Every year around this time I start dreaming about attending next year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. For classic car fans Pebble Beach, together with the associated Monterey events and Laguna Seca vintage races, is undeniably "the greatest show on earth." Sadly, I've only made the trip twice, once in the late 70's and again in 2006. What holds me back, I must honestly admit, is the cost of (decent) accommodation, for every motel, hotel, and B&B doubles or triples its room rates during the week. As a freelance automobile journalist I pay my own expenses for such journeys and what I earn from writing about them barely covers the price of a dinner on Cannery Row.

On the other side of the tracks are owners of classic cars that may be eligible for display at the Concours, along with the rare privilege of winning "best of class" or "best of show." And while I'm dreaming of actually making it to Monterey they're dreaming of winning a "best of" trophy. For 2009, however, entrants will need to make their decisions sooner: All entry applications must be received by the Concours Selection Committee by January 7, 2009. That's two months earlier than in previous years. "The earlier time frame allows our Selection Committee to put together the very best field," says Concours Chairman Sandra Kasky Button. "By verifying and then confirming our field of entries as soon as possible, it will also be easier for our entrants - especially those outside the United States - to fully prepare and ship their vehicles."

Something tells me they won't be worrying about the cost of accommodation.