Over the sounds of racing at the Memorial Day Classic, conversations about skilled trade careers were happening at Lime Rock Park.

Skilled Trade Conversations at the Memorial Day Classic

The weather during the Memorial Day Classic at Lime Rock Park may have been mixed, but interest in The Piston Foundation’s mission was as steady as a Skip Barber hot lap. While our country celebrated our armed service veterans and active duty members, we celebrated attending our first race event as a Foundation.

Piston’s presence on the midway was the first activation of our charity partnership with Lime Rock Park, an organization helping us introduce our programs to the legions of race fans who line the park’s rolling hills to watch grassroots racing at its best.

Young Technicians Talk

The roar of Trans Am racing rang through the park as we spoke with car folks about the skilled trade career opportunities we’re working to create for the next generation of collector car technicians. The shortage of skilled trades people and the future of classic cars was a topic on the minds of many people, young and old alike.

We had a chance to talk with some young technicians, Ethan Brown and Noah Napolitano from Automotive Restorations Inc, who said they go to work everyday with a smile because they love the work they’re doing on classic cars. “After a few years at a dealership I was ready to quit the industry. I got connected with ARI and now I’m working on cars I love.” said Noah.

Quite simply, that’s our foundation’s goal, to connect people with rewarding career opportunities in the collector car industry.

Skilled Trade Careers Within Their Reach

If you know someone like Jordan, please tell them about our scholarship and apprenticeship programs. Every American generation loves cars, but it’s clear most of today’s young people aren’t aware of the rewarding automotive career opportunities within their reach.

If you believe in the mission of the Piston Foundation, please support our programs by making a donation. Every $5,000 we raise provides a scholarship or apprenticeship that helps create a sustainable future for the collector car community.

Photos by Julian Castillo @MrPetrolHeadMX