Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/122433
Start Your Engines CATHERINE D. ANSPON SURVEYS SOME VERY CLASSY CHASSIS, TOASTS HELFMAN'S ZIPPY NEW FIAT 500S, THEN REVS IT UP AT SUSAN'S RALLY. PHOTOGRAPHY PHYLLIS HAND, SETH VAUGHAN, JAMIE WATSON. The Track: Helfman Fiat's Grand Opening reveal. The Cars: A sizzling lineup of 2012 Fiat 500s. The Drivers: Elaine Helfman and Alan Helfman with wife Renee joined by family team Sandi and Steven Wolf, Samantha Wolf, Rori and Jason Feldman, and Sheri Feldman; Fiat Studio's Leo Revilla, Michael Debner and Nathalie Farinola and mom Marie-Paule Renoir; Gucci's Bernie Cantu; and Italian delegation Consul General Fabrizio Nava with Montserrat Marquez De Angulo, and Ilaria and Luciano Topi. Finish Line: Several hundred auto aficionadas oohed and ahhed over the coveted, eco-friendly 500s — including a swank new Gucci version sporting the luxury brand's signature maroonand-green stripes at the newest Fiat Studio in Houston. Mark & Nancy Reichek at Helfman Fiat Fabrizio Nava at Helfman Fiat 1967 Porsche 906E at Classy Chassis Chairmen Lolly & Clay Becker at Classy Chassis Sandi Wolf, Bernie Cantu at Helfman Fiat Classic Fiat wheels: 1979 Spider Series 2000, at Helfman Fiat Jackie Sitton, Allison Sitton, Bruce Roberson Lynnie Beck at Susan's Rally Samantha Wolf, Rori & Jason Feldman at Helfman Fiat Nathalie Farinola Andrea Bonner at Helfman Fiat Sheri Feldman Elaine Helfman at Helfman Fiat Katherine & Ryan Wood at Classy Chassis The Track: Ninth Annual Classy Chassis Concours d'Elegance at Reliant Stadium. The Cars: More than 100 extraordinary automobiles spanning the motoring age's greatest hits — from a 1922 Hispano Suiza to a 1968 Shelby GT 500 coupe — were toasted at the car-centric preview party that capped a weekend of some very vroom vroom vintage vehicles. The Drivers: Founding chairmen Lolly and Clay Becker, joined by big wheels Nancy Ames and Danny Ward, Neidra and Michael Davis, Katherine and Ryan Wood, Marla and Stewart Feldman, Lauren Martin squired by Jonothan Quesada, Ronna and Mike Hardage, and Shauna and Ronny Proler. Finish Line: More than 8,000 flocked to raised funds for the worthy cause — Shriners Hospitals for Children — Stewart & Marla Houston/ Feldman at Classy Alan Lett, Erin Howell Chassis Galveston. at Classy Chassis Donnie & Barbara Roseman at Helfman Fiat Steven Wolf, Alan Helfman at Helfman Fiat Jared Lang, Eric Rozelle, Jonathan Morrow, Tanner Lang, Bryce Lang at Susan's Rally The Track: 19th Annual Susan's Rally with registration at Momentum VW/Audi and post-race party at The Post Oak Grill. The Cars: A tremendous contingent of registered participants motoring in their own wheels. The Drivers: Chairman and founder Bruce Roberson (the rally is named in honor of his late sister Susan Roberson Wade), joined by Momentum's Jared Lang, Lanny Griffith, Vincent Sanchez, Gus Garza, Eric Rozelle, Jonathan Morrow, Chase Briedenthal, Dale Wilson (who helped style the live auction goodies), and first-place victors Mike Moore, Larry Riklin, C.J. Love, and Joy Oliver. Finish Line: The clever vehicular scavenger hunt benefitted the cancer crusade, specifically Sojourn House, which provides housing for those undergoing treatment, and Dia de La Mujer's monthly screenings for women via Baylor College of Medicine.