Fort Bragg is one of the largest and most active military installations in the world and is located just a short distance from Pinehurst. From World Wars I and II through current conflicts in the Middle East, and elsewhere around the world, tens of thousands of America’s sons and daughters have answered the call to duty and have lived, trained and been deployed from Fort Bragg.

Plans are currently being made between the commands at Fort Bragg and the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance to involve the base and military members throughout the four-day event. Tentatively, these plans may include a road rally to the base, an insider’s view of Airborne and Special Operations Forces, and plenty of interaction between the Concours entrants, attendees, soldiers and their families, all geared to create memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.

A pair of pristine sports cars, a Jaguar and a Ferrari, flank Pinehurst's famous Putter Boy statue. (Photo: Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance)

“To have an event as prestigious as the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance located so close to Fort Bragg is a win-win for all involved,” said Tommy Bolton, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. “As these plans continue to come together, we certainly recognize there are many automotive enthusiasts at Fort Bragg that can have the opportunity to see these vehicles and get to meet the people behind them.

“The entrants will also have the great opportunity to meet some of America’s greatest warriors and their family members,” Bolton added. “Offering entrants and attendees an opportunity to gain an active perspective of a ‘soldier’s experience’ can only enhance the exceptional nature of this event. The mutual benefits should be quite unique for everyone.”

Many announcements from Kessel and the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance will be forthcoming within the next few months, including featured marque, Grand Marshal, auction details, corporate partnerships, ticketing and special event information.

Prior to the first event, a special video series will be debuting on the Concours website, YouTube and Vimeo pages. The “Road to Pinehurst” series will allow viewers behind-the-scenes access to the cars, people, challenges and fun as this world-class event develops from the ground-up.

The official Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance event production company is JHE Production Group Inc. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Harrisburg, N.C., JHE is an award-winning event experience company delivering innovative solutions for national live entertainment, creative services and experiential activation.

Specializing in live entertainment, JHE delivers unparalleled expertise with special events, concerts and opening ceremonies for national sporting events. Jay Howard, president and founder of JHE, is also on the Concours advisory board as a large-scale-event expert.

“The excitement about the event among those with whom I have spoken – from car collectors to potential corporate partners to our military contacts – has been overwhelming,” Kessel said. “Our entire outlook is fueled by this enthusiasm and a great anticipation is brewing as we continue our preparations for a true world-class event. With partners like JHE and Pinehurst Resort, we believe the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance is destined to become a much looked-forward-to annual tradition for automotive enthusiasts throughout the U.S. and internationally.”

Additional information about the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance, including the latest news about the event, may be found at www.pinehurstconcours.com. Also see the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram and Pinterest page, all accessible via the website.