FIAT at Pirelli World Challenge

Benvenuti amici!

We, at the CC5C blog are always looking for slightly different content to what you may be able to find at other FIAT blogs and pages. Our goal is to create a place to educate and entertain veterans as well as people only recently aware of the brand. With this goal in mind, our entries vary from CC5C member updates to the history of the brand (and various models) to groups and activities around the globe.

The Challenge = True Stock Car Racing

One FIAT-related happening we've longed to share with you is the Pirelli World Challenge. The North American-based international racing event officially began in 1974 and established the 'World Challenge' name in 1990. In 2011, three major things happened, from the perspective of an Italian city car nut. The World Challenge (WC) series signed a partnership with Pirelli S.P.A., the TCB or B-spec class was introduced shortly thereafter and FIAT entered the Cinquecento in the inaugural lineup. The goal to see our favorite car go head-to-head with other runabouts was born.

The 2012 Debutante Ball: The Cinquino Pop '00'

Jonathan Start: FIAT 500 #00 at the 2012 PWC

For the 2014 season, the PWC announced a stop in Wisconsin. This left no excuse to miss the annual event. The self-described 'not-a-car-guy' would attend his first Motorsport event since the summer weekends he visited Great Lakes Dragaway at Union Grove with his brother & father. The FIAT 500 would, once again, unlock something in me I thought I'd lost in the process of  'growing up'.

I, along with Mark & Eric Beckmann, attended one session of the Pirelli World Challenge last Saturday at the legendary Road America track. It was planned around NASCAR practice rounds… so, the weather was an issue (NASCAR won't run their practice on a wet track). We missed the morning FIAT run by minutes. 'MAJOR BUMMER' as I couldn't stay for the afternoon (became evening) run. 

I did manage to walk around in 'the Pits' and snap some photos, though. We spotted the officially sponsored FIAT 500 Pop. For this next section of photos and commentary, I need to slip on my integrity cap and write freely… honestly. Our brand of choice and as well as our readers deserve as much. We aim to give you what you deserve, with every new CC5C blog entry.

FIAT USA/SRT '00'; Courtesy of Eric Beckmann

The official FIAT PWC car is towed around in a tiny trailer. I have no problem with the size of the trailer. But I have a big problem with:

1) The lack of exterior spectacle. FIAT USA is a perennial player in the formerly titled World Challenge race. It is my firm belief, with all the money FIAT S.p.A. is pouring into the Chrysler side of the business, they have an obligation to the fans of their flagship model. Dress up the exterior of that trailer. Let it act as a herald to the arrival of the car that changed city driving forever… thrice! Give aficionados something to ogle. 

2) No tent for the one man crew? Yes… the lack of covering allowed for great photos of '00', but I prefer to see this awesome little runabout (and the pictured tech) under covering. Again, for me, it's all about the spectacle. This is an Italian coach. This Italian coach is a runner in a global brand race. Where is the drama? #TeamItalia was in a World Cup match on this very day. Where is the flatscreen blaring the cheers and gasps of Italian fans? Where is the FIAT Specialist to help promote the brand? Where is the multitude of printed handouts found at every FIAT Studio in the country? Where is the show FIATisti in Europe, Latin America and Japan enjoy?

3) There is no need to go too far over-the-top, but this is another marketing event I will chalk up to…

'Brilliant idea… Poor execution'. 

While the Pirelli World Challenge is not a giant Motorsport event yet, I think FIAT USA would do well to take a keen interest in making sure brand recognition is attached to the popularity of 'what racing should be'. 

Jonathan Start brought a lot of attention to the 'Cento, at the 2012 PWC, when he swept the first two races in TCB and consistently placed respectably thereafter. The same year, the 500 ABARTH placed very well at the Newfoundland Targa event. Why not ride that wave of excitement and permanently cement, in spectator minds, FIAT USA/SRT Motorsport?

4) No Local Studio frenzy over this event. What better way to pitch a sale than to explain this so-called underpowered city coach is tracking against other runabout options? Did they send out a mailer? Did they provide free passes for Local Studios to give to loyal clients and prospective buyers? Did they hype this to Studios at all? I know at least one FIAT S.p.A. holding missed no tricks at all...

Ferrari has a beautiful setup on the tour. The large tent (of course) is Italian racing red. Broadcasting, on a massive flatscreen television, FIFA World Cup in a small cafeteria filled with red cloth-covered tables (decorated with bouquets of yellow flowers) made an impression. Parked just outside the tech tent was a beautiful black Ferrari California for sale. And, yes, there were handouts.

The addition of a Ferrari-badged red Vespa, for crew use, to zip around the grounds was another classy touch. The setup… attention to details… oozed the Italian penchant for flair. This spectacle, taken down 5-7 notches is what I expected to find when we spotted our beloved '00'.

The Pirelli World Challenge, though, is a race. That is the main spectacle. So, how did the FIAT 500 Pop perform? This, I am afraid, is a reflection of the lack of attention FIAT is giving its pretty little cart that could. The FIAT USA/SRT-sponsored coach finished dead last. At least it did so in style. But who wants to see their favorite four-wheeler perform so poorly?

The lineup; Courtesy of Eric Beckmann

Unworthy finish for the former Champ; E.B.

It's a good thing, for FIATisti, there is also an independent runner in the race. Snader Racing '99' finished in the middle of a pack filled with more powerful FiTs (130hp), Fiestas (120hp) and MINIs (121hp). Not bad for a runabout with a mere 101hp… not bad at all. It is worth nothing, as of today, the driver of '00' is TBA. Perhaps FIAT USA cares after all. They need one dedicated 500 with one dedicated pilot for the entire series, though. More spectacle!

Snader Racing lines up; Courtesy Eric Beckmann

Austin saves face for FIAT; Courtesy E. Beckmann

At the end of the day, I love FIATs. I will not be satisfied until they regain their 2012 glory. Be honest, would you expect me to want it any other way? Let's pray FIAT USA feels the same way about this greatest of city cars. Learn more about the World Challenge here.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

FIAT e la Luna

Benvenuti amici!

The CC5C is, of course, a life enthusiast community. It is a community of people from the Milwaukee County and surrounding areas, the USAmerican Coast-to-Coast as well as a global society of FIAT aficionados. In fact, our very first non-local supporter/member is a kindred spirit from California. Bob Moon is a writer and a public speaker. Bob Moon is also an outspoken believer in the power of a perfectly designed Italian runabout called the FIAT 500 'Topolino' and the 1957/2007 Nuova FIAT 500.

Bob & I became pen pals as well as brothers-in-positivity when we happened upon our respective emphatic posts on a North American FIAT 500 forum. I was still coming down from my initiatial (May 2012) FIAT high and Bob found the forum not long after his August 2012 purchasing experience. We have been in phone and/or email contact ever since.

Over the past (nearly) two years, we shared our FIAT stories with one another. Those exchanges include; detailing (product) advice, our personal day-in-the-FIAT-life stories, random ramblings/thoughtful insights and... decorating this entry... drawings & photos. So, it is my pleasure to introduce you to a loyal FIAT - CC5C enthusiast and a friend...

CC5C: Hello, Bob! Thanks so much for taking part in this 'experiment' of sorts.

To date, we featured quite a few stories told by several life enthusiasts. They ranged from personal modding projects to cross-country road trips to Ghost Town hunting to off-roading in a 500T. It occurred to me we have yet to share a story, yet, about someone simply enjoying their day-to-day experience with a FIAT. I think this type of story could be very helpful to someone considering an Italian runabout, for the most practical of reasons, or a joyful reminder to those already in one.

You & I have discussed your initiation of Cinquino fandom often. Please repeat that story for our readers.

Bob Moon: I've owned many cars in my lifetime, and many of those cars were close in concept to what the 500 has perfected. The Honda Civic comes to mind, especially the 1971-1974 models. The Civic was an efficient and fun to drive town car, but it lacked any real style or passionate design. It was very much like a hammer that did it's job well but didn't inspire in any way. 

When I first saw and eventually drove a 500 I was overwhelmed by the sense of human touch that was evident in every aspect of the car. It was sensual, approachable and endearing. It wanted you to sit down, turn the key and have fun.  

The influence of Bob's Passion? We say 'Yes'

CC5C: Thanks for taking us on that first cruise with you. The Studio responsible for getting you in your Valentina recorded a clip of you talking about your experience. How was that? It seems like a truly new way to get the word out about a car. Has that ever happened with any of your past daily drivers?

Bob Moon: When the studio asked if I would participate in their video taped customer interview I was surprised and happy to do it. If I had known ahead that there was a possibility of being taped, I would have dressed differently. But, other than that, I was sure that I had something to say about the 500 that might influence or support other owners or potential owners. 

I think that the video interview, as a marketing tool, is brilliant. And no, in all the years of buying new cars, no brand or dealership had a program like this. That brings up an interesting point. In all my car buying experiences I was never so happy or excited about buying a new car. The Fiat 500 captured my imagination from the first time I saw one parked in front of my favorite Italian restaurant. The day that I test drove one would be 18 months later, and the test drive sealed the deal for me. By the time the video camera was recording I was in prime Fiat lust, and ripe for the picking. 'Two years later -- Were I videoed again my enthusiasm would be just as peaked, if not more so. 

Topo-approved Deetgen's Big Sur Inn

CC5C: I think more Studios should do that. They could extend the video sharing to include real world mpgs and 'smile per mile' experiences. C'mon, FIAT! Take us up on that offer!!

Y'know, Bob. I enjoy hearing and/or reading your FIAT life experience so much, I think we should let you take us to e-interview end with the final word. Take it away, Topobro.

Bob Moon: No one loves refined and intelligently intentional design more than I do. There are designs that seem to be rather eternal and nearly impossible to improve upon.The Samurai sword, a fine handmade watch, or the pottery designs of Edith Heath. I would add to this the Fiat 500, from it's very inception [introduced in 1936] up until today. 

During the past 100 years human beings have been far more mobile than at any other time in history and cars have been a major form of transportation (along with trains and airplanes). Not everyone can own their own airplane, but almost everyone can own a car of some sort. If I try to imagine a car that meets the needs of the majority of people, I cannot image a more fitting car than the 500. It is a car for human beings to get from here to there in style and comfort. But it has something more... something intangible. The 500 has an aura about it. Many of us who own 500s will know what I am referring to. What is that? I tend to experience it as a form of exquisite appropriateness. It is just right in a kind of Goldilocks way. Not too much of this, not too little of that. It does what we want it to do, and it makes us weirdly happy in the process. The 500 is just right, and we know it in our bones. 

Valentina + Nature = Topobro Zen

Two years later, I still get the same giddiness knowing that I am going for a drive in my beautiful Valentina Bella Luna. There is brilliance in being able to bring those qualities to anything, really, but to bring them to a car is truly remarkable. To invoke an emotional response to a machine can only come from a passionate mind.

A view to match Bob's verde chiaro Pop gem

CC5C: Indeed. Thank you so much, brother. It's been a joy to share with you and I am happy, beyond words, to impart a bit of our shared opinions and heartfelt musings with our fellow aficionados.

We plan to continue sharing modified and perfectly stock points-of-view on FIAT life. We know you have a story to share as well. Contact us on the CC5C Facebook page or register with the FiatTech forum and we will find you there. Your story is a gift waiting to be unwrapped.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Explore. Express. Unite.: Pt 3

Benvenuti amici!

We are back with our third part in the FiatTech e-interview series. Our growing relationship with the greater FIAT community helps keep things fresh and exciting. Organizations like FT make it very easy to remain fired-up about the little Italian engine that could. 

Our last FT entry ended with a bit of a Cliffhanger. It was revealed there are big plans for the group in the very near future… AND… there is a chance of a presence at FIAT FreakOut 2014 (in the Chicagoland area). Read on...

FIAT FreakOut 2014 happens July 10-13

CC5C: So, FiatTech will have a presence at FIAT FreakOut? That's great news!

CC5C will have a small showing there as well. I'm already looking forward to a face-to-face with the man behind the 'Tech. I'm also looking forward to the next stages of growth in the organization.

Let's change gears a bit. One of the things attracting me most to FIAT S.p.A. is the history/heritage and philosophy of the individuals/group running the company. You spend a lot of time and expend a lot of energy on FIAT daily. What inspires you most about the automaker?

FiatTech: I think the new inspiration comes from the fact that they are back here in North America. They had an opportunity to introduce their products awhile back and got mixed reviews.

Neither, in my lifetime, did I think Fiat would return to North America nor did I ever think I would ever own two of them. But stranger things have happened. I’ve always been a fan of Alfa Romeos and I still have model cars of a Fiat 127 and 131 that I brought back from Italy as a little boy.

Fiat might seem like a new brand to the newer generation, but there is definitely a long history to the famous automaker. Hopefully, through FiatTech, we can rewind a bit and show them that there are many chapters to the Fiat family. 

[Editor's Note: Read familiar? It should. One of the primary goals of the CC5C blog is to offer another opportunity for people to learn about current FIAT events as well as the automaker history. I believe these kinds of shared visions are the glue that bonds the various FIAT fan groups.]

CC5C: And do you find you capture that, a bit, with FiatTech?

FiatTech: I think we have. I feel like this web site is my homage to the brand that I loved as a kid. It’s my opportunity to dig into a family album of sorts and reminisce about my past and add some new memories for the future. Of course, I’d like to share those memories with others through the web site.

CC5C: Well, I know you're a busy guy. I won't keep you any longer. But I would like to give you an opportunity to have the final word… one last thing to impart to our readers. Take it away…

FiatTech: Having owned two fiats for almost 3 years, I am happy to say I have no regrets in my purchases. Fiat has tried to redeem their reputation here in North America, and I think they have succeeded in getting over that [road] bump. You will still have your naysayers. But those are the ones who have either never driven a new Fiat... or don’t share the passion for the brand as we do.

I, for one, am a believer and I’m sure all our FiatTech fans will agree.

FIAT 500: Over a million sold and counting!

CC5C: I know I am a FiatTech fan and most certainly agree with you. FIAT is off to a great start with the reintroduction into the North American market and the official launch of their global launch is on the near horizon. Sergio Marchionne already revealed the FIAT plan for growth of the automaker and the future of its holdings (Lancia, ABARTH, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, RAM). I truly believe they are poised for a lot more than those 'naysayers' give due credit.

Oh, man… Don't get me started.

On behalf of the CC5C and our readership, I want to thank you for taking time out for us. We are always so very happy to share the growing brand passion in our corner of the world. It's even better when the love is coming from a group like FiatTech. We send our best wishes of success your way and you can always count on our support of the FiatTech mission.

We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Until then…

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Explore. Express. Unite.: Pt 2

Benvenuti amici!

The folks at FiatTech, the CC5C independent FIAT S.p.A. news & forum of choice, are kind enough to take part in an e-interview with us. The e-conversation is not only meant to give our readers an inside track on the movement. We also want people to come away with an idea of the massive amount of work put into cultivating a community… in the truest sense of the word. We jump in at the spot we jumped off. Join us…

CC5C: Thank you for that explanation. I, personally, find this broader look at FIAT S.p.A. (FCA) is something sorely missing in North America. I think, North Americans tend to think of FIAT as this maker of funky little cars. They lose sight of the fact the company is the oldest mass-producer of automobiles and happens to be the parent company of many of the world's premier brands. I'm happy to know FiatTech doesn't miss that mark.

Moving on…

Now, I'm going to preface my next question by stating the obvious... I am a FiatTech junkie. But when I first became aware of FiatTech I thought, "Oh, this a group of performance/racing guys. I wonder how someone like me, someone happy with a stock Pop or Abarth, will fit in (if at all)." How do you respond to someone with a similar first impression, based on your name?

FiatTech: The name might throw some off, like yourself. But obviously that isn’t the intention. Once someone dives into the various components of Fiattech, they will discover there’s more to it. The front page is set up in a way where you can get the latest news from multiple feeds. You can also read the latest articles that we compose ourselves from the most reliable sources.

In regards to social media, we have live Facebook feeds from Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati. If you’re looking for some eye candy, we have our video and photos sections for each respective brand. All these components are designed to engage our visitors in one centralized location and of course, we have our forum section which allows you to participate in the latest topics.

ABARTH 695 GBR 3000 as seen on FiatTech

CC5C: Thanks for that. What you just outlined happens to be one of the things that blew me away on my first visit. I thought, "This is what I want in a FIAT site." Rather than way too many adverts, there is actual… usable… content. That's fantastic!

You cover ALL THINGS FIAT. Are you sponsored by the company or is this an 100% independent effort? If it's an independent effort, please share how much time/effort goes into something like this news outlet.

FiatTech: Although we have access to all Fiat S.p.A news, press releases and multimedia, we have no affiliation or exclusivities with their head office.  Most of the news is automatically fed into the site through RSS feeds. The latest news is written by myself, because some sites might not have that particular news event available to them yet.

Every morning we scour through all the media outlets to make sure Fiattech has the latest. We also like to add a Ride of the Day which can be either a picture or video of a Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati or Lancia model. We find that we get great reactions to these efforts.

Images like this one keep FiatTech fans rabid

CC5C: I love your 'Ride of the Day' feature. Each morning, I await that update. Because, we feature a lot of FIAT history/heritage on the blog and the Facebook page, I thoroughly enjoy seeing all the photos I haven't seen yet. You do a great job there. I DIG IT.

And you have the forum too. I really dig the vibe there. A short skimming of topics reveals a place for FIAT super fans. You must be proud of the group you've gathered there so far. How do you manage to attract them? Any idea how that happened?

FiatTech: The forum is a necessity for Fiattech. After participating on other forums, we found there was too much negativity. Opinions are great and we encourage that, but purposely disrespecting a vendor or fellow member does nothing for the atmosphere of a community.

We invited the best contributors from other forums in order to make this a positive atmosphere and I’m more than happy with the maturity and knowledge that is being shared between members and vendors.

Just one of the helpful vendors found at FiatTech

CC5C: I enjoy that as well. Everyone contributes. That is exactly how a community is not only built but thrives. The level of respect exchanged between all parties involved is quite remarkable. Bravo!

So, you're doing the live FIAT News feeds and you're doing the FIAT Fan forum. Are there other FIAT-related activities in your life? Clubs? Drives? Motorsport? Please, share some of that with us.

FiatTech: We do have some local drives and gatherings, but nothing really associated with the Fiattech name as of yet. That will be another stage. We do have some plans for Fiat Freakout in Chicago this year, but that’s under wraps for now.

CC5C: Ah! Cliffhanger!! Thanks for giving CC5C blog readers a peak behind the wizard's curtain. I'm sure we'll be touching base, here again, sooner than later. Until that time...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Explore. Express. Unite.: Pt 1

Benvenuti amici!

As you may have noticed, we are always working to evolve into more than a blog designed to entertain our local club between gatherings of La Famiglia. So, when we are not covering the latest updates from #BryanThompson (and other passionate entusiasts, designers and/or modders) we are covering FIAT-related history as well as our picks for places you can get your FIAT fix (online or in-print).

There is no shortage of #FIAT news sources and forums on the internet. Since FIAT S.p.A. repositioned themselves as a global player and announced the upcoming change to their corporate logo… a reflection of their mutually beneficial relationship with Chrysler Group LLC... the 'net has been alight with up-to-the-minute FCA news. 

The challenge to find an online home for news and FIAT-related entertainment has been covered, in a broader way, on this very blog. We listed our Top 5 list of sources for FIAT news. As was predicted in that entry, the fourth entry of said list has quickly become our forum home. 

FiatTech is the most complete independent news/entertainment site in the digital world. The site wrestled that bragging right from our former favorite indie site... FIAT Group's World. Covering everything from corporate financial news to the latest in FIAT Motorsport, FiatTech rivals even the corporate-driven blog, FIAT Backstage. In the simplest of terms, the FiatTech has quickly become the one-stop choice for all things FIAT.

Today, we are fortunate enough to catch up with the folks at FiatTech. 

CC5C: Hello. How're you? I imagine keeping up with the site and your other work must keep you pretty busy. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. As you know, the CC5C is fanatical about all things FIAT. #fiattech has become a daily part of that fanaticism.

FiatTech: I’m doing great and thanks for having me here.

CC5C: So, let's jump into the deep end of the pool. With the forums and news sites currently covering FIAT S.p.A., what inspired you to create FiatTech?

FiatTech: Well while visiting and participating in other forums, I noticed that members were posting links to other web sites in regards to news or a cool video they found online. That’s great and all, but I thought to myself, "wouldn’t it be great if you could find Fiat related news and links in a more centralized location?" I wanted to create a place where you could wake up in the morning, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and engage yourself into the daily Fiat world.  A place where you could read articles on the history of the brand and immerse yourself in some heritage and tradition. I think Fiattech.com is slowly accomplishing that.

CC5C: As you know, time is a precious commodity and the internet has helped create an attention deficit in nearly everyone. What, specifically, do you feel FiatTech offers to a discerning reader? What separates your site from other options?

Fiattech: Unlike other sites, we believe the Fiat brand is a world effort. We want to be able to share news and events from all around the world. Whether it's the Trofeo championships of Europe, the Competizione Series of Argentina or the recent introduction of the Abarth brand in both India and Australia, we feel everyone should have some insight as to what Fiat is doing to expand their image around the world. Fiat is not only about the 500, it’s about other premiere brands such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. I find that most enthusiasts that own a Fiat appreciate some news about those other brands. It brings some excitement to their lives and makes them aware that there really is another element to the Fiat brand.

To be continued…

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Sette

Benvenuti amici!

What's this?! After too long a time without regular updates from the ever-busy Bryan Thompson, we bring the second update in as many weeks. Bryan, as I've come to know him through our many e-communications, is a vibrant human being. He is focused. He is determined. He is what he does and what he does is who he is. He lives a life focused on being the best Bryan Thompson he can be. He is happy and enjoys sharing his happiness.

For all intents and purposes, Bryan is a walking, talking, FIAT advert. Realizing this, CC5C has dedicated time and creative energy to help him promote his philosophy by way of his Picnic Racer. Through his ultra-personal special build, I've taken the liberty of dubbing the 1958 Limited Edition ABARTH 500, he is promoting the long-held FIAT tradition of Joy in Motoring. 

Let's face it, 'ownership' of motorized transport can be a drag. There is the educational process to the purchasing process to the insuring process to the weekly fueling process to the regular maintenance process to the traffic process… Repeat ad nausea.

If you lack a positive connection to your coach, it can feel like a ball'n'chain anchoring you to the bottom of a large body of water or, at best, a noose around your neck. Enter: Dante Giacosa, Karl 'Carlo' Abarth & Roberto Giolito. These three gentlemen of the drawing table/garage/track, among a very small number of other automotive geniuses, have created cute'n'wicked machines to get us through the monotony of daily driving. FIAT has seen fit to properly punctuate the fact in ad campaign after ad campaign.

Enter: Cream City 500 Club & Bryan Thompson. We are deeply touched/inspired by those adverts and the shiny buggies for which they speak. Let's check into the progress Bryan and his 'partners-in-crime' are making with his ultimate smile-maker.

Fitment complete & waiting for color-match

A look into the mind of a 'Plaid Man'

 "So much plaid… So much happy!" - BT

Bryan reports argento wheels were ordered for the fitment, because those were the only available choice at the time. But, avorio or bianco wheels are needed to help the lo-saturation azzurro hue pop. The crew is, now, awaiting delivery of said wheels. In the meantime, they SMASHED IT with that beautifully lush interior treatment & exterior paint (and accents).The care taken in getting this build just right is proving to be well worth it.

I see the seats, but where is Bryan?

The photos chosen by Bryan, for this update, and the grin on his face say it all. Don't they? This… more smiles per mile-focused build… is what FIAT S.p.A. and their army of small runabouts do better than anyone else in the business. 

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@