2023 · Grand Marshal
Bill Warner
Founder of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
A journalist, racer, and tireless champion of the automobile, the man who built one of the great concours of the world led our field as Grand Marshal of the 2023 Lake Mirror Classic.
Bill Warner · Jacksonville, Florida
The Honoree
A lifetime spent in pursuit of the automobile
Born in 1943 and hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Bill Warner's life work could fill multiple books. From a young age he immersed himself in the world of automobiles, beginning as a teenager at a local Volkswagen dealership, where his love of racing was kindled working weekends 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. His lasting relationship with Road & Track, established in 1971, further solidified his place in the automotive world.
His racing exploits are nothing short of remarkable. In 1975 he made history finishing 14th in the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, and later clinched 26th in the inaugural One Lap of America. From the SCCA to IMSA, his career boasts top-five finishes at Watkins Glen, a triumph at Mid-Ohio, and a victory in the Escort Series.
A storied career
Honors & milestones
In 1996 Warner founded The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, raising more than $3.7 million for charity and earning recognition across the automotive world.
On the Lake Mirror Promenade
From the 2023 weekend
Selected by the Grand Marshal as the most significant automobile of the 2023 Concours d'Elegance.
The car that carried him to a 14th-place finish in the 1975 Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash.
We cannot thank Mr. Warner enough for being part of our event, and for all the time he has given us.
Thank you, Mr. Warner.
Three days of motoring
Join us on the promenade
Bring a vehicle or join us downtown for the 27th Lake Mirror Classic, October 16 to 18, 2026.