RPM Foundation Featured in Hot Wheels video series
August 4, 2025
A new episode of Hot Wheels Legends: Local Icons spotlights the RPM Foundation and its mission to train the next generation of restoration professionals. Filmed during the 2025 Great Race, the video captures the energy and purpose behind RPM’s support of the X-Cup division—an educational rally experience for high school and college-age teams passionate about vintage vehicles and automotive preservation.
During the 2025 event, RPM raised over $50,000 and awarded more than $60,000 in grants and scholarships to support participating youth teams. These funds help cover vehicle restoration, travel costs, and career-building opportunities, ensuring young enthusiasts have access to hands-on learning that honors the past and drives the future of car culture.
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America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), in partnership with the Detroit Auto Show and the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, is proud to help lead the Route 66 Centennial Exhibition, recently designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. The Drive Home: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure is the seventh installment of AAT’s annual cross-country winter drive spotlighting America’s automotive heritage. Beginning January 3, 2026 in Santa Monica and traveling the historic highway to Chicago before continuing on to Detroit with a shedule arrival of January 14, the convoy will showcase nine classic and modern vehicles curated for a trip on the Mother Road. These vehicles, each representing a distinct era of design, innovation, and open-road exploration, will be featured inside the Detroit Auto Show: Route 66 Centennial Exhibition at Huntington Place, running January 14–25. Visitors will experience an immersive look at Route 66 through film, photography, and stories gathered along the journey, highlighting small-town landmarks, vintage diners, motels, gas stations, and other icons that have shaped the road’s legacy. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of AAT, the Detroit Auto Show, and the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership to honor the past while inspiring future generations of drivers and enthusiasts. Together, the organizations are bringing the spirit of Route 66 to life in the Motor City during this landmark centennial year. The exhibition will also be featured on route66centennial.org as an officially recognized Centennial Project. Fans can follow The Drive Home VII in real time with updates from Jim O’Brien of 94.7 WCSX and through Detroit Auto Show and AAT social media coverage. America’s Automotive Trust is excited to be part of this significant celebration of automotive culture, community, and adventure—100 years in the making.
Former Curator of Savoy Automobile Museum appointed as VP of Curation and Education at LeMay – America’s Car Museum Tacoma, WA – November 19, 2025 – America’s Automotive Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Bruce Patton as Vice President of Curation and Education for LeMay – America’s Car Museum. Patton joins the organization with an impressive multi-decade career in the automotive industry particularly at Bosch. He also has strong knowledge of automotive history and the collector community most recently serving as Curator of Savoy Automobile Museum in Georgia. At Savoy, he led curation of world-class displays celebrating the art and innovation of the automobile, fostering public connection with the stories behind the vehicles and their creators. In his new role at America’s Automotive Trust, Patton will oversee the Museum’s exhibition strategy, collection stewardship, and educational programming, helping to advance ACM’s mission to preserve automotive heritage and celebrate car culture. Curation of the Collection will also include shaping it for effectiveness in promoting the Trust’s national activities. “We are absolutely delighted to have Bruce join us as our first Vice President for Curation and Education of the Trust,” said David Madeira, CEO of America’s Automotive Trust. “Bruce’s experience, knowledge of the automobile, connections in the industry and collector community will bring us Curatorial leadership at a level we have never enjoyed. Bruce’s passion for education prompted us to bring that important department under his stewardship as well. As the Trust undertakes development of a Robotics and Innovation Center at America’s Car Museum, Bruce will provide us with the leadership necessary for success.” “I look forward to working with the Curatorial and Education teams in place at America’s Automotive Trust to help expand and build on the incredible work that has already been accomplished,” said Bruce Patton. “With the assistance of our Board Members and newly appointed CEO Joe Jacuzzi, the future looks very bright for increasing the Museum’s reach for expanding the curiosity of our youth through the Robotics and Innovation Center. We will also investigate making slight modifications to our vehicle curation and programming cycles to help promote additional attendance, membership, and support of the Museum.” Bruce will be reporting to recently announced new CEO of America’s Automotive Trust Joe Jacuzzi. Under Bruce’s leadership, the Museum will continue to expand its programming and showcase new perspectives on automotive artistry, design, and cultural impact — reflecting the institution’s national role as a hub for enthusiasts, educators, and families alike. ### About America’s Automotive Trust America’s Automotive Trust works to preserve America’s automotive heritage and inspire the next generation of enthusiasts and innovators by bringing together like-minded organizations that honor the past, celebrate the present, and drive the future of car culture to make a greater impact. Founding member organizations LeMay – America’s Car Museum, RPM Foundation, and premier membership programs Club Auto and Concours Club, as well as our affiliated partners, work together to foster a strong community where any enthusiast can thrive – from the classroom, to careers, to the open road. America’s Automotive Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit americasautomotivetrust.org. For the latest news, stories, photos and videos, visit americasautomotivetrust.org/aat-news
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AMERICA’S AUTOMOTIVE TRUST ANNOUNCES NEW KEY LEADERSHIP CHANGES · Automotive veteran Joe Jacuzzi named Chief Executive Officer · Founding CEO, David Madeira takes new role at AAT’s Board as Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Tacoma, WA – November 13, 2025 – America’s Automotive Trust (AAT) today announced a major new chapter in its history – one that both honors the past and looks boldly toward the future. After 23 years of devoted leadership as Founding CEO, David Madeira will transition to a new role on AAT’s Board of Directors as Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives. Succeeding Madeira as new CEO of America’s Automotive Trust effective at the start of the new year is Joe Jacuzzi, a former Vice President of General Motors. As Madeira transitions to this new strategic role, the Trust begins an exciting new era guided by the expertise and passion of Joe Jacuzzi, a respected industry leader whose career has spanned nearly four decades working for various companies around the globe including Audi, Shelby Automobiles, PepsiCo and General Motors to name a few. Known for his visionary approach to leadership, storytelling, and brand development, Jacuzzi brings a deep understanding and passion for both the heritage and future of the automobile. “I cannot adequately express my excitement that Joe Jacuzzi will assume leadership of America’s Automotive Trust this January,” Madeira said. “Joe’s vast experience in the automotive and other industries, and expertise in marketing and communications will enable the Trust to fulfill its vision of ‘honoring the past, celebrating the present, and driving the future’ of our automotive culture under his strong leadership. I am honored that Joe believes in the mission of the Trust and as I prepare for my new exciting role focused on strategic initiatives for AAT, I will do all that I can to assist him as he leads the Trust to greater prominence.” “I am honored to join the AAT team,” Jacuzzi said. “AAT’s mission of promoting trade skills, education, and the celebration of automotive culture are incredibly important to the country. And with the stunning LeMay – America’s Car Museum as the crown jewel, I’m very excited to work with the AAT Board, the team, donors and volunteers on continuing to advance their key initiatives and fueling the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.” Under Madeira’s stewardship, America’s Automotive Trust evolved from a visionary idea into a national institution. What started over two decades ago as a concept for the Harold E. LeMay Museum, David Madeira led the campaign to build what would become LeMay – America’s Car Museum. In order to expand the influence of America’s Car Museum and help pioneer the future of car culture, David founded America’s Automotive Trust in 2016 as a national organization that brings together like-minded organizations that honor the past, celebrate the present, and drive the future of the automotive community. “Replacing a founding CEO of David’s caliber is a very difficult task. His leadership and vision has been exceptional,” said Michael Towers, Chairman of America’s Automotive Trust. “Joe brings those same qualities to his new role. Having them working together on the same team is a Chairman’s dream come true. With Joe and David working together, an exciting new chapter is opening for AAT.” Joe Jacuzzi transitioning into the CEO role marks an inspiring new moment for AAT and its entities as the organization looks toward the future with major initiatives on the horizon — including leading a once-in-a-lifetime cross country drive across Route 66 at the beginning of the year, as well as the development of a new state of the art robotics center, expanded educational programming for the future generation, and a dynamic lineup of exhibitions and events coming in 2026 and beyond. ### About America’s Automotive Trust America’s Automotive Trust works to preserve America’s automotive heritage and inspire the next generation of enthusiasts and innovators by bringing together like-minded organizations that honor the past, celebrate the present, and drive the future of car culture to make a greater impact. Founding member organizations LeMay – America’s Car Museum, RPM Foundation, and premier membership programs Club Auto and Concours Club, as well as our affiliated partners, work together to foster a strong community where any enthusiast can thrive – from the classroom, to careers, to the open road. America’s Automotive Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit americasautomotivetrust.org. CONTACT: Jake Welk – Marketing Manager 253.225.5623 | jake.welk@aat.org