Mission~Vision~ValueS

Gina Baca grew up in a world of real estate and drag racing. Her uncle Dennis Baca won the U.S. Nationals in 1977 and won Top Fuel at Indy, along with several other national events. Years later, her cousin David Baca became a second-generation drag racer and the former record holder in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. He was known for his involvement in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) events. 

Gina's passion for real estate was ignited during her formative years in Northern California while following in her fathers foot steps. After high school, she fearlessly embarked on her real estate journey, purchasing her first home at 19. Collaborating with her father, she took the reins of her father's company, Baca Bros Floor Coverings, and renamed it G Baca Floors. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Gina expanded her investment portfolio and ventured into mortgage lending, property management, custom home building, and more. All of this while building G Maven Marketing to support her career.

"I joined the Speed & Style team in 2021 as a proud sponsor, drawn to the team’s passion and dedication to growing this incredible cause. I quickly fell in love with their mission and commitment to making a difference. Leveraging my marketing expertise, I helped elevate the foundation by developing a new website and refining marketing procedures to enhance its reach and impact.

A recent addition to the team but a longstanding volunteer for OTFS&S, Matthew is an IT professional and project manager in the US Navy. Serving as a Marine Corps Veteran for 12 years and participating in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Matthew's military experience has influenced his fashion sense with a blend of classic designs and a touch of flair. His style was further shaped during his time in Japan, where he cultivated a passion for JDMs on the drift track, owning multiple Nissan Skylines GTRs and Silvia S14s.

While stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Matthew's enthusiasm shifted to motorcycles, and he embraced riding two wheels exclusively. Over the years, his diverse collection included various vehicles such as the 1995 Nissan 240SX and its RHD S14 counterpart, Nissan GTR-32, GTR-33, Saab 9-3t Aero, Audi A4 and A5 cabriolet, and numerous Suzuki GSX-R 750s.

Originally from the Midwest, Matthew has happily called Alexandria home since 2015. He is thrilled to contribute his skills to the OTFS&S Marketing and Social Media committee.

I currently serve as Internet Sales Director at Land Rover Alexandria, overseeing digital retail strategy, lead generation, CRM and software integration, online merchandising, and staff training. My role blends data-driven decision-making with customer-centric sales leadership to drive performance in a competitive luxury automotive market.

Prior to automotive retail leadership, I was deeply embedded in the vehicle lifestyle and motorsports industry during the early 2000s. I was a proud member of the Teckademics crew, contributing to the import car culture movement, including involvement with Mischief DVD, which became the number-one selling automotive lifestyle DVD of its time. I also served as Producer and Head Promoter at Maryland International Raceway (MIR) for the IMSTAR Import Drag Racing Series, where I led event promotion, sponsorship coordination, and execution for high-attendance motorsports events.

My entrepreneurial background includes founding and operating Dragva.com and Dcspeed.net, two early digital platforms dedicated to the import performance community, helping connect enthusiasts, racers, and brands during a pivotal era of automotive culture and online media.

In parallel, I spent over 20 years as a leader in the Washington, D.C. nightlife and hospitality scene, managing high-profile venues such as Insomnia Nightclub and promoting notable clubs including Zei Nightclub and The Bank Nightclub. This experience sharpened my skills in branding, promotions, team leadership, and experiential marketing, skills that continue to translate directly into my automotive and digital work today. 

Born in Brussels, Belgium, Mark moved to a tobacco farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where early farm and tractor work sparked his passion for machines. By 14, he owned his first two cars—a 1971 AMC Javelin SST and 1969 VW Beetle. In the 1980s, he honed his mechanical skills rebuilding Volkswagens, mentored by his best friend’s father, “Unk.”

Mark’s automotive journey expanded into motorsports in the early 1990s, competing in autocross with a 1992 Eagle Talon TSi AWD and becoming well known in the Baltimore–DC performance community. Over the decades, he has restored and maintained a wide range of vehicles, from VW Bugs and buses to BMWs, a 1953 Morris Minor, and a 1986 Porsche 911.

In 2017, Mark became a single parent to two boys, passing on the curiosity and work ethic that shaped his life. He also runs a print and sign production shop in Washington, D.C., serving nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations. With 40+ years of mechanical and creative experience, he brings a versatile skill set to the Festival’s Marketing Committee.

In the early 2000s, I was active in the vehicle lifestyle and motorsports scene as a member of the Teckademics crew, contributing to the import car culture movement and the Mischief DVD series. I also served as Producer and Head Promoter for the IMSTAR Import Drag Racing Series at Maryland International Raceway, leading event promotion, sponsorships, and execution for major motorsports events.

I founded and operated Dragva.com and Dcspeed.net, early digital platforms that connected import performance enthusiasts, racers, and brands during a pivotal era of automotive culture and online media.

For over 20 years, I led in Washington, D.C.’s nightlife and hospitality scene, managing and promoting high-profile venues. This strengthened my skills in branding, promotions, team leadership, and experiential marketing—skills I continue to apply in automotive and digital work.

 A car enthusiast from early childhood, Rick developed a profound love for sports cars and motorsports. His collection boasts a vintage Ferrari 250, owned for four decades, alongside a Porsche, a BMW, and the inaugural car produced by the Toyota factory for American racing. With a track record as a six-time autocross class champion, Rick now actively participates in SCCA regional road races in both Northern Virginia and Northern California.

In his professional realm, Rick brings over 30 years of experience as a public relations and marketing executive in Silicon Valley's high-tech industry. He played a pivotal role in leading, accelerating, and communicating technical innovation, with notable stints at Apple Computer during its early years and various start-ups that contributed to the transformative tech wave.

Rick's multifaceted background includes over 40 years of service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, with veteran status in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Driven by his passion for fast and enjoyable cars, he conceived and launched The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style. Whether in business or life, Rick firmly believes in the centrality of relationships for success and the power of positivity in achieving victories.

Stewart's deep-seated love for automobiles took root when his father introduced him to the world of Formula 1 racing through John Frankenheimer's film "Grand Prix" in the late 1960s. This cinematic exploration of European racing ignited a lifelong fascination with European cars. Fortunately, Stewart's father shared a desire for a sports car, leading them to jointly acquire a 1960 MGA when Stewart was ready for his driver's license. Countless hours were spent bonding over the restoration and enhancement of that car, as well as several other British cars that followed. Remarkably, Stewart still owns his second car, a 1959 MGA purchased during his junior year of high school.

Having forged a successful career in real estate development, Stewart now channels his passion into acquiring progressively faster cars. Currently engaged in racing Formula Fords with the Vintage Racer Group and actively participating in the Ferrari Club of America, he combines his professional real estate expertise with his automotive enthusiasm. Beyond his involvement in the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, Stewart is integrating his skills to develop the Dominion Lux Garage Condominiums at Dominion Raceway and Entertainment near Fredericksburg, Virginia.

From a young age, Don fostered a passion for high-speed, four-wheeled wonders. Displaying early mechanical aptitude, at the tender age of 11, he crafted his inaugural GoCart from a steel bed frame and salvaged lawn mower engines collected during his morning paper route. His teenage years marked the rescue mission of his initial car, an Austin-Healey 100-6, liberating it from the embarrassment of a makeshift "body upgrade" involving chicken wire and fiberglass. This experience set the stage for a series of automotive conquests, including several Austin-Healeys, a Jaguar XK150 Fixed Head Coupe, various Mercedes Benzs, and ultimately, multiple Morgan +4 and +8 Drop Head Coupes, along with a Jaguar MK2. 

In retirement as a Senior Manager from a distinguished career at Bell Labs, Mitre, Mitretech, and Noblis, where he directed research projects related to missile defense, transportation safety, and traveler information systems, Don channels his analytical prowess. Despite retiring, his focus remains steadfast on British sports cars, dedicating considerable time to repair, restoration, and technical sessions to support and educate fellow enthusiasts. For each new undertaking, Don emphasizes a comprehensive execution plan that factors in all stakeholders.

Alan grew up in Arkansas and from a young age helped his stepfather Jim repair and maintain the family vehicles. This included rebuilding a 1958 Chevy pickup that he drove in high school and through his college years. 

This do-it-yourself spirit instilled in him an appreciation for anything that runs fast, makes noise, or blows smoke! After graduating with an electrical engineering degree from Memphis State University, he fulfilled his dreams by serving 30 years as an engineer and project manager, focusing on the development and production of satellites and related technologies. 

Still working full time in that industry, Alan finds enormous satisfaction living in Alexandria and working with the members of the Board and Organizing Committee to create a memorable Festival for thousands of attendees while raising funds for local charities.