The Audrain Concours: A Week of Luxury, Competition, and Pure Automotive Passion
From the rolling hills of Pebble Beach to the Gilded Age splendor of Newport, Rhode Island, the world of classic car collecting is a place where artistry, technology, and history converge in breathtaking fashion. Within this exclusive universe, the Audrain Concours d’Elegance has quickly emerged as one of the premier automotive events, celebrated not only for the rarity of the cars displayed but for its intimate, sophisticated atmosphere that harkens back to the concours of yesteryear.
Hosted annually, typically in early October, the Audrain Motor Week has cultivated a reputation for attracting some of the most iconic and valuable automobiles ever created. In 2026, this tradition continues to draw an elite roster of collectors, historians, and automotive enthusiasts to the shores of Newport, a city steeped in American heritage and architectural grandeur.
A Rivalry Born of Respect: MODA vs. Audrain
The landscape of major concours events in the United States has been marked by intense competition and shifting allegiances in recent years. At the heart of this dynamic is the rivalry between RM Sotheby’s MODA event and the Audrain Concours. MODA, founded in 2024 by RM Sotheby’s, was a direct response to Hagerty’s acquisition of Amelia Island in 2023. By establishing a new flagship event in Miami, RM Sotheby’s sought to create a distinct platform to showcase their most exceptional consignments and provide a rival destination for collectors seeking world-class automotive auction and exhibition experiences.
The emergence of MODA has added a new dimension to the fall concours season. While Hagerty’s Broad Arrow group has a strong hold on the Amelia Island circuit, and the Audrain remains anchored in Newport, the competition has driven innovation across all these platforms. Collectors are treated to a variety of experiences, from the traditional elegance of the Audrain and Pebble Beach to the modern allure of MODA.
The Genesis of the Audrain
The Audrain Concours has its roots in a deep-seated passion for preserving automotive history. In 2019, the first Concours d’Elegance was held in Newport, aiming to recapture the essence of the early Pebble Beach events and celebrate the artistry and spirit of early motoring. The event was spearheaded by the Audrain Automobile Museum, an organization dedicated to collecting and showcasing significant historical automobiles.
The Audrain Motor Week encompasses a series of events throughout the week, including the Concours Tour d’Elegance, charitable drives, and panel discussions. The central event remains the Concours d’Elegance itself, where cars are judged against strict criteria in various classes.
The Role of Jay Leno
Few personalities have become as integral to a major car event as Jay Leno is to the Audrain Concours. A renowned automotive collector, television personality, and philanthropist, Leno is a permanent fixture at the Newport event. The city has even honored him with “Jay Leno Day,” a testament to his significant role in the Audrain community.
Leno’s perspective is crucial to understanding the Audrain’s evolution. He has often compared the Audrain to Pebble Beach as it was 15 years ago, suggesting that the event captures a similar spirit of camaraderie and classic car excitement. His presence brings a weight of authority and experience to the Audrain, attracting collectors and enthusiasts who respect his knowledge and passion for automotive history.
The Art of Concours Judging
One of the most anticipated parts of the Audrain Motor Week is the official judging of the cars. As a judge at the Concours d’Elegance, participants are immersed in the detailed world of automotive preservation. But what does it really take to judge these rare machines?
For a seasoned veteran of the concours circuit, the process is both challenging and rewarding. Unlike amateur events, a concours of this caliber requires experts who understand the nuances of automotive history and the standards of preservation. Participants are asked to evaluate cars in various classes, each featuring rare and iconic vehicles.
Behind the Scenes: A Judge’s Experience
The role of a judge is often an inside job, requiring an understanding of the fine details that distinguish a winner. The Audrain Concours provides a formal platform for collectors to showcase their prized possessions and compete for coveted awards. But for those on the outside looking in, the process can seem intimidating.
In 2025, a new judge joined the Audrain team, bringing a fresh perspective to the judging panel. This judge, alongside veterans like Ray Evernham, a NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief known for his work with Jeff Gordon and his own successful career in racing, faced the challenge of evaluating a diverse range of automobiles. Their task: to select the winners for various classes, ensuring the judging reflected the highest standards of preservation and quality.
How to Judge a Concours
The Audrain Concours follows a standardized judging process similar to other major events. Cars are grouped into classes, and the judges evaluate each vehicle based on its condition, provenance, authenticity, and presentation.
The head judge, typically Phil Neff, leads the efforts to ensure consistency across the panel. In the 2025 judging session, Neff noted that every judge on the panel had prior experience in concours judging, highlighting the expertise required for this level of competition.
The Sporting Choice Award
One of the most distinguished awards at the Audrain is the Sporting Choice Award, which recognizes the most sporting car among the nominees. This award is judged by a special panel, often featuring a mix of automotive experts and former racers.
In the 2025 judging, the Sporting Choice Award was awarded to a classic car that captured the essence of automotive passion and design. The process of choosing the winner highlights the difficulty in judging rare and beautiful cars, often requiring difficult decisions and sacrifices.
The 2026 Audrain: A Showcase of Excellence
As we look ahead to the 2026 Audrain Concours, collectors and enthusiasts can expect a continued showcase of automotive history and design. The event continues to evolve, with the addition of new events and the participation of new sponsors, making it a must-attend for automotive enthusiasts.
The Role of MODA
The rivalry between MODA and Audrain has become a central talking point in the industry. While each event offers a unique experience, the competition has pushed all three institutions—Audrain, MODA, and Pebble Beach—to elevate their offerings and cater to the evolving tastes of automotive collectors.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the Audrain
The Audrain Concours has established itself as a premier event in the United States, combining the elegance of historic Newport with a genuine passion for automotive preservation. With Jay Leno’s continued support and the participation of expert judges, the Audrain remains a significant fixture in the world of classic cars.
As collectors look ahead to the 2026 Audrain, they can anticipate a week of automotive excellence, where history, artistry, and competition converge in breathtaking fashion. It’s a celebration of the automobiles that shaped our history and a tribute to the collectors who keep that legacy alive.
