Turning Passion Into a Career
Driven to Care turns John Weinberger's automotive legacy into life-changing opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals.
What began as one man's passion for cars has evolved into a mission that has empowered hundreds of students pursuing careers in automotive engineering, technician training, restoration, and motorsports across Illinois and Texas.
From the Track to Tomorrow
Driven to Care didn't start in a boardroom - it started in a garage, on a racetrack, and in the showrooms where automotive dreams were built. John F. Weinberger (1931-2020) lived by a simple philosophy: "Measure Success in Smiles." Throughout his life, John measured success not in trophies but in the joy of sharing his passion for automobiles with others.
From his early days working on a '32 Ford Hot Rod to opening Continental Autosports dealerships, to racing on some of the prestigious tracks across the country, John's journey was fueled by an unwavering love for automobiles and the people who work on them.
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Today, John's legacy lives on as Driven to Care. What started as one man's passion has become a movement that provides scholarships, interactive experiences, and industry connections to students in Illinois and Texas who are pursuing careers in the automotive and motorsports industries.
Continuing the Journey
After John's passing in 2020, his wife Lisa Weinberger remained committed to ensuring his legacy, and their shared automotive passion, would create opportunities for generations to come. A former educator turned business leader, Lisa brings deep passion and practical expertise to the Driven to Care mission.
Under her leadership, Driven to Care has expanded its scholarship programs and student experience events while staying true to John's vision: creating a community where automotive passion translates into career success.
Lisa's dedication ensures that every scholarship awarded and every student event hosted reflects John's belief that success is measured in the smiles of those we help along their journey.
Our Mission Today
Driven to Care operates as a scholarship and student experience program specifically designed for students pursuing automotive, restoration and preservation, and motorsports careers in Illinois and Texas, two states with rich automotive industries and strong technical education programs.
1
Scholarships for Education
Financial support for students enrolled in automotive engineering, technician certification, restoration and preservation programs, and motorsports training at accredited schools and technical colleges.
2
Interactive Student Experiences
Track days and networking events that connect students with industry professionals and provide real-world exposure to automotive careers.
3
Industry Connections
Partnerships with leading automotive companies, dealerships, and racing organizations that create career exposure.
4
Geographic Focus
Illinois and Texas, where John's automotive legacy was strongest, and where workforce needs are critical
Honoring the Legacy:
The DTC Memorial
In Austin, Texas, the Driven to Care Memorial stands as a physical tribute to John's life and passion. Located on a private property, this unique space features a walking path designed to mirror the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racetrack, where John took his final victory lap in 2020.
The memorial includes artifacts that tell John's story: a 1929 Bugatti sculpture that once stood in front of his Ferrari dealership in Hinsdale, Illinois; a Hot Rod swing honoring his first automotive project; circular seating that reflects his belief in community; and bleachers reminiscent of every racetrack he loved.
While the memorial is used for private gatherings to raise awareness about the scholarship program, the true memorial to John's legacy is every student whose career we help launch.
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Our Commitment to Students, Donors, and the Industry
To Students
We commit to providing scholarship opportunities, meaningful interactive experiences, and connections to industry professionals who can help launch your automotive career. Your success is our success.
To Donors & Partners
We commit to collaboration, accountability, and measurable impact. Every dollar donated goes directly toward student programming. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we operate with the highest standards of fiscal responsibility.
To the Industry
We commit to helping nurture the skilled workforce you need. By supporting students across multiple automotive disciplines, we're helping ensure your business has access to qualified, passionate professionals.
The Road Ahead
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Develop partnerships with automotive companies and educational institutions
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Create more hands-on experience events that expose students to career pathways
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Continue John's legacy by measuring our success in the smiles of students whose careers we help launch