Lime Rock Legends, Leonidis and a Packard

Skip Barber Names Two New Legends

To be named a Legend of Lime Rock is one of the circuit’s highest honors—a permanent place in its history, reserved for those who helped define Lime Rock.

This year’s class carries a remarkable connection. Skip Barber has selected Paul Newman, the Hollywood icon who became a four-time SCCA national champion, and Bruce MacInnes, the champion racer and gifted instructor who taught him.

Both men left an indelible mark on Lime Rock—Newman through decades of competition and a philanthropic legacy that continues to change lives; MacInnes through his own championship career and nearly five decades spent training drivers, many of whom became champions. Read more about Paul Read more about Bruce

See their commemorative markers in the Legends of Lime Rock Garden,
just to the right of the Skip Barber Tower.

See Paul Newman and support the Camp.

We’ve partnered with The Colonial Theatre in Canaan to bring you a special screening of WINNING: The Racing Life of Paul Newman, a film by Adam Carolla. It’s the Newman family’s favorite film about Paul. The theatre is just minutes from Lime Rock Park at 27 Railroad Street in Canaan. Showtime is Sunday, September 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, with all proceeds benefiting The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and its programs for children with serious illnesses.

Get tickets—and support the Camp.

From Le Mans to Leonidis: An American MG Legend

Arguably the most famous prewar MG in America, Leonidis first raced at Le Mans as one of Captain George Eyston’s three “Dancing Daughters” MGs. His pioneering all-women team finished 24th, 25th and 26th in the punishing 1935 race, covering 1,576 miles. Across all three cars, the only repair required was a single taillight bulb.

After the race, chassis 1167 was upgraded from PA to PB specification and purchased by Miles Collier. MG fitted a Marshall supercharger, and Collier used the car as his daily driver. When a collision with a New York City taxi destroyed its original body in 1937, he saw an opportunity. Working with John Oliveau, Collier created the beautifully streamlined special now known as Leonidis.

Collier drove it to outright victory in ARCA’s 1938 “Round the Houses” race at Alexandria Bay. The following year, he became the first American in a decade to compete at Le Mans, returning with Leonidis and co-driver Lewis Welch. They were leading their class eight hours into the race when a ruptured fuel tank seam forced their retirement.

Collier’s final victory in Leonidis came at Bridgehampton in 1950. More than a racing car, it remains a direct link between Le Mans, ARCA and the beginnings of American road racing—and you can see it at Historic Festival 44.Meet a LeMans Legend at HF44

The Packard That Attended 33 Weddings

When Packard introduced the Twin Six in 1915, it became America’s first production V12. Engineer Jesse Vincent designed it in response to Cadillac’s V8, but pursued something even more refined: twelve cylinders delivering power so smoothly that contemporary writers compared it to steam. Priced 50 percent above a comparable Cadillac, the Twin Six still sold briskly and helped establish Packard as America’s answer to Rolls-Royce.

This 1917 example carries the exceptionally rare Cloverleaf Roadster body, offered for only a brief period. Many surviving Twin Sixes were later converted into tow trucks to exploit their tremendous torque, making an authentic roadster like this one especially scarce.

James McAllister, of the family behind New York Harbor’s storied McAllister Towing, purchased it. Preserved in entirely original condition, it has remained part of family life in the most memorable way imaginable: carrying generations

to 33 weddings.Meet the Packard at the Concours

Perfect Weather for a Sunday Drive.

Sunday’s forecast is perfect for driving. Join Skip Barber and Charles Mallory on August 30 for an HF44 tour through some of Litchfield County’s most beautiful back roads.

We’ll start in Lime Rock, stop for breakfast at 109 Cheese and Wine in Kent, then continue through the hills to the American Mural Project for a private tour and catered lunch.

Vintage, classic, sports car—or simply a car you love to drive—all are welcome. Tickets are $80 per person, with a portion benefiting AMP. Only 6 car spots remain! Drive with us!

See the Cars in Trans-Am Alley

Twenty original Trans-Am cars from legends like Gurney, Follmer, Jones, Titus, Posey, and Donohue return to race at HF44. Between sessions, head to B Paddock and discover Trans-Am Alley. Walk among the cars, meet the drivers, and step into what many consider the greatest era of American motorsports. Lime Rock helped write this chapter of Trans-Am history.

Parade! Thursday, September 3 at 5 pm

125 race cars roar out of Lime Rock Park for a 17-mile parade through Lakeville and Salisbury, past Noble Horizons. Cheer them on along the route, then join us in Falls Village at 5:45for a street party with the Middletown PBA Bagpipe Band, stilt dancers, food, refreshments, and a concert by Wanda Houston and her swinging jazz band.

Thanks to parade sponsors NBT Bank, Northwell Health, HUB, Reliable Carriers, Foolproof Brewing, and the Falls Village Inn.

Raise A Little Hell for a Great Cause

Paul Newman created the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp as a place where seriously ill kids could “raise a little hell.” On Sunday, kids can paint miniature race cars and race them on a mini track.

Skip’s longtime barber, Corey “Smitty” Smith, will also be giving fresh cuts in honor of Skip Barber Day, with proceeds benefiting the Camp.

The Greatest Car Show takes place on the track.

Sunday morning at HF44 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. Bring something good-looking, or grab a coffee and stroll the track. Register Here for the Gathering of the Marques.

Book Signings and Autograph Sessions

Meet Hall of Famers David Hobbs, Judy Stropus, and Skip Barber. Also joining them: “Fast Freddie” Stevenson, Wayne Carini, and an important group of motorsport authors, including Burt Levy, Gordon Kirby, and Rich Taylor.

They’ll have books available, and fans are welcome to bring memorabilia to be signed.

Saturday in the Info Tent: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

A Musket Volley for America 250

Before the engines roar to life on Saturday, members of the Connecticut Line and the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will take to the front straight and fire a dramatic three-volley musket salute—Historic Festival 44’s stirring tribute to America’s 250th anniversary.

Performance. Presentation. Autodromo.

On Monday, one competitor from each run group will be recognized for distinguishing themselves—and their car—through performance and presentation throughout the weekend. Each will receive an Autodromo Historic Festival 44 Limited Edition Group C Turbo Sport watch. Inspired by the dashboard instruments of Turbo Era endurance racers.

Explore the Autodromo Collection here.

Meet the Heroes Who Made the History

Miles Collier founder of the Revs Institute

Honored Guest at HF44

The Voice, The Wit, The Champion. David Hobbs.

Donald Osborne

Brings Automotive History to Life.

Trans-Am Legend Tommy Kendall returns

Dorsey Schroeder. Still Stirring Up Trouble After All These Years

The Stories from

Jocko Maggiacomo

Are Worth the Trip