Lime Rock: Sam Posey named Grand Marshal

Sam Posey named honorary Grand Marshal of Trans-Am 100 at Lime Rock LAKEVILLE, Conn. -- Former driver and Connecticut native Sam Posey has been named Honorary Grand Marshal for the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrichÂ® Tires Cup race, scheduled for ...

Sam Posey named honorary Grand Marshal of Trans-Am 100 at Lime Rock

LAKEVILLE, Conn. -- Former driver and Connecticut native Sam Posey has been named Honorary Grand Marshal for the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup race, scheduled for Monday, May 26, at Lime Rock Park.

No one has more of an affinity or personal attachment to Lime Rock Park than Posey. He won the Trans-Am Series race here from the pole in 1969 in a Ford Mustang. He is also responsible for designing many of the buildings at Lime Rock, including the control tower. Posey, who grew up just five miles from Lime Rock Park, was also the first driver to break the one-minute mark at the 1.53-mile, eight-turn road course. That feat was accomplished in 1967, in a McLaren he owned. Adding to his Trans-Am Series experience, Posey has competed in Formula One, Can-Am, Indy 500, IMSA, Formula 5000 and at Le Mans.

"It's great to see the Trans-Am Series coming home to Lime Rock, where it's always had a special relationship with the track and the fans," said Posey. "It's particularly good to know that this year is going to be the most competitive race in recent history.

"Lime Rock brings out much closer racing than other places," added Posey. "You don't have a tight turn separated by long straights. Lime Rock has fast turns, so you're coming through the turn at the same speed and there's a lot of close racing."

The Series is pleased to welcome Posey back to the Series. Posey competed from the Series' inaugural year in 1966 until 1974. In all, Posey has three Trans-Am Series victories, 18 top-five and 23 top-10 finishes in 31 starts.

"Sam Posey competed with the likes of Mark Donohue, Parnelli Jones and many other legendary drivers, making him a significant part of the Trans-Am Series legend," said Trans-Am Series Executive Director John Clagett. "Sam is also a part of the legend that is Lime Rock Park, and has helped make motorsports great, not only through his achievements on the track, but with his dedication to excellence in the broadcast booth and to the community in which he grew up.

"We are honored and privileged to have Sam as our Grand Marshal," added Clagett.

The Trans-Am 100, part of the Mohegan Sun Presents the Lime Rock Grand Prix, is scheduled for Monday, May 26 at Lime Rock Park and will air live on SPEED Channel at 2 p.m.