggage Day by Mayor Gonzales. At 8 a.m., Concorso entrants will line up at the plaza, and at 10 a.m. they will drive along Canyon Road and over through Eldorado to the old west town of Cerrillos. Open to the public, this is a great opportunity to admire the cars against Santa Fe’s stunning backdrop.