SEPTEMBER 2025

The Party in the Park

. . . IGNITE!

Party In The Park
An Evening at the Grand Prix

The San Diego Automotive Museum’s sold-out “Party in the Park” transformed Balboa Park into a night of elegance, excitement, and celebration. Inspired by the thrill of the Grand Prix, more than 400 guests came together to raise over $850,000 in support of the Museum’s growth and education initiatives.

Party In The Park
Attendees at the San Diego Automotive Museum's The Party in the Park . . . IGNITE!

An Evening at the Grand Prix

The San Diego Automotive Museum’s sold-out “Party in the Park” transformed Balboa Park into a night of elegance, excitement, and celebration. Inspired by the thrill of the Grand Prix, more than 400 guests came together to raise over $850,000 in support of the Museum’s growth and education initiatives.

Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler at San Diego Automotive Museum's The Party in the Park . . . IGNITE!

Party In The Park
Tribute to Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler

Guests were captivated by the premiere exhibit, “Street to Track: The Evolution of Speed,” which showcased a striking collection of exotic Ferraris hand-selected by curator Jacqueline Goldstein. The evening also paid tribute to Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler, whose leadership, generosity, and passion for community continue to drive the Museum forward.

Entertainment and Awards

Highlights included a stirring National Anthem by Tony Award–nominee Eden Espinoza and electrifying entertainment from Liquid Blue, the Guinness World Record–holding band. The Museum also honored Ernest Rady, Ray Brock, and Paula Abdul with Titan of Philanthropy Medals for their enduring generosity and community impact.

Paula Abdul at San Diego Automotive Museum's The Party in the Park . . . IGNITE!
Paula Abdul at San Diego Automotive Museum's The Party in the Park . . . IGNITE!

Entertainment and Awards

Highlights included a stirring National Anthem by Tony Award–nominee Eden Espinoza and electrifying entertainment from Liquid Blue, the Guinness World Record–holding band. The Museum also honored Ernest Rady, Ray Brock, and Paula Abdul with Titan of Philanthropy Medals for their enduring generosity and community impact.

Attendees dancing at San Diego Automotive Museum's The Party in the Park . . . IGNITE!

A Vision for the Future

The year 2025 marks a pivotal milestone for the San Diego Automotive Museum—a renewed vision for its future. Earlier this year, the Board of Directors adopted a new mission to unite San Diego’s car culture and spark passion through the power and legacy of the automotive world. Anchored by a vision to become a world-class destination recognized for education and community engagement, and guided by its core values of Integrity, Passion, and Community, these principles now fuel every exhibit, program, and partnership.

Supporting IGNITE Academy

At the heart of this transformation is IGNITE Academy—a program that doesn’t just teach about cars but changes lives through them. Designed to Inspire, Guide, Network, Intern, Train, and Educate, IGNITE gives young people more than hands-on experience—it gives them direction, confidence, and a future in the automotive world.

Through partnerships with industry leaders, students gain real-world skills, mentorship, and opportunities that turn passion into profession and curiosity into career.

IGNITE Academy students working on a car at San Diego Automotive Museum
IGNITE Academy students working on a car at San Diego Automotive Museum

Supporting IGNITE Academy

At the heart of this transformation is IGNITE Academy—a program that doesn’t just teach about cars but changes lives through them. Designed to Inspire, Guide, Network, Intern, Train, and Educate, IGNITE gives young people more than hands-on experience—it gives them direction, confidence, and a future in the automotive world.

Through partnerships with industry leaders, students gain real-world skills, mentorship, and opportunities that turn passion into profession and curiosity into career.

Honorary Committee

Micki Olin & Dr. Reid Abrams
Jim & Eilleen Bartell
Brad Benter
Jim and Jill Berg
Jessie Knight & Joye Blount
Stephanie Brown
Jessica Cline
Anthony & Debra Covelli
Arlene Esgate
Bill & Susan Hoehn
Sam and Reena Horowitz

Jeanne Jones
Dorothea Laub
Dr. Tess Mauricio & Dr. James Lee
Papa Doug Manchester
John & Nataliya Miller
Drs. Robert & Julie Cowan Novak
Renèe Levine Packer
Kristi Pieper
Don "The Snake" & Lynn Prudhomme
Denny Sanford

Andrew D. Skale
Dr. Myron & Doreen Schonbrun
Dave Stall
Step Family Foundation
Danitza & Esteban Villanueva
Mary Walshok
Vince Heald & Clinton Walters
Dr. Steve & Lynne Wheeler
Judy White
Armi & Al Williams

Past Honorees

Susan and Bill Hoehn (2021), Papa Doug Manchester (2022) Discount Tire (2023), and Sharon and Skeets Dunn (2024).

Honorary Committee

Since 2021, THE Party in the Park has raised almost $3 million to support the Museum and under resourced youth by equipping them with technical skills, mentorship, and career pathways to thrive in the automotive industry.

Individual tickets started at $700.00 and Sponsorships started at $7000.00.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

If you’re interested in being a sponsor for the 2026 The Party in the Park, please contact Rosa Valenzuela at (619) 398-0310 or rosa@sdautomuseum.org.

Crew Chief Sponsors

Crew Chief Sponsor logos: Hoehn Family of Dealerships, Discount Tire, Warren-Nealy Foundation Inc, Dr. Steve Wheeler and Lynne Wheeler

Crew Chief Sponsors

Racing Spotter Sponsor logos: Advanced Test Equipment Rentals, Ray Brock and Judith Grobbel, Sam & Reena Horowitz, Step Family Foundation, M Beauty Clinic, Mansfield, McLaren San Diego, Modern Image, Precious Metals, Prewitt FoundationRacing Spotter Sponsor logos: Advanced Test Equipment Rentals, Ray Brock and Judith Grobbel, Sam & Reena Horowitz, Step Family Foundation, M Beauty Clinic, Mansfield, McLaren San Diego, Modern Image, Precious Metals, Prewitt Foundation

Pit Crew Sponsors

Pit Crew Sponsor logos: Ball Auto Center, Barnhart-Reese Construction Inc, Brad Benter, Eakes and Company, Endeavor Bank, Evelyn Favero-Heald, Great San Diego Air Conditioning Company, HRE Performance Wheels, Sycuan Casino, Terry Tilton and Renee Levine Packer, Wheelhouse Credit Union, Wilsey Asset ManagementPit Crew Sponsor logos: Ball Auto Center, Barnhart-Reese Construction Inc, Brad Benter, Eakes and Company, Endeavor Bank, Evelyn Favero-Heald, Great San Diego Air Conditioning Company, HRE Performance Wheels, Sycuan Casino, Terry Tilton and Renee Levine Packer, Wheelhouse Credit Union, Wilsey Asset Management

Pit Crew Sponsors

Giving Back logo
NASCAR logo

New Exhibit! NASCAR: Design & Innovation

Explore NASCAR’s evolution from classic stock cars to the cutting-edge Next Gen machines redefining the sport. This immersive exhibit puts you inches from legendary vehicles and the technology behind them.

GET TICKETS TODAY