2013 in a Few Words

2013 was our first full year and wow, it was special!  Enthusiasts of all generations brought their passions for automobiles of all marques and generations to our weekly gatherings at Hunt Valley Towne Centre.  Our community is expanding into new regions, building stronger relationships with car clubs and its becoming a destination for more enthusiasts and their families.

As March 30, 2013 and the One-Year Anniversary Special Gathering approached, there were thoughts – and some thought that I was crazy – to dedicate full-time commitment to Hunt Valley Horsepower.  Lets go.  An LLC was formed.  Contracts were signed.  Websites were created.  Hagerty Insurance was secured.  Sponsorships were sought.  The first company to join the team was NAPA Auto Parts, our Keystone Sponsor.  Their belief in our community’s direction provided a foundation to turn away from 16 years in the health industry and drive our platform to a new level with expanded offerings.

Community outreach was introduced.  Adopt-A-Road, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Toys For Tots were chosen as focal points for our final 3 Special Gatherings of the year.  There were 2 full clean-ups of the 3.6-mile stretch of Thornton Mill Road by 2 fantastic groups of volunteers.  On August 10, our community assembled to honor disabled veterans.  The day was extended with a police escort to the Grand Opening of NAPA Auto Parts on Gilroy Road in Cockeysville.  In-store deals, a tremendous car show, live classic rock music, quality food and beverages and Michael Waltrip?  What a day!  On October 19, over 300 toys – from Matchboxes to board games to sports equipment to dolls to bicycles – were delivered to Hunt Valley through the generosity of our community members as well as a company of 70 men and women from the Fort Meade Army installation.  This week, disadvantaged children opened those donated gifts.  We’re moving in the right direction. 

Lets not forget MotorWeek filming our community for inclusion in a future story for their international television series.  Meeting with MotorWeek host John Davis was, quite simply, surreal after seeing him on TV for decades.  How about the caravan to the Vaughn Gittin Jr. Smoke Show at Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln?  Sliding sideways as a passenger in a Mustang RTR would be unsettling until one recognizes that a world champion drifter is behing the wheel.  Most recently, there was the filming of the Nike commercial – featuring a Ferrari F430 - in Baltimore with Silent R Productions.  2013 was a wild ride.

Thank you to the enthusiast community, our sponsors and our hosts, Greenberg Gibbons Commercial and Hunt Valley Towne Centre.  May each of you have a happy and healthy remainder of the holiday season and a truly spectacular New Year!

Rich "Will" Williams