DRIVEN TO CARE MEMORIAL
About the Memorial
Welcome to the DTC Memorial. Austin has become a thriving city, and the owners of this property have a strong desire to foster a sense of community by utilizing this privately owned space for exclusive community events and gatherings.
The DTC Memorial, established by his wife, Lisa, honors the legacy of John F. Weinberger, who had a large impact on the automotive and racing world.
Lisa, an accomplished educator and businesswoman, carries forward his legacy by providing scholarships and student experiences to students pursuing careers in the automotive industry through the Driven to Care program. This Memorial is dedicated to raising awareness about those programs and honoring the legacy of John F. Weinberger.
MEMORIAL CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS
"A neighbor suggested the racetrack walkway concept, which planted that idea in my head, and the green flag was dropped!"
- Lisa
Special thanks to Diego Pacheco Bravo, Manny & Luis Rojas, Guido DeVita, Less Equals More, Les Kiser, Synlawn, Texas Turf, Will Larsen Designs, Churchill's Fireplace, Nightscenes Lighting, Macauley Technologies, Roadhouse Relics, Gabriele & Magi Vignorelli for their special guidance
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DTC Memorial
DTC Memorial didn't begin with a grand plan - instead, it was founded on the intention to preserve the beautiful heritage trees on the property.
When the property first came up for sale, the purchaser saw what a developer did not: magnificent heritage trees that had stood for generations. Rather than let them be torn out, the property was bought with a single purpose ... to save them.
The original house, garage, and shed on the property were beyond saving, but from that came opportunity. Lisa decided to transform the property into an outdoor sanctuary, a place for private gatherings beneath the rescued trees.
Lisa's neighbor suggested creating a walking path that resembled our local Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racetrack, since the family included 3 generations of racers and the patriarch's funeral was held at COTA, where Lisa drove the hearse for his final victory hot lap. The track was laid out using artificial turf. Drivable pavers and decomposed granite were also used, so the entire property is pervious.
A family-owned 1929 Bugatti bronze sculpture was placed on the property, and the space was complete!
See below to learn about all the artifacts that adorn this very special place.
1929 Bugatti
In front of John's Ferrari store (Hinsdale, IL) for decades, and now has a home in the south.
Hot Rod Swing
John “cut his teeth” on a ‘32 Ford Hot Rod … an early start to fueling his passion for cars. When he met Steve Wertheimer, owner of the Continental Club, C-Boys, and founder of the Lone Star Round-Up, one of the best in the country. Steve extended his hospitality, which helped convince John to make Austin his home.
Circular Seating & Tree Stumps
Dedicated to the Flores family who lived at 2214 S. 2nd. Original ’04s!
John always loved circular seating because it formed a sense of community. He also loved benches because he couldn’t walk more than a few steps at any racetrack before friends stopped to get their "dose of John." Driven to Care has also sponsored benches dedicated to his memory, which are placed throughout Road America.
Bleachers
A norm at every track to have relatively uncomfortable seating, and perfect for every straightaway. On the side of each bleacher are tiered tables that can be used as low-top tables or for children's seating.
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COTA Tower
A wood prototype was fabricated by "Speed Mayor", Les Kiser, which led to a metal tower fabricated by Ferro. The tower is located near turn 16-18.
Metal Flowers & Art
These flowers reflect native Texas wildflowers: Indian Paintbrushes & Bluebonnets
Turn 12
The site of many special memories. From their first F1 race together in 2012 to the final, fiery moment of John’s last victory lap in 2020, Turn 12 holds a special significance in their story.