Le Monstre Lands at Lime Rock

British Invasion: Le Monstre Lands at Lime Rock

Fresh off the boat from England, Derek Drinkwater’s hand-built recreation of the legendary 1950 Cadillac “Le Monstre” is ready to make its Lime Rock Park debut. Originally built by Connecticut’s own Briggs Cunningham for Le Mans, the original Le Monstre was faster than its teammate and finished an impressive 11th overall. With support from The Revs Institute—“They gave us loads of photos,” said Derek—this faithful reproduction brings that dream roaring back to life. Now, it’s set to represent the East Coast in the Del Monte Trophy Race Group. “The Monster will compete for the first time at Lime Rock Park. Can’t wait!” says Derek. Look out for the Beast in the East.

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Cotter’s Cobras: Some legends were never meant

to stand still.

Barn Find Hunter and author Tom Cotter is bringing a curated selection of five vintage AC Cobras to Historic Festival 43, including his well-traveled example. They’ll join several more Cobras for a powerful display at Sunday in the Park—and yes, these Cobras are being driven, not trailered.

“Once, when I was in Charlotte at a Shelby meet with my Cobra, I had the car jacked up, fixing something in the chassis, when someone in a Ford Lightning pickup drove up,” Cotter recalls. “A gravelly voice belonging to someone I couldn’t see said to me, ‘Well, I didn’t build no damn trailer queens…’ And that, of course, was Carroll Shelby.”

See the cars and meet Tom Cotter during Thursday’s Racecar Parade to Falls Village, then catch them on display Sunday at the Concours.

Built from Wreckage, Bound for Glory:

The 1950 Parkinson Jaguar Special

When Don Parkinson wrapped his Jaguar XK120 around a tree during the 1951 Pebble Beach Road Races, it could have been the end. Instead, it became a beginning. Using the XK120’s chassis, running gear, and engine, Parkinson—with help from Phil Hill, Joe Thrall, and teenage designer Robert Cumberford—rebuilt it into something lighter, faster, and far more daring: the Parkinson Jaguar Special.

Crafted at Roger Barlow’s International Motors in LA, the sleek aluminum-bodied Special featured a repositioned and enlarged 3.8L XK engine, modified by Richie Ginther. Parkinson campaigned it to great success across the West Coast in 1951 and 1952, earning victories at Palm Springs and returning to Pebble Beach. After Parkinson moved to a C-Type, the car continued to win under Chuck Daigh and starred in the film Johnny Dark.

Rescued in 1970 by Terry Buffum and meticulously restored by John Buddenbaum by 1982, the car still races today—more than seven decades after its rebirth from the wreckage of Turn 3.

See the Parkinson Jaguar Special race again at HF43—where history comes alive at speed, driven and presented by John Buddenbaum.

READ ABOUT THE DEL MONTE RACE GROUP

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 at speed 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

Hot Dog! Hummel Hill Hospitality Returns!

Get ready for an all-new way to experience Historic Festival at Lime Rock Park with Hummel Hill Hospitality – happening for one day only on August 30!

For just $100, fans can enjoy the race from a reserved section, prime trackside views overlooking West Bend – one of the most exciting corners on the course.

Hummel Hill Hospitality includes:

Access to a private, limited-capacity hospitality area

Access to Lime Rock Parks’ branded Airstreams

Complimentary snacks, chilled water, beer, and wine for guests 21+

Hummel Hot Dog Buffet @ 2 PM

GET YOUR HUMMEL HILL EXPERIENCE HERE

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

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.

Buy your tickets NOW and save 10%!

Sale ends August 22.

Spend an Hour with Skip at the Hotchkiss Library

On Sunday, August 10, from 4-5 PM, the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon welcomes Lime Rock Park founder Skip Barber for a lively Q&A about the track he built, the legends who raced there, and the community it helped shape. Don’t miss this special conversation moderated by David Moore.

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Rob Dyson Named Grand Marshal of Historic Festival 43

Rob Dyson, a champion team owner and lifelong supporter of American road racing, returns to Lime Rock Park, his home track, as Grand Marshal of Historic Festival 43. From Trans Am to IMSA, Dyson Racing’s legacy runs deep. Meet Rob, see cars from his collection, and hear stories from an icon.

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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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Honoring Kas Kastner: The Kastner Cup Comes to Lime Rock

The Kastner Cup—one of vintage racing’s most celebrated all-Triumph events—is coming to the Historic Festival for the very first time. Watch a 33-car grid of Spitfires, TRs, and GT6s battle it out in honor of Triumph legend R.W. “Kas” Kastner. It’s a can’t-miss moment for British sports car fans.

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