For those who enjoy motor-racing on a regular basis, Lime Rock Park is known as one of the most historic racing circuits in North America and the world.
For those with a little less passion for the sport, the words “Lime Rock” were often read, spoken, and heard simply because that was the track were Paul Newman would race.
And race he did. Often to near perfection.
"I just happen to think that in life, we need to be a little like the farmer who puts back into the soil what he takes out.”
Mr. Newman’s serious and lasting interest in motor racing came about after he had signed on to do the 1969 motion picture titled “Winning.” In preparation for this film centered on the Indianapolis 500, Paul Newman attended racing school where he became hooked on the sport.
For those in and around the business and sport of auto racing, Paul Newman was never thought of as “that actor who raced.” Ever. Rather, he was simply and truly known as a superb and gifted driver who continually sought to improve his skill-set while always giving back to the sport.
Eight years ago now, Paul Newman made his final laps around the famous Lime Rock circuit. At eighty-three years of age – and sadly with only about one month left in his remarkable life – Newman took his beloved GT-1 Corvette out on the track and – to no one’s surprise -- expertly drove it almost to its absolute limits.
Those final laps, at that age, at a track he truly loved, underscored and punctuated a career in motor racing like none other. For not only was Newman highly successful behind the wheel – having been, among other accomplishments, part of the winning team of drivers for his class at Le Mans at seventy years of age -- he was also highly respected as race-car team owner.
That Mr. Newman was also an iconic and award winning actor, a successful business owner, and a philanthropist who, to this very day, helps countless people in need because of his ongoing charity, speaks volumes to his rare talents and humanity. A humanity which he himself, very humbly believed to be his greatest legacy.
The race-car driving, business owner and philanthropist once summed it up this way: “We are such spendthrifts with our lives. The trick of living is to slip on and off the planet with the least fuss you can muster. I’m not running for sainthood. I just happen to think that in life, we need to be a little like the farmer who puts back into the soil what he takes out.”
Paul Newman put exponentially more back into the soil than he took out. Those who knew him from his racing days know that to be especially true.
And that is why racing – or attending a race – at Lime Rock is so very special. The track, the drivers, the fans, and the unique atmosphere of Lime Rock meant a great deal to him.
Because of that history, eight years after Paul Newman expertly drove his last laps at Lime Rock, the Revs Institute is truly pleased to be racing three cars on the same circuit. Those cars being a 1955 Lancia D50, a 1970 Abarth TCR, and a 1962 Lotus 23.
Since 1983, Lime Rock Park and its 1.5-mile, 7-turn circuit has played host to this unique and highly anticipated event. While our cars may not be driven to the exacting standards of Paul Newman, they will put on a great show as well as being on full display during this first-class Concours d’Elegance.
Credits:
The Revs Institute for Automotive Research, Peter Harholdt