Guests admiring the Barrett-Jackson Cup competitors before they cross the block.
Barrett-Jackson’s flagship Scottsdale Auction opened the gates on Saturday, January 21, with an abundance of activities and experiences for guests of all ages to enjoy as part of QT Family Day.
The excitement began with “supercar therapy” as more than 10 VIPs (Very Important Passengers) and their families were treated to a police-escorted supercar adventure in and around WestWorld in Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Aston Martins and a Z06 Corvette. The experience concluded with a trip across the auction block, where each child who is battling serious illness or heavy life challenges received a rock star welcome as part of their journey with the Driven Project and Barrett-Jackson.
Following the heartfelt moments on the auction block, the 2023 Scottsdale Auction Opening Ceremonies began with Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson and Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega announcing the proclamation of official “Barrett-Jackson Week.”
Other highlights from the day included STEM Fest presented by Ford, Lucid, Safe Haven and Arizona SciTech Institute, driven by Barrett-Jackson’s Gearing Towards The Future initiative. STEM Fest offered children an array of STEM games, robotics and other activities. Barrett-Jackson was excited to welcome the Blue Origin capsule in STEM Fest and give children the opportunity to dream about outer space. For those unable to tour the capsule today, it will be on-site all week in the Exhibitor Marketplace.
Over 1,000 students participated in the semester-long Gearing Towards The Future challenges that began in August 2022. Each module focused on teaching students how to solve problems and develop new skills using challenge-based projects related to automobiles. The winning projects were on display alongside companies and organizations taking part in STEM Fest.
The Boy Scouts were also on-site to earn their automotive merit badges and participate in a Pinewood Derby, one of the most popular Scouting events for the past 50 years.
Other attractions for guests to enjoy throughout the day included the Monster Energy BMX Show presented by Coca-Cola, thrill rides by Dodge and Toyota, Ram and Toyota Off-Road Experiences, Lucid and Volkswagen driving experiences, live music, indoor and outdoor dining, hundreds of sponsor and exhibitor displays and, of course, the opportunity to view over 1,900 auction vehicles and an outstanding collection of automobilia will be crossing the block.
A highlight of the afternoon was a parade across the auction block of the nearly 50 contenders competing for the coveted Barrett-Jackson Cup, presented by Castrol with support from Summit Racing Equipment, Meguiar’s, TMI and Robert Graham. Rick DeBruhl, part of Barrett-Jackson’s on-air talent team, announced these incredible builds, which showcase the talent and craftsmanship of custom car and truck builders across the country. The esteemed judges, custom builders Bobby Alloway and Troy Trepanier, will have the difficult challenge of narrowing the group of ultimate vehicles down to the Top 5, from which one winner will be chosen.
The Barrett-Jackson Cup allows all fans to pick their favorite of the contenders. The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 28, along with the prestigious Ultimate Best in Show winner. You can vote for the “People’s Choice” award at Cup.Barrett-Jackson.com.
All of us at Barrett-Jackson look forward to sharing the excitement and enthusiasm the coming week will bring. Enjoy the gallery below of today’s activity around the auction site.
Child on stage receiving their rock star welcome after their ride in a Lexus LFA. (Supercar therapy.)
Family enjoying STEM Fest activities.
Child inside a Ferrari getting ready for the adventure. (Supercar therapy.)
Students enjoying engineering activities as part of STEM Fest.
Each child participating in “supercar therapy” enjoyed a special Barrett-Jackson gift bag with a Driven Project shirt.
The entrance to STEM Fest was bustling with activity during QT Family Day.
Boy Scouts earning their automotive merit badges.
Child playing with robots during STEM Fest.
Children engaged with STEM activities.
The entrance was filled with families as they entered for QT Family Day.
Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby finish line.
Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson with Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega.
Family participating in “supercar therapy.”
Each child participating in supercar therapy gets a special Barrett-Jackson gift bag with a Driven Project shirt.
Child on stage receiving their rock star welcome. (Supercar therapy.)