On March 28, 2025, The Hangars at Crownair Aviation in San Diego, California, transformed into a pulsating hub of automotive and aviation splendor as it played host to Club Dodici’s Flight of the Exotics. This electrifying event marked the launch of a breathtaking three-day rally that would culminate at the renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The day was a celebration of speed, design, and the unbridled passion of car enthusiasts and collectors, who gathered amidst a jaw-dropping lineup of supercars, exotic vehicles, and even a touch of aerial flair from corporate helicopters and a standout Pilatus airplane. What unfolded was an unforgettable experience, steeped in camaraderie, innovation, and the shared love for automotive and aeronautical excellence.
The Venue: The Hangars at Crownair Aviation
The Hangars, an event space masterfully crafted by Crownair Aviation, provided the perfect backdrop for this high-octane gathering. Spanning 7,000 square feet of continuous industrial interior, the venue’s massive floor-to-ceiling doors flooded the space with natural light, illuminating the gleaming machines parked both inside and on the adjacent 5,000-square-foot tarmac. The sound of revving engines mingled with the hum of helicopters landing nearby, while the sleek silhouette of a Pilatus PC-12 airplane, adorned in a striking camouflage wrap, added an extra layer of intrigue. Parked alongside it was a Porsche 911, its body cloaked in a matching camouflage design—a duo that turned heads and sparked conversations about the fusion of air and road artistry. Situated just miles from San Diego’s most coveted destinations, The Hangars offered a unique blend of accessibility and exclusivity, making it an ideal launchpad for the rally ahead.
As attendees milled about, the tarmac buzzed with activity. Planes took off and landed in the distance, adding a dynamic layer to the event that underscored Crownair’s reputation for catering to an elite clientele. The Hangars’ blank-canvas versatility allowed Club Dodici to curate a bespoke experience, heightened by the tantalizing aromas of freshly baked pastries and made-to-order omelettes wafting from Giuseppe’s catering station, setting the stage for a day that would leave a lasting impression on all who attended.
The Event: Flight of the Exotics Takes Flight
Club Dodici’s Flight of the Exotics was more than just a car show—it was a sensory journey. The event kicked off at 8:00 AM PDT, with enthusiasts arriving early to soak in the spectacle. Rows of meticulously polished supercars and exotic vehicles lined the hangar and tarmac, their sleek curves and vibrant colors catching the eye at every turn. From the moment the first engine roared to life, it was clear that this was no ordinary gathering. This was a congregation of automotive artistry, a testament to engineering prowess, and a rallying cry for those who live for the thrill of the drive—complemented perfectly by the sight of the Pilatus PC-12 and Porsche 911, their camouflage wraps tying together the worlds of flight and horsepower in a bold, visual statement.
The day’s agenda was packed with excitement. Beyond the static display, attendees mingled with fellow enthusiasts, swapped stories, and forged connections over their mutual admiration for these rolling and flying masterpieces. Giuseppe’s catering added a delicious dimension to the morning, with the chef expertly flipping made-to-order omelettes and offering an array of warm, flaky pastries that fueled the crowd’s energy. The event served as the starting point for a three-day rally to the Petersen Museum, a 120-mile journey up the California coast that promised scenic routes, adrenaline-pumping drives, and a grand finale at one of the world’s premier automotive institutions. But before the convoy hit the road, March 28 was all about celebration, exploration, and meeting the vibrant personalities who brought this event to life.
The People We Met
The heart of Flight of the Exotics lay in its community, and the individuals we encountered added depth and character to the day. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout figures who made the event unforgettable:
- Tristan Cany: Representing Club Dodici’s group of 200 members strong, Tristan brought a sense of scale to the proceedings. His enthusiasm for the rally was palpable, and he spoke animatedly about the camaraderie that comes with hitting the open road alongside like-minded souls. Tristan’s crew added a vibrant energy to the day, their excitement setting the tone for the journey ahead.
- Aikreve and Ben from Club Dodici: As part of the team of organizers, Ben and Aikreve embodied the spirit of Club Dodici—a collective dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive culture. With a warm smile and an encyclopedic knowledge of supercars, Ben welcomed attendees and ensured every detail of the event ran smoothly. His vision for Flight of the Exotics was clear: to unite enthusiasts in a celebration of speed and style.
- Jason Moore from NetJets: Jason brought a touch of sophistication to the event, representing NetJets, a leader in private aviation. His presence underscored the synergy between luxury travel and exotic cars, and he engaged attendees with tales of jet-set lifestyles that perfectly complemented the rally’s ethos. His insights into fractional jet ownership had many dreaming of their next adventure.
- Corporate Helicopters: Adding an unexpected twist, Ivor introduced an Airbus A Star Helicopter. Ivor’s team, including Ryan Schaub, provided tours and shared stories of ferrying VIPs, bridging the gap between air and asphalt in a way that captivated attendees.
- Nathan from Resto Mods: Nathan was the embodiment of the restomod movement—where classic cars are reborn with modern performance upgrades. He showcased a stunning project that blended vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, drawing a crowd eager to learn more about his craft. His passion for preserving automotive history while embracing innovation was a highlight of the event.
- Koenigsegg Agera Full Spec: While not a person, the Koenigsegg Agera on display deserved its own mention. This hypercar, in its fully spec’d glory, was a showstopper. With over 1,800 horsepower and a top speed exceeding 270 mph, it stood as a pinnacle of engineering excellence. Enthusiasts circled it like pilgrims at a shrine, snapping photos and marveling at its carbon-fiber perfection.
The Vehicles: A Feast for the Senses
The stars of the show, of course, were the vehicles themselves. The lineup was a veritable who’s who of automotive and aviation royalty, with each machine telling its own story of power and prestige. Highlights included:
- The Pilatus PC-12 and Porsche 911, their matching camouflage wraps creating a cohesive aesthetic that blurred the lines between sky and street. The airplane’s rugged utility met the car’s sleek performance in a display that was as functional as it was eye-catching.
- The aforementioned Koenigsegg Agera, a Swedish masterpiece that redefined hypercar performance.
- The 2022 Lamborghini Huracán Evo, the next Restomods giveaway prize, blending Italian flair with bespoke modifications.
- A variety of supercars from brands like Ferrari, McLaren, Maserati, Audi, and Porsche, each showcasing unique designs and engineering feats.
The air was thick with the scent of premium fuel and the sound of exhaust notes, as owners fired up their engines for impromptu rev-offs. Spectators moved from car to car—and over to the A-Star helicopter and the Pilatus—peering into cockpits, running their hands along sleek bodywork, and debating the merits of each machine. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way, made even better by the chance to grab a freshly made omelette or a buttery croissant from Giuseppe’s setup.
The Rally Ahead
As the afternoon wore on, anticipation built for the rally to La Quinta, then culminating at the Petersen Museum. The route promised winding coastal roads, open highways, and plenty of opportunities to stretch these exotic machines to their limits (within legal bounds, of course). The convoy would depart early the next morning, March 29, with stops planned along the way to refuel, recharge, and revel in the journey. By March 30, the group would roll into Los Angeles, where the Petersen Museum awaited with its own array of automotive treasures.
Reflections on a Morning Well Spent
By 11:00 AM PDT, Flight of the Exotics drew to a close at The Hangars. The morning had been a triumph—a perfect blend of horsepower, helicopters, and human connection, elevated by the unique Pilatus-Porsche pairing and Giuseppe’s culinary delights. For enthusiasts and collectors, it was a chance to revel in their passion; for newcomers, it was an eye-opening introduction to a world where engineering meets artistry. The event set the stage for an epic rally, but more than that, it reinforced the power of community in the automotive and aviation worlds.
As the engines fell silent and the crowd began to drift away, it was impossible not to acknowledge the mastermind behind this extraordinary day: the Hangars team, their driving force orchestrating Flight of the Exotics . With their keen eye for detail, passion for creating unforgettable experiences, and seamless coordination, Julie transformed the venue into a stage where automotive and aviation dreams took flight. Their dedication ensured that every element—from the stunning Pilatus-Porsche display to Giuseppe’s delectable offerings—came together in perfect harmony, cementing March 28, 2025, as a triumph of vision and community. the team’s efforts not only launched an epic rally but also left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness this spectacular kickoff.