Michael Chapin Joins The Piston Foundation Board of Directors

GREENWICH, CONN. (February 25, 2026) – The Piston Foundation is proud to announce that Michael Chapin, President of duPont REGISTRY and CEO of Petrolicious, has joined its Board of Directors.

A leader at the intersection of media, technology, and the collector car world, Chapin brings decades of experience building and scaling automotive platforms that connect enthusiasts, buyers, and industry professionals. His career spans digital commerce, automotive media, aftermarket data systems, and investment advisory within the collector car market.

Chapin currently serves as President of duPont REGISTRY and CEO of Petrolicious, two globally recognized brands that shape how enthusiasts discover, experience, and engage with collector cars. His prior ventures include founding PartsHub (acquired by SEMA), RxSpeed (acquired by Rev Ventures), and co-founding Classic Auto Funds, an alternative asset fund specializing in collectible automobiles.

“Michael and I have worked alongside each other in this industry for many years. He understands both the passion that fuels car culture and the business realities that sustain it.” — Robert Minnick, Founder & CEO, The Piston Foundation

But for Chapin, joining Piston is personal.

“I’m genuinely honored to join the Piston board,” said Chapin. “The mission resonates with me on a very personal level. I grew up at a time when high schools still offered real technical programs — shop classes, automotive basics, hands-on pathways that let students explore how things worked and whether a trade might be right for them. I also lived through watching many of those programs disappear.

“You don’t need a research report to feel the consequences of that shift. Over the last two decades we’ve steadily placed less cultural emphasis on the skilled trades, and today we’re seeing the effects across the automotive world and beyond: a shortage of technicians, craftspeople, restorers, and specialists who keep this industry moving.”

“What gives me optimism is the passion I see in younger generations. The interest is there. The curiosity is there. What’s often missing is access — access to training, mentorship, tools, and financing structures that make trade education feel achievable and respected.”

“Piston sits right at the center of that challenge. The organization isn’t just supporting education; it’s helping restore dignity, visibility, and excitement around technical careers. That matters deeply to the car community and to the broader industry.”

“If I can contribute anything, I hope it’s helping amplify that message. Through collaboration, storytelling, and reach, we can shine a brighter light on Piston’s work, increase awareness, and ultimately drive more interest, more support, and more opportunity for the next generation of builders, technicians, and problem-solvers.”

Chapin’s background uniquely positions him to support Piston’s next phase of growth. Across media, marketplace platforms, and automotive technology, he has consistently built ecosystems that connect supply and demand — a dynamic that mirrors Piston’s work building the pipeline of future collector car technicians.

Robert Minnick, Founder and CEO of The Piston Foundation, shared: “Michael and I have worked alongside each other in this industry for many years. He understands both the passion that fuels car culture and the business realities that sustain it. What makes him such a valuable addition to our board is not just his leadership at duPont REGISTRY and Petrolicious — it’s his belief in the long-term health of this industry. He sees clearly that if we don’t invest in the next generation of technicians and craftspeople, the collector car world we all love simply cannot thrive. We’re honored to welcome him to Piston.”

The Piston Foundation has awarded 83 scholarships totaling $300,000 since 2022, helping aspiring technicians pursue hands-on education in automotive restoration and skilled trades. With leaders like Chapin joining the board, Piston continues to expand its reach and impact — strengthening the workforce pipeline that keeps car culture alive.

Together, we’re fueling the careers of future technicians — and strengthening the future of the collector car community itself.