Highlands Motoring Festival drew an estimated 2,500 people who attended the various events during the four-day automotive extravaganza in mid-June.
Pictured below is a glimpse of Highlands Motoring Festival’s “Cars in the Park,” at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
“Cars in the Park” car show on June 11 exhibited 85 cars, all of which were invited after a rigorous screening process.
“Cars in the Park” at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
Sunday’s less formal “High Octane” car show had 125 cars in attendance.
The 2022 featured marque was Porsche cars with a unique collection of world class Porsches from private collections and museums.
HMF 2022 featured marquee were Porsche cars.
The Best of Show Award went to Conrad Mielcuszny’s 1965 Aston Martin DB5. A total of 34 Awards were presented.
1933 Ford Coupe
“One Lap of the Mountains” driving tours were staged on June 9-10.
Taking routes designed by local enthusiasts, participants follow the route in groups of twenty-five to a lunch destination and return to Highlands.
Pictured below is a glimpse of highlands Motoring Festival’s “One Lap of the Mountains.”
The routes are curated to create a driving experience for enthusiasts on less traveled mountain roads. A total of 150 cars participated this year.
“One Lap of the Mountains” at Rhodes Big View overlook along Highway 64.
It is a unique element of HMF and is the festival’s most popular event, said HMF’s Steve Hamm. The Highlands area has been recognized for its great roads and its attraction to classic car enthusiasts.
“One Lap of the Mountains” at Hicks Road just off of Mirror Lake Road.
“Parade on Main Street” brought out over 100 participating cars on June 10. Main Street was jammed with spectators, many bringing their own chairs.
Parade on Main Street in Highlands during HMF.
New for 2022, and in collaboration with the Performing Arts Center, was a “Movie Night in the Park,” which featured an automotive movie, Cannonball Run, and a panel discussion by participants from the actual event in 1975.
American muscle cars on display where the ice rink is located at K-H Founders Park.
HMF is a 501.C.3 non-profit corporation and is an all-volunteer team. Proceeds go to three local charities: the Literacy and Learning Center, REACH of Macon Count, and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands and Cashiers.
Over the years, the group has donated over $300,000 to these charities. Next year’s HMF will is scheduled for June 8-11, 2023.
Founders Park was packed with car enthusiasts on June 11 as part of HMF 2022.
An aerial view of “Cars in the Park.”
More “Cars in the Park”
Article courtesy of Highlands Motoring Festival
Photos by Brian O’Shea
Highlands Motoring Festival 2022 Trophy Winners
| Award | Owner | Vehicle |
| Best of Show | Conrad Mielcuszny | 1965 Aston Martin DB5 |
| American Grand Touring Award | Birdwell Collection | 1953 Cadillac Elegante |
| Essence of HMF Award | Martin & Faith Teem | 1969 Ford Thunderbird |
| Essence of HMF Award | Ronnie & Pam Edge | 1967 Corvette |
| Survivor Award | Jeff Hudgins | 1968 Pontiac Firebird |
| Tom Hart/Essence of Highlands Award | Steve & Mary Lou Konsin | 1950 Lester MG T-51 |
| Coventry’s Finest Award | Chuck & Vicki Beam | 1955 Jaguar XK-140MC |
| Passion for Driving Award | Dick & Cheryl Farwell | 1961 MG A |
| Britannia’s Finest Award | Conrad Mielcuszny | 1965 Aston Martin DB5 |
| Essence of HMF Award | John & Susan Barrett | 1957 Mercedes 300SL Roadster |
| Teutonic Elegance Award | Carlos Malpartida | 1971 Mercedes 280SL |
| Bellissimo! Award | Terry Herr & Cheryl Giordano | 1966 Fiat 1500 Coupe FP |
| Stile d’Italia Award | Fred Anderson Collection | 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 |
| Best Daily Driven Ferrari | Steven Cantera | 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC |
| Essence of HMF Award | WL & Carol Wagnon | 1972 Alfa Junior Zagato 1600 |
| Cannonball Award | Cannonball Jack May | 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS |
| Checkered Flag Award | Randy Jaffe | 1970 Datsun 240Z |
| Spirit of Highlands Award | Chip Perry | 1952 Porsche 540 America |
| James Dean Award | Ed Anderson Collection | 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder |
| Ferdinand’s Finest Award | Philip & Diane Bagley | 1959 Porsche Convertible D |
| Porsche Checkered Flag Award | Brumos Museum | 1968 Porsche 908 Short Tail Coupe |
| Hagerty Award | Dennis Jones | 1970 Porsche 914-6 |
| Milestone Porsche Racing Award | Miles Collier Collection / Revs Institute | 1971 Porsche 917K |
| Porsche Survivor Award | Joseph & Lois Esposito | 1972 Porsche 911E |
| Prototype Award | George Hussey | 1972 Porsche 916 |
| Essence of HMF Award | Alan & Janey Boe | 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo |
| Berkshire Hathaway Award | Bennie Yount | 1989 Porsche 911 Slant Nose |
| Grand Old Gent Award | Ross & Susan Walkup | 1909 Stanley Steamer Model Z |
| Great Gatsby Award | Bob Campamalle | 1929 Packard Roadster |
| American Eagle Award | Stephen & Beth Templeton | 1936 Auburn 852 Cabriolet |
| Essence of HMF Award | Corky & Theresa Coker | 1927 Bentley Blower 4.5 |
| Spirit of Brooklands Award | Rick & Phil Rader | 1930 Aston Martin International |
| Overseas Nobility Award | Forrest & Lorri McClain | 1930 Rolls Royce 20/25 |