LAKEVILLE, CONN. (2 August 2024)- 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 nearly $2,000 for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a non-profit founded by Paul Newman dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families.

Fans were treated to the sight of  Barber himself receiving a live haircut from Smitty, a moment that perfectly encapsulated the event’s playful spirit of blending motorsport and barbershop culture.

“I felt like I was on a stage at first having all the people gathered around to watch me get my haircut,”admitted Barber. “Smitty is a magnificent barber. He’s usually booked up months in advance, and for him to give up a Saturday to come cut hair for charity really made my day, and watching the unveiling of the working Barber Shop pole was an unexpected surprise.”

The story behind Smitty’s role in the event is as endearing as the event itself. Two generations of Smiths have been responsible for Skip Barber’s signature hairstyle. Smitty’s uncle, Ronnie Smith, a car enthusiast, became Skip’s barber in the 90s. After Ronnie’s passing in 2016, Smitty took over, continuing the tradition at his shop in Sharon, Connecticut.

“It’s been an honor to cut Skip’s hair all these years and to be part of this special day at Lime Rock Park,” Smitty shared. “My chair was filled all day with fans and I really enjoyed all the conversations I got to have. Seeing everyone come together not only to support Skip (Barber) but the Hole in the Wall Gang too was truly magical.”

Earlier this year, Lime Rock Park declared 2024 as The Year of Skip Barber.  In May, The Park dedicated the Tower as the Skip Barber Timing and Scoring Tower. Throughout the rest of the season, Lime Rock Park will continue to pay tribute to Barber’s contributions to motorsport and Lime Rock Park through special events, exhibitions and commemorative merchandise.

For those who missed the event, The Barber Shop will be open for the GRIDLIFE Circuit Legends Aug. 16-18. Fans can purchase commemorative Year of Skip Barber shirts and posters at The Barber Shop or online: https://limerockgear.com/