19 Aug

Skip Barber joins Dream Ride Hall Of Fame During Event Aug 22-23

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New Britain, CTPapa’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is not just central Connecticut’s largest Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealer in the state, it is also a strong supporter of the Dream Ride Experience and Special Olympics.

The Dream Cruise & Wrangler Rallydream2

The 68-year old family-run enterprise that uses its heritage to create a unique nostalgic setting for car shoppers, is also the host of the Twilight Dream Cruise and Wrangler Rally. This classic car and Jeep event whisks over 100 Special Olympics athletes from all over the world in classic and exotic cars on an evening ride through the streets of New Britain, Newington, Avon and Farmington, with hundreds of other classic cars following; the parade brings delight to the athletes and all the spectators they pass along the way.

The Dream Cruise caravan then proceeds to the Farmington Club for an exciting and inspiring celebration party featuring a barbeque dinner, live entertainment, special awards, and a Dream Concert featuring Big Machine Record artists and The Voice winner, Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbury (The Voice finalist), Seth Alley and Waterloo Revival. As a special part of the festivities, Skip Barber, president of Lime Rock Park and founder of Skip Barber Racing Schools will be inducted into the Dream Ride Hall of Fame.

Barber, a Harvard graduate, raced in the US and in Europe for years, earning three SCCA championships, an SCCA Hall of Fame award and a storied career in Ford GT racing. After his retirement from racing, he founded the Skip Barber Racing School and race series. The Dream Ride and Papa’s Dodge are proud to bring Barber into the Dream Ride Experience family.

“I am honored to induct Skip into our Dream Cruise Hall of Fame and have him visit us here at Papa’s Dodge,” says Dom Papa, second generation owner, “With Skip leading our cruise on Saturday night, we have added inspiration and excitement to our annual event, and we’ll look forward to presenting him the award when we all return to the Farmington Club later in the evening. This cruise means so much to our Special Olympics athletes, and now they, and we, have a true racing legend onboard with us!” he adds.

One of the many attractions at the racing and automotive-themed Lime Rock Park is the “Survive the Drive” educational program, teaching new and teen drivers how to be their “Best Behind the Wheel.” Bob Green will be sharing his non-profit’s important inspirational message, using Skip Barber Racing School techniques, with attendees at a booth at the Dream Ride on Sunday, August 23rd.

The Dream Show

Dean Cusano, Dream Show Judge

Dean Cusano, Dream Show Judge

On Sunday, August 23rd, the classic car lineup started at the Dream Cruise expands into the Dream Ride Car Show, sponsored by Dean Cusano and Motorcars Inc. Hundreds of the most coveted cars will gather at the Farmington Club from 7:00 am to 9:30 am, and be judged in 11 categories by a prestigious team of car experts. Led by company president Cusano, the team includes Wayne Carini of “Chasing Classic Cars;” Larry Boardman, the “Car Guy;” automotive historian, writer and founder of the Saratoga Fall Ferrari Festival, Leigh Dorrington; automotive aficionado, Matt Dunham; Sr. Editor of Classic Motorsports, Andy Reid, classic and exotic car restoration specialist Gary Mastronunzio; and Hemming’s and other automotive publications writer, David Traver Adolphus. These prestigious judges, together with Cusano, automotive display and Concour award-winning president of Motorcars, Inc ., and past president of the Jaguar Club of Southern New England, will face the task of evaluating the hundreds of cars being gathered for the Dream Show in the following categories: American Modern, Muscle, Classic, Vintage and Custom Street Rod, Radical Street Rod, Italian Exotic, British and German Sports Cars, Off-road and All-Terrain, and Competition Race Cars. For more information about the classes, registration and tickets, please visit the Dream Show link of the www.dreamride.org website.

“It is humbling to see how important both the Dream Show and Cruise have become to support these very Special Olympians! I am honored to have my team of eight prestigious judges who volunteered their time, skills and knowledge to work with the Hometown Foundation to create this event,” says Cusano, “The direct involvement with the athletes is so rewarding as we see the excitement over automobiles make an overwhelming difference in so many lives. The involvement of Lime Rock Park and honoring Skip Barber is a huge addition to the event as all people and organizations combine forces and work towards one common goal–to help Special Olympics athletes. The result is very powerful,” he adds.

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One-day Silver passes for the Sunday Dream Show Event are $30, Gold Passes for both the Saturday and Sunday Dream Ride weekend events are $50. www.dreamride.org .

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