Grand Marshal – Bill Warner

Born in 1943 and hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Mr. Warner’s life work could fill multiple books. From a young age, Warner immersed himself in the world of automobiles, beginning as a teenager working at a local Volkswagen dealership. His love for racing was kindled during weekends working as a “gopher” for the dealership’s racing team. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Citadel in 1966, he ventured into the family filter business while contributing to renowned automotive publications like Sports Car Graphic Magazine. His lasting relationship with Road & Track Magazine, established in 1971, further solidified his place in the automotive world.

Warner’s racing exploits are nothing short of remarkable. In 1975, he made history by finishing 14th in the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash and later clinched 26th place in the inaugural Cannonball One Lap of America. His racing career, spanning from the SCCA to IMSA, boasts top-five finishes at Watkins Glen, a triumph at Mid-Ohio, and a victory in the Escort Series.

In 1996, Warner founded The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, raising over $3.7 million for charitable causes. Warner’s contributions have received widespread recognition, from Meguiar’s Automobile Hobby Person of the Year to the Nicola Bulgari Award for contributions to automotive history. In 2021, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Historic Motoring Awards ceremony in London. He is the author of multiple books and continues to volunteer his time to automotive events around the world.

We can not thank Mr. Warner enough for being a part of our event and all the time he has given us.

Thank you Mr. Warner!