LAKEVILLE, CONN. (26 January 2024)— Paul Newman’s name lives in perpetuity at Lime Rock Park after the Connecticut track renamed No Name Straight to the Paul Newman Straight in 2022. Beyond being a racing circuit bearing the actor-turned-racer’s name, the Connecticut facility also upholds his spirit of generosity.

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 and their families, would be the official charitable partner of Lime Rock Park’s fundraising efforts in 2023.

Raised through ticket sales, raffles and the “The World of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman” Sotheby’s exhibit, Lime Rock Park presented $27,500 to The Hole in The Wall Gang Camp on what would have been Newman’s 99th birthday. 

“Lime Rock Park is honored to contribute to the incredible work being done by Paul Newman’s Hole in The Wall Gang Camp,” said Lime Rock Park President Dicky Riegel. “We believe in the transformative power of community support, and this donation reflects our dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families facing significant health challenges.”

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp has been a beacon of hope for children dealing with life-threatening illnesses. The camp offers year-round programs onsite, in hospitals and in local communities where kids and families can experience the joy of camp activities, foster friendships and build lasting memories, despite the challenges they may be facing, all free of charge to the family.

The donation will directly contribute to the camp’s programs, ensuring that more children can benefit from the life-changing experiences offered by The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

“The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp remains grateful for the generous friendship of Lime Rock Park,” said Jarrod Zwirko, Director of Community Fundraising for Hole in the Wall. “It is especially meaningful that their support, which is providing hope and healing to thousands of children and families each year, also recognizes the incredible legacy of our Founder, Paul Newman.”

Lime Rock Park has a longstanding tradition of supporting local communities and charitable causes, raising thousands of dollars in 2023 for local charities through community events and other efforts. 

This recent contribution reaffirms the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the race track. The donation was made as part of Lime Rock Park’s ongoing philanthropic initiatives, focusing on improving the lives of those in need.

Lime Rock Park pledged that a portion of ticket sales from 2024 will also go to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. 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 2024.

Newman would have celebrated his 99th birthday today. To honor his legacy, contributions to The Hole in the Wall Camp can be made by visiting https://give.holeinthewallgang.org/LRP.

Paul Newman’s Legacy at Lime Rock Park

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.

Advanced tickets for all Lime Rock events are now available at www.limerock.com/tickets.