Northville teens David Kibbey (from left), Drew Lehnert, Chase Ziegler and Bennett DiMeo stand next to a 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 in front of Mill Race Village. The car in back is a 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
CONCOURS KIDS Northville teens trying to make classic cars cool with their peers
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espite being the generation of scooters and electric vehicles, Northville high schoolers Bennett DiMeo and David Kibbey are infatuated with the regal rides of their forefathers. “So, I’m going to be honest, I’m more from the exotic and newer car side of things,” said Kibbey, 17, whose affinity for autos came from hanging around his grandfather Greg Marrs, who ran a car dealership. “I will say I am not interested in EVs. I understand and I support them, and I see their necessity, but I’m not there. They are not for me.” DiMeo, 16, also “got my gearhead on” due to family, attending Mecum Auctions in Indianapolis on his 11th birthday. The first-hand view of vintage vehicles being bought and sold whetted his appetite as did his clan’s extensive car
16 The ‘Ville
collection, which included a 1940s Hudson. The pair is part of a four-teen contingent steering the wheel for this summer’s premier automotive showcase, the Northville Concours d’Elegance on Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23, at Mill Race Historic Village. Kibbey and DiMeo are joined by fellow Northville residents Chase Ziegler and Drew Lenhert, who like Kibbey attend Detroit Catholic Central. DiMeo goes to Northville High. The engine for the prestigious car gathering is being primed by a founders’ dinner and live auction on Saturday, April 15, at Genitti’s Hole-in-Wall in Northville. All proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tickets are available at www. northvilleconcours.com. What puts Northville’s
By Larry O’Connor Photos by Bryan Mitchell
upscale car competition on an elevated track are the judges, which in this case will be under 18 in age. Organizers are putting a premium on youth, and for good reason. Without a new generation, industry experts fear passion for the autos of yesteryear will sputter out. “The Northville Concours is a true testament to fueling the next generation of car enthusiasts and drivers,” said Samantha Pina, senior event coordinator at Hagerty, Northville Concours’ main sponsor, in a written response. “We’re proud to be a part of an event whose sole purpose is youth judging and engagement. “From inception to execution, the Northville Concours has kept youth at the forefront and we can’t wait to see future drivers explore their take on the
love of automotive.” Kibbey and DiMeo’s shoes fit the gas pedal. Thanks to Hagerty, whose insurance agency is behind the youth push into the classic automotive realm, the duo has become full-fledged concours judges. Judges follow criteria set by concours organizers. Though organizations provide training, no certification is required, Kibbey said. This month, Kibbey helped score the Amelia Island (Fla.) Concours d’Elegance and the pair has been invited to the Keels & Wheels event in Seabrook, Texas, outside Houston, in May. Kibbey is also scheduled to judge at concours shows in Pebble Beach, Calif., Aug. 16-20, and Newport, R.I. Oct. 1. He is also booked for the Detroit Concours event Sept. 22-23 at