As part of ongoing efforts to improve America’s National Park of Speed, Road America installed 15 benches over the off-season around the 640-acre expansive property for fans to enjoy. However, each bench is not just an average place to sit. Instead, each bench carries a lasting message. Lisa Weinberger, the wife of renowned automotive enthusiast, racer, and entrepreneur John Weinberger, who died last September, is offering a series of scholarships to benefit students who aspire to follow in his footsteps. The John Weinberger Drive to Care Legacy Scholarships — offered in partnership with TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization — will administer the scholarships, with awards of up to $10,000 across four automotive career disciplines: Automotive Engineering; Vintage Automotive Restoration; Automotive Dealership Management, Marketing, and Communications; and Automotive Technician. The application deadline is April 30.
“The inspiration for this project came from John Weinberger’s wife, Lisa, said Mike Kertscher, Road America’s president and general manager. The intent was to beautify the grounds while providing subtle messages that visitors can discover new opportunities and dream big while enjoying their time at Road America. We think it is a wonderful tribute.”
The scholarship categories reflect the interests, experience, and expertise of Weinberger, who built Continental Motors Group into one of the nation’s largest dealership groups, and also enjoyed a lifetime of driving, racing, and tinkering with cars. Student recipients will be selected by TechForce representatives and Weinberger’s “lunch bunch” friends in the Chicago and Austin areas.
“We want young people to dream what they want to dream,” said John’s wife Lisa about creating the scholarships. “John loved racing at Road America, and he was able to turn his passion into his profession and was just so positive in everything he did. He measured success in smiles. He glowed. I hope to see a glimmer of my husband in every one of these students. That would fill my heart with his light.” To learn more visit www.driventocare.org to register for behind-the-scenes tours at various racetracks and link to TechForce for scholarship applications.
These scholarships continue John and Lisa’s history of giving back to the community that began with the Continental Motors Group “Driven to Care” car giveaway program, which has seen the donation of nearly 100 refurbished cars to deserving individuals who have overcome challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, and physical abuse.
“John wanted car dealers to be seen in a different light,” said Lisa. “If every dealer in the country followed his example of reaching out to the community, of mentoring young people, and of providing networking opportunities, we could change a lot of things for the better.”
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