Dan Gurney’s “Blue Eagle” has landed at HF43

The Gurney “Blue Eagle” – An American Original

The #42 All American Racers “Blue Eagle” is one of Dan Gurney’s most iconic IndyCars— Jerry Grant qualified the car in 30th, and finished in 20th for the 1967 Indianapolis 500. Skip Barber calls it “one of the most beautiful racecars I’ve ever seen.”

Built by Gurney’s All American Racers, the team launched its first IndyCar effort in 1966 with a Len Terry–designed chassis. The Eagles proved competitive quickly—their first IndyCar win came in 1968, and by 1972, nearly two-thirds of the Indy 500 starting grid were Eagles.

Gurney himself was both a driver and constructor, achieving success in Formula One, sports cars, NASCAR, and IndyCar. Under his leadership, AAR amassed an extensive record of victories, cementing the Eagle’s place among the greats of American open-wheel racing.

This Blue Eagle will be on display at Historic Festival 43 alongside other significant cars from Grand Marshal Rob Dyson’s collection—making it one of the must-see highlights of the weekend.

The Kastner Cup at Historic Festival 43

The Kastner Cup was established in 2003 to honor R.W. “Kas” Kastner, the engineer and competition director who turned Triumph sports cars into winners on American tracks in the 1960s and ’70s. The award is unique in vintage racing — it’s not just about finishing first. The winner is chosen based on three equally weighted factors: on-track performance, the preparation and presentation of the car, and the driver’s embodiment of sportsmanship and the spirit of Triumph competition.

This year’s race will see 40 Triumphs on the Lime Rock Park grid, including TR2, TR3, TR4, TR6, GT6, and Spitfire models. Wheel-to-wheel competition among these classic British machines will decide who takes home the Cup, continuing a tradition that celebrates both the cars and the people who race them. And here’s a fun connection — our Guest of Honor, David Hobbs, drove a Triumph Spitfire in the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans. When you see him during the weekend, be sure to ask about it — he’s got great stories.

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Prototype Power: The One-and-Only Allard K2 Races Again

One of the rarest post-war sports cars will take to the circuit at HF43, presented and driven by Johnny Mote, Jr. — the 1950 Allard K2 prototype. Chassis #1546 was the very first K2 ever built, completed in a rush for the April 1950 New York Auto Show.

A unique prototype — the original K2 that set the standard for all the subsequent 118 production cars — it carried unique early details and a pedigree tied to the model’s earliest appearances and competition outings. Originally fitted with a Ford flathead V8, it was soon upgraded by Moss Motors with a Vic Edelbrock–prepared Mercury V8. In June 1950, Tom Frisbey drove it to 5th at the Santa Ana Road Race, behind Roy Richter’s winning Allard J-2 and Phil Hill’s remarkable charge to 2nd in a Jaguar XK120.

Its winning moment came in 1952 at Pebble Beach, now painted green, when Tom Elliott drove it to victory in the Novice Race.

Mote has since restored the prototype to its original Riviera Blue and race-ready form. More than 70 years later, he’ll return it to the track with the Del Monte Trophy Race Group — letting fans hear the roar, see the lines, and witness the living history of a machine built to be driven.

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The Ragtime Racers on the road and on the track!

These pioneers from before 1920 are coming to Lime Rock Park for the first time—on the road and on the track. Catch them rumbling to Falls Village in Thursday’s Parade, then see them on track all weekend. It’s a rare, full-sensory glimpse into the raw, fearless spirit that launched a century of racing.

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Start Your Engines for HF43! Plan Your Weekend Now.

Every Festival Starts with a Parade

From nearly 300 applications, just 125 extraordinary vintage cars earned their place in the Historic Festival Parade. On Thursday, August 28, at 5 PM, engines roar to life for one of our most beloved traditions. These machines follow a scenic 17‑mile route through Lakeville, Salisbury, and Noble Horizons, with fans lining the roads to cheer them on.

By 5:45 PM, the parade rumbles into Falls Village for a full-blown street party on Main Street. The Middletown Police Benefit Association Bagpipe Band leads the procession, followed by stilt dancers from Mortal Beasts and Deities. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a free concert from Wanda Houston and her swinging jazz band under the summer sky, along with food and refreshments on the Town Green.

Special thanks to our parade sponsors:

NBT Bank, the Falls Village Inn, and PCar Market.

VIP Hospitality: Saturday Access to the

Best Seat in the House

Make your Saturday at Lime Rock Park unforgettable with VIP Hospitality—an exclusive race-day experience like no other. Enjoy a premium view overlooking the Sam Posey Straight, plus a catered breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included, along with private restrooms, a swag bag, and a special Q&A with a racing legend. This VIP access is only available on Saturday—don’t miss your chance to watch the action in total comfort.

RESERVE YOUR SATURDAY VIP PASS

The Hemmings Experience

Two days of premium access, infield car corral parking, exclusive perks, and up to 40 percent savings from Hemmings.com.

This exclusive experience invites you right into the action at HF43, including hospitality at the races, infield parking access, on-track parade lap sessions, raffles, and more.

Click the button below to learn more & get your tickets to the Hemmings Experience before they sell out!

GET YOUR HEMMINGS EXPERIENCE HERE

Skip Barber Day: Get a Fresh Cut for a Great Cause

Sunday, August 31, is officially Skip Barber Day in the State of Connecticut, and we’re celebrating in style during Sunday in the Park. Fans can get a fresh cut from Corey of Smitty’s Barber Shop — Skip Barber’s barber — right on the track! It’s all to benefit Lime Rock Park’s official charity, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Jarrod will be on-site to share the camp’s mission. Haircuts are free, but donations are encouraged to support this incredible cause.

Barbershop Harmony Celebrates Skip and the Spirit of the Festival

The Hartford Men in Harmony Barbershop Quartet brings timeless charm to Historic Festival 43. On Saturday, they’ll perform alongside the Ragtime Racers, early 1920s machines driven in period style. On Sunday, they’ll stroll the circuit during Sunday in the Park—serenading fans and celebrating Skip Barber Day with four-part harmony. A fitting tribute to the man who helped shape the track—and the tradition—we all love.

Free Paddock Tours – Guided by the People Who Know Best

Join the experts from the Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA) for a one-hour walking tour of the paddock. Hear the history of these machines, learn why they’re significant, and meet the drivers—straight from the people who know them best.

Tours start at the Info Tent on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Monday at 11 a.m.

Book Signings & Autograph Sessions

Meet David Hobbs (Hobbo), Gordon Kirby (Lime Rock Park: 60 Years), Carl Lopez (Going Faster), Burt Levy (The Last Open Road), Judy Stropus (Lime Rock Park: 60 Years), and Rich Taylor (35 Years of Lime Rock Park). Get a signature, snap a selfie, and hear their stories. They’ll have books available, and fans are welcome to bring their own memorabilia to be signed.

Times and locations will be announced over the PA system and published in The Daily Rev.

The Sunday Concours. A Stroll Through Automotive Elegance

The Lime Rock Sunday in the Park Concours is a juried showcase of rare and significant automobiles. Concours entries are still open, and the team is especially seeking vintage Rolls-Royces, Postwar Triumphs, and Prewar European classics.

Sunday’s Gathering of the Marques: Bring It, Park It, Love It

Sunday morning at HF43 begins with one of Lime Rock’s most colorful traditions: the Gathering of the Marques. Cars of all kinds line the track, parked by make in a joyful celebration of automotive passion.

No pressure. Just good vibes, great cars, and a whole lot of chrome. Got something good lookin’? Bring it. Want to stroll the track with a coffee and take it all in? You’re in the right place.

Rob Dyson’s Indy Car Collection on Display

Rob Dyson — champion team owner and Grand Marshal of Historic Festival 43 — brings his passion for vintage racing to Lime Rock Park, his home track. His remarkable collection includes several historic Indy cars, both on display and on the track. Don’t miss the chance to see these open-wheel legends up close and in action.

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The BMW That Conquered Daytona Comes Back to Lime Rock

The legendary 1975 BMW CSL returns to Lime Rock for Historic Festival 43. This factory-built Group 4 racer claimed overall victory at the 1976 24 Hours of Daytona and was driven by icons like Redman, Gregg, and Stuck. See it up close on display all weekend at HF43.

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Meet a Legend: David Hobbs Returns to Lime Rock

Racing legend David Hobbs returns to Lime Rock Park this Labor Day weekend as Guest of Honor at Historic Festival 43. His iconic 1974 Carling Black Label McLaren IndyCar will be on display, and fans will have the rare chance to meet Hobbs in person and get his autograph.

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Le Monstre: Born in Connecticut, Back to Conquer

Fresh from England, Derek Drinkwater’s hand-built recreation of the 1950 Cadillac “Le Monstre” makes its Lime Rock debut with the Del Monte Trophy Race Group. Built by Connecticut’s Briggs Cunningham for Le Mans, the original finished 11th. “Not long now before the Monster heads out for her first visit to Lime Rock Park,” says Derek. “Can’t wait! Look out for the Beast in the East.”

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