Photo via David Livshin

LAKEVILLE, CONN. (26 January 2023)- Paul Newman’s name lives in perpetuity at Lime Rock Park after the Connecticut track renamed No Name Straight to the Paul Newman Straight last September.

The renaming of the straight was the first step in celebrating the life of the actor-turned-professional race car driver who called Lime Rock Park his home away from home.

In honor of Newman’s legacy at this historic venue, Lime Rock Park announced during the Historic Festival 40 that The Hole in The Wall Gang Camp, a nonprofit organization founded by Newman in 1988 that is dedicated to providing “a different kind of healing” to children with serious illnesses, would be the official charitable partner of Lime Rock Park’s fundraising efforts in 2023.

Hole in the Wall Gang provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facility in Connecticut, in more than 40 hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities, and through other outreach activities across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.

Lime Rock kicked off its fundraising efforts for the Camp this year in style, by auctioning off a rare Corvette on Bring a Trailer. The auction raised more than $25,000 which the proceeds will benefit both Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Sam Posey’s American Mural Project.

Lime Rock Park also pledged that a portion of ticket sales from 2023 will go to support Hole in the Wall Gang’s effort of providing a camp experience to more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members annually-all completely free of charge. Additionally, Lime Rock Park will be collecting donations for the Camp at several shows throughout the season. The Hole in the Wall Camp will also have a presence on the Midway for all major events in 2023.

Newman began his racing career late in life, running a Datsun 510 on Tuesdays at Lime Rock Park, not far from his home in Westport. He joined another Connecticut racer, Bob Sharp, moving up to faster cars and a bigger stage as he went from club racing to becoming a regular in the professional Trans-Am championship. Newman scored his second and final Trans-Am victory, fittingly, at Lime Rock, in Bob Sharp’s red, white and blue Nissan.

In addition to his racing, Newman was also a team owner, as he  teamed with Carl Haas to launch Newman/Haas Racing which went on to score in 105 IndyCar races.

Newman won his last race at Lime Rock during a Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) event, carrying the  No. 82—his age at the time—on board a GT1 class 900-horsepower Corvette.

Newman would have celebrated his 98th birthday today. To honor his legacy, contributions to the Hole in the Wall Camp can be made by texting BANDIT to 243725 or by visiting https://bit.ly/RaceToHelpHoleInTheWall.

Advanced tickets for all Lime Rock events are now available at Lime Rock Park.