A New Panel Discussion from the Industry Experts
Torque Talk
Mr. Tom duPont, Moderator
For more than three decades, Tom duPont has celebrated the finest in automotive excellence through duPont Registry and now Registry Tampa Bay. As Publisher Emeritus, Tom continues to shine a spotlight on Tampa Bay’s thriving collector car community — including one of the area’s most anticipated events: Gasparilla Cars in the Park 2025, presented by Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance.
On stage at 11:15am listen to Tom talk all things automotive with some of the most interesting experts in the Tampa Bay Area.
Olivier Cerf
The Cerf Family is the cornerstone of Automotive Excellence with their outstanding Tampa Bay Automobile Museum located in Pinellas Park, Florida.
Founded by the late Alain A. Cerf, the Museum showcases a unique collection of vintage cars that highlight creativity and innovation in automotive engineering. An accomplished engineer, Alain was an avid collector of vintage vehicles that reflect his passion unique engineering and innovations in automobiles.
Since his passing in August 2024, his sons Olivier and Emmanuel have continued Alain's legacy of sharing rare vehicles and groundbreaking designs that have shaped automotive history with those who visit the Museum.
Derek Hennecke
Tom sits down with collector and board member Derek Hennecke, who shares what inspired him to join the organization and what continues to drive his passion for cars, community, and craftsmanship.
Rick Brandt
For nearly seven decades, Brandt, one of America’s leading agricultural companies, has called a small town in central Illinois home. But five years ago, CEO Rick Brandt made the move to Tampa Bay — a decision that’s transformed both his business and his lifestyle.
“Tampa’s just a much better place to do business,” Brandt shared. “It’s easier, especially from an international standpoint. The airport is incredible, and being here puts us right at the hub of agriculture in the U.S. We’re surrounded by other great companies and opportunities to grow.”
That same enthusiasm extends beyond business and into the community. Brandt’s passion for cars and philanthropy perfectly align with this year’s Gasparilla Concours d’elegance: Cars in the Park, benefitting Champions for Children.
Live Entertainment at Gasparilla Cars in the Park
John Provenzano
New in 2025!
Live Saxophone music on the stage! John Provenzano has generously donated his artistry to benefit our charity and the enjoyment of our attendees. John performs all over the Tampa Bay area, so support him and add a really cool vibe to your next event! Here is a link to his music performances, which have included
Avila Golf and Country Club
-Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club
-The Tampa Club
-Eastlake Woodlands GCC
-Countryside Country Club
and many, many more!
Welcome Back- Ericka Iglesius
What an amazing National Anthem sung last year by the outstanding voice of Ericka Iglesius. We are honored to have her join us again at the 2025 Gasparilla Cars in the Park.
Need a singer at your next event?
Email Ericka or call/text 352-258-7108
Non-stop Entertainment
Book Signing by Author D.G. Stern
Children's Books and Adult Mysteries
D.G. Stern has authored the award-winning “Upton Charles - Dog Detective” series for younger readers www.uptoncharles.com The Loneliest Tree, 25 Days of a Tropical Christmas, Sophie the Skunk and Francis the Firehouse Mouse, Francis at the Farm, Fudge Fatale-The Marvelous Adventures of Anna Belle, Francis at the Beach. In addition, he has written six adult mysteries, Hot Tea…Cold Case, There’s Always Tomorrow, Stabbing Along the Straightaway, Chaos at The Concours, Panic in the Pits, and Critical Corner, as well as numerous award-winning screenplays.
His taste for good wine and great food has been an inspiration in his writings, and Mr. Stern is also the editor of Golf a la Carte (www.golfcookbook.com) with a foreword by golf legend Arnold Palmer.
In addition, Tip Top was awarded a gold medal for Children's Fiction from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, while Lost Loot and Picture Perfect were awarded a silver medal, and Ship Shape was a silver medal winner of the Royal Palm Literary Award. All the books in the series are endorsed by KIDS FIRST! and Mom's Choice, and all have free downloadable standards-based workbooks.
About his adult mysteries, Midwest Book Review has said, "...a riveting read of mystery and adventure, very much recommended reading." and "Simply stated, "Hot Tea...Cold Case" by D. G. Stern is a riveting mystery/suspense story that will seize and hold the reader's total attention from beginning to end.
D.G. Stern is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Basket weaving and vintage car racing fill any empty moments.