CELEBRATING AN ICON

2024 | The Year of Skip Barber

Born in Philadelphia in 1936, Skip Barber’s journey at Lime Rock Park began in 1959. He took his senior year off from Harvard in 1958 to join the Merchant Marines to save enough money to buy his first race car, a Bugeye Sprite. Back at Harvard a year later, he attended his SCCA driver’s school at Marlboro, near Washington DC, and raced his first race. That race was at Lime Rock Park, the first time he visited the track. Little did he know that this would be the start of a remarkable career that would not only shape his own legacy but also transform Lime Rock Park into one of the premier racing destinations in the world.

A MAVERICK OF MOTORSPORT

Take look back on Skip’s illustrious career, written and narrated by none other than Sam Posey himself.

 

 

The Skip Barber Tower

Dedicated during the 2024 Trans Am Memorial Day Classic, the Skip Barber Tower serves as an honor to a man who truly shaped this historic race track & the racing industry as a whole.

 

“The unveiling of the Skip Barber Tower stands as a testament to Skip Barber’s enduring legacy in motorsports,” said Lime Rock Park CEO Dicky Riegel. “While Skip’s’ role as Grand Marshal adds prestige to the event, it’s the dedication of the Timing & Scoring tower to him that truly captures the essence of his legacy at Lime Rock Park. The decision to name the tower after Skip is more than just a tribute, it’s a celebration of his lifelong commitment to the sport and to The Park. For decades, Skip has been a guiding force, instilling a passion for racing in countless individuals and leaving an indelible mark on the racing community. Now the Skip Barber name will live on in perpetuity, ensuring that he continues to overlook Lime Rock Park for decades to come.”

 

 

The Barber Shop

Lime Rock Park added a whimsical twist to its storied history with the dedication of “The Barber Shop” during the SpeedTour All-Star Race weekend. What was once the Lime Rock Gear Shop was transformed to honor the legendary Skip Barber with the doorway adorned with new signage and a working, easy-to-spot barber shop pole. The dedication celebration also included haircuts from none other than Skip Barber’s personal barber, Corey “Smitty” Smith. The combination of fresh cuts and thrilling hot laps raised money for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a non-profit founded by Paul Newman dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families.

 

 

THE PMH Trailblazer Award

“It’s an honor to recognize Skip Barber with the PMH Trailblazer Award,” said Tony Parella, Founder and CEO of PMH. “We established this award last year to recognize people who challenge the status quo while creating opportunities for others. Over his nearly seven-decade career, Skip has done exactly that.”

Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) honored Skip Barber with the PMH Trailblazer Award on Friday night of the SpeedTour All-Star Race. The presentation took place at Lime Rock Park during a dinner celebrating the SpeedTour All-Star Race weekend. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact in motorsports.

 

 

SKIP BARBER DAY IN CONNECTICUT

Amidst the roar of classic engines and the buzz of excited spectators,  Governor Ned Lamont,  Senator Richard Blumenthal and State Representative Maria Horn took to Sam Posey Straight during Historic Festival 42 to honor Skip Barber with proclamations recognizing his contributions to motorsports and the local community. The day marked a significant milestone in the “Year of Skip Barber” celebration, paying tribute to his lasting impact on the world of racing.

 

“Skip Barber is not only a great race car driver and extraordinary entrepreneur, but also an extremely good man,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Lime Rock Park is one of the most special places in the world, and today I, as the Governor of Connecticut, declare August 31st as Skip Barber Day.”

 

 

THE LEGENDS OF LIME ROCK

Forever etched into Lime Rock Park’s history, Skip Barber is the first icon of the sport to be welcomed into Lime Rock Park’s Legends of Lime Rock. Located to the right of the Timing & Scoring Tower, the Legends of Lime Rock will commemorate an icon of Lime Rock Park each year.

 

 

2025 MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME OF AMERICA INDUCTEE

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America announced at the Grand Prix of Long Beach that Skip Barber would be among the 2025 Induction Class, noting the industry-changing impact Skip & the racing school have had in the world of Motorsports. Skip Barber alumni have won every major American series, including the NASCAR Cup Series & INDYCAR, and have gone on to immense international success.

photo via the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America