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Labor Day weekend at Lime Rock Park has always been steeped in tradition, but this year’s Historic Festival 43 is shaping up to be one for the record books.
With nearly 300 race entries, 125 parade participants, dozens of collector cars on display and an estimated 1,000 rare classics, vintage automobiles and motorcycles set to participate in the Lime Rock Concours and Gathering of the Marques, part of Sunday in The Park, the storied circuit will host the largest collection of vintage cars in its modern history.
Over five days, the hills of northwest Connecticut will echo with the sounds of open-wheel pioneers, championship-winning IndyCars, thundering Trans Ams, barn-find Cobras and century-old machines brought back to life. It’s part living museum, part rolling pageant and all celebration of motorsport.
Grand Marshal: Rob Dyson
This year’s Historic Festival welcomes Rob Dyson, founder and team principal of Dyson Racing, as Grand Marshal. Known for decades of victories across IMSA and endurance racing and deeply rooted in Lime Rock Park history, Dyson is also a passionate collector. His personal lineup will anchor the paddock with an extraordinary display:
Ragtime Racers Tent: 1913 Isotta Fraschini Tipo IM, 1904 Napier L48 “Samson” Racer, Hispano SuizaVintage Indy Cars (Paddock A Tent 1): 1961 Cooper Climax T-54, 1974 Carling Black Label McLaren M16C/D IndyCar No. 73, 1978 Budweiser McLaren 24B, 1967 “Blue” Eagle, 1927 Miller 91 Special #1Other Icons (Paddock A Tent 2): Porsche 962-101, Lola/Mazda B09/86, MG Lola EX-257, AC Cobra and more.
Guest of Honor: David Hobbs
Legendary driver and longtime broadcaster David Hobbs will serve as the Historic Festival 43 Guest of Honor, signing autographs and copies of his book Hobbo on Saturday (11:00 a.m.-noon) at the Midway Marketplace Info Booth. Fans can also see the very car that carried Hobbs to international acclaim, the 1974 Carling Black Label McLaren M16C/D IndyCar No. 73, presented from Dyson’s collection (Tent 1).
Featured Groups: From Ragtime to World Challenge
This year’s Historic Festival isn’t honoring just one marque but many, with a slate of celebrated groups that bring new depth to the festival:
Ragtime Racers – Early 20th-century cars exhibited at speed, complete with a period-correct paddock and gear that feels like a time machine.Kastner Cup – A tribute to R.W. “Kas” Kastner and the Triumph legacy, featuring dedicated run groups split by engine class.Del Monte Trophy Race Group – Cars that once roared through Pebble Beach road races now face their East Coast counterparts for the first time in history.Toyo Tires Turn of the Century World Challenge – Production-based race cars from 1995 to 2005, reviving the raw era of showroom stock racing, all outfitted in the original spec tire from Toyo Tires.
Among the headline entries is Le Monstre, Briggs Cunningham’s wild 1950 Cadillac that stunned at Le Mans, along with a 1975 BMW CSL, Neal Heffron’s Henna Red M1 and a barn-find collection of original Cobras presented by Tom Cotter.
Over the three days of competition, fans will see 18 total races across nine different groups, each running a spirited 20-minute campaign per outing on the Classic Course configuration.
The Parade
Festivities begin Thursday evening, Aug. 28, with the Historic Festival Parade presented by NBT Bank and Falls Village Inn. From nearly 300 applicants, 125 exceptional cars were hand chosen by Skip Barber to traverse a 17-mile route through the towns of Lakeville and Salisbury before rolling into Falls Village. The Middletown Police Benefit Association Bagpipe Band will lead the procession onto the Town Green, 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 trucks and refreshments.
Sunday in The Park
On Sunday, Aug. 31, the circuit transforms into a showcase of automotive heritage. The Lime Rock Concours and Gathering of the Marques will fill the track with around 1,000 vehicles spanning every era of motoring from pre-war touring cars to modern classics.
More than racing
The festival extends beyond the track. On Saturday (11:00 a.m.-noon Midway Marketplace Info Booth), authors including Hobbs, Gordon Kirby, Judy Stropus and Rich Taylor will sign books and greet fans. The Hartford Men in Harmony Barbershop Quartet will provide vintage flair, while Skip Barber Day, officially recognized in Connecticut, will be celebrated Sunday with special activities. Fans can even get a trim from Corey of Smitty’s Barber Shop, Skip Barber’s longtime personal barber, with proceeds benefiting the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
On Saturday and Monday fans can join the free (with general admission ticket) Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA) for a one-hour walking tour of the paddock to hear the car’s history, learn why they’re significant and meet the drivers.
For fans who want to see even more cars, PCARMARKET will display a collection of rare cars on the Midway Marketplace while the Hemmings Experience will showcase attendees’ cars in a special corral.
Foolproof Brewing Company, in partnership with Lime Rock Park, will debut its new collector’s edition Marzen Style Lager, Analog, during the 2025 season. Packaged in a limited-edition HF43 can with only 500 produced, the release offers fans a true collector’s item. In addition, two new year-round signature brews, Track Day IPA and Left Hander Lager, will be available on draft and in cans throughout the remainder of the season.
With its record-setting entry list and unmatched variety, Historic Festival 43 underscores why Lime Rock Park remains one of America’s most iconic road courses.
