Over the Labor Day weekend, the Historic Festival at Lime Rock Park, celebrated its 43rd running at this beautiful race track. Over this multi-day event, we had the opportunity to experience historic racing at its best, as well as getting up close to the cars on display in the paddock. Hope you like the photos.

After arriving at the track, parked in the infield parking area, then walked to the Midway to have look at the cool cars on display.

Existed the Midway, then reached the entrance to the Infield Spectator area, which put a “big smile” on my face.

Then headed down to the A Paddock.

Was really cool walking through the A Paddock and seeing all the historic race cars in their garages before they hit the race track.

For the first track session of the day, Group 1 practice 1, went to the outside of Big Bend. This class of cars consisted of Mid-Century GT / Sportscars under a 2 liter engine capacity. First captured the cars speeding down Sam Posey Straight, then turning into Big Bend. A 1962 MG B (top), 1974 Fiat X1/9 (middle) and a 1957 MG A Coupe (bottom).

Into Big Bend with a 1962 Porsche 356 (top) a 1959 Lotus 7 series 1 (bottom).

Under the Pedestrian Bridge with a 1956 Porsche 550A.

A 1962 MG B speeding though Big Bend.

A beautiful 1956 Porsche 550A.

Stayed in this location for the next session, which was the first practice session for the Group 2, Jim Haynes Memorial for Formula Juniors. A 1960 Elva 200 FJ.

Then moved to my left, for a different perspective of the cars going though Big Bend. A 1959 Lotus 18, 1962 Cooper T59 FJ, 1963 Lotus 27 FJ and 1960 Elva 200 FJ (top to bottom).

Next up was the Group 3 practice session, which consisted of War-Era (featuring Del Monte Trophy Cars). A 1950 Allard K2.

Flying around Big Bend with a 1952 Jaguar XK-120.

At 11.15 am, the Group 4, Wings & Slicks / Formula Ford cars hit the track. A 1975 Toj SC205 (top) reminded me of the “Batmobile” with its curved rear body work, and a 1989 Dallara Scuderia Italia F1 (bottom) looked liked a Ferrari F1 car. After this session finished, went over to the inside of Sam Posey Straight.

For the Group 6 practice session, first took some long shots of the cars at the start of Sam Posey Straight. This class consisted of Tin Tops, IMSA RS and under 2.5 liter class cars. A 1972 Datsun PL510.

A 1965 Lotus Cortina Mk1.

 

Moved to the entry to Big Bend and tried some really slow shutter speed photos.

Then went to my right, for photos of the cars moving further into Big Bend. A 1968 Porsche 912 (top) and Corvette.

Ended the session with some wider angle slow shutter speed photos, so could capture the cars moving past the heavily foliaged foreground area.

By now it was a bit after 12.00 noon, so walked through the A Paddock to get some lunch, and along the way, captured what I saw, which was an amazing range of vintage cars.

 

The most unique car I saw, was the 1950 Cadillac “Le Monstre” tribute car which was built in honor of the original car that ran at the 24 Hours of Le Man, that same year.

Rob Dyson was the Grand Marshal for the Historic Festival 43, and was also the this event’s Honored Collector. It was great to see some of Rob Dyson’s personal car collection on display.

The Ragtime Racers were also at this event, who are a race exhibition group for cars from the 1920’s and earlier. Anther great exhibit of vintage race cars.

The Lime Rock Park Corvette.

After lunch, walked up the hill to the outside of West Bend, where the cars enter the Down Hill. Really like this location, since you can get low, front photos of the cars. Arrived at this location in time for the second practice session for Group 1. A 1960 Turner Sebring 950S (top) and 1959 Elva Courier (bottom).

Also tried some front/side panning shots. The 1956 Porsche 550A, with its silver paint work, really stood out, under the mid-afternoon sun.

Also captured some rear shots of the cars, and before pushing the shutter button, waited until they were lined up with the middle of the guard rail, which gave the illusion they, “went down a chute”.

Then turned my attention for shots of the cars as they left the Down Hill, into Sam Posey Straight. A 1956 Porsche 550A (top) and 1957 Tojeiro Climax (bottom).

Then walked to an area in front of the newly built car condominiums, located at the outside of West Bend. Group 2 cars, entering West Bend, during there second practice session.

A 1963 Lotus 27 FJ.

For the Group 3 practice session 2, walked over to the outside of West Bend, for photos of the cars, entering this corner. A 1928 Bugatti 37a.

A couple of photos of the 1950 Cadillac “Le Monstre” tribute car.

Was cool seeing a trio of historic cars entering the Down Hill, all lined up. A 1950 Watson Indy 500.

Changed lenses, for some wider focal length photos of this part of the track.

Around West Bend with the #302.

“Light and shadows”.

Next up was the second practice session for Group 4, and by now, beautiful shadows and light were being cast over the back straight. A 1989 Dallara Scuderia Italia F1 (top) and a 1973 Chevron B23 (bottom).

Up close with a 1973 Lola T330, with its large rear wheels and smaller wheels up front.

Also edited a couple of photos of the cars going around West Bend into the Down Hill in black and white. A 1971 Ensign LNF3 (top) and a 1982 Lola T596 S2000 (bottom).

For the Group 6 practice session two, walked over the the other side of the track, for shots of the cars exiting the Down Hill into Sam Posey Straight. A 1968 Porsche 911.

Before this session ended, walked down the hill, through the Midway to The Esses, for the Group 7 practice session two. A 1964 Ford Mustang (top) and a 1973 Porsche 911 (bottom).

Really liked how the yellow livery of the 1972 Datsun 240Z, matched the grass that framed this sportscar.

Stayed in this location for the Group 8 practice session 2, and started with photos of the cars exiting The Esses. A 1993 Toyota Supra “pace car” (top) and a pair of 1990 Lotus X180R race cars (bottom).

Finished the session, with some side panning photos of the cars. A 2005 Porsche 996 Cup (top) and a 1990 Lotus X180R (bottom). Thanks for spending your time reading this photo blog. Next up, will be day 2 of the Historic Festival 43.