Page 82 - Experience Magazine Summer 2023

THE ULTIMATE
FANTASY BID
CHAMPION
MARC WHITFORD’S WINNING
JOURNEY AT BARRETT-JACKSON
In the world of Barrett-Jackson’s
Fantasy Bid game presented by
Dodge, Marc Whitford has emerged
as the ultimate champion, defying
the odds and showcasing his
unrivaled car expertise. As an avid
car enthusiast with ownership
of over 40 cars and motorcycles
under his belt, Whitford’s passion
for vehicles shines through in his
strategic gameplay. Fantasy Bid
gives viewers and attendees the
chance to participate directly in
the auction action by guessing
what the winning bids will be on
a selection of vehicles crossing the
Barrett-Jackson block. The game
has individual event prizes and an
overall winner that has obtained
the most points by consistently
guessing how much certain vehicles
will sell for at each auction.
Whitford has been playing Barrett- enthusiasm, with the wide array of
Jackson’s Fantasy Bid game since its
inception. Over the last two decades
he has won three individual auction
rounds and was the overall 2022
Fantasy Bid game winner, despite
never having attended a Barrett-
Jackson Auction. Throughout the
years, Whitford has faced various
formats and challenges in the game,
but his dedication and commitment
have remained unwavering.
82 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE
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WHITFORD HAS BEEN PLAYING BARRETT-JACKSON’S
FANTASY BID GAME SINCE ITS INCEPTION
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Prior to 2022, Whitford said the “It was pretty surreal,” Whitford said
game had been in a different format of winning the Challenger. “My wife
each time he has won. “Each one and I went out to dinner that night,
presented its own challenge,” he and I was just in shock; I couldn’t
said, adding that the first time he really believe it. I didn’t want to get
won in 2008 the 25 Fantasy Bid too far ahead of myself until I heard
vehicles were sprinkled across all of from someone at Barrett-Jackson. I
the auction days. “They wouldn’t was sweating a little bit until it was
tell you ahead of time which cars official.” Whitford shared that the
were going to be in the contest, so first place he drove the car was to his
you had to commit to watching the father-in-law’s house, because he is
auction for the weekend.” an avid car guy as well.
Similar to today’s Fantasy Bid game, Whitford’s success can be attributed
the early version Whitford played to his meticulous approach. Keeping
meant bids needed to be as close as detailed notes from previous
they could be without going over. auctions and staying attuned to
He added that the game’s ever- trends, he has honed his ability
changing nature has only fueled his to anticipate market fluctuations.
However, he acknowledges that the
Fantasy Bid vehicles pushing him to world of custom vehicles remains
think outside the box. “The variety a challenging terrain. In this realm,
of vehicles means you have to be personal taste must be set aside, as
creative in your bids, and it’s not as the bidding landscape becomes a
easy as it looks.” battleground of diverse preferences.
Having clinched victories in 2008, — Barrett-Jackson salutes Marc
the 2021 Scottsdale event and the Whitford for his dedication and
2022 Las Vegas event, Whitford perseverance – he’s definitely got game!
reached the pinnacle of success
as the overall winner of the 2022
Fantasy Bid game. The grand prize SCAN TO REGISTER FOR THE NEXT
ROUND OF FANTASY BID PRESENTED
was a 2022 Dodge Challenger. BY DODGE
SUMMER 2023