For the second consecutive year, the Ponte Vedra Auto Show’s Best in Show Classic trophy will be awarded in memory of Larry Weisman. It’s a way to recognize the contributions of the annual event’s longtime head judge, who passed away in 2019.
Last year’s show also included a special display of some of Weisman’s own autos.
But perhaps the greatest tribute to the event’s onetime chairman is his son’s taking over as head judge this year.
While attending The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in March, Jake Weisman had a chance to speak with Justin and Paul Felker who, through their business Art ‘n’ Motion, were taking over operation of the Ponte Vedra show for 2020.
They asked him if he would be interested in serving as the head judge.
“I was honored,” he said, seeing this as an opportunity to carry on his father’s legacy.
Larry Weisman was a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University who went on to work as an aeronautical engineer before transitioning into a career in wealth management. He loved airplanes, but he loved automobiles equally – especially Corvettes, Mustangs and Camaros. In fact, his son remembers him especially as being “a big Corvette guy.”
When his professional success provided him the wherewithal to purchase a Mercedes AMG GT S, it instilled in him a sense of pride.
It was from Larry Weisman that son Jake learned to love cars at an early age.
“I’d always have a Hot Wheel in my hand,” the latter recalled. “My dream was to grow up and pursue a career in the automotive industry.”
Larry Weisman took his son to car shows throughout his childhood, sharing an appreciation for classic American automobiles. In fact, Jake Weisman attended the Ponte Vedra show with his father for more than 15 years.
After he graduated from college, Jake Weisman went on to work for a major tire manufacturer and later Hagerty Classic Cars, one of the world’s largest collector-car insurance companies. There, he works closely with other automobile enthusiasts to help protect and properly value their vehicles.
In this role, he’s had opportunities to see some of the world’s most extraordinary automobiles.
But he never forgot the Ponte Vedra Auto Show, where he joined his dad on the judge’s panel, the same panel he will lead this year.
He said he’s excited and thankful to be involved in the 2020 show.
“I think it’s going to be really well-received and appreciated,” he said. “We need fun things like this to look forward to.”
As a Millennial, Jake Weisman has a special interest in exotic and sports cars from the ‘80s and ‘90s, as well as collectible Japanese domestic market cars. But he maintains an appreciation for the automobiles he first saw with his father.
“I am a Corvette guy, as well,” he admits. “It’s instilled in my DNA from my dad.”
