OUR PIT CREW

A car enthusiast from early childhood, Rick developed a profound love for sports cars and motorsports. His collection boasts a vintage Ferrari 250, owned for four decades, alongside a Porsche, a BMW, and the inaugural car produced by the Toyota factory for American racing. With a track record as a six-time autocross class champion, Rick now actively participates in SCCA regional road races in both Northern Virginia and Northern California.

In his professional realm, Rick brings over 30 years of experience as a public relations and marketing executive in Silicon Valley's high-tech industry. He played a pivotal role in leading, accelerating, and communicating technical innovation, with notable stints at Apple Computer during its early years and various start-ups that contributed to the transformative tech wave.

Rick's multifaceted background includes over 40 years of service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, with veteran status in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Driven by his passion for fast and enjoyable cars, he conceived and launched The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style. Whether in business or life, Rick firmly believes in the centrality of relationships for success and the power of positivity in achieving victories.

Stewart's deep-seated love for automobiles took root when his father introduced him to the world of Formula 1 racing through John Frankenheimer's film "Grand Prix" in the late 1960s. This cinematic exploration of European racing ignited a lifelong fascination with European cars. Fortunately, Stewart's father shared a desire for a sports car, leading them to jointly acquire a 1960 MGA when Stewart was ready for his driver's license. Countless hours were spent bonding over the restoration and enhancement of that car, as well as several other British cars that followed. Remarkably, Stewart still owns his second car, a 1959 MGA purchased during his junior year of high school.

Having forged a successful career in real estate development, Stewart now channels his passion into acquiring progressively faster cars. Currently engaged in racing Formula Fords with the Vintage Racer Group and actively participating in the Ferrari Club of America, he combines his professional real estate expertise with his automotive enthusiasm. Beyond his involvement in the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, Stewart is integrating his skills to develop the Dominion Lux Garage Condominiums at Dominion Raceway and Entertainment near Fredericksburg, Virginia.

From a young age, Don fostered a passion for high-speed, four-wheeled wonders. Displaying early mechanical aptitude, at the tender age of 11, he crafted his inaugural GoCart from a steel bed frame and salvaged lawn mower engines collected during his morning paper route. His teenage years marked the rescue mission of his initial car, an Austin-Healey 100-6, liberating it from the embarrassment of a makeshift "body upgrade" involving chicken wire and fiberglass. This experience set the stage for a series of automotive conquests, including several Austin-Healeys, a Jaguar XK150 Fixed Head Coupe, various Mercedes Benzs, and ultimately, multiple Morgan +4 and +8 Drop Head Coupes, along with a Jaguar MK2. 

In retirement as a Senior Manager from a distinguished career at Bell Labs, Mitre, Mitretech, and Noblis, where he directed research projects related to missile defense, transportation safety, and traveler information systems, Don channels his analytical prowess. Despite retiring, his focus remains steadfast on British sports cars, dedicating considerable time to repair, restoration, and technical sessions to support and educate fellow enthusiasts. For each new undertaking, Don emphasizes a comprehensive execution plan that factors in all stakeholders.

Ralf, serving as the chief judge and chair of the vehicle selection committee for the Festival of Speed and Style, embarked on his judging journey at the age of 15 with the Mustang Club of America. Presently, he evaluates entries for prestigious events such as Cavallino Sports Car Sunday at Mar-a-Lago, the Boca Raton Concours, the St. Michael’s Concours, the Radnor Hunt Concours, the Chattanooga Concours, and the Greenbriar Concours. For a decade, Ralf held the position of chief judge at a highly successful charity car show in Sterling, VA.

Ralf's judging expertise extends to events like the Hershey D’Elegance Concours, Kiawah Island Concours, and Winter Park Concours. He has actively participated in classic car rallies across the United States and Europe, showcasing his passion for vintage automobiles. As a contributor to Healey Marque Magazine for the Austin Healey Club of America, Ralf shares his insights. Additionally, he plays a key role as an organizer for the DC British Reliability Run and has over 32 years in the retail automobile business, Ralf's professional journey currently thrives at BMW of Sterling.

As an Artist Branding Director, my journey into purpose-driven design began with the discovery of abandoned war machines on our German family farm near the Russian front during my early childhood. Fueled by a love for all things mechanical, I escaped East Germany with assistance from my German grandparents and an American Army Colonel. Upon arriving in the US, I pursued a career in industrial design with a focus on automotive design.

After working in Saudi Arabia, my wife and I established an award-winning business focused on designing restaurants and retail shops in major American and Canadian airports. We also crafted food service facilities for universities, sports venues, and healthcare facilities nationwide. Although officially retired, I remain actively involved, contributing to significant projects such as designing athlete dining facilities for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

My automotive adventures started with a $150 purchase of a 1952 Jaguar 'teardrop' coupe, my first daily driver after college graduation. Subsequent acquisitions included a new 1969 Corvette, a 1972 DeTomaso Pantera owned for 41 years, and a recently acquired 1972 Corvette in need of restoration. 

Introduced by a friend, I discovered a community united by a love for cars, camaraderie, and a dedication to aiding those in need. 

Much like many boys of his age, Charles and his friends spent countless hours immersed in the world of cars. Whether engaged in playing with model cars like Corgi and Matchbox or indulging in the thrill of racing HO and slot cars, Charles reveled in the aesthetic, style, and sheer enjoyment of these miniature vehicles. As he grew older, his passion naturally expanded to encompass sports cars, motorcycles, and classic automobiles.

Balancing an active role as a businessman and Realtor, Charles actively supports local car clubs and events, taking pleasure in sharing his love for vintage cars and historic houses with clients and friends alike. Hailing from Alexandria, he always believed it to be an ideal setting for a premier classic car event. The blend of Old Town Alexandria's architecture, charm, shops, and restaurants perfectly aligns with the spirit of the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style. Charles is proud to be part of the festival committee and sincerely hopes for enduring support for the event in the years to come.