GTE Financial’s nationally recognized Family Motor Fest returned for its third and largest year yet, drawing an estimated 8,000 attendees and showcasing more than 2,500 vehicles at The Motor Enclave on November 22, 2025. The event marked the first time the popular festival was hosted at the motorsports destination and was free and open to the community.
Family Motor Fest has become one of GTE Financial’s signature community events, combining a love of cars with a mission to support education. The festival serves as the credit union’s largest annual fundraiser benefiting the GTE Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than $1 million to local students over the past 12 years. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and a strong commitment to community involvement.
“Receiving the GTE Financial Scholarship changed everything for me,” said Lleyton Dayes, a University of Florida student and scholarship recipient. “It helped relieve the financial stress of college and showed me that my community believes in my potential. Events like Family Motor Fest make those opportunities possible for students like me.”
This year’s expanded venue allowed for a broader range of attractions and experiences. Guests lined up throughout the day for autocross thrill rides, where professional drivers delivered high-speed precision laps in performance vehicles. The Enclave Race Lab Challenge, a racing simulator competition, drew enthusiastic participation as attendees competed for the fastest lap. Professional-driven, off-road thrill rides also gave visitors a chance to experience dirt, rocks and steep terrain on The Motor Enclave’s exclusive off-road course.
“Family Motor Fest continues to be one of our most exciting traditions,” said Brian Best, president and CEO of GTE Financial. “It’s a celebration of cars, community and education.”
Event organizers said the festival’s continued growth reflects both community support and its expanding educational mission.
In addition to motorsports activities, Family Motor Fest featured live entertainment, food vendors and a dedicated family zone with Jeep rally runs, pinewood derby races and interactive games for children. Car enthusiasts from across the region displayed their vehicles, and, in keeping with GTE Financial’s community-first approach, no registration fee was charged for participants.
“At GTE, we were excited to offer this event totally free to the public and not charge a registration fee for vehicle showcases,” said Scott Works, vice president of marketing at GTE Financial. “This is a fun way we give back to Tampa Bay.”
While the event was free to attend, the GTE Scholarship Program is sustained through the generous support of corporate sponsorships and private donations. Additional funding is generated through on-site vendor partnerships.
“Hosting Family Motor Fest at The Motor Enclave was an incredible experience,” said Chas Ostezan, chief revenue officer of The Motor Enclave. “Seeing thousands of families and car enthusiasts come together showcased exactly what this venue was built for.”
For more information, visit https://themotorenclave.com/.
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