Take a Drive With Kevin
Tribute Reception/Drive Honoring Kevin Smith
Atlanta ~ November 13 & 14, 2026
AUTOMOTIVE LEGENDS. EXCEPTIONAL CARS. A WEEKEND WITH PURPOSE.
Join legendary motorsports veteran Lyn St. James and 2025 FIA World Endurance Champion Ryan Hardwick during an exceptional automotive weekend featuring rare Italian sports cars, a scenic North Georgia drive, a private car collection, and a winery experience. Come to one - or BOTH!
In Memory of Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith spent his career as one of the automotive industry's most beloved PR voices—representing Saab, Lotus, Cadillac, and Genesis —and earning friends everywhere he went, including in his own Atlanta car community.
In 2018, Kevin was diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson's. Drive Toward a Cure connected him with Emory University's Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, and our community rallied around him through the "Everyone Needs a Kevin" campaign and our Special Assistance Grant Fund.
Kevin passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, but his story — and his love of cars — continues to inspire us. This drive honors his memory while helping others living with Parkinson’s and carrying forward the same spirit of friendship, community, and connection Kevin gave so generously.
Friday Reception and Toast to Kevin
11/13 - 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM — Ferrari of Atlanta
Join us at Ferrari of Atlanta for a Ferrari welcome, appetizers, and a toast to Kevin, along with an opportunity to view a selection of Ferrari’s newest and pre-owned models — including a few very special Ferrari vintage and race cars - further showcasing Drive Toward a Cure's 'Legends of Motorsports - and Champions FOR Parkinson's' - and a special conversation with legendary racer and motorsports pioneer Lyn St. James.
Celebrating 50 years in racing, Lyn is a seven-time Indianapolis 500 competitor and the 1992 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. Her racing accomplishments include victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, and most recently, she was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame and the 2026 IMSA Hall of Fame. She has also been named to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s Class of 2027.
Atlanta’s own Grant Van Brewer, host of the Caffeine and Octane podcast and the Ride Lounge’s Throttlecast, will moderate the evening, and attendees will view and learn more about two distinctive Italian sports cars: Ivan Ruiz’s 1961 Maserati 3500 GT and Federico Sceriffo’s Formula Drift Ferrari 599.
The reception will also feature Emory’s Dr. Stewart Factor, DO, Director of Jean and Paul Amos Parkinson’s Disease Movement Disorders Program, as well as DTaC Board Member, early-onset Parkinson’s warrior, and FOK (friend of Kevin) Derek Torry. Together, they will share more about how we can continue to support people with Parkinson’s in the Atlanta community, the resources available today, and what the future may hold.
Cost: $50 per guest donation
Saturday Morning Drive & Taste
11/14 - 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM— The Ride Lounge to Wolf Mountain Winery
Gather with an intimate group at Ride Lounge in Midtown — an exclusive private social club — for a first look at the vehicles owned by its passionate members and a special welcome. From there, we'll depart on a scenic drive through the rolling foothills of rural Georgia to Wolf Mountain Winery.
Upon arrival, chief winemaker, owner, and Porsche collector extraordinaire Karl Boegner will greet us with a guided tour of his private car collection, followed by wine tastings, appetizers, and flatbreads for lunch — along with a viewing of his Rock 'N Roll Bar and Guitar Hall of Fame.
Joining the day will be Porsche driver and 2025 FIA World Endurance Champion Ryan Hardwick (LMGT3 Driver’s Champion), with additional LeMans victories in 2023 and 2024.
Cost: $350 per car (1 driver + 1 passenger) - $75 per passenger — $250 is tax-deductible
Driving Kevin’s Legacy Forward
All donations and proceeds from the day will be shared between the Jean and Paul Amos Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program at Emory University’s Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence and Drive Toward a Cure’s Special Assistance Grant Fund, helping provide support to people and families living with Parkinson’s.
Deb Pollack — 805-320-9248 — deb@drivetowardacure.org