The uncertain forecast had little bearing on the final day of the Historic Festival 40 presented by Corvette at Lime Rock Park, as drivers braved the variable track conditions to put on a show for the faithful fans who endured the Monday rain.
Connecticut State Representative (64th District) Maria Horn gave the start command for the featured Historic Trans Am race that saw father and son duo Scott and Mike Joy (both in 1970 Chevrolet Camaros) take first- and second-place honors.
Autodromo, the Official Watch of the Historic Festival 40, presented nine drivers, one from each race group) with a Limited Edition Vic Elford Prototipo Chronograph, all individually autographed by Elford before his passing earlier this year. Sanctioning partners Vintage Racing Group (VRG) and Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA) chose the winners based on the drivers’ “Vintage Spirit” showcased during the five-day event.
In addition, Autodromo also honored up-and-coming racer and volunteer flagger Kate Garabedian with the Quick Vic Award based on her sportsmanship and driving skills.
The Piston Foundation’s inaugural Piston Technician Award was presented to Mike Marra who was recognized for the essential contribution his auto technician expertise has made to the collector car community.
With a Labor Day weekend tradition closing out, the fans, vendors and racers packed up to head home with a new chapter of memories from an event that celebrated Corvette’s 70th anniversary.
The weekend highlights included another edition of the Salisbury Bank and the Falls Inn-supported Historic Festival Parade on Thursday; the unforgettable collection of special Corvette concept cars; the thundering return of the Historic Trans Am runners; and a highly successful Concours and Gathering of the Marqulimees on Sunday.
The weekend closing with a damp track didn’t dampen the spirit of the dynamic event on Monday.
Autodromo Vintage Spirit Award Winners:
Quick Vic Award – Kate Garabedian, 1976 BMW 2002
Group 1 (Mid Century/Formula Jr) – Spencer Patterson, 1959 Lotus FJ
Group 2 (Prewar/Early post War) – Graham Sciafe, 1953 MGTD
Group 3 (Historic Trans Am) – Scott Joy, 1970 Chevy Camaro
Group 4 (Wings & Slicks) – Ben Sinnott, 1997 Lola T97/20
Group 5 (Tin Tops & IMSA RS) Brian Walsh, 1971 Ford Pinto
Group 6 (Air Cooled 911/GTU Porsches) – Delbert Auray, 1979 Porsche 911 SC
Group 7 (Fast Production/Sports Race Cars) – Joseph Riolo, 1965 Chevy Corvette
Group 8 (GT Sportscars/Austen Healy)- Kurt Uzbay, 1962 Lotus 23
Group 9 (Big Bore)- Greg Miendl, 1965 Ford Mustang
Lime Rock fans will have a few more opportunities to enjoy the facilities this season before track activity pauses for the winter months. FCP Euro will stage two more free Sundays at The Park car shows on September 18 (featured marque, Mini, Landrover and more) and October 30 (featured marque Audi).
The inaugural Lime Rock Epic cycling dirt tour through the Berkshire Mountains wraps up at Lime Rock Park on October 9.
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