May 22 - 25, 2009

   Historic Grand Prix Report  (from HGP Newsletter Spring/Summer, 2009)

"At the invitation of circuit owner Skip Barber, HGP was the headliner of the Road Racing Classic at Lime Rock Park on Memorial Day weekend. This idyllic setting was blessed with almost perfect weather for the entire three days of racing. The HGP paddock was sited on top of the hill on the midway and provided excellent access for the very knowledgeable, bright, enthusiastic group of fans. Skip commented that the healthy Friday crowd was all due to HGP's presence. Throughout the weekend there was a constant stream of expressions echoing "thank you for coming" from the fans as they interacted with the drivers and teams.

Gone were the notorious bumps and ripples from the old track surface following the recent repaving to a billiard table smooth finish. The classic circuit has lost none of its character and flow however there is now additional run-off room, some of which was tested over the weekend with a few single car harmless 'offs', but no car-to-car contact. The only damage was the result of a single car shunt into the barrier as the result of stuck slide throttle.

We had sixteen cars on display and ten race entries, which was lean, but did nothing to impede the close, competitive and exciting racing at this 1.5 mile circuit. Lots of track time, a race on Saturday and Monday, delicious HGP hospitality service both days and a launch of our season at one of the treasured circuits. We all learned to tame the 4th-gear right-handed 'leap' after "No Name Straight"  with a healthy dose of respect. By Saturday, all the drivers were enthusiastic about our cars at this exciting and quick circuit, with all corners being taken in 3rd or 4th gear.

Race results: Saturday's race saw Duncan and Hamish battle for the lead throughout with Duncan besting Hamish on the re-start to take the victory. Monday's race was equally close at the front with Hamish just holding off the Lotus 79 for 25 laps. Drive of the race went to a reinvigorated Doug Mockett in his Penske PC3.

Following the event, the internet was filled with photographs, rave reviews and positive messages about HGP at LRP from the spectators.*

Skip and his very capable staff were most gracious and complimentary and we have been invited back for a return visit on Memorial Day, 2011."

- Phil, Rebecca & James, Historic Grand Prix, Inc.
 

FRIDAY

We were here in force with seven F1 cars - four in competition and three on display. 

Competing were Hamish Somerville in his Williams FW07, Mike Fitzgerald in Rick Carlino's March 811, and Divina Galica in Hamish's Brabham BT37 as well as Rick Carlino's Hesketh 308C... that is, until Rick arrived to drive the Hesketh, himself, on Memorial Day. 

Hamish and his Alan Jones' Williams FW07 in the paddock

Hamish, Duncan Dayton and Divina Galica  
attempt to read each other's minds....

(click photos to enlarge)

Chuck Golder (below) takes care of business
 

(click photos to enlarge)

the Carlos Reuteman Brabham BT37 of
Hamish Somerville, in the care of Mike Farka

Dueling F1 cars
(click photos to enlarge)

Mike Fitzgerald gets belted into the March 811
with Seamus Nolan's assistance

WAIT.....   the track is this way...