This Labor Day Weekend, Lime Rock Park welcomes one of the most dominant drivers in Trans Am history, Tommy Kendall, to Historic Festival 44. A four-time champion and Hall of Fame competitor, Kendall will be on hand throughout the weekend to meet fans, share stories from his record-setting career, and take part in our official autograph sessions.

In 1997, when the series arrived at Lime Rock Park for the Memorial Day Classic, the stage was set for what would become the defining stretch of his championship year.

Driving the No. 11 Ford Mustang fielded by Jack Roush, Kendall was the fastest qualifier but drew third on the grid in the Fast Five draw. By the end of the opening lap, he was in front. From there, he delivered a commanding performance, leading all 66 laps of the 100-mile race. Behind him, the pressure never let up. Dorsey Schroeder finished second, just 1.362 seconds back, followed by Paul Gentilozzi, Boris Said, and Mike Borkowski.

That Memorial Day victory in Connecticut became the launch point for one of the most remarkable streaks the sport has seen. Kendall would add nine more wins, building an eleven-race run that remains a benchmark in North American road racing. By season’s end, he secured his third consecutive and fourth career Trans Am championship — both series milestones.

The names from that Lime Rock podium still resonate here. Dorsey Schroeder now returns to Historic Festival 44 as our Director of Competition, helping guide the event that celebrates this era. Kendall, Schroeder, and Boris Said also shared time as instructors at Skip Barber Racing School, helping train and mentor the next generation of drivers.

At Historic Festival 44, that history will not sit still.

Historic Trans Am cars will return to the 1.5-mile circuit all weekend long, bringing the unmistakable sound and presence of 1990s American V8 racing back to Lime Rock Park. As Trans Am celebrates its 60th anniversary season, these machines — the same type that defined Kendall’s 1997 campaign — will once again charge through Big Bend and down the front straight.

Meet Tommy Kendall in person during our weekend autograph sessions, alongside other Lime Rock legends. Share a story, grab a signature, and experience the era that helped shape modern American road racing.

Labor Day Weekend at Lime Rock Park. Discounted tickets are available now by clicking here.