Insider’s Guide to HF43: Top 20 Non-Racing Things To Do While at The Park
This weekend, Lime Rock Park will roar to life as the Connecticut track is set to celebrate Historic Festival 43 (Aug.29 -Sept. 1). 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 Sunday in The Park, the storied circuit will host the largest collection of vintage cars in its modern history.
But what if you want to completely immerse yourself in everything that is Historic Festival? The event itself has grown, and so has the number of things to do around The Park that will keep fans busy for the entire five days of the Festival. The Lime Rock Park staff has chosen 20 (Non-Racing) Things to Do while you’re here- most of which are included with a General Admission ticket.
View the full Historic Festival 43 guide, complete with schedule, entry list, and track map in the Daily Rev: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/740751921/
1. Watch the Historic Festival Parade presented by NBT Bank and Falls Village Inn
When: Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
Where: 17 miles around the Lakeville area, starting at Lime Rock Park and ending at Falls Village Inn CLICK FOR FULL ROUTE
Fast Fact: Free event for the community, featuring a 125 rare and vintage car parade.
About: The five-day festival kicks off on Thursday with the Historic Festival Parade presented by NBT Bank and Falls Village Inn. The parade is a 17-mile tour through local towns on some of the most scenic and entertaining roads in northwest Connecticut. Historic Festival Chair Skip Barber hand-selected 125 of the rarest and most interesting entries for the parade, promising an exciting collection of cars touring through Northwest Connecticut. The parade will start with a send-off lap around Lime Rock Park at 5:00 p.m. and will conclude at the town of Falls Village (around 5:45 p.m.) with a street fair featuring a free concert from Wanda Houston and her swinging Jazz Band from 5:30-7:30 p.m..
Insider Tip: The Middletown Police Benefit Association Bagpipe Band leads the procession, followed by stilt dancers from Mortal Beasts and Deities before the parade enters Falls Village, which means the cars will make a slow rolling stop as they enter town, perfect opportunity for photos!
2. Screen the Movie Ford V Ferrari with Us at a Historic Theatre
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Colonial Theatre North Canaan
Fast Fact: Free event for the community, featuring the movie Rush
About: This year’s festivities bring back the special free community movie night at the Colonial Theatre in Canaan, Conn. The featured film for the evening is Ford v Ferrari, an exhilarating true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles as they battle corporate politics and engineering odds to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company; the perfect night cap to the first night of Historic Festival 43.
Insider Tips: While the event is free, Colonial Theatre requires all fans to reserve tickets in advance. Reserve tickets here: Ford V Ferrari presented by LRP
3. Take a Guided Paddock Tour
When: Saturday (11am-noon, 2-3pm) and Monday (11am-noon, 2-3pm)
Where: Tours start at the Info Booth located in the Midway at the entrance of Spectator Hill
Fast Fact: Free and open to anyone with General Admission ticket
About: The Vintage Sports Car Club of America will be offering Guided Paddock Tours again this year. The tour guide will take fans around the paddock, telling historical stories and interesting facts about select cars, allowing participants to get an up-close look at rare race cars.
Insider Tip: If you can’t make the guided tour, pick up an entry list and paddock map at the Info Booth and host your own tour
4. Meet David Hobbs
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.-noon
Where: Midway Marketplace Info Booth
About: 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)
5. Meet the Del Monte Drivers and See Cars Up Close
When: Friday 11:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Saturday 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., Monday 10:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Where: Del Monte Tent in A Paddock
Fast Fact: This is the first time the West Coast Del Monte Trophy will compete with their East Coast counterparts
About: Some of the cars you’ll see: No. 63 Blue 1950 Allard K2 driven by Johnny Mote Jr., No. X15 Black 1953 Sorrell Kurtis GMC driven by Special John Mote Sr., No. 15c Yellow 1952 Schaghticoke Streets Manning Special driven by Marcus Bicknell, No. 183 Black 1951 Jaguar XK-120 driven by Lars Mapstead, No. 9 Red 1953 Kurtis 500S Dodge driven by Ryan Turri, No. 3 White 1950 Parkinson Jaguar Special driven by John Buddenbaum, No. 814 Green 1955 Elva Mk 1 driven by Kevin Adair, No. 111 Red 1950 MG TD Von Neumann Special driven by Rob Manson, No. 33 White 1952 Jaguar XK120 driven by James Alder, and from the UK: No. 22 White 1950 Cunningham Cadillac “Le Monstre” driven by Derek Drinkwater.
6. Get Autographs from Authors and Race Legends
When: Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-noon
Where: Midway Marketplace Info Tent
About: Meet David Hobbs (Hobbo), Gordon Kirby (Lime Rock Park: 60 Years), Judy Stropus (Lime Rock Park: 60 Years), Rich Taylor (35 Years of Lime Rock Park), Fred “Fast Freddie” Stevenson (Lime Rock Park: 60 Years) and Skip Barber Get a signature, snap a selfie and hear their stories. They’ll have books available, and fans are welcome to bring their own memorabilia to be signed.
7. Tour Rob Dyson’s Collection
When: Friday-Monday
Where: Split into three Tents in A Paddock, Along the front straight Sunday only
About: Grand Marshal Rob Dyson is bringing 14 cars from his personal collection, including Ragtime Racers Tent:1913 Isotta Fraschini Tipo IM, 1904 Napier L48 “Samson” Racer, Hispano Suiza. Vintage Indy Cars (5 cars) — A-Paddock Tent 1: 1961 Cooper Climax T-54 (Kimberly Cooper), 1974 Carling Black Label McLaren M16C/D IndyCar #73 (Hobbs car), 1978 Budweiser McLaren 24B, Dan Gurney’s 1967 “Blue” Eagle, 1927 Miller 91 Special #1, Other Race Cars (6 Cars) — A Paddock Tent 2: 1974 Datsun 510, 1984 Porsche 962-101, 2009-11 Lola / Mazda B09/86 , 2001 MG Lola EX-257 , 2018 Mison Racing Trans Am and 1965 AC Cobra
8. Travel Through Time Under The Big Top
When: Friday-Monday Lunch
Where: Point of Paddock A
Fast Fact: Ragtime Racers will do a special exhibition on Saturday and Monday at Lunch. Stop by the tent on Friday 12:55-1:00 p.m., Saturday 1:09-1:14 p.m. and Monday: 12:53-12:58 p.m. to watch 13 authentic 1920 IndyCars get wound up before hitting the track.
About: The Ragtime Racers are early 20th-century IndyCars cars exhibited at speed, complete with a period-correct paddock red and white “circus” tent in the paddock and gear that feels like a time machine. If you’re an IndyCr fan, this is your chance to see the sport’s roots up close.
9. Taste a New Custom Lime Rock Park Limited-Edition Beer from Foolproof Beer
When: Friday-Monday
Where:Served in the Country Carpenters Beer Pavilion and Park Provision Concessions.
Fast Fact: Only 500 cans of the HF43 event beer Analog will be available
About: Lime Rock Park will feature three new beers in partnership with Foolproof Brewing Company during HF43 including the limited-edition event Marzen Style Lager, Analog, that features three vintage race cars. Only 500 collectible cans are available on-site for the weekend. Two new year-round signature brews Track Day IPA and Left Hander Lager will also be served on draft and in cans for the rest of the 2025 season
Insider Tip: Purchase a four pack so you can drink three and leave one full to collect.
10. Add Sunday in The Park; Lime Rock Park Concours and Gathering of the Maques to your HF43 experience
When: Sunday 10am-2pm
Where: Lime Rock Park
Fast Fact: This experience requires an additional ticket from GA race days ($40)
About: Sunday is two events in one. Sunday in the Park: The Lime Rock Concours offers a special line up of beautiful and historic cars across several groups to vie for the Best-in-Show Award. The Gathering of the Marques hosts enthusiasts and clubs representing nearly every make and model, all arranged around the 1.5-mile Lime Rock course. With around 1,000 cars expected, the event will showcase an incredibly diverse display of cars grouped by make, model or country of origin.
Insider Tips: Food trucks and vendors will be spread out around the track and on the Midway Marketplace for you to stop and enjoy some food and cold drinks as you tour the car show. The rare Lime Rock Concours cars are lined on the Sam Posey Straight, the Gathering of the Marques are arranged all around the track. NEFT Vodka will be giving away a barrel smoker to one lucky fan in attendance so make sure to sign up early!
11. Celebrate Skip Barber Day
When: Sunday
Where: Sam Posey Straight
Fast Fact: Last year, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal and State Representative Maria Horn presented Skip Barber with a framed proclamation officially declaring August 31 as Skip Barber Day in the state of Connecticut.
About: We will celebrate Skip Barber on August 31 during Sunday in The Park with Haircuts from Skip Barber’s Barber. The Hartford Men in Harmony Barbershop Quartet will stroll the circuit, serenading fans in four-part tribute to Skip, plus nearly 1,000 vintage cars and motorcycles lined around Lime Rock Park
12. Get a Haircut for Charity
When: Sunday
Where: Sam Posey Straight
Fast Fact: Haircuts cost $40, all proceeds go to benefit Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
About: On Sunday, fans can get a fresh cut from Corey of Smitty’s Barber Shop — Skip Barber’s barber — right on the track! It’s all to benefit Lime Rock Park’s official charity, founded by Paul Newman the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
13. Learn about Lime Rock Legends
When: Saturday-Monday
Where: Garden along the Sam Posey Straight in Paddock A (East of the Skip Barber Tower)
Fast Facts: Skip Barber was the first Legend added last year during Historic Festival
About: Lime Rock Park will reveal its newest additions to Legends of Lime Rock this weekend. The Legends of Lime Rock honors those who’ve had an impact on Lime Rock Park’s history. Two new legends will be inducted on Saturday. Their markers will be installed Friday night.
14. Wear the Kids out in the Kids Zone
When: Friday, Saturday, Monday
Where: Behind the Info Booth on the Midway
Fast Facts: Everything is Free in the Kids Zone
About: The Kids Zone is for children or for the kids at heart. Families can spend hours in the Kids Zone with lots of things to do, like face painting, a photobooth, a real race car that they can actually touch, yard games, and an activity booth. Don’t forget to snap a family photo in front of the LRP letters at the entrance of Spectator Hill.
Insider Tip: Put sunscreen on before you get your face painted.
15. Explore the Historic Festival Midway Marketplace
When: Friday-Monday
Where: Behind Spectator Hill
Fast Facts: Support local artists under the Artist Tent on The Midway and take group pictures beside the LRP letters, the LRP Frame, and in the iHeart Radio car. PCARMARKET will have rare Porches on display, and Toyo Tires will also have a huge presence on the Midway with exclusive Toyo Tires giveaways.
About: The Historic Festival Midway is packed this year. You’ll find collectibles, antique cars on display, racing gear, good eats, free swag, hard-to-find car parts, an artists’ tent, and so much more. There are so many vendors we couldn’t list them all, but see the map below so you can strategically plan your route
Insider Tip: If you want a first look at all the free swag, explore the Midway on Friday (before lunch) so you have dibs on the good stuff and don’t have to wait in line!
16. Find Food
When: Friday-Monday
Where: Paddock A, Outfield, Spectator Hill, and the Midway
About: Park Provisions has great choices all over LRP. All the concessions will still have your favorites; the Lime Rock Burger, Bull Ring Dog, our famous Chicken Tenders, and several fresher options. The bees have been hard at work at The Park, and you can try it on top of the house-made granola available in A Paddock concessions. You can also grab an LRP Hard Lemonade made with NEFT Vodka and fresh Lemonade served in a Lime Rock Park souvenir cup in the Beer Tent. The Midway will also be filled with several food trucks serving good eats from ice cream to turkey legs to gourmet mac n cheese; there’s something for everyone. See the full list of vendors under the Midway section.
17. Admire More Classics in the Car Corrals
When: Saturday and Monday
Where: The Infield
Fast Facts: While you have to pay to park here, it’s absolutely free to take in even more cars!
About: There are four different corrals: German, British, Italian, and Classic American. The Hemmings Experience is a great place to see classic, modern, and unique cars all in one place, surrounded by like-minded automotive enthusiasts.
Insider Tip: See all the corral cars in motion during lunch as they do a parade lap around the track.
18.Make a Deal at The Swap Meet
When: Friday-Monday
Where: Backside of The Midway Marketplace
Fast Fact: Find a new die-cast or grab some vintage racing memorabilia, pick up some parts for your race car, and even shop for a new-to-you classic.
About: The HF433 Swap Meet is a collector’s dream, featuring a variety of vendors with vintage automobilia, auto/racing merchandise, vintage car parts and even a few cars for sale. All things cars will be available at the Swap Meet.
Insider Tip: If you’re planning on going to the Swap Meet, it should be the first thing you do, since most vendors only have one of whatever they are selling. The area is open 9am-5pm Friday, Saturday, and Monday, and from 10am-2pm on Sunday.
19. Schedule a Garage Condominium Tour
When: Sunday
Where: West Bend
Fast Fact: Limited garages available for purchase
About: If you’ve been to The Park lately, you’ve noticed our new Condominium Garages as you enter. We still have a few units available and are holding self-guided tours. If you can’t make it during HF43, you can still view throughout the week. You can stop by Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm to check them out.
Insider Tip: Interested in more information email jen@limerock.com
20. Catch a Glimpse of HF43 from Home (or your RV)
When: Friday-Monday
Where: www.limerock.com/live
Fast Fact: The ‘Glimpse of Historic Festival’ camera will be perched below the pedestrian bridge, allowing fans to witness both vintage race cars as they roar down the Sam Posey Straight as well as get a behind-the-scenes view of the Lime Rock Park Concours and Gathering of the Marques, part of Sunday in The Park, during the four-day event.
About: This year, the broadcast welcomes Rick Ratajczak to the announcing team. The long-time motorsports broadcast veteran and statistician will take viewers beyond the action on track, offering history, insights, and stories about the rare cars and their drivers circling Lime Rock Park. Special guests will stop by the booth during the weekend to add even more perspective.