Hemmings Motor Club Reveals Expert Panel for Sold-Out Paso Robles Rally
The sold-out rally features more than 40 collector vehicles & a panel discussion with three automotive-industry veterans, moderated by Hemmings' Mike Musto…
Hemmings announced an exclusive lineup of panelists for its 2026 Hemmings Motor Club (HMC) Rally taking place Oct 9 – 11, 2026, in Paso Robles, California. Panelists include famed auto industry veteran Vincent “Vinny” Russo, who held roles at Lamborghini, Maserati, Spyker, and Hennessey Performance; automotive stylist and product design expert Ron Baugh of Wheel Pros; and famed custom-vehicle fabricator Suppy Wejpanich of Suppy’s Garage. The panel will be moderated by Hemmings’ director of programming Mike Musto.
The company also confirmed that this year’s HMC rally has sold out months ahead of the event, with 40-plus collector vehicles registered for the three-day driving event. Hemmings has opened a waitlist for enthusiasts interested in participating, should a space become available.
“When we introduced the Hemmings Motor Club and its first rally last year, we designed the experience around our strong belief that collector cars are meant to be driven,” said Jonathan Shaw, president of Hemmings. “This rally is a powerful example of where Hemmings is headed. We have always been the place collectors turn to discover, buy, sell and celebrate great cars, no matter the format. Now we are bringing that same trust and authority into real-world experiences that connect longtime enthusiasts with the next generation of drivers.”
Panel Experts Represent Years of Auto Expertise
Vinny Russo
Russo is a seasoned automotive-industry professional with extensive experience in automotive events, supercar restoration and brand development. Russo held executive roles at prestigious brands, such as Lamborghini, Maserati, Spyker, and Hennessey Performance. He’s been a regular contributor on “The Smoking Tire,” Hemmings’ “Hot Rod BBQ” podcast, “We Are Curated” YouTube channel, and in “The Cannonball Run Countach: Supercar Legend” documentary.
Ron Baugh
Baugh is a product design development specialist at Wheel Pros, bringing nearly two decades of creative, technical, and marketing experience to one of the most-recognized names in the wheel industry. Raised in Atlanta in a family of automotive enthusiasts, Baugh turned a lifelong obsession with cars into a career in the automotive aftermarket after studying architecture at USC and immersing himself in the Los Angeles custom car scene. Since then, he has helped shape standout wheel designs, collaborated with leading builders, athletes, artists and celebrities, and earned a reputation as a trusted creative voice among enthusiasts who see vehicles as a canvas for personal style.
Suppy Wejpanich
In 1998, Wejpanich founded his own race-car fabrication shop on the east coast. His workshop became a hub of innovation, and his experience included collaborating with OEM manufacturers on structural repairs and custom modifications, pushing the limits of design and functionality. In 2020, he opened Suppy’s Garage in Los Angeles, continuing one-of-a-kind projects, including, most recently, a pair of professional-spec drift cars based on the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack that debuted at Roadkill Nights in Michigan.
Nearly Seven Decades of Automotive History
Vehicles expected at the HMC rally span nearly 70 years of automotive history. Registered vehicles range from a 1958 Pontiac Chieftain Safari Wagon, 1960 Triumph TR3A, and 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti to a 1969 big-block Corvette, BMW 3.0 CS, Datsun 280Z, Audi Quattro, Acura NSX, and Ford Sierra RS Cosworth. Modern performance is equally well represented, with a Ferrari 458 Italia, Ferrari F8, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Audi R8, and Corvette Z06 joining the field.
Porsche enthusiasts will be particularly well represented, with generations of the 911 ranging from early 1970s examples through air-cooled 964 and 993 models and into the latest generation of Porsche performance.
“This is what Hemmings Motor Club is all about,” added Shaw. “We are creating space for the full spectrum of the hobby, from long-loved classics to modern performance cars, and giving the people behind them a reason to connect. A sold-out field this diverse shows that the next great chapter of collector car culture will be built on shared experiences, not narrow definitions of what belongs.”
Three Days – Nearly 500 Miles.
Participants will choose from Northern or Southern California starting points before making their way toward Paso Robles over roads selected specifically for the driving experience. The weekend includes four-star accommodations in Paso Robles, hosted meals and coffee, evening receptions, a poolside taco night, and a fireside conversation hosted by Hemmings’ Mike Musto and special guests. The Rally wraps up with a scenic coastal drive on the final day.
