Skip Barber honored with tower dedication; Rafa Matos scores maiden victory at Lime Rock Park

In a day marked by both heartfelt tributes and thrilling racing action, Lime Rock Park saw the cementing of two significant legacies on Saturday during the second day of the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic.

Skip Barber’s legacy at Lime Rock Park reached new heights on Saturday as the track officially named its Timing & Scoring Tower in his honor during an emotional ceremony ahead of the CUBE 3 TA2 race, and on the track, two-time TA2 champion Rafa Matos achieved his maiden win at Lime Rock Park after seven years in the series, further solidifying his own legacy in the Trans Am series.

Skip Barber Tower Dedication

For more than six decades, Barber has been a pivotal figure at Lime Rock Park, nurturing a passion for racing in countless individuals and making a lasting impact on the motorsport community. This dedication ensures that the Skip Barber name will forever be a prominent part of Lime Rock Park with the newly christened Skip Barber Tower.

Hundreds of enthusiastic fans gathered along the Sam Posey Straight to celebrate Skip Barber and his living legacy as Lime Rock Park CEO Dicky Riegel gave remarks, dedicating the tower to Skip Barber. The atmosphere was electric as Barber, with his characteristic humor, remarked, “I didn’t think this would start with an agility test,” while juggling two microphones, his speech notes and photos while climbing a stage.

During his speech, Barber expressed his gratitude to the Lime Rock Park ownership group for their dedication to the track and the surrounding community. He also acknowledged former track manager Mike Rand, who was instrumental in securing the building plans for the current tower in 1997, and his friend, legendary racer Sam Posey, who designed the new tower after the original structure was damaged & then used as demolition practice for the local fire department.

Barber concluded with a heartfelt thank you to the fans:

“For those of you who have been coming to Lime Rock Park forever, the 50-year people, I’ve already met a lot of you this weekend, thank you for your longtime support to the track and my career. To the kids who are here today for the first time, you’ve got a great future, thank you.”

Lime Rock Park declared 2024 as the ‘Year of Skip Barber,’ celebrating his 65-year contribution to motorsport and the track. Throughout the season, special events, exhibitions and commemorative merchandise will pay tribute to Barber’s enduring legacy, ensuring his impact is remembered for generations to come.

Matos’ Luck Turns around at Lime Rock

Matos added to his record as the winningest driver in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, earning his 22nd-career victory in the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic. Matos led every lap from start to finish, to earn his long-awaited first win at Lime Rock Park. Matos shared the podium with New Hampshire local Evan Slater, who returned to the series for the first time in 2024 to finish second, and NASCAR up-and-comer Thomas Annunziata, who drove from the very back of the field to finish third.

“It’s an amazing feeling right now,” said Matos. “I’ve never had luck here at Lime Rock Park; I’ve always had something happen: a lapped car or rain or something breaking on the car. But the Nitro Motorsports guys prepared an amazing car. Not only my car, but they prepared all four racecars to be the best of the best. To come out here and put on a good show for the fans, it’s an amazing time. I’ve got to thank Chris Dyson for allowing us to compete at the highest level with Concord American Flagpole. This is Dyson’s home track and it’s a very special event for him, and we’re really happy to deliver a good result. This should put us in the lead for the championship, so it’s a good day for me, for [teammate] Thomas [Annunziata], and for everyone on the team. Just a really good day.

Ford Mustang continued its impressive performance at Lime Rock Park claiming the top four spots in the TA2 race. Eighteen of the 24 TA2 entries were Ford Mustangs. Ford’s deep connection with Lime Rock Park dates back to the inaugural Trans Am race in 1967, where Peter Revson clinched the win driving NASCAR legend Bud Moore’s Lincoln-Mercury Cougar. This year, the Ford Mustang was named the marque of Lime Rock Park’s Historic Festival 42 further adding to its legacy.

Tower Dedication and Race Replay

Full race results 

What’s Next

The Trans Am Memorial Day Classic continues on Sunday with the Connecticut Craft Beer Grand Prix and the Royals Garage Car Show. Gates open at 10 a.m. for car show attendees and noon for the Craft Beer GP. On Monday, racing continues from the Trans Am TA/XGT/SGT/GT classes, SVRA, International GT and Formula Race Promotions.

For complete race information and tickets to the final days of the event, visit: https://limerock.com/events/memorial-day-classic/