Festivals of Speed

A Fusion of Exotic Cars and Luxury Lifestyle

Story by Terry Check

Beginning from an art gallery, a passionate automotive enthusiast and entrepreneur, Joe Sabatini, founded Festivals of Speed in 2004 with the goal of bringing together the world’s finest cars and luxury brands in a celebratory atmosphere. His love for high-end automobiles, combined with a vision to create an experience beyond a typical car show, led to the formation of an event that merges car culture with a luxurious, lifestyle-centric experience. Sabatini’s background in marketing and event planning, along with his lifelong fascination with exotic cars, enabled him to curate a space that would allow patrons to appreciate not just the beauty of automobiles, but also the luxury lifestyle that accompanies them.

The Inception of Festivals of Speed

The first Festivals of Speed event took place in Orlando, Florida, and was designed to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of rare and exotic cars, motorcycles, and boats. The inaugural event set the tone for what was to come: a spectacular fusion of horsepower, craftsmanship, and opulence. With the success of the first event, Sabatini realized there was a growing demand for a unique event that brought together not only automobile aficionados but also luxury brand connoisseurs. Over the years, Festivals of Speed has expanded to multiple locations and evolved into a comprehensive celebration of the finest automobiles and lifestyle offerings.

Festivals of Speed Locations

Festivals of Speed has grown to become an annual circuit of twelve events, with the most notable locations including:

• St. Petersburg, Florida: The flagship event, held annually, takes place in Vinoy Park, a picturesque waterfront location. This venue offers a stunning backdrop for displaying vintage and exotic cars while providing guests with an unforgettable experience in Florida’s tropical climate.
• Orlando, Florida: Known for its grandeur, the Orlando event is held at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. This prestigious hotel hosts the event’s sprawling display of vehicles and offers an array of luxury lifestyle experiences for the attendees. From private jet displays to yacht exhibits, this venue has become a favorite for patrons who enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere.
• Naples, Florida: Located off the coast of southwestern Florida, Naples is synonymous with luxury. The Festivals of Speed showcases the world’s most exotic cars, motorcycles & luxury brands placed for display at the Mercato in beautiful Naples, offering attendees the chance to immerse themselves in a weekend of luxury motoring.
• Alpharetta, Georgia: Expanding into the metropolitan hub of the South, the Alpharetta iteration of Festivals of Speed attracts a diverse crowd of collectors and high-profile individuals. Held at top-tier locations Avalon, this event brings a touch of Southern charm to the luxury car experience.

Each of these venues reflects Joe Sabatini’s vision of combining elite automotive culture with luxurious settings that resonate with a high-net-worth clientele. Refer to the website, https://festivalsofspeed.com// for a location near you, including Ocala, Clearwater and Howey-in-the-Hills, FL.

Types of Exotic and Vintage Motorcars

The automobiles displayed at Festivals of Speed range from historic vintage models to modern-day supercars, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of automotive design and engineering. Each vehicle is meticulously selected for its uniqueness, craftsmanship, and prestige.

Exotic cars are one of the main attractions at Festivals of Speed. These high-performance, limited-production vehicles represent the pinnacle of engineering and design. Some of the most notable brands showcased at the event include:

• Ferrari: Known for their powerful engines and iconic design, Ferraris are a staple of the Festivals of Speed. Models such as the Ferrari Enzo, LaFerrari, and F40 regularly grace the event, drawing significant attention.
• Lamborghini: Lamborghini’s aggressive styling and unmatched performance make them a must-see at every event. The Aventador, Huracán, and rare models like the Lamborghini Miura stand as testaments to the brand’s legacy.
• Bugatti: Few brands symbolize automotive excellence like Bugatti. With models such as the Veyron and Chiron, Bugatti brings both historical significance and modern power to the event.
• Porsche: Porsche’s blend of performance and refinement makes it a beloved brand for many enthusiasts. From classic 911s to modern Porsche Carrera GTs, Porsche models are consistently crowd favorites.
• McLaren: Known for pushing the boundaries of automotive technology, McLaren’s line of hypercars, including the McLaren P1 and Senna, bring a futuristic edge to the festivals.

Lifestyle of the Festivals of Speed Patrons

The attendees of Festivals of Speed are not just car enthusiasts; they are connoisseurs of luxury. The event is tailored to appeal to individuals and families with refined tastes, often catering to high-net-worth attendees who enjoy a lifestyle centered around exclusivity, elegance, and indulgence.

The Luxury Experience

Beyond the cars, Festivals of Speed offers an immersive luxury experience. Attendees have access to exclusive events, including gourmet food tastings, high-end wine and spirits lounges, cigar bars, and private jet tours. The event often features a partnership with top luxury brands such as:

• Rolex: A staple in high-end horology, Rolex often partners with Festivals of Speed to provide guests with the opportunity to experience their latest models.
• Bentley and Rolls-Royce: These luxury automakers often have a strong presence, allowing attendees to test-drive or explore their latest luxury sedans.
• Fine Wine and Spirits: Many Festivals of Speed events feature tastings from prestigious wineries and distilleries, allowing guests to pair their automotive experience with a glass of the finest wines or spirits.
• Art and Jewelry: Complementing the cars are displays of high-end art and jewelry, adding an extra layer of elegance to the event. These exhibits offer attendees the chance to browse and purchase exclusive items from world-renowned artists and jewelers.

Networking and Socializing

The Festivals of Speed is more than just an event to admire cars; it is a social gathering for like-minded individuals who share a passion for luxury and performance. Many attendees use the event as a networking opportunity, connecting with fellow collectors, investors, and business leaders in an environment that encourages socializing and relationship-building.

Philanthropy and Charitable Efforts

An important aspect of Festivals of Speed is its charitable focus. Throughout its history, the event has raised significant funds for various charities. Many of the festivals include silent and live auctions, with proceeds going toward philanthropic causes. Attendees, who are often passionate about giving back, appreciate the opportunity to combine their love for luxury and automobiles with the chance to support important causes.

Highlights from Past Festivals of Speed

Over the years, Festivals of Speed has featured numerous highlights that continue to draw repeat visitors and newcomers alike.

• Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger”: One of the standout vehicles displayed at the Orlando event was an Aston Martin DB5, made famous by the James Bond film Goldfinger. This car, complete with spy gadgets and a stunning silver finish, was one of the most photographed and admired at the event.
• Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: The appearance of the world’s fastest production car at multiple Festivals of Speed events has consistently drawn attention. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, with its record-breaking speed, encapsulates the very essence of what the event stands for—unmatched excellence and luxury.
• Private Jet Display: In some iterations of the event, private jets have been on display, showcasing the latest in personal aviation. This feature, particularly in Orlando, allows attendees to not only admire the latest in automotive technology but also explore the luxurious world of aviation.
• Motorcar Judging: Similar to prestigious events like Pebble Beach, Festivals of Speed includes motorcar judging, where vehicles are judged based on authenticity, originality, and presentation. This element brings a level of competition and prestige to the event, drawing in collectors who take pride in showcasing their latest exotics or meticulously restored vehicles.

Joe Sabatini’s Festivals of Speed has grown into one of the most prestigious automotive events in the United States, blending the worlds of exotic cars, vintage motorcars, and luxury lifestyle. With its carefully curated selection of vehicles, premium locations, and high-end experiences, the event has become a haven for automotive enthusiasts and luxury aficionados alike. By creating an environment that celebrates not just cars but the entire luxury lifestyle, Sabatini has crafted an amazing event for all to enjoy.

Masquerade Magazine wishes to thank Joe Sabatini for the one-on-one interview. Many thanks to Chris Carlile Photography for providing the images for this article. We are looking forward to attending the Festivals of Speed event in a location near you. For upcoming events checkout https://festivalsofspeed.com/