With a few short months before the 2015 driving season is upon us, I thought it might be a good idea to consider news resources, activities and events for the coming year. Most of the events listed are local to the Milwaukee Wisconsin Metropolitan area, but they may give you an idea of things going on in your immediate locale. Other events are national or international and may require some creative thought and/or planning to fit into your schedule.
Publications:
A while back, I listed my top 5 websites to read FIAT-related news. But not everyone has a tolerance for technology in their reading. Many people still prefer good ol' fashioned paper & ink. Fortunately, for aficionados, there are magazines feeding that preference and at reasonable prices. Of course, all listed here are also available in a digital format. The top three, on my list, do more than report auto news… they entertain as well.
Auto Italia Magazine is the premier magazine for enthusiasts of all Italian automakers. While Ferrari, Maserati & Lamborghini are quite often featured in USAmerican and European car rags, FIAT, Lancia & Alfa Romeo are too frequently left out. The UK-based publication equalizes the playing field by taking care to shine a fair amount of spotlight on all the brands, carrozzerias and clubs responsible for keeping the Italian marque faith.
MotorSport Magazine is exactly what its title suggests. Whether you follow Formula, Touring, Grand Touring, Production, Spec, Stock, Rally, Drag and/or Historical racing news, MSM is your regular speed fix. First seeing print in 1925 (1924, if you count the Brooklands Gazette year), the publication is the most prestigious all encompassing motor sport magazine available. There really is no substitute. The Facebook page is entertaining in its own right.
RICAMBI Magazine is a major selling point to FIAT Club America membership. Thirty-five USD for an enthusiasts publication, twelve issues per year… and a calendar, is hard to beat. To further sweeten the deal, most RICAMBI editorials are written by members. The magazine began as a newsletter and underwent a radical change when Brett Melancon took over publishing responsibilities. By any definition, RICAMBI is a by the fans for the fans affair.
FIAT (and other car enthusiast) events are popping up all over the country… and the world. As one might expect, the main focus of Città Crema Cinquecento Club is our local activity. We list all our planned group activities on the CC5C FB 'Events' page. This makes it easier for newcomers and old pros to keep up with what's going on. We do our best to plan for the last Saturday of every month.
Of course, we don't have complete control over joint ventures. On the occasion an event does not fall on the last Saturday of the month, we send out email reminders and mention them on the Facebook page timeline. We call these 'Random. Road. Rendezvous.' and emphasize they are not 'official' CC5C events. Last year, we participated in a television news spot for Festa Italiana. We also met for a Formula 1 race, met the Chicago Chapter of FCA at the Barn of FIATs and drove to Oshkosh (for a visit with our Oshkosh members).
Two of our 2014 'Random. Road. Rendezvous.' events made our list of new 'official' events for 2015. Here is a list of fun non-CC5C events you may want to consider adding to your driving activities list this year. I wouldn't be surprised to find one of more of them make our 'Random. Road. Rendezvous.' list during the coming driving season.
Milwaukee Auto Show - 21 February through 1 MarchTwo of our 2014 'Random. Road. Rendezvous.' events made our list of new 'official' events for 2015. Here is a list of fun non-CC5C events you may want to consider adding to your driving activities list this year. I wouldn't be surprised to find one of more of them make our 'Random. Road. Rendezvous.' list during the coming driving season.
2015 Formula One - Begins 15 March
FIAT On The Dragon & FIAT On The Dragon - Unplugged
Lake Mills Cars & Coffee - First Sunday of every month
Road America - Spring Vintage Weekend - 15 May
Road America - Pirelli World Challenge - 26 June
Road America - Sunset Cruise - 3 July
Milwaukee IndyFest - 11 & 12 July
FIAT FreakOut! 2015 - 15-19 July
Festa Italiana MKE
Toronto ON Canada - Italian Car Day
Reina International Auto & Vespa - Italian Auto & Moto Day
Road America - Vintage Weekend - 18 September
Whatever you and your loved ones do, now or during the driving season, on behalf of all CC5Cers, I wish nothing more than safety & fun in your beloved FIAT. One constant goal, for the automaker, is to deliver the car you need at the price you can afford… with the Italian flair you crave. If you keep up with this blog, you know I believe they've been successful since the introduction of the 1937 FIAT 500 'Topolino' and perfected with the 1957 500 'Cinquino'.
Today, our club (and your club) maintains the values that commissioned the creation of the original runabout. We are a group of enthusiasts, with a rich range of experience, united by our love of life & lust for Italian city movers.
Today, our club (and your club) maintains the values that commissioned the creation of the original runabout. We are a group of enthusiasts, with a rich range of experience, united by our love of life & lust for Italian city movers.
CC5C at Wollersheim Winery - 2014
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
@
