Benny Rodriguez started at the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance as a volunteer, handing out water with his son. More than a decade later, he sits on the Board, helping shape the 48th annual event at Ault Park—now a nationally recognized showcase of automotive design and a fundraiser supporting juvenile arthritis.
Q: What first drew you into the world of classic cars?
A: In 2012, I had the chance to test drive a McLaren MP4-12. Another test driver arrived in one of a handful of McLaren F1s. Having the chance to appreciate them so closely left a lasting impression on what a benchmark for a classic car could look like.
Q: What makes this Concours different from a typical car show?
A: Many enthusiasts consider Cincinnati one of the top Concours events in the country, thanks to the setting at Ault Park, the friendliness of volunteers and a carefully curated selection of museum-quality vehicles from around the world.
Q: What goes on behind the scenes that most attendees would never realize?
A: It takes a village of dedicated volunteers (more than 400 annually) to deliver a world-class event. Planning happens year-round—from selecting cars to engaging sponsors and building awareness for the weekend’s activities.
Q: Do you have a favorite car or class from the event that you find yourself returning to every year?
A: While we have 13 standard classes for which collectors nominate cars every year, I enjoy the diversity of featured marquees and special displays that we select as annual themes. This year, we will celebrate 100 years of Mercedes Benz, spotlighting notable cars from the early turbo era while paying tribute to vehicles featured in films such as “Fast and Furious” and Pixar’s “Cars” franchise.
Q: Have you had a moment at the Concours that stuck with you?
A: A mother asked me to help her locate a BMW McLaren F1 racing car that her 7-year-old was begging to see. I personally walked them to the car because I couldn’t wait to see her son’s expression when encountering the epic car—his smile was priceless.
Q: The Concours is also a fundraiser—what causes or organizations does it support?
A: With the help from the Concours d’Elegance Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation provides programs such as the JA Camps and JA Family Summit, which support our local community. It’s important for me to spread awareness to give hope for finding a cure as I know several families dealing with it.
Q: How has the car culture in Cincinnati evolved since you first got involved?
A: Cincinnati has developed a strong car culture that brings together world-class collectors and first-time enthusiasts alike. On any given weekend in the Cincinnati–Dayton area, events like Cars and Coffee draw hundreds of people who share a passion not just for the vehicles but for their stories and the community around them.
For Rodriguez, the Concours isn’t about chasing what’s next—it’s about preserving what endures. In a setting as timeless as Ault Park, it remains a place where craftsmanship, community and cause come together.
The Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, one of the most anticipated classic car show events in the United States, returns to Ault Park on June 14. Find details and tickets online. OhioConcours.com