photo courtesy Tom Cotter
For all its existence, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Florida has not only been a warm winter migration point for wonderful cars, but has also demonstrated a consistent affection and respect for racing history. Makes sense, given that co-organizers Bill Warner and Tom Cotter both have been in the sport for decades. One of the special guests, therefore, for the 16th annual concours will be the amazing “TV Tommy” Ivo.
If you’ve never heard his story, let us summarize it: Ivo was a child actor and TV Mouseketeer in Southern California who was instantly stung by drag racing of the 1950s. He raced under an alias, eventually moving to a gargantuan dragster with four nailhead Buick V-8s and four-wheel drive. The mind-blowing exhibition car came to define Ivo despite less blowsy accomplishments, led by the first five-second pass in a Top Fuel dragster (Keystone Raceway, Pennsylvania, 1972). The concours is March 11-13, 2011. Call 904-636-0027 or visit www.ameliaconcours.org.