009: Tom McDowell President of the Concorso Italiano and Desert Concorso Italian Car Events talks about a drive in his father's Alfa Romeo sparked a passion for Italian Cars

Tom’s business background is in finance, film and television production, and investment banking. But an early introduction to something called an Alfa Romeo sparked a passion for cars that later ignited Tom’s involvement in an amazing event. Tom is the President of the internationally known Concorso Italiano, an annual automotive event that takes place this year on August 16 during the iconic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Monterey Historic Races. This year Concorso returns to the rolling hills of Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey Bay California. The unique format features over 800 Italian vehicles in a relaxed atmosphere that includes delicious food, elegant fashion, music, art and of course, lots and lots of Italian automobiles. Take everything ever made in Italy from fashion to Ferraris, sprinkle it with some red wine, slather it with sunshine, top it with elegance and fun and you have the Concorso Italiano.

Tom is also president of the Desert Concorso which will debut in Palm Desert California in 2015.