A FULL WEEK OF AMAZING EXPERIENCES

REGISTRATION ENDS OCTOBER 4, 2022.

Sessions are limited; please register early. If we meet capacity on an event, we will add a waitlist and notify you of any changes.

If you have questions about Mercedes Freude, please reach out to one of the following people:

• Kristen Holmes - 703-283-2447 or [email protected]
• David Abarr - [email protected]
• Julie Bruggner - 260-348-1369 or [email protected]

Start Your Week with the Meet and Greet

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Hotel's Oasis Courtyard – Tuesday, October 25, 5:30pm-7pm

• Join your fellow Club members and meet the event committee. Enjoy light refreshments and drinks hosted in the beautiful Oasis courtyard. This event is included in basic registration.
  

Tech Events

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Hotel – Wednesday & Thursday, October 26 & 27, 9am-12pm

• Lake Speed Jr-Engine Oil Seminar: Lake Speed Jr. is the son of former NASCAR driver and team owner Lake Speed. A former crew member for Chad Knaus at Melling Racing, Speed joined the Joe Gibbs team in 2004 and led the creation of Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil. A member of STLE and SAE, Speed’s background in Tribology provides a unique perspective on engine performance and durability. Lake will be discussing engine oil best practices and anything you’d like to know on the topic.

• Jeff Zurschmeide- Your Sections Newsletter and Photo Ops: Jeff is the editor of the Star magazine with 20 years of writing, editing and publishing experience with automotive periodicals and websites for new car sales, motorsports and enthusiast markets. He has authored seven automotive how-to books published by CarTech Books, and two race course photo histories by Arcadia Publishing, as well as two photograph books of classic cars of Cuba, and the English Road of the Camino de Santiago. He has five years in Product Marketing and Marketing Communications, focusing on product messaging, collateral, social media, trade shows, press and analyst relations, product positioning, sales support, advertising and technical marketing.

• Jon Bernardi-Concourse and Silver Judging class: Jon has been on both sides of the clipboard starting in 2000. He has participated in StarFest, StarTech and many local shows with his 250 SL. He made the official jump to judging in 2004 at StarFest. He continues to judge for MB, La Jolla Concours and other shows in Ohio and Southern California. Jon also teaches judging for MBCA, having been certified through Pete Lesler and Richard Simmonds. He currently serves as chief judge for the Legends of the Autobahn concours. 

• Panel Discussion: Join us for a panel discussion featuring Tom Hanson, recently retired parts guru from the MB Classic Center, along with Blue Nelson and Belinda Clotz. This will be an open panel discussion focusing on parts and value. This promises to be an informative and fun time.

• Nate Landers-Mercedes-Benz Classic Center: Join Nate Landers for a discussion on future and emerging classics. Nate is chief technician at the MB Classic Center.

The Petersen Automotive Museum Reception and Vault Tour
The Petersen Automotive Museum – Wednesday, October 26, 3pm-7pm (Group to depart from Hyatt Recency Newport Beach Hotel at 12:45pm)

• A private tour and reception at the world-renowned Peterson Museum. The museum's underground automobile storage facility is a world-class museum in its own right. After an extensive renovation, the Vault, presented by Hagerty, has more than doubled in size and now features over 250 vehicles from around the world. Discover some of the most iconic and rare cars, motorcycles, and trucks spanning over 120 years of automotive history. Visitors get to explore the history of the automobile, from early legends to stunning modern supercars. Visitors will see turn-of-the-twentieth-century cars, head-of-state vehicles, American classics, personal rides of Hollywood legends, award-winning hot rods, cars that pushed the boundaries of innovation, and many other surprises. Mercedes-Benz Club of America will host a cash bar cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception followed by the tour.

California Wine Tasting

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Hotel – Thursday, October 27, 2pm-3pm

• Join us for a wine tasting featuring four local wines from California paired with a light bite. You will be treated to a brief overview and welcome from the resort highlighting the wines selected and provided a tasting note card with additional details to lead you on a self-guided experience. Join us on the patio and enjoy the wines, the cars, and the company.

The Classic Center Private Tour

Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, Long Beach – Thursday & Friday, October 27 & 28, 1pm-4pm

• An exclusive look into the all-new Classic Center now located within the Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) in Long Beach, California. The Classic Center is now four times the size of the Irvine facility. This is a backstage pass into the factory operated restoration facility. You are sure to see the famed gullwing and more. This exclusive club perk will surely sell out! 
  

Dock & Dine on Newport Bay

Newport Beach Harbor – Thursday, October 27, 5pm-7:30pm

• Make dining out a delicious adventure. Navigate your way to your favorite restaurants and enjoy dockside dining at its very best. Beautiful water views, cool ocean breezes, friendly service and great flavors – all from the comfort of your boat. Choose this option to enjoy a night on Newport Bay with a preselected restaurant. The event is sure to be memorable. 

Wellness Walk Meet-Up

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Hotel – Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 27, 28 & 29, 6am-7am

• Lace-up your shoes and join us for a morning walk around the sprawling resort. All levels are welcome for this easy morning walk.

Cars & Cocktails

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Hotel – Friday, October 28, 5pm-6pm

• Join us for a casual meet-up in the resort parking lot for a show and shine, followed by a reception cash bar on the garden terrace.

The Debüt at the Classic Center

Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, Long Beach – Saturday, October 29, 9am-2pm

• The not-to-be-missed car show at the Classic Center. A one-of-a-kind show of Mercedes of all vintages with members from around the United States. This is not your typical Concours. It will be a fun active day with awards and prizes! We look forward to seeing some outstanding cars!

Banquet Dinner with Key Note Speaker

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Hotel – Saturday, October 29, 6pm-9pm

• The closing banquet and awards dinner will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Resort and will include a plated dinner. A soon-to-be-announced speaker will offer some closing words about the week.

Cars & Coffee

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Hotel – Sunday, October 30, 9am-11am

• As we end the week, we will have the opportunity to gather in the parking lot for an informal Cars & Coffee. Join us for a cup of coffee and camaraderie.

MERCEDES FREUDE SPONSORS